A New Recruit

Chapters

Unfortunate Circumstances
Headquarters
Voltai Umbra
Another Broken Home
Chapter V

Unfortunate Circumstances

Key Scales woke early that morning feeling different somehow. She rose out of bed, stretching and turning about, smiling with traces of her unusually peaceful dreams. She stood up, shook her long and untidy black mane about and started getting ready for class.

She felt something as she stepped out of her tree-house on the edges of Ponyville with her clarinet. A feeling that the day would be good as opposed to the norm. Stepping into Sugarcube Corner, (An activity she didn't normally do. Sweets were something she restrained from) she smiled. Maybe the day, so young and eager, would be better. She purchased a Lemon Muffin and trotted briskly to the train that would take her to class at the Orchestral Hall. Her hopes were high as she sat down on the train and watched the sunrise.

Perhaps today she wouldn't be overshadowed, she thought, daydreaming. She had a classmate named Octavia. Though they looked similar, their similarities ran only coat-deep. Key Scales was very quiet in class and hardly spoke to anyone, though she showed up every day and passed each test with flying colors. The teacher never noticed her, despiter her talent and promise. Octavia was the star and Key Scales was merely an extra.

She stepped into class that day with a feeling of hope in her heart and a flavor of lemon upon her muzzle. The teacher took attendance. Key Scales grabbed her music folder, her purple magic floating it back to her seat.

They studied musical theory. Key Scales knew the answers before the questions were asked but she never lifted a hoof to speak, still dreamily full of hope. The teacher instructed everyone to put their instruments together. Key Scales rose to grab her instrument... and her cheerful feelings left quickly as they had come, to be replaced by panic.

Her instrument... the beloved black case with an inscription from her late mother; it was her pride and joy in this world. Now it was gone from her side, a rare occurence. Left back in Ponyville along with any hope of her passing that day of class. She must've left it at Sugarcube Corner. Leaving, she thought, was surely better than being lectured and stared at by everypony.

Now, being a mare that was often overlooked, she waited until the chaos of the warm-up sounds reached a peak and slipped out the door quietly. No one noticed; No one cared. That was how it had always been in her life at the Orchestral Hall. Racing away, back to the train station and into the train to Ponyville, her mind raced as well. "What if it's stolen? I'll fail. I won't make it... anywhere in this world. I couldn't face anypony... No. I can't afford to lose. I will find it."

By this time she was back in Ponyville, her hooves clacking against the ground, but she was too late. Racing through Canterlot and Ponyville had taken too long. Sugarcube Corner was closed. Her instrument was probably gone. Her heart full of rage, she turned to leave. A glint caught at the corner of her eye. The silver clasp of her clarinet case in the twilight!

A note was attached to the handle reading, "You left this, Miss Scales. Be careful. - A Friend."

"Miss Scales..." she thought.
That nickname rang a bell, but she was so tired from all of the running about. The muffin she had eaten just that morning felt like forever ago. Relief swept over her at the realization that at least her prized possession was back. She headed home, dreading the lecture she'd endure tomorrow for skipping.

Heading through shortcuts and back alleys, keeping her head down so as not to attract unwanted attention, she felt her face growing hot again, her thoughts swirling. How stupid she could be sometimes! If she hadn't wanted that muffin, none of this would've happened. She wouldn't have been at Sugarcube Corner, she would never have forgotten her clarinet, she would not have had to skip class, and instead of being lost, she would be happily situated playing tunes!
Wait... being lost?" She stopped walking and looked up. A single alley light flickered and went out, leaving only moonlight to light her path. Of course. This just wasn't her day, was it?

She retraced her steps in her head, trying to get her bearings, but a clicking sound forced her thoughts to stray from their path. Hooves.

"Oh, looks like this little filly got lost. You aren't lost, are you? Certainly not in my territory. That would be a very bad idea." A taunting voice said, resounding around her in the small alley. She opened her case quickly but quietly, and used her magic to piece the dark instrument together. She kept one eye on the musical utensil and one eye sizing up the stallion in front of her.

He wasn't very big, but a white cloak flowing around him altered his appearence. It was deadly and intimidating. The final piece on her clarinet came together, moonlight and magic shining off the keys she was named for. A sharp pain raged through her body from her hind leg, crumpling her. His attack had started. Instinct she had never known before shot through her; she stood up reflexively.

He hit her ear. There was a ringing sound that wouldn't go away. She swung the clarinet around; it was another part of her. It resounded with a vibration, clanging against something hard. It had collided with the stallion. She whirled the instrument towards him. Warm liquid flooded the pavement around her, spraying her mouth. It was bitter and sticky; blood. She heard a loud thud, feeling the ground shake around her. She fell over, pain rushing into her leg. Everything went black.

She awoke in the alley, but she knew that she was not alone. Somepony was poking her in the muzzle. Slowly opening one eye a bit, she saw that there were two stallions standing above her. They were both wearing strange, extravagant outfits. Fine white outfits with a red stripe down the flank and hoods covering their eyes, similar to the pony who had attacked her. No one wore such extravagant garb in this little town unless attending a party. They didn't seem in the mood for a get-together though.

The one poking her muzzle had a light tan coat and a brown mane that stuck out of his hood in little tufts, and a scar on his muzzle. He'd been in combat before. The other stallion was standing off to the shadows and she couldn't see him very well, but he stood tall, with an air of experience. A voice came from within his hood.

"Stand back and let me see her."

He stood closer and she squeezed her eyes tight; regulating her breath so she would appear unconscious. He started to wipe the blood off her face as he spoke.

"Recruit, you say she killed one of our own. Hard to believe...she looks very peaceful asleep." She heard, muffled slightly by the dull ringing in her ear.

"Indeed, she did. I found papers on him. He had been slacking off duties and.. there was this. He was corresponding with the enemy." The recruit said with a sigh. There was a rustling of paper.

"Hmm... Another? That is the third traitor this week. Damn. "

He stopped cleaning the blood off her face and looked away, disappointed. Key Scales took this opportunity to try and stand up, but the pain was too intense on her leg and she fell into the stallion who had been cleaning her. As he helped her stand, he spoke.
"Well, now that you're awake, I don't see the point in hiding." He pushed his hood off with one hoof, steadying Key Scales with the other. The recruit helped her as the other stallion stepped into the sparse moonlight. "It's me, Miss Scales." He said, winking. The tall stallion looked at her and she knew exactly who he was. One of the only ponies she could trust and really get along with. Her best friend, Arrowhead.

"Arrow? Why do I taste blood, and why are you dressed so oddly?" She limped to him and he held her. "Key Scales, I know this is strange for you. We work in an order of assassins, weeding out those who threaten the fate of Equestria and it's residents, but you are now a murderer. That won't really go... unnoticed. You killed a stallion. While you may think it was in self-defense, your head is now being coveted by our enemies. He was an ally of ours, or so we thought. He was working as a spy for our enemies and you've saved us a great deal of trouble. Would you consider joining our ranks?"

He pushed her mane, spiked with blood, away from her muzzle to calm her.

"Is there no way for me to continue my normal life?" Key Scales asked, already knowing her fate.

"No. I'm sorry. You can come back to headquarters and I will teach you everything I know. If you stay out here though, you will be found out. There aren't many things that can leave clarinet-shaped impressions in ponies. Key Scales, we've been friends for a long time, and I know you have what it takes. What do you say? We need your talents." Finally she was wanted for something, not just ignored at the back of a class.

"I will join you. I want to help you in anyway I can." She smiled faintly in the moonlight.

"Good. Let's get back to Headquarters." He turned to Key Scales, handing her a bag of salts. "Smell these and you will sleep. When you wake you will feel better, and we will be at Headquarters." She opened the bag and breathed in. The last thing she noticed was the moon and the stars in the night sky.

Author's Note

Thank you all for reading this. It's my first story and I know it's really short, I'm literally working on the second chapter now. There will be more Assassin-y Goodness (well, violence, but hey, if you can morally call it goodness like I can, then hooray for us!) in the next chapter. YAY!
I don't own anything from Assassin's Creed or My Little Pony. All rights go to their rightful owners. I hope you all like this story. If you have constructive criticism, not just, "Boo, you are a bad person! I don't like your story! etc." I will take what you say into account. MLP FOR THE WIN!

Headquarters

Arrowhead looked at Key Scales as she slept. Her black mane fell over her eyes in waves, and little strands jutted out here and there. Some were stuck to her face with blood, hardened now, from the fight. Occasionally she murmured sounds or screamed some unintelligible thing. Once she had screamed his name. When this happened he had walked over to her, stroking her mane and quieting her until she breathed easy again. He assumed she was having a nightmare at times like that.

He had to admit she looked peaceful while she slept, but she didn't look like the Key Scales he knew. The Key Scales he had known through the years wore a look of anger or determination more often than a look of peace. He'd known her for a long time and fortunately she hardly ever looked angry when she was around him or Leaf Runner, her close friend and roommate. He watched her closely to make sure the medicine wasn't having any side effects.

He'd given her some medicine salts last night but often the first time you took it, or if you took too much, you would pass out, having terrible nightmares and reliving your worst fears until you woke up. You had to wake on your own and couldn't be woken by another pony; that was one of the medicine's side effects. He knew Key Scales had been through some events in her past that weren't exactly all cupcakes and balloons. She was reliving them in her mind, and there was nothing he could do about it but try to calm her while she slept.

She murmured something again and he stood from his chair, walking over to her. He smoothed her mane with his hoof and talked to her, "Key Scales...shh... shh... You're okay... It's just a dream..." Her eyes suddenly flicked open and she sat upright quickly, screaming, "ARROW! MOM! LEAF RUNNER! DON'T LEAVE ME..." Her voice dropped to a quiet whisper and she fell back, realizing Arrowhead was in the room with her. "I... I'm sorry you had to see that Arrow... My dreams were, well... graphic to say the least.. worse then normal. Do you know why?"

He just patted her head, "It was the medicine. I should've warned you." He stepped back and gestured to the room they were in.

"Welcome to Headquarters. I've got you a meeting with the leader of this order. I'm kind of an.. Honorary Assassin, you could say? You see, I'm a mercenary. You always ask me what I do and what do I say to you?" He looked at her expectantly.

"You say 'I travel for glory!' and then you strike a ridiculous pose." She replied.

"Yes, I do that. For effect. Now, 'Glory' is really bits. Heh, I get payed to kick ass and protect people. I sneak around, shoot some arrows, It's a fantastic life. A while back though, the Leader of these Assassins ran into a little snag while I was on a job and I helped him. He took me back here and I told him my story. He thought I was honorable, and asked me to join the Brotherhood, so I did for a time. Even got this get-up." He twirled around in his outfit before posing and speaking, "Look: I'M FABULOUS!" It was so out of character, Key Scales burst out laughing but then winced.

"My leg."

She lifted the blanket off herself and saw her leg, bandaged up, a clean dressing on it. Arrowhead stepped closer before speaking, "Oh yeah, I took the liberty of cleaning up your wound. Rushing Dusk, that's the stallion that was with us last night, was going to patch it up, but I figured you'd be more okay with your best friend healing you then a complete stranger. Here drink this, but only drink a little bit, and your wound will heal quicker. It helps your nerves and helps your body repair wounds. Our doctor will patch that up better too if the medicine doesn't work for some reason. No scars." She looked at him with disbelief as he handed her a silver bottle and she sipped it a bit. It was bitter and she coughed, but her leg felt different afterwards.

"Anyways, I joined the order for a while and was the leader's right-hand man for a time, but I preferred my mercenary work. They let me stay here when I need to and I help them with orders from time to time. After we came here I explained your predicament to Voltai Umbra. He's the leader here, so you should remember that name, Scales. I told him your story and he wants you to become an Assassin." Key Scales was hesitant, thinking of her long friendship with him. She smiled widely before standing up and pulling her friend into a hug.

"Thank you Arrow. I've felt outta place for a long time, you know that. Thank you so much. You don't know how much this means to me." He blushed slightly. She pulled back, still a bit wobbly but better then she had been the night before. She grinned wildly, then she stopped, looking around herself.

"So, what is this room? It's pretty." The room was beautiful. Black wood made up everything and it was a very cozy, if not worn, room. There was a black dresser, the mirror above it gleaming silver like the knobs of the dresser. A black desk sat in the corner with an ornate lamp, and writing quills were placed orderly atop it. A bookshelf was next to the door, stacked with fantasy stories and informational books alike. The bed was big enough for two ponies, but had a singular black pillow to go with the silver and black sheets currently in a heap due to her sleeping on them. There was a slightly open door that led to a bathroom, and a closet next to that. A window was placed on the opposing wall at eye level, thick black curtains draw over it.

"Well, This is your new home, if you become an Assassin. You have to go through training. I will mentor you since I know how antisocial you are. And Initiation, but don't worry, it only hurts for a little while and then, 'Poof! You are an Assassin.' The living embodiment of Honor, Dignity, Sacrifice, and some really sweet outfits. Seriously, you can blend in with any crowd, do anything, go anywhere, be who you want to, love who you want to, and all towards working for good of the world. No one knows you exist, though you save people on a day to day basis. It's a great life... I'd take it, but then again.." He pulled a brown bag out of his pocket, shaking it. Key Scales could hear a rattling of bits from inside. "I get to kill... For bits. I get to kill ponies. For. Bits. I HAVE THE BEST LIFE!" He laughed and hid the bag again. "Now, we'd better get you a bit cleaned up. You've been sleeping for most of the day." Key Scales was slightly frightened by her friend's crazed outburst, but she trusted him through and through.

They stepped into the adjoining room from the wooden one into a black and white bathroom, silver accents on everything. "You took some of that medicine, so let's see your wound." He tugged at the bandage on her leg, and it fell to the floor. Inside, Key Scale's dried blood stained the bandage against the stark white tile. Arrowhead picked it up and threw it away. Her leg was in perfect condition, despite the gash left on it. She was in shock. Last time she'd seen her leg, blood had been spewing from it onto stones back in Ponyville. Now there wasn't even a bump.

"Arrowhead, what the hoof was in that medicine?" He looked back seriously and spoke. "I have no idea. It's been in the Order for hundreds of years, however. Some mineral thing. It works with nerves and tissue in our bodies to heal faster. " He left the bathroom and she followed. He walked to the door. "Now, you should get cleaned up and perhaps straighten your mane a bit. When you're ready, I'll be waiting in the room across the hall. It's where I stay when I visit. "

She returned to the bathroom, still admiring it's worn beauty. Turning on the shower faucet she closed the door and looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were still vibrant as always and her horn stuck out from between the black depths of her mane, but something was different. She gave a small yelp, realizing there was still blood in her mane, and drops of it had trailed down her muzzle to dry. She quickly stepped into the shower, lifting a bar of soap with her magic and scrubbing her face as quickly and effectively as she could without getting bubbles in her eyes.

She scrubbed and scrubbed herself, watching the soapy red water run down the drain. She sat back on her haunches and let the water run over her. It was still bubbly and red, but soon enough was clear. She realized her life was never going to be the same. It would be okay though, she'd still have Arrow. Maybe she could even get a message to Leaf Runner. Her friend was a sweetheart and would be worrying by now.

She stepped out of the shower, grabbing a towel and drying her mane. Purple magic floated over the towel and her mane until it stopped dripping. Staring at the silver rimmed mirror she was pleased to see the lack of blood. She started to tug at her mane with her magic to make it lay down a bit but then she gave up. She was as ready as she'd ever be to meet this "Voltai."

She walked across the hall and knocked on a brown door with an arrowhead on it. "Arrow, can we go? I'm ready."

He stepped outside. "Follow me. Keep your head up, don't frown and be yourself." He smiled. They turned and walked down the hallway.

Author's Note

Woo! Second Chapter Took me a bit to write but I had to quadruple-check for errors. Thank You for reading this. Though this is my first published story I am quite excited and grateful for readers. I will be writing more but it may go on Hiatus.
Arrowhead, or Arrow, belongs to AppleSniper, and though he is in many a tale I have written, I don't own him in the slightest bit.

Voltai Umbra

The trip through the hallways was kept in relative silence. The walls were made of ornate stone. Elegant tapestries were hung here and there in the finest fashion, depicting scenes of palaces and glorious battles. Some displayed red or gray insignias, the sign of their Order. Key Scales was in awe at the state of the manor, seemingly old and new all in one. The stone mansion had obviously been used for years by these "Assassins" but it was impeccable.

They reached a door decorated with a carved red symbol and Arrowhead raised a hoof to stop her from walking through it.
"Allow me, friend." He pushed it open and permitted her to step through.

The room was large and worn, giving off an air of both comfort and importance. There was a desk in the middle, books and papers cluttered across the top. Ink pots and quills were strewn here and there, away from the few candles lighting the room. The stallion behind the desk was well built and searched through a bookshelf behind it. His tan coat and tail were covered mostly by an outfit similar to the usual Assassin garb, though it was deep navy in color. It had a black cape across one of his shoulders. A sword hung from his hip. His mane and face were covered by a hood.

"You are the mare I've heard so much about. Please, come closer." Key Scales looked back at Arrowhead, who smiled and moved his hoof as if to say "go on."

She tentatively stepped to the edge of the desk. "I am Key Scales. Arrowhead has informed you of my story and I-"

He held up a hoof to stop her. "I know. I wanted you to be an Assassin. Upon seeing you however, and I wish not to be rude, I do not think you have what it takes. You do not look like much. You only killed in self-defense and I doubt you could do it again. Training is extensive and difficult." He faced her and said, "You cannot back down once you join and I wish for you to not throw your life away. I don't think you could survive mere combat training, let alone make a living here."

The way he spoke to her both enraged her and terrified her. As though she were some idiotic filly who had broken an expensive vase. And perhaps she was. She was in the headquarters of a group of murderers for Celestia's sake. This was her only option. The Princesses would never smile on a murder, even in self-defense. Never in Equestria would they allow so blatant a kill. There was no way she could possibly back down. She tried to speak confidently, "Sir. I am certain. I will train as hard as I can, and I will become an Assassin!" but her voice trembled and gave her fear away. She placed her hooves on the desk and stared at him, her eyes purple flames as she used rage to strengthen her voice. "I'm going to join your ranks. I'll give it all I've got, and there is nothing that can stop me. May I have your permission to start training, Sir?"

He raised a hoof up and removed his hood, revealing brown eyes. They were harsh but not unkind. He had obviously been through a lot in his many years. "Yes." He looked at Arrowhead standing by the doorway smiling and said, "For a second there, I thought you had brought me a complete weakling, Soldier." Arrowhead's eyes narrowed and he strolled up to the desk.

"Look. I will help you if you call on me, I'll even train this mare because she's a bit of a temperamental-" Key Scales growled and he smirked. "I mean, feisty, recruit. Do not, however, call me your soldier. I work on my own. That's just how it is and you know it."
The stallion smiled. "Good to have you back, Arrowhead. Miss, you may take your hooves off my desk. Your point has been made."

He stood up taller and became formal once again. "I am Voltai Umbra, leader of one of the many fine branches of the Assassin Order. I welcome you in these dark times, and hope you may soon join our ranks. You start training tomorrow. Arrowhead, you shall train her in the armory to start. I suggest you get your belongings and room together today. You are both dismissed."

They walked out of the room solemnly. Key Scales' eyes gleamed as she let out a sigh. "Voltai is not as scary as I thought he'd be. Thank you again, dear friend." Arrowhead led her on a different route this time, through a large room that seemed like the center of attention. Some ponies were scattered about. A few were in assassin robes, though the colors varied from deep reds, rich blues and dark grays to black. A few ponies were deep in conversation, though the majority seemed quiet and disheartened. The sounds in the hallways were of hushed voices and hoof-steps, nothing more.

"Arrow, if this is such a fine order, why do they all look like deflated balloons?" His smile fell and he looked straight ahead, a familiar look of anger resting into place. He launched into a story.

"Recently, there have been... accidents in the order. Each time we tried to make a move on our enemies, they know where we are before we strike. We have lost quite a few good members due to that and... other shortcomings." He quickly fell silent and walked ahead angry. Key Scales was not fazed by his manner. "Well, what are these 'other shortcomings'? Won't you tell me?" He looked over his shoulder at her sternly.

"No. That is not of your concern Recruit." His expression softened slightly. "I'm sorry, Scales. Cheer up though." They turned a corner leading to a door. Arrowhead opened it to reveal a balcony bathed in moonlight before speaking, "We've got a job to do." Key Scales was confused at this. She hadn't even begun training yet, so what was he going on about?

"Key Scales, what is your room mate's name?" This merely confused her more, since he knew her roommate and was good friends with her.

"Arrow, what are you talking about? You've met Leaf Runner many... Sweet Celestia....Leaf Runner..." She grabbed her friend and began shaking him back and forth. "LEAF RUNNER! IS SHE OKAY?!? OH NO WHAT AM I GONNA DO SHE COULD BE STARVING! I DIDN'T MAKE DINNER LAST NIGHT!"

Arrowhead had seen this crazed look before in his friend. He predicted this would happen, placing his hoof on her muzzle to quiet her. "Key Scales, that's what I'm talking about! Leaf Runner doesn't know where you've gone. While you were sleeping I got a notice. I'm so, so sorry I didn't give you this earlier. I had Rushing Dusk stake out your house, to keep an eye on our friend. Here." He produced a note from the depths of his white cloak.

Key Scales took it with her magic and opened it. Inside was a hastily written note:

Arrowhead, there has been an attack on the tree house you told me to watch. I require your assistance, and you had better bring Key Scales after she has talked to the leader. Hurry.
-R.Dusk

She went from hysterics to fury at his omission of the letter in about 3 seconds. "ARROWHEAD I WILL KILL YOU!"

He backed up and produced a knife from his cloak. "Key Scales, which one of use has weapons again? I need to stop in my room to grab a few things and then I swear we will go check on Leaf Runner. Okay?"

She calmed a bit, though she was still silently fuming. "Okay."

They raced through the halls, stopping only when they'd reached the arrow door. "I'll be back as fast as I can, give me a few moments." He ducked into the room as Key Scales gasped from running so fast. She caught her breath as he came out of the room.

He'd donned his favorite hat to rest upon his brown fluffy mane. In addition to that he had a black vest with red and silver stripes running alongside the multiple pockets, complimenting his blood red fur. He had a black bag strapped onto him.

"Key Scales, I hate to say this..." She looked up at him, still breathing heavily. "Y-Yes?"

"You're going to have to do more running since you don't have wings like me."

She merely looked at him, her eyes full of sorrow. "It's for Leaf Runner, right?"

"Right."

She turned away from him to look down the hallway. Her purple eyes took on an expression he wasn't familiar with.

"Let's go. Now. If it's for Leaf Runner I would run across Equestria and back." He had to admire her tenacity.

He led her down the hallways, walking so she could rest before the long run that faced her. They came to a large door guided by a pony of small stature. His eyes were icy blue and intimidating. His white robe signified he was an Assassin, and a high ranking one at that.

He raised a hoof to stop them. "Halt! Where do you think you're going?" Arrowhead smirked. "You must be new. I'm Arrowhead and this is Key Scales. We go where we want."

The Assassin looked unfazed. "New rule since the-" He looked at Key Scales' curious gaze. "Recent events. I have to know where you're going. Convince me you are no traitor, Sir." He spoke the last words with no emotion, though his pale eyes showed his anger.

Arrowhead produced Rushing Dusk's note from his vest and gave it to the insistent guard. The guard seemed satisfied with the note and let them pass, looking bored.

Key Scales became confused, since she hadn't given that note back to him, and had been holding it with her magic close to her. She opened her mouth to ask how he had gotten the note, but was interrupted by his voice as they walked through the gates.

"One of the first things you'll learn in the order is how to pickpocket, Scales. My advice? Keep your eyes open, and don't let anyone know you have important items." He looked ahead, his face becoming worried as he stretched out his wings, "Let's go see Leaf Runner."

Author's Note

Third chapter! For those of you that have even just been glancing at this story, slightly intrigued by it, Thank you. By the way, If you could just send this to a few people you think would enjoy it, that'd be great.

I'm working on another story for two of my friends called "Friends Through The Ages." I don't know how it will turn out, but lets hope for the best!

Arrowhead still belongs to the lovely AppleSniper. (Though I've a feeling that if you call him that, he'll punch you. Just a hunch though.)

Another Broken Home

As they raced off into the forest, Key Scales tried to keep up with her friend who was flying through the trees. Truly she did. Her hooves floundered and became caught on the low growth of Everfree. She was stumbling in the shadows over her own four hooves. The darkness gathering around her made her feel as though she would be swallowed. Arrowhead stopped to help her up again.

"Scales, think. There ought to be something you can do to stop your fumbling. I thought moonlight would be enough to guide us, but I guess not. Can you think of a way to light up the darkness?" At this she blacked out, her mind lost in the swirls of a memory.

In the room was a young filly, not of school age yet. She hadn't even gotten her cutie mark. The room was filled with yellow sunlight being extinguished as some unseen force closed the window shades. She was in her old living room before the fire. There was the couch she used to sit on. She'd pretend it was a boat. The hallway to her room. There were even some of her old toys in the corner in the wood box she'd keep them in.

There was a presence in the room. She could not see it, but it was as though a warm, pleasant feeling was in front of her. Like the scent of a town after rain, cleansed thoroughly. The feeling had a strength to it and was comforting. "Mommy, what are we going to do today?" She saw a younger version of herself ask to the thin air.

The shroud in the room replied with a strong, clean voice, "Today, my dearest, I am going to teach you another spell." The younger Key Scales sat on her haunches frowning as tears came to her eyes, lit by the frail light leaking from the edge of the curtains.

"Mom... I'm no good at magic... It's no fun! Can't we play a game?" The shroud shook slightly as the light at the window edge barely flickered. "Please my darling... This is an easy one, I promise you. When we are done we can play all the games you'd like. Doesn't that sound fun, my little Key?" The gray filly sniffled and wiped a hoof past her muzzle as she spoke, "Okay, if it's an easy one I'll try my best, Mom." A strand of mane in front of her eyes was wiped away by the shroud.

"Now. Close your pretty eyes and think of all the happy memories you've got. Think of Leaf Runner and you playing out in the yard. Think of Daddy and I singing you to sleep. Of the days when we could go out and play in the sun. Think of all those memories as little tiny stars. Glittering stars just locked away in your precious little head. Pretend you are collecting all these stars in your horn. Now, shoot them out!"

A white beam of light shot from Key Scales' horn as she woke in the forest, staring at worried blue eyes. "Key Scales, are you alright? You passed out after I talked you. Kept saying something about spells. Maybe I should take you back to-" Key Scales stood up and shook her head. "No. I mean, no thanks Arrow. I have to get to Leaf Runner. I did have a strange dream though... I remembered something... Give me a minute." She turned away and sat down on her haunches, breathing lightly in the sparse moonlight. She collected her thoughts, appearing to focus on something intense. Sparks of her pale magic occasionally sputtered from her horn.

After a few moments of focusing, a white light shot from her horn and she stood up.

"Let's go Arrow. We have to get Leaf Runner as soon as we can." They raced off through the forest once more, Arrowhead racing beside his friend to steady her.

A while later, they came to a hill at the edge of the Everfree Forest and Ponyville. High on top they could see a large tree. In the tree was what had looked like a quaint little house 24 hours earlier, built by Key Scales and Leaf Runner for the latter mare to live in, and eventually the former as well. The door was now off of it's hinges, and the windows were broken. Key Scales was about to race to the tree when she saw it. A white colored pony stood near a slumped body at the bottom of the hill.

She raced to it, almost falling from lack of breath but pushing herself to keep running. Arrowhead ran with her to the figures at the hill. The white figure was Rushing Dusk, his hood pulled from his face as he looked at the unconscious mare at his hooves. Arrowhead spoke as he approached them.

"Wow, Rushing Dusk, we really need to stop finding knocked out mares after dark. It's starting to get suspicious."

They busted out laughing for a few seconds before Key Scales knocked their heads together. "Excuse me sirs. While that was amusing I'd like to point out something. SHE'S STILL UNCONSCIOUS YOU MORONS! WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO!?"

Key Scales looked down at her friend and roommate (though judging by the sight of their ruined house in the background they wouldn't be living together for a while) and sat down on her haunches. Her friend's tan coat was a soft contrast from the grass on the hill. Her dark green mane was almost as rich as the leaves in the forest of Everfree. She had lovely warm brown eyes, filled with kindness. She was a bit confused at times, and often needed help with simple tasks, but Leaf Runner was one of the sweetest, most innocent ponies she had ever met. She'd taken her in back when nopony else would, and helped her get back to her studies of music. Key Scales felt a strong desire to protect her, and now something terrible had happened.

Leaf Runner's mane was swept over her face. Her back leg stuck out at an awkward angle. She had a cut along her flank and blood had run down her side, now drying as she breathed heavy, her flank rising and falling. Key Scales scooted closer to her friend and gently pushed her mane back from her face. Underneath Leaf Runner's eye was a large black and purple bruise covering one side of her pretty face.

Key Scales felt a familiar anger rising in her and she stood up, spinning around to face Rushing Dusk and Arrowhead. Her voice dropped lower than normal and as she spoke, rage made her voice quiver. "Who... who did this. This terrible... terrible thing...They shall eternally rot in the deepest, hottest flames of Tartarus. I shall personally send them to that foul place, that they may forever suffer. Not even Celestia herself can have a say in the matter. Who did this?" Arrowhead stepped back when she started speaking. Rushing Dusk refused to say anything, scoffing at the gray mare. "Maybe you did not hear me previously. Let me repeat myself before I empty your body and spread your entrails around this grassy hill, that it may become your tomb... WHO DID THIS!?!?!" She roared at them, her anger peaking and destroying her composure. Rushing Dusk flinched.

"I shall explain. Late last night, after we recovered you and brought you back to Headquarters, Arrow sent me out to keep watch on your little tree house here. When I got here your roommate was muttering something about dinner. I introduced myself and said you had gone off to spend the night with a friend. So I wasn't lying to her, you can be sure of that. I told her I'd been sent to keep an eye on her. After she'd gone to sleep I heard a knocking at the door. When I answered it I saw a few ponies, then blacked out. I awoke to a creaking sound, carried this mare outside, and watched your house crumble. I'm very sorry."

Key Scales was completely unfazed. "You know, the whole time you were speaking I was listening. I noticed something, Rushing Dusk." They stood face-to-face now, and she lifted a hoof up almost to the level of their eyes. "You never said... WHO DID THIS!?!?!" He stood his ground, though his eyes betrayed him. He was scared stiff of the mare, who was now in his face and fuming.

He looked at Arrowhead and tilted his head, as if to ask permission. Arrowhead shook his head from side to side before speaking. "Key Scales, who would want to kill you?" She looked to her friend as her anger receded. "I... I don't know..." He lifted a hoof to his eyes and rubbed them. "Key Scales, you killed a traitorous assassin. Who would want to kill you?" He started to raise a hoof to her mane but decided against it. She looked down and shook her head. "I don't k- The Traitors! I get it now! Whoever that pony was working for. Who was he working for?"

Arrowhead looked up to the sky and his expression took on a different one, a distant one. "Our enemies, the Templars. They must have traced your house down to find you. We, the Assassins, are locked in an everlasting battle with them. They believe in a world of peace by domination, and we are sworn to stop them. Though we must bloody our hooves, this never stops us. We will continue in our battle until we win, or we all fall like pieces of some game." He turned around to face her. "Well, at least, I help. I prefer my life of solitude and paid violence. Helping to rid the world of stupidity and insanity." Key Scales laughed at this. Arrowhead glared at her, "Oh, and what is so funny, Recruit?"

"Well... You're insane, Arrow. I've known you for years, and you're crazier than Pinkie Pie during cider season."

They laughed under the moonlight before remembering the task at hoof. "Key Scales, go into your house if you can. You're lighter than us, so you'll have an easier time of it. If you can find any of your belongings in the rubble, pack them in this." Arrowhead finished speaking as he removed the black saddle bag and threw it to Key Scales, who caught it with her magic. "Be careful, Scales. I don't want to have to carry two mares back tonight." She nodded and proceeded up the hill.

As she walked her mind wandered. She didn't want to think of Leaf Runner. She didn't want to think of her past or her strange dream in the forest. Not her future either, or the evil she had done. She finally decided to think of Arrowhead.

Her hooves trudged through the grass and her mind trailed into thoughts of her friend. She thought of the day they had met as she reached the bottom of the tree. She'd had a really tough day at the Orchestral Hall. That day there was a difficult test and she had stayed up the night before to study. As a result she fell asleep before finishing the test. She left after class and decided to stop in at a cafe in Canterlot to eat something. The other ponies had spared no expense in laughing at her and making her feel terrible. She'd grabbed her clarinet with her magic and carried it with her to a nearby cafe.

The cafe was small but cozy and quite pretty. She chose a seat in the corner, sat her clarinet down and went up to order. "Hello madame, and welcome to the Canterlot Cafe. What would you like on this fabulous morning?" Key Scales had been so very tempted to hit the cheerful shop-keep, but merely restrained herself and said without a smile, "One lemon muffin and alfalfa tea please." She reached behind her for her saddle-bags. Which were gone, left behind in the music hall down the street. She looked up at the grinning pony and hesitated. She smiled, "Forget about my order for now. I must have left my bits."

Key Scales started to climb the steps attached to the tree. They were well worn and strong. She lived in this tree house for years with Leaf Runner. It was upsetting to see it broken and torn, so her mind wandered back to the day she'd met Arrowhead.

She had continued down the street. What a great way to top off a failed test and bad day. She entered the music hall. In the classroom she found her black saddle bags Leaf Runner had purchased for her, marked with a worn silver clasp. They often blended in with the decor of the room, so Key Scales had forgotten them. She slipped them onto her back. The felt lighter than normal as she put her music folder into one side, and heard it rattle against her bit-purse. She thought, "Strange, normally my bit purse is next to my clarinet... buck." She had left the damned thing in the restaurant. She had unfortunate luck with that. Racing out of the music hall and back towards the cafe, she'd almost run into a pegasus stepping out of the cafe.

He was tall and well-built, with a deep red coat. His fluffy brown mane stuck out underneath a worn brown hat and stopped just above his eyes. They were a deep blue and reminded her of rainstorms. He was wearing a brown vest at the time, with many pockets. He had been carrying a black clarinet case in his hooves. Her clarinet case. She thought he'd stolen it, and had tackled him. Pinning him to the sidewalk outside of the cafe, she demanded her property back in a most forceful manner.

"GIVE MY INSTRUMENT BACK RIGHT NOW, YOU THIEF!!!" Vulgarity and violence soon ensued on the street. The shopkeeper of the cafe was not pleased, but she wasn't about to step into a fight. Plus it attracted ponies and no publicity is bad publicity, as they say.

"THIEF?!? HOW DARE YOU, YOU CRAZED MARE!!" He threw her off him, using perhaps more force than necessary and enraging her. She tried to tackle him but he sidestepped. She stood up quickly. "YOU STOLE MY CLARINET! I DEMAND YOU GIVE IT BACK TO ME!!!" By this time, she was as red in the face from anger as he was by the shade of his fur. "I DIDN'T STEAL ANYTHING YOU BUCKING WHORE!!" He retorted, ducking from a blow she'd aimed at him. She tried to calm down a bit as she moved away from his counter-attack. "YOU..You didn't? Of course you did, it was right there in your hooves!" He shook his head, calming down.

"No, I was trying to find the owner. I'd seen it when I came into the cafe. I decided to be a good little citizen and try to find the owner. Look where THAT got me!" He turned to walk away.

"Wait! I... I didn't know..." She tried to speak. He turned back with the clarinet in his hooves, placing it in front of her. "I take it this is yours. I am sorry for the inconvenience." She started to make amends. "Do you have time for a snack? My treat, since I sorta... attacked you and all..."
A smile played at the edge of his lips. "You're damn right it's your treat. Come on." He held the door open for her.
"You first, Miss... Huh. That's funny I never got your name. How about you tell me so I'm not eating with some stranger who tried to kill me."
She looked up at him, her face flushed from embarrassment. "My name is Key Scales. Thank you for trying to return my clarinet."
He smiled at her. "You left it, Miss Scales. Be careful next time. Not all ponies are like me. If they were this world would be more violent. You can be sure of that." They had sat in a corner booth and Key Scales had gone to order. When they parted the sun was setting. Key Scales was no longer thinking of her terrible failed test, but of the new friend she had made.

She sorted through a pile of debris in what used to be her bedroom. She found her saddle bags with the silver clasp, putting them side by side with the black bag on the floor. She found a few belongings and put them in her bags. A photo was on the floor of her, Arrowhead, and Leaf Runner. They'd had a picnic a few years back, and had paid somepony to get a picture of them all together. It's crystal frame was still in pretty good condition, but a fine layer of dust and grime had collected over the glass. She placed it carefully in her saddle bags. Key Scales found a picture of her parents next.

The glass had been broken on the frame. The side of the photo showing her mother was burned like always, and the other half was worn. The edges of the picture were frayed. It showed her father, a tall gray stallion with a black spiky mane. His eyes were a clear, vibrant purple. Just like Key Scales. Excepting that Key Scales' eyes were genuinely caring and protective. His showed kindness, but a mask of it. A shell of emotion and nothing more. He was nothing more than falsehood, and that's all he'd ever been to her. She threw the photo on the ground, collecting a few worn folders and a black scarf for herself. As she turned to leave she saw the photo on the ground. She sat and stared at it.

Should she take it or leave it? It had been there all this time as reminder. Though, did she really want a reminder of him? Or was it better to forget him? She felt her eyes sting from hot tears forming and tried to stop herself. A tear rolled off her muzzle onto the picture as she heard a voice. "Key Scales? I got Rushing Dusk to try to patch up Leaf Runner, at least temporarily. You've been up here for a while... I thought maybe...are you alright?" Arrowhead spoke. How did he always know? She sighed. "I'm fine Arrow. I'll just be a few more moments. If it's okay with you, can you carry this bag?"

He stepped into the room and saw the tear stained photo. He knew she was lying but did not press her on it. "Sure. Rushing Dusk is going to carry Leaf Runner. Is there anything here she might need?" Key Scales nodded and left the room. He decided to see what she had packed.
A silver mane brush, her bag of bits, a music folder and folder of photos were in the bag. Inside of the folder were photos of the two of them from the various things they'd done on over the years. The picture of the time they tried to make muffins was his favorite. Leaf Runner had given them her recipe book so they could try to make the delicious muffins themselves. It had ended in a food war. The picture showed Key Scales and Arrowhead with food smeared on their faces. Key Scales was trying to lick frosting off her nose and he was laughing, coated in flour and cake batter.

He heard hoof steps and quickly put everything back in the bag, grabbing the ripped photo from the floor. "Key Scales shouldn't have to deal with thinking of the past at a time like this." He told himself as he placed it in his own bag. Key Scales returned, levitating a book of recipes, drawings and a black ribbon with her magic. "Leaf Runner would be so mad if I forgot these." She placed them in her own saddle bags. "Can we leave? I don't want to look at... this house anymore." He smiled. "Yes, we should get you and Leaf Runner back to Headquarters."

As they traveled back through the forest, Rushing Dusk carried Leaf Runner with his back and wings, Arrowhead flew above to keep watch, and Key Scales lit the way, not allowing her mind to wander from the path.

Author's Note

Another chapter. WOO! This one took a bit to write, but it was a larger chapter, as lots of stuff is revealed. Sort of. Either way, enjoy! I'm happy to finally be writing again and I hope you all are happy to read again. Next Chapter will be more emotional. Probably. I hope I clear this emotion-y, touchey-feely stuff up soon so I can get to the action! Thank You, as always. Stories would not be able to progress without readers, and if you're reading this, then you are a reader and I Thank You!

Yay for Leaf Runner, but so sad as to the circumstances we find her in. She belongs to Nuni, or the wondrous Sakamochu!

Arrowhead belongs to the equally wondrous AppleSniper.

Chapter V

They reached the Order a few hours before the sun rose. Key Scales was wide awake with worry for her friend, while Rushing Dusk was yawning alongside her, a hoof raised to his mouth to stifle it. Leaf Runner was slouched, unconscious on Arrowhead's back. Rushing Dusk and Arrowhead had traded off during the night so they would not tire through the forest. They were greeted at the door by a few ponies, including the guard who had let them leave.

The crowd parted to let them through as the guard and Rushing Dusk left to inform Voltai of their return. Key Scales had to see Leaf Runner through this. Ever since they had been in the same class at the Ponyville Schoolhouse, she had felt compelled to protect the pale coated pegasus.

*****
Key Scales had walked into school on the first day nervous what other ponies would think of her, because of her small cutie mark, three black eighth notes, two connected and one one floating unattached on her gray flank. She told herself she didn't care what they thought, their opinions did not matter, only her own opinion about herself did. She was still shaking with worry when she stepped into the red-roofed building. The teacher was outside talking with some of the parents.

Upon her entrance Key Scales saw a tiny tan filly playing with blocks alone. She pulled a red flower from her mane to adorn it, complimenting the tower. Suddenly a red unicorn with orange curls stepped up to the tower and growled at the filly.

The filly curled up into a defensive ball. Her cutie mark was neatly displayed as a large green leaf with two swords behind it. Her dark green mane had fallen over her eyes, and she hid behind it, trying to make herself disappear. Her rich brown eyes looked devestated as she stared at the ponies yelling at her.

"You're so stupid! Why did you even transfer here if all you were gonna do was get answers wrong? Plus you destroyed my tower!" a red unicorn with orange curls shouted at the young pegasus.

She stayed curled up, looking away from the unicorn as though if she dared look up she would risk being destroyed. A voice boomed from behind the cruel unicorn.

"All she did was put a bit of color on your stupid tower, and it looks better for it. No need to get your horn in a knot."

The red unicorn's eyes filled with tears as she raced out of the schoolhouse. The little filly uncurled from her ball and stood up. She was of a small stature, for a filly. Her eyes filled with an emotion Key Scales could not grasp and she was confused for a second before the filly pulled her into a large hug.

"You... you stood up for me! Nopony ever... ever... My name is Leaf Runner!" Her brown eyes became suddenly full of happiness, though they were rimmed with tears just moments earlier.

"Do you want to build a castle?" she asked, looking up hopefully at Key Scales.

They did so, and no one ever picked on Leaf Runner again.

*****
Until the previous night that is. Now her friend was in critical condition and there was nothing she could do to change it. Arrowhead looked back at her as they walked through the halls. "You okay Scales?" She looked ahead, forcing her gaze to become steely. "I'm fine. We need to get her to a..." They turned a corner into a room. White beds lined the walls; large white curtains hung from the ceiling around them. A mare in a white robe scuffled between the beds, tidying up. A bloody sheet was pulled over one of the beds on the far side.

"Set her here." The mare ordered, before leaving to get her supplies. Arrowhead slid Leaf Runner off his wings before stretching them about gingerly. Key Scales just sat by the bed, looking at Leaf Runner's broken form.

"Key Scales. Look at me. KEY SCALES!"

She merely raised a hoof to tell him to leave. "Go away... It's just... you know how I feel about Leaf Runner. I would give anything to keep her safe and now she's..." Key Scales slouched and became silent. The nurse came from a room neighboring the hospital with a wet cloth and herbs. She began to clean the cut with the wet cloth and put an herb dressing on it.

Arrowhead looked at his friend's purple eyes. A few hours earlier they had been alight with eagerness and rage to be in this fine order. Now they appeared lackluster, the once bright shine vanished to leave a blank emotionless slate. Key Scales merely stared at her oldest friend's pitiful body on the bed, dressing and bandages coating her past-beautiful, present-bloodied coat.

"Scales... Leaf Runner will be okay. Key Scales?"

There was no response but the silence of the broken and the depressed.

Arrowhead sat looking at his friends, harmed both emotionally and physically by the Order's enemies. He quickly devised a plan and launched into action.

"Well, there's no point in my being here anymore, so I think it's time I headed out." He said as he turned to leave, grabbing the saddlebags Key Scales had set down by the bed in place of his own. She showed no response as he walked out the door.

He walked through the large room that was normally filled with ponies, though now it was relatively barren, save for a few patrolling stallions in robes of white. As he trotted through the hallways, he thought back to the few times Key Scales had been emotionally unavailable like she was now.

On her birthday years ago, she had received a package in the mailbox. She discovered it upon returning from her daily class in Canterlot, Leaf Runner having set it on the table for her. It was a bulging paper package with thin, pointy writing across the front, reading "Key Scales." It bore only a few things as contents.

The first was a letter to Key Scales telling her that no matter how hard she tried, she would never amount to anything, that she was a disappointment to the memory of her mother who was the true genius in her family.

It had also included a picture of her old family, taken when she was just a filly. The same photo Arrowhead now carried in his worn pack back in the hospital, knowing it would one day empower his friend to fight. Now was not the time.

Her mother and father had stood behind her and she had been leaning on her father, smiling. When it had hung on her mantle at home, the silver frame was always polished, and her mother would lift her up to stare into the reflection with her magic.

However, as she received it that day, the left side that had shown her mother was singed from the fire, the silver frame was grimy and unloved, and her father's supposedly kind eyes stared into her from the worn photo.

The letter had been signed "Clashing Scales," her father's name. He had remembered her birthday, but his present was more of an attack on her than a gift and after reading it, she retired to her room. She did not come out, no matter what Arrowhead or Leaf Runner tried. When asked if she was okay, or hungry, or wanted to talk, she would just reply with, "I'm fine" and refuse help. Leaf Runner was upset to see her friend, usually so strong, in such a deep state of depression.

Leaf Runner had not known what to do, so she had commenced baking. She'd been upset and decided food was what Key Scales needed. She baked her special Lemon Muffins, which had always been Key Scales' favorite food, though she tried to restrain herself from eating all of them.

Leaf Runner had walked up to the door with one on a plate. Arrowhead was sitting outside the door vigilantly like he had been since she'd gone into it.

"Any luck, Arrow?" She asked, tilting her head with confusion.

He just shook his head and stared at the door.

"Here, move away from teh door, I has gots an idea!"

With that statement she placed a pristine yellow muffin, lightly sprinkled with sugar and made with love, in front of the door. It immediately opened to a Key Scales with dead eyes like the one Arrowhead was currently dealing with. Leaf Runner quickly used her wings to shove the muffin into Key Scales' mouth, happy to see her friend's eyes regain consciousness, and her smile return at the taste of her favorite food.

Arrowhead shuddered at the memory, but it brought a solution to him. He proceeded through the halls, continuing until he reached a set of stairs. As he descended the air became cooler, and there were no windows. He came upon a door and knocked on it rapidly.

A disgruntled, sleep interrupted zebra opened the door slightly, anger blatantly displayed upon her face.

"You'd best not wake me from my sleep,
if your hooves you wish to keep.
Who disturbs my late night slumber
what pegasus is this I wonder?"

Her dyed pink mane was mussed and held back by a pale white crown made of carved bone. The pink streaks swept over her black and blue coat, ending in a curl that was rough-looking in the early hours of the morning.

"Sweetie Cakes, I need a favor. Please I know it's late-well, early. Still, I need you to bake something, and fast."

"Early though it may just be
I must see this recipe.
Though your urgency I question,
Perhaps I shall take your suggestion?"

She stepped out of the door and ran a hoof through her hair. Arrowhead quickly placed the saddle bags on the ground and removed the recipe sketch book Key Scales had retrieved. He flipped through it and found the page he wanted. It was well-worn and appeared to be dusted with powdered sugar, having been in the kitchen frequently. "Sweetie Cakes, can you make this? Exactly how it looks in the book?"

"Instructions seeming mostly plain
These bake-ed goods to heal her pain
I'll try my best, It's not as easy
To shift emotions makes one queasy."

Arrowhead's eyes lit up, and he almost bounced off the walls at his happiness. Normally the chef was not so easily persuaded, but she could see his desperation. He quickly reined himself in before replying in a calm authoritative tone.

"Thank you Sweetie Cakes. If you can, please make haste. This is to heal a close friend, the new assassin you may have heard of."

The strangely colored zebra merely chuckled as he walked away, causing him to turn back. "What's so funny, Sweetie?"

"The words you utter are just a ruse
Your emotions for her do confuse
Deeper than friendship do you feel
Through the pain, you do conceal."

Arrowhead turned to face the hallway away from the laughing zebra. He resumed his commanding tone. "Bake, and please leave me be. You know not of what you speak."

After a while the hall began filling with a sweet, warm scent. Arrowhead had gone to check on Key Scales but had found her still staring at Leaf Runner. She had been muttering something to herself but when he tried to get closer, he found her speech too fast to follow.

He returned to the stairway despondently, his muzzle lifting at the strange scent enveloping him as he descended. It was a sweet scent, yet tangy and familiar. His plan was working then. As he approached the door he heard things clanging around inside. He sat back on his haunches and looked up at the ceiling, thinking hard. A stream of hushed murmurs flowed from his red muzzle in the warming hallway.

"How difficult this is, dealing with her. Scales is always so strong. Yeah, sometimes she's a bit quick to anger but around me and Leafy she's always happy. I hate seeing her this way, so broken down and defeated. Just giving up without a fight, it's so unlike her. Truly that is what must be causing my turmoil, not only that she is weak and in pieces but that she did not even try to be herself again. It makes me so angry. I KNOW she can be better than this, but no matter what I say, no matter how true or heartfelt my words might be, they can never mend her. Celestia help me, I'd give anything just to be able to fix her. To protect her from the harm bubbling inside herself, To see her so bright and beautif-"

At this he stood quickly, ending his intense speech and looking around to make sure no one heard those words. Those words were a lie, and a dangerous one at that. Surely they had to be untrue.

He sat back down, his vision faltering as his thoughts began swirling.

If friendship is so solid and dependable, why do I feel so damned confused every time she looks at me? Friendship is true. Friendship is predictable. So, why do I feel this way? No. No I don't. I don't feel this way. Key Scales is my friend and I am her mentor, and this is all there is. All there ever will be. All I need. No more. It is enough to have her by my side in battle. I do not want her by my side in a way more than that.

Do I?

The door at the end of the hall opened quietly. Arrowhead was absorbed in his thoughts as the zebra stepped out to meet him. He was beginning to look up at her when she threw a bag at his face.

"I've made a treat to fix your 'friend'
Her depression's at an end
Your feelings will one day be an aid
Although now they are delayed."

Arrowhead smiled up at her, standing and placing the brown bag in the worn saddle-bags. "Thank you Sweetie Cakes. Have something for your troubles." He poked around in his vest poked and pulled out a small bag of bits. "This means a lot to me so here." He said, slightly muffled by the bit bag in his mouth. He threw it at her feet.

She lifted the small jingling bag and placed it back in his vest.

"I never take payment from one in a bind
For doing so would be most unkind."

She smiled at him and walked back into her room, kicking the door shut behind her. Arrowhead went to speak with her but upon reaching the door heard snores from the inside.

"Sleeping already... Heh. Sweetie Cakes has done me a kindness. I won't forget it that easily."

He adjusted the saddle-bags upon his shoulders and set off for the stairs, ignoring the butterflies in his stomach at the prospect of bright purple eyes again.

Author's Note

This chapter took me forever to write. I'm sorry if you've been waiting for it. I had some family issues to deal with, school ended (so there was homework aplenty) and as a result, I've had a LOT on my plate. I'm sorry for the delay, and also the abundance of flashbacks. Though I do hope they shed light on relationships that were built before the story began. I do hope to write more and finish this up soon, but I've been in a slump lately. Thanks for reading, as always.

(Also, I apologize if the rhymes are unsatisfactory. Another thing, yes, the classroom flashback scene does reference Frozen. It was unintentional, but I like how it turned out.)

Arrowhead belongs to the deadly AppleSniper. (And thank you so so so so so so SO much for all the help with this chapter.)

Welcomes to Miss Leaf Runner (Property of Nuni and the lovely Sakamochu), and Miss Sweetie Cakes (Property of Trustice. They know who they are.)