Chapters Equestrian Legends: An Assassin's Tale... [Book-1]
Chapter 1: The day my life changed...
Chapter One: The day my life changed...
Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad , our main protagonist finally ended the life of his corrupted Mentor , Rashid Ad-Din Sinan . As he withdrew his blade from the old man's throat, falling to the ground his victim was not fully dead just yet. The old traitor didn't give up on his plans, and with the last of his breath explained his reasons.
"Impossible! The student never defeats the teacher!"
"La shaiq' waqee mutlak bl kollin mumkin " (Arabic for Nothing is true, everything is permitted .)
"It seems so, then you win. Go and take your reward."
"You have played with a dangerous fire, old man. Which you should have destroyed."
"Destroy the only thing, which could end the crusades and make peace? Never."
"Then i will."
"We will see about that." Altaïr looked at the Apple of Eden , hearing the voice of his now dead Mentor . "We carefully studied the wisdom and the knowledge of the opportunities and senseless folly. And I was convinced, that this is only a presumption of spirit. Because a lot of wisdom, a lot of annoyance as well; and who enriches the knowledge also increases the suffering." At this point, Altaïr was standing in front of the apple, mesmerized. "Destroy it! Destroy it, like you said you would..."
"I... Can't!"
"Yes you can, Altaïr . But you won't..." Altaïr picked up the apple, looking into it he pondered what should he do with it.
"Have you anything to teach us, or would you lead us all to ruin?" As he finished the sentence the apple began glowing and pulsing, followed by a small exposion causing Altaïr to lose consciousness.
Meanwhile in Canterlot however...
Princess Celestia and Luna were tending to their daily routine, breakfast together, awaiting reports from the guard, and doing their best for the benifit of Equestria Celestia , as usual asked the reason for his presence. "Ah, greetings Captain . For what reason are we enjoying your company on this lovely afternoon?"
"Your highness, the Alicorn amulet has been stolen! Our elite is already working on capturing the thief." In a brief panic and surprise, the sisters swapped glances, followed by Luna 's response.
"Good, we must make sure it returns to the appropriate place, where it can not corrupt any minds..."
"Forgive my question, princess. But are you sure it's not Discord , or King Sombra behind the theft?" After the question, they both made a decision.
"Luna , get the elements. I'll go help the Captain assembe a team."
Luna replied with a simple nod and they left to tend do their tasks.
Somewhere else, Altaïr woke up...
As he ragained consciousness, he was forced to realize he was somewhere else. Opening his eyes he was blinded by the sun, the time must have been around noon. As he stood up he stretched his limbs and put the apple away. What happened? Where am I? I must hurry back, who knows what * Abbas** will say about me if they find the corpse...* Altaïr wasted little time, and tried to make his way out of the forest he woke up in. Little did he know, the forest was no other than the Everfree Forest Ursa Minor . Much to his fortune, aside from being surprised by the existance of such a creature, he had no other problems. Better not wake it... I must stay quiet... He was an Assassin for a reason, his wonderous stealth skills didn't fail him this time... That was close... Hey, I see a road, it must lead somewhere. As he reached the side of the road, he saw a group of horses coming his way, at first sight he thought they were simply left loose, so he continued on... After getting a bit closer however, he noticed two crowns, many horns and wings, which made him stop, but it was too late, one of the guards noticed him.
"Princess, what is that thing ahead of us?" Celestia looked at the Captain , and shook her head.
"I do not know, but to me it seems to have a sword, so it must be a communicative creature... We must be careful." The Captain nodded in response, tho he was visibly nerveous. As the group got closer to him, Altaïr unsheathed his sword and prepared for a fight, unavoidably raising suspicion, to which he was, even more to his surprise, adressed by Celestia . "Greetings, fri-" Even tho she meant no harm, Altaïr was way too confused to coprehend the situation. A talking horse with wings and a horn, wearing a crown... So he closed his eyes to coprehend the situation.
"Did you just... Talk?" The princesses swapped glances.
"Yes, i have... Your reaction tells me you are definetly not from around here..." Altaïr knew he must be careful with such creatures. He somewhat knew about Greek Pegasi and Unicorns ... But not about the combination of the two. He could only imagine they held both abilities to fly and control magic.
"No... I am not native to this land... Can you explain where I am and how do I go back?" The guards stepped in front of the princesses, separating them from Altaïr , Luna was surprised by the event, as none of them ordered them to do so.
"Captain , what's the meaning of this?" Celestia inquired.
"Apologies princess, but I sense a great amount of power radiating from him... Can you not?" As the Captain expressed his reasons Celestia suddenly felt the power he was talking about, confirming it.
"Now that you mention, I do... Guards, if you will..." The guards surrounded Altaïr , forming a perfect, yet tight circle around him.
"What's the meaning of this?! I demand anwsers, now!" The princesses thought they finally realized what was really going on, much to Altaïr 's misfortune, they were wrong... Very wrong... The Captain , appearantly thought the same.
"In the name of the royal sisters, and the laws of Equestria Altaïr , he did his best to explain the situation, but he was barely able to speak up.
"What makes you believe such? Do not anger me with your accusations of theft, or i'll put my blade to your throat!" The princesses did not approve of his threat towards the Captain , and anwsered him in unison.
"You can stop with your illusions and deceptions, Discord . Give the amulet back and we will let you go."
**Discord , who? Who are they talking about? What amulet are they talking about, maybe the apple? "Who is this Discord you speak of? What amulet? I do happen to posess a powerful artifact, but I can assure you it is anything but an amulet..." The guards looked at the sisters, who swapped glances and took a few steps back, whispering.
"Luna , what do you think?"
"He is suspicious, that is sure... We have to make sure he does not posess the amulet."
"But if he's not Discord , and he is surely not an Alicorn or Unicorn . Why would he even want it? It only enhances magical abilities... And he surely seems not to be able to use magic..."
"You are right... But we have to at least see what artifact he is hiding from us." Celestia , as much as she did not like the idea, approved of it and they rejoined the conversation, Celestia adressing Altaïr .
"We believe you are not Discord ... But if you want us to believe that you didn't steal the amulet, please introduce yourself, and show us the artifact you posess." Altaïr took some time to respond, but the time was worth it.
"Look, I am no fool, I know you have some sort of royal authority over these... ponies... Yet, with all respect, I must refuse to show you the artifact. For the benifit of all living in the world, believe me, it is better where it is now."
"We must admit, you are correct about our authority. Therefor, we do not command, but kindly ask you... Introduce yourself, and show us the artifact..." At the end of her sentence the guards took a few steps closer to Altaïr , who pointed his sword at the Captain in response.
"Stand down, I mean no harm. But if you make me, I will not hesitate to spill your blood." The Captain looked at the princesses, Luna nodded and he took a few steps back, Altaïr looked at them and replied. "I am Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad , I came from what most likely is another world, in there, a village called Masyaf Celestia grinned and eased up.
"Well met, Altaïr . I am Princess Celestia , ruler of this kingdom. This is my sister Luna ... From your confident threat towards my guards tells me you have a talent with those blades... What is your profession?"
If I tell them i'm an *Assassin , it won't end well... But I will not stand down until it's over...* "I will tell you, but at first I want your word on not judging me because of it." Luna nodded in response, Celestia gave her a reprimanding look. "I'm an Assassin ." One of the guards used his magic and swung his blade at Altaïr , trying to kill him... If only Altaïr 's reflexes wouldn't have been so good, he would have survived as well. "You have been warned... Anyone else willing to throw their lives away?" The guards remained silent and still, Celestia anwsered.
"Altaïr , if you show us the artifact, we will leave you be, maybe even help you find a way back home."
"If that is what it takes, then so be it..." As Altaïr reached for the apple, a loud buzzig repeatedly echoed overhead, attracting Luna 's attention. Soon she realized what was going on, Changelings were approaching... Soon, a dark swarm clouded the skies, blocking out the sun. Altaïr didn't hesitate to ask the princesses.
"What are those things?!"
"Right... Like you're not one of them..." Said the Captain with an arrogant tone.
"Those things are Changelings , they aim to take over the kingdom. Altaïr , we must stop them... And would aprecciate your assistance." Altaïr nodded and reached for his knives, only to realize they were greatly outnumbered. The princesses were accompanied by a mere 10 guards, and him... As the sisters prepared their spells, the guards took up stand and prepared for the worst... Altaïr looked at them and adressed both the guards and sisters.
"Even if this will be my last battle, I will not stop until my last breath... It's an honor fighting on your side." The guards nodded, the princesses grinned. As the first Changelings arrived, the princesses and Unicorn guards focused on a shield, which the Changelings immediately assaulted, trying to break it. As the shield stood, the remaining guards and Altaïr tried to kill them from the other side, but it was too slow... Suddenly, the attacks became more and more agressive, Changelings flew upwards and back down at the shield, causing their heads to split open on impact, resulting in their deaths... But causing much more damage to the shield.
"Altaïr ! We can't hold much longer..." He understood what they meant, and found no other solution, so he withdrew the apple and yelled.
"Princess! Look! This is why I refused to show it to you!" The sisters looked at him, the apple began charging, slowly making a while, glowing circle around the group. The longer he charged, the bigger it got, eventually it became big enough to have all of their attackers inside. "Everyone! Close your eyes, and let the shield go!" At first the princesses refused, but soon after they had no other option, as the relentless assault had tired them out. As the guards and the sisters closed their eyes, Altaïr used the apple, causing each and every single one of the Changelings to drop dead... But at the process, Altaïr sustained massive injuries as well, using the apple took it's toll on his health... As he finished, he fell to the ground breathing heavily, as he made impact with the ground the apple rolled out of his hands. This... Is not... The end of me... As the remaining guards and the sisters opened their eyes, they stood there in shock.
"Sister... What could have caused such destruction?" Luna looked at her sister and anwsered.
"So this is why he refused to show us the artifact... Just look at what it's capable of... Where is he th- oh no..." Celestia looked around trying to find him, when two of the guards dragged him out from under a pile of corpses. They approached him, to their relief he was still breathing... But his robes were ruined, covered in blood, and his body was covered in bruises and cuts... "Guards, he's coming with us, come this way." A few Pegasi guards formed a stretcher for him out of their wings, a Unicorn put him onto it, the rest of them kept them covered, before they started following them they replied.
"Yes you highness!" In unison, Celestia approached the apple and tried to levitate it into Altaïr 's belt, she did manage to complete the task, but not without causing herself massive pain by coming into contact with said artifact, her sister knew something is bothering her and approached her.
"Sister, are you all right?"
"Yes... But... That artifact... It caused me a lot of pain from coming in contact with it, even with telekenisis... I can only imagine what Altaïr went through while holding it..."
"If so..." Luna looked at Altaïr being taken to the castle by the guards. "Then he must have suffered enough to save us all... I think we should trust him." Her sister pondered a while... But came to a conclusion that she must agree. They made their way back to the castle, where the guards allowed them enterance as usual and ordered Altaïr to be taken to a hospital and heavily guarded. The sisters returned to the throne room, but they had little time to spare, as the Captain rushed into the room once again... This time with more interesting news.
"Yes, Captain . What news do you bring this time?" Celestia asked, tho a bit annoyed.
"Your highness, I, with my own eyes saw another creature similar to Altaïr at the gates... He claimed to know him and requested an audience with him and the two of you."
"Sure, let us move on..." They made their way to the gates, and saw another figure wearing similar robes to Altaïr , but his ones were black, none of his fingers were missing, and he was half blind, claiming to be a fellow Assassin of Altaïr ... As they approached the figure they were greeted.
"Ah, what a pleasure and honor to enjoy your presence... May I be allowed to see him?" The princesses nodded and asked the figure to follow them, when they got to the hospital they found Altaïr awake, yet weak. As he noticed them he got out of his bed, the doctors tried forcing him back but failed. He walked up to the robed man and pointed his sword at him.
"What are you doing in here?!"
"Oh, Altaïr ... Are you not happy to finally see me?" Altaïr looked at the princesses in response.
"Arrest him, do it now... or let me kill him." They swapped glances, confused about his reaction.
"Sure but, why? He's a fellow Assassin of yours..."
"No, he was never an Assassin ... He was my biggest enemy all along..." Altaïr had the right to argue, for the figure was no other than Rashid Ad-Din Sinan , his Mentor . At last, it only appeared to be... Only a minute later, Altaïr and the princesses found themselves facing a Changeling ... The biggest of them all, their queen, Chrysalis , wielding the Alicorn Amulet . The sisters knew what that meant, Celestia looked at her sisiter and asked her.
"Luna , quick! Get the elements!" She nodded and hurried off, turning her attention back, Celestia saw Altaïr grab a blanket from the bed next to him and throwing it at Chrysalis . As the blanket soared mid air Chrysalis made a remark on his action.
"Such futile attempt to hide your esca-" Only then did she realize Altaïr never meant to escape, but to fight her... As Altaïr 's knives suddenly tore through the blanket, Chrysalis had no time to react. As the blades punctured her eyes blinding her temporarily, she let out an unearthly scream, causing many of the windows to crack, some even shatter. "You... Worthless waste of flesh... For this i will enjoy withnessing your agonising final moments..."
As she said that, Altaïr ran up to her and with a loud and gruessome splatter, impaled her and started turning the blade inside. Inch by inch, scream by scream followed, Celestia could do nothing, but watch in awe how cruel Humans can be. He does not have a clear idea who he fights against, but knows she means nothing good... Even in his state he is capable of performing such tasks... He must be careful tho, one beam could mean the end for him. Much to her surprise Chrysalis gave for the pain and fell to the ground, where Altaïr lunged at her, holding the amulet with one hand, tearing chunks out of her throat with the hidden blade. Altaïr said no word during the whole fight, concentrating on his goal he succeeded, when Chrysalis tried to escape by teleporting away... Unfortunalety for her the amulet remained in Altaïr 's hands as she disappeared. Altaïr stood up, caught his breath and sheathed his blade.
"Is this the amulet you mentioned when we met?" She just stood there, not knowing what to say. She knew the power the amulet contained, and that power as such only the elements could fight against, and Altaïr just retrieved it without being injured at all. Altaïr found her lack of response strange and gave her a worried look. "Princess, are you okay?"
"Oh yes... It is the very amulet I spoke of. You have the gratitude of the entire kingdom for your actions right now." Altaïr handed the amulet over to her, she summoned a box with her magic and sealed the amulet inside. Suddenly the sound of thundering hooves echoed down the corridor, it was Luna with the elements.
"All right, here they are. Now what... Wait, where did she go, what happened?"
"Well, my dear sister... Altaïr just happened to retrieve the amulet from her and make her flee." Luna looked at Altaïr with an approving look, he knelt down before the sisters and adressed them.
"Princess Luna , Princess Celestia . I am more than honored to have your gratitude, and proud to know you allowed me to do my duties for now... But I must ask for your assistance. I must go home, my presence is in great need there." The princesses swapped glances and replied.
"Well Altaïr ... You see... We have no idea where you are from. And teleportation spells only work if the caster knows how the targeted location looks, or has been there previously..." Altaïr was disappointed, but who wouldn't have been? Being told by the most powerful creatures that there is no way for him back home... He stood up and hung his head down in depression.
"I hope you are not decieving me... If you're telling the truth, then I have one, perhaps two requests."
"Go ahead, we will see about them." Celestia assured him.
"I would pledge to spend my life serving the kingdom, Equestria Luna nodded. "Seeing as I have nowhere to go or live, I would be honored if I was allowed stay here with you." Luna smiled and anwsered his requests.
"Well, if that is all you desire in exchange for your loyalty and service towards the knigdom and us, so be it... Maybe a question."
"Go ahead." He replied.
"What species do you belong to?"
"I'm a Human ."
"A Hu-mane?"
"A Hu-man."
"Right now, Altaïr . Let me show my sister what you just did..." Celestia replied, followed by Altaïr 's nodding approval. Celestia 's horn started glowing and projected the event into mid air, like in todays movie theatres. As she finished Luna made a remark as well.
"I must say, compared to the fact that you have no control over magic, this is indeed quite impressive strategy and execution of plans..."
"Your words are most kind, but I fear you misunderstood me." Celestia raised an eyebrow and replied.
"If so, please explain."
"I did pledge my loyalty an service, that is true, yet not to you but for the kingdom."
"As I said, please explain."
"With all respect, I must inform you that I will not accept any commands, as you and I use different methods of improving the lives of your subjects."
"This sounds troubling... If you accept no commands, I hope you will still aid us if we ask for your service." Altaïr nodded the best he could.
"I only follow your... Requests , if I find them the best solution to a given problem." The princesses fully understood his words, even if they found his Disobedience ... offensive.
"We understand your way of thinking, but we urge you not to publicly show your independence from us, as it could cause many troubles among the subjects."
"I will do my best, as I said, to keep the kingdom in order and peace... Yet, you must know my methods may prove to be more violent than yours... And more effective I must say." The princesses knew what he was capable of, seeing the apple's power themsevles and Altaïr 's skill with the blades... Causing some concerns to rise in them, and doubts over the risks of their presence. From there Luna took over the conversation with him.
"Seems acceptable. Of course, since we are not to command you, I suppose you are not to join the ranks of our soldiers... Well, if you wish to you can, but they will most likely refer to you as The Human or The Assassin ... Are you fine with that?"
"Believe me, I have been called many things worse than that... Yet I feel they might not approve of my presence among them, I know someday I will earn their mutual respect and trust."
"Well said Altaïr , however... I must ask you to spill a drop of your blood once again..." Celestia and Altaïr gave her a confused look.
"Give me a reason good enough, and you may withness even my death."
"When the Changelings attacked, and Chrysalis just a while ago, you have shown dedication to protect Equestria Altaïr nodded, responding in a calm voice.
"I understand your concern, here." He unsheathed the hidden blade and cut one of his fingers, as the blood slowly made it's way down his hand the first drop hit the ground.
"It's red... Changeling blood is blue... Thank you for your suffering, by the way." Celestia informed him.
"What do you mean?"
"After you used the apple, you collapsed, we thought you were dead. I used my magic to levitate the apple back into your belt, but even that little contact with it caused me much pain. I can only imagine the pain you went through holding it for so long."
"I see. Pain will never kill you, wounds won't either... But what caused them might do." The princesses agreed on that, Celestia then anwsered.
"Altaïr , I believe I must ask you to come with me. Sister, go get the high ranked soldiers and meet us in the throne room."
"Sure, but what about the elements? Shouldn't they be returned ?"
"No, Chrysalis may come back any moment and we must be ready." Her sister nodded and left as requested. "Come Altaïr , we have a lot to talk about..."
End of Chapter One
Equestrian Legends: An Assassin's Tale... [Book-1]
Chapter 2: Change of plans.
Chapter Two: Change of plans.
Hours later Luna arrived with the requested company...
As the group of heavily armed stallions and mares galloped down the corridors, the patrolling guards saluted them as they had to, opening the door Luna saw Altaïr and her sister trading words in front of a window, the sun about to set. "Sister, Altaïr , here we are." The veterans were surprised by Altaïr 's appearance, as they saw nothing like him before, unfortunately, as Altaïr and Celestia looked at them, Altaïr 's golden eyes became clearly visible in the shadow covering his face, startling the officals.
"Good, then let's not waste time... Come closer, he won't bite..." The crowd stood still as Luna approached her sister and their visitor .
"Deepest apologies Princess Celestia , but as i'm sure you can agree, our duties are rather important. So, please get to the point." One of them exclaimed. Even tho he took no orders from the princesses, he could not stand them being told what to do. Altaïr took a few steps toward the group, cracked his knuckles and adressed them.
"Who is the one daring to give orders to the rulers of the kingdom? Step forward." The group didn't respond, they stood still and silent. Being ignored is something everybody hates, Altaïr was no exception, so he unsheathed his sword... "Come on! Don't toy with me!" At this point the sisters tried to calm him.
"Altaïr , please calm do-" Celestia was cut short by his response.
"Fine, but keep in mind that you have a coward among your highest ra-" He was cut short by an arrow burrowing through his left shoulder. He broke it off, pulled the other half out and turned around facing the group. "Tell me who was it, or i'll make sure none of you leave this room alive." A grey coated Unicorn Lieutenant stepped forward.
"It was I, what are you planning on doing, novice? Killing your superior?" Altaïr grinned, the princesses frowned knowing what would happen next.
"Almost, I plan on killing you, as none of you are my superiors."
"I'm a coward? So? You being a traitor is nothing bet-" He was cut short by Celestia .
"Lieutenant , that is enough. And he is not a traitor by all means, he saved the kingdom once from a Changeling invasion, and even protected my sister and I against them. He is an ally to us, but think not about giving him orders. Guards, close the doors!" The doors slammed shut, followed by the Lieutenant's response.
"What does that mean, your highness?"
"You, made a mistake..." She replied and looked over at Altaïr , who was reaching for the Apple.
Suddenly, he felt another hand trying to make him stop... A Changeling? He turned around and saw the sisters turned into Humans by their transformation spells, even the officals watched in awe what happened.
"Altaïr , don't... Please..." Luna asked him, he nodded and put the Apple away.
"I let you go this time, don't give me a second reason."
"Or what?" The Lieutenant asked with an arrogant tone. Altaïr in response tried to run at him sword in hand... But the princesses managed to restrain him by the hands.
"Get out of my sight!" He yelled at him in response, but it was just a waste of breath.
"Or wh-" *Blam * *Thump * Suddenly he was hit in the back of the head with a huge book, hard enough to make him fall face first into the floor and leave a dent in his helmet. "Hey! Who was th- Oh, you again?" Soon he realized who it was, an all too familiar blue coated Unicorn mare.
"You think they will keep him still forever? When they let him go, it may be the last thing you see... Now get your miserable flank out of here before I throw you out the window!" She yelled at him, he did as she requested, followed by the remaining military officals, leaving the mare, Altaïr , and the princesses inside.
"Please, forgive his bad attitude... He's much of a muscle than a brain..." The princesses let Altaïr go, they were breathing heavily. "He really wanted to get him, didn't he?" She asked the princesses, they replied with a nod. "Pleasure to make an acquaintance, mister... Uhhh."
"Altaïr ."
"Right, I am Head Researcher Moonlight Comet , and if you would agree, I would get to work with you."
"What do you mean?"
"Don't worry, it won't hurt at all. Just come with me and anwser a few questions." Altaïr agreed and followed her to her home. On the way there, they noticed the citizens staring at him awkwardly. "Don't mind them, they didn't see anythiing like you before..." Altaïr nodded and walked on... Until he felt an all too familiar hard object hit him in the back, and stopped on his tracks.
"Which one of you was the brave one?" He asked, no anwser as usual. "Don't anger me, I mean no harm... But if you continue like this, I might change my mind." The villagers believed him for anything, then because of his weapons and walked off, Altaïr and Moonlight continued on.
"Thank you, Altaïr ."
"For what?"
"For behaving yourself, the first impression you make on them may determine your future among the citizens..."
"I know." He replied and grinned. They finally arrived to Moonlight 's home, and stopped in the doorstep.
"Here we are, let's get in!" She exclaimed as her magic opened the door. They got inside, and sat down in her study.
"Now that we are here, what next?" Altaïr inquired.
"Well, it's simple..."
Meanwhile, in the Changeling Kingdom
While Altaïr and the sisters did their best to get him used to his new home, and his home to him, Chrysalis was back in her beloved kingdom... Her simple minded, yet ever so loyal subjects did their best to help her wounds regenerate, and gathered every pest in the caves, and brought them to her, so she could drain their love for dark places... As she finished draining them, she crushed them between her hooves and threw the remains into the recyclers to turn them into bio-mass, which she would later turn into more drones... Or if they were lucky, she would destine them to be sent out, and retrieve stray ponies, and other beings back for the others to feast upon, after which, they would be thrown into the recyclers as well, like the rats. Their last moments of life would be spent suffering, and not hearing their final thoughts, over their bones being crushed and flesh being squashed...
"Ahh, much better... Where was I? Oh yes, that miserable pile of flesh... What was that creature? I must know, so my drones can disguise themselves as it..." Maybe even I can shapeshift to look like it, let me try. As she attempted the transformation, she succeeded to copy his body structure and robes, but not his weapons and face... At last, her sweet plan for vengeance, and ultimately turning Altaïr against the pony princesses, and finally gaining full control over Equestria
"Aaagh, Glory to the hive and you, my queen... May I be of service to you?"
"Not this time, General . Be on your way."
"Yes, my queen..." The General hurried off towards the kitchen, where the drones usually waste their time instead of working, to punish them. To do the task closest to his plated heart... As Chrysalis left the hive, she entered the Everfree , knowing the Timberwolves would not bother her, knowing what she might do to them. All the way to the gates of Canterlot
"Hold it there!" A guard yelled at her, she did as requested. "Haven't we seen you go through already today?" She had no time to think, and came up with an excuse.
"I fell off the wall, landing in the river..."
"Likely story, Assassin ..."
"My day was anything but pleasant, let me through and you may live..." The guards swapped glances and nodded.
"Sure, go on... Wait, where did your weapons go?"
"I had to take them off, they were weighting me down in the water."
"You should get new ones soon, nopony knows when the Changelings will return..."
"Good idea, I will make sure..." The guards let her pass, on her way towards the castle she looked in one of the windows, and saw the creature talking to a Unicorn . It's away from the castle, it's the perfect opportunity to talk to those royal donkeys on it's behalf... She wasted no time and got to the gates, the guards let her pass and continued on... Until she was stopped at the throne room doors.
"Strange, Moonlight usually takes her test subjects in longer to study..." One of the guards noted as she passed by, but she didn't bother.
In Moonlight's house however
Moonlight finished Studying Altaïr , all her questions were anwsered, and decided to return to the princesses to report. Altaïr , having nothing better to do, decided to accompany her... Until they were stopped at the enterance.
"Nice try Changelings ! Arrest them!" A guard yelled, as they surrounded them. Altaïr unsheathed his sword and prepared, while Moonlight did the asking.
"What are you talking about?! He's been with me the whole time! We are not Changelings !"
"Yeah, right... Tell that to the princesses..." Altaïr sheathed his sword, as they both knew they were innocent and let the guards take them to the throne room. "Wait here, they have a guest." They nodded and Altaïr put his ear to the door and heard the conversation.
"Celestia , Luna , I am very disappointed in you... You are the worst example for royalty I ever saw!" Wait... That voice... It's my voice!
"What makes you believe such? And how dare you simply come in and insult us?!" Celestia replied.
"You can all go die in a fire for all I care..."
"Guards! Get him!" The door suddenly opened and Altaïr knew what he has to do. *Splat * *Cough *
"You again?!" Altaïr asked in unison with Chrysalis , who dropped her disguise as Altaïr 's blade tore through her chest once again. As Chrysalis 's blood splattered all over the guards and floor behind her, the guards and the princesses stood there in shock, but Altaïr knew what what happened.
"Nice try Chrysalis ... Truly is, and your plan would have worked too... If it wasn't for your bad luck. Maybe next time." Chrysalis only partially dropped her disguise, exposing her head, but still with Altaïr 's body, who pulled his blade out of her body and sheathed it. Chrysalis covered the wound up with a hand, as the guards prepared to kill her. "No, let her go..." The guards didn't obey him, nor did they lower their spears. "I said let her go!" No response. "Fine, give me that damn..." He ripped the spears out of their hooves and broke them in half on his knee.
"But... Altaïr , why do you let her go?" Moonlight asked. Altaïr grabbed Chrysalis and threw one of her arms over his shoulder, helped her get out of the city, after leaving the gates he let her go.
*Cough * "Why..." *Cough * "Why are you helping me, fool?"
"I know you have reasons for doing this, so do I have reasons... Just don't forget what I did for you today..."
"Fine... Next time my drones attack, i'll tell them to leave you unharmed..."
"Now drop your disguise, and return to your home." Chrysalis returned to her original form, walked a few steps forward, her horn started glowing and prepared a spell. As the spell was ready she looked back at Altaïr .
"As much as I would hate to say this... Thank you, Altaïr ." She replied as she teleported away. Altaïr nodded with a grin, and prepared for what he was going to get for doing this. When he returned, the sisters were eager to hear his explainataion.
"Altaïr , do you care to explain why did you just let our greatest enemy escape?" Celestia inquired with some anger in her tone.
"She came here with a simple goal, decieving you... She did not intend to kill anybody, and she hasn't. Just because we could have killed her, it does not mean that we should have... And as I said previously, we both have our methods."
"I see... That was very honorable, but a dangerous choice... She could have just turned around and shot a bolt at you any time..."
"I knew she wouldn't..."
"How?"
"Magic..." He replied with a grin... Knowing Moonlight told them about the results while he was away. The three mares returned the grin and walked back into the throne room...
"Altaïr , it's getting late... Allow me to show you to your room." Altaïr accepted Luna 's offer, and left. Only minutes later they arrived to a closed off section of the castle, closed off by steel doors, guarded by ponies equipped better than he could believe. As they approached, the guards stopped them.
"Greetings, Princess Luna . Hello sir, you must be The Assassin . Honored to meet you."
"Safety and peace to you as well, pleasure to meet you." He replied.
"I assume you wish to enter, so here you go." They opened the doors, and the two walked in... To see a small room, with three doors opening into three different rooms.
"Princess? Where exactly are we?" He asked with a slightly confused tone.
"In the royal quarters... The right side room belongs to my sister, the left one is mine, and the middle one is the V.I.P room."
"V.I.P?"
"Very Important Pony... Or, in your case... Person."
"I see... But what's the reason behind me not being placed in an ordinary room? I'm gratefull, but I wish to know."
"Oh, it's simple... Because we..."
"Yes?"
"We... Like you..."
"Oh." They both slightly blushed, and entered their own rooms. Altaïr looked around, and saw nothing out of the ordinary... Door to the balcony, a bed, a bookshelf filled with books, a table and a chair. He decided to examine the books, as he searched through them he found one particular book which caught his attention. A book, which was called: Mercenaries, Assassins, and Thieves of * Equestria.* He took the book from the shelf and put it onto the desk to read later. Looking out the window he saw a faint glow from the direction **Luna 's room was, so he walked out to his balcony to see what was going on... Only to see her hovering mid air, raising the moon so he walked back in... Only to see Celestia sitting on his bed, as a Human again.
"Haven't heard you come in... I guess you're good at the teleportation spell." She grinned in response.
"True, but you are not the only one who practiced stealth."
"Believe you, wh-"
"What is my sister doing? She's doing her duty, raising the moon. Speaking of which, I should be lowering the sun. Give me a minute." Celestia stood up and started hovering like her sister did, arms spread... Altaïr looked out the window and saw the two huge bodies move... But not for long... He heard her balcony door being closed and walked back to Celestia .
"You two are capable of things even the Apple can't... So, why am I honored by your visit?"
"Just here to talk, would you rather be alone?"
"No, just asking. What would you like to talk about?"
"The day and night... As you could have guessed, she represents the moon, the night and darkness itself... And me, well... I'm the day, the sun, and light itself... Would you care to tell me which one you like better?
"It is a hard choice you're forcing me to take... The day and sun gives us the ability to see everything around us, as the night makes it harder for our enemies to see us as we rest... And hide us from their sight so we can strike out of the shadows..."
"I see, you have the wisdom of your own as well..." While saying it, Celestia glanced over at the book on Altaïr 's desk. "Mercenaries, Assassins , and Thieves of Equestria Altaïr raised an eyebrow in response.
"If so, how and why?"
"Let me check... I think it was tihg tabout... Here!" Celestia grinned and handed the book over to Altaïr , who started reading it.
"The Lunar Eclipsed: An army of well trained fighters who devoted their lives in service of Princess Luna at all costs. Not much is known about their total amont, some say they mainly focus on using magic, some say they use metal weapons, we have no information about their training methods, ranks, or leaders other than the only one they claim to obey, the Angel of Darkness ."
"I knew I saw her name in there once..." She said with a grin.
"Interesting indeed, do you know anything about them?"
"Other than the fact the only way they want to see me is dead? No... But I remember seeing a missing page of that book, I think she tore that page out. If you ask me, it was probably the map leading to their fortress..."
"Thank you for showing this to me, anything else you would like me to know?"
"Her birthday is coming next monday."
"Then I need to get something for her... What will you give her?"
"Still not sure, don't worry, you still have 3 days left." *Yawn * "Now i'll leave you some peace and quiet to enjoy that book, good night Altaïr ."
"Night for you as well, Celestia ." She grinned and stood up from his bed, made her way to the door and looked back at him.
"By the way, I think you can find a lot more information about T.L.E in the Royal Canterlot Library , give this to the guards and they should let you pass." She threw back a small piece of metal, which he easily caught and looked at it. The small disk shaped plate had the sun engraved into it.
"Thanks, i'll go there tomorrow."
"You're welcome..."
End of Chapter Two
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Equestrian Legends: An Assassin's Tale... [Book-1]
Chapter 3: The Queen, the Assassin, and the Recruit
Celestia closed the door behind herself and assumably went to sleep, after looking out the window again and seeing nothing strange, Altaïr took a deep breath and lied down in his bed, and went to sleep as well.
Even tho everypony had embraced their slumber, Chrysalis was still awake...
How... How did he know it was me? Why did he have to be there right then?... Most importantly... Why did he save me?! As intelligent she was, as much of a challenge it proved to be to anwser these questions... And she knew only Altaïr could tell her the anwser, but in order to ask him, she must get close... But she was approached by her General once again.
"Ah, glory to the hive and you, my queen. How can I serve you?"
"Hmm... I must go back to Canterlot
"Yes my queen..." The General told her the shortest way he knew, and she was ready to go.
"Good... Now stop wasting my time and be on your way..."
"Yes, my queen... This one, will obey..." Chrysalis left the comforts of her home once again, and set off towards Canterlot
Good, now let's make sure the guards don't bother me... She disguised herself as a grey coated mare with golden mane, and bubbles as cutiemark, and walked past the guards.
"Good morning miss."
"You too sirs." She replied while walking past them, and headed straight for the castle where she was stopped.
"Halt! Who comes there?!"
"Greetings sirs, I'm here because I want to have an audience with The Assassin ." The guards swapped glances.
"Come on, it's your turn to go..."
"No way! It was my turn last time too!" She cleared her throat as the guards argued.
"Ahem, either one of you will go, then I will."
"Fine, but if you get caught, we never saw you."
"Okay..." She walked past them as well, and continued, until she saw a very familliar hallway... The one where she first encountered Altaïr . She wandered a while, but sooner later she came to another hallway, the one in front of the throne room. She walked up to the doors and greeted the guards. "Greetings sirs, may I go in?" The guards nodded and let her in, as she walked in she saw two, all too familiar Alicorns .
"Ah, greetings. What's your name?" Celesia asked, not knowing the true identity of their guest.
"Greetings, royal mayesties... My name is Amethyst Rain ."
"And why have you come to us?"
"I would be honored if I could have an audience with The Assassin ."
"I see... Why?"
"Oh, he helped me yesterday. I only wish to thank him personally..." The sistsers both grinned and nodded, followed by both of them walking up to her.
"Come this way, I will show you to him." Luna exclaimed, followed by her sisters response.
"Good, then I'll go and talk to Moonlight Comet ..." Chrysalis watched her most hated and life long enemies walk past her, and had an undescribable urge to attack them from behind... But she knew it was wiser not to, and followed Luna , until they arrived to the steel doors.
"Blessed morning, Princess Luna ." The guards greeted her, and opened the doors. "Is she with you, your highness?" She nodded in response and they walked up to the middle door.
*Knock * *Knock * *Knock * "Come in!" A voice yelled through the door, and Luna opened the door.
"Blessed morning, Altaïr . You have a visitor."
"Ah, pleasure to see you again, Luna . Thank you for the information." The seemingly harmless mare walked in, and bowed to him.
"I'll leave you two to talk... I'll be in the library should you seek me." Altaïr nodded in response, and Luna left.
"So, what can I do for you?" The mare grinned and replied.
"Look, I wanted to talk to you again, and this was the only way I could get here."
"Ah, so it's you again, Chrysalis . How come you mean no harm with your presence this time?" Chrysalis dropped her disguise and chuckled.
"Brilliant assumption, Altaïr . I'm sure we both can agree, that your first encounter with my... Kind ... And me, was unpleasant for all of those involved..."
"Indeed was... I assume the princesses are not aware of your presence... Forgive me for the wound I left last time, but it was the only way I could make you stop, and unable to fight."
"Oh, I forgave you when you got me out of town..."
"Good, what do you wish to talk about?"
"Nothing much left worth your attention... But be aware, the sisters are hiding something from you... Something you must know about."
"What is it?"
"I'm afraid I do not know... But if it would come to that, you will always be welcome in the hive..."
"Thanks for the offer... I'll keep it in mind." Altaïr saw the sisters wearing full sets of armor, and leading an entire army, and looked at Chrysalis . "Where are they... "
"Going? Simple, to destroy my hive... Look, I put a lot of effort into making it, and I'm no yet ready to make a new one... Please, convince them to change their minds... Yes, I may treat my drones like trash... But they are still living creatures, and your... Friends ... Would mercilessly slaughter each and every one of them..."
Altaïr knew full well what the Changelings have done so far... And as much as he wanted to disagree, he knew if he succeeded, he would have a bigger chance to finally make peace between Chrysalis and the sisters... "Okay, I will try..."
Chrysalis grinned in response and charged her teleportaion spell again. "Good, I will go back and prepare the defenses should you fail..." Then she disappeared into thin air once more.
Altaïr walked out onto his balcony and leapt off the edge and landed in a hay stack, and made his way to the sisters. "Celestia , Luna ..."
The sisters turned around, surprised by his presence, as they both assumed he would be reading all day. "Hello, Altaïr ."
"May I ask what you're planning with this army?"
"Taking out the Changelings ..."
"Luna , you said you will be in the library. This, is by no means one."
"Yes, I did... I'm sorry."
"Why did you lie?"
"Well, I-" Celestia stepped in between them and replied.
"We didn't want you to know about it, because we feared you would choose to join us... And you are in no condition to do so..."
"I see. Let me prove my skills then."
"How would you like to prove?"
"Dismiss your army, give me a map to the Changelings , and let me go alone." The sisters swapped glances in surprise.
"A- Are you sure? I mean... There's a lot of them, a lot..."
"Yes, I am. Just let me go." The sisters sighed and agreed, Luna turned around to adress the troops.
"Hear thy! Hear thy! Thou all shall return to the barracks and continue training!" The troops turned around and marched away, Celestia summoned a map for Altaïr and gave it to him.
"If I don't return in a week, forget about me." The sisters knew what he meant, and they just met him a few days ago, but they didn't want him to die...
"Altaïr ... You don't have to do this..." Celestia exclaimed.
"No, I don't have to... I must." And he set off on his way to the hive, his plan was ready, and by dusk, he arrived. As he first looked at the enterance, he saw two guards, nothing else, who he approached.
"Aahh... Fresh food..." One of them stated, only to have a blade pressed against his throat.
"Lead me to your queen, and I'll let you live." Suddenly loud buzzing echoed from behind the guards, and a dozen of reinforcements arrived, including a General .
"Well, well... The Human is here, isn't he? To what end, have you decied to come here, where nopony would come willingly?"
"I seek audience with your queen, lead me to her. She would find the information I carry rather imortant."
"If so, sheath your blade, and follow me..." Altaïr put his blade away, and followed the General to the throne room.
*Knock * *Knock * *Knock * "Who is it?!" A familiar voice replied.
"It is I, General Thornwings , my queen. A traveller is seeking your audience."
"Let em in..." The doors opened, and revealed Chrysalis sitting on her throne, surrounded by not yet hatched eggs.
"Ah, it is you Altaïr ... Come closer. The rest, dismissed!" The General nodded and backed away. "Good to see you here, and in such little time."
"Look, I know you are their queen, but don't expect me to bow down..."
"Oh, I never did. What news do you bring?"
"You were correct, they did intend to come here, but I told them I'll eliminate your kind myself, so they agreed that I can come alone."
"Good, and what will you do?"
"You try to evacuate your drones and find a new place. I have a week to return, when I do, I will tell them the hive was empty when I arrived."
"A wise plan... But if they find out about your lie..."
"These are your children, I know why you care about them so much, and I'm doing what I must." Chrysalis grinned, as she was now closer to the anwser she was seeking.
"I see, you should stay and rest a while as we move away, if they come, we can say you are a prisoner as well."
"Good, but I should return in 2 days, or else they would get worried, and might come after me."
Hours passed, as Altaïr talked most of the time with Chrysalis , as she prepared her hive to move...
Meanwhile in Canterlot, the sisters grew worried...
One morning, like the day they met Altaïr , the sisters were having breakfast, but Celestia was seem to be worried. "Art thou good, my sister?"
Celestia was continously staring through the window, almost ignoring her sister's question. "Wha? Oh, I'm fine... I just couldn't sleep last night..."
Luna knew she was not telling the truth, as princess of the night, her duty was to make sure nopony is tormented by nightmares, and can sleep properly, and she did her duty every single night so far. "You sure seemed to be troubled..." She replied.
"No, really, I'm fine..." What takes him so long? What if he got trapped, or fell prisoner... Or died... or... No, he wouldn't betray us.
*Knock * *Knock * *Knock * "Who is it?!" Luna inquired rather agressively.
"It's me! Moonlight !"
"Come in!" The doors opened and the mare trotted into the room, bowing to the sisters she realized they both seemed to be depressed.
"Wit all respect, you both look rather... ill." The sisters both looked at her, Celestia replied.
"Well, what do YOU suggest?"
"You should ask your doctors, your highness. I'm a researcher, not a healer."
"True, walk with me, I wish to talk with you..." Moonlight nodded, then Celestia looked at her sister. "Will you come too, sister?"
Luna waved a hoof with a frown, telling them to go without her. Celestia and Moonlight left the room, leaving only the guards and Luna inside. Luna took another spoon full of soup, but halfway swallowing it slowly slumped over the desk, the guards rushed up to her to see what happened. "Princess Luna ! What happened?! Are you all right?! Princess?!" No response made them assume the worst, and immediately ran after Celestia , hoping her magic could help.
"And what do you think abou-"
"Princess Celestia ! You must hurry back! Your sister might be dying!" She galloped back with the guards, while Moonlight brought the doctors to the dining room. The doctors managed to find out the cause, but dreaded explaining it to the sisters...
Celestia walked up to one of them and asked. "So, have you found anything?" The doctors swapped glances, trying to decide which one of them will tell her, when she stomped a hoof on the ground. "HAVE YOU FOUND ANYTHING OR NOT?!" The stomp was strong enough to throw the doctors to the ground, they stood up shaking and one of them replied.
"Your majesty... We know what ills your sister... Sadly, we do."
"Explain!"
"Deathroot extract..." Celestia took a few steps back, trying to coprehend what she heard... Barely able to do so.
"I thought those have been destroyed long ago..." The only way to save anypony poisoned by it, is simple. By sacrificing another life in exchange... But * Equestria** needs both of us, and I can't just point at a citizen and declare them as the sacrifice...*
In the meantime, Altaïr was preparing to leave the hives...
It's about time to leave, they should be fine on their own now. On his way to the exit he was stopped by one of the drones.
"Excuse me sir, but I suppose you are the Human who helped us..."
"Yes, what do you want?"
"I wish to go with you, no matter where or when."
"Why would you do that?"
"Because I'm tired of the life the hive has to offer... I want to break free..."
Understandable, the desire for freedom is always strong... "Fine, but you should disguise yourself as a Human , so the sisters won't be suspicious of you."
The Changeling transformed into a Human with similar robes to Altaïr . "Good enough?" Altaïr nodded in response.
"Good enough, let's go..." Altaïr took a few steps, when he heard a loud. *Crack * He turned around and saw the Changeling holding his horn in his hand.
"Now I'll be stuck in this body forever, but I'll be less suspicious."
"Ready to go now? We have to hurry..."
"As you wish, Master ."
"Master ? What are you talking about?"
"You are my new leader, and I will obey your commands..."
"Don't tell me you want to be an Assassin too..."
"Oh, but I do..."
"Great.... Just move already, we'll talk on the way." After an hour of walking, Altaïr broke the silence.
"So, what is your name?"
"Darkwing , Master ..." Altaïr facepalmed.
I'm not yet a Mentor... But since I'm the only Assassin here, and his teacher I suppose I have to take on the rank... "Just call me Mentor , instead of master."
"Yes, Mentor ..."
"You have a lot to learn... A lot indeed... Here, have this until we get you one." Altaïr unsheathed his shortsword and gave it to him.
Hmm, the Mentor seems to trust me already... Otherwise he wouldn't have given me his blade... "Thank you, Mentor ."
"You should try to walk on your legs... Like I do..." Darkwing stood up, for the first time on his Hind Legs ... "Good, now walk like that until we get there, and you'll get used to it."
"Yes Mentor ." They continued on their way, until they ran into a rogue guard, a traitor...
"What are you two doing here?!" He inquired.
"I should be the one asking why are you not in Canterlot
"Well... I..." Altaïr unsheathed his longsword and held it to his throat.
"Anwser now, or I'll take your life." The guard looked at Darkwing and fainted. "Darkwing , go search for vines. We will take him back to the sisters so they can judge over him."
"With all respect, why do we need the vines?"
"To tie him up, to prevent escaping. Now go and get them."
"Will you not search too Mentor ?"
"I'll keep watch over him."
"I shall return in an hour then..." Darkwing left seeking vines as requested, and an hour later he returned with enough.
"These will do, good job." The tied the guard up, and Altaïr gave the guard's spear to Darkwing , who gave his shortsword back. They dragged him all the way back to Canterlot, when the guards stopped them.
"Halt! Assassin , what's the meaning of this? Who is the other Human ?"
"We found a traitor, and he's my student, I take responsibily for his actions."
"If so, move on... And welcome back, the sisters must be eager to see you back."
"Then I won't keep them waiting..." The continued to drag him all the way to the throne room. When they opened the door they saw Celestia sitting on her throne, tears in her eyes and Luna nowhere to be found.
"Oh... Welcome back Altaïr ... Who's your friend here?"
"A fellow Human . He must have came here the way I have." If I tell her he's a Changeling, she might have him killed...
"I see... And what has this poor soul done to be dragged into my sight?"
"He betrayed you and went rogue. We retrieved him for your judgement... May I ask why are your eyes tearing?"
"My sister... She was poisoned... And the only way to save her is to take a life..." Altaïr looked at their prisoner with a grin, who was already conscious at the time.
"Then I have a perfect suggestion who it shall be..."
"Only this once, I must approve..." Celestia replied. A guard walked up to Altaïr and adressed him.
"Sir, the sacrifice must be near the poisoned victim for it to work. Please follow me." Altaïr and Darkwing dragged their prisoner to the room Luna was dying in. After opening the door the guard introduced them. "Princess Luna , Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad , and his student have returned, and brought the solution to your problem with them."
"Good." *Cough * "Let... Them in." The two threw the body into the room, and the doctors left, so did the guard who lead them there.
"Princess Luna , this traitor must be killed for his actions, which will also hopefuly save you." Altaïr exclaimed, and took the spear from Darkwing . *Splat * *Muffled Scream * *Grunt * And gave the spear back, the traitor laid dead on the floor, heart impaled... Shortly after, green smoke rose from the corpse, and began filling Luna 's lungs, and a minute later she was healthy again. She got out of her bed and took a deep breath.
"Ah, better than ever... You both have my gratitude. May I know your name as well, student?"
"Darkwing , your majesty." Luna grinned and looked at Altaïr .
"Promising one, I must admit..."
"I agree... But he has a lot to learn..." If only you knew where he's from... Luna walked away and Altaïr looked at his student. "It seems you have earned her approval... Don't lose it, or else it may take your life with itself."
*Gulp *
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Equestrian Legends: An Assassin's Tale... [Book-1]
Chapter 4: Immortality... A curse? Or a blessing?
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Equestrian Legends: An Assassin's Tale... [Book-1]
Chapter 5: "The shadow, that I have become..."
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Chapter 6: Royal pains...
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Chapter 8: The beginning of the end
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Chapter 9: Short meeting, before the end...
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