Sunset Shimmer: War Mage

Hospitalisation was not pleasant.  Physical rehabilitation was worse.  At the hospital, Sunset Shimmer had drugs to keep the pain from bothering her as well as staff who did not want her to move more than was necessary.  At rehab, she was stretching muscles and working a joint that were not content to hurt locally and insisted on recruiting other, uninjured areas to the rebellion to send burning pain throughout her body.

Transportation to and from her appointments was not an issue as Sunset's insurance covered them.  She had a set schedule that she had given to the ride service, so they would ensure someone was there to escort her in time for each visit.

Only two weeks after the hospital released her, Sunset was ahead of schedule.  Her doctor seemed surprised by her condition, obviously not quite believing that she was following the movement orders and daily exercises according to schedule.  One of the nurses, who was more trusting, confessed that they built timelines around the assumption patients would not do many of the prescribed exercises or would abuse their injuries.  The fact she could get something right made Sunset happy, one of the few bright spots in the recovery process.

After a day of treatment that left her contemplating taking a hacksaw to her leg, Sunset was glad to be home, though the apartment above Pearl's garage would not be her home much longer.  Pearl had made clear that Sunset need not rush herself out the door, but she did not want to impose on her mentor.

She was reviewing listings for available flats when someone knocked on her door.  She had no idea who it was.  Sweetie Belle was staying with Button Mash's family for the time being and would have been at school, and she would not have bothered to knock.  Sunset's friends would have called her.  Though she did not expect any visitors, she was not concerned as she answered the door and met Solstice Cherry.

"The Hierarch sends his greetings and asked that I visit you in person to discuss your living arrangements.  Though this is not a promise, the Consilium may have help to offer you."

"Oh, thanks.  Care to come in?"  Sunset waved a hand in invitation toward the living room.  "You're welcome to sit wherever you like."

The Herald nodded, taking one of the recliners.  Despite its comfort, she sat upright, eyes observing the living room.  Though Sweetie Belle and Pixie were temporarily absent, several baby toys remained in the corner.  Love Tap had plenty she had saved for grandchildren from her sons' infancies.

"I was not aware you have a child."

"I don't.  Pixie is Orchid's daughter."

"My apologies for the misunderstanding.  As stated, I am here to assist you in finding a new home.  What is the minimum space you require?"

"I have Orchid and Pixie to consider, so I've been aiming for one bedroom.  We can make do with a studio, though, if needed.  We just need somewhere that having a baby around won't be an issue.  She's not usually fussy, but I don't want trouble with the neighbours."

Solstice Cherry nodded.  "I apologise for asking, but what is your price range?  Do you have income?"

"Hey, if you're here to help, ask anything you need to know.  I'm working toward a degree, and I do have a little bit of money coming in."  Sunset named a figure.  It was a conservative estimate based on what she could get for the gold and gems Princess Twilight was sending her.  She hoped she could save the insurance pay-out from her accident.  "Any suggestions?"

"What are you studying?"

"Computer Science."

After thinking for a minute, Solstice Cherry replied, "I need to check with some of the established cabals and return.  Expect me in a few days.  I will send a message first."

Sunset was going to walk her guest to the door, but the Herald simply vanished by way of a Space spell the younger Mage did not recognise.  She did not know many, though, so it did not surprise her.

The next day was a visit day from Sweetie Belle.  Gibson would leave her with Sunset in the morning and Love Tap would take her back in the evening.  She sometimes thought it felt almost like shared custody of the teen.

Initially, Sweetie Belle had tried to visit each day to assist Sunset with day-to-day living.  The visits not only helped, they also provided human contact.  Pearl had a farm to run, so her companionship was limited.  Karen had insisted on staying with Sweetie Belle, despite having to pretend to be a regular cat.  The visits became one every two or three days when Sunset promised that she would survive and that Pixie needed her mother more than Sunset needed her friend.  She appreciated the help with bathing - despite how embarrassing it had initially been for both parties - and with cooking.  Sweetie Belle was not a great chef, but she could make decent food.  Her issue was getting distracted and forgetting to set a timer or to stir something.  With Sunset to keep her focused, the food never had to be tossed into the bin.

Sunset woke to the sound of the door opening and was surprised Sweetie Belle was so early.  Gibson was not known for being a morning person.  When she heard Button's voice and Pixie's babbles, she smiled, glad for the additional company.  Her cotton pyjamas were appropriate, so she did not bother to change before greeting the arrivals.

Sweetie Belle had a surprisingly bad poker face.  Had she been aware she was pregnant, her family would have known far earlier even without her telling them.  The slight eye twitch and the flush always made it clear when the teen had done something she considered wrong.  The difference between her perceptions and what Sunset or normal society considered wrong was shrinking, but fourteen years of their training would not be overcome in less than two.

"Uh, Sunset, Button knows about us."

"Could you run that by me again?  Maybe without the innuendo?"

"Innu-"  Slight pink changed to dark red as Sweetie Belle contemplated the implications of her words.  A few squeaks came before she found her voice again.  "I woke up early, so I was practising using Matter in the park with Pixie.  Button saw me, and I couldn't think of a way to explain it, so I ... sort of told him everything."

"You guys can use real magic?"

Like so many new things learnt since Awakening, Sunset could almost hear the spelling and knew Button did not have the right idea.  "Yes, magick."  She spelled it for him.  "The -k spelling is only for what we do.  It doesn't include all the stuff that happened at Canterlot High."

"That's so cool!  What kind of stuff can you do with it?"

"You just accept this?"

"Why not?  I saw you become a demon, the Sirens take those weird shapes, and your showdown with Midnight Sparkle.  Sweetie Belle changing the shape of the sand in a sandbox and getting all the dog and cat leftovers out of it is nothing."

"Hey, that was hard.  I don't have a lot of practise yet."

Button wore an abashed look.  "Sorry, I didn't mean it like that.  It just wasn't as flashy as some of the stuff we've seen.  It is still pretty awesome, since that means kids won't accidentally touch animal ... presents."

He received a small, chaste kiss on the cheek for his apology.  "Okay, you're forgiven."

"So, can we trust you to keep our secret?"

"Of course.  I don't want crazy government agents to take you away.  Or something.  Is there a whole secret club for this?"

"We'll have to talk about that another time," Sunset replied. "Unfortunately, there's really no way to teach it to someone else."

Button nodded.  "That's fine.  I'm not a big fan of the wizard class.  If you know any fighters or barbarians, though, I'd love to meet them."

At the girls' laughter, he asked, "What?  I wouldn't mind being the 'swords' part of 'swords and sorcery.'"

While Button played with Pixie, Sunset took a shower.  She was nearly finished with it when her mobile gave a message alert.  At her request, Sweetie Belle checked it and said, "The Herald is on her way.  She might have a place for us."

"Great.  When she gets here, would you mind taking the others outside?  I don't want her to know that Button knows yet."

"No problem."

The Herald's stoic expression was marred by one side of her mouth almost twitching into a smile as she entered the flat from Pearl's house.  Solstice Cherry was about as pleased as Sunset had ever seen her.

"One of our cabals is conducting research into using technological symbols, including programming, in magick.  They have a Sleeper team, but they would like one of the Awakened that can help them bridge the gap.  They would be willing to host you with pay for nine months at no charge in exchange for assisting their research.  They only require that you provide your own food.  If it goes longer and they continue to need you, they would keep hosting you."

"What about Orchid and Pixel Bit?"

"They can soundproof a room for you all to share.  In addition, you will be able to use this experience on your CV; they will provide you with an acceptable cover.  If you are interested, they would like to meet with you.  They are aware that you are both students and are willing to work with and around that."

Sunset nodded.  "Sure.  Can't hurt anything, right?"

"Excellent.  They can meet you now."

Sticking her head out the door, Sunset called, "Hey, I have to meet some people about a thing.  Hold the fort down until I come back."  She closed the door and turned back to the Herald.  "Are you driving?"

Solstice Cherry actually smirked.  She wove a spell around them that moved them to a private room in the Great Hall.  "How do you think I move about the Consilium so easily?"

They went to another of the meeting rooms, one that hosted an oval table and six chairs.  The Technomancers was a cabal of four:  Three men and one woman, ranging in apparent age from early twenties to late fifties.  After introductions, they reviewed what Sunset knew so far and tested her knowledge with a written exam one of their Sleeper contacts prepared.  They were all fascinated by technology and its potential for magickal applications, but they were unable to learn every aspect of all of it, even when they split broad categories amongst themselves.  Programming was one of their leading interests, a field only a few of the Awakened in the city studied.

While there were a few programmers in the Consilium, they were all members of other cabals.  Sharing research with fellow Mages - even within a single cabal - was risky due to the chance of another having a breakthrough in a Mystery and then refusing to share it.  By providing a home to Sparky, Orchid, and the baby, the Technomancers would be gaining someone studying to enter a field they needed who would also be far less likely to betray them.

She explained what her schedule was, including the time needed for her online classes and for babysitting.  Rehab was not permanent, but she only had an estimated end date for it.

They talked privately for a few minutes before returning a decision.  "We know you have claims to your time at the moment.  Once you get your therapy schedule down to two sessions a week, we would be set.  You would need to spend three weeks learning the specifics from the team, and then you should be able to do your work from home, since most of it will be analysis.  As long as you get your share done, you're welcome to keep watching the baby."

"Do you mind if I talk it over with Orchid and get back to you tomorrow?"

"That's fine.  Thank you for meeting with us."

Solstice Cherry had to drive them to the flat because Sunset would not be able to walk from the teleport point nearest her home.  Going directly to the farmhouse at that time of day risked someone witnessing them.  Even a small chance of a Sleeper being present was unacceptable, especially for Consilium business.

The Herald was not much of a talker when it did not relate to her work, so they spent the travel time in silence.  Parents and child were enjoying lemonade with Pearl when Sunset returned.  Pixie could not use a straw, so Sweetie Belle used a spoon to give her daughter a little of the beverage at a time.  Pixie loved it, despite the fact Pearl did not use much sugar.

Sweetie Belle approved the idea as soon as she heard the specifics.  They were used to sharing a room with the baby.  Pixie usually slept through the night, so they would be better able to rest.  Not having to pay rent would allow Sunset to save most of the money she received from Equestria, their food budget rather small thanks to buying with coupons and sale adverts.  Perhaps she would even be able to find some entry-level work after the research concluded.

Pearl was unsurprised to learn that Button Mash was a Sleepwalker.  She suggested Sunset and Sweetie Belle form their own cabal.  They could remain partnered in the long term in whatever form worked for them, though cabals made it obvious to their peers.  It would not be official until the young mother finished her apprenticeship, but even unofficial status would help to offset the chances of others trying to convince one of the girls to join their cabal.

Button supported the idea.  "If you guys ever need help, you can count on me.  When you get all caught up in reading ancient tomes of forbidden knowledge and brewing potions made from newts, I can watch Pixie.  I could make lunch to snap you out of it."

"That's ... not wrong," Pearl replied.  "Havin' a Sleepwalker friend fer support will help."

"Yeah, without Sweetie Belle, I would have gone crazy by the end of my first week."

"I didn't know you like to cook.  I thought you were only doing it to help."

"Are you kidding?  It's like crafting an item, except it's real and a high skill bonus means you can make epic-level gear-uh, dinner that tastes really good."

Pearl clapped a hand to his shoulder.  "Ya realise yer basically sellin' yerself inta permanent servitude, right?"

He shrugged.  "I've gotten to love cooking.  I don't mind, since good food with friends makes you happy.  I like seeing you guys smile when you eat something I make."

* * *

Pixie stared at her Aunty Sunset with wide, sparkling eyes.  "So that's how you made the cabal?  That's so cool."

"Yeah, we didn't think a lot about it back then.  There were only the two of us, since we weren't sure if Button would be accepted or not, and you were still a little baby."

"How long did your research thing take?"

"Right about the nine months they predicted, actually.  Thanks to their connections, I was able to jump right into professional work.  That's why I've been able to get all these nice work-from-home contacts.  By the time it was done, though, there was so much other stuff happening that I thought I'd go crazy.  That can be tomorrow's bedtime story, okay?"

The little girl pouted at being denied another interesting story.  "Fine."

She relented and smiled when Sunset kissed her forehead.  "Sleep well.  I'll protect your dreams for you."

"I know.  Good night, Aunty Sunset."