Sunset Shimmer: Student of Magick

The Hierarch's weekly speeches almost never lasted more than a few minutes; that was a good thing, as it meant the Awakened and their counterparts were behaving themselves. Unlike many leaders Sparky knew, he did not feel the need to launch into dry lectures or to rehash old topics. That particular week, the brevity almost felt like having a glass of water pulled from her just as she was about to quench her thirst. The five sentences Bronze Luck spoke gave Sparky very little time to prepare for her meetings; even including the time for him to step up to the dais and then to retreat to his office added only two or three minutes.

Before she could even pretend to be ready, the Herald was suddenly next to her. "Dark Ace is ready to see you now."

Solstice Cherry led her to another of the restaurant booth-like conference rooms. It may have been the same one she and Midnight had used, but she could not remember. Ace was already seated and gestured for her to take the space opposite him.

He gave Sparky a smile. "Normally, this is where I'd talk up the Mysterium and the massive libraries of lore, relics, and artefacts we keep, as well as our adventures in collecting them. Instead, I'm going to tell you what Pearl told me to say, and then later you will confirm that I did, okay?"

"I, uh ... okay?"

"Don't join an Order just because someone you know is in it."

"I appreciate her concern and yours, but I really wasn't thinking that way."

"Good. So, Sparky, what are your thoughts on the Mysterium?"

"I like the idea of gaining and protecting knowledge since I love to learn, but I was a little disappointed to find out that a lot of it is kept hidden, even from members. I understand a lot of it's dangerous, but...."

Ace nodded. "Exactly. Even as the appointed Councillor to this Consilium, I don't get much access. I started as an Acquisitor, now I'm mostly a Censor. With your ability to memorise and your Path's natural affinity for the Mind Arcanum, you'd probably become a Savant or a Curator over time if the leadership thought you could be trusted never to reveal anything without permission. That's why we always keep our eyes on new Warlocks. Any schmuck can go rushing into a lost temple, but only a few can recall every detail of what they would see there."

"So my Path is why you wanted to talk?"

"To some extent," Ace replied with a grin. "I know you're good at puzzle-solving, which is one of our most-desired traits. Your Path is just a major bonus in our line of work. Like I said, a few years of proving yourself trustworthy would net you some good promotions."

Sparky pondered his words for a moment. "Not that it's a bad thing, but you'd go up in the standings if you recruited someone who ended being a major boon to the Order, right?"

"Plus you'd be more likely to help me out unofficially if you were happy. That's how Awakened society works. I scratch your back, you scratch mine, just like in the mundane world.

"That said, I would recommend you think long and hard about joining us. There are quite a few downsides. One of the biggest, at least as far as you'd be concerned, is that we tend to have few connections to Sleepers and their world. You would probably have to travel constantly, and you would have to relocate permanently when you get assigned to an Athenaeum."

"Point taken."

"Any questions or thoughts before we call it?"

Like someone heading to an interview without preparation, Sparky found herself blanking on any of the questions she had prepared earlier in the night. One came to mind just before she denied the need for more time.

"What about Orchid? If I joined and got sent away on missions or to take care of knowledge, what would happen to her? Would she be able to come with me?"

"Maybe. It depends on whether she could be trusted. We have quite a few Sleepwalkers helping us, but," he sighed, "with the baby, it would be much more complicated."

"Thanks, Ace. If I do decide I'd like to join, how should I let you know?"

"In person or through the Herald. No messages."

Sparky appreciated Ace's integrity. Warning from Pearl or not, he could have told her whatever she needed to hear to get her in the Mysterium. It would have been her first choice if not for Orchid and the baby and all of their friends. She still planned to give it due consideration and to talk about it with Orchid and Pinkie Pie, but she knew it was unlikely.

They shook hands before departing. Solstice Cherry was already waiting to take her to the next meeting.

Marble, Councillor for the Guardians of the Veil, was next. Contrary to the cloak-and-dagger image of the Order, Marble wore a women's skirt suit. Her eyes were a dark blue that looked through Sparky. They had never met, but she was sure Marble already knew a great deal about her.

While most members of the Consilium were on the younger side of forty, Sparky placed the woman as being older than Pearl, though it could be hard to judge thanks to Pearl's mastery of the Life Arcanum that had slowed her ageing.

"We haven't had a chance to speak before, Sparky. Why did you agree to talk with me now?"

"You invited me. On top of that, I am curious about the Guardians, and I'm a little flattered you'd want to meet me. Besides, it would be rude to refuse, especially since you're a Councillor."

Marble offered a neutral smile. "I appreciate it. Tell me what you know about the Guardians."

Pausing for a moment, Sparky ran through the bits of description from Pearl and the references from other Awakened. "Starting with the negative, there's the whole cloak and dagger, spies and assassins thing. The mystery cults, to me at least, are neutral. On the positive, the Guardians are the best at making sure we don't get lost to our Magick."

"How does 'skulking assassin' sound to you?" Marble gave her an amused smile.

"At one time, I would have loved to be someone involved with a group that basically controls some big, invisible spider web. Unfortunately, I know if I started something like that, it would be really easy for me to slip back to being the kind of person I was before."

Taking the first expression of interest Sparky had seen, Marble asked, "Who were you before?"

"A bully. I was hurt several times when I was younger, so I grew to hate everything. I'm not saying my past was an excuse, though; I didn't have to do what I did. Since I wasn't happy, I manipulated everyone around me to make them hate each other and make sure they'd be unhappy, too. I hurt so many people that I still have nightmares over the things I did."

"The very skills that would make you valuable to my Order are what you want to avoid. When did you come to this realisation?"

She was not asking for the date. "It took a much better person than I was standing up to me and putting me in my place. No matter what I did to her, she wouldn't give up. She united the people I'd hurt against me, and she's been a role model for me since then."

"What else is there to say?"

With a sigh and a small pang of guilt, Sparky hung her head and replied, "I'm sorry I wasted your time."

Marble shook her head, offering a warm smile. "We Guardians are a small Order for a reason. Due to what we are and what we can do, too many lose sight of themselves. That you recognise the risk of that in yourself is a good thing, Sparky. Where do you see yourself down the road?"

"I Awakened because of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ever since, I've been finding out more and more things that are just plain wrong. The world was so happy and bright, but I've learnt that appearances can be deceiving. I'm not stupid enough to think that being Awakened means I can change the world, but I want to be able to help the people I care about."

"Your Sleepwalker friend."

Sparky nodded. "And a few others."

"Allow me to leave you with a bit of advise: Protecting those close to you is a noble goal. However, you should be cautious not to smother them, do not fall into the trap of seeing threats where none exist, and be cautious how you offer retribution. It is easier to lose yourself for the sake of others than it is for yourself."

"'The road to Hell is paved with good intentions'?"

"Precisely."

Sparky nodded. "Thank you for meeting with me, and for giving me advise."

At her next meeting, Sparky began to wonder how many booth-like conference rooms were in that hallway. She was in her third different meeting place, but only knew they had all been different rooms because she had been counting the doors.

Solar Helm had chosen an appropriate Shadow Name, as her bright gold, close cropped hair was akin to a helmet of sunlight. She carried herself with an air of authority, augmented by her seated poise.

Sparky felt as though Solar Helm was judging her movements and bearing in much the same way Rarity would form opinions of others by their clothing. Offering a smile as she sat, Sparky wondered if she had passed or failed some test in the Councillor's mind.

"The Silver Ladder acts to guide Awakened society through careful leadership. In what role do you see yourself?" Solar Helm spoke carefully, enunciating every word so that no sounds mingled from one to the next.

"I don't know yet."

Solar Helm regarded Sparky for a few seconds, her mouth in an even line. When she finally spoke, she said, "Given your background, I expected you to be more assertive and to have more of a passion to lead."

"You know about my background?"

"I can see that you know how to be a leader, but that you are suppressing that desire. One does not learn to be a leader and then unlearn their skills."

Sparky shook her head. "I know I can be a leader, but I've been one to seize control and use my position to hurt others. I don't want to do that again."

Still showing none of her thoughts, Solar Helm replied, "While harming others for one's own pleasure is never good, there are times a leader must be able to make hard decisions. Is it better to sacrifice ten now, knowing it will save one hundred in the future?"

"If there's no way to save them all, and you know for a fact the one sacrifice will definitely make a difference, then I can agree that you would have to make the choice for 'least harm.' I'm just not sure I could look at my followers after that, even if I could prove that it was the best possible option."

Solar Helm stood. "Perhaps the Silver Ladder is not the best match for you, Sparky. You have the skills and the understanding, you lack only the conviction."

"Thank you for your time, Councillor."

The meetings were going quickly, which was not an inherent ill to Sparky's mind. Of course, a major reason for the speed of the meetings was that something about her was disqualifying her being an effective member almost immediately each time. Pearl was still in the Great Hall, which left the Crusaders alone and meant the possibility of returning to mayhem. They had settled a bit, especially after Pixie's birth, but they still managed to have accidents on a regular basis.

The final appointment was behind the fifth door on the right of the hallway. It was the larger room where Sparky had met with the Trois Fleurs earlier in the evening. She opened the door and saw another restaurant booth. Taking it in stride, she rested on her side of the table and greeted Flawless Sword. Name notwithstanding, he did not strike her as a leader of the Adamantine Arrow, appearing too jovial for the militant Order.

"Saved the best for last?"

"You guys made the requests the way you did."

"I guess I arranged the answer to my own question. Since it's getting late, let me be succinct: I want you to join us. I know you know that Councillors are aware of everything that happens in the Consilium on an official level, so that means I know what happened at your old school."

That caught Sparky's attention. She had been aware that the Councillors were privy to all official business, but awareness was not the same as knowing the extent of that knowledge. "What all do you know?"

"Just what I need to know. Hate spirits infested the school and the Uratha agreed to let us work with them to exterminate the menace. While scouting, Ace and Clash encountered three ridden Sleepers assaulting a girl who Awakened during the fight. That same girl showed up the same day we were going to exterminate the spirits to rescue a friend. I was there, but you wouldn't have seen me. I was in the Shadow with the Uratha."

"Okay, so why do you want me in the Adamantine Arrow?"

Flawless Sword laughed. "I thought my summary of your Awakening made that clear. Not only did you Awaken in the middle of battle, you rushed headlong into the enemy stronghold - where they nearly killed you once - because they had kidnapped someone you cared about. Not the best tactical move, but understandable. From what Orchid told me while you were unconscious, you refused an offer to save yourself and abandon her.

"On top of that, your actions in combat distracted the beshilu and helped to repair the Gauntlet, which meant we had an easier time exterminating the hate spirits. All of that in sum was why Dark Ace and I petitioned the Hierarch to grant you a Consilium boon."

Sparky' eyes widened. "Wait, that's not a standard ... 'welcoming gift' for new Awakened?"

"Hardly. According to Bronze Luck, Pearl, and Marble - the three longest-term members of this Consilium - no one has ever accomplished so much with no training. You took charge of a bad situation despite a lack of information, Sparky. Saving a friend or not, most folk would never have done even half of what you did.

"The fact that you successfully pulled yourself through those trials is why I've had my eye on you. You might say I've been chomping at the bit these last few months for a chance to talk. Pearl can confirm that I've been waiting for her blessing to sit down with you like this. She's been keeping me informed of your progress."

"She never told me anything about that."

Flawless Sword laughed. "She wanted to be sure you were completely ready. No need to go promising something too quickly. Unfortunately, we've both seen our share of good starts turn out to be nothing but flukes. That said, my intel has continually returned nothing but good things. Though it was in no way beneficial to you, you offered a safe home to Orchid so that she could have her child. You took your expulsion from school and made the best of it, instead of bitching and whining. When the girl who lied about you confessed and apologised, you forgave her immediately. At every turn, you've already proved that you have an instinctive understanding of the Adamant Way.

"I don't want psychopaths. I want people who will struggle for what's important to them, and I believe you would be a boon to the Adamantine Arrow."

Sparky nodded. "I understand that, but what happens if two people believe strongly in different things and start fighting each other?"

"Good question. See, this is why I like you." There was always the possibility - a rather high one - that he was trying to win Sparky's allegiance. Something about his demeanour, however, made her more willing to believe his praise was genuine. "It's a lot easier to teach someone passionate how to control themselves when there's a disagreement than it is to get somebody to be passionate. We prefer to avoid violence, so we teach all our initiates how to control themselves. The ones that can't learn it don't get to move up into the ranks of the Talons."

"That makes sense. I'm guessing there's a lot of self-discipline as part of that."

"Like you wouldn't believe. It doesn't help that not everything works for everybody, so the Thunderbolt Guardians have to figure out what's best for each. You have potential, and you're willing to put yourself at risk for the people you care about. If you think you can embrace the Adamant Way, I want you."

Sparky giggled. She started before she realised it and could not stop herself. "That sounds like those old recruitment posters."

"That's what I was going for. There's a place for regimented life, which we teach during 'boot camp,' and there's a place for fun, like when I made you laugh. Do you think you could learn to balance the two?"

"You know about my living arrangements already. It might not be same thing, but I already have to balance a lot in my life."

Flawless Sword nodded. "Those types of struggles can build character or break you. We might not deal with that exactly, but you seem smart enough to apply what we'd teach you to your personal life. Any other questions for me?"

"What does this 'boot camp' entail?"

"You'd have to travel to our local Caucus headquarters. Not including travel, which is only a few hours, you'd be there three weeks. We'd be putting you through hell, kind of like what you hear about military boot camps. It's physical, mental, and magickal. Aspiring Talons can quit whenever they want, even on the last day."

"After investing all that time in teaching them?"

"We don't disclose anything that we don't mind others knowing, and we want members who want what we offer. Honestly, though, for all that we put them through, our dropout rate is low. It's the job of people like me to make sure that the people we send can take it. You think I got this position by kissing arse?"

"Do you mind if I think about for a bit? I'd like to talk about it with Pearl and Orchid."

"I'd be concerned if you didn't want some time. You can talk to me at a Consilium Forum or have Solstice Cherry contact me."

"Thank you, Councillor."

As Sparky left the hallway to return to the hall, she looked for Pearl. She wanted to tell her mentor everything and thank her. A good number of the Awakened had left, but there was no sign of her mentor. It was likely she was either meeting someone or had left. Neither Ace nor Midnight was present, either. As Sparky did not know any of the few remaining Mages, she decided to call it a night.

The drive home was relaxing now that she could drive a standard transmission smoothly. She thought back to the white-knuckled trips she had taken when she first started and smiled. Sweetie Belle had also become quite skilled at handling her car; the time for her to get a license was approaching, which would be very useful in their daily lives.

She pulled into the driveway shortly after ten and was unsurprised to see the living room light shining. It was a Saturday, school was over for the year, and the Crusaders were not exactly little girls.

They were dressed in their pyjamas, playing a board game at the kitchen table. Scootaloo seemed to be leading, based on the pile of chips in front of her, but Sunset did not recognise the game. They had moved the crib back into the bedroom, so Pixie slept in her rocker next to Sweetie Belle. The girls noticed her entrance and all waved.

"Since Scootaloo's so far ahead, let's just call it a game," Apple Bloom said. "We can start over so Sunset can play."

"I'm good. You girls go ahead."

"Was work okay?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Yeah, I'm just trying to decide which department to join. I'll tell you about it tomorrow."

"I made us a light dinner since we weren't really hungry after that big lunch. Your money is on the counter. I set aside a plate for you."

The girl gestured to a plate on the table next to her. A few steamed vegetables and the remaining thin-sliced ham awaited Sunset. She thought back to her most recent nightmare and shook her head.

"I'm good. You can have it tomorrow."

Despite Scootaloo's obvious desire to continue the game and presumably trounce her friends, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle began placing their pieces and chips into the box.

"Hey, what gives? Sunset's not playing."

"Ya already won. It's borin' playin' when we cain't win and we're just waitin' fer the end."

"Oh, alright. So, what's up next?"

The girls discussed options while Sunset poured herself a glass of water. She was sipping it when her mobile vibrated.

Ace had sent her a message: "Can you run downstairs for a minute?"

Thankful she had not yet removed her boots, Sunset hurried down to the drive where Ace's car idled. He was sitting against the hood, Clash in the passenger's seat and Pearl in the back. Normally, they were gentlemen and would have offered her the front, but Clash needed the leg room.

"Hey, sorry to call you out like that, but we're kind of in a bind. Something's going down and we've all been tagged to take care of it. Can you watch Midnight until we come back? We're hoping for Monday; I'll owe you for it."

"You don't need to owe me anything. Midnight's always welcome."

He glanced at the door to the flat, where the Crusaders were all watching them. "Thanks, Sunset."

He moved around the vehicle, opening the rear passenger-side door. From the groggy groan, Sunset guessed Midnight had been sleeping. Ace lifted her from the seat.

"Sunset said you could stay with her. Can you promise to go easy on her?"

"Uh-huh."

Looking back at Sunset, he said, "I can carry her upstairs. Where do you want her to stay?"

Holding out her arms, Sunset replied, "I'm stronger than I look. Get going, Ace."

Midnight may have actually weighed a little more than a medium-sized dog, but only just. She did not look underweight, nor was she short for her age. Sunset wondered how the girl was so light. Her hands full, Sunset could not return Ace's wave as he backed from the driveway.

"Midnight, would you like to stay with Sweetie Belle?"

"Sweetie Belle?"

"Orchid."

"Yeah, Pixie looks like a doll, too."

"Right."

The Crusaders were still at the door as Sunset ascended to the deck. Scootaloo pointed at Midnight. "Who's that?"

"Give me a minute," Sunset wheezed. Midnight was a small burden, but holding her while climbing the stairs was taking far more energy than Sunset had expected. She could have gotten Midnight sufficiently lucid to climb under her own power, but she wanted to avoid that and allow the girl as much rest as possible. Magickal powerhouse or not, she was at most twelve.

She was able to reach her bedroom, where she placed the girl on the lower bunk. Sunset helped Midnight remove her boots and jacket, then tucked her into the bed. A particularly good brushing in the morning would make up for the lack of dental care that night; luckily, Sunset had extra toothbrushes from buying a multipack.

Closing the door behind her, Sunset finally answered Scootaloo's question. "Her name is Midnight Radiance. One of her big brothers is my coworker. They got called to a family emergency, so I said she could stay with me."

"Oh, so one of them's yer boyfriend, huh?"

"Oh my gosh, Sunset Shimmer has a boyfriend?"

Before she could respond, Sweetie Belle came to her rescue. "Midnight and her brothers are our friends. They're friends with Pearl, and Ace told Sunset about the flat. Trust me, I'd know by now if they were dating or anything."

The other two Crusaders looked disappointed before their eyes started glinting mischievously. "Ah bet we could help ya get together with him."

Having heard of the girls' counterparts' disastrous attempt at matchmaking in Equestria, Sunset quickly shut down the idea. Two years earlier, she would not have been as concerned by such antics, but knowing that magick of several forms existed in the human world made the suggestion dangerous. Knowing the girls, they would track down a real love poison rather than simply place her in one or two awkward moments.

"Ace is my friend. You girls might not believe me, but that's really all. I'm not interested in dating anyone at all in the first place. Do you understand? No secret plans, either, if you want to be able to come for more sleepovers."

The little spark found itself plunged into a bucket of water before it had even begun to live. "Fine. Just don't come crying to us when you end up an old maid."

"I'll be okay, Scootaloo. I do appreciate that you want to help, just try to direct it to more practical things, okay? Like when you helped take care of Pixie today."

"If Midnight's in my bed, where are we sleeping?"

"Your bed's big enough for you and Midnight. Pixie would have to sleep in her crib, but I think that was already the plan, wasn't it?"

"Then where are we sleepin'?"

In response, Sunset lowered the futon. "Sorry about this. I know you girls wanted to sleep together, but Ace didn't have anyone else who could watch Midnight on short notice, and I don't want to make her sleep out here in a strange apartment by herself."

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo nodded, the latter saying, "That's okay. We'll get to play together tomorrow, too."

"Thanks for understanding, girls. I have plenty of extra blankets and pillows, so you should be comfortable. I'll get it set up, and then I'm turning in. You are welcome to stay up, but keep it down."

While Sunset collected bedding for the futon, Sweetie Belle moved Pixel Bit to their room. The baby did not stir at the transfer except for a small coo that dislodged her pacifier, which Sweetie Belle returned to her after wiping it on her sleeve.

The girls decided to go to bed as well, though Scootaloo had to be persuaded. Once they were all settled, Sunset turned off the light and tucked herself into bed. She hoped the nightmares would not plague her for once, but knew even thinking it would jinx herself.