Sunset Shimmer: Student of Magick

When Monday dawned, Sunset was moving on automatic mode after yet another restless night of bad dreams. She made breakfast and then woke the girls to prepare for school. They were all seated to eat before Midnight reminded them that it was summer vacation for everyone but the hapless university student.

When she noticed that Midnight was wearing one of Sweetie Belle's shirts, Sunset asked, "Do you have a key for your flat? I can run you over there to get some clothes."

"I do, but let's wait a little bit and see if Ace comes back today."

The girls worked their small garden - a subsection of her own that Pearl had offered to them - rather than take a morning walk. Though Sunset and Sweetie Belle agreed they were not particularly interested in being farmers, both residents had taken to gardening and usually enjoyed the daily hour or two of maintenance it required. Zucchini, broccoli, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, spinach, and a few others grew in neat little rows as Pearl had taught them. They used an edge for colourful, human-edible flowers and various herbs at Sweetie Belle's request.

By that point, everything was growing well. The tomato vines had almost hidden their wire supports, the flowers were abundant, and they could even differentiate the weeds. If not for the guidance of Pearl and some of her staff, they would have pulled all the produce as soon as it sprouted. As the experienced farmer explained, "If'n it comes out easy, it's a good plant. Weeds have roots that go straight ta the Devil."

They had learned early that leaving Pixel Bit to her own devices resulted in the baby deciding to sample grass or dirt if she did not try to crawl into the activity. One of the tomato vines had to pulled and a new one sewn because of her casual excitement; contact with the tomato plant had left her with an unpleasant rash that had her crying for most of the day. Both had been convinced she would be horribly sick, but a little soothing ointment Pearl concocted eased the infant's suffering. Eating dirt was not as much of a concern - all children did it and survived - but they nevertheless alternated working while the other watched the bright-eyed eating machine and talked about gardening to her.

With Midnight to help, the weeding was quick. They noticed that a few of the cherry tomatoes were ready, so they ended the labour by harvesting the bright red fruits as a mid-morning snack. While Sweetie Belle held Pixie, Midnight manipulated the baby's hand to help her grasp one to pluck. Pixie squished it before shoving it into her mouth. She promptly made a disgusted face at the tangy flavour, which caused her caretakers to laugh outright in mirth.

As they neared lunch, Ace sent a message stating he and the others would be two more days. He did not provide any further details and Midnight had slept through any discussion of what they were doing. Her readings indicated that the people she considered family would be fine, so none of them were overly concerned.

They decided to go out for lunch after taking Midnight to her flat to get more clothing. She, Ace, and Clash lived in a complex in an upper-middle-class area of downtown. The four buildings formed a square about a courtyard that included a pool. Enclosed walkways connected each building to keep non-residents from the private areas, providing a veneer of exclusivity.

Sunset had visited once shortly after her Awakening. She remembered being surprised by how normal a Mage's home could be. They had all types of books, some family games, a kitchen, a television, private bedrooms, all the accoutrements to be expected in any first-world home. With so many unusual events happening to and around her and people who behaved in such strange ways suddenly appearing in her life, she believed her surprise was not unreasonable at the time.

Though Midnight invited her friends to enter with her, both felt uncomfortable with the idea of invading the flat while Ace and Clash were gone and chose to wait in the car. Midnight was quick; she was back with a small overnight knapsack before the first track of Sunset's newly purchased album finished. 'Bat Out Of Hell' may have been a ten minute song, but they were still surprised.

They had a simple lunch at a diner a few blocks from Midnight's home. The girl ate there with some regularity and promised they would enjoy it. She had not lied; Sunset's steak and eggs were delicious. The elderly couple who owned and operated it knew Midnight by name and not only gave each of them a free sweet roll, they also slipped a small discount into the cheque for their favourite customer.

When they were back at their own flat, Pixie decided she was done sleeping for the moment. She had been alert when they first left because she loved riding in the car, but the gentle motions had quickly lulled her to sleep. Even with the new sights at the diner, she had not been interested in remaining awake. Sweetie Belle settled her daughter into a bouncy chair so they could play.

Midnight proved that she was fully capable of assisting with the baby. She was already skilled at feeding with a bottle and burping. When the time for a diaper change arrived, she insisted on helping.

"You really like babies, don't you?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Well, maybe, but it's more like I've never been around one. Maybe I just like Pixie, since she's a good baby. I see them all the time, but the Awakened don't bring babies to the Forum. I don't remember being one, and it's not like Ace or Clash have any."

"I bet you'd be a really good aunt if they do have kids someday."

"I think I'd like that, but I really wish I could be a big sister. I don't care if I'd have a sister or brother. If I could have one, I'd try to be as good of a sister as Ace and Clash are good brothers."

"For what it's worth, I'm sure you'd be an amazing sister."

Midnight blushed at the praise.

"If you don't mind my asking, how old are you?"

Sunset perked at that. She was curious but had never been willing to broach the topic.

"As far as anyone in the Consilium knows, I'm thirteen. Even then, they don't ask and I don't tell. The truth is that I just turned twelve last month, but please keep that to yourselves."

Sweetie Belle gasped. "Why didn't you tell us? We would've loved to have a birthday party for you. We would have gotten you a present and cake and whatever else you'd like."

"Ace, Clash, and Pearl kind of did a small party."

"What about your friends from school?"

"I don't really have friends since most of the other kids' families don't like Ace or Clash. They think they're gang members or something. Even the ones who don't care don't like me, so I don't have anything to do with anyone there. It's just my brothers, and Pearl's like a mum to all of us."

Sweetie Belle sniffled as a few tears ran down her cheeks. Sunset knew they were affected but said nothing; the show was too entertaining. Midnight was a skilled Witch capable of seeing through Fate and Time to get what she wanted; she talked a big game and backed up her words with deeds, thereby keeping most at a distance. Sweetie Belle had a knack for getting others to open up to her one way or another, whether by way of honest smile or overt manipulation. A small battle would play right in front of Sunset; she was curious to see whether Sweetie Belle could get to Midnight.

"Aren't we friends?" the teen asked, placing just the right amount of wobble and disappointment into her voice to be convincing.

"I-I didn't mean it like that," Midnight stuttered. The brilliant Witch had completely fallen for it. "I'm just not used to being around anyone else who's not basically family or trying to be better than me. I like being friends with you, both of you."

Sweetie Belle offered her a hug. "I'm sure Pixie will be your friend, too, when she gets older. You know, I bet she'd probably think of you as her big sister already. If you want, you could be her honorary sister."

"Really? You don't mind?"

"She has plenty of honorary aunts. A big sister who'd treat her well would be good for her. You'd be able to let her do something stupid that I'd have to say no to."

"I can do that, but I'd still make sure she wouldn't get hurt."

All three of the girls laughed, which prompted Pixie to join them. Her laughter was still mimicry unless someone was specifically playing with her. She seemed to associate the sound with happiness and had clearly learned that participation gained attention from the big people.

They spent the time until she napped again talking amongst themselves and playing with her. After that, they passed the time in quiet companionship as they watched one of Midnight's favourite movies: Despicable Me. For being a newly adopted big sister, Midnight was also very much a little sister to Sweetie Belle. They were practically inseparable through the day, talked well into the night until they slept curled into one another's embrace, and proceeded stay together as though joined at the hip the next day.

Late Wednesday morning, Sunset heard a vehicle in the drive and peeked out the window in full expectations of seeing Ace's car. It was not, nor did she recognise it as belonging to any of her friends. The sun's glare did not allow her to see the driver.

The farm was somewhat remote, but it had sufficient activity and local popularity to keep malicious people at bay. The vehicle in question was a sedan, so it was likely not one of Pearl's business partners. Sunset guessed it was someone on Consilium business and went down to the yard to meet the visitor.

Trixie Lulamoon stepped from the car, wincing when she saw Sunset. She openly displayed guilt and nervousness.

"It took me some time to find your address. Would you ... be willing to talk?"

The young woman's lack of her third-person speech and the polite way she made her request were odd. Even after mellowing, Trixie had maintained some of her mannerisms, though she was more careful not to be so abrasive until the hate spirits poisoned her. She had been one of the most hostile toward Sunset in the final days of Sunset's time at CHS, which was likely the cause of her guilt.

Well over a year after leaving, Sunset had thought she would never again have to deal with that old mess. Thanks to what the Trois Fleurs had told her, she was certain none of her other former classmates were members of the Consilium. In addition, Sunset's friends had assured her that they would spread the word so that the students and faculty would not blame themselves. Even if none of them liked Trixie, Sunset was sure at least one would have made an attempt to explain the situation to her.

That clearly had not worked. Trixie had gone to the effort of finding her; the emotions and mannerisms she displayed were indicative of contrition. Whether Sunset blamed her or not, she felt guilty. That Trixie was there proved she had changed. Even if she had not, Sunset would not allow anyone to feel guilty for their actions under the spirits' influence. That blame rested on Sunset's shoulders alone.

"I'd love to." Sunset gestured to the lawn furniture. "Would you like to chat out here or inside? Sweetie Belle's here and we have a guest, but they won't bother us."

"Outside would be nice. I've been cooped up the last few days."

"Want some lemonade? My landlady makes it herself; it's amazing."

"If it would be no trouble. Thank you."

Sunset ran upstairs to get two glasses and the unopened pitcher. She was thankful they had been saving the lemonade for special occasions, such as evening relaxation.

Both girls were in the kitchen while Pixie slept. Though neither was likely to eavesdrop, Sweetie Belle knew who Trixie was and what her relationship with Sunset had been. If for no other reason than etiquette, it was best to inform her first.

"Trixie's here and wants to talk about something. I'm pretty sure she's wanting to apologise for what happened at Canterlot High. Do you mind staying inside for now?"

"No problem. Try to get her to come in if she seems nice, though."

"Of course. I'd never deny you the chance to show off Pixie."

Sweetie Belle just rolled her eyes with a grin as Midnight giggled.

When Sunset went back out to the lawn, she set the glasses on the table and filled them. She even placed little paper umbrellas just for fun. Trixie raised an eyebrow at the act before she accepted a glass and sipped delicately.

"You weren't exaggerating, Sunset Shimmer. My compliments to your landlady."

Sunset then produced a small bottle of vodka. "Care for a little?"

"I didn't take you for the type to drink; at least, not these days."

Sunset shrugged. "A little here and there. I don't like I used to, but I enjoy it in the right occasions."

"Why not? Thank you, but I'll have to watch myself. I don't have your tolerance."

They shared a conspiratorial smirk before each added a shot's worth to their lemonade. A few sips passed quietly before Sunset decided to get the ball rolling.

"So, rather than beat around the bush, I'll just ask: What brings you all the way out here? I haven't seen or heard from you since I left Canterlot High."

"Yes, well...." Trixie seemed unsure how to respond. She added another shot of vodka to her drink and downed the glass. Even for a light-weight drinker, it was so diluted as to make little difference. The placebo was likely far more effective.

"When I realised what I had done, I wanted to apologise to you. I hadn't known then that you left the school altogether; I thought you were only staying away until we all calmed down. It wasn't until almost two weeks later that Principal Celestia told us all. That was when I told your friends that I wanted to talk to you and asked them where you lived, but they wouldn't tell me.

"After that, I heard the rumours that Sweetie Belle was pregnant and had moved in with you. On top of that, I heard that you and Rarity had stopped speaking. I thought about asking them again, but it didn't seem like a good time to bring up the topic.

"Since then, I had let it slip. Your friends, Celestia, and Luna all assured us that dark magic had caused it and that you didn't hold any grudges. It was ... 'good enough,' I guess, to leave it at that.

"Last Friday, I overheard Pinkie Pie mention you and Sweet Apple Acres. She had been talking to Applejack, something about you being nearby. When I asked, I think they finally believed me and told me where to find you."

"Trixie, you really don't need to apologise. Like you just said, all that stuff was dark magic again. I'm glad you wanted to talk, but I'd rather it be because you want us to be friends."

"Friends? Mind-altering magic or not, I haven't exactly treated you well."

"Neither did I, but here you are to apologise for something that wasn't even intentional. Can we drop the whole 'I'm sorry' thing? I'd have to spend a lot more time on it than you would."

Trixie allowed herself a small giggle. "Then what do friends discuss?"

"What do you talk about with your friends from the Illusions?"

"They were ... groupies. By the time I decided I wanted to be friends instead, they had ... migrated to another act."

Sunset decided to give Trixie a hug. She tensed at first, though Sunset did not feel fear. Trixie relaxed quickly and returned the embrace. She seemed a little embarrassed when they released each other, but she was happy.

"Why don't you tell me what you've been doing since I left?"

Like Rainbow Dash, Trixie was more than happy to talk about herself. That part would never change, though Sunset could tell that Trixie was nothing like the braggart she had once been. She was attending the local university - as nearly all of Sunset's group had - with a major in theatre. She had even taken a leading role in their spring production despite being a freshman.

"As much as I enjoy being on the stage, I also enjoy working on props and effects. I think I'll continue to alternate in the future."

When she finished relating her story, she asked, "What about you? I'm sure you can't talk about what happened with Rarity and Sweetie Belle, but you must have at least a few interesting stories."

Sunset wanted to grimace but grinned instead. There were numerous stories, most of them completely impossible to share. Even things not related to magick frequently involved Sweetie Belle or Pixie, and those without content she would have to break confidence to tell were boring. There was always the possibility Trixie was a Sleepwalker, but Sunset did not intend to test her for it for the same reasons she did not test her friends: Aside from being a probationary member of the Consilium, she did not want to shatter another person's belief in a relatively simple world. If they were not Sleepwalkers, exposing them to magick would drive them insane. She would have to settle for being mundane friends with Trixie.

"Honestly, I've been focused on work and school. I'm studying Computer Science online and thought it would be a good idea to load up on classes each semester, so that keeps me busy. I still get to spend time with my friends, though, so I haven't gone off my rocker yet. Well ... not completely, anyway."

They both laughed. By that point, Trixie was completely at-ease. Her guilt had cleared; she was sparkling with good humour. She produced her mobile.

"Would you be willing to exchange numbers?"

"Sure. Hey, do you want to come inside? The baby's probably awake by now, and she loves to meet new people."

"Are you sure Sweetie Belle won't mind?"

"Of course she won't. You're a friend, so she'd love to flaunt her daughter."

"Very well then."

Midnight was receiving lessons from Sweetie Belle on how to feed a baby when the young women joined them. Based on the amount of baby food around Pixie's mouth and on her hands, Midnight was doing about as well as Sunset had for her first few attempts. Trixie, who loved Pixel Bit's nickname for obvious reasons, helped to clean the chubby cheeks. For her part, Pixie was content to return the smile to the new face.

"She is such a sweetie." Trixie adopted a mischievous grin. "Or is she just putting on a show for the Great and Powerful Trixie?"

"No, she's pretty good most of the time, especially now that her ear infection cleared up," Sweetie Belle replied. "I read a lot about happy babies and not-happy babies, and I was really worried she'd be fussy."

"I've heard babies tend to be less fussy if they have good bonds with their caretakers." Trixie had a wistful look in her eyes, her soul tinged by melancholy. "How do you do it?"

"Lots of skin contact when she was born and whenever we have a chance. Breastfeeding. Cuddling as much as possible. I just do what feels right. I get lots of advise from Mrs. Love Tap, too."

"Who?"

"Do you know Button Mash? His mother."

Trixie's eyes widened. "He really is the father? I heard rumours, but I was never able to tell what to believe since I wasn't there."

"He's been a really great daddy. His whole family has been amazing about everything. Even his brother's getting into being an uncle."

"You haven't had too much trouble with your classmates, have you?"

Sweetie Belle shook her head. "There were a few that liked to talk about me behind my back, but most were supportive. Even if they weren't, I had Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, as well as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Button said some of the boys teased him a bit, but I don't think they were really mean to him."

"The people at your school sound really nice," Midnight commented, a hint of jealousy in her voice. She spoke just on a level to be audible. It seemed she was back to her shy, withdrawn personality, the one she adopted in social situations around unknown adult Sleepers.

She had a knack for making herself practically invisible even without magick when she wished for it. Sunset had almost forgotten she was present, so skilled was she at becoming inconspicuous. It was a side of Midnight rarely seen, given how infrequently Sunset observed her outside one of the girl's comfortable settings.

Trixie turned to her. "I'm sorry, I failed to introduce myself. My name is Trixie Lulamoon. I went to secondary school with Sunset Shimmer and Sweetie Belle."

"Midnight Radiance. My brother and Sunset work together."

"And you come to visit?"

"Yeah, me and Midnight are buddies. Now that it's summer, we can actually hang out. So, you were really curious about having a happy baby. Are you-"

Trixie forcefully shook her head. "No, nothing of the sort. Just some of Trixie's acquaintances much older than you have babies that are obnoxious, so Trixie wondered if you do something special."

In her flustered state, she failed to notice her slip. None of the others mentioned it, allowing their new friend to keep some of her dignity after the outburst. Once she had composed herself, they continued talking and getting to know one another well into the afternoon. Midnight warmed to her slowly, but that was normal.

"I'm glad I came out here," Trixie said after announcing that she had to leave for rehearsal.

"You're welcome pretty much anytime. Sweetie Belle and I are here with Pixie most of the time right now, so we'd appreciate the company."

"I'll send you a message next week, but I ... won't be able to visit too often, especially when the new school year starts. I'm taking an exchange trip to Australia for the fall semester."

That got Sweetie Belle excited. "I'd love to see Australia. Make sure to bring back lots of pictures, okay? You have our numbers, so you can send us some while you're there. If you get homesick at all, you can always message us."

Trixie smiled. "I'll be sure to do that."

"Any particular reason for going?" Sunset asked.

"Honestly, I just wanted to get out of the area for a while. I've been feeling ... bored and maybe a little isolated, so I thought going abroad would make home seem interesting again."

"I know it's early to say, but I hope you have a lot of fun in the Outback. And no, Sweetie Belle, we are not singing 'Down Under' right now."

Sweetie Belle pocketed her mobile with a pout while the others giggled. Trixie then bid them well, accepting hugs from her two new friends before departing.

She had been gone less than five minutes when Ace and the others returned. After so many instances of him arriving with such perfect timing, Sunset was nearly certain he did it intentionally. Midnight was the first out the door, running to meet her brothers and wrap her arms around each of their stomachs in a hug.

"Sorry that took so long. A couple Uratha packs outside the Concord were getting aggressive. We wanted to head off any confrontations, but we also had to be careful how we handled the arbitration. Thankfully, we've brokered a deal."

"Do issues with others come up a lot?" Sunset asked.

"Not too much. They know better than ta mess with any of us 'round here ever since we started gettin' along."

"Wouldn't everyone know by now that this county's working together?"

Clash took the helm for Sweetie Belle's question. "I wouldn't say that we're 'working together' as much as we 'live and let live.' The Concord only gives us a way to work out internal issues without violence. We do agree to support one another from external threats, but that's mostly only for major problems that could affect the whole area. There are still many internal rivalries.

"As for the reason for the dispute, county lines don't exactly cross into the Shadow. Something like the Demilitarised Zone between North and South Korea has a reflection because of the resonance it has, but that's different. Even if you use a river or forest, they won't have the same shapes there. They'll probably be a lot bigger, too. This conflict was because of that: Two outside packs wanted to claim Shadow territory that's not clearly on one side of the line."

"Speakin' of, y'all should take the girls ta see the Shadow reflection of the Great Hall. It'd be a good, safe way ta let 'em see how everythin' changes there. Now, if'n y'all will excuse me, Ah gotta check on mah farm."

Pearl waited for their affirmations before leaving them. Sunset knew she trusted her foreman, but she still liked to keep abreast of everything. Given how successful her farm was - magick notwithstanding - Sunset guessed her mentor's "hands-on" approach was a major factor in keeping it running so well.

Ace, Clash, and Midnight left as soon as Midnight collected her things, all of them thanking Sunset and Sweetie Belle for their hospitality. As they departed, Sunset noticed that Midnight offered a sad, pained look to Sweetie Belle when the older girl's back was turned. If not for Sunset's ability to observe and to process minor details, she would have missed it. She hoped it was nothing, yet knew too well that Midnight would not have done it for no reason.