Sunset had been right. Trixie ate lunch with her again, and wouldn't shut up about Flanksy's run. She was lucky that the talk of the Flanksy mural was having the desired effect, but it also meant her lunch spot had a few more people soliciting. To keep up appearances she looked it over with Trixie. She was proud of it, and rightfully so too. The angel was captured mid-fall, with the lights of Elysium just out of reach, and under her were the flames and beasts of Tartarus. Her wings were mid-burn, feathers lit revealing scaled skin hiding beneath her once holy symbols, as she slowly turned dark and evil. The angel's face was what Sunset was most proud of. The wincing eyes, the tightening of her mouth, as well as the realisation of her situation. It seemed to straddle the line between confusion and rage, her bared teeth showing defiance in the face of her fall.

Trixie jabbed an elbow into her gut to get her attention. "Seems a bit topical, doesn't it? If Trixie didn't know any better, she'd say you painted it yourself."

Sunset rolled her eyes, patting Trixie on her shoulder. "Yeah, you wish I was this good."

Trixie nodded as Sunset enjoyed not being a target while surrounded by people. She thought of the envelope still sitting unopened on her desk, realizing she had work today. She pulled a lunch bar from her leather jacket, unwrapping it with a smile. Trixie noticed it, and quirked an eyebrow, curiously asking. "Another meal bar? Trixie thinks you should get a real meal every now and again."

Sunset brandished her meal bar like a weapon, waving it threateningly in front of her. "Don't diss the power of a good protein bar. With this, I'll have more than enough energy for the rest of the day. I've gotta do some stuff tonight and I don't want a heavy meal slowing me down."

Trixie rolled her eyes. "Yeah right, now that Trixie knows your job she'd bet you're just going to laze around tonight." Sunset didn't respond, pouting at Trixie while taking another bite of her meal bar. While she chewed her meal bar she briefly entertained the idea of just staying home tonight. Maybe doing some online work for extra money and finally retiring from her actual job. Maybe, in a perfect world, she would. But not here, and not today.

***

Sunset laid low during school and rushed home as fast as she could. The 'lower side' of Canterlot had many attractions one could enjoy, not the least of which was landlords who didn't ask questions about the paperless teenager that rented the basement apartment.

Then again, Sunset returned the favor, never asking why the sub-basement wasn't mentioned in her lease, or why there were several dark stains that couldn't be cleaned off. She did research it, and quickly closed out the tab; she had been happier before reading it, and she would leave it at that. But the sub-basement did serve a purpose. Moving aside a throw rug and ducking through the trap door, she grabbed a red backpack, not bothering to check it before she moved back up the ladder and grabbed the envelope from last nights thugs. Opening it up brought a smile to her face as as scattering of hundred dollar bills fell out, as well as a folded piece of paper. Throwing the bills on top of her desk, she unfolded the paper, silently reading it.

SK,

Assuming Echo’s not as incompetent as her brother, then you are reading this as soon as your operation opens. Speaking to another of such importance, I will not belittle you with pleasantries. We want to offer our services in your turf. The cash included is a hopeful incentive for you to consider our options. While I'm sure you will want to meet in person to work out the details rest assured if anyone in your organization wants to use our services, we will offer a discount.

Out of respect to another ruler of their own little kingdom, I shall end the letter here. My officers will be awaiting a response at our local supplier for the lower Canterlot area for a response and meeting place.

Behind the mask,

C

Sunset smiled as she lowered the letter. The changelings were a fairly simple gang, mostly doing fake ids and the like for criminal elements. She had even used them for her own driver's license when she first got here, and if she was being honest with herself, she had been going easy on them because of it. Killers or not, it was hard to get the people who helped her get a start here arrested. Still, she couldn't play favorites, and she set an alarm on her phone for three hours, long enough for it to get dark, before laying down on her couch. She closed her eyes and went to sleep, intent on some rest.

After what felt like five minutes, the soft chimes of her alarm woke her up. Without even thinking, she grabbed her phone and turned off her alarm, silencing it. She tapped her phone a few times before properly opening her eyes and pausing. She had been about to send a message to Pinkie Pie. The phone number was half-typed already, waiting for the message she had sent every week to tell the girls she would be busy for the next while. She groaned and turned off her phone. She had to get back into the present, and ignore her normal social habits. She couldn't waste any time on the fact she was getting blamed for a shitty rumor account, and she definitely couldn't think about the second family that threw her away.

She instead texted Trixie. She barely thought about the fact that she had never texted her without a business deal leading the charge, instead focusing on a friend.

She glanced at her oven clock after she sent the message. Nine in the evening, with the current winter climate night already wrapping Canterlot in its dark embrace. Sunset grabbed a microwaveable meal and warmed it up, humming as she readied herself for tonight. She moved to her bedroom, grabbing a few things most people didn't think she would own. First was her tool of choice, a rapier that was hanging above her mirror. It had the bulb of a fencing foil at the end, but she flicked it off with her thumb. Holding it lightly, she grabbed a small sack with her other hand, opening it up as she peeked at the small selection of sports bottles inside, grabbing one with a blue liquid inside.

She had to admit, the alchemy book she stole was a total accident. She had always thought alchemy was a useless art, but with less magic around, storing spells in bottles was about the most useful thing she could do. Sure, getting the right ingredients here was a massive effort of trial and error, but it was worth it, especially since she had discovered that spells in bottles weren't as limited as she first thought. Originally, only spells that would affect her body could be imbued into a potion, but after a night of tinkering, and a few relatively small fires, she had cracked the code. She had fire in a bottle and was raring to use it, so she walked back out to her living room/kitchen combo just as her phone chimed.

She sat the foil and bottle on the counter before flipping it out, and sure enough Trixie had responded. <Okaaay is there a reason you're going out when you just went out?>

Sunset rolled her eyes before texting out a message. It was a blatant lie, and one that she was less than happy to share, but she didn't want Trixie asking any questions. A safety net in place, she slid her foil into her bag and hooked the bottle to her belt. She already knew a quiet spot to change into full gear, and the local Changelings would be setting up shop in an hour. Assuming Echo had done the normal coward thing and ran, the officers might still be there. And if she started hitting Chrysalis's higher-ups... well, there's a reason that the so-called Queen of Lies promoted the best help. Knocking those out might just be enough to draw her out.

***

The rooftops of Canterlot at night were beautiful, and while Sunset didn’t have the time to actually enjoy it, it wasn’t any less pretty than if she did. Instead of admiring the view, she focused on the red bag in front of her as she threw off her shirt and pants. This roof was far enough away from any business that no cameras could see her, and the cold helped focus her will. She grabbed her outfit, thinking about how she had come a long way in about five years. Her first outfit had simply been a snake mask from a local party cannon store and hoodie. Now she had her own real suit.

She had bought a few second chance vests from surplus stores, ripping out the kevlar to reinforce a black and red long sleeve shirt. There was also the biker pants with even more plates sewn in, but the part she was actually proud of was the mask. She had made it herself, mixing old bushido style armor with some party supplies. It was a half-mask, depicting the upper half of a woman's face, with a snake coiling around her forehead. It then swooped back, covering her full head and hair to keep her signature colors from sight.

She threw all that on before stowing her clothes in a small bag, which she promptly shoved onto the overhang of the roof. She knew it wouldn't be noticed, she had been using this rooftop for a few months now, either to have a set start to her weekly patrols or as a staging point for more serious missions. Today was definitely the latter. She zipped up the tactical vest she wore outside her thin plates and began hooking the essentials to it. Potions in sports bottles tightly pouched to her chest, and her rapier hanging limply on her left side. She clicked her mask into place and grabbed a lone bottle unstrapped to her body. Chugging it down she winced at the acidic taste, but persisted nonetheless.

Slamming the bottle back down she wiped her mouth and spoke, hearing a different voice emerge. Gone was the voice of Sunset Shimmer, and in its place, the deep seductive voice of Andromalius came forth. "Now that's a tough pill to swallow." She smiled and licked her lips, wishing she still had the power to change her voice constantly. Sunset smiled and looked out over the rooftop, the Changeling suppliers were holed up in a small print shop near her rooftop hideout, so it should be an easy in and out, theoretically anyway. There was a max off about five thugs in there, so with some smart moves she could be done in an hour, and with a truth potion have all the info she needed on Chrysalis to finally track her down.

Andromalius ran across the rooftops swiftly, the practice from years as a tagger who focused on high and hard to clean places coming in handy as she barely broke a sweat. She reached a building beside her objective and paused. Sure enough, the lights were on and she could make out a few figures making rushed movements inside the building. She checked the area under the two-story building before wincing - it had a sloped rain guard in between her and the ground. If it was made of tin or awning she wouldn't be scared of busting through it. However, it was not made of any material with flex. No, it was just solid concrete.

This didn't make the fall impossible, or even difficult. In fact, it would be quieter than most other jumps. No, the problem was from the fact it wouldn't give her any grip, so assuming someone was watching the front of the store they would see her slide down the guard and jump to the ground like an action hero instead of a stealthy approach she wanted. Not for the first time, Sunset wished she had her magic. A simple invisibility spell would make this all so much easier. Instead, she looked over the storefront for any guards before shaking her head muttering. "Damn, this isn't a good sign." And with that, she jumped down, hitting the guard hard, sliding down as the ground careened closer. With a woosh of air, she jumped again, forcing the downward energy to lessen as she hit the ground. She bit back the grunt that came from her aching knees protesting their abuse, before standing tall.

The store seemed just as normal now as it had been on the roof, and Sunset crossed the street quickly. Crouching outside a window she could hear voices inside talking. Unable to make them out, she grabbed the first potion from her vest, a black bottle marked with a crude ear. She popped the top and took a solid swig, and after a moment, she felt her body grow slightly more tired as a small portion of her magic was used to start up the spell. She wished she could make the potions fully use their own energy, but this was better than exhausting herself for a simple eavesdropping spell.

"Look, boss, Echo never came back after getting jumped. Either she offended the king, or she ran. You need to head out." Sunset didn't recognize this voice, but that hardly mattered. What did matter was the fact that he said boss.

A much calmer voice spoke up, his calm tone betraying no worry. "I know this, Doppel, but as you know I have a duty to see this night through. Once we get past midnight I will shut us down. Not before."

Andromalius smiled before grabbing another potion from her vest and drinking it. A ventriloquist spell was always useful for any criminal doings, and was often used. She peeked the window, looking inside, and sure enough, about five thugs were inside. Three were on computers, probably cooking up fake ids and other such Changeling activities. But two were sitting in chairs in the corner, nursing cups of coffee. While one was wearing normal street clothes, the other was unique, sporting slicked back hair and a cheap suit. She smirked and focused on the window behind them. "Oh dear, are you waiting on little old me?"

She purred her line out, trying to make it feel like it was whispered right in the more expensively dressed one's ear. The effect was instant, all the Changelings in the small building jumping up to stare at their boss as he calmly took another sip of his cup. "Ah, I see we have a guest. It's rude not to introduce oneself you know."

The vigilante smiled; she loved the calm ones, they were normally so much more fun than the ones that screamed nonstop. "Oh dear, I do apologize." Sunset let herself giggle, the almost seductive tone making a few members of the group twitch. She didn't bother looking at them though, her target was still sitting. "I am Andromalius, the seeker and eater of lies. And it appears I've hit the jackpot."

The target smiled. "Indeed. You have caused us several issues you know." He took another sip of his coffee before setting it down. "I am Duplis, and I must say I'm impressed. I didn't think you could throw your voice so well."

Sunset smirked before smashing the window in while still speaking from the area beside him. "Well you know what they say, never show your full hand."

She jumped through the broken window, staring down five Changelings as they all looked around them. The one beside Duplis reached towards his belt, and Sunset barely paused, tossing an empty sports bottle at him. It conked him square in the head, causing a confused grunt. "Bad boy, keep your hands out. After all, we're just talking." She moved his voice right next to the younger thugs ear. "Unless you want something else, then you have to ask really nicely."

The thug paused, his face going slightly red as Sunset reached for the third of her four bottles on her vest. "Now that cooler heads have prevailed, I believe we can begin negotiations." She pulled it out and gestured to the group around her. "I'm sure you're all familiar with me, and to be honest I only care about the boss man here. So please refrain from wasting my time and speaking out of turn." She took the shot of potion in the bottle and smiled at the almost alcoholic taste. Fire in a bottle indeed.

Duplis nodded. "I agree. What is it that the demon vigilante of Canterlot wants with this small time operation? You normally avoid us non-violent types." He paused, running a finger around in circles. "Unless the streets are clean enough that we're at the top of your proverbial hit-list."

Sunset dropped the bottle on the floor, containing a laugh as the thugs flinched when it hit the ground. "No, I would just be patrolling if I didn't run across an unconscious Changeling last night. She had a VERY interesting note. So, I came by to offer a deal."

Duplis quirked his head. "And I'm assuming since I'm one of C's major officers is here you needed to make it with someone with some clout."

Sunset nodded, breaking into a sweet smile. "Indeed, either you tell me everything you know about this new player in the Canterlot field, or I burn down this whole building. "

Duplis smiled. "Well then, I think we can simply call it here. The second you move to burn down the building we can leave. I believe both of us leaving is much more beneficial."

Sunset's teeth flashed in a predatory smile. "Really, and who would be brave enough to stop me? You know the rumors around me, right? I'm a demon." She arched her back, showing off her not-unattractive body. "Plus do you really want to mess up my host's pretty body?"

Duplis let out a bark of laughter. "Come now, I believe you can drop the facade. There is no reason to hold onto the pitiful superstition of the common rabble among us."

He held an easy smile as Sunset raised a finger to her mouth as if pondering his words, but dropped it after a moment. "Or if you wish to treat this as a game, then I shall oblige." He waved a hand. "Drones, apprehend her."

One of the thugs moved towards Sunset, hands in front of him. "You nabbed Reflection bitch, Boss ain't happy about that." He darted forward, only for Sunset to open her mouth and let forth a cheerful yell. The room froze as fire spilled from her mouth, cracking and blistering the thug's skin. The thug hit the ground and screamed, as one of the others ran to a closet, grabbing an extinguisher to put out his clothing that was slowly roasting him.

Sunset gave a short bow at the awed thugs. "Now then, I believe I've managed to reopen negotiations?" With a flourish she drew her foil, adopting a fencing stance. "So shall we continue our talks, or do we begin my favorite dance?" One of the thugs screamed and began rushing towards her, as the hiss of the extinguisher gave the room a thin white mist. Andromalius took a backstep, readying her blade for a forwards thrust. "La Danse Macabre then." With a dive forward her blade sunk into the charging thug's leg. With a squeak of pain, he fell forward, and the pommel of the blade pulled up, smashing the poor fools chin up, knocking him into a painful sleep.

Duplis and his bodyguard were still frozen, staring at Sunset in horror as she began walking towards them. The thug who had been putting out his buddy looked to her, with her manic grin and blade splattered in blood, before running from the building. The clatter of his feet on the floor seemed to snap Duplis from his haze. "Doppel, protect me!"

The bodyguard reached into his waistband, trying to pull out whatever weapon he had stashed, but a hand stopped him. His face went white as Andromalius smiled. A lazy smile, like a cat who had caught the mouse already, and was just drawing it out for the fun of it. She pulled up, forcing Doppel off balance before shifting her hip. With a twist, she forced him to the floor. As he dropped down she stood tall, looking Duplis in the eyes. "Well then, I believe negotiations have broken down." A groan sounded from under her, and she dropped the heel of her boot onto Doppel’s chest. "And I still want answers." She raised her blade, the tip resting mere inches from Duplis's throat.

She slowly raised the blade, forcing him to look her in the eyes. With her off hand, she reached behind her, grabbing the last sports bottle of the night. "Drink that, or the blade starts slicing things you'd prefer to keep." Duplis grabbed the bottle and took a single sip before flinching. Before he could take another Andromalius cleared her throat. "That's enough. Now tell me. Who is SK?"

Duplis swallowed. "Storm King, he's a big-time gang lord from somewhere in South America. He's looking at getting a piece of Canterlot." He took a moment after he spoke to process what he said, and jumped back. His eyes widened and began shifting from the bottle in his hands, to the blade at his throat.

The demon didn't seem to mind his fear as her head tilted back and forth. "Interesting, and where can I find Chrysalis now? Might as well learn that too."

Duplis swallowed, seeming to force back words for a few moments before he coughed, speech coming from deep breaths. "She's gone to ground. And since we haven't heard anything from the Storm King she'll stay hidden for a while yet."

She cursed, her hold around her blade tightening in irritation. "Pits of Tartarus! I was hoping to nab her as well." Her eyes flashed to Duplis, a glint of anger seeming to peer deep into his very core. "And you can't help." She pulled her arm back, the blade retracting for a strike. Duplis flinched back, closing his eyes at what he assumed was his imminent death. Instead, the pommel of Sunset’s sword crashed into the crown of his head. As he slumped to the floor Sunset let out a sigh of relief. She began patting down Duplis, pulling a wallet out from his pocket. "Goddess, I used way too much magic during that." She grabbed Duplis by the collar of his cheap suit, pulling him outside.

Repeating the process for every thug, she walked back inside and pulled a single computer from the building. She calmly dropped it beside the sleeping thugs before peeking her head in, and blowing out a stream of flames. She held it for ten seconds before the potion faded, the magic infused in the liquid spent. She watched the building start to catch before reaching for a pouch on her hip. She shook the can of spray paint and began marking the ground. After a few seconds, she was done. Tying the thugs together around a light post she smiled at the sight, patting down Doppel and pulling out his phone and wallet. Pocketing the wallet, she tapped 911 on the phone. Tossing it on the ground she left. The only proof she had been there the name written on the sidewalk. Andromalius.

Author's Note

For those of you curious about Andromalius, he's a real demon. Source https://www.deliriumsrealm.com/andromalius/ Yeah, occult shit ftw.

Edited 1/22/19 by the wonderous Kitkataddel