Author's Note

Please note that while this story is written in the limited third-person perspective, the story is still subject to Sunset Shimmer's point of view. Except for her words, thoughts, and actions, all descriptions and depictions are her interpretations and should never be taken objectively.

Prologue: In Which Sunset Shimmer Learns of the Consilium

A young woman who answered only to Sparky stood to the side of the Great Hall, her red and yellow hair allowed to fall freely as she willed the people around her to ignore her presence. She maintained a position a few steps from the buffet table so as to keep sustenance available, but not where any others desiring finger-sized cannoli or cheese cubes speared by elegantly carved toothpicks would speak to her. The beverage table was near her other side, a bowl of crystal surrounded by stemware to allow the guests to enjoy a punch the colour of a blush. Gone were the days when Sparky would stroll into a crowd and dominate with her looks and wits; she instead preferred to remain a wallflower.

Each visitor to one of the tables glanced at her, their eyes making obvious that they were crafting instant judgments of her worth. Most turned their backs to her; she was no threat and unworthy of their attention past that moment. The few to show any lingering interest still did not approach to introduce themselves. She was an unknown and they could not risk seeming too friendly until they knew where she stood.

The scrutiny had continued the better part of the evening, ever since she entered the Great Hall. If the inner sparks she saw within each of her fellow guests measured anything, Sparky was at the bottom. She had understood this instantly, the spark of her soul dim when contrasted against any other. Still, despite how new she was, they were neither hostile nor aggressive and she appreciated being allowed solitude to observe them as they did her.

As the clock ticked the hour, an older man took his position atop a dais at the end of the Great Hall. All visitors immediately ceased their quiet conversations to look up at him as they gathered to hear his words. Though he was below the median height for an adult man, his presence demanded attention. He had a stern face that was somewhere between father and grandfather, his deep turquoise eyes seeing through each person there. He was Sparky's opposite, what she had hoped to be in another life.

Four others stood below him, facing the crowd. Each wore an armband adorned by Order symbols, the only method to distinguish them as having greater rank than the rest. One, his armband depicting a book with a lock keeping its secrets firm against prying eyes, caught her attention and gave her a slight nod. That tiny acknowledgment caused a surge in her value with quite a few in the crowd, many of whom took a turn to regard her again as they reassessed judgments in light of a Councillor showing his approval to a new member.

The Hierarch was standing motionless as he cleared his throat. Nearly fifty sets of eyes immediately locked to him. He swept his gaze along the crowd, his expression changing from the flat passivity of an observer to a warm smile that lit his eyes as he prepared to speak.

"Fellow Awakened, welcome to another Forum. On this evening, I first wish to introduce a new probationary member to our Consilium. Traversing Pandemonium along the Mastigos Path, I am pleased to welcome Sparky."

He gestured to her. The multitude of eyes left him to gaze at her openly. Now an accepted member of their society, they could acknowledge her. Sparky stood her ground, struggling to keep her face impassive as their many judgments of her worth assaulted her at once. As she felt the weight of her inclusion to the bottom of the social pecking order, she managed to lock eyes with one of the three people she knew and used the older woman's crystal blue gaze to steady herself.

"I have only one other announcement." The Hierarch's statement pulled all attention back to himself.

"Two weeks from this night, we will be hosting this year's Congressus Peculiaris. I hope to see all of you there.

"There have been no violations of the Lex Magica and no cabals have reported hostilities. Due to this, we can celebrate another peaceful week. Thank you all for maintaining the Concord."

He stepped down to the floor with a nod to his Councillors. Their work done, they broke from their positions to mingle with their factions. As the mass of people once again broke into their cliques, Sparky's acquaintance left her associates to approach the younger woman.

"Thanks, Pearl," Sparky murmured when the older woman was finally next to her.

"Don't mention it, haystack." She glanced over Sparky's shoulder and nodded to someone else. "The Herald's ready fer ya. Don't keep the Hierarch waitin'. Ace 'n Midnight should be free by the time yer done."

Solstice Cherry, the Consilium Herald, was apparently capable of moving as silently as a cat. She was already standing behind Sparky before the teen noticed her. The Herald was a young woman, perhaps only a decade older than Sparky, yet her own inner spark glowed far more brilliantly than Sparky's did.

"Sparky, the Hierarch is ready to meet with you."

"Thank you." She briefly turned back to Pearl. "See you later?"

"Bet yer buttons."

The Great Hall could easily fit hundreds and still have enough space for the crowd to maintain their allegiances in hushed conversation without fear of most being able to hear them. For genuinely private meetings, there were several rooms reachable by a hallway in the back. The women passed each room, heading straight to the back where a final door terminated the path. Only those with permission passed that threshold.

The door was open, revealing a large, immaculate room. A desk made of ash occupied the front-centre, the Hierarch seated on the far side. He rested upon what may as well have been a modern throne, the arms supporting his elbows as he perched his chin atop steepled fingers.

"Announcing Sparky for her appointment with the Hierarch," the Herald stated in a voice somewhat louder than necessary. Sparky remembered announcements like that in a different court she had once attended and was not at all discomfited.

"Enter," he ordered as Sparky stopped in the hall. When she crossed the threshold, he added, "Close the door and take a seat."

Sparky did as she was told, seating herself in one of the overstuffed chairs that would have been perfect in a stereotypical psychologist's office. Plush with just the resistance needed so that the seated would not sink completely into it, covered in a soft material Sparky could not name but guessed to be leatherette. She was certain her fashionista friend could have told her instantly, provided she could stop complimenting the room's decorator. At least, Sparky believed her friend would appreciate the elegant yet utilitarian feel of the room. Everything had a purpose, each object combining function with an aesthetic that matched everything else.

"Thank you for granting my request for a meeting, Hierarch."

He rested his hands on the desk. "You are welcome. For what reason did you make the request, Sparky?"

"I wanted to ask a question."

He did not blink as he met her eyes and held her gaze. "Please continue."

"I heard that we can bring Sleepwalkers to the Congressus Peculiaris. If I know a Sleepwalker that three fellow Awakened can verify, would I be allowed to bring her as a guest?"

"Dark Ace, Pearl, and Midnight Radiance will all attest to the veracity of your claim?"

"Yes."

He nodded. "I will need you to send me a photograph of this Sleepwalker." He slipped an ivory business card across the desk. "Send it to the number on the back. I will have Ace contact you when I have confirmed her status. If she is confirmed, she will be allowed to attend as your guest and you will be responsible for her. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Hierarch."

Sparky waited for him to dismiss her. She knew the meeting ended only when the Hierarch said it did, but she was uncertain whether she should give him an indication that she was finished. Her question had been asked and answered. Before she could find the courage to ask if she could leave, he spoke.

"You surprise me, Sparky. I expected you had come here to request use of your Consilium boon."

"I don't really need anything."

"Hate spirits poisoned your academic environment against you. Despite Dark Ace and Midnight Radiance causing the recent destruction at Canterlot High School, the police consider you their prime suspect. Despite the lack of proof, you have been evicted from your flat over the investigation.

"Perhaps it would be correct to say that you do not need anything and that these problems will resolve themselves, yet we could make them vanish at your request."

She was not surprised he knew exactly what was happening in her life. One only attained and maintained his position by developing the ability to know even closely guarded secrets.

He also spoke the truth of what he could do for her. Even without her new magick, Sparky would know it. Everything about his tone showed that he was being truthful, that his connections and influence had the reach to eliminate her problems. Her composed demeanour belied her inner fear that one of the problems he had listed would ruin the life she had worked so hard to build.

Requesting help was tempting. Of her three problems, absolving herself of suspicion for the recent damages to her school was paramount; sooner or later, they would realise she did not belong.

"Before you make your decision, please know that we have already dealt with the police. Your Awakening was a result of the actions of a member of this Consilium and the fallout of it should not be your burden. Your homelessness is another matter. We could make arrangements of a place for you to stay, should you wish it."

"I appreciate the offer, Hierarch, but I've been able to stay with one of my friends. She and her family have been very generous considering everything that's happened."

"It is always good to have friends," he replied with a smile. "Sparky, it has been a pleasure to speak with you. Never hesitate to make an appointment if you ever need to talk. You may go."

She thanked him before she left. The Herald remained outside the door, taking position to lead Sparky back to the Great Hall. Neither spoke during the short walk. When they returned, the Herald met the Hierarch's next appointment and led him back along the hallway.

Pearl, Ace, and Midnight all fulfilled their promise of waiting for Sparky. They were seated at the edge of the vast open space, just behind the hors d'oeuvres. The long sleeves of Ace's loose shirt barely revealed the tattoos that covered his arms as he stretched and stood.

"Good meeting?"

"He's going to ask you to vouch for Orchid."

"Not a problem."

Midnight fiddled with her hair, adjusting her headband to keep it back. She yawned, eliciting an identical reaction from Sparky. "We should go home."

Ace grinned. "Yeah, you kids need your sleep."

They trailed Pearl out the front door to the parking ramp. She was the chauffeur for all three that night. Her truck was likely older than Ace, Sparky, and Midnight put together and yet was quieter than one would expect when noting its ancient, faded colours and the small spots of rust around the edges and frames.

As she drove, Pearl manipulated the gear shift like she had been born to use it. Sparky was unable to tell when they changed if she was not watching.

The girls sat in the back of the cab, Midnight resting against Sparky. The girl's inner spark glowed even when she slept, leaving her cushion to wonder how so much of that power fit into a such a small body. Sparky guessed Midnight was about ten or eleven, though she was not skilled at determining human ages.

The Consilium's public sanctum, a building that was an art gallery during the day, was in the heart of downtown. Ace and Midnight lived on the edge of downtown, only a few blocks from Sparky's school. Pearl's home lay on the periphery, near to many of the other farms. Sparky had once also lived near them, though her current residence was now in the uniform suburbs. Despite the school being closer, Pearl took Sparky home first. The thoroughfare near Canterlot High would take her straight home after she deposited Ace and Midnight.

Sparky got out of the truck at the corner so as not to be visible to her hosts and bid each of her new acquaintances a good night. She forwarded the pictures of her friend to the Hierarch while she traversed the sidewalk. The teen barely paused where she had first seen a glimpse of the Truth as revealed by a fox-eared girl singing with the evening breeze.

Only two weeks prior, Sparky had never been known by that name or any other than her birth name. Two weeks ago, she had not Awakened, had never heard of Pandemonium except as an archaic word for chaos, and did not know she was Sleeping. She had always been Sunset Shimmer, the identity she now assumed as she entered her friends' home. In the few days since her Awakening, she had become adept at splitting her psyche wholly into the two sides of herself that must never meet.

Three members the family of four that normally inhabited the house slept. Her hosts had accepted her request that they not wait up for her. The night was a Saturday, though the hour neared Sunday, and Sunset had told them she would be working late. The one not yet slumbering was visible to Sunset's new senses even through the upper floor and walls of the house as purple and pink colours that remained vibrantly awake. They began to flash in excitement when their owner heard the front door close and footsteps ascend to the second floor.

Sunset did not have a chance to knock on Sweetie Belle's door as the girl had opened it and was beckoning her into the room. When they sat together on her bed, Sweetie Belle asked in a whisper, "How was it?"

"Pretty boring, actually. Most everyone just ignored me. I do have one exciting thing to tell you."

This started the little bundle of energy bouncing. "What is it? Did they teach you about magick? Will you show me some?"

"Okay, maybe not that exciting. There's a get-together in two weeks for all of the ... special people in the area. I'm working on getting permission for you to come with me as a guest."

Though they had only truly been friends for two weeks, Sunset already knew how and when to brace for one of Sweetie Belle's flying hugs. How the girl accomplished one when seated a hand's width from her target was a mystery. The two embraced as Sunset waited for her young friend to settle into a reasonable state.

"The Hierarch needs to confirm that you're a Sleepwalker, but Ace said he'd help. They'll let me know for sure in a few days. I'll tell you the rest tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay." Sweetie Belle finally released her hold of Sunset's torso. "Can we sleep together?"

"I don't see why not."

Sweetie Belle craved physical proximity to the people she liked, a quirk her family claimed had existed since her birth. Even as a toddler, she would find ways to escape her crib and crawl into either her parents' or sister's bed to cuddle. Sunset was not much to initiate unnecessary physical contact but also did not resist when her friends did. Rarity, after all, was perhaps the most likely of her friends to touch another and the frequent body measurements or occasional friendly laying-on of hands acclimated her to the idea.

Sweetie Belle so avidly modelled and idolised her sister that Rarity had not always considered how she and her sister were fundamentally different. While the elder enjoyed time with family and friends, she also appreciated time alone. The younger had instead proven to be much more in need of constant attention.

Even if anyone questioned the two sharing Sweetie Belle's bed, her confession of her insecurities meant it would hardly be odd to learn that the younger girl had requested their guest be her body pillow - the fate of anyone willing to sleep next to her.

After she had brushed her teeth and changed for bed, she found herself grasping Sweetie Belle's hand as they both drifted to sleep. Something about her made the older girl want to be close. The feeling was not romantic; if Sunset had to give a reason, she would have readily explained that the girl now sleeping next to her was the only one to know both Sunset and Sparky.

Switching between the two sides of herself was easy to do. Maintaining those identities in the face of her different lives was difficult, but having another with whom Sunset could share stories of Sparky's new life made the days and nights simpler. She could place some of the burden caused by her second existence on those slender shoulders, which also helped in grounding Sparky when she needed to be Sunset Shimmer.

She was not long in following Sweetie Belle into slumber. She woke once, when her companion grasped her body in a lock that would have made professional wrestlers green with envy. The hold did not hurt; the young girl was merely seeking the closest warmth. She refused to allow Sunset to escape her until the bright light of the day entered her room and woke her.

Their close embrace allowed them both a good night's sleep, which was the real reason Sunset had accepted the sleeping arrangement. There were no visions of the negative moments she had accumulated during her life - particularly those of the previous two weeks. She did not see a shadowy figure pulling strings attached to her limbs to dance her about a stage like a marionette, nor a red-skinned demon who cackled as she sought her way into Sunset's mind. There was no distant tower of dark rock against a forest haunted by the things that created nightmares or a blue-haired boy plunging a knife into her ribs. Not a single nightmare bothered her that night, her unconscious mind satisfied to remain quiescent.