EG: The Devil Might Lie

It’s still raining outside. Ain’t gotta be a genius to realize that. Even though he was indoors the youth could hear the rain coming down, slamming against the windows. Its not a bad sound, but its still not one that he was interested in hearing. After all, it's already been about a week, exactly how much longer was the rain planning on coming down?

“Ugh~” A groan left the stallion as he just cracked an eye open, his attention locking onto the blurred font staring down at him. Without a word he reached up, pulling the book up off his face as he got a better look at the text that had been typed out before him.

Not too sure what the title was – didn’t really look at it - hell he couldn’t really remember the words he’d read so far.

Just goes to show how uninteresting the read was in his eyes.

Closing the book, he raised it up and sat down behind his head, then rolled over… only to fall face first as he fell off his couch.

“Ow…” Was all he said for a moment as he sucked in a breath and raised his head a bit. “Great way to start the day.” He grumbled, pushing himself off the ground as he sat upright and got to his feet. Taking a second to rub his face, the youth looked around and got to his feet. His place wasn’t that impressive to look at – it was basically a cube with only had a restroom and kitchen sectioned off. It wasn’t much, but it was his little place in the world, so he couldn’t really complain.

Well, he could complain but he didn’t have the energy to do so today.

He could complain about the fire alarm being oversensitive at times.

He could complain about how thin the walls were and how he could hear his neighbors fucking sometimes.

He could complain… but he didn’t have the energy right now.

“God I hate slow days.”

“Trust me, you ain’t the only one.” A voice called out as the youth glanced to the side and say that someone was sitting in one of his chairs, practically spread out over the piece of furniture as they glanced in his direction. “How’s it going Dust?”

“Vein.” He replied, taking the time to stretch. “You know, breaking and entering is a crime, right?”

“You wouldn’t respond when I knocked.” The older man admitted as he righted himself on the chair. “So I invited myself in.” He stated before chucking something at his counterpart. “By the way, you should find a better place for that spare key.”

“Yeah well…” Staring at the key he caught, Dusk spun it on his finger for a moment before clenching his fist around it. “What’s up?” He asked. Wasn’t expecting to see you any time soon.”

“I bet.” Vein admitted as he started reaching into his jacket for something. “Got a job for you.” He pulled out an envelope. “Cash, up front.” He stated as he tossed the envelope towards his counterpart.

“Cash huh?” Dusk muttered as he grabbed the envelope and spun it on his finger. “This I like…” He admitted before opening the envelope and doing a check of its contents.

He whistled.

“That’s a lot of cash.”

“Yes it is.” Vein stated as he pulled out a cigarette and lighted it up. “”Feel free to send a bit my way when your got the chance.”

“Doesn’t Fenrir pay you enough as it is?” Dusk muttered as he closed the envelope and set it back on the table. “Still, this is a lot of cash for one job, what’s the deal?”

“That is something you’ll have to ask your new client.” Vein stated as he picked himself up and wandered over to the door. “Dust, say hello.” Without another word he pulled the door open as he let someone in.

His new client was a woman, a very beautiful woman at that.

Seeing her, Dusk raised an eyebrow for a moment before it dropped, his expression twisting into a narrow line.

“I’ll leave you two alone to hash out all the details.” Vein stated, adjusting his hat as he excused himself. For a moment neither said anything, just staring at each other before Dusk groaned and rubbed his temples.

“Cadence.”

“Dusk.” Cadence, vice principal of Crystal Prep, released a light smile as she stepped further into the small office. “It's been a while.” She admitted. “You look good.”

“You too.” Dusk grumbled as he got to his feet and started making his way towards the couch again. “You know, normally I'd be happy to see you… but~” He held up the envelope for a moment for Cadence to see as he dropped onto his couch. “You’re here on business it seems.” Cadence's smile faded. “So, what do you say we cut the small talk and get right to business.”

“If that’s how you want to do this…” Cadence muttered, taking a breath. “No doubt you've heard about what happened in Red Grave.” Cadence began as Dusk rolled his eyes.

“Who hasn't?” He grumbled as he flicked the envelope towards the table. “You could be living under a rock and you'd still hear about what went down in Red Grave.”

He probably wasn't wrong.

“Yeah well…” Cadence paused as she seemed to think. “After Dante cut that strange tree down-”

“Qliphoth.” Dusk interrupted, causing Cadence to sigh to herself.

“Adrian told you about it.”

“Nope.” Dusk admitted. “Didn’t have to.” He shrugged.

“I was there.” Cadence's eyes widened.

“You were there?”

“Yeah.” Dusk shrugged. “Wasn't on the job, but I was there.” He admitted. “Tried taking some time off and what do you know, I find myself at Ground Zero for a demon invasion.” He admitted with a hint of disappointment. “I swear, got the worst luck sometimes.” He fell silent as he looked back at Cadence.

“Regardless, since the tree - the Qliphoth fell, the remaining demons decided to scatter, and Auntie’s worried that some might be heading towards Canterlot.”

“Of course…” Dusk grumbled leaning back in his seat. “Let me guess, she wants a Devil Hunter on call in case things get ugly.” Dusk grumbled as he looked at Cadence.

“Basically.”

“And she wanted you to bring me in.”

“Yes.” Dusk just made a face, his expression twisting as he leaned back in his seat.

“For fucks sake…”

“Dusk…” Cadence muttered, staring at the youth. “Please…” She began. “Well, pay you as much as you want, just…” She paused. “Please, come back to Canterlot with me.” Dusk didn't say anything. “Auntie… she misses you.” She muttered. “We all miss you.”

Dusk didn’t say anything, just staring at the ceiling for a moment as he started twiddling his thumbs.

“This is a bad idea Cadence.” he grumbled as he closed his eyes. “You and I both know that.” he states.”Nothing goods gonna happen if I go there.” Cadence looked down, her hands tightening on her blouse.

“Dusk…”

“Still, I guess it wouldn’t be too bad to visit some old stomping grounds.” Dusk grumbled as he stood and decided to stretch. “Besides~” He kicked the bottom of the table with his foot as the envelope jumped up. He caught it before it started to fall. “The cash will be worth the trip.”

“Dusk…” Cadence got to her feet as she started walking around the table and made to hug him. “Thank y-”

“Nope.” Dusk held a hand out to stop her. “None of that.” He told her. “I’m not doing this for you or Celestia.” He states. “I’m doing this because you paid for my services.” He states. “Nothing more, nothing less.” Cadence looked hurt at his words, but slowly she nodded her head.

“Right, I’m sorry, I just…”

“I know…” Dusk grumbled as he looked elsewhere. “Anyway, if you’ll excuse me, I have to book a flight.” He paused. “There is an airport near there now, right.”

“Um… about that…” Dusk sighed in annoyance, taking a moment to scratch his head..

“Of fucking course.”