MoonThief

Three months prior:
“We can do it, I’m telling you!” Luke said.
“We don’t need to take the risk, this is dumb.” Retorted Iron Hoof.
“Honestly, even I agree.” Offered Lightning. ”The risk of being caught and getting 15 years in prison for such a risky job far outweighs the benefits of this money, but I’ll admit it is a lot.”
“Guys, you don’t understand. If we can do this, we’ll never need to do a job again. We’ll be secure and free.”
“I just don’t think it’s worth it.”
“Look”, Luke continued; “I really want my own place, and we can do this. My source can guide us through most of it, all we have to do is get out, and we get 70%.”
“Look Luke, do you really want to do this? We’re here for you, but it’s against my better judgement.” Said Shadow.
“Yes, I’ve made up my mind. This is our ticket to a better life, especially for me. I need to get a place, and stop mooching off of you guys.” Finished Luke.
“Okay then, it’s settled. Our final job. West bank museum, three o clock AM Monday, 9 million dollars, we’re stealing the Ricardi Puccetti by Franz Saddlesmith.” Shadow clarified.
The group dispersed.

Three o clock AM Monday:
Shadow was getting bad vibes. The gargoyles mounted up high on the railings seemed to stare straight through him, but nopony else looked uneasy, so Shadow did his best to hide it. After Luke explained it, this didn’t really seem like that hard of a job, they’d all come around. But this was it, the big time. They had everything to lose and 9 million dollars to gain.
Tender took point, and Shadow brought up the rear. The earpieces were uncomfortable, and Shadow couldn’t help scratching his repeatedly, while the cool, computerized voice relayed them instructions. They got the signal, and Lightning crept, barely making any noise, disabling the exterior security guard. The cameras had already been hacked by the stallion behind the female robot voice that was making Shadow sleepy with her extreme monotone. He blinked twice before opening the door to the museum. They proceeded quickly to the back room of the second floor before chloroforming the guard stationed there as well. They were in the clear now.
Hell broke loose. A bullet came out of nowhere, catching Tender right in the chest. They hit the deck, rolling behind a statue. It was Liquid Scar. Of course it was Liquid Scar. Luke had underestimated him. Unless… Shadow fished around in his pocket, throwing a grenade that sent six of the 14 goons sprawling. He was hoping for a 3v3 skirmish with the element of surprise. Oh well, 8 v 3 would suffice. He rolled out from cover, firing two shots at head height before getting caught in the shoulder by a 9mm. The other two that weren’t in critical condition followed his lead. They came out on top somehow, but Tender was in bad shape, and Lightning wasn’t going anywhere any time soon.
“We gotta get the fuck outta here!” Luke said in his infinite wisdom.
Lightning moaned.
Shadow smelled it then. His mind raced. He knew that smell. His eyes went unfocused as it came to him. He instantly knew what had happened. During the fire fight, Luke had struck a gas line with a stray bullet. The walls were wood paneled, and the floor was wooden. The fire was already in the insulation. They had exactly -6 seconds to get the hell out, and it would take 12 minutes along with a stretcher and trained emergency medical technicians. Knowledge was a blessing and a curse. Ignorance was bliss, and Luke was full of it.
“Holy shit though, we really routed those guys, huh?”
His words brought Shadow back to action. He stood up and sprinted, calling for the others to follow, knowing they couldn’t. His eyes filled with tears as he realized what he had to do to stay alive. Luke followed like a sheep, leaving Tender and Lightning behind.
“Shadow, wait; I don’t want to get arrested!” pleaded Lightning.
“We have bigger problems. Lightning, I can’t save you. This whole building will be burned down in minutes.”
Lightning thought for two seconds, nodded, and insisted that they leave without himself and the hardly breathing Tender.
His bravery would be remembered.
They hastily made their exit, and Shadow thought.
He thought thoughts, angry thoughts. Why did this happen?
He made his decision then. Luke had affected his life too much. He had killed his two best friends. He had gotten Shadow into trouble, distancing him from his parents. His needs had affected Shadow’s future.
“So Shadow, I’m really sorry man. This isn’t how it was supposed to happen.”
The fire surged on behind them.”
“I messed up real bad man, this was a dumb decision; you guys were right. I fell for it.”
Blinded by tears, he pushed past Luke and never looked back.
“Wait up man!”
The two friends never saw each other again.

None of them ever saw each other again.