Assassin of Kings and Queens

Chapter 2

A Journey Begins…

             Ferrum leaned back in his chair, sighing inwardly. Four figures sat at his kitchen table, including himself, and he was none too happy with the company.

To his right, Rainbow Dash wiggled nervously, unsure how to react to the visitors. She was currently wearing her assassin’s grays, a simple gray outfit designed for maximum efficiency in combat. Only the masters got to wear black.

Twilight sat directly across from Ferrum, and was currently engrossed in her Dandelion Tea. In the middle of Griffon Territory, what in Equestria was a common commodity was now reserved for the richest in the land. Or the most persuasive. Ferrum was the latter. Twilight’s dress was simple yet effective, similar to assassin’s grays in design, but not in the violet coloration.

Ferrum allowed his gaze to steer itself toward the black figure to his left. The figure was enjoying the awkward silence, green eyes darting between the other occupants of the table. This silence has gone on long enough Ferrum decided. He turned back towards Rainbow Dash, who was now having a staring contest with the green-eyed creature.

“You meet him before?” Ferrum inquired. Rainbow glanced towards Ferrum, blinking as she comprehended what he was asking. The black figure pumped his arms in triumph, then reclined backward. Rainbow glared at the ghostly form, then turned her head back toward Ferrum.

“No, no I haven’t.” Twilight looked up from her tea, eyebrow raised. Rainbow bristled at this, starting to get angry.

“What, should I have?” Ferrum chuckled, which only infuriated Rainbow further.

“WHAT? SO WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHO HE IS?” Rainbow was furious now. She hated being out of the know. Her wings flapped in irritation.

“I,” the black figure started casually, leaning forward, “am the reason any of you are still alive.”

Everyone turned towards the black figure.

“Well,” said Ferrum, “that’s interesting. You want to clarify HOW, exactly? Because, if I remember correctly, I was unconcious for this part.”

“Of course,” the figure replied. He turned back to Rainbow Dash, who had by now replaced her anger with raging curiosity.

“You see,” he gestured vaguely towards Ferrum, “he was unconscious because…” He paused.

“Oh, right. I was explaining how I saved the known world, not how our dear friend Ferrum got his ass handed to him by-”

“Please do,” interrupted Ferrum. He didn't enjoy anyone talking about that incident. The black figure looked at Ferrum, head tilted to the right.

“Are you going to interrupt again?” he inquired.

“No, he won't,” declared Twilight. She was staring into the dredges of her tea, horn glowing a soft violet. Ferrum’s throat began to glow the same color as Twilight’s horn, much to his alarm. Ferrum opened his mouth to protest, but no sound came out. He glared resentfully at the purple alicorn.

“Please continue,” said Twilight pleasantly. Jeez, I forgot how much of a total BITCH Twi can be thought Ferrum angrily. He leaned back, closing his eyes. At least it will be an interesting story.

“Let’s see,” said the figure thoughtfully, “first off, I think proper introductions are due. My name is Jerry, Demon Blade First Class, Lord of Death, Claimer of Souls, Assassin of Kings and Queens, Tamer of the Sacred Flame, Champion of the House of Cards…”

“House of Cards?” Rainbow chuckled to herself. Jerry cocked an eyebrow.

“I made the tallest house of cards in the known world, over nine kilometers tall. Problem?” Jerry’s voice took on a dangerous tone. He was getting tired of being interrupted.

“No, none at all. That’s cool, I guess…” Rainbow was getting nervous. Jerry didn't scare her, but he was…unnerving. His body kept shifting, as if it were made of actual darkness, held together only by sheer will. The only thing that didn’t move were those emerald eyes, cold, dangerous, but also warm and comforting. He was starting to creep Rainbow out, that’s all. Not scary at all.

Jerry broke his eye contact with Rainbow Dash, enjoying how she visibly relaxed.

He continued, “Anyway, so you all know how John Clark used magic to banish Nocturne from this plane, as well as to turn you into anthropomorphic beings. Now, I am the one who made it possible for our dear Jonathan to use magic.”

Twilight looked up, setting her tea down. Her academic interest was sparked, and she intended to pay attention to everything the demon had to say.

“You see,” Jerry said, tapping his head, “ humans are a fairly stupid race, capable of using only about three percent of their brains. Ponies like you,” he gestured at his audience,” can use about forty percent of your maximum brain capacity, allowing the use of magic.”

He looked pointedly at Rainbow Dash.

“Well, most of you, anyway.”

Rainbow glowered at Jerry. Everypony knew that pegasi had magic, which was used to make their bodies considerably lighter, allowing for flight. Unicorns and alicorns, however, could use their magic to manipulate their environment. Earth ponies…Yeah, they had no magical ability.

“So,” Jerry continued, “I taught John how to unlock the full potential of his brain. But, you know what happened. Such power ripped the fabric of reality, vaporizing both Nocturne and John. Nocturne’s essence, soul, whatever you want to call it, was hurled through the tear, sending him to parts unknown. John’s…” Jerry hesitated, guilt flashing through his shadowy features, then continued, “spread throughout the world, turning many into anthros, giving some creatures the ability to talk, etcetera.”

“And that,” Jerry finished with a grand flourish, “is how I changed the world.”

Twilight sat back in her chair, looking thoughtful. Rainbow looked disappointed.

“I thought you said that YOU saved the world,” grumbled Rainbow. Jerry bristled.

“Of course I did! If I hadn't done what I did…” He stopped. Sadness crept into his shifting features. Jerry shook his head to clear his thoughts, replacing his frown with a smirk.

“If I hadn't done what I did, Nocturne Mucrone would have taken over. So I did, in fact, save the world.” Jerry crossed his arms, nodding.

“Yeah, whatever,” Rainbow waved off Jerry’s comment. She turned towards Twilight, who was still deep in thought.

“So, Twi.” Twilight looked up, finishing her train of thought.

“Not to be rude or anything, but what are you doing in New Griffland?”

“Oh, of course.” Twilight pushed her chair back and stood up. She put her hands on her hips and declared, “I need the two of you to come back to Equestria with me!” She nodded her head in self-affirmation, deciding that it sounded just as good out loud as it did in her head.

Ferrum cracked open an eye.

“Why?” he inquired, the spell having timed out.

All sense of bravado faded from Twilight as she wilted under this withering response.

“Wha…What do you mean why?” Twilight slumped back into her chair, defeated.

“I mean,” Ferrum explained, leaning forward, “that, as you well know, male alicorns are forbidden from dwelling in the country of Equestria, a crime which,” he pointed out, “is punishable by death. So, I’m asking why I should put my life on the line. You know,” he said, leaning back, “because I like to stay as much alive as possible. You understand.”

“I…Well…” Twilight hadn't expected things to go this way. In her mind, Ferrum would have jumped at the opportunity to go home.

“Well, I'm going!” Everyone turned to Rainbow Dash, who declared again, “I'm going. There’s no law that said I had to leave the country. So I'm going with Twilight.”

The two beamed at each other, then turned to look at Ferrum.

“O.K. Have fun.” Ferrum had reclined as far as he could in the chair without tipping over, eyes closed, smirk plastered on his face.

“You…You're not coming?” Rainbow looked crestfallen, tears threatening to stream down her cyan face.

“No, I have better stuff to do than to throw my life away needlessly.” Ferrum didn’t move.

“Besides,” he continued, “technically, you are a certified assassin. You completed the assassin qualification test last week with flying colors.” He chuckled, then continued, “You don't need my guidance any more. You are free to go wherever, whenever you please.”

Rainbow Dash was dumbstruck. That was a test? She had simply gone to fetch some more scrolls for Ferrum, who had been writing about the history behind the Second Griffon War, as well as providing historical documentation on the pony race’s first contact with humans. Second, if what Ferrum said was true, then she'd been doing all those chores for no reason! Lastly, Ferrum was saying that Rainbow was being, for all intents and purposes, kicked out.

Rainbow Dash hung her head.

“I guess I'll go get packed.” She left the kitchen and walked towards her room, wings hanging limply on her back, leaving Twilight alone with Ferrum.

“Ferrum,” Twilight began, “surely you-“

“I've made my decision.”

Twilight sighed.

“Very well.” She got up, knowing she had no chance of persuading Ferrum to do anything he didn’t want to do. She trudged after Rainbow Dash to help her pack.

When Twilight was out of earshot, Jerry got up.

“You know what ship they’ll be taking?” He inquired, walking slowly towards the door.

“Freighter-class vessel 109, nicknamed The Flounder. Room number 762. Due to leave at 1800, Griffon Standard Time, in two hours’ time,” replied Ferrum nonchalantly. Jerry shook his head, smiling ruefully.

“Nice to know. See you later, then.” Jerry started towards the door.

“You know how to find me.” Jerry dissipated, leaving no trace that he had ever been there.

Twilight and Rainbow returned to find Jerry gone and Ferrum as they had left him. Rainbow was now sporting a large gray duffel bag, which clinked with every small movement. Twilight had a smaller, blue one. This one was meant for Rainbow’s clothes. They gave one last glance at Ferrum’s reclining form, and then made for the door.

“Oh, and Twilight?” The two turned back to face Ferrum, who was now smiling jovially.

“I have Rainbow’s credentials in my desk upstairs, first room on the right. Would you be a dear and get them for her? I twisted my ankle and don't want to hurt it anymore.”

“Of course.” Twilight strode up the stairs, leaving Rainbow to stare accusingly at Ferrum, who reached into his vest and handed her a stack of papers.

“Your credentials,” Ferrum said nonchalantly, massive grin plastered on his face. Then he started counting.

“Three…Two…One…”

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” A screech of sheer terror erupted from one of the upstairs rooms.

“Right on cue,” declared Ferrum, getting up, having cast a spell by then that healed almost all injuries on his ankle. He started up the stairs, curious to the effect thirteen dead and deformed griffons would have on an alicorn princess.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Twilight was in a state of shock the entire carriage ride to the port. They had left a jovial Ferrum behind, who waved after them, shouting, “Have a nice trip!” He had then proceeded into the house, closing the door behind him with magic.

“That…Pony…Is a menace.” Twilight shivered, recalling all the blood seeping into the floor.

“Oh, it’s not all bad,” said Rainbow. “He just doesn't like people to break into the house.”

Twilight shook her head. That didn't make her feel any better.

They arrived at the port an hour before the boat they were taking would be leaving. On its prow, The Flounder had been painted on in large, red letters. The two looked at their tickets to verify that this death trap was their ride home. Regrettably, it was. They made their way up the large wooden plank that connected the boat to the dock. That and about two tons of rope. Twilight led the way along the starboard side of the vessel, where their room was supposed to be located. Twilight counted off the room numbers.

“759…760…761…Here we are! 762!”

The two ponies made their way into the pitch black room, closing the door after themselves.

“Hey, Twi, turn on the light, would you?” Twilight fumbled along the walls, looking for the light switch.

“I can't find it. Hold on.” Twilight’s horn glowed a gentle purple, illuminating half the room in a gentle light.

“There isn't a lightswitch!” Twilight protested. A familiar voice cut through the dark half of the room.

“Please, allow me.” A massive orb of white light materialized, blinding the two ponies. They collapsed against the opposite wall, unable to see.

“Jerry, is that you?” asked Rainbow Dash, eyes screwed tight against the harsh light.

The light abated, allowing Twilight and Rainbow to peek at their new roommate. Green eyes twinkled with mirth.

“Who else would it be?” Jerry crossed arms, letting the glowing orb float up to the bare ceiling. It stayed there, giving off a now-gentle light that illuminated the whole room.

Rainbow looked down.

“I just thought…maybe…” A sharp knock on the door interrupted Rainbow Dash’s confession, causing all to look expectantly at the door. Jerry strode to the door, and opened it with a grand flourish.

“ROOM SERVICE!” called a voice from outside. Rainbow Dash’s face lit up, as did Twilight’s.

In the doorway, black tail swishing back and forth, red stripe glowing in the sunset, stood Ferrum Latet, clad in his assassin’s black armor and cloak, black duffel bag on his shoulder.

“You're late,” declared Jerry, moving aside.

“An assassin is neither late, nor early. He arrives exactly when he means to,” retorted Ferrum, smiling.

He took a step inside.