Sunset Shimmer: Student of Magick

Sparky made sure to be on time for her meeting with the Hierarch, arriving at the Great Hall five minutes early. She was not used to seeing it during the day, when it was a privately owned art gallery open to the public. The rear hallway was cordoned behind a velvet rope guarded by Kibitz.

He nodded to Sparky before detaching the barrier. "The curator is ready for you. This way, please."

The Hierarch's office was no different than it had been the first time Sparky saw it. Bronze Luck was seated, paperwork before him.

"Close the door behind you and take a seat." When Sparky had done as he ordered, he asked, "For what reason did you request this meeting?"

"Certain events happened yesterday. I would like to use my Boon, Hierarch."

He nodded, looking at the papers on his desk. "Together with Pearl and Midnight Radiance, you removed Orchid from her family's home, who were emotionally and physically abusing her, and are expecting to take legal guardianship."

"Yes, Hierarch. There are a few related issues, too. I'm not sure how much a Boon covers, but is it acceptable if I describe what I need?"

"Of course. Please, start at the beginning."

Sparky related the events surrounding Orchid moving into her flat, including the pregnancy. She mentioned the need for insurance, as well as her worry that Orchid's family would renege on the agreement.

When she was done, the Hierarch thought for moment. "If her family does not want her, your Mind Ruling will hold. As you describe it, empowered as it was by Midnight Radiance's will, your Working simply pushed them into an alternative. Avoid having them meet regularly and do not reference any alternatives. You should also be willing to renew your suggestion when you meet in court."

"Thank you, Hierarch." Sparky wanted to ask him about the rest of it but held her tongue. He would address her problems when he was ready.

It did not take long. "We will arrange to have your request pushed through the court. We will also fast-track Orchid's insurance. I will send a Sleepwalker, a skilled lawyer, to you today with the necessary paperwork. Be aware that you will be listing your True Name and other identifiable information. None of it will be disclosed, but other Awakened will see it, and there is a risk they will associate it with you.

"Expect everything to be resolved by the end of the week."

"I understand. Thank you, Hierarch."

"Once your paperwork is finalised, inform us if you face complications in the future. So long as you do not draw attention to yourself, we will turn away investigations on your behalf."

Sparky could not help a grateful smile overtaking her face. "Thank you, Hierarch. You have no idea how much help all of this is. I'll get the good news to Orchid right away."

He returned her smile. "You have exchanged your Boon for Consilium assistance. Our meeting is complete. You may go."

Sunset Shimmer was debating the merits of an early dinner when her doorbell rang. An older man wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase was on her deck. He nodded when she opened the door and said, "Bronze Luck sent me. May I come in?"

When all three were seated at the kitchen table, he opened his briefcase and removed a yellow legal pad, a pen, and some paperwork. After informing them that they did not need to know his name, he took a minute to review the forms, then to flip his notepad to a blank page. When he was ready, he said, "I need to know your names and names of the family first."

"Sunset Shimmer and Sweetie Belle," Sunset replied, gesturing to each in turn. She then listed Sweetie Belle's family.

Sweetie Belle had to recite her address, but she was uncertain whether her family had any existing legal counsel.

With the basic information out of the way, the lawyer said, "One of our associates will file this today if I can get it ready in time. We should be before the court Wednesday. Is that going to be a problem?"

"No, sir," both girls answered simultaneously.

"Is there anything I need to fill out?" Sunset asked.

He went through some of his documents, separating a few of them into another stack. "I'll fill in the details for you. You'll just need to sign it." He proceeded to list what he needed, neatly filling the spaces as Sunset replied. When she disclosed that her Social Security Number was not completely accurate - one she had arranged through certain shady people - he assured her it would not be a problem. When the forms were complete, he passed them to her along with a pen. "Sign where indicated. Put the same date I used at the top."

The forms were listed as having been completed three weeks previously. At Sunset's questioning look, he explained, "This will help prevent any outside observers questioning why it's going so quickly. We'll need to alter the family's memories, which will be done when I get their signatures, and take care of a few bureaucratic things, but you don't need to worry about that. This is one of the easier cases I've handled."

"You're changing their memories?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Just the date that you moved here. Make sure to keep the new date in mind. If you give the wrong one in court, it could break the spell, so to speak."

"We have to go to court? I'll need to talk in front of a lot of people?"

The lawyer shook his head. "Just a few. You'll need to give your name, confirm that you are willing to have Sunset Shimmer as your legal guardian, and a few other simple questions. It'll take two minutes."

"Will I need to bring anything?" Sunset asked.

"No. The justice is a Mage, so he'll take care of the rest. Honestly, we could probably do it without the actual court time, but he's a Thaumaturge. Be thankful he's this flexible."

It took Sunset a few seconds to place the reference. "Oh, yeah, the ones that like doing things by the book. The Obrimos Path, right?"

"Like Twilight?"

"Yeah, she'd fit right in."

The lawyer chuckled. "I see you understand. We're settled, then. State insurance is already in the works. Our associates are fairly certain you'll have the cards by Friday."

"But doesn't the case need to be settled first?"

"Usually, yes." He chuckled again. "Let's say you work for a department that reviews step two and receive an approved application from the step one people, the ones that handle verifying the court-related sections. Would you go back and ask them about it when it's not your job, and you have a mountain of paperwork for your actual job?"

"No, I guess not."

"Exactly. That's a gross oversimplification, but it gets the point across. Any questions?"

Neither teen could think of anything. With thanks from both, the lawyer departed. He would be going to visit Sweetie Belle's family and promised to alert her and Sunset if there would be any delays. The entire meeting had been less than an hour.

Both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo sent messages to their friend, wanting to know why she had missed school. They reported that upon asking Rarity, the older teen had denied knowing anything and refused to speak to them. Sweetie Belle promised to explain things that weekend. While she was on her mobile, she also asked Button Mash to visit after school on Friday.

His family would all be together that weekend, which would make informing them convenient. Sunset thought it should be done quickly, so she agreed that Sweetie Belle's plan was good.

They settled into an uneasy routine, deciding to wait until the legal proceedings completed to have Sweetie Belle go back to school. With how the spirit influence had been fading, Sunset was sure she could accompany her soon-to-be-charge and clear everything with Celestia and Luna. Though Sunset did prepare alternative plans, she was almost certain they would be ready to cooperate, possibly even contrite for driving her from the school.

Wednesday arrived to find both girls were jittery and nervous. The lawyer had confirmed the time and would meet them at the courthouse.

Sunset was surprised when they arrived and had to wait outside the room until it was their turn. Sweetie Belle's family - including Rarity, despite the school hour - was also waiting, none of them looking their direction and taking a bench as far as they could without being away from the doors.

"Family court usually doesn't allow an audience unless they're involved or close to someone in the proceedings since they regularly involve minors," the lawyer explained. "Don't worry, though. He's usually punctual."

The bailiff called for them only a few minutes past their scheduled docket time. The instant they stepped through the door, Sunset could feel the judge's power, which she guessed to be only somewhat less than the Hierarch's. He sat perfectly straight, observing them with a neutral gaze.

For all that Sunset's nerves ate at her, the entire session went quickly. Judge Balanced Scale complimented her for "promptly submitting all required information." He rushed through the questions, both Magnum and Cookie affirming their willingness to place their younger daughter in Sunset's care. Rarity confirmed that Sunset would be an excellent caretaker and that she believed Sweetie Belle would be happier. There were no questions about abuse, nor why the guardianship was requested.

Sunset had to swear to her willingness to see to the minor's needs, as well as to her ability to support both the teen and the baby to be born.

Sweetie Belle entered her statements, after which Balanced Scale pronounced her Sunset's ward. A bang of the gavel announced that they were done.

None of her family remained, for they were already hurrying from the courtroom.

When they were back in the hall, the lawyer said, "Get a message to me if anything comes up. You girls should be all set. The insurance will be approved today, so that's still on track. Anything else?"

Sweetie Belle hugged him. "Thanks for helping. I know it's your job, but I really appreciate it."

"I can't believe how easy that was," Sunset commented, her voice low. "You weren't kidding. 'Friends in high places,' right?"

"Take a group of people who barely tolerate each other and trade favours when they need something, then force them into a social structure that's been around since the days of Ancient Greece. You see the results."

"Thanks again."

Sunset and Sweetie Belle went to the school, arriving after most students would have left for the day or else would be involved in their various after-school activities. Armed with the court papers certifying their new status, they went straight to the office, ignoring the few students in the hallways.

Both Celestia and Luna were there, sipping coffee while chatting with their shared secretary. The women's faces went from shocked to contrite in seconds, both firing apologies to Sunset before she could speak.

Once they had settled, they retired to Luna's office, where Sunset - with Sweetie Belle's permission - laid out the current situation.

"And the family court approved this arrangement?" Luna asked. Her expression was full of disbelief.

"I brought the forms with me to prove it. Besides, why would either of us make up something this outlandish? It's all there." She placed the documents on the desk, which the sisters read together.

"Very well. Sweetie Belle, given the situation, we'll extend you a week to get caught up on your homework. I'll explain things to your teachers," Celestia said.

"Everything?"

"Only that you've had some personal issues. I can also tell them about the pregnancy, which would make things easier for you, if you would like. It may become obvious by the time school ends for the year."

With a sigh, the expectant mother nodded. "Yes, please. Thanks for your help. Is it okay if I get my missing homework when I come in tomorrow?"

"Yes," Luna replied. "And if you have any exams before your catch-up period expires, your teachers will know to give you a few extra days. You may make them up by the end of next week."

"Sounds good." Sunset stood. "We should update Sweetie Belle's contact information."

"Of course."

Luna took Sunset's information, then asked Sweetie Belle to wait outside the door. Sunset had been expecting at least one conversation and nodded to Sweetie Belle. "I won't be long."

When they had privacy, both sisters again apologised, though in a more orderly manner than they had the first time. Sunset, knowing they would feel guilty regardless of their actual culpability, forgave them both while once again relating the public version of what had happened, though she pinned the blame for the destruction on the monsters.

"I know it's not what you're wanting to hear, but I'll be going for a GED rather than coming back. I just want you to know that I have appreciated my time here and the fact that you gave me a second chance and believed in me during the Anon-A-Miss stuff."

"Sunset, do what's best for you. Taking care of Sweetie Belle and helping her with the baby will be difficult. Even if you are no longer one of our students, we will both be available to help you."

"My sister is correct," Luna added. "Please don't hesitate to call either of us if you are in need. This not only because of what we did to you, but because we do care for all of our students."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for being understanding about this. I know you'll try to keep it on the down-low, but stuff like this gets out. I'll be counting on you both to help me keep her spirits up, okay?"

Celestia hugged Sunset before the teen left for the last time. Both school heads wished her the best, making sure she had their private numbers.

Sweetie Belle was in an animated conversation with the receptionist, who was clearly a fan of musicals, and they were listing some of their favourite songs.

"Oh, you have to hear 'The List Song' from The Mikado," the receptionist declared. "It's one of the funniest songs I've ever heard. New productions rewrite it sometimes to match current affairs, and it's so satirical that even if you don't agree, it'll still make you laugh."

"Thanks. I'll check that out."

On the way home, Sunset offered to eat out and then to stop by the Sweet Shoppe for anything they wanted.

"Why? What's the occasion?"

"Well, even if the court didn't use the exact term, we're family now so I thought it'd be good to celebrate it. If you'd prefer I not think of it that way, that's fine."

"No, I like it. You, me, and the baby. It's nice." After a pause, she added, "You know what? We should talk about baby names. I think it'll be a girl, but we should think of boy names just in case."

"Don't you think that would be a good thing to discuss with Button Mash?"

Sweetie Belle's smile fell. "Oh, right.... What if he doesn't want anything to with me or our baby? What if he's like my parents and Rarity?"

'Great job, idiot. Open mouth and insert foot.'

"I don't know. Maybe he will. After seeing how your family acted, I can't assume anything. I just hope he'll be better than that. Not just him, his whole family."

When Sweetie Belle did not reply, still looking downcast, Sunset continued, "For what it's worth, I'll always be on your side. You won't have to be alone, I promise."

"That's worth a lot." Sweetie Belle grasped and squeezed Sunset's hand when she put the car into neutral. "I love you."

Sunset returned the gesture. "You, too."