Sunset opened the door a little wider and leaned herself against the door frame, smugly eyeing Flash as she caught him glancing at her exposed skin before turning his focus to her eyes.

"Oh, I'm sorry,” Flash choked out. “Is it a bad time?" He was accustomed to the girl's teasing, but as a faulted human being, he couldn't deny how painfully obvious it was that Sunset was in her underwear; shirt barely covering her chest. A couple of hickeys and lipstick marks were scattered throughout her neck to her collarbone, too, giving away her previous night’s activities.

"I don't know,” Sunset said honestly, shrugging. “It's like fucking four or something," A tired yet careless look dominated her features as she stared at him blankly.

Flash returned her blank stare. "Actually, it's seven."

"Really? Damn,” Sunset responded, whistling. Smirking wryly, she asked, “To be honest, I almost forgot you exist. Why are you here?" Crossing her arms, she chewed on her cheek as she waited for an answer. "You gonna lecture me about my life choices again?"

Flash picked his phone from his jacket, looking at Sunset knowingly. "I got a text from you at two this morning, " He said, showing her the screen. "You said you wanted me to help you with something."

Sunset squinted her eyes at first, then made a face of clarity. "Oh! I was drunk,” she explained, shrugging. “But yeah, since you're the only person I trust at the moment..."

Flash slowly put his phone away, his face shrouded in concern and worry. "Are you in trouble?" He whispered, leaning closer to Sunset.

"I think so. But that's something only I should worry about," Sunset replied as she pointed a finger to herself.

The concern on Flash's face intensified. "Oh, great," He murmured under his breath. Paranoia struck him, making him look side to side, jumping on his heels.

There was no one else in the hallway, but as a man of security, he wasn't convinced. He grabbed Sunset by the arm and pulled her inside her apartment, shutting the door behind them immediately.

Once inside, he released her; his eyes filled with so much fear and worry Sunset was always familiar with. "What the hell did you do this time?"

"Damn it, can you like, calm down? I just woke up and I'm hammered as hell. You act like something's gonna bite your ass or something," Sunset groaned as she walked towards her bed.

"Calm down?" Flash repeated, frustration coating his words. "You want me to calm down?"

"Easy there, Flashy boy," Sunset said, raising both hands as she motioned him to take a breath. "The ladies are still sleeping."

Flash did not notice Sunset's visitors before, but when he had, he immediately averted his eyes and muttered to himself, “Geez.”

Sunset found entertainment at his reaction; how disoriented he would get whenever he was to put up with the her extreme antics.

"Oh come on,” Sunset teased, “Don't tell me you’ve never seen a naked woman before,” the redhead made her usual cheeky grin, leaning on the edge of her bed smugly.

"Just because I have, doesn't mean I have to stare at every naked woman that just happens to be in the same location as me," Flash explained in his usual defensiveness. "It's called decency, Sunset. Look it up."

Sunset snickered. "Pussy."

"Let's stab him!" Sunset heard Flamepuff say. She looked about herself, her eyes finally landing on him hugging and licking the bare bottoms of one of women sleeping on her bed. She eyed him spitefully before turning back to Flash.

"Okay," Flash raised his hands, trying to compose himself in the situation. "Let's get back to you. What exactly happened?"

Flamepuff bounced on the bed gleefully, the women surrounding him unaware or unbothered. "We had a wild orgy party!" he cheered before his hands turned into spears. "And parties are never complete without some barbecue!"

Sunset scowled at the demon in a subtle manner. You stay back. I need him.

Flamepuff giggled tauntingly, before he morphed his hands back into their natural state.

"I need you to do something for me." she said firmly, turning back to Flash.

Flash shoulders' tensed. "Oh no. What is it?"

To his surprise and confusion, Sunset began unbuttoning her shirt without caution. "Unless you wanna see me strip, I suggest you to turn around like the decent man you are."

"Alright! Geez." Flash turned on his heel, tapping a foot impatiently as he stood with his back against Sunset. "This better not involve gangs again. Hopefully, not the gangs again."

"A spectacular screw-up like me cannot promise you that," Sunset told him, now completely half naked. She shouldered the white shirt as she walked towards her closet to look for a new outfit. Flamepuff followed suit then he bounced on her clothes excitedly, while Sunset merely ignored his existence.

Flash massaged his temple to ease the stress that was beginning to consume him. "You know, if I didn't care about you this much, I would have ditched you a long time ago," His words a lot more bitter than intended, but he didn't have the urge to take it back.

Sunset paused, her hand hovering over the piece of the clothing she had gone to pick up. She was so past this kind of vulnerability that even the sharpest of words could not affect her anymore. Flash's insults were not something she tended to reflect on, mainly because his occasional lectures were becoming redundant as they piled up.

Sunset had honestly just forgotten how to care.

Flamepuff stroked her hands, catching her attention. "We have a martyr," he said, an abnormal devious smile stretched on his black face.

"He's always been," Sunset whispered absentmindedly, sighing.

"You have never been obligated to look after me, Flash,” She grumbled, donning a black crop top with the words 'Back Off' printed in crimson red on the front. “If you wanna ditch me just like everyone else, I'd be happy to escort you out of this best friend setup. Because, you know, kicking your ass is not a decent thing to do." She announced casually, slipping into a pair of black ripped jeans that exposed a portion of the knees.

"You're wrong." Flash's voice was gentle yet determined. "I am obligated. Because you are my friend. And they didn't ditch you, Suns—"

Sunset shushed him before he could finish. "I don't wanna hear it." she snapped warningly, venom in her voice. "We've been through this. I don't wanna hear any mention of it."

"So much for the magic of friendship," Flash muttered rolling his eyes.

"For fuck's sake, dude. What are you? In high school?" Sunset responded sardonically. "Get over it and grow up."

"Grow up from what?” Flask balked. “I can't just forget abou—"

Sunset grit her teeth, slamming her fists against her closet with a loud grunt. "How many times do I have to say it, Flash Sentry?! It doesn't matter anymore, alright?! The Sunset you once knew is long gone. Dead! She fucked up so bad that the universe decided to punish her for her sins she had suffered for enough! It's not your job to remind her how fucking stupid she was with her life choices that pretty much caused her to lose everyone except you!" She exhaled heavily, trying to catch her breath.

Flamepuff stared at her with hate in his crimson eyes. She soon recognized that it was her own all along. "You always see my life as this glorified fairytale. You’re right. It is a fairytale. A fairytale that got fucked sideways in the ass real bad. This isn't some magical adventure, Flash. This is grade A bullshit at its finest."

Flash nodded to himself, knowing he was supposed to have a decent understanding of the situation. Even though his patience was dwindling fast. However, he couldn't help but feel a sharp pang in his chest when Sunset disregarded his words about their past. He couldn't believe that she even considered calling her history a mere 'fairytale', for someone whose existence spanned dimensions. For someone who used to be out of this world and was bound to something more, she sure grounded herself to Earth.

Though there was no greater pain than hearing Sunset admitting that she lost herself. And sadly, she was right. The Sunset Flash once knew was gone. The Sunset he was with at the moment was a damaged individual. Almost a stranger. They were still friends, sure. But it was clear as day that what they had set up for themselves has become toxic and unhealthy. He became her lap dog that she would repeatedly neglect, while she was the magnet of every existing misfortune.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't prevent these things from happening," Flash finally said, his voice quiet and filled with guilt that Sunset had always despised.

She swiveled around and glared at his back. "Fucking hell, stop saying shit like that!" She spat, almost ready to throw her boot at him. "I don't need your stupid pity."

Flashed raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, forget it," he sighed gently. "Are you done now?"

"Pass me my jacket," Sunset ordered, closing the closet door shut. Flamepuff materialized into a shadow and perched himself on top of Sunset's messy hair.

Flash looked at numerous directions, before locating Sunset's leather jacket on the floor near his shoes. He grabbed it and let his hands feel the texture for a short while. A sad smile crept on his lips.

"You kept it."

Sunset rolled her eyes. "The other one got mauled up. Now can you just give it to me?" She reached out her hand in an impatient motion, frowning.

Flash finally met her eyes again. He savored the limited seconds the universe gave him while he stared right into those cyan eyes. Those bright beautiful cyan eyes that everyone used to adore and love. His heart sank when he failed to find the sparkle within them as they were nothing more than dull and lifeless orbs, void of hope and righteousness. Almost... grey in color. What happened to us, bud? Why did we let this happen?

"Yo! Are you fucking deaf?" Sunset snapped her fingers, breaking his trance. “Jacket. Now.”

"Oh, my bad. Here you go," He tossed the jacket towards her, and she caught it with ease.

Sunset pulled a pack of cigarettes from under the bed and place it inside her jacket, now draped on her shoulder while her arms were absent in its sleeves.

Upon facing Flash once more, she received a disappointed and castigating look. She expected him to start another lecture regarding the dangers of her abhorrent lifestyle, but instead he let out a depressed sigh and shook his head in dissatisfaction before looking away. Sunset cockily smiled to herself as she placed a cigarette between her lips; a creeping Flamepuff chuckling darkly, gleefully using his flaming tail to light up the tip.

Sunset was caught off guard by the display, but shrugged it off and inhaled the smoke before puffing it into Flash's direction.

She beckoned Flash to follow her, the boy unaware that a demon looked upon him with a face of hunger. Flamepuff’s tongue salivated in excitement, and his teeth extended to the sides of his body like a mad ribcage.

"Let's get down to business," Sunset said, Flamepuff never taking his eyes off Flash as he stayed perched on her shoulder.

"What about them?" Flash asked, jabbing a thumb towards the three women still sound asleep on the bed.

“Ah, they’re big girls. They can take care of themselves," Sunset responded, shrugging.

It was then that they both decided to take their previous discussion to the grave.

"A car?"

Behind the apartment complex, Sunset and Flash stood looking at a familiar dusty cadillac that had a new prominent dent on its trunk. They were in an area surrounded by shrubs and tall grass, a gnarled tree bringing them shade from the morning sun.

"What happened to your bike?" Flash asked, eyeing Sunset suspiciously.

Sunset shrugged lethargically. "Well, I wanted an upgrade so..."

"That's not an answer, Sunset." Flash snapped, glaring at her. He could smell the bullshit from a mile away.

"Sheesh, aren't you a demanding fella." Flamepuff prowled, wiggling his rear as if he was ready to pounce at him.

Sunset cleared her throat. "I crashed it. Happy?"

Flash gaped at her for a second, then pursed his lips in surrender. "Of course," He muttered, his head nodding. "Now, the real question is where the hell did you get a Cadillac Eldorado 1976 Gold in its fair condition? Because it's not everyday you see a grandpa car driving around in Canterlot. By a girl in her twenties no less,"

Flash continued to glare Sunset, looming over her with crossed arms.

Of course, Sunset has faced worse threats, and Flash trying to play some half-baked intimidation would never have her shaking in her boots. Flash could easily scare anyone with his height and his muscular build, but Sunset knew better.

"Sunset," Flash said her name sternly. Warningly. With a voice so low and demanding it could be considered a growl. "The truth. Now. Where did you get the car?"

Sunset stepped closer towards Flash, her face barely an inch closer to his as she stared right into his blue eyes. She was going to tell him anyway, so there was no reason hiding the truth from him. She needed his assistance.

"A guy tried to rape me inside this car..."

Flash's narrowed eyes widened in shock. "What?"

"So I stabbed him in the face and drove away with it."

"What?!" Flash wasn't sure which part was worse.

"Are you gonna tell him?" Flamepuff asked into her ear.

“If he sticks around a little longer, he'll find out,” Sunset mumbled low enough that Flash didn’t hear.

Flash composed himself, a little shocked. "O-okay. So... why do you need my help again?"

"I need you to sell it," Sunset said, folding her arms. It didn't sound like a request either. Her voice was firm and serious.

Flash ran his hands through his blue hair in aggravation. "W-what?! Are you insane?! Why me?!" he sputtered, flabbergasted.

"You have connections with mechanics all over Canterlot. Try contacting them, tell them you have a grandpa car you want to sell for ten hundred bucks." Sunset suggested calmly, watching Flash pace around barely keeping it together.

"Slow down, alright? Did you kill this guy?" Flash asked, completely disoriented.

"I would have,” Sunset grumbled. “But I just left him on the side of the road in need of immediate facial surgery." she frowned. “And why the hell are you even concerned? I did it out of self defense,"

Flamepuff nodded. "Yeah, he couldn't keep his dick to himself."

Sunset rolled her eyes at the interjection. A second later, Flamepuff stuck his tongue out before vanishing into black smoke, leaving Flash and Sunset alone. Rude little shit.

"And you stole his car," Flash finished for her.

"Obviously." Sunset snorted, rolling her eyes.

"Yes, obviously! You want me to sell a car that you stole from a guy you mutilated! Repeat that sentence for me so you can have an assessment of much your suggestion has the word 'illegal' written all over it!"

Sunset grabbed Flash by the nape and pulled him a few centimeters down to her eye level, the intensity of her gaze boring into him. "Tell me, Flash. What other outcome could there have been where things wouldn't be this fucked up? Hm?"

"I-I..." He stammered, taken aback.

Sunset scoffed, releasing him. "That's what I thought. This world is shit and I'm tired of playing nice. I need this car sold. Trust me, this is one bad omen."

"This is a bad omen. Someone's gonna track this down sooner or later and we will get arrested ourselves for attempting black market deals." Flash said, emphasizing every word with frustration.

"Please. The police is the least of my worries," Sunset responded with a snort.

Flash stared at Sunset with disbelief. "Dammit Sunset Shimmer! Why do I have to cover your ass everytime we see each other?!"

"Uh, because you’re a stubborn son of a bitch that I can never get rid of? Doesn’t exactly help that I’m a royal fuck-up either."

Flash couldn't make out if he should take it as an insult or a compliment.

"It's a curse, Flash. We became college dropouts together, remember?" Sunset humored.

"College dropouts," Flash repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Sunset, we were expelled. We didn't drop out."

"No, wait. Right. I'm the dropout. You're the one who got expelled." Sunset corrected herself, hitting a fist to her temple.

"No,” Flash argued, massaging his temples. “We were both expelled. The two of us. Together."

Sunset rolled her eyes. "Flash, I had failing grades. So that makes me a dropout."

"Forget it. Just forget it." he said, backing away from Sunset. He glared at the redhead when a soft chuckle erupted from her.

"We're both pretty messed up, aren't we?" The former guitar player asked with an ironic smile.

Flash shook his head. "Nah, it’s just you."

The smile dropped. "Dickhead."

Ignoring the insult, Flash began to closely inspecting the cadillac's surface. Given his background in mechanics, it would be an easy assessment.

The sounds of the robins chirping in the trees above them contrasted his encroaching fear. He was terrified. And little annoyed at the fact that Sunset was almost too casual about the situation. But then he asked himself, what else did he have to lose?

"So, this car..." He began.

Sunset walked over Flash's position and hoisted herself onto the hood, facing him.

"I can't sell it. But I can't have you throwing it away either." He added quickly when he saw the look on her face. “It’s worth too much money,”

"Suggestions?" Sunset asked, an eyebrow arched.

Flash shrugged. "You keep it."

Sunset wildy shook her head. "No. Nope! Nuh-uh. That's not happening." She put a hand on the hood and tapped it. "This thing attracts danger."

Flash raised his finger to question what she meant, but gave up. "You know what? I'm not even gonna ask. But hear me out,"

Sunset positioned her legs into a careless squat, while she leaned on her back with the support of her arms. "Shoot."

Flash took a deep breath before he continued. "I don't want any money to revolve around this. We don’t want any money to revolve around this.” He stared into her eyes. “However, I can help you with breaking the car apart."

"Breaking the car apart." Sunset repeated, confused. "Why?"

"Replace the parts. I’m talking major makeover. Anything to remove any trace of its previous appearance. Then, after that, we take care of the legal stuff on the paper."

"So instead of selling it, you want to falsify documents and dismantle a stolen car. What happened to legal?" Sunset remarked, snorting. "Not that I give a shit though."

"It's less risky than flaunting this car around the city while looking for interested buyers. And besides, I'm not going to be the one handling the documents." Flash told her folding his arms.

Sunset gave him a guessing look. "Thunder Bass?"

Flash pursed his lips into a thin line. "Yeah. He dabbles."

"Oooh, look at you associating with tier one felons," Sunset teased, holding a hand to her chest in mock surprise. Flash only gave her a dull look in response. "I do appreciate the help though. You're finally letting go of that 'frustrated criminology major' persona of yours."

"Please, don't remind me," Flash muttered bitterly. He snapped a finger, beckoning Sunset to get of the hood. "Keys. I need to take this to my garage."

Sunset hopped off the hood and tossed the keys to Flash.

As Flash plunged the keys into the ignition, the cadillac came to life with a roar. Sunset flipped the radio on, and as they drove away from the grass and into the pavement, a violently melodic guitar riff accompanied them in their venture.

Sunset rolled the window down and leaned against its frame, letting the wind blow against her face while bobbing her head along with the heavy tunes. She picked a cigarette from her jacket and began her usual smoking routine, which would never fail to annoy the living hell out of Flash. Thankfully, he had a good amount of tolerance, although that tolerance was on the brink of collapse. With a boot on top of the compartment, Sunset adjusted her seat and leaned back without the slightest care in the world.

The pair drove through the slums of Canterlot like two greasers baring dominance over the lowlifes. Lowlifes who would occasionally glance at them with disdain.

Flash was reserved about it, but Sunset relished in it, flipping the bird or throwing a cigarette butt to purposely provoke a thug or two.

"Oh come on, Sunset. This early?" Flash protested as the redhead cackled at her handy work.

She shrugged, smirking. "Hey, the assholes started it."

Flash decided to keep his mouth shut and just focus on the road. Sunset spat into the littered pavement before facing the windshield, and almost jumped when she saw Flamepuff posed as a bobbing head toy near her boot.

"Fucking hell..." She muttered rubbing her face. She was almost annoyed that she hadn’t become accustomed to the demon's random reappearances.

Flash side glanced her, concern in his voice. "Are you having hallucinations again?"

Sunset glared at Flamepuff, who was still except for the bobbing of his head and his irritating empty stare. "Yeee... not really. I just... seizures I guess." She lied half heartedly. "But it's nothing."

"Forgot your meds?" Flash teased.

"I stopped taking them a long time ago," Sunset replied. "They're shit. They don’t do a damned thing for me."

Flash wanted to go on with another lecture, but he swallowed his words before he could even say them. He knew that it would be all for naught.

"Fine."

Flamepuff moved and crawled across Sunset's leg and onto the top of her chest. "I have to tell you something," he whispered, mirth in his voice.

Sunset raised a disinterested brow.

"Wouldn't it be great if you kept Flash instead of just grabbing random girls from the club whenever you get horny?"

Sunset wanted to just grab him and squeeze him until his large crimson eyes popped out of their stupid sockets. Like a stress toy. A stupid, pervy, demonic stress toy.

"For someone who's gay, you actually liked it when he banged you. Because, you know, you never got the chance to do it with Twilight Sparkle! Haha!" Flamepuff said, before bursting into a laughing fit, hoving wildly inside the car like a deflating balloon.

"Oh, how fucking dare you!" Sunset yelled in fury.

Flash shot her an offended and concerned look. "I didn't say anything!"

"Damn it. I wasn't talking to you,’ Sunset sneered, leaving Flash even more concerned than before.

"Okay?"

Flamepuff was now on the top of the dashboard in front of Flash. Rolling on his back and laughing like a wild maniac.

"Just... just fucking drive...." Sunset mumbled, staring murderously at the dashboard.

"O-Okay." Flash replied with hesitance. "You alright?"

"I feel spectacular," Sunset growled through gritted teeth, tapping her fingers loudly against the top of the compartment as she glared at Flamepuff while he wiggled his rear back at her, sticking out his salivating tongue like a mad dog. "Are we there yet? I wanna destroy something."

"Just a little longer. We're almost there," Flash assured her.

"Do you have a bat?"

"I believe I do?" Flash responded with great uncertainty.

"Perfect." Sunset said, looking at Flamepuff who was still hovering around in the air, taunting her with a ridiculous dance.

What the fuck was that about?!

"I just feel like celebrating! We got new company, baby!" the demon responded, smiling.

Celebrate?!

"Yeah. By fueling you with severe emotional instability!" he cackled, doubling over.

Sunset didn’t exactly know how to respond to that.

Flash parked the car inside his garage and both he and Sunset finally got out.

There was a wooden bat lying around near some spare metal pipes and tubes on the cement by the wall. Sunset immediately took a grab for it and stormed out the garage, with the bat hoisted on her shoulder.

"Sunset, don't hurt anyone, okay?!" Flash called after her. When she didn’t respond, quickly followed after her, seeing her smashing bottles she had piled on his front yard.

Yelling out every known profanity to man.

He was relieved, unaware that Flamepuff was hovering just a few inches away, leaning back with a proud and contented smile.

The second story of Flash's house was basically a large bedroom with a television, a bathroom and a small kitchen. Sunset has been at his place many times before. Though she stopped visiting months ago, when they had a fight that was badly infused with alcohol and severe aggression. But being the sensible adults they were, a mere fight was nothing to dwell on. They had ultimately decided to move on and continue to mildly tolerate each other.

The ground floor was renovated to serve as Flash's own personal shop, where he tinkered with broken machinery and repaired them if he could. Having being expelled from university, he had to find something to stand on his own, and harnessed his skills and knowledge in order to make some decent money. So far, he'd been holding up pretty good.

Unlike his best friend.

"So, how long would it take until you finish it?" Sunset asked, laying down in Flash's blue bean bag chair.

Flash came back from the mini fridge with two cans of beer that Sunset had bullied him into getting. "I'll try within a week. If you stick around and help me, it'll be a lot quicker," He said, before begrudgingly handing a can to Sunset.

Sunset shrugged. "If you want. I could just crash here for a couple of days too."

Flash gave her a worried look.

"I'll behave, Mr. Sentry. Let's not lose our pants now," Sunset comforted half heartedly. Flamepuff made a face at her.

"I don't trust you," Flash said, narrowing his eyes doubtfully. “Sorry, but, you haven’t exactly given me a reason to.”

"Boo-fucking-hoo. That's your loss," Sunset scoffed at him. She opened the can and gulped down most of the beverage.

Flash slumped down onto to his bed with his beer in hand. "You always fight with my neighbors."

"That's because your neighbors suck," Sunset told him, sipping from her beer.

Flash just rolled his eyes before deciding to move on from their verbally nonsensical exchange.

They sat there in silence for a good minute; Flamepuff perched on Sunset's hair, circling around before tucking himself like a cat. Sunset belched, killing some of the silence. Then Flash looked at her and spoke again.

"Sunset, what do you plan on doing now?" Flash asked, his voice low and serious.

Flamepuff perked up, intrigued. He tapped Sunset's forehead, urging her to make an immediate reply.

"Drink, smoke, fuck and repeat," Sunset said nonchalantly.

Flamepuff nodded in agreement. "Sounds good to me."

"I'm serious," Flash responded, frowning. “This isn’t a game.”

He walked up to Sunset and knelt down to meet her level. "Sunset..." He started pleadingly. "I care about you, okay? You're my best friend. But this... this can't go on. If you keep getting yourself this deep into trouble, who knows what kind of forces will come after you."

Sunset recognized the intense fear behind familiar blue eyes. She put him through much stress already. If she had the heart to apologize, she would. But there was no time to reflect on sins at the moment. She reached for Flash's face and gave him a small pat on the cheek.

"Oh, Flash," She cooed. "I can't help but tell you this..." She sat up, grabbing him by his nape once again. Brushing her lips against his cheekbones, she drew close to his pierced ear. "I attract trouble. I've embraced that by now. And I'm not running away from it anymore."

Flash froze, worry, fear, and sadness consuming his entire being. He had lost his best friend.

And the Devil, who was now in front of his face, was grinning with joy and triumph.

"She's no longer yours, Flashy boy," Flamepuff whispered, wrapping his long black tail around Sunset's body.

"There are people that are out to get me," Sunset said with no trace of despair. "Some very bad people capable of doing some very nasty things," She tenderly caressed the back of Flash's head, making small circles through his scalp with her fingertips.

"Who are they?" Flash asked in low whisper. He was afraid to find out.

"You’ll find out if you stick around,” Sunset told him, shrugging. “That’s up to you.”

Flash wrapped his arms around his ex girlfriend’s body and held her tight. The Sunset he once knew was truly gone. Losing the one he was holding on to would be one big tragedy, one that would affect not only him, but those who truly cared for her. The ones who still cared for her, though she was a stubborn soul who refused to believe is.

Ever since their lives went downhill, he promised himself to stay by her side no matter what.

"You most definitely attract trouble, Sunset,” he chuckled darkly. “But I won't let you go through this alone," he added, burying his face into her chest.

Sunset gave him a smile full of mischief.

Stupid Flash.

Flash, finally pulling away, couldn't keep himself from giving her the chance she did not deserve. He gulped down the remains of his beer and threw it across the room, clenching his jaw to remind himself of the security he had to provide.

"What about you? Got any plans?" Sunset asked, catching Flash's attention once more.

"Oh...um..." Flash scratched the back of his neck, trying to get his words out. "I have a gig tonight."

"Where at?" Sunset asked, interested.

"Fancy joint in the city," Flash said humbly. "The guy offered us some pretty decent cash so we agreed."

Flamepuff jumped up excitedly. "Oh! We should go! We should go!"

"Is it one of those underground things?" Sunset asked, raising a brow.

Flash shook his head. "No. But I've been there before and I can describe it in two words: exotic and lavish."

"What's the name of this place?" Sunset was really interested now.

"Quasar? Though I don't know if I should invite you," he responded with a smirk

Sunset knew he was just jesting, but with Flamepuff's blessing, she decided to push it. "You don't need to invite me,” she told him, returning the smirk. “I’m coming with you anyway."

Flash scrunched his face, the possible consequences of his decision to bring Sunset disgusted him. But knowing her capabilities and her temper, he sighed. "Alright. But just...try to keep a low profile will ya?"

"Boring!" Flamepuff yawned.

"Sure," Sunset replied with a prankish charm. “I promise.”

"If you want, you can play with us too," Flash offered with a smile. “You know, for old time's sake."

Sunset laughed. "You want me to play with Flash Drive?"

Flash paused for a moment, then gave her a look of concurrence. "We could use some lead vocals and extra guitarist. Trust me, they'll love you."

Sunset shrugged. "If you say so. But are you sure you want me to play?"

Flash nodded. "I am. I'm sure we'll be fine," He said with that familiar hopeful smile.

Sunset openly smirked. Flash, my boy. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into.

"You’re my witness,” Sunset said, her expression quite unreadable to the man in front of her.

Flamepuff leaned closer to Sunset, eyeing the blue haired guitarist thoughtfully. Without knowing, a victorious grin appeared on Sunset's face, her amazement towards the naiveness and stupidity her friend evident.

A true martyr to a sinner like herself.

Even though she had removed herself from everyone else's lives, Flash was the pitiful exception who decided to stay like the stubborn and big hearted bastard he was. In all honesty, she never cared about him enough to consider the fact that she could one day drag him down into her personal hell.

"Welcome to the party, Flashy boy," Flamepuff giggled darkly before turning to Sunset. "Keep this pariah, bacon strip. Should the time comes when he no longer serves you well, I want him so I can play."

There was no turning back when the Devil declared it so.

In his patterned suit with a glass of whiskey in his right hand, Nimbus gazed down at Canterlot’s flickering lights through his office’s gigantic glass window. His eyes old but the wisdom within them had not faltered through the troubled nights.

On his right, stood a dapper young man dressed in purple and green. His advisor and godchild, Rave Shackles. He joined the older man in the peaceful watch. They both stood tall and strong, looming over city proclaiming their places as its true kings.

"Look at this place, Rave," Nimbus said, staring intently down at the city below them. "Can you believe how much it has changed the past few years?"

Rave politely nodded at the older man's sentiments. "It truly has, sir."

"Tell me, would you have done anything to prevent certain things from falling into unwanted terms?" Nimbus asked with a voice as solemn as his knowing eyes.

Rave slightly leaned his weight on his staff in front of him, contemplating on his master's question. But after finding the right words to declare his answer, he presented them with calm and weight.

"In all honesty, it has been my desire to prevent plenty of changes. But as the limited beings we are, we are always the victims of the changes we provoke."

Nimbus took a sip of his whiskey, nodding. "Indeed, we are."

Five hours ago, Nimbus White and the people in his ring attended their dead member's burial. Zoomer may not have been their mightiest asset, but he was treated with fair regards. He was respected for his loyalty and dedication.

"I express my deepest condolences, sir," Rave made a small bow of respect.

"I wasn’t the only one who lost Zoomer. Everyone did." Nimbus stated with a heavy heart, pain evident in his greyish blue eyes. “We need to take precautions.”

"As you wish."

It wasn't the first time that Nimbus had fret over something severe. His son, Stratos, was a stupid youth, but he was alive. Zoomer's death was unfortunate, and Cobalt's current state was an outright spit in Nimbus' face. Having one of his trusted members thrown back at him in such misshapen condition was truly saying something. He was disrespected.

"How is Cobalt?" Nimbus asked.

Rave presented a heavy look in his neon green eyes. "His wounds are fatal. A miracle it is that he is still breathing."

"Barely." Nimbus corrected.

"I can assure you that our situation is now being handled," Rave said in hopes to ease the old man's emotions.

But Nimbus knew better. His intuition about their future spoke anything but 'handled'. He could already imagine the city of Canterlot being robbed of its peace. It was one stupid mistake made possible because of his stupid son, and now they were about to face the grim inevitability of madness and bloodshed.

"That money was supposed to keep them at bay," Nimbus sighed in great dismay. "We must ensure that we will not be buried in the graves we are about to dig."

"We will dig enough for those who are foolish," Rave said, baring out his chest with confidence. "Do not fret, sir. We are strong."

The reminder of strength caused hope to swell within Nimbus. He took a deep breath before gulping down what remained in his glass.

"Canyon and his men has already left to find the culprit. She will be put under our mercy," Rave informed.

Nimbus clenched his jaw. "There will be no mercy,"

Rave remained silent.

"The night is alive, boy," Nimbus announced, finally facing the younger man beside him. "Go. The club is yours."

Rave nodded in comprehension. "Have a good evening, sir," He said before departing his master.

Nimbus returned to the window in front of him, once again finding peace within the view of the beautiful cityscape of Canterlot. He reached for the phone in his pocket and dialed a number, putting the device close to his ear.

"Mr.Nimbus, sir?" The voice from the other line responded.

"Crimson." Nimbus called in his authoritative voice. "Are you set?"

"I have the Sentinel and the Lady with me."

"Then be the Scourge. Assemble the Trinity." Nimbus commanded.

"We are on our way to Quasar Entertainment."

Author's Notes:

Poor Flash. Anyways, feedbacks are appreciated as always.

Edited by TheNewYorkBrony