Chapter 6: Royal Knight of the Wind

At the Al-Mualim's office of Wind Assassins' Hideout, the mentor of the Assassins had his discussion with both of his allies and friends from the outside of his reasons and discussions.

"So... what is this about?" Flash asked in concern. "Does it had to do with my 'Wind Instinct'?"

"Yeah. So what else do you want to discuss about," said Ben.

Al-Mualim sighed in concern, "I wish to discuss about... Flash's connection to the Element of Wind."

Shock and surprise, Flash immediately asked: "My connection to the Element of Wind? Seriously? Is that even possible?"

"Yes... Altair's Element reacted strange lately after his assassination on Tamir. He and I couldn't understand how or why, until you came. I believe that is the explanation, my boy..."

Ben, Flash, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and Phobos looked shock, hearing of what Al-Mualim had said. How could Flash had the connection to the Element of Wind when Altair was the holder and wielder of it?

Ben thought of the moment, before he gasped in shock. "There might be possible. Just like my connection to Epona, Link's steed. It explains why I was chosen by Triforce Elements."

Al-Mualim nodded his head, said: "Yes, Ben. I wish to find out more about Flash's both ability and connection. To do so... he needs to be trained and completed his mission in the ways of Wind Assassins."

Flash gulped in concern. His dream was to become the Royal Guard, but never thought of becoming the Wind Assassin. He hesitantly said: "I... I really don't know. I became the Royal Guard to defend my friends and allies. Agility, I can be. Stealth? Not good."

Altair nodded his head, "Do not worry. I will guide and train you to be stealthy. But trust me, it will not be easy to become the Assassin."

Flash smiled, "Trust me. I've been the worst."

"Speaking of which, I wonder if I could become the Wind Assassin?" Ben asked. Everyone in the room turned to him, showing their odd and concern looks to him. He explained, "If I could be more stealthy or agility as Altair and Flash, then I would be quick in the battle, and helped out."

Flash smiled, "Yeah. Besides, we would make the great team."

Al-Mualim wore the concern face, worrying about putting Ben as the Wind Assassin. He remembered the early letter given by his adopted mother, Princess Celestia about training her son. He sighed of concern, turning to Ben, given him a nodded his head that he allow Altair to train both Flash and Ben to be the Assassins. Both Ben and Flash smiled in pleased.

"However," Al-Mualim said, "I must warn you. To become the Assassins, you both must be determined, strong and discipline. Do I make myself clear?" Ben and Flash looked at each other, knowing that trained and became the Wind Assassins won't be an easy job like before. But they had to do it, for not only becoming strong, but to defend their friends and families. They nodded their heads to Al-Mualim. He nodded his head, "Good. Altair can begin his teaching."

Altair nodded his head, and bowed before Al-Mualim. Altair, Ben, Flash, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and Phobos turned and headed out from Al-Mualim's office.

At the Training Hall, Altair and Malik stood in front of Ben and Flash while Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and Phobos watched them. Their training had begun.

"I wonder what kind of training Ben and Flash going through?" Rainbow asked excitedly.

"Yeah, it would be awesome and cool," Scootaloo answered.

Altair, approached to both Ben and Flash, beginning his instruction: "Now, my friends, we begin the lessons of being Assassins. As the Assassin, you need not only be stealthy, but also blend among the ponies. Avoiding and preventing the enemies or guards seeing or spotting you for both assassination and escape."

"Sounds easy and fun," Ben smiled.

"Gonna enjoy it," Flash smirked.

Malik chuckled gently, "Oh, trust me, my boy. It's not gonna be easy. Once you begin your training, you must be both aware and cautious on the mission and escape. Let's start with blending among the crowds."

Altair nodded his head. He and Malik turned to the chest. They took green and golden Assassins' uniforms, combined with silver plates on the shoulder and gauntlets, out. They looked shock and surprise at the uniforms. they suspected that someone had changed the color designs. And who else would be interested in clothes... Rarity herself... They shook their heads, knowing it's not the time to argue about clothes.

Malik passed the Golden Assassin Uniform to Ben while Altair passed the Green Uniform to Flash.

"You need to wear this," Altair instructed, "Not only it represented as the member of our brotherhood, but also it helped you in the event."

Ben and Flash smiled.

At the Jerusalem, one of Saddle Arabia's cities, Arabia Ponies chatted, playing around, and had their own business to attend: doing both marketing and business.

At the Jerusalem's Bureau, Altair stood in front of the crowds, along with Ben dressed in golden hooded robe with silver shoulder plates on his left, and Flash, dressed in green hooded robe with armor within him. Two friends smiled, looking at their uniforms, showing their enthusiasm and interests of liking on them.

Altair nodded his head, taking and leading both Ben and Flash out to the streets of Jerusalem, preparing to start their lessons as the Wind Assassins. From the top of the building, Malik, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and Phobos watched from the top. They cannot interfere Ben and Flash lessons.

"So, what are we gonna do again?" Rainbow Dash asked in bore manner.

"Watch and learn, my friend," Malik said calmly, "You'll find something interesting."

"Gotta admit it," Ben said in impress, "This dress is awesome and cool. Rarity would do anything to make this into her magnificent and best artwork of dresses."

Flash chuckled lightly, "Tell me about it. I think I'm gonna like it."

Altair sighed before his voice turned into stern yet calmly: "My dear friends, we are not here to admire the dresses. We are here to train you with the ways of Wind Assassins. Once you mastered the basic training, we will proceed to the next. One that trained us to assassinate our enemies in different ways. Most important of all: when you're in trouble, you can call allies to help us in assassination of the numbers or gathering information."

"Sounds... awesome..." Ben said in impress.

Flash nodded his head, "Yeah, no kidding. So what do we start with?"

"Blending among the crowds," Altair instructed, "As well as following your target. I will be your target. Blend among any crowds to follow your target. Avoid your target or suspicious guards or enemies to see you."

Blend among the crowds? Sounds risky and suspicious for the heroes to do. They will be suspected!

"What if they asked us or something?" Ben asked in concern.

Flash nodded his head, "No kidding."

"Do not worry. Most or some of ponies wouldn't bother to notice, too busy on talking or having fun. So, are you ready?" Altair questioned them calmly.

Ben and Flash nodded their heads. Altair smiled, "Good. Then we begin."

Altair headed to the front of the crowds. Ben and Flash remained still and watched on Altair heading to the front. Ben and Flash turned to each other, nodded their heads.

Ben and Flash moved to the front, slowly and keeping their low profile, watching and following Altair. They moved inches to the front. Altair was about to turn, both of them quickly hide among the crowds chatting. He looked concern and suspicious around, before turning to the front. They both headed and moving to the front, slowly following and keeping an eye on Altair.

Ben and Flash spotted couple of Royal Guards looked around. They quickly hide among the Arabia Ponies, who are walking and marching to the front. Crossing and passing the couple of the guards, through blending among Arabia Ponies, they had pass the suspicious ponies by.

Couple of minutes or an hour later, Ben and Flash, followed Altair, through the use of blending among the Arabia Ponies and avoiding the detection or suspicious from both their targets and guards. Returning to the Bureau, Altair stopped in front of the entrance and his allies. Ben and Flash had arrived as well.

Altair smiled gently, turning back to both of his friends and pupils, commented, "Well done. You had achieved the first step of basic training. We moved to the next."

"And trust me, it will not be pleasant." Malik chuckled gently and lightly.

Ben and Flash looked confuse and worry, as well as Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and Phobos.

Ben and Flash, looked worry and scared, holding and keeping most of the bits, jewels and informational papers on their pouches and pockets. They walked away from the crowds, hearing most of the crowds complained angrily and upset. That is not good... What were those Wind Assassins' thinking?!

"I guess now we know how Romeo is the best thief among Wind Assassins," Ben said in concern.

"Tell me about it," Flash said, "I can't believe that I was supposed to hunt and arrest the thieves. But now we are thieves."

"Let's just act natural that nothing is wrong."

"I hope so. Keep stealing and avoid contacting with them."

Ben and Flash continued stealing bits, supplies, jewels and information papers from most of Arabia citizens and guards, while heading and walking straight back to Wind Assassins' Bureau before they get caught. In front of them, they saw the impressed looks of their mentors and shocking of their friends.

"That is so wrong..." Scootaloo said in concern and worry.

"I told you this won't be easy," Malik said calmly.

Altair nodded his head, "Now we moved to next training." He activated his Hidden Blade, by moving his hoof up, letting the blade out from the bottom. "These are our Hidden Blades. They allow us and help us to kill our enemies. We mostly targeted on their throats, backs and chests."

Ben and Flash activated their Hidden Blades out, whistled in amazement.

"We begin of how you assassinate your enemies, without them knowing you are close by." Altair smiled.

Altair instructed through Ben and Flash's minds, "There are a lot of ways to assassinate your enemies. You can direct assault them, with your Hidden Blade or your weapons. But a few can kill them, without rousing the suspicious from his allies or guards, and such as striking them from their backs and throats."

Ben and Flash slowly, approached out from the in-between walls of the city, heading straight to two ponies in front of them. Both activated their Hidden Blades. Ben stroke the first pony down on his back while Flash strikes his enemy's back of his throat. Both of them headed to the next ponies, strikes on the front of their enemies' throats.

"Jumping from the top to the ground, striking your enemies down. And if possible, you can kill two birds with one stone. Funny to notice that."

Both Flash and Ben jumped off from the rooftop, and landed on each two ponies down from their backs of the necks.

"Killing the enemies from your hideout of ponies, carriage or hays. Or perhaps, climbing and grabbed your enemies to fell to his doom. Or quickly charged in and attacked your enemies."

Ben came out from the flowers within the carriage or ponies, and assassinated his enemy. He quickly pulled him inside of the flowers.

Flash climbed to the top of the building. He stopped before the balcony. He climbed up. He stabbed his enemy, and pulled him down to the ground. His enemy fell to the ground hard.

"Some weapons can be used to destroy your enemy from the distance. A Dart Hook or Hidden Gun. Every effective against your common enemies."

Ben swung his Dart Hook on top of him, threw right at his enemy. He pulled it hard, striking his enemy down.

Flash used his Hidden Gun, fired right at his target, on his chest.

"Any weapon you possessed will help you in advantages of killing and assassinating them down... for good."

Altair nodded his head, seeing the ponies Ben and Flash killed, revealed themselves to be dummies and scarecrows.

Altair, Ben and Flash jumped on the beam of the house, one-by-one. They even jumped on the pole of the water; rooftop; buildings and cities-by-cities, one-by-one. They climbed on the bricks, walls, and even the windows, climbing all the way to the top.

"As the Wind Assassins, we must not used magic or wings to help us climbing all the way to the top. It will increased our strengths, agility and stamina, giving us more confident that we can and will overcome the problem." Altair explained for the next training.

Arriving to the top of the tower, Altair headed to its beam, along with Ben and Flash. Ben looked concern and worry, as well as Flash. They gulped in concern.

"The most dangerous stunt Wind Assassins had done in everyone's life... Jumping off from the tallest tower or building of the city. And most important of all: land on the haystacks or the softest things. The consequence will be very pain... This is what we called: Leap of Faith."

Altair jumped off from the beam. Falling in midair, without showing any signs of concern, fear or scared, or even tried flapping his wings. He continued to fall. He landed right on the haystacks. Altair got out from it.

Ben and Flash looked at each other, showing their concern and worry, seeing of how they could achieve it. They both sighed of relief and concern. They jumped off from the beam. Falling in midair, both Ben and Flash continued remain silent. They landed on the ground... very soft...

Ben and Flash stood up from the haystacks, and came out. They looked at each other, smiled and laughed out loud happily. Both Ben and Flash did well in their Wind Assassination ways. They may yet become stronger, as well as learning the connection between Flash and Element of Wind.

Altair took Ben and Flash, and returned to the city of Tirorenza, explaining the next lesson of being Wind Assassins.

Altair pointed at the Italian female ponies, smiling and chatting, explained, "Those ponies are very useful. Trust me. Used them to not only for blending, but also allow them to distract the male ponies, guards, staffs and military officers, buying you time to escape, searching and assassinate your enemies."

Altair turned to his left, pointing at the soldiers and Royal Guards, explained, "You know them as your soldiers and guards, in helping you to deal with threats and invasions, and of course used them in battles."

Altair pointed at the thieves, "While thieves can be troublemaker and problem, but without them, you won't stand the chance against your target. They will provide you some distraction on the enemies by stealing bits, mocking them and helped you in the mission."

Altair pointed at the Wind Assassins, explaining, "And for final lesson, Wind Assassins are your greatest allies and soldiers, their duties are to gathered some information and reported back to either Al-Mualim or the Head Officers of Assassins such as me. Not only that, they also helped and battled against the enemies. I believe the term of this is called 'Even the Odds'."

Ben and Flash looked impress and amazement.

Altair sighed, "Unlike the Wind Assassins, dancers, thieves and Royal Guards must be paid, or they will not help you in the mission."

"So uncool!" Rainbow said unhappy.

Malik shrugged, "No one says it's easy."

"As you remember the importance of 'Wind Instinct'?" Altair asked calmly, "Then, you will know how to use it. They are three uses to us. For the first use of Wind Instinct is Wind Instinct Seeker. This instinct allow and helped you in finding your target. However, Ben was the only who do not possess that ability. Therefore, I will train Flash only."

Altair and Flash, using their Wind Instinct, turning their worlds into black and white world. Seeing many ponies glowed in blue. Spotted the crimson pony. They closed their eyes once, seeing Ben is in front of them.

"Next, Wind Instinct Danger Sense," Altair explained, "It either automatically alert you through the sensation and power of the wind, or you even can use it to be aware of dangers and unpredictable attacks."

Flash blinked his eyes once. His world returns to the black and white world. Sensing his body shivered, Flash quickly moved to the front, turning back and facing his enemy in front of him. Flash deactivated his Wind Instinct, seeing Altair held his sword. He sheathed it and smiled at him.

"Final and last ability of Wind Instinct, Future Sense," Altair explained, "That allow you to see your target of where they're going and planning next of either assassination or escape."

Using third and final Wind Instinct ability, Flash spotted the red pony. The greenish flow appeared, showing the pony's heading and destination, all the way to the artwork shop.

Flash smiled, pointed at Ben, and then pointing at the artwork shop. Ben gasped, yet smiled in impressed in seeing his best friend, guess it well.

At Wind Assassin's Hideout, Altair and Malik brought Ben, Flash, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and Phobos, back to the Training Hall.

Altair nodded his head gently, "Well done... Your training have proven well. You are ready for the mission."

"Wow. That soon?" Flash asked in surprise.

"But," Ben said in concern, "I don't have the Wind Instinct... I don't think I can help."

"Perhaps," Altair said gently, "But it doesn't mean you should give up. Understand?" Thinking of what his mentor had said, Ben smiled and nodded his head gently. Altair smiled, "Good. Then, we moved to Canterlot. We had three enemies to assassinated. Don't slow me down."

"Canterlot?" Ben and Flash asked curiously and concern.

Altair nodded his head gently, "Yes. Once we get there, we shall meet with our contacts and some of our informants will inform us about these three target we had been targeting at."

"Can I come?" Rainbow asked excitedly.

"Yeah, me too!" Scootaloo squealed happily.

"Take me too!" Phobos said happily.

Malik scoffed angrily, "Humph! Absolutely not! You three! I had been told that our little friends had jobs to do."

"Yeah, so what's that gotta do with us?" Rainbow asked angrily and annoying.

Malik took the buckets, mops, brushes, scrubbers and brooms. He threw them at Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and Phobos faces.

"You clean the mess!"

"What seriously?! Do we had to?!"

"Yes, you lazy ponies!"

"Awwwww!!!!!" Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and Phobos said in upset.

At the Canterlot, Altair, Ben and Flash had arrived and reached their destination. They walked across the street while looking at their surroundings: buildings, cities and ponies themselves as well.

Ben smiled, "Aw man. It's so good to be back home."

Flash nodded his head, "You said it. It's good to be home. So, what do you think of this place, Altair?" No answers had been sounded. Both Ben and Flash looked concern, turning to their mentor. "Altair?"

Ben and Flash turned to their right and saw Altair, stood on the center of the bridge, looking at something. They approached him. They spotted and saw some ponies: A cherry pinkish female Unicorn had a brown mane and tail in one braid dressed in grayish dress with greenish cape, had her two children: yellow Unicorn colt had gentle blond mane and tail, and his Cutie Mark is sword and A Symbol, and another one is a Pegasus male foal with brown mane, walking across on the second bridge. They spotted and approached the old White Pegasus with white short mane and tail, his Cutie Mark is White Fang, and another is black Pegasus with black mane and tail, and Cutie Mark is Heart and Spear.

Altair, watching at the group of family, sighed of upset and concern.

"Hey," Flash asked in concern, "You're okay?"

"Who were they?" Ben asked curiously.

Altair gasped in concern, fearing of his secret to be revealed. He sighed, explaining the truth behind it, "The Unicorn is Maria. Those colt and foal... were my sons: Darim and Sef. Pegasi were my family: my father: Umar the White Fang and my brother: Casim."

"Wait a sec. They're your family?" Ben asked in shock.

Altair sighed, and nodded his head, "Yes, they were. I really wish... I could see them..."

"Why not now?" Flash suggested.

Altair sighed in upset, turning away from the sights, "If only that was easy..." He said, making both Ben and Flash looked confuse and worry. He explained, "Demon Knights knew who I am and even Maria. You see... Maria was Demon Knight once."

"What?!" Ben and Flash asked in concern.

"Yes... She and I were the enemies. In fact, Maria and I often got caught and met during the battle. And sometimes, we felt like... we want to kill each other... so badly... But I noticed something different on her... Maria... She doesn't want to control the world, she wants to save it... She even learn the truth behind Demon Knights and their darkest purpose of freeing Grimmore and control two realms, she left them... Demon Knights had been chasing and planned to kill her... I saved her several times. But that time... she and I... were in love. Thus, we had children."

Ben nodded his head, understanding of what Altair had been through. Altair wanted to protect his family from harms, especially Maria, since she was the former Demon Knight. Ever since she defected to Altair's side and became his beloved wife, she enjoyed her quality time with him, as well as having children. But now... Altair can't afford to let his family get involved with Wind Assassins' missions. He must be away from his family.

Ben explained, "I understand. If you spent too long with them, Demon Knights might have found out of your family. Used them as your hostage, and then kill you..."

"Yes..." Altair answered.

Flash sighed, "Sorry..."

Altair shook his head, "It's okay. Anyway, we had some mission to deal with. Remember, we can't afford to let our enemies win."

Ben and Flash nodded their heads, as the Wind Assassins headed off to Canterlot's Bureau for meeting.

Arriving at the Wind Assassins' Bureau, Altair, Ben and Flash had arrived at their destination. Upon entering the secret hideout, Ben and Flash gasped in shock, upon seeing the familiar characters, along with some Wind Assassins' Informants.

Ben gasped, "Sapphire Shore! Hoity Toity!"

"Dad?!" Flash gasped in shock.

"Kiddo!" Hardstone said in shock. Approaching to his son, he hugged his son. He whistled in surprise and shock, looking at his son's uniform. "Wow. I know you want to become the Royal Guard. I didn't expect to see you dressed like the Assassin."

"Long story short: I found out that you and I were descendants of Wind Assassins. Altair is my mentor now, and trained me to understand the powers of Wind Instinct."

Sapphire Shore smiled and whistled happily, "That's the surprise."

Ben shook his head gently, "You had no idea..."

"Anyway," Altair spoke seriously, "What do you had information about Garnier, Sibrand and Emilio?"

First Wind Assassin Informant nodded his head, explained, "We had gathered as much information as we can. We learned about Garnier as the Head of Medic. Sibrand is the Head of Patrol Units. And Emilio is the Government of Economics. And so far, they were very close to the Royal Sisters. But not close enough as General Spanish Steel or any of worthy officers and celebrities to her. But here are the information you all need to learn."

Sapphire nodded her head, "Garnier is one crazy Unicorn, acted like he actually care for some ponies when some colts or other ponies, not wanting to be part of his medic. I'd say that was selfish of him to take them by force. Not only that, everything I heard about him saving lives is a lie. He set on innocents to look pain and problem, so he can 'save' them."

First Informants spoke up, "Which in reality, Garnier is experimenting something. I had managed to get in and observe everything I can get."

Sapphire Shore nodded her head, "Oh yes, baby. You've gotta stop this crazy pony."

"As for Sibrand," Hardstone said in concern and serious, "Most of Royal Guards and Officers had big suspicious on his behavior. While he did said that he's patrolling and securing the rear guard was to protect our guts and castle at all cost."

Second Informant explained, "But in truth, Sibrand is preventing any of her troops sending reinforcement in helping any of her allies. He wants Mystic Ponies or any ponies to lose or killed."

"There's a way to beat him, kiddo," Hardstone said calmly, "Because of you guys' attacking and killing those pests. Once Sibrand goes nuts, letting his guard down easily, and often forgot himself that he was too focused on getting rid of Assassins than trusting his soldiers to help out."

"And finally," Hoity Toity said, "It's that no good Emilio. He maybe the governor, business manager and supporter of our Princesses. But trust me on this, my friends, he's the fraud. He will do anything to get it done and own everything. For example, I saw what his guards did to the cherry marketer. He mistreated him and demanded him to remained at his home. I'd say, he doesn't even care about lives, if you and I agreed."

"Not only that," Third Informant spoke, "Rumors confirmed that Emilio is funding his finances and supplies to some group or his secret organization. I believe all of us know who he's working with."

Altair nodded his head, "In fact... I had plans. We can't be on the same place. I feared the enemies will escape at once. So, we'll split up, but we need someone to help us. Is everyone ready for this?"

Everyone looked at each other, smiled and nodded their heads, willing to stop Demon Knights.

At the rear of Canterlot's, behind the castle's walls, most of Royal Guards had been posted on the front gate, castle walls and towers. It was very strangest yet weirdest thing to do for their works. Why and What? General Spanish Steel, Lieutenant Hardstone and Sibrand were discussing at the Canterlot Castle's Gate. Both General Spanish Steel and Lieutenant Hardstone pushed their lucks by questioning Sibrand's purpose.

"Sir! With all due respect, I'm doing this to protect the city and Canterlot," Sibrand insisted angrily, "For the Princesses!"

"Or is it for something else you're not telling?" Spanish Steel questioned Sibrand seriously. "From what your soldiers had told me that you're preventing sending some reinforcement to help our allies and the innocents."

Sibrand gasped, feeling pressure and concern in his mind. He can't afford to let his plan to be found. He quickly hesitantly asked in concern and shock, "Where did you get the idea?!"

Hardstone glared at Sibrand, answered, "I overheard of what you had said from the tower. What is this all about? To get princesses to be blamed for the mess?! So that Rodrigo can rule the Canterlot and Equestria?!"

"Nonsense! I did no such thing! I am loyal soldier to you and them!" Sibrand continued protesting. He turned to his Royal Guards for supports. "Am I right?"

"No!" Royal Guards argued, "He mistreated us. He posted all of us on the duty! He even tried to slaughtered us! He accused us! Not only, that he said we're Wind Assassins, which we clearly had no idea of it."

Hearing of what Royal Guards had spoken, Sibrand shown his concern and fear expression, spoke up, "No.... No! No! No!"

"So tell me the truth," Spanish Steel demanded angrily.

Sibrand groaned angrily, "Fine. It's the truth! So what?! Princess Celestia is the failure ruler of our country! She will not be accepted! She must be removed! For the better world! I knew you two are the traitors! If the Wind Assassins think they can kill me, think again! I'm well prepared! You're too late to stop me now! I had set everything! I will not be killed!"

Hardstone and General Spanish Steel looked at each other, smiled and smirked.

"Oh. We beg the differ," Hardstone said, "And say hello to our new friend."

Sibrand gulped in concern. Turning to his back, Altair thrust his Hidden Blade on Sibrand's throat hard. He coughed out badly and painfully. Sibrand fell to the ground hard, coughing out loud painfully.

"It's over now..." Altair said calmly.

"No... No," Sibrand protested painfully, "This... can't be the end..."

"Don't be afraid. If you hadn't made deal with Grimmore, you would have good life and chance."

"Of course, I'm afraid! Not you, but my master. I fear he will have my head, should I fail. But... I did it..."

Altair looked confuse, upon hearing of what Sibrand had said, "For what purpose? Were you not preparing to blame Princesses for neglecting sending reinforcement, should the front door been attacked."

"Yes, I am still part of that." Sibrand explained, "But... everything you did... delay our little project... Our true one... has come to fruition..."

"What do you mean? Explain yourself?!"

"Element of Shadow... We found it... It's so funny. A place where our little traitor had trained when he was still a colt... How stupid was that..."

"Element of Shadow?! They found it?!" Altair asked in shock.

Sibrand smiled weakly, "I... should... have sent it... earlier... But matters not... Our maestro... will make it happen..."

Giving his last breath and strength, Sibrand fell to the ground.

Altair sighed, "Fear no death. Let it guide you to find peace. Now rest in peace... Knight..."

Altair stood up, turning to both General Spanish Steel and Lieutenant Hardstone.

"Well done, Assassin. Of course, I wish I could kill him. But what good am I? I'm no better than this traitor." General Spanish Steel said.

Lieutenant Hardstone nodded his head, "Yes. We owe it to you. I believe this is what you are looking for. I've found this from Sibrand's quarter room."

Hardstone handed the white scroll to Altair. The Wind Assassin opened and read it carefully. His expression shown great concern and worry.

"This... must be it..." Altair said in concern and worry, "The map... leads to the Element of Shadow."

Within the Canterlot Castle's Meeting Room, Hoity Toity, speaking and discussing with Emilio, the old pale gray Pegasus, dressed in dark blue Italian Governor robe, and had the 15th Century Italian hat.

"Please tell me, this is about the business," Emilio asked angrily and annoying.

Hoity Toity nodded his head, "Yes. As close acquaintance to Princess Celestia, I demand you to stop taxing on the ponies very much. This is the Republic and Freedom, not Empire, if I had to remind you again, again and again."

"I'm doing my best to make our work good. And you are telling me that I'm taxing too much?! We are at war! We need funds and finance! We need them to build our forces! Against the Apocalypse Ponies! Against Dark Mystics! And even Grimmore him himself!"

"Even so... You should at least had discussion and consultation with Princess Celestia. She is our ruler of Equestria."

"Fool! We need to be prepare and aware of the danger!"

Hoity Toity and Emilio continued arguing and talking. Ben, dressed as the Wind Assassin, having his hood covered up, climbing up the walls of Canterlot Castle, bricks-by-bricks. Reaching to the top, he gasped in shock and concern. Royal Guards... dead. Were they really Royal Guards?

"Something must have happen to them," Ben said in concern and suspicious. He approached and searched on his 'supposed' Royal Guards. He found the 'Dark Elf' symbol necklaces, around their necks. "I guess I was right. They're not Royal Guards."

"Definitely not," The dark, ruthless and cruel voice spoke. Ben gasped, turning to his back, found the familiar character. "It's been long time, hadn't it?"

"Shadow Dragon..." Ben said in shock and surprise. His former friend and mentor had appeared before him. Ben asked angrily: "What... What are you doing here?! Did you do this?!"

Shadow Dragon smiled, "What if I am?"

"Look. I don't have time of fighting with you, or want to know on earth you're helping me. And not to mention, you're attacking Grimmore's minions."

"Fine by me. As for Emilio... Dark Curse suspected that he's hiding something from him and Superior. Besides... you are too late..."

"Too late? Too late for what?"

"You'll find out soon. Enjoy being Assassin, Wind Assassin, Son of Celestia."

Shadow Dragon disappeared in black smoke. Ben looked concern and worry, turning to his target. It was not the time to find out. He'll figure the truth out later. He has the mission to perform on. He climbed down slowly, before entering the balcony. He slowly sneaked through the hall, keeping eye out on his enemies. Knowing the Demon Knights, they were well prepared and be ready for anything suspicious.

Reaching to Emilio's Meeting Room, Ben opened its door, and took a peek on it. He saw Emilio and Hoity Toity discussing and talking. He slowly sneaked in, and slowly going behind of his target, crawling like a predator preparing to strike its prey down.

Emilio was about to end his speech with Hoity Toity. The Fashion critic smiled gently, making the governor looked worry. Ben grabbed on Emilio's shoulder, striking his Hidden Blade on the governor's neck hard.

Ben put Emilio down gently. "No... It's too soon..." Emilio said weakly, looking at his enemy, "Who are you..." Ben removed the hood, revealing himself in front of his enemy's view. "You... Prince Ben... How could you... You betray your mother?"

"Save you lying, Emilio. I already know who you are and what you are." Ben said angrily.

"I have no regrets... After all... I played my part..."

"And what part will that be?"

"Creating the New World... Long live Lord Grimmore..."

"That's your goal, not part."

"I couldn't bear to stay with insane God... I fear that I would be punished of the power I'm after... Matters not... It's over anyway... But... Funding Maestro, and his resourcefulness... Finding two items... It is done... I believe your friend after Garnier? Your friend... be dead..."

Emilio fell to the ground hard.

Ben sighed, "Rest in peace. Never let darkness consume you..."

"Is everything alright, my boy?" Hoity Toity asked in concern.

"Two items? And my friend will be..." Ben gasped in concern, realizing the danger. Whatever Garnier stored, Flash will be in danger. Ben shouted in concern: "Flash! I've gotta find him!"

Ben quickly climbed out and up to the walls, leaving Hoity Toity confused and worried.

At the Canterlot Hospital, Sapphire Shore distracted and discussed with the Royal Guards about her styles and dresses. Flash took the chance, and entered the hospital, avoiding the contact with any of Royal Guards or patients. He has to find and kill Garnier, who knows what kind of experiment he'll be up to,

Looking around in his surroundings, he saw many pony patients felt painfully on their legs, bodies and heads. Flash looked up, seeing his target, Garnier is speaking and talking with the patient.

"You can't do this! You are the monster! You are not the savior! I will not be used!" The Patient shouted in anger, "When I get out of here, you will be punished! Princess Celestia will hear of this!"

Garnier glared at the patient, and said: "You shouldn't have said that. Break his back hooves. I can't afford to let my mission to be discovered."

Both supposed Royal Guards stomped their hooves hard on the patient's back leg hard. Flash hissed, looking at the sights.

Garnier turned away from his sights, heading back to his quarters of patient ponies. Flash narrowed his eyes at him. Flash sneaked and followed behind of Garnier, few meters away from his target.

Feeling and having suspicious thoughts of being followed, Garnier turned to his back, and found nothing but sick ponies. He shook his head, turning back to the front. Flash moved to the center of patient ponies. He sighed of relief.

Flash kept watch on and followed Garnier, who just entered the second quarter. Flash was about to enter, he'd been pushed by the patient pony, who acted crazy, strangely and zombie-like.

"What the-?!" Flash said in concern. The patient pony looked scared and insane. He was about to attack, Flash quickly calmed the victim, "It's okay. I'm not here to harm you. But you need to calm down and quiet."

Patient Pony roared angrily, "In-truder!"

Flash yelped, "Aw man!"

Patient Pony grabbed Flash, pushing him to the wall hard. Garnier and his Demon Knights, held their swords, spears and pikes, came out from the second quarter, finding out of what is going on.

Garnier gasped, "Assassin! Get him!"

Flash groaned angrily, "So much for stealth!"

Flash took both Sword and Hidden Blade out, preparing to attack and defend from his enemies, at the same time avoiding the attacking on innocents. Demon Knights swung their swords at Flash, who quickly blocked the attacks. He swung it hard, before using his Hidden Blade, thrusting on his enemies' throats hard. Two more Demon Knights charging in and swung their spears on his head. Flash dodged down, quickly used his sword, and strike his enemy down quickly.

The patient ponies attacked Flash from behind. Flash quickly dodged down and rolled over two patient ponies. Third and fourth patient ponies punched on Flash to the ground hard. Flash quickly jumped to is back quickly.

Three Demon Knights swung their swords from the top on Flash hard. He quickly pushed his enemies' blades up, before slashed his on their chests hard. Flash punched and kicked on few Demon Knights' heads, faces, hooves and bodies. Flash took one Demon Knight, swinging him around him for few times, before throwing his enemy to the wall hard.

Five pony patients charged in and attacked of punching, kicking and hitting Flash, who quickly dodged and headed back. From his back, Demon Knights swung their swords on Flash's back. Flash yelped in pain, causing him to move to the front. The pony patients attacked and punched on Flash's face and chest hard.

Demon Knights grabbed Flash tight and hard. Garnier approached Flash.

"You shouldn't have come here." Garnier said calmly yet angrily.

"I'm not letting you or your buddies hurting innocents." Flash said angrily.

"I've done no such thing. I'm trying to help them."

"Don't be a liar! I saw everything! I even saw what you did to these ponies. You're making them slaves! I'm not gonna let you do it!"

"Be silent! You've been with those traitors too long, Assassin. You are not a monster."

"But you are! I won't let you do it! I won't let you harm them! Whatever your plans or boss's up to, I won't let that happen!"

Garnier sighed in upset, "You shouldn't have said that. But now, I'll have you executed. And then, I'll proceed with my 'help' and 'medication'."

Flash gasped, turning to his right and left, seeing many patient ponies, suffered painfully in their mental and physical, screamed and moaned in pain, despair, upset and lost. He can't let that happen! No! He won't! Not after what he had been through after Ben's missing!

Flash groaned angrily, struggling to get out and screaming in anger. His body glowed in greenish and his eyes became white. They glowed brightly and greatly, causing most of pony patients and Demon Knights blind.

Flash, stood in midair, his eyes glowed in white while his body glowed in green. He was surrounded by the tornado. The symbol of his Cutie Mark appeared behind him. Flash placed his hooves in front of him. The sparkling stars appeared on his hooves up. His Hidden Blade slowly transformed into more ancient, advanced and modern Hidden Blade, and the long spear-like with sharp blade, appeared on his right hoof.

Ben and Altair came into the hospital. They gasped, seeing Flash held both the spear and Hidden Blade tight.

Ben gasped in concern, "What- What's going on?! What's the weapons he's holding?!"

Altair gasped in shock, "Those are Spear of Wind and Hurricane Blade! I've been trying to retrieve those weapons for years. My ancestors have trying to reach it, but couldn't until... Flash did it. There is connection between him and Element of Wind."

Flash swung his Spear of Wind, on top of him, creating the tornado and transforming it into a giant dragon, screamed: "Sky Dragon's Roar!"

Flash swung it right in front of his enemies. The tornado Sky Dragon charging right at the Demon Knights. It captured and trapped most of the Demon Knights, making most of them to spin around, around and around of them for several times. The tornado pushed most of Demon Knights out to the walls.

Garnier became scared and worried. Flash pushed out from Sky Dragon's Roar tornado, thrusting his Hidden Hurricane Blade on his target's neck, to the ground hard.

Garnier coughed out in pain, said weakly, "In-creadible... I thought... Altair... should have them..."

Flash remained calm, and said, "Too bad... I did what I can to help and save innocents from the likes of you. I really want to spare you alive. But you left me no choice..."

"Like it or not... I've made my decision... You are so much like any of Wind Assassins... Never wish to kill lives but your enemies... You are... like the Wind... Be strong... yet endure the pain... till your enemies defeated... like Knight of the Wind..."

"Knight of the Wind?" Flash asked curiously. Garnier fell to the ground gently. He spoke gently, "Rest in peace. Make sure that you do the right thing for innocents."

Flash turned to both Altair and Ben, who approached to him.

"Nice work, Flash!" Ben said in impressed, "Wow! That's awesome when you used both Spear of Wind and Hidden Hurricane Blade."

"Indeed," Altair smiled, "Perhaps, there is the connection of you and Element of Wind. You would make the best Assassin of the Wind."

Flash looked odd and concern, feeling unhappy with it, "I'm not sure that name fits me."

Ben gasped, after having a thought, "How about 'Royal Knight of the Wind'? I mean Flash does have an interest of the Royal Guard."

Flash nodded his head, smiling in interest and happiness, "Yeah. I like it. Flash the 'Royal Knight of the Wind'!"

Ben and Flash smiled and cheered happily, giving a the high hoof, "Yeah!"

Altair smiled, said, "He indeed is the one... Perhaps, I need to transfer my Element to new successor."

At Machiavelli's Mansion, Machiavelli, Ezio, Twilight, Shining Armor, Starlight and June had some discussion about the Element of Shadow. Both Nyx and Spike ate some spaghetti, with the balls of lectures and carrots, listening to them. The door knocked hard. Spike and Nyx opened the door. They encountered Fox-Feral-Earth Pony Hybrid, worn a red cloak, which clover her flank, she also had a Garudo Fox's Mask-like.

They gasped in shock and surprise.

"Hi there, Spike and Nyx," said Mysterious Pony "The name's Blaze Kitsune. Can you take me to your mom? I've got some news to talk about."

Spike and Nyx were surprise of how the mysterious Blaze Kitsune knew them. But realized who she really was. They looked at each other and nodded their heads. Spike and Nyx led the mysterious Blaze Kitsune to the rest of their friends. Twilight Sparkle gasped in shock and surprise, making Blaze Kitsune shocked.

Twilight called up, "Fla-"

Blaze Kitsune rush up to them, covered Twilight's mouth. She shushed Twilight Sparkle, "Shh! I don't want anypony know who I really am! Just Blaze Kitsune."

Twilight Sparkle nodded. Blaze Kitsune removed her hoof from her friend's mouth. She sighed with relief.

Ezio turned to Machiavelli, with a smile, "She's back. Al-Mualim expected her to be here."

Machiavelli nodded his head, "That hybrid pony doesn't know when to stop hiding from us, though we need to deal with problem first."

June kept her guard up, narrowed her anger eyes at Blaze Kitsune. She looked confuse and concern, looking at June's eyes.

Blaze Kitsune asked, "What?"

June growled, "Who you're working for?"

Blaze Kitsune smiled, "No one; however, I have very important scroll might help you!"

Blaze Kitsune pulled the enchantment scroll out of her clock. She held it in front of Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight Sparkle levitated it in front of her, asked, "What's this enchantment scroll used for?"

Blaze Kitsune grinned, "This is Ancestor Scroll. It's very useful scroll. It allowed you to learn about they related to their ancestors!"

Starlight gasped, asked, "Really!?! That means... We all can find out of how we are related to the Wind Assassins!"

June huffed, "No. I don't trust you!"

Shining Armor sighed, "How did you get this, and get here?"

Blaze Kitsune giggled, "You may don't trust me! But I know who you are, Xiao Fa June."

June gasped in shock. Blaze Kitsune turned to Shining Armor, answered: "For your next question, I was teleported on my way here. I've got something for you and your pals."

June was about asked but Twilight leaped in and whispered to her little ear. June gasped in shock and surprise.

"It's the misunderstanding clear?" Ezio asked. Everyone nodded their heads. "Good. Blaze Kitsune, Al-Mualim had been expecting you for a meeting. Let us go."

Everyone nodded their head, preparing to head off to Wind Assassins' Hideout. Something important was about to happen...

To be continued...

Author's Note

References:

1) Altair's training with both Ben and Flash are inspired and referenced to Assassin's Creed gameplay of most of Assassins' characters.