Sunset Shimmer: War Mage

Saturday was the peaceful type of weekend they all enjoyed.  Sunset offered to keep an eye on Violet so Pixie could play a few video games with her parents.  Twilight, Trixie, and Lemon Zest each occupied themselves, sometimes pausing their own activities to join the gaming or to play 'Peek-A-Boo' with Violet.  Sunset took advantage of her time to study the child's mental development, partially for her own curiosity but mostly to ensure her Ascended master would not think she was slacking.

At lunch, Button helped Pixie to make a light meal.  With her father to keep her on task, the homemade cornbread muffins were perfect.  Even Karen, the pickiest eater, had no complaints.

As the the time to leave for the Consilium Forum drew near, the doorbell rang.  Sunset answered it to admit their teenage neighbour who had been the only babysitter to last more than two nights with Pixel Bit.  The girl's overwhelming energy had turned away most, but Stylish Sandals from two houses down proved capable of keeping pace with her young ward.  The two had bonded quite well over video games and dressing up in whatever odd bits of thirty-year-old fashion the teen found at the various yard sales and thrift stores around the city.  Violet liked her caretaker as well, getting excited and babbling whenever she recognised the hipster girl's voice.

When Sandy was settled with the girls, the adults piled into the minivan for the ride to the Great Hall.  In the years since Sparky's Awakening, the building remained unchanged, the local Diamond's bastion against the stranger and more dangerous things of the world.  The only difference was that the average weekly attendance had increased as the city continued to grow and more Sleepers Awakened or existing Awakened moved to the area.  Almost sixty Mages were present for the Forum, Sparky and her friends at least passingly familiar with and to everyone.

The Trois Fleurs, their allies, met them at the entrance.  The two cabals then joined forces to claim ground at the front of the audience.  They secured themselves against the jostling with a few minutes for greetings before Hierarch Bronze Luck took his place on the dais.

"Thank you all for attending this week's Forum.  With no violations of the Lex Magica or the Concord and inter-Awakened disputes remaining at historic lows, we can all enjoy the fruits of our labours.  I have only one announcement:  Remember that our Kindred allies will be hosting the Congressus Peculiaris next month.  We will release details at next week's Forum.  I look forward to seeing all of you there.  With that, I bid you a good night."

Light applause greeted his words as he stepped from the dais and made his way to his office.  Free to do as they wished, the community broke into their cliques.  Pearl and Ace were near the dais, engaged in their own fairly animated conversation.  Sparky and Jade Mind led their cabals to one side - away from the buffet table loaded with apple-themed delicacies - where Midnight joined them.

They all exchanged brief updates, the most exciting news being Walker's recent Gnosis development.  Sparky and the others had already felt that her spark was brighter than it had been the previous week.  It marked her second breakthrough, for which everyone offered their congratulations.  It was one of the few real milestones Awakened had, though most did not measure it except in relation to one another.

"I'm still behind Sparky," she lamented, though her grin belied her tone.  "At least that means having a trustworthy tutor."

"We're all behind her if you count pace."  Midnight directed a faux-jealous glare at the topic of the conversation.  Though Sparky was relatively new, her Gnosis had increased rapidly to the point that the spark of her soul matched Midnight's for brilliance.

There was little news they could share even with trusted friends, public venue or not.  Sparky and the rest contented themselves with personal anecdotes and listening to Jade Mind telling them of Amber Wish's developing crush.  She would not deny an attraction to their new staff member, though she bemoaned the fact that he was not a Sleepwalker and was therefore unlikely to be good relationship material.

"Not everyone gets lucky," Walker added, eyeing Orchid and Link.

"I'm surprised more of our old classmates aren't Sleepwalkers," he observed quietly.  "It's not like we didn't all see a bunch of wild things."

"The Lie doesn't apply just to people who haven't seen anything unusual," Midnight explained.  "We tested several people from that school over the years, but none of them were Sleepwalkers.  In fact, most of them had completely forgotten what happened there."

Jade Mind's brow wrinkled.  "How is that possible?  I know the Lie applies to Awakened magick, but I didn't think it would affect that."

She received only a shrug.

"In other news, we're planning to expand our sanctum," Dusk Shine said.  "The house next to us is going up for sale next month.  The neighbours are moving to California.  We'll be putting in an offer."

"Why are you doing that?  Is the house getting too crowded?"

Orchid shook her head.  "Not exactly.  Violet won't be moving into her own room for at least another year, and no one else is planning to have any additions any time soon."

"Dusk and I are moving out," Star Dust explained.  "We want to create a space for research without having to worry that the girls will get into anything.  Pixie is very well-behaved, but she does get enthusiastic."

"You do realise how your neighbours are going to take that, right?"

"Let them think what they want.  This is just part of our long-term plan."  She nodded to Dusk.

"Once we meet the legal requirements, we're planning to adopt."  A few excited murmurs met the announcement, but the others waited for her to explain rather than launch into questions.  "We're not old enough now, but we can use the time to establish ourselves."

"What got you on that plan?"  Midnight's eyes were wide.  It was no secret to any of them that she loved children.

"We're planning to integrate ourselves with local orphanages and shelters.  Star Dust will be offering activities, while I'll be a volunteer tutor.  We'll be watching for kids that show signs of being Sleepwalkers."

"So you'd be trying to adopt those?"

"Eventually, yes."

A few more questions and answers passed before the Trois Fleurs had to leave.  They still had a business to run the next day, but they offered one more round of congratulations and a promise to attend the housewarming party before departing.

Most of Sparky's cabal had their own associates or Order business, so they split to their respective social calls.  That left Sparky and Dusk together with Midnight, who asked, "Are you attending the cabal leaders' Forum tomorrow?"

"Of course.  Free food of this calibre makes up for three hours of listening to self-entitled blowhards arguing and accusing each other."

Both women giggled.  When Dusk was sufficiently recovered, she turned to Midnight.  "Pixie has her birthday party next weekend.  Were you planning to attend?"

"Of course.  I'm still her big sister, right?"

"She would be heartbroken if you weren't," Sparky replied.  "It'll be at Sweet Apple Acres.  I'll message the details later this week."

Dusk sighed.  "I have a Mysterium Caucus meeting starting Monday, so I won't be home until Thursday, but I need to finalise the party.  Do you think Ace would cover for me if I started multitasking during the lectures?"

"Let Link finish it," Sparky suggested.  She lifted her hands defensively at the rather hostile glare she received.  "It's not your fault that you had two obligations at the same time.  Next year, we'll know when the Caucus is, so we'll plan around it.  Can't you leave him a list?"

"Would you have turned down the invitation if you'd known?"

"I'd be tempted ... but probably not.  It's so rare to get an offer like this."  Dusk sighed.  "Fine, I'll leave a checklist on the condition you promise me he'll follow it, and that you'll check with me on any deviations."

"I promise."

When everyone had their fill of weekly gossip and began wandering back to their leader, Sparky called the night.  She was glad they could leave a little earlier than normal.  Dusk needed to triple check her checklist for the checklist for her trip, and none of them wanted to get in her way after the previous year's lost-master-checklist-of-checklists debacle which had ended in their house needing several repairs, as well as multiple neighbours needing their memories erased twice.  Pixel Bit had been terrified of anything with check boxes on it for months.

They exchanged their collective gossip on the ride, learning that no information about the heist had reached the general public of their city.  While Diamond Order and Seer of the Throne relations were usually 'kill on sight,' the Free Council sometimes managed to act as intermediaries.  Even without the Libertines, rumours had a way of trickling across the blood-soaked wall between them, and the Supernal Tarot was so well-known as to ensure news of its theft would spread.  The cabal could only hope no one would trace it to them.

Though Sunset did not trust the figure dwelling within Pandemonium, that being would at least keep her alive until she completed all three tasks she owed.  The voice in the shadows had made quite clear that she would not escape her debt so easily.  Though not promised overtly, she believed her friends would enjoy the same protection, even if they would not have needed it without her.  She may not have known the motives for her tasks, or why she was so interesting, but it granted her a modicum of comfort as she prepared for bed.

The next day's meeting was officially for cabal leaders, though anyone could attend.  Not all leaders attended, nor was it mandatory.  The Hierarch had established the monthly meetings to provide an outlet for cabals to air grievances before things escalated.  Considering there had been no call for the Sentinel in five months, either the meetings were working or everyone was suddenly getting along with everyone else.  After the first hour of listening to complaints about which party owned access to a particular Mystery - most of which were not mutually exclusive - and objections to the terms of various agreements or perceived grievances and slights, Sparky was going to assume the first.

The format was such that if someone had a qualm, they could note it in triplicate and submit it to the Hierarch, who would start with those before opening the floor.  He had just done so when a hand shot to attention.

"Volcano Fire has the floor."

"Thank you, Hierarch.  I would like to call Sparky to answer, please."

She could not remember ever being called in one of the meetings.  Dusk Shine sometimes was, since she offered herself as a witness to anyone needing it, and real or imagined slights meant she would have to testify on occasion.  Sparky stood when the Hierarch called her, more interested to know what she or someone in her cabal - since she had to speak for them when they were not present - had done than of being in trouble.

"My complaint regards Sparky's offer to teach the Space Arcanum to 'any interested party.'  Two members of my cabal and I have all requested her assistance and have been refused."

The Hierarch always spoke first to request clarification before allowing the accused to speak.  "It is the right of any party offering training to rescind the offer or to limit the number of students.  Unless you have an existing agreement that Sparky is not fulfilling, there is no merit to your complaint."

"No, Hierarch, we do not.  My objection is in the wording of the offer.  'Any interested party' was defined to mean any member of the Consilium or other Awakened in the area maintaining the Lex Magica.  Despite many of us being interested, there is a constant refusal to offer the training, thereby driving up the cost."

"Volcano Fire, that is again within the rights of any Mage.  The Diamond Orders do not prohibit capitalism, nor do we demand that anyone offering training make themselves available at a specific time.  That said, Sparky, is there anything you would like to add?  Perhaps you can clarify why have refused several requests?"

Sparky stood.  "Yes, Hierarch.  If I may address the gathered members directly?"  When he nodded, she turned to face Volcano Fire and as many of the other Mages as she could.  "When I offered to teach my Path's Superior Arcana, I did say I would teach any interested party, including the Free Council, the Nameless, and those living beyond the boundary of the Consilium, so long as that party is in good standing and follows the Lex Magica.

"However, I also stated that I would only be available to offer such training at hours conducive to my schedule except by special arrangement.  As stated, I am available during daylight except when existing appointments interfere.  You and several others have requested to meet at night - your regular schedule, as I understood it - which I am willing to do, though the cost does increase.

"I hope this clarifies my offer to everyone gathered here tonight.  Please keep this in mind if you wish to approach me to arrange training."

She turned back to the Hierarch, who said, "I see no merit in a formal complaint about Sparky's offer.  Unless you or any other party can demonstrate some prohibited, illicit behaviour, I am dismissing your complaint.  You may, of course, appeal this decision to your Caucus if you so desire."

Volcano Fire nodded.  "Yes, Hierarch."

After the meeting, Volcano Fire approached her again.  "Would you be willing to take a walk to discuss terms?"

"Sure."

The green belt was still vibrant, though a few leaves were starting to turn.  Sparky looked forward to taking a walk in the area with all of her friends when the autumn colours reached their peak.  The relaxing effect of the local flora ensured that no matter what Volcano Fire had to say, she would most likely be able to take it calmly.

He led her to a bench overlooking one of the artificial ponds before opening their chat.  "I guess that didn't work.  How much more will it be now to set up something this week, say Wednesday at the fourth hour, and continuing weekly until my cabal-mates and I reach Initiate of Mind?"

She was tempted to increase her demands in light of his calling her out publicly, but she refrained.  "Same deal I offered last time:  Teach me the Know Spirit rote and let my cabal have full access to the Book of Amulets for purposes of copying."

"Deal.  I'll get Sky Nectar to witness, if you don't mind?"

"No objections."

He ducked back into the Great Hall to return with the Witch.  Sky Nectar had become a popular choice for those needing a witness.  If Midnight Radiance trusted her, then one could not go wrong.

Sparky and Volcano Fire repeated their agreement to their witness, adding a three-day notice clause for cancellation and a waiver for serious accidents.  It was hardly the most complex arrangement Sparky had ever made, but the careful wording still required several minutes.

When they were done, Sky left.  Sparky was about to follow, but Volcano Fire was shaking his head.

"You give an air of someone that doesn't really care.  Anyone else would have upped the ante after I called on them like that."

"Your point?"

"You could charge ten times what you do for your tutoring and still have plenty of business.  I'm just curious at what goes through your head."

Sparky shrugged.  "I think we should share knowledge when we can.  Since even most of the Libertines don't just give up anything, I have to charge something if I ever want to get knowledge back.  I really don't care beyond that."

"Why bother with The Book of Amulets?  It's not really something that benefits Warlocks."

"Are you really enquiring after my personal studies?  Last I checked, we aren't associates beyond my training."  He said nothing, not even acknowledging his faux pas.  Sparky shrugged.  "It's useful to Alchemists and Thaumaturges."

"Before I contacted you the first time, I checked the rumour mill.  Sparky the Warlock is famous for offering real training for obscenely low prices.  Most of your deals don't even benefit you."

"Are you going somewhere with this?"

"Look, you eclipsed your cabal a long time ago.  You're allied to three low-ranked members of the Silver Ladder.  Even with your rapid growth, most of us wouldn't notice you ... except that you have one Councillor and two high-ranked Consilium members as friends, Prince Night Star visits just to chat with you, and your low prices for teaching are giving you a network across the Consilium.  A lot of us can't help but wonder.  That calm, collected vibe doesn't make you any less interesting.  It's like I said:  I want to know what you're thinking.  Call it a Mystery."

That briefly stalled her mind.  Sparky had been thinking of several retorts, but all of them escaped her.  After a moment of staring blankly at him, she said, "I'm a Mystery?"

"Maybe not in the traditional sense, but there are several of us who are trying to figure out your game.  Watch yourself, Sparky."

"Is that free advise?"

He chuckled.  "Yeah, sure.  You're screwing yourself over on the deal we just made, so maybe there's a little generosity.

"By the way, you might want to think about upping your prices just a smidge.  From what I'm hearing, the other Warlocks don't appreciate it."

"I'll keep that in mind."  Sparky offered him a genuine smile.  "Thanks."

Volcano Fire seemed a bit taken aback.  He merely nodded before departing.

Sparky had no other business that evening and returned to her sanctum.  The conversation played through her mind several times.  Volcano Fire had offered a warning, but she could not discern if he had been referring to anyone specifically.  She did not doubt that her peers were unhappy with her, but it may have been a mind game to ensure that her next students would have to pay more.

As she went to bed, she tossed the mental debate into the growing pile of complications.  Her final conscious thought that night was a wish that she had never bothered to become a publicly available teacher.