//------------------------------// // Breaking News // Story: Kamen Rider: Fire and Steel // by thunderclap //------------------------------// Hope not ever to see Heaven. I have come to lead you to the other shore; into eternal darkness; into fire and into ice. - Divine Comedy, Inferno. A couple days had passed since Shining Armor had given Sunset a verbal lashing. Life had returned to normal for the most part.  All except for her wriggling anxiety over what she had fought that day. There was no way things would stay peaceful. Anguis had even said he worked for someone, and she had a sneaking suspicion he didn't mean his manager at his office job. She had spent hours poring over her older books, gifted from Princess Twilight. There was nothing on Anguis, nor the symbol that had appeared upon his death. It made her uncomfortable, like she was once again blundering into rogue Equestrian magic.  Except, the books were fairly comprehensive. It seemed that her initial thoughts might be right. Whatever Anguis was, he was never Equestrian. Which meant this world wasn’t as magicless as everyone thought.  Sighing, Sunset flipped on her television and chewed on a peach slice. The news sprang to life and just as she was about to switch the channel, something caught her attention. "-ot much is known about this armored woman," a news anchor said, making sure to enunciate his every syllable.  Part of her fight with Anguis played behind the anchor's head, looping as it cut out the bloodshed. Sunset studied her movements, noting that she couldn’t tell what was her own knowledge, and what had been gifted by the armor.  "There have been attempts to identify the woman, but so far nothing has been conclusive," the coanchor added, showing off her polished teeth. "However, several online groups have taken to calling her Fenix." “Fenix huh?” Sunset asked, shoving the rest of the peach into her mouth. “Phoenix too long of a word for 'em?” Rolling her eyes, she wiped her hand with a napkin. "Friggin' netspeak." She couldn’t help but peek at the door, expecting Shining Armor to burst in like a drunken adulterer. More than once those types had taken their spouses leaving out on her.  She knew all too well that people would blame others for their own follies. All she had done was illuminate their own betrayals of their marital vows. That was just her job, it almost always pissed someone off. Before Sunset could dwell on her past work, a knock at the door grabbed her attention. Turning off her tv, she went to answer it. Opening her door, she found Sugarcoat standing impassively before her door; a large tome tucked under her arm. "Sugar, good to see you," Sunset greeted, ushering the woman inside. "What's with the book?" Walking over to Sunset’s desk, Sugarcoat dropped the book like one would drop a bowling ball. It puffed out dust, which hovered over the desk for a heartbeat.  Waving her hand to clear the dust away, Sunset eyed the tome. It was leatherbound, the material shrunk from age and several spots were cracked or missing entirely. Set into the cover was an odd, geometric symbol of some kind and a title that Sunset could hardly make out. “What am I looking at, Sugar?” Sunset questioned, her nose wrinkling at the musky smell of aged leather.  “A relatively complete guide on demons that ancient scholars and alchemists were known to summon,” Sugar answered, leafing through the pages. “But I think you should see this.” Settling on a page, she pointed to a familiar symbol. “His name was Botis.” Sure enough, the symbol that had appeared in the yard was on display, as well as a description of the beast Sunset had fought. “I was right, Equestria has nothing like this.”  Sugar placed a finger on the next page. “He’s the seventeenth demon in the Ars Goetia, and one of the Presidents of hell.” “Hell, yeah, the closest thing we have to that is Tartarus,” Sunset noted, looking over the page. “So, he said he worked for someone. Who’s the highest ranking demon?” “I looked into it.” Pulling the book open, Sugar flipped towards the end. “Baal. Ranked first in the Goetia, he’s the greatest of the hellish kings and leads the legions of the inferno.” “Then finding him is probably something I should consider,” Sunset stated, studying the new symbol. “But, if one of the lower guys gave me such a hard time, I’m not packing enough heat to take on someone like him.” Sugarcoat closed the book, wafting more of its musk at their noses. “We don’t have enough heat. As of today, you’re hiring me.” It wasn’t a statement or a demand. Just a firm tone and a matching gaze. “Say what now?”Sunset questioned, pinching her nose. “I’ll be your assistant,” Sugarcoat said, gesturing to some open space by the door. “You’ll need someone who knows about these types of things.” Sunset hated to admit it, but it wasn’t a bad idea. Though, it meant that Sugar would be in harm’s way. Even if she were against it, Sugar knew the risk and there’d likely be no way to talk her out of her plan. Sighing, Sunset crossed her arms. “I guess we should discuss your payment.”  “I’m glad you see it my way.” Picking the book up, she held it to her chest.  "I've known you long enough to know you weren't gonna back down," Sunset retorted with a wry smile. “I can’t pay you a steady rate, but, we can work out a fixed percentage from any cases that come in.” "I'll only ask to be on cases we confirm to be demon related," Sugar answered, adjusting her glasses. "You can keep all the money from normal cases." Sunset raised her eyebrow. It made sense business wise, but personally it didn’t sit right with her. “Sugar, I can’t just selectively pay you. If you’re going to be here daily, I have to pay you at least somewhat consistently.” "I already get paid from my research grant. These cases are something I can use to further my demonology research," Sugar pointed out, patting her book. “But thank you for your concern.” Shaking her head, Sunset extended her hand.  "Alright then, looks like we're partners in this. Ready to dive into Hell?" "You should feel bad for that joke," Sugar deadpanned, but still accepted the handshake. “But yeah, I’m ready. I’ll need a desk and a computer first.” Sunset winced, crunching the numbers in her head. "Okay, I think a trip to Pikea and some online sniping on parts can sort that out," she said, nodding. "Gonna be eating nothing but cup ramen for months," she concluded under her breath. “Why don’t you ask Applejack to make you a desk?” Sugarcoat questioned. “I’m sure she owes you a favor or two.” "Because if Applejack thought I was on tough times, she'd go into hyper helper mode," Sunset pointed out, rubbing her chin in thought. "But maybe if I play things carefully, I can avoid that." Nodding to herself, she pulled out her phone. She hesitated over Applejack's number, her thumb hovering above her friend’s face. Brushing it off, she tapped the screen. Sunset could navigate Applejack’s concerns, just like she did with everyone else's. Sucking in a deep breath, she put it to her ear and heard the *click* as the line connected. "Hey Applejack, it's Sunset." “Well Ah’ll be a sleepin' jackrabbit! Ah haven’t heard from ya in months, sugarcube!” Applejack’s rough country voice crackled through her phones tiny speaker. “Ah was startin’ ta think you were avoidin’ me.” "No way," Sunset scoffed, chuckling. "I've just had a lot of cases come in. Mostly small fry stuff, but it ate up my time." “That’s good t'hear. Ya know, Rainbow’s comin’ back in a few weeks. Rarity’s been talkin’ about havin’ a get together.” "Same meeting spot as always?" Sunset questioned with a knowing grin. “Eeyup.” A pause came through, lingering like a heavy weight before Applejack spoke again. “We’d understand if ya don’t wanna come, Sunset. Ah know what it’s like ta stay away from things that remind ya.” Smile faltering, Sunset could feel a lump in her throat. "If I was averse to all reminders, I'd have moved out of this city. But thanks for being understanding." “We all miss her, Sugarcube. But, that’s gettin’ off topic. Didja just call to flap yer gums at me?” "You caught me, I did have another reason to call you. I have a new assistant and I need a desk for her. Care to call up your brother and I pay you two in cases of that beer I know you both like?" Sunset offered. “What kinda wood? Apple, Cedar, Evergreen?” Applejack listed off a few other types of wood,almost sounding like a salesperson. “I’ll go with cedar,” Sunset replied. “That way bugs won’t mess with it when they find a way into my building. “Way to go above and beyond as usual, AJ.” Applejack laughed, deep and warm. “Aw, come off it, Sunset. Apples look out fer their friends. Sides, Ah ain’t gonna say no to free beer." "When can you two come over?" Scooping up her keys, Sunset took a moment to think over how many cases of beer she could conceivably carry with her bike. Once she had conceived of a way to manage in one trip, she cracked a smile. "Think you can pull Mac away from the Mrs. and rugrats by the end of the day?" “I reckon I can fer a friend. Heck, Sugarbelle might just tell him to. Ah still think she thinks she owes ya.” Sunset chuckled and shook her head. "Have you tried telling her I don't hold favors over people's heads? Well, not anymore I don't." “Yeah, yeah, Ah know. Anyway, it was nice talkin’ to ya, Sunny.” "Before you go, I gotta ask: have you seen the news lately?" Sunset questioned, thinking back on  the broadcast. “Nah, Ah don’t watch. Too much depressin’ stuff on there nowadays.” Sunset chuckled nervously and nodded. "Okay, see you soon, AJ." “Cya ‘round, Sunny! Don’t be a stranger!” The line clicked as AJ hung up. "You sound happier after talking to her," Sugar commented, startling Sunset for a moment. “You should do it more often. It might lift your mood.”   Sunset crossed her arms over her chest and set a look Sugarcoat's way. Opening her mouth, she prepared to let loose a tirade that would culminate with telling her new assistant to mind her business. Only for the words to die in her throat. Sighing, she grabbed her jacket. "You might be right." Holding the book to her chest, Sugarcoat stepped towards the door. “Planning on going out?” Her usual antagonism had toned itself down, most likely a conscious effort. “Want me to come with you?” “Sure, you can come if you want,” Sunset answered, opening the door. “I’m just grabbing the beer I’m gonna pay AJ and Mac with. We can stop at the electronics store near it too. We might find some budget parts for your computer.” Dropping the book back on the desk, Sugarcoat joined her at the door. “I could make a few calls. Between CHS and CP, one of our old classmates could be in a position to cut us a deal.” “Good idea.” Reaching into her pocket, Sunset handed her assistant a bluetooth headset. “You can use this and make the calls while we ride. It’s hard to hear your phone through a helmet. Not to mention the wind from the ride.” “Right.” Putting the bluetooth in her ear, Sugarcoat pulled out her phone. The walk to the street went right by her, too busy synching the ear piece to her phone. She was already in a call by the time she was seated and putting her helmet on. Sunset chuckled at how she had to basically lead her assistant like a child. Revving the engine, she pulled out onto the streets.  The trip to the liquor store was simple enough; go in, grab a few cases and get out. A few college age guys hung around the back, their conversation carrying to the front. Sunset paused, turning her head slightly. “-bet she’s a babe under that helmet.” "You would say that, Drift," the largest of the guys said, smirking at his friend. "I bet you'd want her to step on you and knock your snake around instead of that monster." Drift scoffed, giving his friend a shove. “You know damn well that chicks in leather are hot.” Sunset could only roll her eyes, but couldn't help but smile. Sure, she could let their meathead attitude bother her, but really it was just funny in a way. The obvious being that they were unknowingly saying it all in earshot of the one they were talking about. She decided to take it as a confidence boost, over anything else. Getting on the bike and securing the beer, she gestured to her ear at Sugarcoat inquisitively. When she got the go ahead she asked, "How're the calls going?" Sugarcoat tapped at her phone again, not bothering to look up. “I think Lemon Zest might have something for us. She owns an electronic shop on Sunrise Way.” “I know that street,” Sunset remarked, letting her motorcycle roar to life. “Though I’m surprised Lemon didn’t become a musician or run a music shop.” “I never said she didn’t,” Sugarcoat corrected, grabbing onto Sunset. “It pays to have a backup plan.” “Glad she’s doing alright,” Sunset said, nodding. The rest of the ride was spent in silence, Sunset idly wondered about the trajectory of her career. If it weren’t for stumbling into Botis, would continuing to be a PI be a smart move? She didn’t have the money to go back to the university, nor did she think she could requalify for any scholarships. Given how things were in Equestria, Sunset always put going back at the bottom of any relevant list of choices. She shrugged, letting the train of thought roll to a stop. Despite all the downsides, she did enjoy her job more often than not. Lemon’s store turned out to be what Sunset expected. Loud EDM music blared over the speakers, assaulting her ears like the flapping of immense wings. She could only describe the customers as dance floor techs, at least two she recognized as local djs.  Lemon Zest herself hadn't changed at all. Heading banging back and forth, she almost had a sixth sense of what her customers wanted. After a hug filled greeting and some pleasantries, Lemon hooked them up with a motherboard and a CPU for cheap. Placing an order for a box on the counter, Lemon slide it over. "I'll give you half off, but!" She held her phone up, showing off Sunset's armored form. "You have to let me make some noise about this get up." Sunset groaned, running a hand through her hair. “Are you asking to make a theme song for me or something?” She whispered, looking around the fairly busy store. "Hell ya!" Lemon pulled her headphones down, an action reserved only for her closest friends. "Spider-Man has the Ramones, Skeleton Man has a song. Even Captain Planet has a song!"  Putting her phone down, Lemon made a show of scratching a record she had set up next to her. "It'll burn the airways baby! I can get V-Scratch on this, maybe rope in that cello chick she rooms with. Might need to get someone for the lyrics though." “Are those two still not an open item?” Sunset asked with a chuckle. “The sexual tension was thick enough to cut with a knife back in high school, can only imagine what it’s like now. But if you’re dead set on making this thing, then I have a condition of my own. You make sure there’s heavy guitar riffs.” "Whatever you say, Firebird." Lemon rang them up and cashed them out. "It was good seeing you two. Now get outta here, you’re diverting the flow." With a wink, she pulled her headphones back up and resumed what she had been doing before hand. Sunset turned on her heel and waved to Lemon. “Don’t be a stranger, Lemon! I’m only a few blocks away!” After getting an affirmation, Sunset exited the store with her new acquisitions in tow. Once she pulled out onto the street, she let out a small sigh. “Is it possible that Lemon is even more energetic ten years after high school? How does she do it?” "Cocaine?" Sugar offered, the ghost of a smile on her face. “Was that a joke?” Sunset questioned with a chuckle. “And here I thought you were allergic to those.” “I can joke when I want to,” Sugar replied. “Better she’s high on her art than anything else.” “Agreed.” With that, the pair rode back to the office, the hum of the bike’s engines the only sound. When they pulled up to the office, they found a strange man pacing in front of the door. His face, a deep shade of blue lit up when he spotted them. “Ah! Excuse me! Would either of you young ladies happen to be the operator of this business?” Sunset pulled off her helmet, holding it under the crook of her arm while offering him a handshake. “That’d be me. Sunset Shimmer, how can I help you?” “Oh, forgive my rudeness, I’m Head Line.” Taking the handshake, he offered her a weak smile. “And I have a case I want you to take on.” Reaching into his shirt pocket, he pulled out a photo of a young woman. “This is Scoop, a journalist at the paper I work at. Lately, she’s been getting breaking news, even when it’s seemingly impossible.” “Isn’t getting breaking news a reporter’s job?” Sugarcoat questioned, pulling her helmet off. “I wouldn’t be here if it was as simple as that,” Head Line retorted, frowning. “Her latest article was about a drug deal, before it even happened. We asked her how she did it, but dodged the question. I’m worried she’s gotten tied up in something, but the police didn’t find anything in a preliminary search.” Sunset shared a look with Sugar before gesturing to the building. “Why don’t we take this inside? We can discuss things more easily if we’re all comfy.” “By all means,” Head Line replied, letting out a deep sigh. “Thank you for not dismissing me outright. The police wrote me off once their search was done.” “We... ‘specialize’ in strange cases,” Sugarcoat said walking into the building. “Nothing to thank us for.” The trio gathered around the sofa, Head Line sipping at a glass of water Sunset had gotten him. "It all started a couple weeks ago," he started, looking down at the floor. "Scoop is normally a great reporter, but she got into a slump. Then, she made a sudden comeback with these great stories." “Was she acting strangely at all before her comeback?” Sunset asked, pulling out her note book. “Say anything weird? The more you give me the easier my job is.” "No, she didn't say anything weird." Shaking his head, his mouth scrunched up in thought. "Really, her dodge was the weird part. Scoop normally shared her methods and sources freely. She always said we were a team and encouraged all of us to get to the truth." Sunset nodded, scribbling on the paper. “That’s not much to go on, Mr. Line. I need something to start with. A lead to go out from.” “I can give you places she goes outside of work hours and her home address,” Head said, putting down his glass. “Other than that, she’s been tightlipped so I don’t have much myself.” When given a pen and a piece of paper, he quickly wrote down a list of places. "There, I also gave you my number so we can keep in contact. I'll call you if anything else comes to mind." Taking the paper, Sunset opened one of her drawers. “Thanks, that’ll help a lot.” Reaching in, she lifted out a short stack of papers. “I keep a general contract for all my cases, why don’t you look it over and let me know if those terms are good for you.” Head Line nodded, reading over the contract for a few minutes. "This looks fine. Not that I thought you'd try anything funny." “Still, it’s good to come to an agreement,” Sunset said, watching him sign it. “We’ll get to work right away, Mr. Line.” "Thank you, and I don't mean to sound rude, but I'm hoping Scoop isn't in any kind of trouble and this is for nothing," he stated, putting the pen down and drinking the last of his water. “I’d better get going.” He stood up and quickly exited the room. Sunset looked over the list of addresses, wondering where to start. “So, think our reporter has become tangled up in normal crime, or something else?” Sugarcoat shook her head. “Many of the demons in the Goetia give knowledge of the future. It could be any one of those.” “That’s just perfect.” Sighing, Sunset grabbed her helmet again. “Looks like we have to do this the old fashioned way. Maybe we can narrow it down.” Gesturing to the book, she grinned. “Time to earn your first paycheck, Sugar.” “The first of many I’m sure,” Sugar replied, scooping up the book and flipping through it. “Call me once you have any info on our demon. Even a hint at an animal motif might help me.” “I got you on speed dial.” Sunset slipped the  earpiece on, synching it to her phone. “I’ll call you on the way there and send you anything strange.” Sugar nodded, taking a seat at Sunset’s desk. “Be careful, partner.” With a thumbs up, Sunset exited the office. Sunset rolled to a stop,finding herself in front of an apartment building. Pulling out her phone, she called up Head Line. When she heard the ringing stop she said, “Mr. Line, I’m in front of Scoop’s apartment complex. Do you know which floor she’s on?” “She’s on the fourth floor, room 408,” Line said.  Sunset wanted to comment on how easily he had that information. An ex-boyfriend or current one maybe? She stifled her urge to question it; he wasn't who she was investigating. Reaching into her bag, she grabbed a set of binoculars and looked towards the fourth floor. “Is that in the front, sides, back?” Sunset questioned, scanning the side of the building. “I need a bit more than that.” "It's the right side from the front door to the complex." Sunset’s inner detective screamed, begging her to ask the question on the tip of her tongue. He was one described bedroom away from basically confirming what she already thought. Not that it was her business. At least not on a personal level. She would only ask if it seemed like it would impact her investigation. Swinging her leg over her bike, she walked across the street to get a good view of the right side of the building. Sunset clicked her tongue, finding her angle didn't lend her a good view of the apartment. Searching for a better angle, she moved through a list of reasons for watching the building. She settled on surveyor, with a runner up of an urban photographer. Bird watcher was a third option, but that usually came with follow-up questions. Eyes settling on the fire escape of the neighboring building, she jumped up and grabbed at the bottom rung. Grabbing on, she hauled herself up and grabbed onto a higher rung with her free hand. With a few more rungs, she was standing on the landing of the first set of stairs. “With this job, who needs a gym membership?” she mused to herself. Proceeding up to the correct level, Sunset brought her binoculars up to her eyes. “Alright, Scoop. What have you got going on?” When she finally found the correct window, she zoomed in. “Hmm, framed newspaper clippings. Either she’s proud of her work, narcissistic or both.” Freeing a hand, she reached into her pocket and dialed Sugar. “Hey, Sugar. I’m in a good spot now. Don’t see anything too interesting yet.” “Okay, be sure to call me when you have more nothing to report.” “I’m just going to keep the line open, if that’s alright with you. Saves me from having to redial you.” “Fine, but I’m not going to be a wellspring of conversation,” Sugar replied, the sound of rustling paper in the background. “I’m in the middle of making a light reference guide for you. Some of the terminology is middle English and throws beginners off.”  “I know how to read middle Ponish, Sugarcoat,” Sunset commented, adjusting her view. “Can you see what you can find on Scoop?” “Are you asking me to look her up through social media or through her paper? Because Head Line never named the paper he works for and there’s at least five in this county.” “Both if you can,” Sunset answered, still finding nothing out of place in the main space of the apartment. “And use Head Line’s name to get to the paper.”  Sunset went silent, seeing movement within the apartment. A young woman strode to the front door and threw it open for a thin man. He had snowy white skin, short spiky brown hair a grey windbreaker and jeans.  Scoop, Sunset assumed it was Scoop, herself boasted a lanky figure. Standing a head taller than the man, she bore deep orange skin and white striped brown hair. She ushered the man inside, locking the half dozen locks behind him. Pulling out a camera, Sunset snapped a few pictures as Scoop typed away at a laptop while the man seemed to be answering questions in a trance.  "Sugar," Sunset whispered, zooming in on the man. "I think I found a demon." "Does he look like he's a demon or are you making assumptions?" "He's answering questions in a trance while Scoop is typing what I can only guess is her next article, you tell me," Sunset deadpanned. "We got a list of suspects yet?" "A few, only two of them are at the same level that Botis was. Barbas, a lion demon who can answer about hidden or secret things and Camio, a thrush demon who can truthfully answer on things to come. Hope it's one of those, or else you'd probably die in a fight with the others." Sunset tsked, watching the scene play out before her. “The hell is a thrush demon? That just a walking tongue covered in fungus?” “A thrush is a small bird. I think they live in Europe,” Sugar said, very obviously grossed out by Sunset’s comment. "Why would your mind jump to a fungal infection?" “Because that was the only thrush I was familiar with,” Sunset shot back. “Now, can we get back to the matter at hand here?” Sunset let her binoculars hang around her neck, creeping towards the stairs again. She felt that she’d had enough enough to confirm demon involvement. Now, she could wait by her bike to hopefully follow the demon. Hours passed, with the only real movement at the apartment being a few birds flying, delivery boys bringing take out, and some people leaving for evening shifts. Not once did she see any signs of the man from Scoop’s apartment. Frowning, she tapped her earpiece. “Can demons teleport, Sugarcoat?” “There’s no reports of that that I’ve come across,” Sugar replied. “But they can return to Hell through their summoning circle. Was there signs of one in the apartment? It’d likely be done in chalk or salt, with candles around it made of a specific wax to bind the demon to its summoner.” Sighing, Sunset climbed onto her bike. “Right. I’m coming back to the office. See if you can’t find a way to track these things.” "That's a tall order. By the way, Applejack arrived about twenty minutes ago. I only told her you were on a case." Putting her helmet on, she pulled the key into the ignition. “Did she say why?” "The desk you asked her to build," Sugarcoat stated, an eye roll obvious in her tone. “...She finished it in a day? Why am I not surprised?” "Super strength and southern hospitality are a hell of a match. She says you still owe her a drink.” "I'll be sure to repay her soon." Sunset pulled out and started to head for the office. "How do you like the new desk?" “It’s nice. Applejack should go into carpentry.” "Maybe as a side gig, but she loves that farm," Sunset mused, her irritation flickering to the back of her mind. "Can't wait to see the handiwork." Part of her hoped it was the Thrush demon. Even if his true form was as monstrous as Botis’s, she’d trounce him. Little neighborhood birds should know not to encroach on the territory of a raptor.