Chapters Chapter 1: The Fog City
"Oi! Spits, he's down over there!" Fleetfoot called to me.
"I see 'em!"
Fleetfoot took one side of the street and I the other. We used the natural fog of Cloudsdale to conceal our movements on the rooftops. Our prey, Sir Clover, was a banker of the Rimpanis Family. That Olden Family was well-known for their ties with the Templar. He had been giving secret loans to the Order and it was about time he was stopped. Who else to assassinate him than the best of the best? That was what we Wonderbolts were, the best Assassins one will ever find in the Equestria Empire.
I watched the banker closely. The breath from my mouth could be seen in the winter air and slightly obscured my vision. I could hear his footsteps as they hit the cold stone road. Fleetfoot hopped onto a ruined column, one of many that dotted the ancient city. Sir Clover stopped his walking and was chatting with a scrawny man right below us. We leaned in from where we perched and listened.
"Is that really necessary, Sir Clover?" The man asked him.
"Of course it is! The Assassins are ever-present here. The Rimpanis Family can't allow another robbery." The banker yelled.
"Right away, Sire!" The man turned and ran off.
"Are we ready?" I asked Fleetfoot from across the street.
"Hmmm....Yeah."
I popped my neck and thoroughly stretched my arms and legs. The banker was closer to me than her, so I was going to make the jump. My prey still stood there, not knowing what was about to eat him. I extended my hidden blade and jump off the roof.
My body rushed through the thin fog. My hood flapped against the wind. The feeling was good, no, it was spectacular. My prey looked up and saw me, but I didn't worry. It was too late for him. I collided with him and my blade ran deep into his heart. I smiled and pulled my weapon out of his chest. As I began to strut away, his meek voice called to me.
"You bloody Assassins! When shall this end? When shall all......all this bloodshed end!?"
I chuckled. "When there is no more scum like you."
With that, I left him. The common folk screamed as they found his corpse staining the clean road. Fleetfoot jumped off a roof and joined me. We were two hooded figures in blue and yellow Assassin robes, simply enjoying the cold day. Our objective was done, brutal and harsh it may be, but it was necessary for our cause. So I did not give it much thought. Fleetfoot and I strolled through the city, passing many merchants and craftsmen. Cloudsdale had always been the trade center in the west. This was due to it being the first city in Equestria and the first capital of the Empire.
We continued our walk back to the North District Den. On the way, we passed the First Cloudsdalian. This was a large marble statue of Commander Hurricane, or Praefectus Huricanus in Cloudsdalian. The statue depicted the warrior with an outstretched arm, pointing his Neptune, his sword to the east. His shield had the image of a pegasus soaring through the air. His armor covered every corner of his body. Large feathery wings spread out from his back. Underneath his feet were the remains of those he conquered. Skulls and bones covered the base of the statue. I walked by and admired the work of art, as I had done countless times before. The exaggeration in his muscles and the addition of wings made it slightly comical, but the underlying message was clear. He came, he conquered, and he established a sophisticated society in place of the barbaric tribes that inhabited Equestria before him. Truly one to be admired.
"Finally we got here." Fleetfoot complained.
"Sometimes it's good to take your time." I told her.
We entered the North District Den. A place well-hidden from Templar eyes. Like all Dens, it appeared to be a simple home from the outside, but once inside, it is much more. Cloudsdalian Dens were mostly underground. Each Den possessed a Den Master's quarters, a Bearer's quarters, a lounge, a kitchen, a storage room, Assassin quarters, and a training room. Since I was not Den Master, so I slept with all the other Brothers in the simple Assassin quarters. Fleetfoot headed that way while I felt that my arrival must be announced.
"Salvete! I'm back!"
"Ah good. Did the mission go well?" Soarin asked as he exited the Bearer's quarters.
"Yes. Uhh....Why were you in there?"
"Come along then. The Bearer of Kindness is here."
The Bearer of Kindness? Why was she here. We hadn't had a Bearer in our Den for some time. I followed Soarin into the Bearer's quarters. The room was only illuminated by the windows. A tall woman in simple light green robes stood silently and gazed out of the windows. Her hair was long and pink. I had seen the Bearer of Kindness before, so I knew this was her. She was not alone, as a man in Den Master robes hung over a large table and inspected the documents that were sprawled over it. When I entered, he saw me.
"Ah, salve Spitfire, good to see you."
I bowed. "It's good to see you too, Den Master."
The Bearer turned around. Her eyes were a bright green and they did not seem happy. She gave me and Soarin a meek smile and waved a gloved hand and us. She did not say anything.
The Den Master spoke up. "Since you just arrived, I'll inform you of our plans. There is a Templar from Saddle Arabia here in Cloudsdale. He has been dealing with some of the Olden Families. We believe that is giving them oil to raise money for Templar efforts. Those bastards in the Order have caused enough trouble in this city, we must silence this Arabian."
"Do not worry Den Master. I shall take care of it." I told him.
The Den Master smiled. "Hmph. Good to see you active Spitfire. I'll leave it to you. He was last spotted in the East District."
"Be quick with it. He does not need to suffer in death." The Bearer ordered me in a soft voice.
I bowed and exited the Bearer's quarters. I did not like being idle, so another contract was fine with me. Soarin followed me out of the room. When we were at the door, he smiled at me.
"Ya know, you still don't have your own weapon." He said as he tapped his mace.
I rolled my eyes at this. We Wonderbolts made the tradition to carry and wield a weapon we took off of a Templar we killed. Soarin had his large mace from a Templar soldier and Fleetfoot had her two cutlasses from a Templar bandit. I, however, had none. I shrugged and looked up at him.
"Maybe there hasn't been a weapon good enough for me." I smirked.
"Oh Spits, you can't fight everything with jus' your hidden blade. Promise me you'll get one soon?"
"Alright. I promise."
"Bene. "
He patted my shoulder and walked off to the lounge. Soarin had always worried for me. Ever since we joined the Brotherhood, he had been this way. I guessed it was good for me, as I had always been one to get into trouble. I opened the door and went back out to the cold and foggy city.
The ruins of ancient Clousdale loomed over the modern stone buildings that rebuilt the city. The constant change between the past and the present made Cloudsdale so unique. I was honored to have this city be my home. The plazas, the people, and the structures all made me feel alive. This city was in a constant fog as it sat on the mountains, but the overcast never bothered Cloudsdalians. Cloudsdalians did not care for luxury or tolerable weather like Canterlotians. We were a resilient people and have survived many dangers, just like our city.
The East District was on the Low Hills. The Low Hills were the base of Cloudsdale. The Fog City had many levels to it as it was built on the side and on top of a mountain. The Low Hills were where most trade happened since travelers hardly ever climbed the roads to higher levels. So, I made my way through the city by the rooftops and ziplines. Landing on an ancient temple and then running across a newly built home. From the rooftops, it was seamless travel, except for the few drops one had to perform to get to lower levels.
I finally reached the Low Hills. The Cloudsdale East Gate was in the distant fog. The fog was worst in the East District, as it was by far the lowest point in the city. However, this did not deter me. I had my target and I had been in this situation many times before. I made my way through the crowds, eyeing every single suspicious movement. The man coughing uncontrollably, the woman slapping her fiancee across the face. Nothing got by me. My search continued as I did not see an Arabian anywhere.
"Hey Spits! What're doing?" I heard a voice behind me.
I spun around and saw a familiar face. The woman before me was short and wore thick light gray Assassin robes. Her hair was some sort of light blue and her eyes were lavender. She smiled at me with white teeth. I chuckled and waved to her. "Ah! Salve Flitter! What brings you down here?"
"Oh the usual. I've been chasing down some of Lightning Dust's goons. That Templar never gives up."
"Should have known. Well, I have an Arabian to track down. Man's with the Order."
"An Arabian? I saw one of them up the road. Creepy fellow, armed, and with bodyguards too."
"Hmm. Bene . I'll find him. Gratias ."
She bowed. "Quaesitionem nullam ."
I headed in the direction she pointed. Flitter was an Assassin of the East District Den. She and her twin sister, Cloud Chaser, had been amazing agents of the Brotherhood ever since they joined. Their fighting skills and their spectacular agility had made them rise in Assassins rank fast. I still outranked them, being a Fourth Rank Assassin, and them being both Third Ranks. However, my mind was not on Assassin ranks, but the Arabian Templar. If I hurried, I could make it for supper at the Den.
The air became colder as the sun fell in the west. I still had not found my Arabian. People were still out in the chilly air, chugging ale and cider. Nothing out of the ordinary. I looked this way and that. The Templar was still out of sight. I decided to search the area from above, so I climbed onto a roof. I was becoming impatient and began to pace atop the old building I was on.
There he was! Finally, I spotted an Arabian with two armored guards with him. The guards were in Arabian armor and wielded scimitars just like the Templar. I silently approached them from above. The Arabian was busy talking with a merchant. This was my chance, but I couldn't simply jump on the Arabian. The guards were next to him and would surely stab me while I attacked their employer. Since I was not a Den Master or a Bearer, I only had one hidden blade, so I could not take the guards out simultaneously. I hopped down from the roof and slowly walked up to the guards. They had their backs to me and faced the Templar. When I was close enough, I stabbed a guard in the back with my blade and grabbed his scimitar from its sheath.
"Hey!" The other guard screamed.
He drew his saber and swung at me. I dunked under his blade and strafed around him. I took a step back and laughed.
"That's the best you can do?" I taunted.
"Argh!" The guard swung at me again.
I sidestepped and then sliced into his armor. The guard grunted in pain. I withdrew my sword and finished the guard with clean decapitation. My attention shifted to the Templar. He stood there with his scimitar raised at me. He was clearly not intimidated by my skill. I raised my sword and we began to circle around.
"Not afraid, are you?" I asked.
"I'm never afraid of killers like you." He spat.
"So be it."
I charged him. The Templar deflected my attack and retaliated. I jumped back just in time. The Arabian was quick. We had a crowd around us by now. Most of the spectators were drunk and cheered loudly at us. I attacked again. He jumped away from my sword and returned with a punch to my face. The hit left me stunned. He took advantage and swung his blade to end me. I crouched and then lunged at him with my hidden blade. I had successfully missed his attack and stabbed him in the torso. I then ran him into the ground and stood over him. He coughed up blood as he bled in the plaza.
"It can't end like this...." He panted.
"It's the proper end for every Templar."
He looked at me. "Templar? What is a Templar?"
I was taken aback. "It is what you are." I said this with uncertainty.
His head fell back. "I am no Templar. I am a tradesman."
"Ha, tradesmen do not have bodyguards."
"No, but Arabians do. Cloudsdale is not fond of my people."
"You are going to die; you might as well admit you are a Templar."
"My people do not lie. I am no Templar; I do not even know what that is."
I began to stammer. "The....Then this.....this is a mistake..."
His eyes widened. "Mistake? Could you leave my death any worse? I was not your target?"
"No.....Yes? You are an Arabian, and one that deals with oil right?" Fear gripped at my heart.
"Yes, my......my dealings were......with the Families."
"You were my target......But you're not my enemy....."
He did not reply as the life left his eyes. I was unconvinced. He had to be a Templar. I began to search his corpse for any signs or symbols that would indicate such a thing. I found none. This man was innocent. I had killed an innocent man. This was crime in the Brotherhood that was not forgivable. Should I tell them? How could I? They would punish me if they knew what I had done. Wait, they were the ones that told me to do it. Did they make a mistake? My head began to sweat as contemplated all this. I stopped and took a deep breath. I then leaned over the Arabian and closed his eyes, saying the traditional Cloudsdalian goodbye.
"Requiescat in pace "
I grabbed his sword. I needed a way to remember my mistake since I would not tell the others. I took his sheath and tied it around my waist. I then placed his scimitar comfortably in its sheath. This was going to my weapon. I would wield it against my true foes. Never shall I make such a mistake again. This poor Arabian man, who I did not even know the name of, died at my hands due to a costly error. This was not Honor. I must regain it somehow.
~
Chapter 2: Deciding Words
Chapter 2: Deciding Words
The days passed slowly after the Arabian's death. I had gotten use to the scimitar's oddly-shaped blade. The sword was balanced and well-forged. Though I did not keep it to admire, but to remember. I had been rather solemn the days after my mistake. Soarin took notice of this quickly and had been badgering me constantly about it.
"C'mon Spits, what's the deal?" He asked me while we ate in the lounge.
"What's it to you." I replied.
"You've been like this for weeks, and the time isn't for solemnity. Hearth's Warming is coming up."
I blinked at this. "Really? Hmph, it seemed like winter just started yesterday."
Our attention turned to Fleetfoot when she walked down the stairs. We could tell she had been out all morning. Her cheeks were red and she shivered slightly. She silently joined us at our short table. I raised a brow at her to show my confusion at her silence. She noticed and shrugged.
"Been a rough morning. It's almost unbearable out in that cold."
"How is the city doing?" I asked.
"Everyone's out and decorating their homes with lanterns for Hearth's Warming. Other than that, I didn't see anything unusual." Fleetfoot replied.
Soarin smiled. "City's been low on Templar activity since Spits took out the Arabian. Maybe they got the message."
Fleetfoot giggled in agreement. I simply nodded. Templar activity had been low, so low that most of the Assassins had been stuck up in the Den. My friends and I had only been on some scouting missions. The Bearer kept telling us to be vigilant, so we did. It was repetitive and boring, but I knew it was important.
I stood up and stretched. The short tables and chairs easily made my muscles tight. Fleetfoot and Soarin continued to chat while I walked up the stairs. I wanted to visit my quarters, but as I walked through the hallway, the Den Master called to me.
"Vos. Yeah you, Spitfire, come in the Bearer's quarters."
I heard him call to me and turned to the Bearer's quarters. When I entered, I saw him leaning on a wall beside the large table and the Bearer standing on the other side. He coughed and hacked. The Den Master had been sick the past few days. The Bearer of Kindness looked at me and gestured at the table.
"Cloud Chaser just came by and told us that Empress Celestia is coming here for Hearth's Warming." The Bearer informed me.
I shrugged. "Bene? Alright, she visits plenty, what does it have to do with us?"
The Den Master spoke up. "The Templar are not fond of the Two Sisters. Her Highness is going to attend a play on Hearth's Warminng Eve at the Cloudsdalian Theatrum. Security is always 'laxed on such occasions. It's a perfect time for the Order to make their move against her."
The Bearer nodded in agreement. "We need our own presence to be in the theater. Empress Celestia is very important to our cause. So we must keep her alive. Since the Den Master has not been completely well and that you are the best in this Den after him, I have decided that you shall protect her. Don't worry; I am also accompanying you on this mission."
The Bearer accompanying me? I inspected her for a moment. She was tall, but extremely thin and rather flimsy. She did not appear to be a fighter in any way. The Bearer of Kindness was known to be skilled in archery, but I had never seen her even carry a bow. I gazed at her skeptically. She took notice and blushed out of her shyness. The Den Master shook his head and pointed at me.
"You better keep her safe Spitfire. The Empress and the Bearer both." He stopped to cough. "Ugh, this illness won't go away! Watch out for the Templar, they can hide just as well as we can."
I bowed in acknowledgment. The Bearer and the Den Master returned the bow. This was the sign that I was dismissed and I left them. I had never cared much about the Two Sisters. They were always held up in the capital. Empress Celestia and Luna seemed too formal and quiet to be the leaders of this Empire. I often imagined emperors being similar to Commander Hurricane and his heroic conquests, and not the Sisters' reserved diplomacy. While thinking about this, I headed towards my quarters to get some item I had forgotten about.
"Why don't we take to the roofs, Bearer?" I asked the Bearer of Kindness.
"We...I mean I prefer the simple approach. Besides, we need to look like true guests." The Bearer replied.
I grumbled in response. The cold night of Hearth's Warming Eve had only just begun. Crowds of nobles and rich merchants stood in front of us, waiting in line to get inside. I suspected that most of these nobles were here only because of Celestia. I sighed as I remembered that that was my reason for attending as well. I leaned back and gazed at the theater. The Cloudsdalian Theatrum was one of the largest buildings in the Fog City. It was built ages ago as a roofless amphitheater and was completed a century later. I did not know why it took so long to build a roof over the place, but I also didn't care. The building was marvelous and grand. I wished I was more excited to be entering it.
It took us a while to finally get inside, but when we did; my interest in the theater grew. The inside was newly remodeled with balconies and red carpet. I had never seen anything like it before. The old stone seats were replaced with cushioned rows. Chandeliers hung from the high ceiling. The nobles and merchants only added to the sight.
The Bearer and I made our way through the chatting crowd. I felt her nudge me. I looked over to her to see that her hood was down. She gestured at me to do the same. I complied and then ran a hand through my fiery orange hair. Once we passed the crowd, we found our seats and sat down. The play had not started and I could only see a large curtain on the stage.
"Never actually been to one of these." I said.
"Vere? I've been to some, though I had to sneak in to watch." The Bearer told me.
"Heh, that must have been fun."
"Not if they throw you out."
People began to fill the theater seats. The play must be starting soon, I thought. As the crowds found their seats, a man walked up on stage and addressed the audience in a strong voice.
"Ladies and gentleman! It is our honor to inform you that the Sister of Equestria, Empress Celestia, has blessed us with her presence tonight. Let us give her a warm welcome to Cloudsdale!" The man pointed up to a balcony where the Empress waved at us.
The theater erupted in applause. The Bearer and I only clapped lightly as our eyes inspected the theater. We were looking around for any unusual activity. The Empress had arrived and was in the secluded balcony. It was time for any Templar moves against her to commence. I became frustrated as everything and everyone seemed normal. The Bearer took notice and tapped me on the shoulder.
"I'll watch from down here. You go and see how close you can get to the Empress. Uhh....Don't climb up there, you'll be seen. You should act normal, well....if you want to."
I stood up and began to make my way out of the theater's main room. I had to pass by many nobles through the tight rows. Their indignant grunts told me how displeased they were at my walking in front of them. The play hadn't even started yet, so I could not fully understand their complaints. Once I was out of the row, I walked to the entryway where there were steps that led to the balcony. The entryway was empty except for a few chatting nobles and some servants. I walked up the steps. I was surprised I did not need some sort of pass to walk up there. The top of the steps led into a long hallway. One side only had the theater wall way the other was divided into many small balconies. The Empress was at the furthest balcony, so I had a ways to go.
The sudden sound of trumpets startled me as I walked down the long hall. The play had started. I turned and entered one of the balcony rooms to see the play. I knew I was sidetracked, but curiosity was the better of me at the moment. On the stage was a short man addressing the audience. He was obviously the narrator. His voice boomed throughout the halls.
"Twas long before the 1st Imperial Era, when Equestria was a land of chaos and disorder. Our ancestors were in the Frozen Lands, fighting the Windigo hordes. The Windigoes engulfed the Lands in an eternal winter. This made the Three Tribes lose crops and food, creating a large famine. The Three Leaders: Commander Hurricane, Chancellor Puddinghead, and Princess Platinum formed an alliance and fought back in a hopeless endeavor to rid themselves of the hordes. Now, they must plan their next moves."
The narrator walked off the stage as the curtains lifted. My mind remembered by mission and I walked away from the balcony. The voices of the actors and actresses could be heard as I made my way to the Empress. I cursed when I saw two Royal Guards standing in my way. Their bright golden armor and tall blue crests contrasted with the theater's primarily red color. As I approached they halted me.
"Sorry M'lady, but no one unauthorized can cross this point." One told me.
I didn't say anything to them. They were doing their job and I was not going to interrupt them. I was about to leave when a lean woman came out of the Empress's room and walked pass the Guards. She had curly red and yellow hair. The woman did not notice me as she was reading a book when she passed. When she was next to me, I saw the flash of the Templar cross on her necklace. This made me jump internally. A Templar was just in the room with the Empress? I felt an impulse to follow the Templar. I could still see the woman walking down the hall. I quickened my step and followed her silently.
When she was at the end of the hall, she lifted her eyes from her book and looked back. I had no place to hide from her view and simply stood in the middle of the hallway. She deadpanned at me. The Templar closed her book and walked over to me, her face was most disapproving. I was confused by her behavior. Most Templar would simply run at the sight of me, she was doing the opposite.
"What is an Assassin doing here?" She asked me.
"I should be asking you that." I replied.
"Me? I am here for the play. Assassins do not partake in such formal activities. You are here for something else."
I remained silent and stared at her. She sighed.
"Not much for talk? Fine. There is a balcony right there, let's watch the play."
I blinked at this. This Templar was inviting me to watch with her. I hesitated. I could not trust her, but I was not going to kill her either. She was unarmed and her fearless demeanor made me curious. I saw her beckon me into the room. I mentally shrugged and entered the balcony room.
The seats were taken already. The Templar walked over to the rich couple that were watching the play and got their attention. She cleared her throat and addressed them in a polite manner.
"Would you two let us sit here alone? We wish to have a private conversation here." She asked them.
The man laughed. "Find your own seats."
The Templar looked back at me. "Assassin, make them move."
"I don't take orders from you."
"Then hide for now. Guards!" The Templar yelled.
The sound of metal footsteps could be heard from the hall. Suddenly, a Royal Guard entered our room. I hid in a dark corner to avoid his eyes. The Guard bowed at the Templar.
"Yes, Lady Shimmer?" He asked.
"Guard, remove these two."
"As you wish."
The Royal Guard grabbed the couple and threw them out of the room. The Guard bowed and left. The Templar chuckled and took a seat. I was intimidated by her power. A Templar that could order Royal Guards? Who was she? I moved from my corner and took the other seat. The Templar was rather pleased with this.
"What could be better? Two enemies enjoying a classic together." She mused.
"Who are you?"
"I am Empress Celestia's student, Sunset Shimmer. Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"
"Spitfire."
"Hmm. Matches your hair. Well, Spitfire, I am glad we have met."
"Ha. I can tell a lie too."
"No, it's true. You're an Assassin that didn't gut me at first glance. Usually they fling knives and arrows at me for just wearing my necklace."
"I must say, I was tempted to do so."
"Oh I'm sure. You are trained that way. Trained to be a killing machine."
"You Templar are killing machines also."
"No we aren't. Those that we dispose of are done carefully. We do not want to ever kill someone that may be of use. Assassins just kill anyone they can."
"Those that we kill don't deserve to live." I was becoming annoyed by the Templar's arguments.
"That is what you may think, but I see differently. The Brotherhood is afraid of them, of us. You want power all to yourself and are afraid that others may take it from you. Then you brand the killing to a political crusade, justifying your actions."
"We do not seek power. We want to establish Harmony and Freedom."
"Two words for Chaos. The Brotherhood abhors Chaos just as much as the Order. Yet, the Assassins seek it. Freedom always dissolves into anarchy and Harmony is a false goal for humanity."
"Harmony is the only way we can progress our society."
Sunset shook her head. "Harmony can never be achieved due to man's inherent greed and mistrust. You Assassins only prove such things."
"Did you invite me just to insult my Brotherhood?"
"Oh no. I merely wanted to chat. I admit that the Assassins intrigue me greatly. But I must also defend the Order. For the Order has been doing this for quite some time. There are even historic figures that were Templar."
"Oh yeah? Name one that didn't end up beheaded by his subjects."
She gestured at the stage. "Commander Hurricane."
"He wasn't a Templar...." I began.
"Yes he was. One of the first after Shadow King Sombra's demise. Hurricane remolded Sombra's ideas into the ones that the Order uses today. He used Absolute Order to conquer the barbaric lands. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't have this Empire."
I didn't want to believe it, but it was reasonable. Hurricane was known for his iron rule. But he did so much good for the people, for his subjects, that he did not seem capable of dealing with Absolute Order. I leaned back in my chair. The actors on stage said their lines with passion, but I did not heed them. Sunset Shimmer looked at me for a response. I opened my mouth and was about to speak when I was interrupted.
"There ya are, Lady Shimmer. I've been waitin' for ya downstairs this whole ti...."
I turned to see a woman in crimson armor. She had short dark golden hair and golden eyes. She stared at me with shock. She then pulled out her sword and pointed it at me. I recognized this woman as Lightning Dust, a Templar Captain. I drew my blade and we entered a standoff. Sunset stood up and crossed her arms.
"Captain Lightning Dust! Stay your blade."
"Lady Shimmer, she'll kill ya."
"No she won't. Sheath your sword."
Lightning Dust grunted in disapproval and sheathed her blade. She then crossed her arms, keeping her eyes on me. I kept my blade in my hand and stayed standing. Lady Shimmer placed her head in her palm. She lifted her head back up with a sigh and glanced at me.
"Well, Spitfire, I guess our conversation is over. I will be in Cloudsdale a few more days, at the Cloudsdale Palace. If you wish to chat, procedo . I shall be expecting you either way."
She performed a short bow and walked out of the room. Her captain continued to watch me. Finally, she exited the room, leaving me on an empty balcony. I looked down at me hand. I was still holding the Arabian's scimitar. I sighed and sheathed it. I turned around and threw myself over the balcony. I landed on the floor below. It was only about a four meter drop, so I was perfectly fine.
The play was still going on, but I had lost interest in it. I headed out of the auditorium. Before I was at the large exit, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I jumped back and turned around. The Bearer looked at me with equal fright. She then took a deep breath and calmed down. I cocked my head at her.
"How's the Empress, Spitfire?" She asked in her soft voice.
"Uhh...Fine. There were no threats to her."
"Bene ."
I silently turned and walked out of the auditorium. The Bearer quickened her step to stay with me. As I made my way through the remnants of the people in the entryway, my eyes caught the red and yellow hair of the Templar woman. I focused my eyes on her. She was talking with Lightning Dust. Sunset Shimmer glanced at me and lifted a glass of wine.
"Is something wrong Spitfire?" The Bearer asked me.
"What? No, everything's fine." I replied quickly and exited the theater.
The night was cold and windy, but I didn't feel it. My thoughts were on the woman. Something about her was sophisticated and delicate. She was not like most Templar agents I had met. She was not brutal or even harsh. I sighed loudly as I pondered this. The Bearer followed silently behind me. The lanterns that stretched over every street reminded me of what holiday tomorrow was. Hm, I ought to enjoy it. I made a mental note not to be so solemn to Soarin or Fleetfoot the next day. I would hate to spoil their cheer.
~
"Haha! Great dodge Spits, but I'll get you!" Soarin yelled.
I ducked behind a well. Snowballs flew through the air as Cloudsdalians fought in the streets. It all started with a few boys throwing snowballs at random folk, but then grew into a seemingly district wide battle. Soarin and Fleetfoot couldn't pass such an opportunity and joined in the merry fight. I found myself on the other team, fighting two Assassins. This was an unfair advantage that I called them out on, but my words did not reach them. A snowball flew right over my head and struck a young boy squarely in the chest. The force knocked him over. That had to be one of Soarin's snowballs, I thought. Two boys ducked behind the well next to me. One was much older than the other. The older had light blue hair and the younger had dark gray hair.
"I don't think we can make it." The older said.
"C'mon Brotha! We can't let them win!" The younger urged.
The older brother looked at me. "Any ideas?"
I peeked over the well. The battle had settled into two sides simply chucking snowballs at each other. There was a no-man's-land between the fighters. I inspected the area to see all the points of cover. There was a group of barrels to the right and ahead of that was merchant's stand. I ducked my head again and faced the two boys.
"Alright, here's the plan. Gather up as much ammo as you can. We'll head over to the barrels. We'll flank 'em."
"Sounds good." The brothers said in unison.
I made my way to the barrels. My allies were falling under the cold and slushy assault. I soon reached the barrels. I saw Soarin and Fleetfoot making more snowballs. Good, they hadn't noticed me. The two boys followed. We then headed over to the stand and took cover again.
"What're you doin' Spits?" A voice uttered from above me.
I looked up to see an Assassin woman perched on a beam and looking down at me. Her hood was down, so her wild light blue hair instantly gave her away. It was Flitter's twin sister, Cloud Chaser. I lifted a finger to my lips, telling her to be silent. She rolled her eyes and hopped down.
"Are you really in a snowball fight?" She asked.
"Yeah. Soarin and Fleetfoot wanted one. I'm trying to flank 'em."
"Pfft. Well then, I better get on the winning side."
"Thanks Chaser, well get them good."
"What? I didn't mean you. I'm goin' to Soarin's team."
"Damno! Fine, get over there before I pelt you."
Cloud Chaser ran off. I looked at the boys. They had a pile of snowballs waiting to be launched at the supposed enemy. I peeked around the stand and found my targets. All three Assassins were close to each other, pelting their foes with anything they could throw.
"Alright boys, here's our chance." I told them.
"Uhh, m'lady, you don't need to call us boys." The older responded. "I'm Thunderlane and this is my brother, Rumble."
"Nice to meet ya. I'm Spitfire. Now let's do this."
We grabbed some snowballs and ambushed the other Wonderbolts. I hit Soarin in the face, causing him to fall over. The brothers pelted Fleetfoot until she ran for cover. Cloud Chaser began to run away. A strong urge built up in me. I jumped from my cover and chased after her.
Cloud Chaser kept running. I was nimble enough to get through the crowds of snowball fighters. Chaser took to the roofs and I followed. She looked over her shoulder. I could see her confused expression. Chaser shrugged and ran faster. I increased my speed as well.
Over that! Swing on that! Go get her! I chased her with all my might. Chaser was one of the best at parkour. She easily outran me. I had to try my next trick. I had to predict where she was going to go. I saw her turn and run to the south. Up ahead was a plaza. She couldn't jump over such an area. I swung down onto the street. I was going to meet on in the plaza.
She continued to run on the roofs while I made my way through Cloudsdalians. She was headed my way. I jumped over a merchant's stand and readied myself. Chaser hopped down and sprinted to the other side. I ran at her in an angle. I soon collided with her. She fell as I tackled her. I extended my wrist blade and held it to her as she lay in the snow. Her eyes widened.
"Alright, alright. Ya got me. Take it easy will ya?"
"Oh, sorry Chaser."
I retracted my blade and stood up. I then offered her a hand. She accepted and I pulled her up. People stood around us watching uneasily. I patted Chaser on the shoulder.
"Ha, that's what you get when you pick the losing team." I told her.
"Ha, maybe. I didn't think you could catch me though."
"Me neither."
We laughed heartily at this. Chaser then stretched and departed in the fog. I was left alone. I looked down at my hands. What caused them to extend my blade? The Assassin felt like prey to me, like a Templar. I must have been just angry. Yeah, she rejected my team and that made me angry. I had to work on controlling my emotions then. I could have hurt her.
I turned to the north. In front of me was the entrance to the Cloudsdale Palace. Lady Shimmer was in there. The images of the Templar woman filled my mind. I then slapped myself. Was I really thinking about accepting her offer? It probably was a trap. She would have Lightning Dust gut me when I reached her. The place was right there. It wouldn't hurt to visit. Maybe she could tell me more on Commander Hurricane? I tried to resist the temptation, but fell to it. I sighed and walked over to a wall. I was not going to enter through the front door. I had to climb.
"A blizzard? Now? Damno, just my luck." I complained.
The wind raged around me as I scaled the Palace. I was about halfway to the top. I looked up. Above me was a large balcony that extended itself out of the wall. That was where I was heading. I thought the place would be a good shelter to wait out the storm. I pulled myself up. It was still far off. My hands were getting cold. I had to reach it quickly.
This made me climb harder and faster. My arms began to ache with the strain. I finally reached the bottom of the balcony. I pulled my legs up and began to climb out of the Palace at an odd angle. The wind blew my hood off and the icy air reached my cheeks. After some painful reaches and pulls, I threw myself over the balcony's railing.
"I guess you accepted my invitation."
"What?"
I looked up to see Sunset Shimmer standing by the balcony's door. She was dressed in a warm fur coat. She gestured me to some inside. I scrambled to my feet and walked over to her. She opened the door and I walked in.
My body was relieved as it felt the warm fire in the hearth. The Templar woman removed her coat and threw it on a small table. She then picked up a cup of hot tea, walked over to a chair, and sat down. I looked around the room. The room was spacious and well decorated. The bed had four tall posts in every corner. The posts had carvings of flying pegasi swirling through the wood. Beside her large bed was a massive mirror. On the sides of the mirror were elaborate wings the stretched to the ceiling. It was just as one would imagine of the Cloudsdale Palace. After I awed at this, I sat down in a chair beside the Templar.
"Good to see you again, Spitfire."
"Uhh...Yeah."
"Not accustomed to speaking with a Templar yet? Well, nil admirari ."
"You speak latin?" I asked.
"I'm still learning. I find the Cloudsdalian scholars much more fascinating than those of Canterlot. So I study this city's language."
"Hmph. Most prefer Canterlot's fineness and etiquette over Cloudsdale's simplicity."
Sunset shook her head. "Cloudsdale is anything but simplistic. The architecture, the people, the history, it all fills this city with a complexity like no other."
"I can tell you are enjoying your visit here"
"Oh yes. Empress Celestia offered me to come with her. It was my dream to visit Cloudsdale. I could not refuse."
"Ha, it's good to see a Templar and Assassin agreeing on Cloudsdale." I said this with jest but Sunset cocked her head at me.
"Then it's also a shame that the city is in its current state. It deserves better."
"Hmph. What would you do with the city?"
"Me? Well, the Templar would first establish Order among the streets. Remove any threats to the common people. Set up a police force, instead of the usual mercenaries. Then we would lessen the influence of the Olden Families. We do not trust them to make the right decisions. Through that, we will finally give this city the peace it deserves. What would the Assassins do?"
I hesitated. "Well....We would take out the Templar and...and establish Harmony among the people. We would give them the needs to rule themselves and not under the Olden Families' thumbs. Peace through Harmony. Peace through Freedom."
Lady Shimmer raised a brow. "Is that what you are trained to say?"
"What? No."
"Is that what your Brotherhood would do or is it what you will do?
"The Brotherhood and I have the same end goals."
"I don't believe that. Your Creed is that of freewill, it would seem normal for different endgames. What is your endgame, Spitfire?"
I gulped and looked away. I was not sure how I would answer her question. What was it that drove me? It was Honor and it was my city, I knew that. But would she understand? I sighed and faced her again. She gave me a warm smile as she drank her tea. I turned my gaze to the fire in front of me. Its flames danced about in the hearth.
"Honor. That's my endgame. I want to lead my home to glory, like the old days. When this city was the great capital of Equestria. It has fallen so deeply since; I cannot let it go deeper into the pit. The only way I sustain my Honor is to accomplish this. That's why I became an Assassin. I wanted to save my city."
She nodded. "Very noble. But I must ask, what have you and Brotherhood done for this city?"
"We have prevented you from taking it."
She started to raise her voice. "And your point? The Templar want the same for this city. All that you Assassins have done is kept Cloudsdale from rising again. Killing in the streets, destroying facilities, bankrupting the Olden Families that sustain this place. Cloudsdale does not deserve that."
"They don't deserve you!" I snapped back.
She stood up. "Really? The Templar only want peace. Is that so wrong? Mock my words, Spitfire, if you have any wisdom, you will see the damage your kind has brought on this place."
"The same can be said for you. The Olden Families are rich thugs that only care about money. The Assassins care about the people."
"The Olden Families can change. The Templar do everything for the people. We would not let the Olden Families walk over them. That's not Order. Not in my eyes."
I jumped out of my chair. Sunset Shimmer glared at me. I had not seen her angry before. I could feel the fire's warmth. It seemed like it grew hotter like our conversation. I turned to leave. Through the window, I could see that the blizzard subsided. As I walked away, Shimmer yelled at me.
"You believe in Honor, yet you hide under a hood and slaughter in the name of your Brotherhood. Hypocrite! You Assassins believe that you are better than the rest of us, but in reality, you're no better than the rebellious thugs on the streets. Cloudsdale would benefit with your Brotherhood's extinction!"
I opened the door and exited the warm Palace. Her last words rung in my ear as with she had smacked me with them. I leaned on the balcony's railing. I looked back at the window. Sunset Shimmer watched me with crossed arms. I snarled back at her and then swung myself over. I cursed loudly as I descended.
It was late afternoon. I slowly walked north to my Den. After the climbing, I had no urge to run on the rooftops. My weapons jingled as I shuffled through crowds. The people were still celebrating the merry holiday, though not as much as earlier. They seemed to have calmed down from the morning snowball fight. Some folk were exchanging Hearth's Warming gifts. It was pleasant to see them smile and laugh. The city deserved more of that.
Suddenly, a man ran right in front of me. I almost collided with him and stepped back. The raggedy man continued to run at full speed, sometimes pleading for help. I heard more footsteps behind me. I felt someone push me out of the way.
"Outta the way, Sister!"
An Assassin ran by me and chased after the man. His white robes blended in with the surrounding snow. I did not know what was going on. I yelled at the Assassin and then followed. The Brother was pushing people out of the way as he pursued the man. The man did not look like a Templar or anyone rich. This made me even more confused. The man turned and ran into an alley. The Assassin followed. I ran after them.
Once I reached the alley, I saw the Assassin holding the man up on the wall. The man squirmed and tried to escape the Brother's grip, but it was in vain. As I slowly walked up to them, I could hear the Assassin. He was chuckling at the man.
"Ya regrettin' stealing from me, ain't ya? Next time, pick someone who can't chase ya."
"Please, take the money and go. I'm sorry! I just needed to feed my family." The man wailed.
"Too late for apologies mate. Man like you don't deserve to live. Robbin' from others? How petty."
"No, I won't do it again...I swear! Just let me go."
"Your family will be better off without ya."
"Brother..." I began.
The Assassin extended his hidden blade and stabbed the man in the neck. The action splattered blood on the Brother's white robes. The Assassin released the dead man and his corpse slumped on the icy stone. The Assassin chuckled and wiped the blade on the man's trousers. He then retracted it and turned to face me.
"Thieves, always hurtin' this city." He said.
I was appalled. My hand gestured at the corpse. He raised a brow at me. He did not even care about what he had just done. I stammered, trying to make sense of it all.
"You....You k...killed him."
"Yeah, your point?"
"He wasn't a Templar. He was just a petty thief."
"A thief that stole from me. He had it coming."
I walked up to the Assassin. He still held his confused look. I couldn't comprehend such a thing. The man was trying to feed his family. The man said he wouldn't steal anymore. This was the Arabian all over again. My confusion started to turn into anger. The Arabian was a mistake, but this? This was murder. The most he should have done was give the man to the authorities. No, this would not stand. The Brother started to back up as I marched up to him. My anger was reaching its boundaries. I grabbed the Assassin and threw him into the wall.
"Sister? What was that for?"
I extended my hidden blade. My thoughts were replaced with instinct and rage. I stabbed him in the chest. He screamed in pain and tried to fight back. I pulled my blade and stabbed him again, and again. His blood was spilling all over the alley. His blood mingled with the blood of the thief. My heart raced as I butchered him. Stab after stab. His eyes finally rolled up into his head and he slumped over. My senses returned.
"What did I just do?"
I looked down at my hands. They were covered in blood, in the Brother's blood. I had just killed one of my own. I started to choke as I took shallow breaths. I removed my gaze from the Assassin. I could not look at him anymore. My legs started to move on their own. I ran out of the alley. I ran to I did not know where. I had to leave that place. My eyes kept focusing on my red hands. The blood was everywhere. On my hands, on my blade, on my robes. I ran behind a small tavern. The voices of people could be heard from all around. I sat down in the snow and stared at my hands. A voice sounded in my head. The voice of Lady Shimmer.
"Killing in the streets!"
"You will see the damage your kind has brought on this place."
"Cloudsdale will benefit with your Brotherhood's extinction!"
My head began to ache with such thoughts. Tears froze on my cheeks as I sat behind the tavern. The blood, the killing, where was the peace? Why wasn't there peace? I shook my head violently as I knew the answer. I did not want to accept it. I couldn't. I began to slap the snow in anger. I was acting like a small child on a tantrum. Where was the Honor in that? My home didn't deserve this. None of this. On even the brightest of holidays, my city was overshadowed by the secret war. A war that needed to end, somehow, someway. I needed my Honor, and I would only get it when my city was the capital again. When my city had peace.
~
I shamefully entered the North Den. My robes and hands were still bloody. I had no place to wash my hands in the frozen city. Luckily, there was no one to greet me upon my arrival. My wandering and shocked mind made me waddle unbalanced down the stairs. The sounds of Assassins chatting could be heard from the lounge below. I was not going to join them. When I reached the hallway, I turned right to my quarters.
The small rooms were mainly empty except for the Brothers sleeping or resting in their respective beds. As I passed, they stared at me with confusion. Nothing could hide the crime I had committed earlier that day. I turned my face away from them and pulled my hood low. When I finally reached my bed, I found Soarin and Fleetfoot there waiting for me. Soarin looked up at me.
"Quid agis? We haven't seen you since the snowball fight."
Fleetfoot knocked him on the head. "Soarin, you shouldn't be askin' her that! Look at her! What happened Spits?
I shrugged before answering. "Got in a fight."
Soarin nodded slowly. "Well, ya look pretty bad. Did ya win?"
"You could say that."
There was a silence that followed. Soarin seemed satisfied with my answer. Fleetfoot however, looked at me with worried eyes. I averted my gaze. I was not good at hiding my feelings or thoughts from others. Soarin had known this and learned to keep to himself when I was in sour mood. Fleetfoot was not like this and pressed the issue.
"Spits, you alright? You look like your dog died."
"Nothing's wrong Fleet."
"Ya sure?"
I sighed. "Fleet, I said nothing's wrong."
"We're your friends. Don't have to keep secrets from us."
I considered this. They were my friends. I had been with them for years. Yet, how could I tell them? I killed a Brother in cold blood. I had signed my death sentence when I did so. Instead, I merely looked at the floor. Fleetfoot kept a worried face at me. Finally, I shook my head at them and walked away. I rightly did not expect it to be the end of Fleetfoot's attempts to pry the matter out of my mouth. She quickly followed me through the quarters.
"Spits, c'mon. Please?"
I turned to face her. "No, Fleetfoot. Just no. I need some rest after today, bene? "
She gave me a defeated look. "Bene ."
With that, I left them. My mind was whirling with different emotions, none of which I showed on my face. I walked towards the Bearer's quarters without even realizing it since my mind was so occupied. So occupied with doubts and disgusts in the Brotherhood and myself. I refuse to believe that some pampered Templar was better than I, I thought, almost aloud. The Brotherhood was here to save the world, yes, to place Cloudsdale on top once again. Then the other side of me piped up. If they want to save the world, then why do they kill? They are unjust. Their Creed is easily manipulated. They only hurt Cloudsdale, poor, poor Cloudsdale. No! They are going to establish Harmony and Freedom. Freedom from the Olden Family mobs. Yes, that's what they'll do. No, remember Templar Shimmer, they only create Chaos. We don't like Chaos, Spits, no one does. Stick with the Assassins! Leave the Brotherhood, save your Honor.
"Uhhh, Spitfire, are you alright?"
My thoughts were interrupted by the Den Master in front of me. Apparently, I had been speaking aloud the whole time. A cold sweat was upon my face. My eyes shifted here and there as if to find something that had been creeping upon me. The Den Master looked down on my robes, my hands. His face knotted in utter confusion. I began to shake my head furiously. He wouldn't find out, I thought, he can't find out.
"No. Den Master, I didn't do it." I said quickly.
"Did what?"
He knew. He knew all along. The bloody Den Master knew I had killed a Brother. How did he know? No, I cannot waste time on that. He was going to kill me, yes, that's why he was there. To kill me. One may think me insane for this, but the look in his eye, those old eyes. They stared at me with the fury of a manticore, Yes, a manticore. No, it was me or him. I didn't want to die. Not today, not ever. I can't die and leave my home in such a state, I thought aloud. I began to draw my blade when the Den Master yelled at me.
"Spitfire! What is wrong with you?!"
I stopped immediately. I looked to see my sword in hand. In my bloodied hand. I was about to kill my Den Master. What madness came over me to do so? I sheathed the scimitar and faced him. My whole body was covered in sweat. The yelling of the Den Master had attracted the other two Wonderbolts, who now looked about me with fear and worry. I swallowed a long, dry swallow.
"I am sorry, Den Master." I apologized meekly.
"Spitfire, what happened?" He asked.
"No...no." I mumbled.
He leaned forward. "What was that?"
"Den Master, I request to leave the Brotherhood."
I said this before I had even realized it. I said it quickly and more out of reaction than anything else. What was I thinking? Had another lapse of insanity caught hold of me? The firmness in my voice would say otherwise. So bold, so direct. They were the words that marked a new era in my life.
"Repeat those words." The Den Master said in a most hostile tone.
I had just metaphorically walked the plank. There was no turning back. I had the choice of not repeating the words and staying. Staying to the Brotherhood. But they may find out, I reasoned. They may find out of my crime and kill me. No, this was my best chance of getting off free.
"I request to leave the Brotherhood." I repeated.
"Spitfire, you can't just "leave" the Brotherhood."
"I realize that Den Master, but my request stays the same."
The Den Master rubbed his gray chin. His hostility turned into gentle confusion. He simply blinked and rubbed his chin. My words were such a shock to him that he did not know what to think. He finally looked at me with a caring face.
"Why? You're a great Assassin, You have done so well since you joined. You are practically the head of this Den. Why? What happened?"
"Is it a yes or a no?" I firmly asked.
The Den Master sighed. "It's a no."
I had expected these words. The words didn't bother me too much since I had made up my mind. Regardless of the Den Master's answer, I was leaving. I had hoped he would say yes, as to let me leave peacefully, but that was only a dream now. I took a deep breath and exhaled through my nostrils. The Den Master awaited my response to his refusal. I looked past him to the door at the top of the stairs. The door that led to the outside, to Freedom. I then returned my gaze to the old Den Master and bowed.
"It was an Honor serving under you. I, however, must go. It's for the better."
"Spitfire..."
I walked passed him to the door. He grabbed my arm and halted me. We stood silent for a little bit. I could tell he was trying to form the words in his mind before uttering them. I patiently waited.
"Spitfire." He began. "You must know, you will be branded as a defuga , a deserter. The Brotherhood has no mercy on such people. We will have every right to kill on the spot. And if you continue to aid either side in the war, you will be a traitor. Please reconsider this. You don't know what you are doing."
"I know this. I have made up my mind. I do not want to be a part of this anymore. I assure you, you shall never see me again."
His hand fell off my arm. His breathing quickened. Fleetfoot and Soarin could only watch. Horror showed on their faces. I couldn't take their stares any longer. I turned and ran up the stairs. At the top I stopped. No, I couldn't turn around. I couldn't look back. My hand clutched the door's handle. I swung it open and let the cold night air in. This was my new life, I thought. I would raise this city, this grand city to the top. It was something I had to do without my Brothers. I closed the door behind. I was a deserter.
Morning could not have come fast enough. The bitter coldness had almost chilled me to death. I spent the night in the back of a blacksmith's shop. I used his embers to keep warm. When the sun rose over the horizon, I sneaked away before the blacksmith could find me in his forge. The morning was cold and dry. Hearth's Warming was over. After the previous day, I now despised the holiday, as it made me remember of what happened that day.
I wandered through the city. I didn't know what to do. Already I was regretting my decision. I could not go back now, not after what I had told the Den Master. No, I must avoid my Brothers. It felt so wrong, I felt alone and forgotten. Where was I to go? No one knew me, for I had lived a life in the shadows. People gave me odd stares as I walked by. The blood and the silk of my robes had become one. They were now inseparable by water or cleaning. Though that no longer weighed heavily on my mind.
"Lady Shimmer wouldn't want that. Ugh, just let me deal with it."
The familiar name stood above the chatter of the people around me. My almost sleepy state was immediately aroused. I quickly looked about. All that I could see were Cloudsdalians going about their daily chores. I held my breath and listened.
"C'mon, not here. Like I said, Lady Shimmer wouldn't want that."
I pinpointed the origin of the sound. I swiftly made my way over to it. As I brushed some folk aside, I saw Captain Lightning Dust talking with two soldiers in crimson. One was constantly fidgeting and messing with his steel helmet. The other was shorter, but was much more broad than his companion. I tried to stop myself from walking over to her, but the sound of Sunset's name made me curious. I may no longer be an Assassin, I reasoned, but I could still see what the Templar were up to. With this reasoning, I approached them. They did not notice me and continued their conversation.
"Are you sure about this Captain?" The fidgeting soldier asked.
Lightning Dust rubbed her forehead. "Of course I am. We can't kill him. He is in an Olden Family. Lady Shimmer wouldn't want him dead."
The stout one grunted. "Huh, but he's been ignoring us for a week now. No one ignores us."
"You're right, you're right. Just....Just wait. We'll clear this up."
With that, the two soldiers walked away. Lightning Dust sighed and stood there contemplating. I did not understand who or what they were talking about. I replayed their conversation in my head. As I did so, I failed to realize that the crowd I was concealed in left and I stood alone in the street. Lightning Dust turned and saw me standing there.
"You again. If you were any other Assassin, I would kill you right now. I'm not like Lady Shimmer. I know not to take risks. So let me guess, you were eavesdroppin' on us. Well, it wasn't much for an Assassin's ear."
"Don't worry Lightning, I am no longer an Assassin. You don't have to worry 'bout me."
She blinked in confusion. "You can do that? Huh, I wouldn't let someone just leave."
"I can't. I'm a deserter."
"And you're tellin' me this why?"
"No one else to tell."
Lightning Dust rubbed her chin. She did not rub it like the Den Master did. Her movements were quick and lively, not like the Den Master's slow and methodical ones. I fell under her scrutiny. Her eyes looked up and down, inspecting for some unknown purpose. I felt like walking away, but she finally addressed me again.
"Lady Shimmer says she's fond of ya. Calls you the "Curious Assassin." I can't believe I'm doing this....I could escort you to her. Try anything, and I'll gut ya."
"Heh, we ended our last conversation poorly. I doubt she will see me again."
Lightning cocked her head. "Really? Well that made my life easier. I guess I can't really kill ya since you're neutral now. Well then....Uhh....Bye?"
The Templar quickly turned and walked away. Her awkwardness and constant speed change in her last sentence made it hard for me to understand her. Don't let her go, a part of me started, she'll take you to Lady Shimmer, she would pity your plight. What? No, she's a Templar and a manipulator, I argued, she'll probably kill me too. And then what? The Assassins will kill you, why not make sure that the Templar don't? It is simple, Spits, you need to make allies and the Brotherhood is no longer an option.
A sudden impulse made me call out to the Templar captain. "Hey! Uhh...I accept your offer, I'll meet Lady Shimmer."
Lightning Dust gave me a confused look and then shrugged. She then beckoned me to follow. I jogged over to her side. She had an expression of disdain on her face, but she led me on. She then waved a finger at me before speaking.
"Anything, anything at all, and I'll gut ya."
"Oh what am I doing?" I asked myself.
"Heh, I am wondering that too." Lightning chuckled.
We walked through the Palace halls. For being a place of royalty, it was rather empty. I did not know if this was because of Hearth's Warming being over or some other reason. There were a few Royal Guards, but they didn't question us. This surprised me as I was still wearing my filthy robes. I clearly did not belong in such a place. We went up a flight of stairs. Lightning spoke up after being silent most of the trip.
"We're almost there. Now you be on your best behavior, otherwise..."
I interrupted her. "You're gut me, I get it."
At the top of the stairs was a long hallway. The floor had a red carpet the climbed up on the walls. Every five meters or so was a golden lamp. This illuminated the hall since there were no windows to let the sun in. Lightning led me down the hallway until we arrived at a large brown door. She knocked on the door viciously. It seemed she was banging on a gate to be let in instead of signalling that she was present at the doorway. There was no response from the inside. Lightning grumbled and banged again, this time with even more force than before. Incoherent mumbling arose from the other side. The door then swung open to reveal Sunset Shimmer's glaring eyes.
"What is it? I am very busy...What is she doing here?"
Lightning stammered. "Uh...Lad-Lady Shimmer, this Assas-I-mean-not-an-Assassin is here to see you, by request."
Sunset blinked. "Repeat that."
"She is here to see you."
"Oh, well then, come in. I will not reject a guest of any kind."
She slid out of the way and beckoned us inside. The room was the same one I had visited yesterday. Everything was in the same spot as before, as if nothing had changed at all. Even the fire in the hearth appeared identical. Sunset showed me to my seat. She also offered her captain a seat, but she preferred to stand. The Templar woman then took a seat with her tea in hand. She did not appear as confident as usual.
"I must admit, this is a surprise, I never thought I would see you again, Spitfire, well, not in a peaceful state that is."
"My state is anything but peaceful." I said and gestured to my robes.
"By the Sun!" Sunset shrieked. "Your robes are awful. My men would never wear something in such a state. Shouldn't you clean them?"
"Well, that is because I have no place to clean them. All the water here is frozen."
"Why not at your home, do you Assassins not have warm water?"
"Well, I'm not exactly welcomed there."
Her mood instantly changed. Her eyes widened and brows lifted. She was clearly excited about what I had just said. She seemed to have realized how obvious she had showed her interest and quickly returned her mood to its previous state. I believed she thought she had sneaked it by me when she spoke again.
"Oh, why is that?" She said in a monotone.
"Well, I'm a deserter."
This time she could not control her reaction. The tea she was sipping spewed out of her mouth in shock. She then tried to recover with a light chuckle and placed a delicate napkin on her lips. Sunset regained her dignity by sitting upright in her chair.
"Am I really hearing this?" She asked, more to the air than to me.
"Yes. I saw a Brother do a terrible thing and I didn't want to be a part of the Brotherhood anymore. Now I'm a deserter. I'm on nobody's side."
"You just can't..." She began. "I mean, you said you would make Cloudsdale the capital again. That was your reason to join the Brotherhood. Have you given up on that? Is the city lost to you?"
"No, it's not. I will still help this city, I don't know how though."
"Someone of your skill should not be a simple citizen. That would be a waste."
I leaned back in my chair. "Yeah, I could be Royal Guard, maybe rise through the ranks. Be the first woman to do so."
Lady Shimmer shook her head. "No, that wouldn't fit you. I was thinking of something more special."
"The Shadowbolts? The Night Watch?" I suggested.
She placed a hand on her chest. "No, I was thinking that you should be my agent."
I laughed. "Really? Just because I quit the Assassins does not mean I would become a Templar."
"Then why are you here? It is clear that that is what you wish. If you really wanted to remain neutral, you wouldn't be here."
My whole body froze, leaving only my mind functioning. Was that true? Half of me said yes, the other said no. I came here to make allies right? My eyes gazed at Lady Shimmer. She had been nice and generous to me the entire time. Why should I refuse her? No, I am no Templar, I thought. I cannot fight against my Brothers. Oh, but you already have, Spits, you know the taste of Assassin blood. No, I do not! That Brother was wrong, not all of them are like that. Yes, they are, I remembered, I remembered the Arabian. Oh, that bloody Arabian. The Den Master told me to kill him, the Den Master and the Bearer of Kindness. The leaders of the Assassins, no, they were all like that, they were the bane of my city. Stop thinking that Spits! The Templar will bring nothing but ruin upon you and the city! Then why was I here?
"No, I cannot accept that offer. I just can't. It's one thing to abandon, it's another to betray."
"I will keep my offer on the table, Spitfire. I have the feeling you will come back for it. But first, you should really clean that blood out."
"It won't come out, it's stained."
"Then I will get you new ones, but you will only get them if you accept my offer."
"Then keep them, I won't pick them up."
I stood up and walked towards the door. The Templar women made no attempt to stop me from leaving. Lady Shimmer remained in her chair and Lightning Dust stood upright next to her. I glanced over my shoulder at them. Lightning had a smug look on her face while Shimmer gave me a confident smile. She still expected me to return, I thought. She had been right about several things already, but I was sure this was where that streak ended. I needed to find a new life for myself. A life that will benefit my home and me. A life I will be Honored to own. I walked out the door and closed it behind me. This was the beginning of my new life.
~
"So, where's ya hood, Lady Spitfire?"
"For the last time Rumble, I threw it away."
"But why? You looked amazing with it!"
"Alright, are you going to buy or sell anything?"
"What? Naw, I'm only here for you."
"Well....Ain't that sweet?"
I grumbled at the young boy before me. Him and his brother, Thunderlane, had been badgering me over the last four months. These four months had been ups and downs for me. Leaving the Brotherhood had made my life a little boring. I now did odd jobs around town such as delivering or hauling or mercenary work. I still had the skills of an Assassin and I used them to be a masked vigilante in the city. Often saving a civilian from a mugging or fetching a stolen purse. But I never killed unless I was dealing with a murderer. Rarely, I would run into an Assassin committing the crime. However, Justice falls on everyone equally, and I treated them the same. I did not kill any Brothers or Sisters as I had never seen them commit murder. I am sure I had a spared more than a couple. Fleetfoot warned me that I was interfering with the war and would be branded a traitor. I heeded the words of my friend and stopped my personal crusade. Soarin advised for me to settle down. With the bits I earned, I opened my own pawn shop in the West District. It was my humble contribution to the city. I still had urges to go out at night and fight. Most of the time I kept them at bay. I wanted to help my home. And now with the Olden Families rising against each other and using gangs and mobs to express their authority in the city, I felt like I was needed more than ever.
"Where's your friends? You know, the ones that were dressed like you." Rumble asked.
"Oh, they're out there somewhere, doing something."
Business, like all days, had been slow. It was mid-morning and I had been open for about three hours. The early spring air was upon Cloudsdale and I left the shop's door open. The young boy looked about the shelves behind me with disinterest. Rumbled had never bought anything and I knew he wouldn't now. The sound of armored footsteps could be heard outside. I sighed. I had been expecting them.
"Rumble, go hide, they're here. Right on time too."
Rumble nodded. This wasn't the first time he was here when they came. "Alright, Lady Spitfire, I'll be in the kitchen."
The young boy ran off into my home. I turned to the doorway. Three armored thugs walked through. By their white armor and their yellow crests, I could tell they were of the Becip Family. They walked over to me and grinned. I returned their grins with my usual indifference. I leaned on the counter and waited for them to spit out their rehearsed spill.
"Lady Spitfire, you are late on your payments, again. You need to pay rent to have a shop on Becip territory." The thug told me and pointed a rude finger at me.
"I told you to give it up. I've beaten you guys before. Just give up. I'm not paying." I returned.
"One last warning..."
"Just put your fists up and let's settle this!" I yelled.
"FINE!"
I swung myself over the counter. My blue spring dress made it much harder, but I was used to maneuvering in a long skirt. One thug swung at me. I ducked and he struck his fellow thug who was on the other side of me. I focused on one Becip. I kicked him in the knee. He grunted and tried to return my attack. I deflected his punch with my arm and grabbed his head. I bent over and flipped him over me. Fortunately, he wasn't getting back up. Unfortunately, I threw him on my shop counter, destroying it. Only two remained. They both circled around me like they were professionals. One swung at me. I grabbed his flying arm and pushed him into the wall. When he was on the ground, I followed up with a kick across his face, incapacitating him. The final thug drew his sword and pointed it at me.
"We don't need ya alive to take your money." He said.
He swung his sword at me. I rolled under his swing and stood up behind him. He attacked again, but this time, I grabbed his forearm and punched his elbow upward, breaking it. He screamed in pain and dropped his sword. I picked up the sword and whacked him across the head with its pommel. He slumped over on my wooden floor.
Rumble entered the room. "Did ya get 'em, Spitfire?"
"Yeah, I did."
I picked up one Becip thug and swung him over my shoulder. Like always, I had to clean up my shop from their bodies. I carried him outside to the large fountain in the plaza in front of my shop. I put him down in a sitting position on the fountain's stone base. I did this again with another thug, placing him on one side of his fellow Becip and placing his arm over the other's shoulder. I put the last one on the empty side of the first. I also placed his arm over the first's shoulder. Clousdalians laughed as they saw me construct my art. The position I gave the unconscious fiends was that of three close buds enjoying the day by the fountain. I finally gave them empty cider bottles in their free hands. I stood back and admired my work.
"Oh Spits, at least you retained your humor."
I was startled by the voice behind me. I turned around to see Fleetfoot leaning on a lamp poll a few meters away. She gave me her usual smile. I tried to ignore her and started to walk back to my shop. That was, until Rumble saw Fleetfoot from the pawn window and came running out.
"There she is! I knew you guys were still friends."
Fleetfoot laughed. "Haha, hello Rumble, how's your week been?"
I blinked. "You know each other?"
She placed a hand on my shoulder. "We talk a lot. He tells us everything about what you are doing. Well, only Soarin and me. How else would we find you?"
I sighed and rubbed my face. "I need to shut my mouth..."
"He's also interested in joining the Brotherhood." She said and gestured at him.
"What? He's too young." I replied.
"Well, his brother just went to Baltimare to be under the Bearer of Loyalty's command. He says he's gonna get himself a ship and sail on the seas with the Bearer of Loyalty. High goals right there."
"How did they even know about the Brotherhood?"
"After you left, they came in the North Den. They kinda figured it out on their own, especially with the snowball fight on Hearth's Warming. Smart kids, both of them."
I pointed at the blushing kid in front of me. "I'll save ya time. Don't join. There's nothing there for you."
"Spits!" Fleetfoot growled.
"What? I'm helping him."
"No you're not! You jerk!"
"Hey, I'm doing something for this city, unlike you. You see those thugs over there? Yeah, what are the Assassins doing about them? Nothing of course. All you Assassins care about is your vendetta with the Templar. Why don't you go help the city for once?"
"We do Spits, by ruining the Templar, we'll save the city." Fleetfoot reasoned.
"That's not how it works. You should clean the streets before you take on the heads. You let the Olden Families roam about and hurt people. You guys sure fight for Freedom..."
I nudged passed Rumble and walked to my shop. Fleetfoot muttered some curses and ran off. When I entered my shop, I angrily threw a chair over. My temper was higher than it had been in a long time. Most of my anger was directed at myself. I had lashed out at one I still considered my friend. Both Soarin and Fleetfoot disobeyed the ol' Den Master's orders whenever they spoke to me. they risked a lot to just talk to me and I treated them like this.The rest of my anger was directed at the Brotherhood. Ever since my desertion, they seemed to have stopped aiding the city. Cloudsdale was going downhill fast with the gang wars and violence. The Assassins probably helped the violence. They inspired others through all their killing. I leaned on a wall and looked at the boy who followed me inside. He gazed at me with worried eyes. He was a poor lad living in a dying city. He didn't deserve a home like this. He certainly did not deserve to be with the lying and deceiving Brotherhood. No, something had to be done. If the Assassins refuse to aid the city, then I will. For the people. Always the people. It was time for me to place matters in my own hands.
"Are you alright, Lady Spitfire?" Rumble meekly asked.
I nodded. "Yeah, I'm going for a walk. You head home, OK?
He silently nodded and ran off. I walked into my bedroom. It was small bedroom with few things in it. But there were two things in there, and those were the Arabian's scimitar and my hidden blade. I took it and some others tools. Even though I was wearing a dress, I could still make a statement to those gangs.
I finally reached the Becip gang's headquarters. Their headquarters was a slightly fortified block in the city. Well, block as in at least eight to ten modern buildings. Anyone who lived there before was quickly removed by the gang. I saw their white armor glimmering in the afternoon sun. In the center of their open "fort" was a white flag bearing the golden hammer of the Becip Family. There was no doubt that I was in the right place. I placed the hood of my shawl over my head. I also had a small cloak to conceal my sword. I looked about the headquarters. In the middle was a tall building acting as a small watchtower. I saw a Becip member with a large crossbow patrolling on its roof. I wanted to burn this building. To let the people know that they weren't invincible.
I carefully walked up to one of the pathways leading in the headquarters. A Becip was standing guard in front of it. He smiled at me, as I was disguised as a fine woman. Fortunately, there was a building between us and the watchtower. So whatever I did with this Becip would go unnoticed.
"How are you this fine day, m'lady?" He asked me.
"Much finer with you, good sir." I replied in an innocent voice.
"What brings you here?"
"I require passage through here. Will you let me pass?" I humbly asked.
"Sorry m'lady, but this part of town is reserved for Becip Family members and their associates. No one else allowed."
"Even for a fee?" I drew closer to him.
He smiled. "Depends on what ya giving."
"I'm giving you bastards access to Tartarus."
I stabbed him in the side with my hidden blade. With my other hand, I covered his mouth and suppressed his agonizing scream. His heavy body fell on mine. I silently placed his body on the ground and dragged him behind a barrel. It was not a good hiding place, but it would have to do. Once I was done with that dead lout, I sneaked further into the gang's home. The small pathways and alleys between the fortified buildings hid me from the thugs.
I came across some thugs reveling in a corner. Two of them were women. At first I thought they were entertaining the man, but I saw that they were in Becip armor as well. It seems that these gangs allow everyone to join their ranks. Since they were drunk on cider, it was not hard to pass them. I turned to the right and slowly made my way to the main building.
"Now Markus, the boss would hate that if we killed her."
"Are you soft? Ever since Bulk left, you've been so soft. Did ya lover leaving ya for the Royal Enforcers make ya forget who we are?"
"What? No, I'm not soft, just reasonable. She's a Templar and we can't hurt her."
I stopped and listened. One of the voices was feminine and the other masculine. I crouched behind a pile of crates and leaned around it. Two Becip thugs were chatting in a small alley. The woman had blond hair while the man had black hair that contrasted with their white armor. The man did not look happy. The woman had her back to me, so I could not see her face, but her movements made her appear meek.
"Markus, she's a Templar, you know, that ones we used to work with? Yeah, if we kill her, the Order is going to be upon us."
"Lician, Sunset Shimmer may be Templar, but she can't come here and tell us what to do. We need to show the Order that don't work for them anymore."
Lady Shimmer was here? Whatever for? The two thugs continued to chat. I stayed and listened with new found interest. The woman, Lician, shook her head at the man. Markus grunted at this.
"Lician, what don't you understand?"
"I understand everything. Sunset Shimmer should not be harmed any more than what we've already done."
"Fine, I'll go give her her lunch."
"No, Markus, I will. I can't risk you killing her in your madness."
Lician picked up a sack that was on the ground and walked passed Markus. Markus shrugged rudely and made off in the opposite direction. Should I follow her? Why? Sunset was a Templar and deserved this. Did she? I need to treat all equally. If Lady Shimmer was an Assassin, I would save her. What did she do to deserve being a prisoner to these fiends? I could not think of anything. All she had was a different mind than mine. That was no crime. Not even the Assassins could justify that.
When Markus passed by me. I sneaked around the crates and followed Lician. She was taking me away from the main building. I cursed. I hoped she was worth the trouble already. Lician walked out of the alley. I watched her from the end of the alley as she walked down one of the Becip streets. Thugs wandered about, mostly ignoring the woman. I quickly darted from the alley to behind a pile of barrels.
"Hey Lician!" A thug called to her. "Where ya heading?"
"To the prisoner quarters. Gonna give them some food."
"Just let them starve. They have no use to us." A Becip remarked.
"Oh quit it you. Ya'll the same about them. If we want this city, we need to show them that we are not savages." Lician reasoned.
The brute shook his head. "Nah, we don't. We need to show them that we mean business. Business don't take no prisoners."
Lician snarled and continued on her way. The brutes that were talking with her turned and worked on their errands. One started sharpening a blade on a grindstone. I noticed that the blade was an odd one, like a blade found on an Assassin hidden blade. I doubt that this was true, but it certainly looked like it. I continued my slow pursuit of the Becip woman.
I rounded a small table and darted behind another. The prisoners were farther than I expected. A few Becips patrolled on the rooftops. I had to wait for their eyes to turn away from me before I could move to another location. I quickly ran to a large barrel and halted. Lician's voice could be heard from a small hut in front of me. She left the door opened. I slowly made my way to the door.
"Alright, I'm here. How's it been, Shimmer?"
A dry moan replied to her.
"It ain't that bad. Oh, I forget about your Canterlotian skin. You're as tough as a frigid flower. Kinda look like one too."
I entered the hut. It was shoddily made of wood and only there to serve as a hiding place and a roof, but nothing more. The hut had three prisoners chained in it. I saw Lady Shimmer, the other two were both men I did not recognize. Lician was standing in the middle of the hut with her sack. She playfully swung it around in her hand. I stood up and walked up to her. The Becip continued to mock the Templar.
"Tough isn't it? You come from royalty, but look at you now? No better than a peasant. Oh, if only the Assassins saw this. They would consider the Becip Family as heroes. Something you and the Templar never were. Oh, it's tough keeping you alive. All the others want to end your pitiful life for being a Templar. Me, however, think that's too kind for someone like you. You should suffer as long as possible. You royalty convinced Bulk to join your ranks. He won't last long as your royal cannon fodder. Now eat this."
I had enough of listening to that woman. I reached for her head and grabbed it. She knew no more as I forcefully twisted her neck around. The woman fell to the ground and her armor rattled. I then leaned over Lady Shimmer. Her arms were chained above her head. Blood was all over her face and her hair was mangled. She gazed at the ground weakly.
"Lady Shimmer? Sunset? It's me, Spitfire." I nudged her shoulder.
"What....?" She mouthed.
"Here, I'll get you out of here."
"The others..." She weakly nodded at the chained men.
"I'll get them too. Now, stay with me, everything's gonna be alright."
"I'm such a fool, Spitfire..."
"Oh, I know. But this isn't the time. Here."
I walked back to Lician's corpse. I started searching her pockets and pouches. After some searching, I came upon a key. I then returned to Lady Shimmer. I unlocked the chains on her wrists. Her arms slumped to her sides. I then did the same with the men. The men were in better condition than the Templar woman. As soon as I freed them, they ran out of the hut to freedom. I turned my attention back to the poor woman.
"Can you walk?" I asked.
"No...."
"Then I'll carry ya."
I pulled her over my shoulder. It was not the most comfortable position for Sunset, but it was the easiest for me. With her on my shoulder, I jogged out of the hut. Luckily, I was on the edge of the Becip fort. I went through an empty alley and out of their territory. I was not satisfied with this and continued to jog away. Cloudsdalians stared at me as I carried the woman.
"Spitfire..."
"Save ya strength." I told her.
"What were you doing there?" I asked.
"Trying to persuade them to end their marauding." Sunset told me.
The Templar rested in the bed of my shop. It was the only place I knew that was reasonably safe. The night sky was all that one could see out of the window. The Templar sipped the water that I gave her. She was bandaged all over. The thugs gave her far more beatings than I expected. She was better than before, but she could barely stand. This was because they broke her left leg. With the little knowledge of medicine I have, I made a splint for her. Now I sat on a chair beside her bed. The only light came from the candle on the nightstand.
"Those ruffians. They think they can rule this city. Such arrogance." Sunset remarked.
"Didn't the Olden Families work for the Templar?"
"Worked with . And yes. But now they have ended their dealings with us. It had been getting worse since even before last Hearth's Warming. Their ideas on the city have changed. I do not know what happened, but I suspect Assassin influence."
I nodded. "Of course you do. I wouldn't be so quick to assume. I mean, we hated them too."
She gave me an odd gaze. One of deep thought and mixed emotions. I raised a brow at her. She did not seem to notice.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Oh, just how odd this circumstance is. If this was before Hearth's Warming, you would have left me to die. You have changed in the months. Now, I owe my life to one who was called an Assassin."
"Heh, yeah. You don't owe me anything though. I only helped ya because no one deserves to treated like that." I told her.
"I still think I do. I'm also glad you think that way. The city doesn't deserve one like yourself."
"Is that why you're here? Are still trying to help the city?"
She nodded. "Yes. I have realized how troubled Cloudsdale really is. These Olden Families, the Assassins, they have dragged this city down so far."
"And what of you Templar? You're doing everything but helping. You let the Families do this."
"Spitfire, the Templar here are far and few. The Assassins have done well to chop down our ranks, even in your absence. We had the Families under us, making sure they wouldn't harm the citizens, but the Assassins undermined our authority and now the Olden Families believe they can take the city for themselves. The Families are in no way united, and thus the gangs rose to clash in the streets."
"Or you know, the Families just got tired of ya."
"Maybe. But, I've kept this question away long enough. Did you ever consider my offer I gave you last winter? You never returned."
I leaned back in my chair. "Really? You won't accept a no, will ya?"
"The Templar are always reluctant to accept defeat." She jested.
"It's a no. I will not join you."
"Can we help you?" She asked. Her voice sounded desperate.
I was startled by her mood. "How?"
"The Templar have money and technology. Technology that will blow your mind, and most literally do that. You may not be a Templar, but you are no Assassin. You're trained and skilled. We will aid you in regaining this city from the thugs and the Assassins. If the Templar ever step over their bounds, do not hesitate to put us back in our place."
"What will you gain from this?'
"The knowledge that Cloudsdale is redeemed from the Chaos it is in right now and that the Assassin influence will be lowered."
"I will not go against my Brothers and Sisters. Some of them are still friends."
"I understand, but they do play part in these gangs. The Order does not know much, except that."
I considered this. "What's in it for me?"
"You will save this city and your Honor."
I sighed. There was a long pause as I thought about this. It seemed the best of both worlds. She did seem earnest. I saved her life, she should be. Lady Shimmer had never mistreated me. We had some arguments, but nothing major. Her desperate voice, her sincere frown. It was convincing. I nodded my head slowly before answering.
"It is a deal."
She sighed in relief. "Thank you, Spitfire. Now, first, you must have a new look. Dresses don't look good on you. The Templar can make you some robes. They cannot be like your old ones, as there are Assassins who where similar clothing. No, they must be unique, so that we can tell them apart from others. I think black will match your hair."
I grunted. "Hmph. I don't think fashion plays into this."
She smiled sheepishly. "Of course, what was I thinking? Sorry."
"I think we need to sleep before we plan the future of this city."
"I agree, Spitfire."
"G'night."
I stood up and turned to leave the bedroom. I had prepared myself a sleeping area in my small waiting room behind the shop. The day had been long. I had talked with both sides of the war. This could be a new day for the city. The Olden Families had been ruling over this place for long enough. Their cruelty must come to an end. The Assassins would not confront this issue, so I will. With the help of the Templar, I could do wonders. I grinned as I exited the room. However, I stopped when I heard Lady Shimmer's voice.
"Spitfire?"
"Yes?"
She swallowed. "When I'm healed, could you teach me how to fight, like an Assassin?"
"Why?" I almost chuckled.
"I felt so helpless in the captivity of those renegades. I don't want to feel that way again. I may be of royalty, but that shouldn't make me weak. A woman like yourself could train me to take care of myself. I would no longer be some damsel in distress." She said
"It took me years to be as good as I am. Do not expect yourself to rise to my skill."
She nodded. "I understand. Is that a yes?"
"It's a maybe."
"That is good enough for me."
The room became dark as Sunset blew out the candle. I left her in the room. Now I could finally get some rest. Sunset's last request remained in my mind. Training her would certainly cause the Brotherhood to come after me. Oh, I've already gone to far by housing a Templar in my home. I walked over to a drawer and opened it. A small dagger was inside. I had to sleep with this by my ear from now on. The Assassins could be right outside my window without me knowing. It was scary. I felt hunted. I was prey. After all this time, I had been the hunter. Now it has changed. Well, be ready Brothers, this prey was claws.
~