Sunset had her fun and thrills, but now she was just confused, aggravated, and most of all alone. All that madness she created, turning Canterlot into a toilet, and wishing to sit on it while she watched all those hypocrites and scumbags rot under her boots, gone; snatched away all in just one night.

After that loss then came another set of unfortunate events. Or should she say, unexpected encounters.

It was frustrating for Sunset to spend her time in that mysterious place with no one to talk to. She knew what isolation felt like, and she had practiced long enough to tolerate that dreadful feeling of being in such a claustrophobic prison that was her own mind.

The image she saw moments ago before she was drugged into slumber has been deeply ingrained into her head. Hell, that image had been the only thing that occupied her entire mind. Sunset was not sure how to feel about that. There were just too many questions and not enough answers. Though, she could be the smartass. She could try figuring it out by herself. But she knew that it would not be enough. She needed to know why she was being held there, by these mysterious shadowy people who claimed to have an idea what she was, whatever that meant. And more importantly, why the hell was Twilight Sparkle with them?

Twilight Sparkle, out of all people. Sunset thought she had seen it all, but apparently she was wrong. That one caught her by surprise, and she could not help but… laugh to herself.

Blessing. Curse. Redemption. Punishment. Oh, the agony of being under the universe's cruel ambiguity.

And then, there was that little bastard. The Devil himself. He had not spoken a single word since Sunset was taken to that place. She bet he even considered it entertaining leaving her completely in the dark like that. Perhaps, despite hating that monster, that phantom, whatever Flamepuff truly was, Sunset stopped caring, she relied on his presence. She did not realize that then, but she had to admit that it sucked not hearing his voice again. A joke, no matter how awful, could have lighten up Sunset's mood for once.

Flamepuff was absent. And Sunset felt betrayed.

Sunset could hear voices now. Many of them echoed like dissonant chanting; distant and muffled. She could only imagine what these people intended to do with her, and she had to admit she was at least concerned at the fact they had stripped her naked.

She felt her back press against a cold and flat surface. Her limbs were strapped in place, making sure she wasn't about to move. Then, she could sense them sticking several needles into different parts of her body. It didn't hurt as much, but it annoyed her all the same. A hand tinkered with her mouth and stuck a hose down her throat. She choked, but she was powerless to resist.

After a while, her head was being placed in some kind of brace, holding her skull tight enough so she could not look around. What were they doing? Whatever they drugged her with, it surely proved effective. She was fully conscious now, but she could not move at all.

"Begin with the operation."

That man. That mysterious man who, despite his age, looked like he could punch someone's head clean off their shoulders and his voice was the first thing that Sunset could clearly hear. She had already sensed there were a lot of them in the room, little metallic things clanged and rang in her ears that made her suddenly apprehensive, and switch her senses into overdrive but again, no matter how she tried to scream or move, her efforts were futile, as if her body was no longer her own.

There was no way for Sunset to recall exactly what had happened. There was nothing but agonizing pain that was heavy and brutal. It only elevated when she was not even allowed to scream. She knew they cut through her. She knew they planted something inside her that didn't belong in her body.

Sunset could not tell how long it had been that way, but when it was over, she finally opened her eyes and immediately knew something was different.

A spacious room lit only by candlelight welcomed her, and she was seated at the end of a long wooden table, both sides occupied by strangers who were dressed in neat and formal outfits. Members of which consisted of teenagers, adults, and seniors, their faces casting shadows that covered their eyes, and they all faced her direction, quiet like the shadows themselves.

Sunset was still for a moment, trying to comprehend the peculiarity of her situation. She scanned herself and found that she was no longer naked. Instead she was neatly dressed, but nothing extraordinary. Confusion struck her again like a pounding hammerhead. In a surprising convenience, there was a mirror laid on top of the table in front of her.

Sunset grabbed it and finally she saw the work that these people had done to her.

"W-what the…?"

Her left eye was different. Very different. It was tainted with the darkest black, and her iris was a glowing crimson red. She looked terrifying. Monstrous even. And although she expected herself to lash out and murder the people at the table with her, she remained in her seat, and laughed quietly.

"What is happening?" Sunset whispered, confused but couldn't stop smiling.

"Welcome back, Sunset Shimmer." The man said, who was seated at the other side of the table across the redhead. His voice was so calm and quiet. "How are you feeling?"

Sunset gaped. She didn't know where to start. "I… I'm just wondering why I'm here in this–what is this? Where am I? Is this a castle? Just who exactly are you people?"

"I see you're perplexed." The man said, smiling subtly. "Well then, allow me to properly introduce myself. My name is Somba," he stood from his seat, stretching his arms out as he gestured to the entire table. "...and we are The Court." He said, slow and with emphasis.

Sunset tried to assimilate the reality of what was being said.

Sombra's eyes were glowing with intent. He walked out of his seat and slowly paced the room with his arms behind his back, eyes not leaving Sunset's. "As I have told you before, we have been observing you and your little 'activities' back in Canterlot. We know what you are, which is something that does not belong here in this realm of existence, and yet, the universe still warrants you to dwell on this Earth, while you pretend to be one of us."

There was a hint of spite in his words that Sunset recognized but did not acknowledge.

"Fortunately, we have been told of your unlikely history, as well as your intriguing capabilities. The kind that could only reside within a child's wildest imagination and if it were all true, it would put the work we have done in great jeopardy."

Sunset never thought it was possible for her to feel uncomfortable upon hearing those words. These people knew more than she thought.

"You are a remarkable specimen, but dangerous all the same. And it is our responsibility to contain what must be contained; walking anomalies such as yourself." Sombra said. "I am sure you are wondering what had happened during your unconscious state."

"What the hell did you do to me?" Sunset asked with a frown.

"Due to your volatile behavior, we can never allow you to roam freely without some kind of restriction. And while placing you inside a confined area would be a plausible option, it is clearly not innovative by any standards. It would be such a waste if we choose to keep you in chains."

"So you're keeping me alive?" Sunset said with an amused smile. Not gonna lie, she truly felt flattered despite the obviously inhumane treatment.

"Yes. But we still have our precautions." Sombra said, his voice firm and with conviction. "That is why we implanted a special device that connects deep into your brain."

There goes the flattery.

"Who did this to me?" Sunset pointed to her face, sounding like she was ready to pounce at someone.

Sombra smiled, as if he had anticipated such a question to come out the entire time. He turned his gaze towards the table and gave a small confirming nod to one of the members. Sunset followed his direction and then she saw Twilight Sparkle, standing up from her seat.

"Twilight…"

Twilight barely acknowledged her, and shortly after, she glanced away in negligence. Or was it discomfort? Sunset wasn't sure anymore.

Sombra took notice of the two's subtle interaction, but he never questioned it, neither did he express his surprise.

"My brilliant apprentice, Twilight Sparkle, had the device designed only for you." Sombra said, a light boast in his tone.

Sunset's jaw was practically on the floor. Apprentice? Of a man clearly the leader of a shady organization of questionable people? How? When? Things were starting to get stressful for her, and she didn't know how long she could take it.

Meanwhile, Twilight didn't speak. She just stood there out of compliance towards Sombra, like a ghost among the shadows.

"There is a chip in the device, intricately and carefully programmed to restrict you from going against certain rules. It also informs us of your location and current activity, which is why we decided to place it inside of your new eye." Sombra said, moving closer to where Sunset sat until his shadow completely loomed over her. "So, Sunset, if I say that you are now the property of The Court, that you will serve us in any way that you will be of service, that you will belong to no creed nor league but ours, I mean exactly that."

Wait. This wasn't right, Sunset thought. After all the things she had done to earn the fear of Canterlot's underbelly, there was no way in hell she would just become a goddamn puppet at the end of that endeavor.

"No."

"What was that?"

"You think you can control me like I'm some kind of lab rat?" Sunset grabbed the mirror and smashed it against the table, then picked up the piece of glass after. "Not a goddamn chance."

"I believe that will be fruitless." Sombra warned casually.

"Watch me, grandpa." Sunset shot back. She was ready to shove the glass into her eye when suddenly her hand stopped moving. "W-what? Why…?

"You really think I would design such a device without a program that restricts you from removing the implant? Let alone, kill yourself in the process?"

Sunset stopped when she finally heard Twilight's cold and sharp voice. She put down the glass shortly after in an act of bitter defeat, while she laughed exasperatedly. She saw the members of The Court exchange delighted looks as she settled in her shame.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it looks like the device is proven effective." Sombra turned to the members with outstretched arms.

The entire table broke into a gentle applause, as did Sombra, looking proud at Twilight, who merely returned a thin smile. The scene gradually turned Sunset's confusion and exasperation into rage that was burning up a furnace inside her chest. But all she could do was force a painfully wide smile, while her other hand bled from clenching the glass too hard, staining the carpet under her feet.

"Remember, Sunset. You are not a prisoner. We just needed to make sure that you will not come lurking to murder one of The Court's members."

Oh, you have no idea, old man.

The glass snapped, then she opened her hand and let go of the glass, the sharp pain making her bloody fingers tremble.

"I can assure you, everyone. She is as docile as a mouse. She will never lift a finger unless she is ordered to do so." Twilight said to the members at the table.

"Excellent work, Twilight. You never disappoint." Sombra said.

The Court continued to shower Twilight with their compliments, which eventually lead to a series of curious inquiries regarding the process of her work. Twilight seemed delighted to talk with the members, as if they had known her for a very long time and she had known them. The Court acted uniformly formal in the most casual of ways.

It was a scene that Sunset watched with astonishment and undeniable bitterness. It was as if they were celebrating her shame after someone poured garbage over her head. With that someone being Twilight herself.

The following events accentuated the already alienating atmosphere for Sunset. Members of The Court would get up from their seats to take a good look at her. They never bothered to value her personal space, sometimes getting so close to her she could literally feel their breaths. They didn't harm her nor handled her too harshly, no. In fact, they were gentle, and Sunset thought they acted like curious little children seeing a dinosaur wax figure for the first time, and she could not resist.

This is getting ridiculously weird.

At last, after a session of small talks between the members, and some follow-up compliments to Twilight, dinner was being served.

Sunset barely touched her food, which, she wasn't about to lie, looked like it was made by all the finest chefs in the world. Too bad she didn't have the appetite. Not when the first thing she could see across the table was that old man Sombra eating contently with Twilight by his side. Sunset watched them closely, mindlessly bending a fork in one hand.

The Court member that was seated beside her would suddenly recommend her drinks and food with their pleasant yet nearly irritating politeness. Sunset waved a grumpy hand, barely eyeing them. She watched the entire table eat. She heard them speak in elegant words but she didn't bother to actually listen. Everything was too proper. Too organized. Too balanced. If Sunset wasn't already unstable in the head, she would have lost it right there.

Maybe that's what Twilight wanted; for Sunset to claw at her own face while these people laughed at her degradation. But no. Sunset would not allow that.

Sunset dropped the now curled-up fork onto the carpet, taking in a deep sigh while she tried to turn her scowl into a fake smile.

Sombra dismissed the members of their juncture, and it wasn't long until it was only him, Twilight and Sunset left in that hall. There was an air of expectancy and dreadfulness settling in, that it seemed like only Sunset was infected by. Maybe it was the chip in her head that made her feel like that. Just maybe.

"So is this the part where you lock me up somewhere with chains and all that jazz?" Sunset half heartedly humored.

"On the contrary, I was just about to escort you to your respective quarters myself." Sombra said. "We usually have specific people to tend to our new recruits around the premises, but in your case, I'll make an exception."

"New recruit, huh?"

"Arrangements regarding your position are still being considered." Sombra answered.

Sunset found no reason to resist Sombra's orders, so she grudgingly obliged with a deep sigh. "Whatever you say, grandpa." She muttered under her breath before walking up to Sombra's direction.

"Also, Twilight, I hope you don't mind joining us."

Sunset stopped in her tracks. She looked at Twilight, who glanced at her for a moment. There was a hint of hesitance in her violet eyes, but then she looked back at Sombra, and they were replaced with the look of untainted loyalty, which again made Sunset unknowingly clench a fist.

"No, I don't." Twilight said.

"Perfect." Sombra turned to Sunset. "Let's be on our way."

The entire time, Sunset tried to distract herself, turning her attention towards the dark towering corridors that were decorated in such ornate ways. Walls ingrained with haunting portraits of ancient eyes like an entire jury looking down at them. Some of the structures were the distorted mirror images of things that only resided within the plane of her foggy and nearly forgotten recollections that didn't matter anymore at that point in time. Still, having all that gothic spectacle around her just wasn't enough from keeping her thoughts away from the fact that she was walking with Twilight Sparkle herself.

Sombra's strong and looming form separated the two of them as they walked along at either side. None of them uttered a single word the entire time, and that made it more uncomfortable. Unbearable even. Sunset would steal a few side-glances from Twilight's direction, and each time she would see that steady look on her face, barely blinking and barely any light within them. There was a building tension between them, so thick that Sunset could cut a knife into it.

But she wasn't about to act like it affected her.

"One question," Sunset cleared her throat as she held up a finger. "What exactly does 'The Court' do?"

"There is a reason to our secrecy. But I am certain you are intelligent enough to realize that." Sombra said, eyes remained darted forward.

Sunset wasn't sure if the old man just spat sarcasm at her. These people were truly hard to read sometimes. "I bet. How could you possibly be worse than the mob?"

"The mob is nowhere near our level of control and power." Sombra said slowly.

Huh. Just little pieces in an elaborate game of chess.

"And now, I'm suddenly curious." Sunset said in a low and intrigued voice, eyes darting at the girl next to Sombra. "What's the matter, Twilight? Not much of a talker tonight, huh?"

Sunset caught Twilight tense up at the sound of her name being called, and she did not expect to actually love such reaction. After blinking twice, Twilight resumed her stoic demeanor.

I see you.

"I'm sure you've been talking quite a lot." Sunset was already grinning, but was quite surprised when she received an eye roll.

"My, you are as intelligent as previously mentioned." Twilight spoke, monotonously and with a thick coat of what Sunset recognized as scalding mockery.

Sunset suddenly found herself tongue-tied, whether it was from the astonishment or the unexpected venom from Twilight's tone, she wasn't entirely sure.

By the looks of it, Sombra was welcoming in the most unconventional sort of way, while Twilight embodied the total opposite, and Sunset was quick enough to notice such dynamic. Just the thought of it kept clawing into her mind, taunting her to do something.

The three of them stopped at a corridor lined with doors at both sides. Sunset had been so occupied that she couldn't even remember how many turns they took before they got there.

"These will be your new quarters." Sombra announced.

Sunset let her eyes rest on the wooden door decorated with carving resembling the shape of a familiar sunburst. She laughed.

"Oh, you just had to." Sunset then noticed there was no handle. She was about to make a comment until she saw the fingerprint scanner on the wall beside the door frame.

Instinctively, she planted a thumb against the scanner. A soft beeping sound rang twice and the door automatically slid to the side, allowing Sunset to get a glimpse of the room.

"You have been provided with all the necessary supplies that you will be needing for the upcoming days." Sombra said.

"You're saying that as if you'd send me to war."

Sombra smirked at the comment. "You'd be surprised of the developments that befall those who serve under The Court."

"That's comforting to know."

"Good." Sombra stepped back and gave a firm look. "Expect me to summon you by tomorrow. There are matters to be discussed regarding your current situation."

"It's not like I have a choice anyway." Sunset sighed, running a hand against the door frame.

Sombra let out a contented sigh as he rearranged the red tie on his neck. "This has been a pleasure, Sunset Shimmer." He turned around to face Twilight who had been standing patiently at the middle of the corridor.

"Shall I escort you too? Or do you have other things to take care of?" The last sentence was slow and came out almost aware.

Twilight pursed her lips into a thin line, slightly shaking her head. "I'll be fine." She said softly. "You should be seeing Vanta at this moment. He has some things to discuss with you in private."

The two shared looks of understanding, followed by looks of ease and comfort. Sombra gave a gallant nod to the younger girl and said, "Very well. Good night, my dear."

"Good night."

With that, Sombra left, leaving Twilight alone in the corridor. Sunset was leaning against the door frame, who had been watching the two's earlier interactions. And there it was again. The feeling of heaviness and other emotions that Sunset could no longer comprehend, and she had learned to loathe them altogether.

It was only her and Twilight. And the suffocating air made it difficult to say a word. How could Sunset even manage? The questions that had been standing by in her head were now jumbling violently in a directionless panic yet on on the surface, Sunset remained stiff and intact, her eyes focused as she pondered her next move.

Their eyes met. Sunset could sense hatred within Twilight's calm and nearly blank facade. She searched for some kind of conflict. A hint of forgiveness, or maybe a little bit of understanding, but Twilight had her walls up high, and Sunset did not know how to climb them. The girl's violet eyes were less warmer, less brighter, and less inviting.

The two waited for either of them to destroy the silence, until Sunset spoke, her voice more uncertain and somewhat cautious.

"I know that an apology wouldn't suffice. But it's safe to say that I understand if you hate me." Sunset said, trying her best not to fumble.

"And I guess it's also safe to say that 'hate' isn't a strong enough word to describe how I feel about you right now." Twilight shot back, her voice low and quiet.

Sunset forced out a chuckle. "I know that. I mean, you and your new group of friends have been watching me." She took a step closer, her eyes trying to maintain its focus on Twilight's. "You also told them about me."

"I only told The Court what they needed to know." Twilight said. "We're both aware of what you're truly capable of. The Court has every right to disarm you in any inhumane way possible and lock you away where no one could ever find you. But the reason why they don't is because Sombra chooses to let you be."

Hearing the old man's name come out of Twilight's lips left a bad taste in Sunset's mouth, but that won't stop her from trying to play around a bit.

"I see how this is. You think I'm a monster, don't you? I'll ask you now. How are you any different?" Sunset smirked, the shame and uncertainty now gone from her eyes, and was replaced by a chilling darkness, making her red eye glow intensely. "It seems like I'm not the only one who'd been stripped from grace, am I?"

Twilight remained still and unfazed, while Sunset circled around her like a prowling predator.

"You know, if given the chance and the power, I think you are just as capable of doing horrible things as I am."

"We are nothing alike." Twilight said sternly, eyes focused onwards while she could feel Sunset's presence behind her.

"Oh, really? After all those years, I think I have the right to say that you and I are not so different. I know you like the back of my hand." Sunset whispered with a sense of cognizance.

Twilight let out an audible scoff and turned around to face the towering redhead, eyeing her with recalcitrance. "You don't. You have no idea who I am and you are in no position to assume like you do."

There was barely a foot between them, and Sunset couldn't help but want to close that little space and grab Twilight by the waist. She twitched. She struggled. Then after a brief moment of confusion, it dawned on her.

"This is just a joke. You're so damn close. But…" Sunset sighed heavily and laughed. "I can't even lift a hand to hold your face."

"Why would I ever allow you to?"

"Of course. You don't trust me." Sunset's words had an acrid aftertaste. "You know what's eating me alive right now? The questions that I have, rambling inside my head? I still can't figure out how and why you got here. This place, the fucking cult, that old man Sombra who's now my goddamn Master–thousands of path you could've taken and yet you ended up here."

"And you suddenly act like you give a damn. Just like that. After all this time." Twilight retaliated.

Sunset realized her sudden outburst, and she clenched her jaw in frustration. She blinked, shoving the unpleasant emotions away, and letting the darkness in her eyes return once again.

"This apathetic facade you have won't last forever. I know that the walls you've built aren't as strong as you think. Trust me, I'll find a way to destroy all of them and I'll finally get a glimpse of you."

Twilight took a step closer until there was merely an inch of space between them. Sunset could feel her whole body being tempted to make a move. But the moment she thought about it, her muscles locked up again, like she was being held in place by a giant invisible wrench.

The top of Twilight's head barely grazed Sunset's nose, but despite the significant height difference, she had a strong look in her eyes and it made it seem like she was completely looking down at the taller girl before her.

"There's nothing for you to get a glimpse at. I'm not your friend, and I'm not your ally. We may be serving under the same order but this union of ours means nothing."

With that, Twilight turned her back and walked away.

"You can't just leave me in the dark here." Sunset demanded, making Twilight stop in her tracks.

She glanced over her shoulder, barely any recognition in her eyes, but with all the loathing in the world. "Did you even think about that when my brother and father died?"

The words came unexpected like an arrow to the head, and Sunset was once again beaten.

Twilight's lips curled into a small satisfied smile. "And you have the audacity to question the path that I've taken."

There was no protest being made when Twilight finally vanished into the dim corridors. Once again, the feeling of gnawing loneliness and defeat engulfed Sunset as she quietly entered her room and closed the door shut behind her. She stood at the middle, soaking in the unfamiliarity that was about to join her in her isolation.

The room itself was fairly decorated. There were no windows, just a few paintings hanging on the wall, warm lights gave the room a much welcoming vibe, and a medium sized bed facing a large matte black closet that stood at the opposite side.

Curious and had nothing else left to do, Sunset walked towards the closet with heavy footing. She opened the doors and was surprised when it revealed a neat display of a familiar outfit. The outfit featured a black trench coat draped over a bright red body shirt. Under it hung a pair of fitting pants and placed at the base of the closet was a pair of mean looking boots.

Sunset opened the doors even wider, and there she found a small arsenal filled firearms and weapons placed at the back of one door while the other had a single mirror. Upon closely inspecting the reflective apparatus, she once again saw what The Court had done to her. What Twilight had done to her.

She turned towards the collection of neatly placed weapons at the opposite side, and felt her fingers itching to grab a hold onto one of them. With much eagerness, she took the biggest dagger from the collection and let her eyes fall upon the lethal beauty of its craftsmanship.

The devious and most malicious part of her mind wandered into dark territories, and she began fantasizing about the things she could do with all the tools before her. But then she would look at the mirror, and she was reminded that she was no longer in control. And she was reminded of the freedom that had been snatched away from her.

Feeling that suppressed anger boil up her throat, Sunset took a step back and take a good look at the organized setup before her, and after further recognizing what it all signified, all the pleasant sentiment she had earlier evaporated, turning them into rotten clumps of resentment.

She tried it again. She tried to convince her muscles to plunge the dagger deep into her left eye. She grunted and roared with all strength and effort, but it was a losing battle. She dropped the dagger onto the floor and picked up a handgun, pointing the barrel against the left side of her head.

Her trigger finger wouldn't budge. Exhausted, she slowly put the gun back to its place.

Sunset banged her head hard against the mirror as she cried out in utter frustration, but was disappointed when the glass didn't shatter and puncture her skin like she expected.

A painful laughter came gushing out of her throat as she remained there with her forehead pinned against the mirror.

"Nice pad, bacon strip."

Sunset perched up at the sound of the little demon ringing in her ear. She swiveled around and found his tiny form lying on the bed.

"Boo."

Sunset grabbed the boot from the closet and sent it hurling towards the bed. The demon quickly evaded her attack with little to no effort.

"Where the fuck were you?" Sunset snapped at the demon.

"Awww. You missed me!" Flamepuff said, rolling over into his back and offered two huge puppy dog eyes. "Tell me, which one sucked the most? A lost eye or a battered pride?"

"Go back to hell, you shitty little midget." Sunset spat, clearly upset. She stomped her towards the night desk beside her bed to grab a bottle of wine that sat on top.

"Uhh, that could be poisoned for all we know. Mixed with some little micro thingamabobs so they can control your nerves or something."

"Shut that hole you call a mouth or else I'll find a way to rip it off through your ass." Sunset said as she continued to hastily uncap the bottle of wine.

"Yeah, that'd be virtually impossible for you, tasty mortal. Geez, I've never seen you this angry since forever. Also, can I just say, and I am thinking out loud here, that you look stupidly pathetic after getting beat down by Twilight like that. Like, oh my, how the tables have turned. Talk about a solid reunion!"

Sunset ignored the banter and grumpily slumped down into the bed beside Flamepuff, bottle of wine in hand.

"She's grown quite the bitch, hasn't she?" Flamepuff added wryly, rolling over the bed with a grin.

A dry laugh escaped Sunset's throat. "You think so?" She shot sarcastically before she downed a bottle of wine with little care, and let a line of liquid to drip down her jaw.

"Oh, I know cold bitches keep your naughty cogs turnin'!"

Sunset choked.

"But yes. She technically has you screwed over. More than that whiny bitch Azure." Flamepuff said. "Though, if you look at it in a certain way, it's actually perfect!"

Sunset spat out her drink and glared at the demon, veins bulging at the sides of her temple.

"I just had my fucking eye gauged out of its socket and a chip planted deep inside my brain that prevents me from acting on my shit. I lost my free will, and an entire cult now has full control and surveillance over my actions, thanks to that old man Sombra and his lovely little apprentice! And you actually think that it's fucking PERFECT?!"

In a fit of rage, Sunset smashed the bottle into pieces against the night desk, letting remnants of its previous state scatter across the floor, and a few sharp little splinters impaling her own palm and fingers. She barely acknowledged the injury nor the pain that came with it, instead she sat there at the edge of the bed with heaving shoulders and flaring nostrils, while the demon watched with sick amusement.

"I am not sure if the housekeeping committee accommodates unstable psychopaths." Flamepuff mumbled.

"Just look at it. They're even taunting me." Sunset said, glaring at the arsenal of weapons inside the closet. "I swear, if I ever find a way to get this fucking thing out of my head…"

"Piece of advice, bacon strip, I'd rather let it happen. Don't go whiny about it and start cutting yourself like some petty teenager on their tenth heartbreak."

Sunset turned her head to the side and shot the little demon a look of utter disbelief. "Am I hearing this right? Or am I just going mad all over again?" She said. "Let it happen? What happened to being bound to no chains and all that shit?"

Flamepuff looked at her with an unusual sincerity, beneath of course that familiar coat of maliciousness.

"Everything that you did, all the whores you met, the nights you spent hunting down sad sack of people, and the chaos you created, has all lead to this very moment. I mean, how severely cool is it to now be among the most powerful people on planet Earth? Think about it! It's like being abducted by the freakin' equivalent of the Illuminati. Granted you are kind of screwed over in the head, but it's all part of the flow, baby."

Sunset rubbed the anger off her throbbing skull. "Part of the flow–Sombra has me by the neck like a fucking dog! And Twilight… oh, Twilight. She put this leash on me."

"Uhm, duh! What did you expect? She's your ex." Flamepuff said flatly. "And you know how exes are. It's classic 'eye for an eye' situation." He added with a giggle.

"I am aware of that, thank you." Sunset grumbled. "It's just… I just can't believe she would do that."

"Hmmm. What's wrong? Are you suddenly intimidated by her?" The demon challenged, rubbing his head against Sunset's side.

"And why in Satan's unholy butthole would I even be intimidated by her?" Sunset deadpanned.

"Oh, come on! You're clearly hesitating."

"She's… she's different." Sunset said in half-assed defense. After a brief and contemplative pause, she cracked an ironic smile. "Is this what this is? Some sort of long overdue karma? Fate trying to put us back together so we just fuck it up all over again? If that's so, then fine. What more could I lose if I take another beating from this wretched existence?"

"Well, even though you're both in a not-so-great position right now, which clearly makes this all the more exciting, you and Twilight are technically stuck together." Flamepuff said.

Sunset's head cleared a bit and she grinned reflectively as she fell into the mattress. "Huh. You're right. Maybe it's all part of the flow."

"Exacto, bacon strip. By the way, whatcha think about Master Sombra? He and Twilight seem awfully close." Flamepuff said, wiggling his eyebrows and looking down at the redhead.

Sunset bit her lip as her eyes stared ruminantly at the ceiling and in a daze, but she didn't utter a word. The alcohol she had just consumed caught her mind in a thick haze, and her eyelids were getting heavier with each blink.

"Aren't you a little curious? Because I can tell that the sirens in your head are going crazy every time the two of them are together."

Sunset raised a hand between her lips and groggily said, "Shhhh. She wants to drive me mad. it's part of her game. It's all part of the game. And if she wants me to play, then I'm all for it."

"Are you happy now that she's here, bacon strip?"

Sunset was admittedly warm inside. It was a twisted kind of warmth, blossoming inside her cold chest. Painless. But she would not confirm it to be happiness.

She sighed, closing her eyes. "Oh, Twilight. I am not letting you go this time."

Author's Notes:

Welcome to the fockin' cult, Sunset!

Finally, Twilight and big daddy Sombra can now join the madness.

Lemme know what ya'll think!