My Little Pony: Assassin's Creed

Chapter 7: Successors of the Elements

Returning to the Hideout, Ezio and Machiavelli led and guide Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor, Starlight, Blaze Kitsune, Spike and Nyx to the Dining Chamber. They noticed something different - their hideout is much more beautiful and cleaner than before. Wind Assassins have become more pleased and happy with their lives - their food taste good and great than before, their uniforms were much more better, and efficient and their injuries and wounds have been bandaged and healed with medication potions.

"Oh mio Dio (Oh my Goodness)," Surprisingly, Machiavelli exclaimed, seeing the Hideout has become better than before, "What has happened here?"

Twilight smiled, knowing her answer well, answered, "My friends."

Twilight, her brothers, her daughter, her adopted son, and Wind Assassins entered the large hall, walking across its road, and watching the ponies chatted happily and smiling about their foods, uniforms and injuries healed.

Meeting the rest of their allies in front of the stairs, Altair, Mane Five, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Ben, Flash and Phobos, waited for their friends returned.

Twilight gasped in surprise, "Ben! Flash! When did you guys wore the uniforms? They're great!"

Nyx giggled, "You looked cool and awesome."

Spike smiled, "I wonder if I can wear it? I would have looked awesome."

Ben smiled, looking at his Wind Assassin's golden uniform, with both proud and happy, commented: "Well, Altair gave us the uniforms. But turns out, Rarity altered the dresses, without asking Al-Mualim's permission."

"Yeah. But it's cool to wear." Flash smiled in approval.

Malik glared at Rarity, who smiled and giggled uneasily, said innocently and calmly, "Come now. Don't tell me, you'd still blame me for alteration of the colors. Ben's and Flash's Wind Assassin uniforms needed to be more... specific and perfect match. And look at them, they are match and perfect."

Sweetie Belle giggled, "Besides, Rarity did re-modification on some parts of your uniforms to be more ef... effi... effi-cent?"

"It's efficient, Sweetie Belle."

"Thank you."

Malik shook his head, while sighed in irritation. Altair, Ezio and Machiavelli chuckled lightly.

Twilight smiled, turning to two Apple friends, asked, "So, how's your cook for your customers?" Giving a sly smirk, asked slyly, "Smell and taste great?"

Applejack smiled, "Eeyup. Those Wind Assassins looked very hungry and thirsty. It's so hard to believe that those guys were able to fast their hunger very long."

Apple Bloom nodded her head, "Hum-hmm. Eeyup. Those Assassins weren't kidding about holding their stomachs tight. But be glad that they had the specialist chefs like us."

Turning to Princess Cadance, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, Shining Armor smiled, approached to his wife, nuzzling her head, asked, "And how's your day?"

Princess Cadance giggled, "Good. Helping and healing Wind Assassins is my specialty. Those ponies are good as the whistle. Not to mention, they endured their pain very well, no matter how hard it gets."

Fluttershy nodded her head, turning to Malik, reminding him, "Now Malik. Remember, those injured Assassins needs at least two or three days to heal and ready for their next mission. Otherwise, you will lose your chance."

"Don't forget to give them a big good and happy smile," said Pinkie Pie, happily, bouncing in front of him.

Twilight giggled, turning to Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and Phobos, asked, "And how about you? Did you enjoy your 'action'?"

Rainbow Dash groaned angrily, "Not exactly when you had to handle the lame job! So boring! AND LAME!"

"Tell me about it," Scootaloo agreed in her bored manner.

"I can't believe it. What a waste of time," Phobos complained angrily.

Everyone in the hall chuckled and laughed in both amusement and enjoyment.

Starlight chuckled, "That's what you get for doing 'nothing' in the Wind Assassin's Hideout, Rainbow Dash."

Malik huffed, "Don't forget that you had long way to reach your redemption, novice."

June groaned in irritating, said, "Zhen de Shi (Really)? Again, with this? Malik, Starlight had done his good deeds for three months. But why must you hold grudge against him? He has proven himself good for few days."

Machiavelli nodded his head, agreeing with June's point-of-view, "I must agree with young June. Malik, it is time, you must move on. Let go of your past and hatred on Starlight. He is not the same murderer you had hated."

"Appearance, perhaps," said Malik, in unconvinced tone, "But not his sins nor his personality. I would never accept him as one of us."

Feeling anger, upset and rage in his mind and heart, Starlight glared at Malik, whom glared at his enemy. For the moment later, Starlight sighed of upset, looking down, knowing what Malik had spoke of is true. He indeed did murdered his brother, and made Malik lost his right hoof.

"Look, my brother may have made the mistake," Twilight said, firmly, "But it was Grimmore's fault. He started the mess first. He was the one who made my brother to kill his first victims. That's what made him a killer machine."

"And that is why he cannot be trusted!" argued Malik.

Ezio came in between Malik and Twilight, speaking out, "Okay, Signore e Signora (Sir and Madam). This is not the time to fight. In fact, we had some important information to share with our mentor."

Altair nodded his head, speaking, "Ezio's right. We have some important matters to deal with. It is very important. No arguments. Am I clear?"

Everyone nodded their heads. Altair smiled. Everyone headed to the top of Al-Mualim's office.

Meeting Al-Mualim at his office, Wind Assassins, Mane Six, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Shining Armor, Starlight and Blaze Kitsune informed to him about the information they had found. Al-Mualim nodded his head, turning to Blaze Kitsune. He smiled gently. He laughed out loud, making most of everyone and June, but Wind Assassins and Twilight Sparkle, looked confuse.

"How long can you fool me with that trick, especially a name, Flare Tiger?" Al-Mualim asked, with a smile.

Everyone but Twilight Sparkle and Wind Assassins gasped in shock.

Blaze Kitsune snorted out loud, before giggling and smiling. She removed her mask from her face, and her cape as well, revealing the familiar character.

"Flare Tiger?!" Everyone asked but Wind Assassins and Twilight Sparkle, in shock.

Flare Tiger bowed and smiled, "Howdy everypony! It's an honor to meet ya!"

Al-Mualim nodded his head and said, "Very well, do you have reason to seek us?"

Flare Tiger giggled, "An offer! I like to ask ya, if ya want short trips!"

"What kind of short trips?"

"A Gateways - they're kinda act like Portals."

"Explain how it work, my child."

Flare Tiger explained her 'Gateways' to her friends and Wind Assassins. They listen carefully, before showing their shocking expression. Al-Mualim nodded his head.

"So, you're from Digitrisland," Al-Mualim questioned.

Flare Tiger giggled, "Eeyup!"

"This information is very useful. However..." He paused, making everyone turned to Al-Mualim. He smiled gently, "I shall agreed with your terms! Could you tell me, where are their locations?"

Flare Tiger smiled, "I had what you need in this scroll, right here!"

Flare Tiger pulled out a locations' Scroll. She throw it to Al-Mualim. He caught it, with his hoof up. She smiled.

Flare Tiger sighed, "However, I didn't set up in Mare Six's hometown, nor Royal Sisters and Crystal Empire."

"Why?" Twilight asked in concern.

Flare Tiger answered, "Because, it's too risky, Ah prefer to wait for Grimmore's fall."

They awed, "Ooh..."

Al-Mualim nodded his head, said, "I understand. I was told that you had the Magical Scroll that helped us to seek and find our ancestors' connection to any of us? Am I right?"

Flare Tiger smiled, "Eeyup. That's right, partner."

"Let's not change the subject. We had other concern to deal with," Machiavelli spoke up in concern, "And such as... dealing with Element of Shadow."

"Element of Shadow?" Everyone asked.

"Si (Yes). Che e Correctto (That is correct)," said Ezio, nodding his head. He took the paper, and placed it in front of Al-Mualim. He said, "This letter I found from Francesco de Pazzi, might give us the clue about 'Element of Shadow'. I check it through. It was difficult for me to understand. But thanks to an old friend of mine, Leonardo Da Vinci, we did it."

Al-Mualim nodded his head, said nobly, "It could mean something. Something that involved about 'Element of Shadow'. Listen carefully," He took the paper, read it carefully: "A creature born in light yet darkness. A creature who live to explore yet kill. A creature sides with none but in-between. One who answered correct of his true self. A shadow shall answer to the one."

With Al-Mualim's finishing the encryption scroll, everyone in the room looked surprise and shock, yet their minds are in confuse.

"What the heck was that about?" Rainbow asked in shock.

"I think I had my head fried," said Scootaloo, in concern, rubbing her back softly and gently. "And I thought Tao's riddle is the worse to figure it out."

Al-Mualim sighed, "I wish I have the answer. But I cannot. I believe this question and riddle can only be answered by the one who struggle to balance in light or darkness. I believe Starlight is."

"Me?!" asked Starlight in surprise, "Why me? I mean... I did horrible things in my life - killing lives, bring sadness and even... killing my own uncle. And no one, not even Princesses could accept me. But I refuse to go back to Grimmore. I'm through with killing on innocents. I mean - I can't be on Light, nor on Darkness. But do you think Element of Shadow accept me?"

"Yes... Based on the reports from my best Wind Assassins, including Romeo, you are very much unlikely enemy we had encountered. You had so much darkness, yet so little light to think soft of others. This had prove to me that you are indeed the only one to achieve that power. And when you were restored to your true form from Equestrian Eliminator, you lost most of your Shadow Magic. Am I right?"

"Yes. So... do you think I can do it?"

"Yes, my boy. I believe so..."

Looking at the Ancestry Scroll, his mind is filled with both curious and wondrous, yet concern of it, Starlight wondered if the scroll can help and guide him to find what he is looking for, and the answer he wants to know. Was he and his family truly connected to Wind Assassins?

"Master..." Starlight calmly said, "I was wondering... From what Flare Tiger had told us - do you think there is a connection of me, Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry to Wind Assassins?"

Al-Mualim took the first scroll out, and placed it in front of his students and allies. "It's possible. So why don't we find out?"

Al-Mualim opened the scroll. Putting it in front for Starlight, Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle, they all looked at it together. Watching at it carefully and cautiously, they looked from bottom to the top. Their eyes widened in shock and surprise, seeing and looking at the scroll, had made them question on it.

"That's... not possible..." said Shining Armor, in shock, "It's our dad's maternal ancestor; Armstrength?! He was the Assassin?!"

"Armstrength?" Ezio asked in surprise, "My God! That is one of the best Assassin among us. Not only that... He is one of few, who can perform the Shadow Instinct."

Twilight Sparkle nodded her head, feeling of what she saw is impossible for her to understand and absorb the information. "But our dad couldn't perform Shadow Instinct, and neither could we..."

"But me..." said Starlight, in shock. Gasped in shock and realization, He remembered it from his past, "I remember! Uncle Angel Star! He did performed his Shadow Instinct once."

"So that means... Our dad's maternal ancestor was Wind Assassin." Shining Armor made conclusion of possibility.

Twilight nodded her head, questioned in concern: "Then... why didn't our uncle manage to detect EBE when it was invading Great Fairy's Temple?"

Starlight thought for the moment before he spoke up, "Because... Grimmore knew who our uncle was. He made sure that EBE can't be detected. Or maybe... there is a traitor among the Explorers of Light."

AL-Mualim nodded his head, "Yes. That might be possible, Starlight. A traitor who set you on the path of ponity's destruction." He turned to Flash Sentry, "Flash, would you like to look at your genealogy - to know whom your ancestor is?"

Flash nodded his head, approached to the scroll. It glowed in green. The written words and pictures on scroll, magically transformed into different words and pictures. Ben came in, and read it as well. They both looked at the scroll carefully, before their eyes widened in shock and surprise. They both gasped.

"I'm related to 'Aladdin bin Al-Lahad'?!" Flash asked in shock.

Everyone gasped in shock and surprise.

"That's impossible," Altair spoke in concern, "That's my ancestor! He was the first successor of Element of Wind, and possessed the Hurricane Hidden Blade and Spear of Wind. Then, that means..."

Being reminded of how she related to Apple Family, Pinkie Pie screamed happily, "Altair and Flash are distant cousins!"

"No way," said Spike, in surprise.

"Wow... This is kinda like how I related to my mommy," said Nyx, in surprise.

"Not only that," Al-Mualim spoke, in surprise, "If Flash is related to Altair's ancestor, then that means... The Element of Wind indeed had connection to Flash."

"Wow..." Everyone said in surprise.

"What's that supposed to be mean?" Flash asked, in concern.

"It means..." said Altair calmly, before smiled to his students, "It is time for me to pass it to you."

"But - but what about you? It's your Element. I don't even know how to use it, I only know about Spear of Wind and Hurricane Hidden Blade."

"Do not worry, Flash. As your mentor, I will train you of how to use them," Altair said calmly.

Ben nodded his head, "Besides, you had me to help out."

Flash smiled gently, looking at his best friend, commented, "Thanks bro."

"So, everything is connecting. And we owe it to Flare Tiger," Al-Mualim thanked Flare Tiger. She smiled gently. He turned to the paper he received from Altair. "Now for the next one. It might be the next clue of what we are looking for. If what Altair think is true, then we are indeed close to Element of Shadow."

Al-Mualim opened the map, and showed it in front of everyone. Starlight looked at the map. He gasped, with his eyes widened in shock and surprise.

"No... It can't be..." said Starlight, in both shock and confuse, "It's not impossible."

"Starlight," Twilight asked, in concern and worry.

"What is it," questioned Shining Armor.

Starlight glanced at his friends, with his concern look, he made his answer: "I know where it is. It's Shadow Nexus..."

Everyone looked concern and worry, about the next mission. Al-Mualim remained silent, knowing that the Wind Assassins must retrieve it before his enemies could. Turned to his allies and comrades, the mentor was about to make important order.

"This mission is too important," said Al-Mualim in concern, "We must ensure that our enemy must not retrieve the Element of Shadow. We must capture it at once. We do not know why the Demon Knights want with it. But I do know one thing, it must not fall into wrong hoof. Who knows what kind of danger that the enemy is about to play with."

"Understood," Everyone saluted and nodded their heads.

Al-Mualim nodded his head gently, "But first... Altair... you'll decide the decision."

Altair nodded his head, knowing of what Al-Mualim is talking about.

Flashback:

Couple of days ago before the arrival of Mane Six, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Ben, Shining Armor, Flash Sentry and Princess Cadance, Altair and Al-Mualim were discussing the matters that involved the strange reaction of Element of Wind.

"Tell me, Altair," said Al-Mualim, "What would you do when we find this mysterious holder? The reaction from your Element, is telling me that it is time to choose its new owner."

Altair sighed, "For so many generations passed, Aladdin bin Al-Lahad had passed his Element of Wind to his sons, to his grandsons, to his great-grandsons and to his descendants until now. We had never give up Element of Wind to someone."

"But until today. Tell me, Altair, what would you do?"

"If the Element of Wind had indeed found its new owner and wish to join with him, then I would be honor to hand it over to him."

Altair looked down and away from his mentor. Noticed his student's expression, Al-Mualim knew something had bother him.

"Altair, is there something bother you?" Gently yet concern, asked Al-Mualim. Altair looked down, feeling pride to speak about his reason. He sighed, "Altair. There is nothing ashamed to speak. I know there is a reason behind your hood. Tell me, my child. I can help you."

Altair sighed in defeat, deciding to speak: "I'm too proud to let my Element of Wind go. I felt... it's unnecessary to remove it. What if... he does not have of what it takes to become the Holder of Element of Wind? What if... he died, because of me? What if... I failed like what happen to Malik and his brother?"

"Your opinion and reason is noted, my child. The truth is, Altair," interrupted Al-Mualim, having difficult to speak up with. He sighed, "I wish to retire from my position."

Looking shock and concern, Altair looked up and glanced at his mentor, asked: "Why?"

"For many years, I had been mentor and teacher for more than 50 years since the age of 30. I need someone - Someone who not only had wisdom and courage, but also mercy, kindness and generous to his students. And so far none. Ezio would have been fit for it, but he personally told me that he would fight than leading. Malik and Machiavelli would be the wise choice, yet they choice to be advisors. Abbas cannot be trusted. Bartolomeo could be fit, yet he is too aggressive. And La Volpe, he preferred scouting and spying. Connor was too busy with his clan leading, along with some resistance. But you, Altair, you are perfect."

"Forgive me, Al-Mualim. I don't think I can."

"I'm not requesting, Altair. No. I'm begging you. I fear I cannot live much longer. I fear... Assassins will be destroyed, without its leader and mentor. Please, Altair. I know your father well. He told me that you had great future. And so I believe in him."

Absorbing the information his mentor had given, Altair thought for the moment. He thought himself as the Assassin, fighting for both freedom and peace of his country and brotherhood, yet never thought of becoming a mentor and leader. He'd really wish to be a hero, to kill not only enemies, but saving countless lives, with the power of Element of Wind. But now... his mentor asked him to help him by becoming a leader and mentor, and gave up the Element of Wind. It is difficult and hard decision for him to do. Deep in his mind, Altair knows what is important and what needs to be done.

Altair turned to his mentor, said firmly, "I know what I need to do..."

Flashback Ends.

On the altar, which consist of the fireplace and staircase, Al-Mualim and Altair stood on the top, along with both Ben and Flash, stood in front of them. Their allies, friends and soldiers, were down, watching the event.

Altair moved to the front, making his speech, "My friends. I had been on Wind Assassins for 20 years since my father's retirement. But now I decided to make a decision that would change the lives of ours. I had decided to removed myself from the position as 'Holder of Element of Wind'."

Wind Assassins mumbled and chatted themselves, of what they had heard from Altair, concerning of the future. Altair had truly removed himself from his position of 'Holder of Element of Wind'? Why?

"But it does not mean that I would halt from being Wind Assassin. For generations of mine, my ancestors would have been chosen, and at the same, having two powerful weapons. And so far, I had none," Altair continued, "But yesterday. I had found someone. Not among us, but from Canterlot. Therefore, I bestow my Element to him: Flash Sentry."

Flash Sentry moved to the front. He bowed down to the mentor.

Altair stood in front of his pupil, making his chanting.

Altair chanted: Element of Harmony,
Heed my pray,
I besieged you,
I had found a worthy one,
One who shown his heart,
A Heart who never abandon Innocents,
Therefore, remove me from your power.
Bestow it on him,
One who show the true meaning of Harmony,
Successor of the Element of Wind.

Altair's body glowed in green, with his eyes closed. Phasing out from his body, the appearance of the greenish ball with three curved stripes on top of him. It circled around on his head for three times. It then swoop and strike at Flash's body hard.

Flash cringed painfully.

"Hey, you okay," Ben asked.

Giving weak smile, Flash said: "I'll live. I'll be fine. No worry."

Flash stood up straight like a stallion. Feeling energetic and spiritually, he had never felt it before in his life. He smiled, testing and trying his new power. He moved his hooves over top and bottom for few times, creating greenish wind sphere-like. He threw it in front of him. With strong current and blow, the fiery on the candles blown off. Everyone awed in amazement.

Flash chuckled in amazement, "Wow! That's so awesome! And cool!"

Ben smiled, "You said it! With that Element, we'll be cool!"

"Yeah."

Altair shook his head, in amusement, smiling, "We are not here to amuse ourselves, my friend," He said calmly, "Remember, do not treat Element as the weapon or game. Treat it with respect and humble."

Flash smiled, nodded his head, "Got it."

Al-Mualim nodded his head, "Then, it is settled. Now for the mission, Altair. End it for greater good."

Altair bowed before Al-Mualim, know what to do next.

Following both the map Altair had stolen from Sibrand and Starlight's geography knowledge, the young heroes have cross the couple of cities, villages, grassland and hills after Tirorenze, and travelling for eight days and eight nights, heading to Kouma Island, land of Japanese ponies, ruled by the Meiji Kingdom for years.

On the late evening, arriving at the land which consist of the old shadowy yet demonic temple, and its garden is much more horrified and dark land, the heroes looked concern and worry, seeing and watching it.

The ones who were involved in the expedition were Altair, Malik, June, Starlight, Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor, Ben and Flash.

"So... this is Shadow Nexus?" June asked in concern.

Starlight shook his head gently, corrected her, "No, June. That's Temple of Yami Hanzo. Going in, and then enter its portal, will lead us straight to the Shadow Nexus."

Twilight nodded her head, agreeing with her little brother, explained, "Temple of Yami Hanzo was built by the Shadow Ninjas, who were once under and led by the first yet powerful Ninja or known as Mystic Pony of Shadow: Hanzo Hattori himself. He mastered most of Shadow Magic, and even the Wind Magic."

"Not only that," Malik added, "Hanzo was also the founder his Shadow Ninjas, yet he is the found of Wind Assassins, with Altair's Great Ancestor. Together, they built and created three principles, making all of us to be not only be the killers, but freedom fighters and protectors of peace and harmony."

"Sounds amazing," Shining Armor commented, "Hanzo Hattori was the first user of both Element of Wind and Element of Shadow?"

Altair nodded his head, answered, "Indeed. The Element of Wind had been given to my ancestor when he sees great potential within him. And for many generations, it has passed down until eight days ago. I gave it to my successor."

Hearing of what Altair had said, Flash blushed with his face burned in red, "Aw come on. I didn't mean it."

"You should be proud of it, Flash," said Ben, "After all, I was like you. I don't even know why but... I'm proud to have it since my Triforce Elements chose me for great reason."

Flash smiled, knowing his best friend was right, "Yeah... I guess you're right."

June turned to Starlight, nuzzling gently on Starlight's face, making him blushed, as she commented: "I'm sure Starlight will get his Element of Shadow."

Surprise of what June had said, Starlight smiled with pride and joy, "You think so?"

June nodded her head. Both her and Starlight smiled, and had their face burn in red, making Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor smiled in approval yet amusement. Malik sighed in irritation. Ben, Flash and Altair smiled in approval.

Seeing the evening has almost fall into night, Altair turned to his allies and friends, giving order, "We should rest. By dawn, we journeyed in and get that Element of Shadow."

"Right," agreed Everyone.

In the dark and cold evening, Altair, Malik, June, Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor, Starlight, Ben and Flash have their conversation, and eating their dinner.

Starlight took a glance at his Wind Assassin Uniform, which is purple, mixed with black, smiled proudly, "I hate to admit it. This uniform fits me well. Rarity sure makes the fine and best uniform."

June smiled, nodding her head, "Indeed, it has."

"After past few days, I'm glad that Shining Armor and I can finally spent some quality time with our little brother," said Twilight Sparkle. She felt with pride and joy, sighed, "It was great."

Shining Armor nodded his head, agreeing with his little sister, said, "Too bad for Cadance, your friends, Nyx and Spike. All of us would have come and spent quality time together as both friends and family."

"Well, what can we do? Most of them got job to deal with Wind Assassins' problems. And not to mention, we're not gonna risk Nyx or Spike in this job," Ben explained. He chuckled lightly: "Besides, I would like to see Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and Phobos to do their janitor duty again."

Everyone laughed together happily, hearing of what Ben had said.

"Well, they had it coming," Malik explained sternly, "Everyone had their own part to play, and even the murderer."

Hearing of what Malik had said, Starlight groaned angrily. Malik had to say that again. How long must Malik held his grudge against him?! How long must he keep treating him like a child?! Why must he keep blaming him?! He can't stand of someone keep insulting and blaming on him! He had enough of it!

Starlight turned to Malik as he said, "You know what I sick the most? You! Why can't you see that I have change?! I am not Equestrian Eliminator! Romeo saw it. Al-Mualim, Altair, Ezio, Machiavelli and everyone in the brotherhood else too! And yet, you couldn't! You know what I think? You are such a jerk! No wonder your brother died for the creed while you talk and run like coward!"

Feeling insulted for not only himself, but his brother, angrily, Malik punched on Starlight's face hard to the ground. How dare the murderer insulted him?! Starlight fell to the ground. June quickly helped her friend up. Twilight, Shining Armor, Ben and Flash glared at Malik.

"Malik!" Altair scolded angrily.

Malik turned and argued with his leader, "It was his fault! He dared to insult me - mock me - made fun of my dead brother! That imbecile must be punished! I rather him died than giving him the chance!"

"Everyone, outsiders or members, deserve the second chance!"

"Not him! He is one of Demon Knights! He is Grimmore's spy! He cannot be trusted! Once the enemy, always the enemy. He sided with our enemy for too long! He sticks to Darkness, and never be Light."

"Malik! You don't even know about his true self. I'm sure deep of his past was truly good before he became evil. Why won't you give him the chance?!"

Malik angrily yelled, "Because he murdered my brother! Someone like him never had such thing in his life! He'd be happy that his siblings are alive while mine is dead! No one understand how I felt!"

"I do, Malik!" Angrily, Altair yelled. Malik looked shock and concern, seeing his leader's face. "I left my brother at Canterlot, with my father and my family, for safety. I can't risk them staying with me. I can't risk my son, becoming an Assassin. If that happen, the only pony I blame the most... is me... not someone."

Hearing of what Altair had said, Starlight took his leave, and headed out. Starlight couldn't bare to bring his family to share his sins and crimes in against the poor innocents and comrades.

Everyone turned and saw him headed off, and none to stop him. June sighed, galloping and heading after him. Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor, Ben and Flash glared at Malik, who looked shock, concern and regret.

"Altair... I - I do not mean to offend you," said Malik in regret.

"Do not apologize me," said Altair sternly, "It was Starlight you should apologize to - and Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor too!"

Malik turned and faced at Twilight's anger yet despair look, as she said, "You think you're the only one who suffered the loss of a brother. We were too!"

"After Spike's older brother killed him, we blamed everything to him," Shining Armor explained , "But in reality, it was Grimmore! He used our brother like a puppet. And you think we would be proud of it?! Never! I hate it! I hate somepony used my family as a weapon for their plan! And I'll kill them for it!"

Feeling shamed yet regret of what he had heard, Malik looked down, bowing before both Prince and Princess, apologized, "Forgive me, your majesty."

"Don't sorry me," Twilight and Shining Armor exclaimed angrily, "Apologize to Starlight!"

Twilight and Shining Armor looked away from Malik. Altair shook his head in shamed and disappointed. Ben and Flash looked away. Things had became more complicated than before.

Through the dark surroundings of forest, June searched and looked around in her surroundings, hoping to find her close friend, calling his name out. She then spotted the familiar character, stood on the edge of the small hill. June smiled, quickly galloped towards him. She sate between Starlight.

"Starlight," called June, making Starlight to turn to her, "Come on. Let's go back with others. Your brother and sister are worry sick for you. Don't let Malik get to you."

"No," Starlight answered, making June confuse, "Malik's right. What good am I when I did a lot of bad things?"

"Starlight..."

"June, listen. I know you had been good to me, but let's face the reality. Malik's right. I can never be on Light, always be Darkness."

"But... You don't want that? You did told me that you hate Grimmore a lot for hurting you."

"Of course, I hate him! Who else wouldn't?! He is the reason of why I became his Equestrian Eliminator! He is the reason of bringing my uncle and Explorers to death! And he is the reason of finding redemption, and restore my Shadow Magic!"

"Even so... You should be happy."

"Happy? Happy for what?"

"You finally had friends and return to your real family. The real friends than Grimmore's. They had given everything they had to save you. They had never abandon you - neither do Altair, Ezio, Machiavelli, Claudia, Al-Mualim, Twilight, Shining Armor nor me! You join the Assassin, and proven yourself for saving lives and killed our hatred enemies. You are great. If you're not on Light or Darkness, then you should be in middle..."

"Is that even possible?"

"Yes. It's called Twilight, or known as In-Between. You were born to be explorer because of what your uncle believed in, yet recreated as the assassin to kill and protect the weak. You may not realize it, but," said June. Placing her hoof on Starlight's chest, giving her sincere and hopeful smile, "You are both. Heart for love of friendship and family, and adventures, and mind for saving lives and killing enemies. If you can't choose one, why not have both?"

Starlight thought for the moment of what June had said, nodding his head, "Maybe you're right. I can't be any sides, but have both in me. Maybe that's what I am. Thanks, June."

June nuzzled on Starlight's head gently, "It's the least I can do... for my... friend..." She looked away, "Once you complete your redemption, you will leave here.

Starlight shook his head gently, nuzzling back of June's head, said: "I won't." She looked back at him, with her hopeful look. Starlight smiled, "Coz I'm not going anywhere. I'm not alone. You're with me since I first met you. But I hope you can accept me..."

June smiled gently, nuzzled on his head gently, said, "I already did, Starlight..."

Starlight and June looked at each other closely, and their faces burning in red. They grew closer and closer, letting their lips, interacting and touched gently, sincerely and passionately. They departed, looking at their eyes, with pure love and caring.

June smiled, lowered her hood at her back. Starlight did to his as well. She was about to removed her clothes out, stopped by him. He removed the shoulder plate and Hidden Blade out slowly. He then, unbutton on her Cheong San's dress. He smiled at her whitish body and face. She blushed in red, turning away from him. He put his hoof on her head, turning her back to him. He kissed on her neck passionately for two times, before kissing her lips. She kissed his lips back gently, removing his armor and robe out.

Starlight and June looked at each other, smiling with happy yet lovely and passionately looks. They both hugged together and kissing on their lips deeply for the moment. He touched her stomach gently while she touched his mane gently. They continued kissing on their lips passionately.

For the moment, Starlight and June continued kissing on the lips. He had his tongue touched on hers. She doesn't seem to mind it, licked back on his tongue. Both of them sat down and hugged tightly. Their bodies touched each other, they continued kissing on their lips gently and passionately. Starlight kissed on her neck, and nuzzled on her head while she nuzzled back and kissed on his head. Starlight held her up on his laps, and hugged her tight, nuzzling on her chest and her head's bottom. June nuzzled on his head's top. Both of them had the kiss. They fell on the soft land of greens...

Starlight kissed on June's chest, before headed to her face, kissing her lips. She giggled happily, before kissing his lips back. She nuzzled on his head and neck, before kissing on his chest. She then kissed on his lips. Starlight and June continued kissing on the lips, and their tongues interacting and licking on each other. They hugged tightly. His body moved and touched on her body gently and passionately, while she did hers to him.

From Starlight's robe and armor, Seven Guardian Rings blinked for few times, watching on the event.

Eins' voice chuckled gently, "Gotta admit. That lad got some love. I knew it when I saw his eyes, looking at hers. Way to go, lover boy."

Starlight and June continued their kissing, and nuzzling on each other's head. They gasped in tiredness, yet they smiled, laughed and giggled happily, continuing kissing on lips and touching and nuzzling each others' heads and bodies.

From the distance, hidden in the forest, Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle smiled happily.

"Starlight really did. He found special somepony," Twilight teased in amusement.

Shining Armor smiled, "Yeah... Though I didn't expect him to do it earlier now, but at least he found his love."

Twilight smiled in approval. Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle continued watching on the event. Starlight and June continued kissing on each other lips. The Shadow and Wind Assassins had indeed fallen in love.

On the next morning, Altair, Malik, Starlight, June, Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor, Ben and Flash woke up, and headed straight into the Temple of Yami Hanzo. They entered the temple. They showed their concern looks, looking at their surroundings of dark and creepy statues and shrines.

Ben approached to Twilight Sparkle, asked: "So, how's Starlight and June? Did they had their time?"

Twilight smiled, "That's right. All of us were right about Starlight."

Shining Armor smiled, "I hope Starlight enjoy his time. I wonder if he planned to stay with her. Coz if it is, then he has to stay with Wind Assassins."

Twilight looked cocnern, upon hearing of what Shining Armor had said. She wondered of what Starlight's decision will be, and wondered if she could see him soon or later. She wondered what kind of future Starlight would have.

Altair and Malik turned back, and noticed on how close Starlight and June, when they nuzzled on their necks. Altair smiled in approval while Malik looked concern and upset, knowing of what happen in the past.

While entering through the temple's out hallways, everything is quiet. Too quiet... Making most of everyone to be cautious and concern of it.

Without any warning, the wind blew on Flash's body hard and gently, making him shivered.

"DUCK," Flash cried.

Everyone quickly ducked down at once. They heard the swooping sound, passing over their heads, and it hit something on the wall. They looked up, and saw the arrows had pierced on the painting portraits. They turned and looked back. They spotted countless Demon Knights, wearing their knight's helmets, charging at their enemies.

"Demon Knights?" Flash asked.

"Somehow, they know we are here," said Starlight, in concern.

"I fear there is a traitor," said Malik, in concern. Starlight looked at him, had the feeling that Malik will blame him again. Malik shook his head, "I don't know. This time, Starlight is not the responsible. But we are close to our target!"

Altair nodded his head, turning to both Starlight and June, ordered: "You two! Proceed with the mission! The rest of us will remain and hold our enemies down."

Starlight and June nodded their heads, and headed off. Altair took his Arabian Sword out, Twilight took her Starblade, Shining Armor took his Sword, Ben took his Master Sword, Flash took Hurricane Hidden Blade and Malik used his throwing knives, preparing to face against the Demon Knights. They charged and strike against their enemies quick and hard.

Crossing and running through the hallway of Temple of Yami Hanzo, Starlight and June had reached their destination: shrine. They saw the small black falcon held the orb on its talon. They both approached it carefully.

"So this is it?" June asked in concern.

Starlight nodded his head, "This is it. You're ready?"

June nodded her head gently. Starlight touched the orb. It glowed in pure blackness, creating mist in front of both Starlight and June, making them coughed out loud painfully. The mist covered both of them while continued coughing out loud painfully.

The silent had come. The mist dispersed, revealing nothing. Both Starlight and June are no where to be found.

On the land that was covered by a dark bog and its ground of dirt is blacken, and even the trees. Neon dark-light pulses are seen, with the unusual feeling of being trapped in a dark spooky forest where monsters may come out, but those are only rumors. For this place had a name; it was known as Shadow Nexus, a regional spot that was both dangerous and mysterious for many reasons, but there was one thing it held that drew in creatures: to learn the ways of Shadow Magic. And outside the bog it's self, Starlight and June were unconscious on the ground. They both slowly woke up, and saw the mysterious land.

June gasped in concern, turning to Starlight with her concern look, "Is this it?"

Starlight nodded his head, explained seriously: "Yes. Shadow Nexus, the original place where many have come seeking to use Shadow Magic. But only fewer have ever managed to come out."

June gulped in concern, "I wonder how Hanzo survived this."

"Lady, trust me, they don't call Hanzo the Master of Shadows nothing. It’s said his element had resigns here, and none have managed to claim it, for it only chooses the worthy that understands the 'truth' about shadows." Eins' voice spoke up, making June yelped. "You think you can even obtain it, Starlight?"

"It's too dangerous, Starlight," said June in concern, "Al-Mualim made a mistake."

"No, June. I have to do this. Ever since my second demise & rebirth, I've felt... out of touch?" Starlight responded in serious tone, "The Shadow Magic I once had, it had slipped off. Now, I can only perform so little of it."

"Si. Starlight did use all of power in that last attack when he was reborn. Perhaps he hadn't gotten over it yet?" Eins said.

Starlight sighed, "Despite that, the only Shadow Weapon I carry with is my Shadow Magic Gun," He took an advance yet modernized gun that can unleash powerful yet quick shadow projectiles of energy. He sighed again, "This weapon... I'm not sure if I can save lives. Not only that, I had my Wind Assassin's Sword and Hidden Blade. Would that be enough?"

June nuzzled gently on Starlight's head, "You had me, and you had Eins and your Guardians?"

"She's right! Are you saying we're useless?!" Eins demanded angrily.

Starlight shook his head gently, "I'm sorry, guys. I'm just blaming myself. This has nothing to do with your assistance."

"Well, okay... But the last time you came close in obtaining the element than anyone else, but then you'd never found out if you were worthy." Eins asked in concern.

"Is because of Grimmore?" June asked in concern.

Starlight nodded his head, "Yeah, it could be. Because of him, his power got mix with me, and I became Equestrian Eliminator." He sighed. "If possible... this place... was true test for me to begin with... other than Shadow Ghoul's trial from the End of Equestria. For now, need to go in ahead and find if I can get my skills back."

June held Starlight's hoof, making him to look at her, "You won't be alone, because I'll be with you."

Starlight smiled, "Thanks, June. I guess you are the only Assassin to stood beside with me."

"Hugh, don't forget about us, Loverboy. If you two lover birds need a quick escape, don't be afraid to call on us. Good Luck, my friends," Eins' voice said from the ring.

Starlight smiled, turning to June, asking her: "Ready?" June nodded her head firmly. Starlight kissed on her lips gently and passionately, she kissed back. He smiled, "Don't be afraid."

June smiled, "I'm not afraid."

With that, Starlight and June headed towards the shadow bog before both are seen vanishing from sight.

Now Starlight must journey through the dark bog, he overcame it as the Equestrian Eliminator, to pass again as Starlight Sparkle. This time... he has no protection by the mighty Demon God he served under. Only June, standing beside with him. For this will be a trial for Starlight...