After pausing their lessons for nearly two weeks to ensure Sweetie Belle was safe and settled into her new home, Pearl and Sunset were continuing. Sweetie Belle had apologised multiple times for causing the delays, but neither adult was concerned. There were no time limits on the apprenticeship, so they were not hurrying through anything. As Pearl explained during the first lesson, rushed training usually resulted in another dead Mage.

They would be holding all lessons in Pearl's library until further notice. It was warded to protect it from Sleepers and to ensure that accidents would not destroy anything except, perhaps, the inhabitants. One of the farm's ley lines ran through it, granting them access to Mana as needed.

As Sweetie Belle had a long weekend when the lessons started again, Sunset invited her to observe. Both teens entered the library, where they found Pearl standing by a desk with several tomes stacked on it.

"Are you sure it's okay for me to be here?" Sweetie Belle asked, hesitating at the stairs.

"Yer a recognised Sleepwalker, 'n Sparky's friend. These are her lessons, so yer welcome if'n she says it's okay."

"I don't know how much you'd get out of it, but I thought you'd be interested."

Sweetie Belle's reply was still hesitant. "I really, really wanna know more about magick, but what if I break something or get in the way? What if I cause you to lose control? What if I ruin a spell and it causes Sunset - er, Sparky - to break into a bunch of little crystals that are scattered across the multiverse, and then I have to go and retrieve them, and it takes years of going to really bad places?"

Pearl shook her head vigorously, as though trying to clear water from her ears. "Ah don't think that's even possible fer multi-degree Masters. 'Sides, we ain't even usin' magick today."

"Okay."

Orchid was chipper as she took a seat next to Sparky, carrying herself as though some terrible weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Sparky would never fully understand how her friend's head worked. Even when she learned how to read them, she had no intention of viewing Sweetie Belle's or Pinkie's minds.

"Before Ah start, is there anythin' ya want explained?"

"A couple things, if that's okay. Ace mentioned something about the 'Seers', and I was wondering how Awakened magick gets ... stronger? Better? I think you get the idea."

"Alright, we can start with those. Far as gettin' more powerful goes, well, Ah know yer able ta sense our 'sparks,' right?" She waited for Sparky's nod. "They get more noticeable as yer understandin' of magick grows. It's personal, so Ah cain't really give examples, but ya'll know when it happens. We call 'em moments of Gnosis."

Orchid gasped. "I know that one; it's the Greek word for knowledge." She wilted at noticing both sets of eyes on her. "Sorry, I'll be quiet."

"No need fer apologies unless yer bein' a disruption. This lesson's fer the both of y'all, 'n yer right about the meanin' of the word. This ain't a formal classroom, so ask questions or offer comments whenever ya like. Ah'll let ya know when it's a bad time.

"Now, these moments can take years, but Ah've never heard of anybody not havin' one unless they die first. Just keep studyin' the Mysteries, even after we're done with yer apprenticeship, 'n it'll happen.

"Be careful ya don't confuse Gnosis with the idea of learnin' the ten Arcana. Those are?"

Sparky sat upright and drew a deep breath. "Death, Fate, Forces, Life, Matter, Mind, Prime, Space, Spirit, and Time." At Pearl's applause, she gave a mock bow from her seat. "Awakened are ranked in each, from simply having no knowledge of it through Initiate, Apprentice, Disciple, Adept, and Master."

"Right again. We use 'em accordin' ta the Practises. Before Ah explain the Thirteen Practises, Ah'll tell ya about the Seers of the Throne. Ya want the long version or the short one?"

"Might as well cover everything. If there's something I don't understand now, I can ask about it later. Same for you, Orchid."

Pearl took a sip from a canteen she had placed on another table. Sparky assumed it was water, but had a growing suspicion that her mentor never drank plain water. When she was ready, she said, "Long ago, in what we call the Time Before, there wasn't a separation 'tween the Supernal Realms 'n the Material Plane. Mages ruled kingdoms all over the world, but they decided it wasn't enough. They built a ladder, which has a different name in every story, so they could take control of the Supernal Realms 'n all of reality.

"The first ta go up were the Exarchs. They fought against the ancient gods 'n threw 'em down. Later, another group followed. They're called the Oracles, 'n they fought the Exarchs ta make sure nobody controlled reality.

"The war broke the worlds, separatin' us from the Supernal. The Abyss came inta bein', 'n the Material Plane also became known as the Fallen World.

"We don't rightly know if the Oracles exist, but somebody built the Watchtowers. The Exarchs wanna control everythin', so Ah doubt they'd give us a way ta gain even a fraction of their power. There are folk that doubt the Exarchs, too, but Ah believe there's solid evidence fer them.

"The Seers are folk that serve the Exarchs. They claim ta get visions from their Ascended masters, 'n their leaders even say they talk ta the Exarchs directly.

"The Diamond Orders 'n the Seers hate each other. We want a free world - supposedly, anyways - 'n they wanna be rulers. Ya might say we've been in a cold war with 'em ever since the Watchtowers came inta bein'."

"What about the Free Council?"

"The Libertines are our allies, formin' the Pentacle, but they're more willin' ta talk ta the Seers. Ah don't know if the Seers talk back, but that's their own business. If'n ya ever meet a Seer, tell one of the Councillors right away. They're hostile, 'n they won't hesitate ta do whatever they gotta do ta get what they want."

Sparky thought back to the brief time she had spent wandering Pandemonium, as well as the figure she had met there. If that being had existed and not been yet another test, then she had met either an Exarch or an Oracle. That gave her a coin's toss of being one of the people Pearl and her new friends despised. Since she owed a debt to that figure, she hoped the Oracles were real.

"Alright, let's end today with the Practises. Ah hope yer memory's as good as Ah think it is, 'cause this is a lot ta take at once."

They occupied the next two hours listening to Pearl and asking questions. The names of the Thirteen Practises tended to give a hint of what they were, so memorising them was the hardest part. Note-taking was perfectly acceptable, but the Awakened tended to judge one another on knowledge and referencing notes or acknowledging that one did not know something was a sure way to lose standing.

As an Initiate, Mages could access three: Compelling, Knowing, and Unveiling. They were each relatively simple effects, but could provide a wealth of information or a small nudge to accomplish a goal when used wisely.

Apprentices could use Ruling, Shielding, and Veiling. Those offered more of a push rather than a nudge, or to hide information or to protect themselves.

"I think I used some Mind Rulings when I was talking to your family," Sparky commented to Orchid. "It was how I forced them to tell me the truth and how I got them to let you live with me."

"Apprentice is only the second rank, right?" Orchid waited for affirmation. "Then I can't wait to find out what the others can do."

"Settle down 'n Ah'll get on with it," Pearl replied with a smile.

As the Awakened reached the rank of Disciple - which was Sparky's in the Mind Arcanum - it granted Fraying, Perfecting, and Weaving. The first two were polar opposites, breaking something or fixing it, except that 'something' could include almost anything if the correct Arcana came into use. Weaving allowed permanent changes to a state, so long as the thing being changed did not transmute into something else. It included an ability to alter a few seconds of time, using - of course - Time magick. Only gifted Unicorns could have hoped to accomplish even a fraction of what was possible under those Practises.

Knowing that any Mage taking the time to work at it could reach magicks that were unimaginable even to an Alicorn made Sparky shiver. If not for the vaguely defined risk of Paradox - which was to be another lesson - she could easily see how the ancient Awakened had become the masters of their world.

At the rank of Adept, Patterning and Unraveling became new toys in the Willworker's box. They were essentially far more powerful versions of Fraying and Perfecting. Permanent transmutation was a possibility, as was utterly ruining something or making it nigh-indestructible.

"They're kind of like yin and yang," Orchid commented. "Two opposite forces that are equal to each other."

"Most of the Practises counter each other," Pearl replied. "If'n ya know somebody's used magick fer somethin' 'n ya wanna stop it, we form counterspells with the opposite. Once ya've got a solid understandin' of how ta use magick, Sparky, Ah'll teach ya how ta use 'Dispell.'"

Finally, Pearl reached the purview of Masters: Making and Unmaking. In defiance of the laws of Physics, Awakened reaching that point could create almost anything from nothing or obliterate existing matter and energy. Even people, ghosts, and spirits were not immune to it.

"Ah'll show ya an example. Look at the flower pot there." Pearl led them to a small classic window planter. It was on a table in her ritual area, an offset corner of the library directly in the ley line. The little pot already had soil, which was slightly damp. "Ah'm a Master of Life. Y'all get ta see Makin' in action."

She lifted a gardening spade that had a light coating of soil on the blade and focused on the flower pot, holding her tool aloft. Sparky could feel power like none she had yet observed flowing from her mentor through the spade and into the flower pot. The Mana in the ley line began to follow her focus, soaking into the soil. Pearl spoke words of the High Speech, specifically using symbols of life and fertility, which painted an image of a field of the brightest flowers and the greenest grasses. She wove her spell, moving her gardening spade in a complex rhythm. It took mere seconds for all the potential in the air to coalesce.

A small orchid suddenly existed, its roots firmly planted in the soil of the flower pot. It was vibrant and healthy, its colour matching exactly the purple of Orchid's hair. Pearl lowered her spade to take the flower pot and offer it to Orchid.

"Ah gave this a lastin' Duration. It'll live just like a flower grown from a seed."

"Thank you, Pearl. It's beautiful."

"Magick ain't good or bad. Sometimes, we gotta destroy ta make space fer somethin' new. We can make the world a better place or rip it ta bits. Each Awakened has ta decide how ta use the power we've been granted."

The lesson completed, Sunset Shimmer and Sweetie Belle returned from their hidden corners to usurp Sparky and Orchid. They went back to their flat, where Sweetie Belle placed her gift in the south windowsill. She regarded it for a moment.

"Do you think my baby is like this flower?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, she didn't come from nowhere, but she kinda did. She's a gift, but one that'll need work to keep happy and healthy. I mean, Pearl had to give the orchid a place to live, and ... I guess I'm not sure what I was thinking."

Sunset placed a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "It won't be easy, but you have lots of people who care about you, and we'll all be there to help."

"Thanks, Sunset."

The next day was a Forum, so they did not meet. It was the day that the Consilium would sample the Apples' labours, so Sparky made sure to be in attendance together with Orchid. She was tempted to station herself by the buffet table again, but dismissed the idea. On her first night, it worked to keep her a wallflower. On this night, her peers would notice her odd behaviour.

The food may not have been fancy, but she heard very few complaints. Her friends had outdone themselves, providing at least one of each item they made, which was an extensive list. Most of her fellow Awakened loved it, taking far more than they usually did until the table was practically cleared of edibles.

After the Forum, Ace informed her that the Hierarch would be contracting Sweet Apple Acres for two Forums each month. Sparky had to force herself not to send a message to Applejack; the surprise would be far more enjoyable.

The lessons continued semi-regularly, Pearl calling for her whenever they were both free. As Sunset did not yet have a job, they met every few days.

The next meeting reviewed Imago, the creation of a spell. Sparky found it intuitive, yet challenging. Nearly anything was possible; the Mage needed only to bring the appropriate overall understanding of magick and how it worked, or Gnosis, along with the correct Practises of whichever Arcana were applicable to the desired effect. The Practises were an 'all or nothing' proposition, so learning that another of the Awakened could use a Practise from a specific rank meant that particular Mage could use them all.

When she had rescued Sweetie Belle, Sparky had unknowingly created the Imago she would need to convince the girl's family to let her go. Examining it after the fact, she had used both Mind Compelling and Ruling.

In principle, the formation of an Imago was not too different from when she had used Unicorn magic to create spell matrices. The practise, however, was drastically different. The Awakened had to bring a deep understanding of the rules of reality, as well as the unconscious associations and symbols, to a Willworking. The magick would fit itself to the Mage's specifications first, then to whatever reality demanded. A giant amoeba like from old science fiction stories was possible, but reality would cause it to collapse under its own weight if the Mage did not plan for that.

For the times that a Mage needed to form a spell more quickly, they could learn rotes. Each was basically an Imago that had been formed into a fixed pattern for use by others. Casting one was easier, which meant using less Mana and time to formulate the details as well as a lower risk of Paradox, but it traded having as many options. When the only limits on magick were a Mage's understanding and imagination, losing options became something of a bitter pill.

For the most powerful of spells, however, the Awakened preferred to turn to rituals and grimoires. They required time, perhaps hours, but also represented the only way to have a chance to bring into being the most radical of Imago.

"Let's talk about Paradox now, Sparky. That's when the Abyss feels ya reachin' through it ta call on the Supernal. We create our spells 'n power 'em through our will, but we're still imposin' the laws of a higher realm on the Material Plane. If'n yer not careful, somethin' in the Abyss will try 'n hijack yer magick.

"On top of that, reality don't like us makin' changes. The greater the workin', the more dangerous the Paradox. It gets stronger as a Mage does, too. If'n ya accidentally call a Paradox now, it'll be like what happened at the Congressus Peculiaris. If Ah do it, Ah could be seriously hurt.

"Ya'll feel it if Paradox is comin'. If'n ya don't do anythin', it'll hit yer spell. It's different every time, but it'll usually cause some perversion of what ya wanted. If'n ya contain in yerself - yer Pattern - it'll hurt, but ya'll be able ta control yer spell."

"Is there a way to reduce the risk?"

"A bunch. We call 'em Yantras. Usin' tools that represent yer spell help, too. Don't let Sleepers see ya, especially with vulgar magick that they cain't rationalise. Sympathy, the ties ta somethin', makes a big difference, which is why blood and hair are so common. A demesne - formed with soul stones - helps, but a soul stone also connects deep ta its maker, so ya'd best be careful ta hide it if'n ya make one. The resonance of an area, like usin' Life magick on mah farm. There are a bunch of tricks, but we'll go over those in detail later.

"The last part ta remember about spellcastin' is that ya cain't change it after the fact. Once ya fix the Imago 'n start the Workin', ya have ta see it through or cancel it. Anythin' lastin' cain't be changed after it's done. It's one of our only limits. Ya cain't even change how much Mana yer puttin' in it or what symbols yer usin'. Nothin'."

"I understand."

Pearl stretched. "That's good fer today. Since Orchid's free tomorrow, we'll talk about how a few Awakened overcome those limits."

The next morning, both teens sat quietly, listening to Pearl recount the legends of the Arch Masters.

"They've got as many names as there are people ta name 'em. Arch Masters, Archmages, Imperial Masters, 'n Seekers are the most common 'round these parts.

"These folk are known ta exist, 'ceptin' a few what won't believe. They found a way ta transcend the limits of magick, surpassin' even Makin' 'n Unmakin'. They don't have physical forms, exactly, livin' in their own souls.

"It's right hard ta track down an Arch Master. Rumours say they have an agreement called the Pax Arcana, which prohibits usin' their magick ta interfere directly in the world ... leastwise, fer makin' changes ta the fundamental rules. With their power, they're believed ta be capable of damn near anythin'.

"Now, that's not ta say they don't use magick. They exist in the Astral Realms, separate but part of it. That's where they keep on studyin'. We can find one if we ask the right questions ta the right folk.

"If'n yer ever in need of a miracle that ya cain't do, ya can look fer an Arch Master 'n plead yer case. They tend ta be aloof, but they're occupied with thoughts we cain't imagine, like the Imperial Mysteries. That don't mean they ain't still human in some way. They'll listen; if'n they judge yer request worthy, they'll set ya a task. Complete it, 'n they'll bring their power ta help.

"None of Pentacle Orders allow Arch Masters ta hold positions in our Caucuses or Consilia or Assemblies. They're too far beyond us, 'n we'd just be servants. Leastwise, that's how most folk see it. The Seers' leaders are nearly all Arch Masters, so it's possible.

"Any questions?"

Orchid raised her hand. "Can any Mage become one? Could you or Sparky?"

"Good question. The answer is that Ah don't rightly know. What little they've told us says that most who try won't ever reach it. We've also passed down rumours that they only allow those who are worthy ta make it."

"'Worthy?' They judge us?" Sparky asked.

Pearl shrugged. "It's just stories. They're a mite tight-lipped on it. It makes sense, though. If'n ya wanna rule or help, yer gonna interfere in the world, which they don't do. Ya gotta be amoral, willin' ta let people make their own mistakes."

"So they're a little like gods?" Orchid observed. "They'll help if you ask and prove yourself, but they won't do anything on their own, and they'll guard their knowledge to keep most others from joining them."

That earned a chuckle from Pearl. "Be careful who ya say that around. The more religious folk might not like it.

"Now, if'n ya really wanna talk about gods, let's discuss Ascension. It's also somethin' that must exist, but nobody knows how ta do it.

"The Arch Masters study the Imperial Mysteries 'n make small changes ta reality fer one purpose: Ta open a path ta the Supernal Realms. One day, they exist. The next, they're gone, transformed inta Ascended Bein's.

"The Exarchs 'n the Oracles were the first, but others have joined the ranks. We don't know much about it, since we only see the Watchtowers when we Awaken, but they live there. They have power over reality, but Ah'm guessin' they keep each other in check.

"There are other folk out there that are pretty godlike, too. The main ones we usually worry about are the Abyssal Annunaki, since most others don't care much about us if'n we leave 'em alone."

"What are those?" Orchid asked.

"Best description Ah ever heard is 'aborted universes.' They represent what cain't be. Ya let Paradox slip out of control, 'n ya might accidentally open a door fer one of their servants.

"Ya never wanna face one. Ya think powerful spirits are scary? They corrupt reality just by existin' in it. Everywhere they touch is defiled. Be careful whenever ya get close ta the Abyss, 'cause it'll notice 'n it'll look right at ya.

"Some Mages worship it. They're called Scelesti, 'n they represent about the only threat that'll get Pentacle 'n Seer Awakened workin' together. Never piss off a Scelestus, 'n don't fight one unless ya've got help. They can abuse Paradox 'n the power of the Abyss ta fight back.

"They hide in plain sight, right in the Orders. Ain't no easy way ta find 'em, neither."

"What are some of those other 'gods'?" Orchid asked. "If you don't mind talking about them."

Pearl grimaced, but patted Orchid's shoulder before the girl could apologise. "Ah'm fine with it, but ya need ta remember that fer as little as we know about the Exarchs, we know even less about the others.

"We have pretty broad powers over the world. With the right study 'n Practises, we can visit outside the Material Plane even without an Iris fer it. Goin' beyond the Material Plane or the Astral Realms requires lots of study 'n preparation, 'cause the masters of those lands don't like Awakened tryin' ta learn their secrets.

"Ah'll list off a few, 'n y'all can learn more about 'em later. In the deepest parts of the Underworld, watch out fer the Kerberoi. They're the lords of the Deep Dominions, 'n they guard their domains right jealously. Only the Sin-Eaters really have much of a chance of dealin' with 'em. Nobody's sure, but they might relate ta the Supernal Realm of Stygia.

"That Lost friend of yers has probably mentioned the True Fae. They live in Arcadia, but we don't know if what the Lost call 'Arcadia' is the same as the Supernal Realm. Best ta leave 'em alone.

"Remember the spirits at yer school? Those were only what we call Gafflin's, Rank 1 or 2 spirits. They're the weakest common spirits, but they still caused a heck of a lotta trouble. They're nothin' ta the Celestines, spirits at Rank 8 'n 9. Don't even think about tryin' ta take on one. Even the Uratha give 'em a wide berth.

"Then we get inta the bein's that we don't know much about at all. We've been over the Kindred, Uratha, and Lost, but there are other supernatural folk. Ah'll tell ya what Ah know about 'em, but t'ain't much."

"The Arisen talk about their Judges of Duat. Ah've never met any of the Arisen, so what Ah've heard is all from mah own studies. They're said ta be folk from the Time Before or somethin' similar, who were bound ta rise up again after they die. Their Judges might be related ta the Kerberoi or might be completely different; they just happen ta deal with the dead, too. All Ah know is that they're said ta be at the end of the road fer the dead, weighin' souls fer admission ta the afterlife.

"The Unchained - 'n Ah ain't met any of 'em, either - whisper about somethin' they call the 'God Machine.' They're folks that stopped workin' fer it. Ah heard they're originally just programmes 'n gears that somehow got free will. The God Machine's supposedly some great big engine that has power comparable ta the Exarchs 'n Oracles combined. It uses its angels ta do at least some of its work 'n addin' more ta it, but that's all rumour, so take it with a grain of salt.

"That's all Ah've got. Maybe Ace can get ya more, what with his Mysterium connections, but he'd have ta charge ya fer it. Now, Ah'm gettin' downright hungry, so let's call it a day. We'll talk about what else y'all should avoid next time."

Sparky's next lesson covered threats closer to home. First up were the Mad, who had become obsessed with something to the point of losing themselves to their singular passion, leaking magick constantly. They were somewhat common, and were not inherently dangerous unless one interfered in their passion. There were a few that had toxic obsessions - such as one Pearl had known who fell to a morbid fascination with the effect of poisons on children - but the Consilia maintained Sentinels to deal with them.

She then learned of Banishers, Mages whose Awakenings had been especially traumatic. They were opposed to all magick, seeking to destroy it wherever they found it. Like the Scelesti, they were a threat that could bring Pentacle and Seer Mages into a temporary truce.

There were two other common problems, both of which were illegal but thrived regardless. Reapers stole and used souls for many purposes. Liches stole life from others in a variety of ways, finding some method or another to live forever. No matter how much effort all of the Orders put into eradicating them, the draw of power ensured that there would always be more.

Then there were human threats. Some people knew of the supernatural and fought against it. Not all were hostile; a few wanted to study anything they could find, while others only worried about 'monsters' when one began causing harm. They typically called themselves Hunters, or Vigilantes, and were hard to detect if they did start investigating something.

Others that fell into what Pearl called the 'curiosities' category included the Created. They were extremely rare, and were known to cause others to fear and to hate them merely from physical proximity. What little Pearl knew of them indicated that their magick involved the traditions of medieval alchemy. They tended to travel constantly, as the very Earth would decay at their presence. Learning more of them was certain to gain a Mage prestige. If Sparky encountered one, Pearl stated it was like meeting Uratha or Kindred: They were intelligent beings and had little record of being inimical to anyone not showing hostility to them.

After the large categories came more unique examples. Monsters and creatures, according to Pearl, filled tomes. No matter how well-read any Mage was, there was always something new. Most were absolutely hostile, but a few could be reasonable or even friendly.

"Ya plannin' a trip anywhere fer any reason? Read everythin' about the area ya can, then expect ta meet at least one unknown. Don't matter if'n yer travelin' the Material Plane, the Underworld, the Shadow, the Astral Realms, or anythin' else. Expect that whatever ya meet'll wanna kill ya. We attract attention just by bein' Awakened."

"So be on my guard all the time?"

"Now yer gettin' it. Our magick is what draws 'em, 'n it's how we protect ourselves. Next time, we'll go over how ta use magickal tools, since they'll be useful when ya need ta protect yerself."

The following lesson was on a Sunday, the same day they were having a cookout to celebrate the end of the school year. There were going to be two parties: The first was only for those 'in the know' and included Ace, Clash, Midnight, and Pinkie. The other one was going to be the following week with Sunset and Sweetie Belle's normal friends and - of course - Pinkie.

The Crusaders would be Sophomores, while Sunset's friends were all graduating. According to the doctor, Sweetie Belle would be due around September, which would make the coming year difficult for her, but that also gave them the whole summer to prepare for it.

Though she was free to join the lessons anytime, Orchid remained Sweetie Belle that day. Magickal tools were interesting, but she would be unable to do much with them. The teen explained that she preferred to join them only when the material covered something applicable to her.

Sunset knew that her friend still considered herself a nuisance, but pushing too hard would only have the opposite effect. She smiled and promised to distill the lesson later so that Sweetie Belle would at least know something about it.

Pearl waited for Sparky in the basement, an assortment of items - most of them for gardening - laid across two of the desks.

"First off, ya should know that yer gonna use tools that fit yer Path. If'n ya join an Order, ya'll use tools that represent it, too. Fer the Warlocks, ya wanna get somethin' in iron, brass, or leather. In a pinch, use any metal that's been worked.

"Ya also need a weapon; yer Path likes whips, curved swords, or anythin' 'cruel.' When yer castin' fer battle, use it, since that'll make it more powerful.

"Most of us keep a few different tools ta cover our most common Workin's. Ya want a tool that'll represent what yer castin', but also matches yer Path ta get the best effect. Somethin' sympathetic ta the target isn't gonna hurt none, neither.

"There is one more important topic ya need ta keep in mind. We call it 'Scourin',' 'n it's how we get Mana when there ain't a ley line nearby. Ah'll teach ya how ta do it later, but Ah'll explain what it is now. We can all feel our own Patterns, what ya perceive as sparks 'cause of yer path. If'n ya reach out 'n fray yer own Pattern a bit, ya'll gain just a little Mana.

"This is useful fer a fight, since ya don't always got another source of Mana around, but it'll hurt. Even Ah cain't heal the damage it'll do ta yer body. It has ta heal in its own time, 'n ya cain't Scour again 'til it does.

"How much ya can get depends on yer Gnosis. Ah'd do a fair bit of damage ta mahself, but Ah'd get enough Mana even fer a Makin', while ya'd only get a couple bruises 'n enough Mana fer a few basic spells.

"Now, Ah got a little surprise fer ya."

Pearl reached into one of shelves and retrieved a small object wrapped in plain paper. She handed it to Sparky, who opened it to reveal her onyx brooch.

"Midnight found this after the battle at yer school. Ah've been keepin' it safe. She said there's a mighty strong bond in this, like what a dedicated magickal tool has. Was it what ya held first after Awakenin'?"

"I actually had this with me when I was in Pandemonium. I was naked except for this, and I used it to cut my fingers so I could write my name in my Watchtower."

"Now that's downright powerful, Sparky. Take good care of that, 'cause it'll be yer best tool. Ya Awakened in a battle, 'n ya threw yerself inta the fray without any trainin'. That there brooch is a weapon, 'n it'll see ya through yer comin' battles."

Sparky felt a small tear running down her cheek. "Thanks for protecting this. It's just ... this was something Rarity gave me. I don't know how to feel about that. We took out all the other stuff she gave me, but it's like she's still a part of my life if I use something like this."

"Ah cain't rightly say that Ah know how ya feel, but be careful not ta throw out somethin' that close ta ya. Anybody else could use it against ya. T'ain't a soul stone, but it's still got a strong sympathetic bond.

"'Sides, it might not be the normal meanin', but Ah figure that'll count as a 'cruel' weapon. Ya certainly used it ta give that damn rat possessin' yer classmate the 'what-fer.'"

Sparky did laugh a bit at the memory. It had felt so good to exterminate those spirits, protecting Sweetie Belle and her school from their malevolent influence. She would have to be honest with the girl about what the brooch was and why she was keeping it. Sweetie Belle would understand, likely even appreciating the irony of her sister's beautiful gift being used ad a weapon.

"Usin' a dedicated tool helps against Paradox," Pearl added once Sparky had relaxed again. "Even when it don't apply ta the spell."

She continued to lecture on the many forms and uses of magical tools, going into the greatest detail she could. She even cast the same minor spell four times, first with nothing and then using different tools for the latter three so that Sparky could feel the difference.

She was going back over the differences between regular tools and a dedicated one when they heard footsteps on the stairs. Sweetie Belle had arrived to remind them of lunch.

"Aw, shucks, Ah plum lost track of time. Thanks fer the reminder. That's all fer today."

While Sunset went to visit Pinkie Pie to assist in preparing the desserts for the cookout, Sweetie Belle went out somewhere. The cookout was to be a surprise, but Sunset was sure the young teen would return in time.

It was getting into the early evening when they started cooking, but Sweetie Belle had not yet returned. She was not with her Crusader friends, Button Mash, or Midnight. Sunset was getting worried. If not for the sympathetic connection Pearl kept on the girl to monitor for injury, Sunset would have been in her vehicle to look for her ward. It was not as though Sweetie Belle was a child, but Sunset cared for her as a friend and a sister.

Pearl called Clash and asked him to look for her. If she had not returned by the time the food was ready, their group would be forming a manhunt. With Sunset's skill in the Space Arcanum and her close emotional bond to Sweetie Belle, locating the wayward teen would be easy. They had plenty of items to use as sympathetic tools, as well. It was not how Sunset wanted to apply her lessons on their use, but she was glad for it.

Sunset was the primary chef, taking yet another lesson from her mentor on the magic of the proper way to grill steaks. Shoe leather was not permitted; if she allowed it to happen, she would be stuck eating it. They were prepping the sides, both getting increasingly anxious despite Pearl's spell not triggering, when they heard a vehicle on the drive.

Clash's truck stopped, then he hopped down to run around the front to open the passenger's door for Sweetie Belle. The girl was filthy, dirt ground into her clothes and coating her skin. She was not injured, nor was she as depressed as she usually was, so Sunset decided to have a talk about disappearing later in the night. Sweetie Belle and the baby were safe, so there was no need to hurt the mood of the cookout.

A small pure black cat sat on her shoulder. Sunset could feel that the cat was not a cat, but had no idea what it was. Pearl must have noticed as well, as she nodded at it and asked, "Ya make a new friend?"

"A few, actually. Do you mind if Clash and the others have dinner with us? I have a story to tell you."

"They're already coming over for the barbecue," Sunset replied. "We're celebrating the end of the school year. Pinkie's already on her way."

Giving a glare to Clash, though her grin ruined the effect, Sweetie Belle asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I thought you would enjoy the surprise."

As they all sat down to eat, Sweetie Belle introduced her companion as Karen. Both declined to talk until they were satiated. Only after the group ate did she relate her day's activities.

There was something about an amulet, an ancient ghost of an Awakened she called Mike, meeting Karen, and an eldritch god that Sweetie Belle had named Ted who had been thrown down from the Supernal Realms and bound into a lost temple in the Time Before. Ted had cursed her children to be Sleepwalkers, then became her friend before passing from existence and leaving her a big red scale as a gift. Mike had also crossed, once he was sure the world would be safe from the wrath of the being he had sealed. It was definitely just another day for Sweetie Belle. She simply took the entire adventure in stride as she relaxed at the picnic table and scratched Karen's ears.

"So ... now ya can see what Ah meant about meetin' new ... people anywhere, right? Though Ah'm pretty sure even most Awakened don't consider that normal, not even in the Mysterium. Ace?"

"Yeah, I think I'm just going to report this to the Hierarch," Ace said. "Expect a finder's reward from the Mysterium. You might want to hide that scale, though, or someone might try to take it to study."

Sunset still did not know what the cat was. Karen had not explained herself, though she seemed perfectly satisfied with her perch on Sweetie Belle's lap, just like a normal cat. None of the other Mages could identify her, but Pinkie offered the answer.

"I just wanna know what one of The Bogeyman's servants is doing here. I'm giving you a chance for Sweetie Belle's sake, but I'm watching you, buster."

Midnight imitated Pinkie as her eyes widened into saucers. She leant right into Karen's face to ask, "You're an Arcadian? Are you one of the Moirae? an Anachronism?"

"I have no idea what those are. I'm just one of the Lesser Fae, but I got tired of serving The Bogeyman and left. I imagine that old monster was surprised when fourteen of its human slaves and one of its Lessers disappeared."

Though Karen's face did not allow it to be seen, the smile was obvious from the tone of her voice.

"Why'd you leave?" Pinkie asked. "I've never heard of anything like that."

"Oh, quite a few of us do, but not many get out. We're more bound to the masters than you humans can ever be, so they tend to notice. When I escaped, I figured you Lost wouldn't want to help one of your old captors. I've been living by the river since then, hoping The Bogeyman wouldn't find me. I discovered that comforting children's nightmares helps keep those mad eyes off me and them."

"What about the people you brought with you?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I pointed them at the Freehold and disappeared. Let humans help humans."

Pinkie gasped. "You're the hero! I remember now: A whole bunch of people came back about thirty years ago on the first day of spring. They said that something had set them free and led them back through the Hedge. They still talk about you. We hear the story every year when the Fall Court takes power, since Fall Queen was one of them."

Karen tried to duck below the table, but Sweetie Belle lifted the cat back into view. Cat or not, Karen was blushing.

"I got tired of the kids my master grabbed crying at his nightmares. I, uh, I guess I got to liking human children. It's why I approached Sweetie Belle; she still has some childishness remaining, but I could also feel another within her."

"Aw, why didn't you just tell me that you like kids in the first place?" Sweetie Belle hugged her. "Karen, you said you'd be with us, right? Will you promise to help keep my baby safe from things like your old master if you can?"

The Fae cat gave a squeaky sound that might have been a laugh. "If that's what you want, then I will. It's not like I can disobey someone who knows my True Name."

"No, I don't mean it like that. I'd like you to stay because you're my friend. Sunset, Pearl, you don't mind if Karen stays with us, do you?"

"Any friend of yours is a friend of mine."

"T'ain't like we're wantin' fer space."

Karen offered a gesture that was likely meant to be a shrug. "I guess you're stuck with me, then."

"I guess I am," Sweetie Belle replied as she stroked her new friend's fur. She turned to Midnight with a grin. "I didn't think about it until now, but your spell worked out a lot better than I could've hoped for."

Sunset had no idea what spell that was, but Midnight would not have knowingly placed something dangerous on Sweetie Belle. When she had clarification, she merely sighed.

'Leave it to one of the Crusaders to take a simple Unveiling and turn it into a big adventure.'

"Ah'll see what Ah can do ta get us access ta that temple," Pearl said. "It'd be a right good place fer a few of yer lessons."

"Let me put in a good word with the Mysterium," Ace replied. "They're going to lock it down, but I'm sure I can get you in there at some point."

Sweetie Belle pondered it for a moment. "You said something about a 'finder's fee,' right? I have an idea."

The next several lessons took place within the ruins of the ancient temple, where Sparky learned more of the Time Before. The basics she had learned previously were straightforward, but the specifics gave her a headache.

When reality broke, it created the Lie - or perhaps the Exarchs imposed it - which prevented most people being able to perceive magick. She knew that speaking of magick to Sleepers was dangerous to them and led to a Mage invoking Paradox, but it was worse than Sparky had realised: Over time, Sleepers exposed to undeniable magick repeatedly would likely be driven insane. A single instance would simply fade from memory quickly, ranging from being replaced by mere coincidence to wiping the entire event from the minds of all witnesses.

Mortals - even Sleepwalkers at times - viewing nearly any magick would be plunged into madness. Only the Kindred's powers seemed to be exempted from the rule. Even the Lost had to be careful to avoid witnesses. The Equestrian magic seemed to be similarly exempt, but Sparky was a little concerned. Despite Ace calling her a Sleepwalker when he and Clash arrived at her school the first time and saved her from a possessed Flash Sentry, Clash's shift to his hulking wolf-man form had been traumatic to her.

Different people had varying tolerances for the supernatural; pre-Awakening Sunset had been able to witness Ace's magick but nothing else. The Uratha's allies of the 'Wolf-Blooded' could watch them transform and rampage with no ill effect. For some reason, Sweetie Belle could see and hear anything and go about her day. Even Pearl was scratching her head when Sparky mentioned it. They decided to drop the topic to preserve their own sanity.

After the Fall, gaining awareness of and access to magick became compared to waking from a dream, leading to Mages taking the name 'Awakened'. Sweetie Belle represented those partially between the Lie and the Truth, hence the term 'Sleepwalker', leaving 'Sleeper' for everyone else. Though Kindred, Uratha, Lost, and the other supernaturals were also able to perceive Awakened magick, they each had their own special magicks that might have been part of the sundered reality or may have existed before the Fall and survived.

The headache arrived when Pearl tried to explain exactly what had happened during the Fall. Not only had the world itself changed, both physically and metaphorically, but the ancient kingdoms had completely vanished. Those kingdoms - collectively called "Atlantis" in the West - had not simply vanished, they had ceased to have ever existed. Only the few survivors remembered their homes and passed stories down to their descendants, resulting the tales of such locations as Atlantis, Shangri La, and Mu amongst others.

A few locations were missed when reality wrote them from existence, hidden as the temple had been, but they also did not technically exist within the world. Such locations were called 'Terrae Incognitae' due to their tenuous connection to the Material Plane. It required Orchid's amulet - which she refused to give to the Mysterium, no matter what they offered - to open a path to reach the temple. She only entrusted it to Ace with a sworn, magickally binding oath that he would never give it to another, and that he would return it when the Awakened created a new path of their own.

Thanks to Orchid, Sparky was free to access the grounds at will. Normally, only trusted members of the Mysterium and high-ranked Awakened would be permitted, but the girl had insisted that her caretaker not be molested in visiting such a wondrous site. Though she wanted to explore the entire premises, she refrained from irritating the experts in their studies. The second part of Orchid's price for permitting them access had been to share everything they learned with Sparky and Pearl, so Sparky did not need to concern herself with missing anything, even if it would be far more fun to discover something herself.

The temple itself looked to be a mixture of classical East Asian, Near Eastern, Graeco-Roman, and Gothic architectural styles. Gentle, colourful light illuminated the grounds, originating from the air itself, casting the building in a pleasant evening's glow.

There were murals and tapestries within it, depicting events of a history that had never happened. Writing adorned the walls, some in High Speech, but most written in the cursive script of a language that had never existed.

Even the temple itself existed outside Time's provence; it passed normally as they were within the grounds, but leaving found them at the time they had departed the normal Material Plane, their bodies having aged as they would commensurate to the time spent at the temple. According to Orchid, the ancient god had known that a great deal of time had passed. Entering the grounds while another was present showed that time had passed for them.

Sparky had to accept it as one of the inexplicable oddities of the universe. She was sure there would be more, so it paid to be flexible in her thinking. For that reason, she would need to learn from Orchid, too.

Author's Note

Sweetie Belle's concern about the possible catastrophe she may cause by observing Sunset's magick studies is a shout-out to Wanderer D's "The Sweetie Chronicle: Fragments".