Assassins Creed: Harmonyby caveman0803ChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 1It was late afternoon outside the small village of ponyville when a Unicorn stallion with a white coat and brown mane stepped atop a hill overlooking the village. He gazed at the village below him taking in a deep breath and letting out a content sigh. Beside him stood a filly with a purple coat and dark blue mane. Her leathery wings were resting at her sides as she watched the older stallion. “Is this our new home Papa?” The filly asked. “Yes Nightwish. This is Ponyville.” Her father replied. “Lets head down there and find our new house shall we?” They began trudging down the trail that lead to the center of town. While they were walking Nightwish heard a sound that came from some bushes nearby. “Papa, did you hear that?” Nightwish asked. He turned his head and nodded to the little thestral filly. “Yes sweetheart I did. It seems there’s a pony who would like to meet us. Isn’t that right miss? He asked no one in particular. “Oh you’re good.” said the bushes. The bushes began to rustle as a pink mare with a cotton candy like mane stepped out of the bushes. “How’d you know I was there?” The pink mare inquired. “Well, my daughter and I heard you coming. She has better hearing than the average pony and I have spent my life honing my senses to be able to detect others if we’re being followed.” He explained. “Allow me to introduce ourselves. My name is Professor Bunsen Burner and this is my daughter Nightwish.” Bunsen explained. “Well it’s nice to meetcha. My name is Pinkie Pie.” She said with more enthusiasm than a normal pony would have. “It’s very nice to meet you Ms. Pie. However if I may inquire, how’d you know where we’d be?” Bunsen inquired. “My Pinkie Sense told me.” She said. “Your what?” Bunsen asked with a quizzical expression. “My Pinkie Sense. I get different feelings meaning different things. Like when something is about to fall my tail starts twitching.” She explained. “I see. Well it was lovely meeting you but we must be on our way.” Bunsen Burner stated. “Wait! Before you go I need to give you this.” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “And whats that?” Bunsen Burner asked “An invitation.” Pinkie said “An invitation to what Miss?” Nightwish asked. “A welcome to Ponyville party silly filly.” Pinkie Pie said with her signature smile. “Thank you Miss Pie we’ll definitely consider it.” Bunsen said “Okey dokey see ya tonight at Sugarcube Corner.” Pinkie replied. She turned around and bounced off singing to herself. “She’s weird Papa.” Nightwish commented. “Yes, but she seems like a good pony at heart and I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of her.” Bunsen Burner replied. They began heading into town towards city hall to see the Mayor. A ways away Pinkie Pie was still bouncing when she was stopped by a lavender unicorn. “Hey Pinkie, who was that?" The lavender pony asked. "Oh hey Twilight. That was Bunsen Burner and his daughter Nightwish. They're new to Ponyville and I was giving them my patented Pinkie Pie welcome and inviting them to their "welcome to Ponyville" party." She said with a huge grin. "Well that's nice Pinkie." Twilight replied "You know what's weird though? Right before they got here I got this shiver throughout my whole body. Like that time at froggy bottom bog." Pinkie explained. "What do you think it means?" Twilight asked. "I don't know but I do know that whatever it is it's gonna be something big and it's gonna involve those two somehow." Pinkie continued to explain. Bunsen Burner and Nightwish had just finished at town hall speaking to the mayor about getting a house in Ponyville. Bunsen Burner decided on an old shop near the outside of Ponyville. He figured that would be the best idea so that way he would have a source of income without having to deal with “inter-office politics” so to speak. When they got to the building, Bunsen noticed a few things that needed to be patched up such as a broken window and quite a number of missing boards. Other than that the building was in decent enough shape so he didn’t have to do too much work on the exterior. “Wow Papa this place is a dump.” commented Nightwish. “Yes, but it’s cheap and that’s what I wanted. It doesn’t bother me all that much to fix it up.” Bunsen explained “After I’m done with this place you’re going to love it sweetheart.” “If you say so Papa.” said Nightwish “Now what do we do?” “Well, first thing is we get furniture for our house. I bought a two story building so we can live on the second floor and i can set up my lab and repair shop on the first floor.” Bunsen said. “Ok Papa.” Nightwish said. “So since it’s still daytime we’ll take care of that and we’ll sign you up for school.” Bunsen said with a smirk on his face. “But Papa I don’t want to go to school!” Nightwish protested. “Sorry sweetheart but you don’t have a choice in the matter.” Bunsen stated. “You need to get your education just like every other filly and colt here in town.” “But Papa..” Nightwish began “No buts Nightwish. You need to go to school just like everypony else and you won’t be able to change my mind.” Bunsen said firmly. “Alright Papa. When are we going?” Nightwish asked “Well since I still need to gather the supplies to help fix this place up, we’ll go ahead and head over to the school and then we’ll go from there.” Bunsen answered. “Ok Papa.” Nightwish sighed. They left the run down shop building, on their way to the other side of town where the local schoolhouse was. As they walked through town Nightwish noticed all the different ponies staring and muttering as they walked past them. “Don’t mind them sweetie, they’ve probably never seen a thestral before.” Bunsen said trying to reassure his daughter. They continued onward ignoring the various stares they were getting. They continued walking when they saw a giant oak tree coming into view. When they got closer they saw a purple unicorn with a purple mane with a pink stripe through the middle step outside the door. She saw the two walking by and trotted up to them. “Hello. You must be new in town.” The purple mare said. “Indeed we are Miss. My name is Professor Bunsen Burner and this is my daughter Nightwish.” Bunsen said “H...Hello Miss.” Nightwish said shyly The purple mare looked towards the thestral filly and smiled. “Well hello little one. I don’t believe i’ve seen a thestral outside Princess Luna’s guard before.” Nightwish looked at her with surprise in her eyes. “You know Princess Luna?” She asked. “Of course. Oh i’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself. My name is Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight said “Well that explains a lot.” Bunsen said. “Of course the personal student of Princess Celestia would know about thestrals.” “Of course. Pinkie told me about the two of you. So how are you liking Ponyville so far?” Twilight asked. “It’s a very nice town and i’m looking forward to staying here for a long time.” Bunsen replied “Thats good. If I may ask, what brings you to Ponyville Professor?” Twilight asked “Please Miss Sparkle call me Bunsen, I’m only a Professor when i’m working. As for why we came to Ponyville, well it’s quite a long story and I don’t want to bore you with the details. In short we came for the peace and quiet.” Bunsen explained. “Just Twilight is fine Bunsen.” Twilight said “And I’m sure I’d love to hear it but it looks like you two are busy.” “Yes ma’am. Papa is taking me to sign up for classes.” Nightwish said “Oh you’ll love your teacher. She is a very kind Earth Pony and the kids love her.” Twilight explained. “What are you a professor in Bunsen?” “Well, Twilight, I specialize mainly in research and development. I find things that need to be fixed, research it, and develop various things that help it whether it be mechanical or chemical. It’s my job and my special talent to do this and I enjoy it very much.” explained Bunsen “Oh really. What have you developed so far?” Twilight asked “Well so far I developed the EMD V20-710 locomotive currently used by the Equestrian Train Bureau. Now trains get to their destinations in about half the time." Bunsen explained. “ Well we really must be going Twilight but I'm sure I'll be seeing you again." "OK. Bye for now Bunsen." Twilight replied. Chapter 2Bunsen Burner and Nightwish were walking towards Ponyville Elementary to enroll her in the current semester. While they were there Bunsen would speak with the teacher to see what they've covered. If there was anything he missed he would cover it before the beginning of next week. Even though the two of them were traveling that didn't mean that Bunsen had to neglect Nightwish's education. As they were walking, Nightwish took the opportunity to take in the sights. She noticed that out of all the towns that her and her dad had been to this was the greenest and prettiest. She knew she would like living in Ponyville because nopony was looking at her like she was weird or giving her a dirty look because she was different. “I think i’m going to like it here.” she thought to herself. . They got to the school house just as the final bell rang. Before they knew it they were swarmed by fillies and colts just aching to get home after another boring day of school. After confirming that the children had left, Bunsen and Nightwish walked towards the school. Bunsen used his magic and gripped the door handle in a green aura to open it. Just as he opened it he stepped to the left letting 3 more fillies rush out the door. Bunsen managed to be out of range of the three fillies; however, Nightwish wasn’t so lucky. She, as well as the three fillies, laid in a pony pile on the ground. Bunsen chuckled at his daughter and the three troublemakers. “Uhh, what happened?” asked the orange pegasus with the purple mane. “I’m not sure. Did ya see what we ran inta Sweetie Belle?” asked the light yellow earth pony with a red mane and pink bow. “I didn’t see anything Applebloom. Did you see anything Scootaloo?” asked the white unicorn with a light purple mane. “I didn’t see anything.” answered Scootaloo. “Maybe you should get off my daughter then.” Bunsen stated with a bit of amusement. The three fillies looked at the newcomer and then looked underneath them. They all gasped and jumped off the very irritated Nightwish. “Ohmygoshwe’resosorry.” they all cried at once. Nightwish got up off of the ground and was about to scold them, when a stern look from her father said otherwise. She calmly took a deep breath and smiled. “It’s ok. I’m sure you girls were in a hurry to be off somewhere.” Nightwish said. “Yea, we’re going crusading to find our cutie marks.” Scootaloo said with a hoof in the air and a proud grin on her face. “That, uhhh, sounds like fun.” Nightwish commented. “It usually is.” Sweetie Belle stated with a smile. “However, most of the time we end up stuck together with tree sap.” “Exactly who are you?” Nightwish asked. “Oh well I’m Sweetie Belle,” Sweetie Belle pointed to herself, “thats Applebloom,” she pointed to the earth pony, “and thats Scootaloo,” she pointed to the pegasus, “and we’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” She finished saying with a smile on her face. “Yea, we go on all kinds of different adventures to find out what our special talent is.” Scootaloo added. “We’re going to get our cutie marks in drawing manga.” “That sounds like fun. I guess.” said Nightwish. While Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were talking Applebloom was looking Nightwish over with a keen eye. After being stared at by the Earth Pony for more than a minute Nightwish thought she should put an end to it. “Umm, what are you looking at?” Nightwish asked the Earth Pony. “You don’t have a cutie mark.” Applebloom stated matter of factly. “I’m well aware of that.” Nightwish said. “You should join us on our crusades than!” Applebloom yelled out excitedly. Nightwish began to get nervous as the three of them began ganging up on her. “Umm that all sounds fun but…” Nightwish began. Bunsen saw this as his chance to intervene. “That’ll have to wait until later little ones.” He began, “For now though we need to speak with the teacher.” The crusaders looked bummed but immediately brightened at the fact that they’ll be getting a new classmate. “Ok, well we’ll see ya’ll later then. Again we’re sorry for crashing into ya.” Replied Applebloom, “Lets move crusaders.” The cutie mark crusaders left to do whatever they had planned and that left Bunsen and Nightwish alone. Nightwish was still sore from the forced pony pile. “That hurt. I hope thats the only time I’m forced into a pony pile.” Nightwish commented aggravatedly. “Now now sweetheart, no need to fuss, i’m sure they mean well. Who knows maybe they’ll be your first friends here.” Commented her Father. “Whatever you say Papa.” Nightwish said. “Are we going inside or what?” They continued inside the building to locate the local school teacher. Once inside they looked around the one room school house. It was quaint and well taken care of. At the desk in front of the room sat a cerise coated Earth pony with a two tone pink mane. She looked up at the new comers and smiled. “Well hello, how can I help you?” she asked. “Good afternoon. My name is Professor Bunsen Burner and this is my daughter Nightwish. We just recently moved to Ponyville and Nightwish has expressed interest in attending a public school.” Bunsen explained. “It’s very nice to meet you two. I’m Cheerilee and I’m the local school teacher here.” Cheerilee began. “Has Nightwish had any schooling?” “Of course. I made an effort to make sure she got her schooling while we traveled.” Replied Bunsen. “Has she ever been in a public school environment?” Cheerilee asked. “No unfortunately. You see, we’ve been traveling across equestria for the last 5 years, so we haven’t had an opportunity to settle and allow her to attend a public school.” Bunsen explained. “I see. Can you go over what you’ve taught her then Professor?” Cheerilee asked. “Of course.” Bunsen replied with a smile. For the next hour, Bunsen Burner went over all the things that he taught Nightwish over the last 5 years. After he was done explaining, he went on to fill out the enrollment paperwork. “Alright well that about covers it.” Cheerilee stated. “Well thats good. If it’s no bother, I was wondering if you could tell me what you’re currently teaching?” Bunsen asked. “Of course. We just started working with decimals.”Cheerilee began. “From what you’ve told me you covered up to that subject so I’m sure she’ll be able to pick up rather quickly.” Now, after waiting an hour, it was Nightwish’s turn to talk. “Yes ma’am. Papa said I’m very smart for my age and that I can pick up a subject like a Pegasus can pick up their wings.” Nightwish stated with obvious pride. Cheerilee chuckled at the little filly. “Thats good to hear. It’ll be different having a thestral in my class, but i’m sure you’ll make friends easily.” “Thank you ma’am.” Nightwish replied. “Well, we’ve taken up enough of your time Ms. Cheerilee so we’ll be on our way.” Bunsen said. “Enjoy the rest of your day and welcome to Ponyville.” Replied Cheerilee “Oh, don’t forget, 8 am sharp tomorrow morning.” “Don’t worry she’ll be there. Right Nightwish?” Bunsen asked looking at his daughter. “I’ll even be early ma’am.” Nightwish replied. Bunsen Burner and Nightwish walked outside of the school and back into the warm afternoon air. They began walking back to the deathtrap that was their current living arrangements. As they were walking they were spotted by a glamourous white unicorn mare with a curled purple mane. She noticed how Bunsen’s labcoat was stained and worn and she wasn’t going to allow a crime against fashion stand. She decided to confront the fashion violator and have a word with him. “Excuse me darling.” She called to him. Bunsen turned his head to see who was calling to whom and noticed the white mare coming towards him. He assumed that she was calling to him and greeted her. “Good afternoon Ma’am. How can I help you?” Bunsen asked. “You can’t help me darling, but I can help you.” She deadpanned. “I’m sorry Miss…” Bunsen Began. “Rarity, darling.” Rarity stated. “I apologize if I seemed aggravated, but your jacket is offending me.” Bunsen raised his eyebrow. “How so?” he asked. “Why it’s filthy! I can’t stand to see such a handsome stallion walking around with such a filthy coat!” She cried in outrage. Bunsen was confused. Here was a mare claiming that his coat was offending her because it was filthy. “Umm, there really isn’t much I can do about it Miss Rarity.” “Just Rarity darling.” Rarity Commented. “Now come along and I’ll get you a brand new coat.” She turned and walked off towards who knows where. Bunsen decided to humor her and followed along with Nightwish on his tail. They reached a tall building that sort of resembled a carousel at a fair. Rarity stopped in front of the door and turned to her two guests. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique. This is my place of business as well as my home.” Rarity stated with pride in her posture. “Please come in.” The three ponies walked into the building, guided by rarity. She stopped in what looked like a waiting room, complete with chairs and fashion magazines, and looked at her guests. “Now darling if you wouldn’t mind taking off your coat and handing it to me.” Rarity asked politely. Bunsen complied with the mares request and took his labcoat off and handed it to her. Meanwhile, Nightwish was snickering at her father’s plight. Rarity noticed this and turned to look at Nightwish. “Oh my goodness, you are so cute!” Rarity squee’d. Nightwish realized that Rarity was talking to her now and a sense of dread befell her. Rarity rushed over to her and began looking her up and down. “Oh my goodness, you have such a beautiful coat with just the right shade of dark purple. Your mane is such a lovely blue, oh the things I could create with you as a model.” Rarity gushed excitedly. “Umm, thank you Miss.” Nightwish said with a red tinge to her cheeks. Rarity looked up at Bunsen and blushed a bit as she realized something. “I must apologize sir. I rushed you here and criticized your appearance and I neglected to ask your names.” She said with a hint of disappointment. “It’s alright Rarity. I am Professor Bunsen Burner and this is my daughter Nightwish.” Bunsen said. “Well it’s a pleasure to meet you and again I apologize for my rudeness.” Rarity said with a smile. She then turned her attention to Nightwish. She was about to begin talking to Nightwish when all of a sudden the doors were slammed open. Rarity looked at the doors in horror as a filly walked through the doors. “Sweetie Belle! How many times have I told you not to slam the doors open!” Rarity scolded. Sweetie Belle’s ears drooped. “I’m sorry sis I was just so excited. We met a new classmate today and she didn’t have her cutie mark so we were going to ask her to join us and be a crusader so she can go on adventures with us and be friends with us and we’ll be friends forever!” Sweetie Belle said at the top of her lungs. Bunsen Burner and Nightwish just stared with awe at the lungs that this little filly had. Rarity just stared at her sister. She was about to begin scolding Sweetie Belle when Sweetie noticed Nightwish. Sweetie Belle let out an audible gasp and ran over to Nightwish. Before Sweetie Belle could reach Nightwish, she was grasped in a blue aura. “Sweetie Belle. It’s not polite to tackle our guests.” Rarity scolded. “Now why don’t you take Nightwish up to your room and politely introduce yourself and get to know each other.” “Ok Rarity.” Sweetie Belle said. Sweetie Belle grabbed Nightwish and dragged her up to her room. Nightwish looked at her father pleadingly, but Bunsen just smiled as he watched his daughter being tormented. Afterwards Rarity took Bunsen into her work room while she started on a new labcoat for him. Once Nightwish and Sweetie Belle were out of earshot Rarity decided to ask the question that was on her mind.. “I don’t mean to be rude, but is Nightwish….” Rarity began asking. “Yes she’s adopted.” Bunsen answered. “I adopted her 5 years ago when I was 18 because she was being picked on by the other orphans for being different. It broke my heart to see such an innocent and sweet filly being tormented for being different and I understand not having your birth parents around at such a young age. So I wanted to show her that the world is full of ponies who won’t treat her like garbage just because she has leathery wings and fangs.” Rarity looked at Bunsen with a small smile on her face. “Well you seem to be doing a fine job as a father darling.” Rarity commented. “I like to think so.” Bunsen replied. So Bunsen and Rarity began idly chatting while Rarity continued working on the labcoat for her new client. Nightwish sat on the floor of Sweetie Belle’s room, watching as Sweetie Belle was coloring in one of her coloring books. Sweetie Belle had given Nightwish a coloring book but she wasn’t sure if she should do it or not. Sweetie Belle noticed how quiet it was and looked up at Nightwish with a confused look on her face. “Is something wrong?” Sweetie Belle asked. Nightwish jerked out of her trance and looked at Sweetie Belle. “No. Nothing’s wrong.” Nightwish said. “Are you sure? Cause you’re being really quiet. I didn’t offend you did I?” Sweetie asked with tears starting to form. “Oh no you didn’t offend me at all. I’m just not used to being around other ponies my age.” NIghtwish defended waiving her hooves in the air. “You’re not?” asked a confused Sweetie Belle. “Yea. I’ve been traveling almost constantly, so I never had a chance to make any friends.” explained Nightwish. “Oh my, I’m sorry to hear that.” Sweetie Belle said. “So are you going to be living here or are you just passing through?” “Papa says we’re gonna be living here now, so I’m super excited.” Nightwish said with a smile. Sweetie Belle matched Nightwish’s smile with her own. “Well, it looks like you got three new friends.” Sweetie said. “Who?” Nightwish asked. “Me, Applebloom, and Scootaloo of course.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile. “Really?” Nightwish asked. “You’d really want a freak like me as a friend?” “Of course. Why wouldn’t we?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Well, because I have these leathery wings and these fangs.” Nightwish explained. “No one ever wanted anything to do with me before because of it. No one except my papa.” Sweetie Belle finally understood and smiled. “It doesn’t matter to any of us.” She explained “Because we like to get to know another pony before we start judging them, and from what i’ve seen of you you seem like a really nice pony and we’d be honored to have you as a friend.” Nightwish was baffled. She’d never had another filly be nice to her and it was a weird feeling, however, it wasn’t unwelcome. Nightwish began tearing up at the thought of finally having friends who would see past her physical appearance. Sweetie Belle saw the tears and got worried. “Oh no, did I make you cry?” Sweetie Belle asked frantically. “Huh? Oh no, you didn’t make me cry.” Nightwish explained while wiping her tears. “Well, yeah you kinda did but they’re tears of happiness.” “Really?” Sweetie Belle asked quizzically. “Yea. I’m happy knowing that I finally have friends.” Nightwish said. Sweetie Belle and Nightwish began laughing together and started coloring in their coloring books again. After an hour Bunsen Burner came up and got Nightwish. He immediately noticed a difference in his daughter but decided to ask her about it when they got to their home. So they walked home in peaceful silence taking in the scenery of their new home of Ponyville. Chapter 3One Month Later Bunsen Burner was sitting in the living room of his finished house reading a book on advanced mechanics. He set the book down and looked around his home. It was a spacious living room with a coffee table in the middle of two sofas and an armchair at the head of it. He walked through a doorway into the kitchen to start a pot of water for tea. He was pulling out the tea leaves when he heard the bell ring. He left his kitchen and went through the door leading to his shop. When he walked to the front counter he saw a familiar purple unicorn standing there holding something in her magical aura. “Morning Twilight. What can I do for you today?” Bunsen asked. “Morning Bunsen. I need you to fix something for me.” Twilight said. “Looks like a projector. Let me take a look.” Bunsen replied. Bunsen used his green aura to take the projector from Twilight. “Whats seems to be the issue?” “Nothing to major.” Twilight said. “I think the bulb might be burnt out.” “Alright i’ll take a quick look.” Bunsen said “When do you need it back?” “Well me and the girls are gonna get together tonight, so i’d like it back before then.” Twilight said. “Sure. Give me a few minutes and i’ll be right back out.” Bunsen said. He went into the door leading to his right where is work desk was located so he could fix the projector. He set the projector down on his desk and used his magic to twist out the bulb. He looked above his desk, opened a drawer to his right, searched through the drawer to find the right light bulb and placed it in the device. Deciding to be extra cautious he decided to check the power supply. He opened up a door on the back of the projector to reveal a crystal that was going dim. Noticing this Bunsen used to his magic on the crystal and it began to glow brighter. With a smile he then closed the door. He grabbed the Projector and walked back into the front of the store to give Twilight back her projector. “There you are Twilight. I replaced the bulb just like you asked.” Bunsen explained “Also, the power crystal was almost empty, so I took the liberty of powering it up for you.” “Thanks Bunsen. How much do I owe you?” she asked “Well since it was a simple job, I’d say, 5 bits.” Bunsen said. “Sounds fair.” replied Twilight She traded over the bits for the projector and bid Bunsen farewell. Just as Bunsen was about to head back into his living room, the bell rang again. He looked towards the door and saw a yellow pegasus mare with a pink mane walk in. “Um...hello....I was told you could help me with something.” the mare whispered. “Of course ma’am.” Bunsen replied. “How can I help you?” She walked up to the front counter glancing around nervously. “Umm...well I need someone to fix a bookshelf for me.” She said “I’d ask my friend Applejack, but she’s busy and I don’t want to bother her.” Bunsen chuckled at the mares shyness. He knew another pony that could be that shy and it amused him. “Thats fine ma’am.” Bunsen replied. “When would you like me to come by and fix it?” This startled the poor mare because she wasn’t expecting him to say yes. “Umm will tomorrow be ok?” she asked “I have to go to my friends house tonight and I have errands I need to run today.” “Of course.” Bunsen replied “If I may ask though. Your name is Fluttershy, correct?” “Yes it is. How’d you know?” Fluttershy asked. “Twilight told me about all her friends, so I have an idea of what you all look like and I remember your names.” Bunsen explained. “Don’t worry about paying me for this service; since it’s such a simple job, it’s really not necessary.” “Are you sure? I can pay whatever you ask.” Fluttershy argued. “Don’t worry Fluttershy. Just think of this as a favor for a friend.” Bunsen said “Yea, Twilight is a great friend.” Fluttershy said. “She is indeed, but I meant you Fluttershy.” Bunsen said Fluttershy stood there with a look of surprise on her face. “You really consider me a friend?” she asked. “Of course. I have no reason to think otherwise and I have a talent for judging character.” Bunsen explained. “Plus, i’ve seen you around town and i’ve seen your kindness in action.” “Thank you so much. I’m sorry I forgot your name.” Fluttershy said “No problem Fluttershy. My name is Professor Bunsen Burner, but you can just call me Bunsen.” He said. Fluttershy smiled. “Thank you Bunsen. Have a good day.” She turned around and walked out through the door. Bunsen smiled and was going to walk through the doorway into his home when he noticed something in the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw nothing. “Strange, I thought I saw somepony watching us.” Bunsen thought to himself. “Maybe I should walk around and see if there is anything strange going on.” He was about to walk through the front door when he heard a whistling. Realization struck him and he smacked his hoof to his face. “Crap, I forgot about the teapot again.” He said. Than he went into his kitchen to turn off the water. Afterwards he left his shop, turning his sign saying “Be Back Later”. (Later that night) Twilight was laying on a couch reading a book when she heard a knock on the door. She opened it to reveal the energetic pink party pony everypony knew, and loved, as Pinkie Pie. She was bouncing in place with her trademark grin on her face. Pinkie bounced into the library right into the kitchen to begin baking the various snacks that she had planned. She followed Pinkie into the kitchen to see what the party mare had planned. She saw that Pinkie was simultaneously mixing 3 bowls at once. Realizing her friend more than likely didn’t need any help, she decided to head back to her couch. However, before she could get to her couch she heard a loud banging on her door. She opened the door to reveal a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane. “Damn it Rainbow Dash. I thought I told you to knock like a normal pony.” Twilight scolded. “Yea, Yea, whatever Twi. Did you get the projector fixed or what?” Rainbow questioned. Twilight sighed. Knowing her friend, she knew Rainbow had a very short attention span. “Yes Rainbow, I took it to Bunsen Burner and he replaced the bulb and recharged the power crystal.” Twilight said. “So we’ll be good for quite a while.” “Bunsen Burner? Isn’t that the guy who moved here about a month ago?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Yes, he opened up the repair shop here in town.” Twilight said. “Sounds cool.” Rainbow said “Yeap!” Pinkie said Pinkie’s sudden appearance caught Twilight and Rainbow Dash off guard and the two of them fell backwards. “Damn it, Pinkie! I thought I told you not to do that.” Twilight scolded. “Sorry Twilight.” Pinkie giggled. “I couldn’t resist.” Twilight and Rainbow picked themselves off of the floor and began dusting themselves off. “You know Pinkie, i’m surprised you haven’t thrown him a welcome party yet.” Rainbow pointed out. “Well, I was going to but something told me that it wouldn’t be a good idea right away.” Pinkie explained “So I decided to wait until after I get to know him to see when I can throw a party. However he seems to be able to avoid me whenever I try to talk to him.” Rainbow and Twilight were genuinely surprised. “Seriously?” Rainbow asked “There’s a pony who can avoid being caught by Pinkie Pie?” “I know, I was surprised too.” Pinkie said. “Well, have you tried, oh I don’t know, walking through the front door and talking to him?” Twilight asked sarcastically. “I never thought of that.” Pinkie said. “I’ll have to try that.” Twilight proceeded to smack her face with her hoof. She heard another knocking on her door, so she went to answer it. On the other side of the door was Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack. “Hey girls, you got here just in time.” Pinkie said “The goodies just got done and now we can start the movie.” (Two movies later) Fluttershy yawned and looked at the time. Realizing how late it was, she decided to head home. “Girls I have to head home now. I need to wake up early, so I can feed the animals.” said Fluttershy. “Are you sure about that Fluttershy?” Twilight asked. “It’s raining pretty hard.” As Twilight said that, she pointed out the window. It was indeed raining pretty hard, but Fluttershy knew that if she didn’t get enough sleep, she would end up falling asleep while feeding the animals. Again. “No, I need to get home.” Fluttershy insisted. “Thank you for offering Twilight.” “I need to get going too Twilight.” Pinkie said. “So I can walk Fluttershy to her house if it’ll make you feel better.” “Alright Pinkie. Well we’ll see you two tomorrow then.” Twilight said. “Bye.” Said Rarity, Rainbow, and Applejack. After leaving the library, Pinkie and Fluttershy began heading in the direction of Fluttershy’s cottage. When they got close to the edge of town, they noticed a group of ponies standing in their way. “Excuse me!” Pinkie yelled, so she could be heard over the rain. “Could you move please?” The pony in the middle, who they realized was holding a sword, spoke to them. “Sorry, but you need to come with us.” the stallion said. When he spoke Pinkie got a feeling in her gut saying to stay away from this pony. “Sorry, but I don’t think thats such a good idea.” Pinkie said while her and Fluttershy began backing away. “That wasn’t a request.” said the same stallion. Realizing that they were in trouble they began running back towards the library. When the library came into view, three more mystery ponies landed on the ground to block them from their destination. Seeing this, Pinkie pushed Fluttershy into a different direction. She decided that it would be safer if her and Fluttershy head towards Sugarcube Corner. As they were running, Fluttershy saw that the other ponies were quickly catching up to them, so she used her wing to get Pinkie’s attention, so she could point this out. Pinkie nodded her head and began running faster. Pinkie and Fluttershy realized that Sugarcube corner was also out of the picture, when they saw the mystery ponies were going to cut them off. They decided to run in the direction of the town market to see if there was a way to lose them. Before they could make it to the town market, they were once again cut off and forced into an alleyway. Unfortunately, the alleway lead to a dead end. Pinkie and Fluttershy turned around to escape, but they were blocked off by a larger group of ponies. One pony walked in front of the group and began talking. “Sorry ladies, but the fun stops here..” The stallion said. “We were told to bring you back in one piece, but they never said we couldn’t rough you up a bit.” He and two other ponies walked towards them with maces raised. Fluttershy and Pinkie hugged each other and closed their eyes. They waited for the inevitable to happen, but it never came. Pinkie and Fluttershy opened their eyes to see something completely different than what was there before. In front of them were the three ponies that were coming towards them previously, but they were laying on the ground in a pool of blood. In front of their bodies was a fourth pony facing the larger group, while the latter were staring at the newcomer with anger. The newcomer began to speak. “Templars are not welcome here.” He said “I suggest you leave, before I do to you what I did to your friends.” Fluttershy looked closely at the new arrival and gasped. “Bunsen Burner?” Fluttershy questioned. Pinkie Pie looked at Bunsen with a questionable expression. Thats when he began talking to them. “Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy. Stay behind me and don’t move.” Bunsen commanded. They both nodded and watched. “Get out of our way Assassin.” The lead Templar commanded. “We were told to bring the element bearers to HQ and there’s no way you can stop all of us.” “You’d be surprised what I can handle Templar.” Bunsen said calmly This angered the Templar. “Kill the Assassin!” He ordered. The group of Templars charged at Bunsen, hoping that their numbers would overwhelm him. However Bunsen just stood there waiting for his chance. When they passed a certain point, Bunsen began his assault. He turned around and bucked the first templar with his back hoof. When he pulled away a blade came out of the templars chest. Two more templars were already on him with blades raised. Bunsen easily parried the attack with the hidden blades hiding in the sleeves of his labcoat. After parrying the attack he quickly and efficiently sliced the throats of the two attackers. Fluttershy and Pinkie watched as the towns newest resident, easily took down the group of ponies that were chasing them. He easily blocked most of their attacks but as the group continued to assault him they realized that his movements began to slow down and the “Templars” were getting in more and more strikes on him. Bunsen was standing in front of Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie as he stared down the last remaining templars. Out of the 20 that attacked only 3 remained. Bunsen had taken quite the beating himself having received a few dozen cuts and a black eye. The remaining templars decided that Bunsen had had enough and decided that they’d finish him off. They charged at him to deliver a final blow to the wounded Assassin. Seeing the arrogance in their eyes Bunsen decided to wait. Once they were within hooves reach, Bunsen struck. He grabbed a sword with his magic and, with a quick swing, decapitated the remaining Templars. Bunsen dropped the sword and began walking towards Fluttershy and Pinkie, so he could check up on them. “Are you two alright?” Bunsen asked “Yea, we’re alright.” Pinkie said. “What happened? Who were those ponies and why were they after us?” “I understand you have a lot of questions but those are going to have to wait.” Bunsen said. “You two need to head home. I already check on your other friends and I put up a barrier that’ll last until the sun rises.” “Ok.” They both said. Bunsen turned around to head home, but was quickly deterred when he fell against against the wall. “Damn. I lost more blood than I thought.” He scolded himself. He began walking but lost the strength in his legs again. Before he could hit the ground he was caught by another strong body which belonged to a yellow pegasus. “Sorry Bunsen, but no matter how much I want to go home, I can’t in good conscience let you go home by yourself after what you did for us.” Fluttershy said. “But” Bunsen began “No buts.” Pinkie said “What kind of pony lets another pony go home by themselves in the state that you’re in?” Realizing that he couldn’t get out of it, he decided to just let the mares help him. They walked back towards Bunsen’s shop and went into his house. When they got into Bunsen’s living room he told them to have a seat so he could make them tea. When he came out of the kitchen he was carrying a tray with 3 empty teacups and a pot of tea. Then he went to a cabinet and pulled out a jar, which he set on the table, and three towels, two of which were given to Pinkie and Fluttershy. They then proceeded to dry themselves off. After pouring his guests tea, and drying himself thoroughly, he then opened the jar and applied the cream to all the cuts on his body. After he was done, Fluttershy decided to ask the question that had been bothering her. “Umm Bunsen, if it’s not to much of a bother, I was wondering. Why did they call you an Assassin?” Fluttershy asked. “Do you really kill ponies for money?” Bunsen sighed. “Yes and No.” he said. “I was an assassin, but not in the traditional sense of the word.” “What do you mean?” Pinkie asked “I belonged to an organization known as the Brotherhood of Assassins. Our goal was to stop the Templars from furthering their plans at any cost.” He explained. “What are their plans?” Fluttershy asked “They wanted to make a perfect world in their image.” Bunsen said “They want to promote purpose, order and control, essentially taking away any free will that a pony has.” “Oh my goodness.” Fluttershy said. “Thats awful.” Bunsen nodded his head and took a sip of his tea. “I agree thats why I became a part of the brotherhood.” “How would they take our free will away?” Pinkie asked “Think of it this way.” Bunsen began “How would you feel if another pony could tell you when, where, how, and who you could throw parties for and then told you how many ponies could come and what food you served.” “I guess i’d hate it.” Pinkie said. “Exactly. Thats why the Assassins exist.” Bunsen said “Earlier you said you WERE an Assassin and not that you ARE an Assassin.” Pinkie observed. “What did you mean by that?” Bunsen sighed. “It was a mission gone wrong. I was told to assassinate a templar who was posing as an assassin. I ended up getting bad information and killed one of my brothers thinking he was the double agent. I told our leaders that it was a mistake and that the informant had turned on us but they refused to believe me and thus sentenced me into exile.” Bunsen explained “They took away my blades and my reason for living. I had dedicated my whole life to the brotherhood and after that I had nothing. So I packed up what I could carry and left.” Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy looked at Bunsen with sympathy in their eyes. “Where did you go?” Pinkie asked “The only thing I could do. I traveled Equestria.” Bunsen explained. “I was content on traveling alone, keeping to myself and not bothering a soul. That is of course until I met Nightwish.” “Thats your daughter, right?” Pinkie asked Bunsen nodded his head. “I didn’t know you have a daughter.” Fluttershy said. “Yeap. Her name is Nightwish and she’s a thestral.” Bunsen explained. “I had been traveling for about year when I happened upon a town called Clydesdale. It was a small town about 500 miles west of Ponyville. I was passing through when I noticed a small filly walking past me with a bundle over her shoulder. Now normally I wouldn’t have bothered with it, but something told me that I needed to interfere. So i caught up to her and questioned why she had a pack and she was leaving to go out of town. She told me that I wouldn’t understand and continued to walk past me. So I decided to “up the ante” a bit and used my magic to lift her up and sit her on a bench then had a chat with her. She told me that the other orphans would make fun of her and the adults neglected her. So I decided to adopt the filly and she joined me on my trip.” After his explanation Bunsen, Pinkie, and Fluttershy took a drink of their tea. After a few silent minutes, Pinkie decided to restart the conversation. “So can you tell us about the Brother a bit?” Pinkie asked. “I can.” Bunsen said. “The Brotherhood of Assassins have been around for as long as Celestia has been in power. See the Assassins believe in ensuring the survival of freedom, as it allows for the progression of new ideas and the growth of individuality whereas the Templars sought to save Ponykind from itself by controlling free will.” “Wow, I wish I could join the Assassins.” Pinkie said “I would love to be able to protect a ponies right to have whatever kind of party a pony would want.” “And to be able to protect the ones that we love.” Fluttershy said “You mean like a certain purple unicorn?” Bunsen said. Fluttershy spit out the tea she had just drank and gave Bunsen a shocked expression. Bunsen chuckled at her expression and took a drink of his tea. “Fluttershy, I am a highly trained Assassin who can see and hear things that a normal pony would overlook, so based on that it was quite easy to notice the way you act towards her compared to your other friends. Not only that but I saw the way your eyes sparkle when she was mentioned early this morning.” Bunsen explained. Once Fluttershy realized that somepony had found out about her secret crush her cheeks began to blush furiously. They each finished their tea and Bunsen sent the dishes into the kitchen. Noticing how late it was he decided to get his guests a couple blankets and a few pillows. However, before he could finish this errand, he heard the bell chime in his shop. He decided to investigate by opening the door to the shop. However what was waiting for him was the last thing, or pony, he ever expected to see again. “Mentor?!” Author's Note I apologize for the lateness of this but sometimes things happen and you lose any sort of inspiration you might have. However I believe I have gotten out of my rut and back into the swing of things. Chapter 4“Mentor? What are you doing here at this hour and in this weather?” Bunsen asked. Standing in front of Bunsen is a large earth pony wearing a white robe with the hood drawn over. The earth pony stepped inside the doorway and removed the hood. Underneath the hood was a pony of middle age with a dark red mane with a goatee to match and a grey coat. Before him stood his Mentor, Iron Shadow. He smiled as he looked upon the surprised Unicorn. “Am I not allowed to visit an old friend?” His mentor asked “Why would you want to visit a disgraced Assassin of all ponies?” Bunsen asked venomously “Because I have information that I know you’d want to hear.” His mentor stated matter-of-factly. “Now may I come in? It’s rather wet out here.” “Fine. I’ll make some tea.” Bunsen said “This way please and keep quiet.” Bunsen began to lead Iron Shadow through the house into the dining room so they could talk. Thats when Iron Shadow decided it was as good a time as any to start up a conversation. “So how have you been Bunsen?” Iron Shadow asked. “You mean since you banished me from the Brotherhood?” Bunsen asked rhetorically “Oh, i’ve been great. Just freakin great.” “You know I had no choice Bunsen Burner. The evidence against you was too solid and I had to do it to show the Brotherhood that even you aren’t above the creed.” Iron Shadow explained “You not only killed an innocent but you did so in a crowded area and almost revealed the brotherhood. If one of your brothers wasn’t there to provide a distraction, you most certainly would’ve compromised us all.” “I know all that, but he wasn’t innocent.” Bunsen defended “He was a templar, I was certain of it.” “And you’re right.” Iron Shadow said bluntly. It was at this point that Bunsen Burner had walked into the living room, where Pinkie and Fluttershy were at, and stopped in his tracks. He turned around to look his old mentor in the eyes. “Excuse me?” Bunsen asked. “You heard me.” Iron Shadow said. “You were right all along Bunsen Burner.” “So you’re saying I was framed?” Bunsen asked “Thats exactly what i’m saying.” Iron Shadow stated. “But lets discuss this more in private.” Iron Shadow said this as he was pointing at the two mares sitting in the same room. “These two already know who and what we are Iron.” Bunsen defended. “I already told them everything.” “Everything?” Iron Shadow said with a knowing look in his eye. “Yes, everything. I told them who we are and what our mission is.” Bunsen said. “Do they know why the Templars were here?” Iron Shadow asked “No they don’t. I don’t even know why they were here.” Bunsen said “They’re here for the bearers of the Elements of Harmony.” Iron Shadow said. This caught Bunsen off guard. He was suspecting that the Templars were here to kidnap anypony associated with Twilight so they could get to her and then to the Princess. He wasn’t expecting them to be after the Elements of Harmony.” “Why are they after the Bearers, Mentor?” Bunsen asked. “The double agent wasn’t the only thing you were right about Bunsen.” Iron Shadow said. “You were also right about one other, very important, thing.” “And what’s that?” Bunsen asked Iron Shadow looked at Bunsen Burner with a grim look on his face. “They are trying to reforge the Apple of Harmony.” Iron Shadow said. Bunsen’s eyes were the size of dinner plates. He recoiled as if he had been punched by a minotaur. “Thats….thats impossible.” Bunsen said “The Apple isn’t real. You told me the Apple was just a myth.” “Thats what we thought.” Iron Shadow said. “We thought the Apple was a myth; until recently.” Bunsen raised his eyebrow and gave Iron Shadow a piercing gaze. “Care to elaborate?” Bunsen asked. “Well, ever since the purification of Nightmare Moon six months ago, the templars have been much more active. It seems that their so called “absence” was merely them laying low. They’ve been able to work their way into most if not all of the public offices in Manehattan and even in the royal guard.” Iron Shadow said. “One of our brothers in Canterlot was able to intercept a templar messenger and bring him in for questioning. At first we couldn’t get any information out of him but that same Assassin was able to use something to get him to open up a bit more; Something I never thought we’d use.” “What would that be?” Bunsen asked “A truth serum.” Iron Shadow stated. “The very same one that you developed all those years ago.” “I see.” Bunsen said “Continue.” “After we administered the serum is when he began to sing. He told us everything including the plan for tonight.” Iron Shadow said. “It was unfortunate that I was late, but it seems everything worked out because tonight shows the return of the Templars biggest obstacle. Something they thought they removed almost six years ago.” “What is it?” Bunsen asked. “You.” Iron Shadow said. “Why me?” Bunsen asked “Because, you are the only pony on Terra who knows as much as the Templars do about the Apple.” Iron Shadow explained. “Thats why you were framed. They knew we’d banish you if you were to kill an innocent. So they activated their double agent and had you kill him. They knew that Nightmare Moon would be returning soon and The only thing that could stop her was the Elements. So they expanded their numbers and slithered their way into being highly regarded politicians, business owner, astronomers, and even royal guards. After what happened six months ago they knew exactly where to strike and the only thing that remained was when. So they watched and gathered information about the bearers. They learned everything they could about them such as what they do for a living, who they spend most of their time with, and even where they like to eat the most.” “That explains why I thought I saw somepony watching me do business with Twilight this morning.” Bunsen said. “Yes. So far we only know the identity of one of the Elements of Harmony. Our information gathering over the past 6 months only revealed that Twilight Sparkle is the Element of Magic.” Iron Shadow said. “I admit that it’s shameful that the once great assassins couldn’t even get information as important as this.” Bunsen Burner sat on his floor, letting all the information he heard go through his head. 6 years. It had been 6 years since he’d been banished from the brotherhood. He lost the only thing he had ever known in his life and for the first time in his life he felt completely and totally lost. He decided that he would just wander Equestria to search for a new purpose and that purpose came a year afterward when he met Nightwish. Afterwards he dedicated his life to not only taking care of her but to what his special talent truly was; Researching the issues of everyday life and developing solutions for them. For the next 5 years he felt every form of emotion with the little filly from being happy to have her around to being upset when she did something stupid. However, in the 6 years that Bunsen had been banished there was one emotion that never occurred to him. Anger. He never realized just how angry he was at the Brotherhood. Angry for not believing him. Angry for banishing him. For abandoning him. He stood up and walked over to his coffee table and looked at it. It was at that moment that all the anger that had been building up inside him for so long finally gave the final push. Bunsen Burner snapped. In the blink of an eye he raised his hoof and smashed the table in half. He scared poor Fluttershy and spooked Pinkie Pie, both of whom were now hiding behind the couches. Iron Shadow looked at Bunsen with concern in his eyes but Bunsen wasn’t having it. He was angry for the first time in a long time and he wasn’t done yet. He turned around and looked at Iron Shadow with intense anger in his eyes. “Are you alright Bunsen.” Iron Shadow asked. “Am I ok? Am I ok! NO I’M NOT FUCKING OK.” Bunsen shouted “For 6 years I lived with the shame of what I did! I wandered Equestria looking for a new purpose and when I finally have it, you all of a sudden decided to waltz back into my life to tell me that all that guilt that I’ve felt for 6 years was a lie. And do you know what the worst part is, Iron Shadow?” Iron Shadow shook his head no. “You. Never. Even. Investigated. It.” Bunsen said while stomping his hoof to emphasize his point. “You took me in when I was just a tiny colt and raised me. YOU raised me to be an Assassin and when that happened you never even considered looking into it yourself. You just decided to sweep it under the rug like nothing even happened. For thirteen years you taught me what was right and wrong and then you go and throw all of that out the window by coming here and telling me that you didn’t even defend me. That the evidence was enough proof that I did it and thats that. Yes, i’ll admit that I had been getting arrogant, but I would never murder one of my brothers unless I had an extremely good reason. But you didn’t see that. All you saw was another Assassin. Thats all I was to you and thats all i’ll ever be.” Iron Shadow as about to reply Bunsen’s rant but he heard a soft noise come from the top of the staircase and everypony looked. At the top of the steps stood a young thestral filly with a blue mane and purple coat. She looked down at Bunsen and ran down the stairs to him. She stood in front of him with a concerned look and that was when Iron Shadow saw something he never thought he’d ever see. Bunsen Burner was crying. He wasn’t weeping but Iron knew that they were tears of sorrow and anger and he realized the Bunsen Burner was right. During his leadership the Assassins had grown fat and lazy which is why the Templars were able to do what they needed to get to where they were. Then the little filly began to speak. “Papa, what’s wrong? Why’re you crying?” She asked. “What makes you think i’m crying, Sweetheart?” Bunsen asked while wiping his eyes. “Don’t lie to me papa.” Nightwish scolded. “I saw the tears and the table thats broken in half.” Bunsen chuckled. “Of course Nightwish. I can’t get anything past you can I?” He asked her. “Thats right.” Nightwish stated proudly. “Now answer my question.” “Ok ok.” Bunsen conceded. “I was just remember something bad that happened to me a long time ago. Remember when I told you to never bottle up your emotions, or something bad will happen?” Nightwish nodded her head. “Well thats what happened.” Bunsen explained. “Without realizing it, I have been holding in my anger from something that happened to me a long time ago and It decided to rear it’s ugly head. I’m sorry for waking you up sweetheart.” Nightwish smiled. “It’s ok papa just don’t do it again.” she said. “Yes Ma’am.” Bunsen said with a mock salute. This caused her to giggle at her father’s silliness. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and he sent her back upstairs to her bed. This caused a smile to grace Iron Shadows face to see the young colt he found become a responsible stallion. “I didn’t know you had a daughter Bunsen.” Iron Shadow said. “Yeap.” Bunsen said while staring at the top of the stairs. He turned around to face his mentor with the same look of seriousness that he had on before. “She’s the reason why i’m here today. I adopted 5 years ago because she needed me.” “Thats very good of you Bunsen.” his mentor commented. Bunsen turned to look at his now destroyed coffee table and then back to Iron Shadow. “I apologize for my outburst Mentor. It wasn’t fair of me to take it out on you.” Bunsen said while lowering his head in shame. “Bunsen Burner look at me.” Iron Shadow commanded. Bunsen Burner did as he was told and looked at his Mentor. “Bunsen, you have no reason to apologize to me. You’re right about everything. I didn’t look into what happen and I regret it now more than ever. If I had truly looked into it we would’ve known what the templars were up to much sooner and none of this would’ve happened.” Iron Shadow said. “Can you forgive an old pony for making such a foalish mistake?” “Of course I can Mentor.” Bunsen said “Good.” Iron Shadow said. “Now for the real reason why I came here.” Iron Shadow reached into his saddlebags which were hidden under his robe and pulled out a box with the Assassin Insignia on it. “Bunsen Burner.” Iron Shadow started. “I need your help now more than I ever have. I’m asking you to once again take up the blade and protect Equestria from Templars and their latest plans. Will you come back to the Brotherhood?” “Mentor, on any other day I would say no.” Bunsen said. “but because they struck so close to Nightwish I have no choice but to say yes.” This brought a huge grin to Iron Shadows face. He opened up the box and presented it to Bunsen. Inside was Bunsen's first hidden blade and his most cherished possession. Bunsen took off the blade that was on his right front leg and put his old friend back in his place. It fit just like a glove. With the return of his blade Bunsen Burner felt whole once again. “Now for your first assignment.” Iron Shadow started. “I need you to gain the identities of the other five bearers of the elements of harmony.” “Of course Mentor.” Bunsen said “Their identites are common knowledge around here and they are all my friends.” “Is that so?” Iron Shadow asked. “Thats correct.” Bunsen said. “As a matter of fact two of them just so happen to be in the same room as us.” Bunsen turned his attention to the two mares who had found themselves back in their spots on the couch. “Mentor, I’d like to formally introduce you to Pinkie Pie, The Element of Laughter, and Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness.” Bunsen said. “Pinkie and Fluttershy i’d like to introduce you to Mentor Iron Shadow, Leader of the Brotherhood of Assassins.” Iron Shadow looked at the two mares sitting in front of him. One was cowering behind her long pink mane while the other was smiling and waving very enthusiastically. PInkie pie got up and, in a single bound, landed in front of Iron Shadow, grasped his hoof, and shook it like there was no tomorrow. “It’ssuperdupernicetomeettheponywhotaughtBunsenthosesupercoolmovesthatheusedtototally saveourtalesbutthatdoesn’tmakesensebecauseitwasn’tjustourtalesthatwereintroubleitwasalsoourlegsandourhoovesandourflanksandourheadsandourmanesthatwereintroublesobasicallyhesavedourentirebodiesfromthoseTemplarmeaniesandhe. Was. So. Cool. when he did it.” She said in one breath emphasizing the last part. After Pinkie was done shaking his hoof she bounced back to the couch and landed right next to Fluttershy. Fluttershy mumbled her greeting to him and went back to hiding behind her mane. Bunsen sat in his chair and motioned for his mentor to sit on the couch opposite Fluttershy and Pinkie. Once he took his seat, he began to speak. “I want you to send the names to our bureau in Manehattan so that way we’ll have it on record and be able to coordinate our forces. We’ll also need to set up a bureau here in Ponyville as well. I want you to go ahead and lead them since you know the town.” Iron Shadow said. “Sounds like a good idea.” Bunsen commented. “Now i’m going to go ahead and have about ten Assassins stationed here…” Iron Shadow began “I’m going to stop you right there Iron.” Bunsen said. “If i’m going to be leading this then i’m going to choose how many Assassins I want and who I want. Does that sound fair?” “Fair enough.” Iron Shadow said. “How many?” “Five.” Bunsen said. “Including myself.” “Ok.” Iron Shadow said. “Now who do you want?” “Well.” Bunsen started. “I want to train Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.”
Chapter 1It was late afternoon outside the small village of ponyville when a Unicorn stallion with a white coat and brown mane stepped atop a hill overlooking the village. He gazed at the village below him taking in a deep breath and letting out a content sigh. Beside him stood a filly with a purple coat and dark blue mane. Her leathery wings were resting at her sides as she watched the older stallion. “Is this our new home Papa?” The filly asked. “Yes Nightwish. This is Ponyville.” Her father replied. “Lets head down there and find our new house shall we?” They began trudging down the trail that lead to the center of town. While they were walking Nightwish heard a sound that came from some bushes nearby. “Papa, did you hear that?” Nightwish asked. He turned his head and nodded to the little thestral filly. “Yes sweetheart I did. It seems there’s a pony who would like to meet us. Isn’t that right miss? He asked no one in particular. “Oh you’re good.” said the bushes. The bushes began to rustle as a pink mare with a cotton candy like mane stepped out of the bushes. “How’d you know I was there?” The pink mare inquired. “Well, my daughter and I heard you coming. She has better hearing than the average pony and I have spent my life honing my senses to be able to detect others if we’re being followed.” He explained. “Allow me to introduce ourselves. My name is Professor Bunsen Burner and this is my daughter Nightwish.” Bunsen explained. “Well it’s nice to meetcha. My name is Pinkie Pie.” She said with more enthusiasm than a normal pony would have. “It’s very nice to meet you Ms. Pie. However if I may inquire, how’d you know where we’d be?” Bunsen inquired. “My Pinkie Sense told me.” She said. “Your what?” Bunsen asked with a quizzical expression. “My Pinkie Sense. I get different feelings meaning different things. Like when something is about to fall my tail starts twitching.” She explained. “I see. Well it was lovely meeting you but we must be on our way.” Bunsen Burner stated. “Wait! Before you go I need to give you this.” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “And whats that?” Bunsen Burner asked “An invitation.” Pinkie said “An invitation to what Miss?” Nightwish asked. “A welcome to Ponyville party silly filly.” Pinkie Pie said with her signature smile. “Thank you Miss Pie we’ll definitely consider it.” Bunsen said “Okey dokey see ya tonight at Sugarcube Corner.” Pinkie replied. She turned around and bounced off singing to herself. “She’s weird Papa.” Nightwish commented. “Yes, but she seems like a good pony at heart and I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of her.” Bunsen Burner replied. They began heading into town towards city hall to see the Mayor. A ways away Pinkie Pie was still bouncing when she was stopped by a lavender unicorn. “Hey Pinkie, who was that?" The lavender pony asked. "Oh hey Twilight. That was Bunsen Burner and his daughter Nightwish. They're new to Ponyville and I was giving them my patented Pinkie Pie welcome and inviting them to their "welcome to Ponyville" party." She said with a huge grin. "Well that's nice Pinkie." Twilight replied "You know what's weird though? Right before they got here I got this shiver throughout my whole body. Like that time at froggy bottom bog." Pinkie explained. "What do you think it means?" Twilight asked. "I don't know but I do know that whatever it is it's gonna be something big and it's gonna involve those two somehow." Pinkie continued to explain. Bunsen Burner and Nightwish had just finished at town hall speaking to the mayor about getting a house in Ponyville. Bunsen Burner decided on an old shop near the outside of Ponyville. He figured that would be the best idea so that way he would have a source of income without having to deal with “inter-office politics” so to speak. When they got to the building, Bunsen noticed a few things that needed to be patched up such as a broken window and quite a number of missing boards. Other than that the building was in decent enough shape so he didn’t have to do too much work on the exterior. “Wow Papa this place is a dump.” commented Nightwish. “Yes, but it’s cheap and that’s what I wanted. It doesn’t bother me all that much to fix it up.” Bunsen explained “After I’m done with this place you’re going to love it sweetheart.” “If you say so Papa.” said Nightwish “Now what do we do?” “Well, first thing is we get furniture for our house. I bought a two story building so we can live on the second floor and i can set up my lab and repair shop on the first floor.” Bunsen said. “Ok Papa.” Nightwish said. “So since it’s still daytime we’ll take care of that and we’ll sign you up for school.” Bunsen said with a smirk on his face. “But Papa I don’t want to go to school!” Nightwish protested. “Sorry sweetheart but you don’t have a choice in the matter.” Bunsen stated. “You need to get your education just like every other filly and colt here in town.” “But Papa..” Nightwish began “No buts Nightwish. You need to go to school just like everypony else and you won’t be able to change my mind.” Bunsen said firmly. “Alright Papa. When are we going?” Nightwish asked “Well since I still need to gather the supplies to help fix this place up, we’ll go ahead and head over to the school and then we’ll go from there.” Bunsen answered. “Ok Papa.” Nightwish sighed. They left the run down shop building, on their way to the other side of town where the local schoolhouse was. As they walked through town Nightwish noticed all the different ponies staring and muttering as they walked past them. “Don’t mind them sweetie, they’ve probably never seen a thestral before.” Bunsen said trying to reassure his daughter. They continued onward ignoring the various stares they were getting. They continued walking when they saw a giant oak tree coming into view. When they got closer they saw a purple unicorn with a purple mane with a pink stripe through the middle step outside the door. She saw the two walking by and trotted up to them. “Hello. You must be new in town.” The purple mare said. “Indeed we are Miss. My name is Professor Bunsen Burner and this is my daughter Nightwish.” Bunsen said “H...Hello Miss.” Nightwish said shyly The purple mare looked towards the thestral filly and smiled. “Well hello little one. I don’t believe i’ve seen a thestral outside Princess Luna’s guard before.” Nightwish looked at her with surprise in her eyes. “You know Princess Luna?” She asked. “Of course. Oh i’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself. My name is Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight said “Well that explains a lot.” Bunsen said. “Of course the personal student of Princess Celestia would know about thestrals.” “Of course. Pinkie told me about the two of you. So how are you liking Ponyville so far?” Twilight asked. “It’s a very nice town and i’m looking forward to staying here for a long time.” Bunsen replied “Thats good. If I may ask, what brings you to Ponyville Professor?” Twilight asked “Please Miss Sparkle call me Bunsen, I’m only a Professor when i’m working. As for why we came to Ponyville, well it’s quite a long story and I don’t want to bore you with the details. In short we came for the peace and quiet.” Bunsen explained. “Just Twilight is fine Bunsen.” Twilight said “And I’m sure I’d love to hear it but it looks like you two are busy.” “Yes ma’am. Papa is taking me to sign up for classes.” Nightwish said “Oh you’ll love your teacher. She is a very kind Earth Pony and the kids love her.” Twilight explained. “What are you a professor in Bunsen?” “Well, Twilight, I specialize mainly in research and development. I find things that need to be fixed, research it, and develop various things that help it whether it be mechanical or chemical. It’s my job and my special talent to do this and I enjoy it very much.” explained Bunsen “Oh really. What have you developed so far?” Twilight asked “Well so far I developed the EMD V20-710 locomotive currently used by the Equestrian Train Bureau. Now trains get to their destinations in about half the time." Bunsen explained. “ Well we really must be going Twilight but I'm sure I'll be seeing you again." "OK. Bye for now Bunsen." Twilight replied.
Chapter 2Bunsen Burner and Nightwish were walking towards Ponyville Elementary to enroll her in the current semester. While they were there Bunsen would speak with the teacher to see what they've covered. If there was anything he missed he would cover it before the beginning of next week. Even though the two of them were traveling that didn't mean that Bunsen had to neglect Nightwish's education. As they were walking, Nightwish took the opportunity to take in the sights. She noticed that out of all the towns that her and her dad had been to this was the greenest and prettiest. She knew she would like living in Ponyville because nopony was looking at her like she was weird or giving her a dirty look because she was different. “I think i’m going to like it here.” she thought to herself. . They got to the school house just as the final bell rang. Before they knew it they were swarmed by fillies and colts just aching to get home after another boring day of school. After confirming that the children had left, Bunsen and Nightwish walked towards the school. Bunsen used his magic and gripped the door handle in a green aura to open it. Just as he opened it he stepped to the left letting 3 more fillies rush out the door. Bunsen managed to be out of range of the three fillies; however, Nightwish wasn’t so lucky. She, as well as the three fillies, laid in a pony pile on the ground. Bunsen chuckled at his daughter and the three troublemakers. “Uhh, what happened?” asked the orange pegasus with the purple mane. “I’m not sure. Did ya see what we ran inta Sweetie Belle?” asked the light yellow earth pony with a red mane and pink bow. “I didn’t see anything Applebloom. Did you see anything Scootaloo?” asked the white unicorn with a light purple mane. “I didn’t see anything.” answered Scootaloo. “Maybe you should get off my daughter then.” Bunsen stated with a bit of amusement. The three fillies looked at the newcomer and then looked underneath them. They all gasped and jumped off the very irritated Nightwish. “Ohmygoshwe’resosorry.” they all cried at once. Nightwish got up off of the ground and was about to scold them, when a stern look from her father said otherwise. She calmly took a deep breath and smiled. “It’s ok. I’m sure you girls were in a hurry to be off somewhere.” Nightwish said. “Yea, we’re going crusading to find our cutie marks.” Scootaloo said with a hoof in the air and a proud grin on her face. “That, uhhh, sounds like fun.” Nightwish commented. “It usually is.” Sweetie Belle stated with a smile. “However, most of the time we end up stuck together with tree sap.” “Exactly who are you?” Nightwish asked. “Oh well I’m Sweetie Belle,” Sweetie Belle pointed to herself, “thats Applebloom,” she pointed to the earth pony, “and thats Scootaloo,” she pointed to the pegasus, “and we’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” She finished saying with a smile on her face. “Yea, we go on all kinds of different adventures to find out what our special talent is.” Scootaloo added. “We’re going to get our cutie marks in drawing manga.” “That sounds like fun. I guess.” said Nightwish. While Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were talking Applebloom was looking Nightwish over with a keen eye. After being stared at by the Earth Pony for more than a minute Nightwish thought she should put an end to it. “Umm, what are you looking at?” Nightwish asked the Earth Pony. “You don’t have a cutie mark.” Applebloom stated matter of factly. “I’m well aware of that.” Nightwish said. “You should join us on our crusades than!” Applebloom yelled out excitedly. Nightwish began to get nervous as the three of them began ganging up on her. “Umm that all sounds fun but…” Nightwish began. Bunsen saw this as his chance to intervene. “That’ll have to wait until later little ones.” He began, “For now though we need to speak with the teacher.” The crusaders looked bummed but immediately brightened at the fact that they’ll be getting a new classmate. “Ok, well we’ll see ya’ll later then. Again we’re sorry for crashing into ya.” Replied Applebloom, “Lets move crusaders.” The cutie mark crusaders left to do whatever they had planned and that left Bunsen and Nightwish alone. Nightwish was still sore from the forced pony pile. “That hurt. I hope thats the only time I’m forced into a pony pile.” Nightwish commented aggravatedly. “Now now sweetheart, no need to fuss, i’m sure they mean well. Who knows maybe they’ll be your first friends here.” Commented her Father. “Whatever you say Papa.” Nightwish said. “Are we going inside or what?” They continued inside the building to locate the local school teacher. Once inside they looked around the one room school house. It was quaint and well taken care of. At the desk in front of the room sat a cerise coated Earth pony with a two tone pink mane. She looked up at the new comers and smiled. “Well hello, how can I help you?” she asked. “Good afternoon. My name is Professor Bunsen Burner and this is my daughter Nightwish. We just recently moved to Ponyville and Nightwish has expressed interest in attending a public school.” Bunsen explained. “It’s very nice to meet you two. I’m Cheerilee and I’m the local school teacher here.” Cheerilee began. “Has Nightwish had any schooling?” “Of course. I made an effort to make sure she got her schooling while we traveled.” Replied Bunsen. “Has she ever been in a public school environment?” Cheerilee asked. “No unfortunately. You see, we’ve been traveling across equestria for the last 5 years, so we haven’t had an opportunity to settle and allow her to attend a public school.” Bunsen explained. “I see. Can you go over what you’ve taught her then Professor?” Cheerilee asked. “Of course.” Bunsen replied with a smile. For the next hour, Bunsen Burner went over all the things that he taught Nightwish over the last 5 years. After he was done explaining, he went on to fill out the enrollment paperwork. “Alright well that about covers it.” Cheerilee stated. “Well thats good. If it’s no bother, I was wondering if you could tell me what you’re currently teaching?” Bunsen asked. “Of course. We just started working with decimals.”Cheerilee began. “From what you’ve told me you covered up to that subject so I’m sure she’ll be able to pick up rather quickly.” Now, after waiting an hour, it was Nightwish’s turn to talk. “Yes ma’am. Papa said I’m very smart for my age and that I can pick up a subject like a Pegasus can pick up their wings.” Nightwish stated with obvious pride. Cheerilee chuckled at the little filly. “Thats good to hear. It’ll be different having a thestral in my class, but i’m sure you’ll make friends easily.” “Thank you ma’am.” Nightwish replied. “Well, we’ve taken up enough of your time Ms. Cheerilee so we’ll be on our way.” Bunsen said. “Enjoy the rest of your day and welcome to Ponyville.” Replied Cheerilee “Oh, don’t forget, 8 am sharp tomorrow morning.” “Don’t worry she’ll be there. Right Nightwish?” Bunsen asked looking at his daughter. “I’ll even be early ma’am.” Nightwish replied. Bunsen Burner and Nightwish walked outside of the school and back into the warm afternoon air. They began walking back to the deathtrap that was their current living arrangements. As they were walking they were spotted by a glamourous white unicorn mare with a curled purple mane. She noticed how Bunsen’s labcoat was stained and worn and she wasn’t going to allow a crime against fashion stand. She decided to confront the fashion violator and have a word with him. “Excuse me darling.” She called to him. Bunsen turned his head to see who was calling to whom and noticed the white mare coming towards him. He assumed that she was calling to him and greeted her. “Good afternoon Ma’am. How can I help you?” Bunsen asked. “You can’t help me darling, but I can help you.” She deadpanned. “I’m sorry Miss…” Bunsen Began. “Rarity, darling.” Rarity stated. “I apologize if I seemed aggravated, but your jacket is offending me.” Bunsen raised his eyebrow. “How so?” he asked. “Why it’s filthy! I can’t stand to see such a handsome stallion walking around with such a filthy coat!” She cried in outrage. Bunsen was confused. Here was a mare claiming that his coat was offending her because it was filthy. “Umm, there really isn’t much I can do about it Miss Rarity.” “Just Rarity darling.” Rarity Commented. “Now come along and I’ll get you a brand new coat.” She turned and walked off towards who knows where. Bunsen decided to humor her and followed along with Nightwish on his tail. They reached a tall building that sort of resembled a carousel at a fair. Rarity stopped in front of the door and turned to her two guests. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique. This is my place of business as well as my home.” Rarity stated with pride in her posture. “Please come in.” The three ponies walked into the building, guided by rarity. She stopped in what looked like a waiting room, complete with chairs and fashion magazines, and looked at her guests. “Now darling if you wouldn’t mind taking off your coat and handing it to me.” Rarity asked politely. Bunsen complied with the mares request and took his labcoat off and handed it to her. Meanwhile, Nightwish was snickering at her father’s plight. Rarity noticed this and turned to look at Nightwish. “Oh my goodness, you are so cute!” Rarity squee’d. Nightwish realized that Rarity was talking to her now and a sense of dread befell her. Rarity rushed over to her and began looking her up and down. “Oh my goodness, you have such a beautiful coat with just the right shade of dark purple. Your mane is such a lovely blue, oh the things I could create with you as a model.” Rarity gushed excitedly. “Umm, thank you Miss.” Nightwish said with a red tinge to her cheeks. Rarity looked up at Bunsen and blushed a bit as she realized something. “I must apologize sir. I rushed you here and criticized your appearance and I neglected to ask your names.” She said with a hint of disappointment. “It’s alright Rarity. I am Professor Bunsen Burner and this is my daughter Nightwish.” Bunsen said. “Well it’s a pleasure to meet you and again I apologize for my rudeness.” Rarity said with a smile. She then turned her attention to Nightwish. She was about to begin talking to Nightwish when all of a sudden the doors were slammed open. Rarity looked at the doors in horror as a filly walked through the doors. “Sweetie Belle! How many times have I told you not to slam the doors open!” Rarity scolded. Sweetie Belle’s ears drooped. “I’m sorry sis I was just so excited. We met a new classmate today and she didn’t have her cutie mark so we were going to ask her to join us and be a crusader so she can go on adventures with us and be friends with us and we’ll be friends forever!” Sweetie Belle said at the top of her lungs. Bunsen Burner and Nightwish just stared with awe at the lungs that this little filly had. Rarity just stared at her sister. She was about to begin scolding Sweetie Belle when Sweetie noticed Nightwish. Sweetie Belle let out an audible gasp and ran over to Nightwish. Before Sweetie Belle could reach Nightwish, she was grasped in a blue aura. “Sweetie Belle. It’s not polite to tackle our guests.” Rarity scolded. “Now why don’t you take Nightwish up to your room and politely introduce yourself and get to know each other.” “Ok Rarity.” Sweetie Belle said. Sweetie Belle grabbed Nightwish and dragged her up to her room. Nightwish looked at her father pleadingly, but Bunsen just smiled as he watched his daughter being tormented. Afterwards Rarity took Bunsen into her work room while she started on a new labcoat for him. Once Nightwish and Sweetie Belle were out of earshot Rarity decided to ask the question that was on her mind.. “I don’t mean to be rude, but is Nightwish….” Rarity began asking. “Yes she’s adopted.” Bunsen answered. “I adopted her 5 years ago when I was 18 because she was being picked on by the other orphans for being different. It broke my heart to see such an innocent and sweet filly being tormented for being different and I understand not having your birth parents around at such a young age. So I wanted to show her that the world is full of ponies who won’t treat her like garbage just because she has leathery wings and fangs.” Rarity looked at Bunsen with a small smile on her face. “Well you seem to be doing a fine job as a father darling.” Rarity commented. “I like to think so.” Bunsen replied. So Bunsen and Rarity began idly chatting while Rarity continued working on the labcoat for her new client. Nightwish sat on the floor of Sweetie Belle’s room, watching as Sweetie Belle was coloring in one of her coloring books. Sweetie Belle had given Nightwish a coloring book but she wasn’t sure if she should do it or not. Sweetie Belle noticed how quiet it was and looked up at Nightwish with a confused look on her face. “Is something wrong?” Sweetie Belle asked. Nightwish jerked out of her trance and looked at Sweetie Belle. “No. Nothing’s wrong.” Nightwish said. “Are you sure? Cause you’re being really quiet. I didn’t offend you did I?” Sweetie asked with tears starting to form. “Oh no you didn’t offend me at all. I’m just not used to being around other ponies my age.” NIghtwish defended waiving her hooves in the air. “You’re not?” asked a confused Sweetie Belle. “Yea. I’ve been traveling almost constantly, so I never had a chance to make any friends.” explained Nightwish. “Oh my, I’m sorry to hear that.” Sweetie Belle said. “So are you going to be living here or are you just passing through?” “Papa says we’re gonna be living here now, so I’m super excited.” Nightwish said with a smile. Sweetie Belle matched Nightwish’s smile with her own. “Well, it looks like you got three new friends.” Sweetie said. “Who?” Nightwish asked. “Me, Applebloom, and Scootaloo of course.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile. “Really?” Nightwish asked. “You’d really want a freak like me as a friend?” “Of course. Why wouldn’t we?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Well, because I have these leathery wings and these fangs.” Nightwish explained. “No one ever wanted anything to do with me before because of it. No one except my papa.” Sweetie Belle finally understood and smiled. “It doesn’t matter to any of us.” She explained “Because we like to get to know another pony before we start judging them, and from what i’ve seen of you you seem like a really nice pony and we’d be honored to have you as a friend.” Nightwish was baffled. She’d never had another filly be nice to her and it was a weird feeling, however, it wasn’t unwelcome. Nightwish began tearing up at the thought of finally having friends who would see past her physical appearance. Sweetie Belle saw the tears and got worried. “Oh no, did I make you cry?” Sweetie Belle asked frantically. “Huh? Oh no, you didn’t make me cry.” Nightwish explained while wiping her tears. “Well, yeah you kinda did but they’re tears of happiness.” “Really?” Sweetie Belle asked quizzically. “Yea. I’m happy knowing that I finally have friends.” Nightwish said. Sweetie Belle and Nightwish began laughing together and started coloring in their coloring books again. After an hour Bunsen Burner came up and got Nightwish. He immediately noticed a difference in his daughter but decided to ask her about it when they got to their home. So they walked home in peaceful silence taking in the scenery of their new home of Ponyville.
Chapter 3One Month Later Bunsen Burner was sitting in the living room of his finished house reading a book on advanced mechanics. He set the book down and looked around his home. It was a spacious living room with a coffee table in the middle of two sofas and an armchair at the head of it. He walked through a doorway into the kitchen to start a pot of water for tea. He was pulling out the tea leaves when he heard the bell ring. He left his kitchen and went through the door leading to his shop. When he walked to the front counter he saw a familiar purple unicorn standing there holding something in her magical aura. “Morning Twilight. What can I do for you today?” Bunsen asked. “Morning Bunsen. I need you to fix something for me.” Twilight said. “Looks like a projector. Let me take a look.” Bunsen replied. Bunsen used his green aura to take the projector from Twilight. “Whats seems to be the issue?” “Nothing to major.” Twilight said. “I think the bulb might be burnt out.” “Alright i’ll take a quick look.” Bunsen said “When do you need it back?” “Well me and the girls are gonna get together tonight, so i’d like it back before then.” Twilight said. “Sure. Give me a few minutes and i’ll be right back out.” Bunsen said. He went into the door leading to his right where is work desk was located so he could fix the projector. He set the projector down on his desk and used his magic to twist out the bulb. He looked above his desk, opened a drawer to his right, searched through the drawer to find the right light bulb and placed it in the device. Deciding to be extra cautious he decided to check the power supply. He opened up a door on the back of the projector to reveal a crystal that was going dim. Noticing this Bunsen used to his magic on the crystal and it began to glow brighter. With a smile he then closed the door. He grabbed the Projector and walked back into the front of the store to give Twilight back her projector. “There you are Twilight. I replaced the bulb just like you asked.” Bunsen explained “Also, the power crystal was almost empty, so I took the liberty of powering it up for you.” “Thanks Bunsen. How much do I owe you?” she asked “Well since it was a simple job, I’d say, 5 bits.” Bunsen said. “Sounds fair.” replied Twilight She traded over the bits for the projector and bid Bunsen farewell. Just as Bunsen was about to head back into his living room, the bell rang again. He looked towards the door and saw a yellow pegasus mare with a pink mane walk in. “Um...hello....I was told you could help me with something.” the mare whispered. “Of course ma’am.” Bunsen replied. “How can I help you?” She walked up to the front counter glancing around nervously. “Umm...well I need someone to fix a bookshelf for me.” She said “I’d ask my friend Applejack, but she’s busy and I don’t want to bother her.” Bunsen chuckled at the mares shyness. He knew another pony that could be that shy and it amused him. “Thats fine ma’am.” Bunsen replied. “When would you like me to come by and fix it?” This startled the poor mare because she wasn’t expecting him to say yes. “Umm will tomorrow be ok?” she asked “I have to go to my friends house tonight and I have errands I need to run today.” “Of course.” Bunsen replied “If I may ask though. Your name is Fluttershy, correct?” “Yes it is. How’d you know?” Fluttershy asked. “Twilight told me about all her friends, so I have an idea of what you all look like and I remember your names.” Bunsen explained. “Don’t worry about paying me for this service; since it’s such a simple job, it’s really not necessary.” “Are you sure? I can pay whatever you ask.” Fluttershy argued. “Don’t worry Fluttershy. Just think of this as a favor for a friend.” Bunsen said “Yea, Twilight is a great friend.” Fluttershy said. “She is indeed, but I meant you Fluttershy.” Bunsen said Fluttershy stood there with a look of surprise on her face. “You really consider me a friend?” she asked. “Of course. I have no reason to think otherwise and I have a talent for judging character.” Bunsen explained. “Plus, i’ve seen you around town and i’ve seen your kindness in action.” “Thank you so much. I’m sorry I forgot your name.” Fluttershy said “No problem Fluttershy. My name is Professor Bunsen Burner, but you can just call me Bunsen.” He said. Fluttershy smiled. “Thank you Bunsen. Have a good day.” She turned around and walked out through the door. Bunsen smiled and was going to walk through the doorway into his home when he noticed something in the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw nothing. “Strange, I thought I saw somepony watching us.” Bunsen thought to himself. “Maybe I should walk around and see if there is anything strange going on.” He was about to walk through the front door when he heard a whistling. Realization struck him and he smacked his hoof to his face. “Crap, I forgot about the teapot again.” He said. Than he went into his kitchen to turn off the water. Afterwards he left his shop, turning his sign saying “Be Back Later”. (Later that night) Twilight was laying on a couch reading a book when she heard a knock on the door. She opened it to reveal the energetic pink party pony everypony knew, and loved, as Pinkie Pie. She was bouncing in place with her trademark grin on her face. Pinkie bounced into the library right into the kitchen to begin baking the various snacks that she had planned. She followed Pinkie into the kitchen to see what the party mare had planned. She saw that Pinkie was simultaneously mixing 3 bowls at once. Realizing her friend more than likely didn’t need any help, she decided to head back to her couch. However, before she could get to her couch she heard a loud banging on her door. She opened the door to reveal a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane. “Damn it Rainbow Dash. I thought I told you to knock like a normal pony.” Twilight scolded. “Yea, Yea, whatever Twi. Did you get the projector fixed or what?” Rainbow questioned. Twilight sighed. Knowing her friend, she knew Rainbow had a very short attention span. “Yes Rainbow, I took it to Bunsen Burner and he replaced the bulb and recharged the power crystal.” Twilight said. “So we’ll be good for quite a while.” “Bunsen Burner? Isn’t that the guy who moved here about a month ago?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Yes, he opened up the repair shop here in town.” Twilight said. “Sounds cool.” Rainbow said “Yeap!” Pinkie said Pinkie’s sudden appearance caught Twilight and Rainbow Dash off guard and the two of them fell backwards. “Damn it, Pinkie! I thought I told you not to do that.” Twilight scolded. “Sorry Twilight.” Pinkie giggled. “I couldn’t resist.” Twilight and Rainbow picked themselves off of the floor and began dusting themselves off. “You know Pinkie, i’m surprised you haven’t thrown him a welcome party yet.” Rainbow pointed out. “Well, I was going to but something told me that it wouldn’t be a good idea right away.” Pinkie explained “So I decided to wait until after I get to know him to see when I can throw a party. However he seems to be able to avoid me whenever I try to talk to him.” Rainbow and Twilight were genuinely surprised. “Seriously?” Rainbow asked “There’s a pony who can avoid being caught by Pinkie Pie?” “I know, I was surprised too.” Pinkie said. “Well, have you tried, oh I don’t know, walking through the front door and talking to him?” Twilight asked sarcastically. “I never thought of that.” Pinkie said. “I’ll have to try that.” Twilight proceeded to smack her face with her hoof. She heard another knocking on her door, so she went to answer it. On the other side of the door was Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack. “Hey girls, you got here just in time.” Pinkie said “The goodies just got done and now we can start the movie.” (Two movies later) Fluttershy yawned and looked at the time. Realizing how late it was, she decided to head home. “Girls I have to head home now. I need to wake up early, so I can feed the animals.” said Fluttershy. “Are you sure about that Fluttershy?” Twilight asked. “It’s raining pretty hard.” As Twilight said that, she pointed out the window. It was indeed raining pretty hard, but Fluttershy knew that if she didn’t get enough sleep, she would end up falling asleep while feeding the animals. Again. “No, I need to get home.” Fluttershy insisted. “Thank you for offering Twilight.” “I need to get going too Twilight.” Pinkie said. “So I can walk Fluttershy to her house if it’ll make you feel better.” “Alright Pinkie. Well we’ll see you two tomorrow then.” Twilight said. “Bye.” Said Rarity, Rainbow, and Applejack. After leaving the library, Pinkie and Fluttershy began heading in the direction of Fluttershy’s cottage. When they got close to the edge of town, they noticed a group of ponies standing in their way. “Excuse me!” Pinkie yelled, so she could be heard over the rain. “Could you move please?” The pony in the middle, who they realized was holding a sword, spoke to them. “Sorry, but you need to come with us.” the stallion said. When he spoke Pinkie got a feeling in her gut saying to stay away from this pony. “Sorry, but I don’t think thats such a good idea.” Pinkie said while her and Fluttershy began backing away. “That wasn’t a request.” said the same stallion. Realizing that they were in trouble they began running back towards the library. When the library came into view, three more mystery ponies landed on the ground to block them from their destination. Seeing this, Pinkie pushed Fluttershy into a different direction. She decided that it would be safer if her and Fluttershy head towards Sugarcube Corner. As they were running, Fluttershy saw that the other ponies were quickly catching up to them, so she used her wing to get Pinkie’s attention, so she could point this out. Pinkie nodded her head and began running faster. Pinkie and Fluttershy realized that Sugarcube corner was also out of the picture, when they saw the mystery ponies were going to cut them off. They decided to run in the direction of the town market to see if there was a way to lose them. Before they could make it to the town market, they were once again cut off and forced into an alleyway. Unfortunately, the alleway lead to a dead end. Pinkie and Fluttershy turned around to escape, but they were blocked off by a larger group of ponies. One pony walked in front of the group and began talking. “Sorry ladies, but the fun stops here..” The stallion said. “We were told to bring you back in one piece, but they never said we couldn’t rough you up a bit.” He and two other ponies walked towards them with maces raised. Fluttershy and Pinkie hugged each other and closed their eyes. They waited for the inevitable to happen, but it never came. Pinkie and Fluttershy opened their eyes to see something completely different than what was there before. In front of them were the three ponies that were coming towards them previously, but they were laying on the ground in a pool of blood. In front of their bodies was a fourth pony facing the larger group, while the latter were staring at the newcomer with anger. The newcomer began to speak. “Templars are not welcome here.” He said “I suggest you leave, before I do to you what I did to your friends.” Fluttershy looked closely at the new arrival and gasped. “Bunsen Burner?” Fluttershy questioned. Pinkie Pie looked at Bunsen with a questionable expression. Thats when he began talking to them. “Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy. Stay behind me and don’t move.” Bunsen commanded. They both nodded and watched. “Get out of our way Assassin.” The lead Templar commanded. “We were told to bring the element bearers to HQ and there’s no way you can stop all of us.” “You’d be surprised what I can handle Templar.” Bunsen said calmly This angered the Templar. “Kill the Assassin!” He ordered. The group of Templars charged at Bunsen, hoping that their numbers would overwhelm him. However Bunsen just stood there waiting for his chance. When they passed a certain point, Bunsen began his assault. He turned around and bucked the first templar with his back hoof. When he pulled away a blade came out of the templars chest. Two more templars were already on him with blades raised. Bunsen easily parried the attack with the hidden blades hiding in the sleeves of his labcoat. After parrying the attack he quickly and efficiently sliced the throats of the two attackers. Fluttershy and Pinkie watched as the towns newest resident, easily took down the group of ponies that were chasing them. He easily blocked most of their attacks but as the group continued to assault him they realized that his movements began to slow down and the “Templars” were getting in more and more strikes on him. Bunsen was standing in front of Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie as he stared down the last remaining templars. Out of the 20 that attacked only 3 remained. Bunsen had taken quite the beating himself having received a few dozen cuts and a black eye. The remaining templars decided that Bunsen had had enough and decided that they’d finish him off. They charged at him to deliver a final blow to the wounded Assassin. Seeing the arrogance in their eyes Bunsen decided to wait. Once they were within hooves reach, Bunsen struck. He grabbed a sword with his magic and, with a quick swing, decapitated the remaining Templars. Bunsen dropped the sword and began walking towards Fluttershy and Pinkie, so he could check up on them. “Are you two alright?” Bunsen asked “Yea, we’re alright.” Pinkie said. “What happened? Who were those ponies and why were they after us?” “I understand you have a lot of questions but those are going to have to wait.” Bunsen said. “You two need to head home. I already check on your other friends and I put up a barrier that’ll last until the sun rises.” “Ok.” They both said. Bunsen turned around to head home, but was quickly deterred when he fell against against the wall. “Damn. I lost more blood than I thought.” He scolded himself. He began walking but lost the strength in his legs again. Before he could hit the ground he was caught by another strong body which belonged to a yellow pegasus. “Sorry Bunsen, but no matter how much I want to go home, I can’t in good conscience let you go home by yourself after what you did for us.” Fluttershy said. “But” Bunsen began “No buts.” Pinkie said “What kind of pony lets another pony go home by themselves in the state that you’re in?” Realizing that he couldn’t get out of it, he decided to just let the mares help him. They walked back towards Bunsen’s shop and went into his house. When they got into Bunsen’s living room he told them to have a seat so he could make them tea. When he came out of the kitchen he was carrying a tray with 3 empty teacups and a pot of tea. Then he went to a cabinet and pulled out a jar, which he set on the table, and three towels, two of which were given to Pinkie and Fluttershy. They then proceeded to dry themselves off. After pouring his guests tea, and drying himself thoroughly, he then opened the jar and applied the cream to all the cuts on his body. After he was done, Fluttershy decided to ask the question that had been bothering her. “Umm Bunsen, if it’s not to much of a bother, I was wondering. Why did they call you an Assassin?” Fluttershy asked. “Do you really kill ponies for money?” Bunsen sighed. “Yes and No.” he said. “I was an assassin, but not in the traditional sense of the word.” “What do you mean?” Pinkie asked “I belonged to an organization known as the Brotherhood of Assassins. Our goal was to stop the Templars from furthering their plans at any cost.” He explained. “What are their plans?” Fluttershy asked “They wanted to make a perfect world in their image.” Bunsen said “They want to promote purpose, order and control, essentially taking away any free will that a pony has.” “Oh my goodness.” Fluttershy said. “Thats awful.” Bunsen nodded his head and took a sip of his tea. “I agree thats why I became a part of the brotherhood.” “How would they take our free will away?” Pinkie asked “Think of it this way.” Bunsen began “How would you feel if another pony could tell you when, where, how, and who you could throw parties for and then told you how many ponies could come and what food you served.” “I guess i’d hate it.” Pinkie said. “Exactly. Thats why the Assassins exist.” Bunsen said “Earlier you said you WERE an Assassin and not that you ARE an Assassin.” Pinkie observed. “What did you mean by that?” Bunsen sighed. “It was a mission gone wrong. I was told to assassinate a templar who was posing as an assassin. I ended up getting bad information and killed one of my brothers thinking he was the double agent. I told our leaders that it was a mistake and that the informant had turned on us but they refused to believe me and thus sentenced me into exile.” Bunsen explained “They took away my blades and my reason for living. I had dedicated my whole life to the brotherhood and after that I had nothing. So I packed up what I could carry and left.” Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy looked at Bunsen with sympathy in their eyes. “Where did you go?” Pinkie asked “The only thing I could do. I traveled Equestria.” Bunsen explained. “I was content on traveling alone, keeping to myself and not bothering a soul. That is of course until I met Nightwish.” “Thats your daughter, right?” Pinkie asked Bunsen nodded his head. “I didn’t know you have a daughter.” Fluttershy said. “Yeap. Her name is Nightwish and she’s a thestral.” Bunsen explained. “I had been traveling for about year when I happened upon a town called Clydesdale. It was a small town about 500 miles west of Ponyville. I was passing through when I noticed a small filly walking past me with a bundle over her shoulder. Now normally I wouldn’t have bothered with it, but something told me that I needed to interfere. So i caught up to her and questioned why she had a pack and she was leaving to go out of town. She told me that I wouldn’t understand and continued to walk past me. So I decided to “up the ante” a bit and used my magic to lift her up and sit her on a bench then had a chat with her. She told me that the other orphans would make fun of her and the adults neglected her. So I decided to adopt the filly and she joined me on my trip.” After his explanation Bunsen, Pinkie, and Fluttershy took a drink of their tea. After a few silent minutes, Pinkie decided to restart the conversation. “So can you tell us about the Brother a bit?” Pinkie asked. “I can.” Bunsen said. “The Brotherhood of Assassins have been around for as long as Celestia has been in power. See the Assassins believe in ensuring the survival of freedom, as it allows for the progression of new ideas and the growth of individuality whereas the Templars sought to save Ponykind from itself by controlling free will.” “Wow, I wish I could join the Assassins.” Pinkie said “I would love to be able to protect a ponies right to have whatever kind of party a pony would want.” “And to be able to protect the ones that we love.” Fluttershy said “You mean like a certain purple unicorn?” Bunsen said. Fluttershy spit out the tea she had just drank and gave Bunsen a shocked expression. Bunsen chuckled at her expression and took a drink of his tea. “Fluttershy, I am a highly trained Assassin who can see and hear things that a normal pony would overlook, so based on that it was quite easy to notice the way you act towards her compared to your other friends. Not only that but I saw the way your eyes sparkle when she was mentioned early this morning.” Bunsen explained. Once Fluttershy realized that somepony had found out about her secret crush her cheeks began to blush furiously. They each finished their tea and Bunsen sent the dishes into the kitchen. Noticing how late it was he decided to get his guests a couple blankets and a few pillows. However, before he could finish this errand, he heard the bell chime in his shop. He decided to investigate by opening the door to the shop. However what was waiting for him was the last thing, or pony, he ever expected to see again. “Mentor?!” Author's Note I apologize for the lateness of this but sometimes things happen and you lose any sort of inspiration you might have. However I believe I have gotten out of my rut and back into the swing of things.
Chapter 4“Mentor? What are you doing here at this hour and in this weather?” Bunsen asked. Standing in front of Bunsen is a large earth pony wearing a white robe with the hood drawn over. The earth pony stepped inside the doorway and removed the hood. Underneath the hood was a pony of middle age with a dark red mane with a goatee to match and a grey coat. Before him stood his Mentor, Iron Shadow. He smiled as he looked upon the surprised Unicorn. “Am I not allowed to visit an old friend?” His mentor asked “Why would you want to visit a disgraced Assassin of all ponies?” Bunsen asked venomously “Because I have information that I know you’d want to hear.” His mentor stated matter-of-factly. “Now may I come in? It’s rather wet out here.” “Fine. I’ll make some tea.” Bunsen said “This way please and keep quiet.” Bunsen began to lead Iron Shadow through the house into the dining room so they could talk. Thats when Iron Shadow decided it was as good a time as any to start up a conversation. “So how have you been Bunsen?” Iron Shadow asked. “You mean since you banished me from the Brotherhood?” Bunsen asked rhetorically “Oh, i’ve been great. Just freakin great.” “You know I had no choice Bunsen Burner. The evidence against you was too solid and I had to do it to show the Brotherhood that even you aren’t above the creed.” Iron Shadow explained “You not only killed an innocent but you did so in a crowded area and almost revealed the brotherhood. If one of your brothers wasn’t there to provide a distraction, you most certainly would’ve compromised us all.” “I know all that, but he wasn’t innocent.” Bunsen defended “He was a templar, I was certain of it.” “And you’re right.” Iron Shadow said bluntly. It was at this point that Bunsen Burner had walked into the living room, where Pinkie and Fluttershy were at, and stopped in his tracks. He turned around to look his old mentor in the eyes. “Excuse me?” Bunsen asked. “You heard me.” Iron Shadow said. “You were right all along Bunsen Burner.” “So you’re saying I was framed?” Bunsen asked “Thats exactly what i’m saying.” Iron Shadow stated. “But lets discuss this more in private.” Iron Shadow said this as he was pointing at the two mares sitting in the same room. “These two already know who and what we are Iron.” Bunsen defended. “I already told them everything.” “Everything?” Iron Shadow said with a knowing look in his eye. “Yes, everything. I told them who we are and what our mission is.” Bunsen said. “Do they know why the Templars were here?” Iron Shadow asked “No they don’t. I don’t even know why they were here.” Bunsen said “They’re here for the bearers of the Elements of Harmony.” Iron Shadow said. This caught Bunsen off guard. He was suspecting that the Templars were here to kidnap anypony associated with Twilight so they could get to her and then to the Princess. He wasn’t expecting them to be after the Elements of Harmony.” “Why are they after the Bearers, Mentor?” Bunsen asked. “The double agent wasn’t the only thing you were right about Bunsen.” Iron Shadow said. “You were also right about one other, very important, thing.” “And what’s that?” Bunsen asked Iron Shadow looked at Bunsen Burner with a grim look on his face. “They are trying to reforge the Apple of Harmony.” Iron Shadow said. Bunsen’s eyes were the size of dinner plates. He recoiled as if he had been punched by a minotaur. “Thats….thats impossible.” Bunsen said “The Apple isn’t real. You told me the Apple was just a myth.” “Thats what we thought.” Iron Shadow said. “We thought the Apple was a myth; until recently.” Bunsen raised his eyebrow and gave Iron Shadow a piercing gaze. “Care to elaborate?” Bunsen asked. “Well, ever since the purification of Nightmare Moon six months ago, the templars have been much more active. It seems that their so called “absence” was merely them laying low. They’ve been able to work their way into most if not all of the public offices in Manehattan and even in the royal guard.” Iron Shadow said. “One of our brothers in Canterlot was able to intercept a templar messenger and bring him in for questioning. At first we couldn’t get any information out of him but that same Assassin was able to use something to get him to open up a bit more; Something I never thought we’d use.” “What would that be?” Bunsen asked “A truth serum.” Iron Shadow stated. “The very same one that you developed all those years ago.” “I see.” Bunsen said “Continue.” “After we administered the serum is when he began to sing. He told us everything including the plan for tonight.” Iron Shadow said. “It was unfortunate that I was late, but it seems everything worked out because tonight shows the return of the Templars biggest obstacle. Something they thought they removed almost six years ago.” “What is it?” Bunsen asked. “You.” Iron Shadow said. “Why me?” Bunsen asked “Because, you are the only pony on Terra who knows as much as the Templars do about the Apple.” Iron Shadow explained. “Thats why you were framed. They knew we’d banish you if you were to kill an innocent. So they activated their double agent and had you kill him. They knew that Nightmare Moon would be returning soon and The only thing that could stop her was the Elements. So they expanded their numbers and slithered their way into being highly regarded politicians, business owner, astronomers, and even royal guards. After what happened six months ago they knew exactly where to strike and the only thing that remained was when. So they watched and gathered information about the bearers. They learned everything they could about them such as what they do for a living, who they spend most of their time with, and even where they like to eat the most.” “That explains why I thought I saw somepony watching me do business with Twilight this morning.” Bunsen said. “Yes. So far we only know the identity of one of the Elements of Harmony. Our information gathering over the past 6 months only revealed that Twilight Sparkle is the Element of Magic.” Iron Shadow said. “I admit that it’s shameful that the once great assassins couldn’t even get information as important as this.” Bunsen Burner sat on his floor, letting all the information he heard go through his head. 6 years. It had been 6 years since he’d been banished from the brotherhood. He lost the only thing he had ever known in his life and for the first time in his life he felt completely and totally lost. He decided that he would just wander Equestria to search for a new purpose and that purpose came a year afterward when he met Nightwish. Afterwards he dedicated his life to not only taking care of her but to what his special talent truly was; Researching the issues of everyday life and developing solutions for them. For the next 5 years he felt every form of emotion with the little filly from being happy to have her around to being upset when she did something stupid. However, in the 6 years that Bunsen had been banished there was one emotion that never occurred to him. Anger. He never realized just how angry he was at the Brotherhood. Angry for not believing him. Angry for banishing him. For abandoning him. He stood up and walked over to his coffee table and looked at it. It was at that moment that all the anger that had been building up inside him for so long finally gave the final push. Bunsen Burner snapped. In the blink of an eye he raised his hoof and smashed the table in half. He scared poor Fluttershy and spooked Pinkie Pie, both of whom were now hiding behind the couches. Iron Shadow looked at Bunsen with concern in his eyes but Bunsen wasn’t having it. He was angry for the first time in a long time and he wasn’t done yet. He turned around and looked at Iron Shadow with intense anger in his eyes. “Are you alright Bunsen.” Iron Shadow asked. “Am I ok? Am I ok! NO I’M NOT FUCKING OK.” Bunsen shouted “For 6 years I lived with the shame of what I did! I wandered Equestria looking for a new purpose and when I finally have it, you all of a sudden decided to waltz back into my life to tell me that all that guilt that I’ve felt for 6 years was a lie. And do you know what the worst part is, Iron Shadow?” Iron Shadow shook his head no. “You. Never. Even. Investigated. It.” Bunsen said while stomping his hoof to emphasize his point. “You took me in when I was just a tiny colt and raised me. YOU raised me to be an Assassin and when that happened you never even considered looking into it yourself. You just decided to sweep it under the rug like nothing even happened. For thirteen years you taught me what was right and wrong and then you go and throw all of that out the window by coming here and telling me that you didn’t even defend me. That the evidence was enough proof that I did it and thats that. Yes, i’ll admit that I had been getting arrogant, but I would never murder one of my brothers unless I had an extremely good reason. But you didn’t see that. All you saw was another Assassin. Thats all I was to you and thats all i’ll ever be.” Iron Shadow as about to reply Bunsen’s rant but he heard a soft noise come from the top of the staircase and everypony looked. At the top of the steps stood a young thestral filly with a blue mane and purple coat. She looked down at Bunsen and ran down the stairs to him. She stood in front of him with a concerned look and that was when Iron Shadow saw something he never thought he’d ever see. Bunsen Burner was crying. He wasn’t weeping but Iron knew that they were tears of sorrow and anger and he realized the Bunsen Burner was right. During his leadership the Assassins had grown fat and lazy which is why the Templars were able to do what they needed to get to where they were. Then the little filly began to speak. “Papa, what’s wrong? Why’re you crying?” She asked. “What makes you think i’m crying, Sweetheart?” Bunsen asked while wiping his eyes. “Don’t lie to me papa.” Nightwish scolded. “I saw the tears and the table thats broken in half.” Bunsen chuckled. “Of course Nightwish. I can’t get anything past you can I?” He asked her. “Thats right.” Nightwish stated proudly. “Now answer my question.” “Ok ok.” Bunsen conceded. “I was just remember something bad that happened to me a long time ago. Remember when I told you to never bottle up your emotions, or something bad will happen?” Nightwish nodded her head. “Well thats what happened.” Bunsen explained. “Without realizing it, I have been holding in my anger from something that happened to me a long time ago and It decided to rear it’s ugly head. I’m sorry for waking you up sweetheart.” Nightwish smiled. “It’s ok papa just don’t do it again.” she said. “Yes Ma’am.” Bunsen said with a mock salute. This caused her to giggle at her father’s silliness. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and he sent her back upstairs to her bed. This caused a smile to grace Iron Shadows face to see the young colt he found become a responsible stallion. “I didn’t know you had a daughter Bunsen.” Iron Shadow said. “Yeap.” Bunsen said while staring at the top of the stairs. He turned around to face his mentor with the same look of seriousness that he had on before. “She’s the reason why i’m here today. I adopted 5 years ago because she needed me.” “Thats very good of you Bunsen.” his mentor commented. Bunsen turned to look at his now destroyed coffee table and then back to Iron Shadow. “I apologize for my outburst Mentor. It wasn’t fair of me to take it out on you.” Bunsen said while lowering his head in shame. “Bunsen Burner look at me.” Iron Shadow commanded. Bunsen Burner did as he was told and looked at his Mentor. “Bunsen, you have no reason to apologize to me. You’re right about everything. I didn’t look into what happen and I regret it now more than ever. If I had truly looked into it we would’ve known what the templars were up to much sooner and none of this would’ve happened.” Iron Shadow said. “Can you forgive an old pony for making such a foalish mistake?” “Of course I can Mentor.” Bunsen said “Good.” Iron Shadow said. “Now for the real reason why I came here.” Iron Shadow reached into his saddlebags which were hidden under his robe and pulled out a box with the Assassin Insignia on it. “Bunsen Burner.” Iron Shadow started. “I need your help now more than I ever have. I’m asking you to once again take up the blade and protect Equestria from Templars and their latest plans. Will you come back to the Brotherhood?” “Mentor, on any other day I would say no.” Bunsen said. “but because they struck so close to Nightwish I have no choice but to say yes.” This brought a huge grin to Iron Shadows face. He opened up the box and presented it to Bunsen. Inside was Bunsen's first hidden blade and his most cherished possession. Bunsen took off the blade that was on his right front leg and put his old friend back in his place. It fit just like a glove. With the return of his blade Bunsen Burner felt whole once again. “Now for your first assignment.” Iron Shadow started. “I need you to gain the identities of the other five bearers of the elements of harmony.” “Of course Mentor.” Bunsen said “Their identites are common knowledge around here and they are all my friends.” “Is that so?” Iron Shadow asked. “Thats correct.” Bunsen said. “As a matter of fact two of them just so happen to be in the same room as us.” Bunsen turned his attention to the two mares who had found themselves back in their spots on the couch. “Mentor, I’d like to formally introduce you to Pinkie Pie, The Element of Laughter, and Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness.” Bunsen said. “Pinkie and Fluttershy i’d like to introduce you to Mentor Iron Shadow, Leader of the Brotherhood of Assassins.” Iron Shadow looked at the two mares sitting in front of him. One was cowering behind her long pink mane while the other was smiling and waving very enthusiastically. PInkie pie got up and, in a single bound, landed in front of Iron Shadow, grasped his hoof, and shook it like there was no tomorrow. “It’ssuperdupernicetomeettheponywhotaughtBunsenthosesupercoolmovesthatheusedtototally saveourtalesbutthatdoesn’tmakesensebecauseitwasn’tjustourtalesthatwereintroubleitwasalsoourlegsandourhoovesandourflanksandourheadsandourmanesthatwereintroublesobasicallyhesavedourentirebodiesfromthoseTemplarmeaniesandhe. Was. So. Cool. when he did it.” She said in one breath emphasizing the last part. After Pinkie was done shaking his hoof she bounced back to the couch and landed right next to Fluttershy. Fluttershy mumbled her greeting to him and went back to hiding behind her mane. Bunsen sat in his chair and motioned for his mentor to sit on the couch opposite Fluttershy and Pinkie. Once he took his seat, he began to speak. “I want you to send the names to our bureau in Manehattan so that way we’ll have it on record and be able to coordinate our forces. We’ll also need to set up a bureau here in Ponyville as well. I want you to go ahead and lead them since you know the town.” Iron Shadow said. “Sounds like a good idea.” Bunsen commented. “Now i’m going to go ahead and have about ten Assassins stationed here…” Iron Shadow began “I’m going to stop you right there Iron.” Bunsen said. “If i’m going to be leading this then i’m going to choose how many Assassins I want and who I want. Does that sound fair?” “Fair enough.” Iron Shadow said. “How many?” “Five.” Bunsen said. “Including myself.” “Ok.” Iron Shadow said. “Now who do you want?” “Well.” Bunsen started. “I want to train Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.”
