Pony's Creed 2

As Octavia and Beauty stood on the church roof, an eagle flew past them and landed on a nearby platform.

“All right,” Beauty said. “Enough of that. We should really head home. Let's go.”

“Wait,” Octavia said.

“What?” Beauty asked. Octavia changed her gaze to a distant house. It was the home of Redheart, a beautiful mare that Octavia had a crush on.

“Octavia,” Beauty said. “Let Redheart sleep.”

“There will be time enough for that,” Octavia argued. “Later.”

“Ah,” Beauty sighed. She sat down on the roof while Octavia dove off the roof into a pile of hay. As she landed, Trixie and some of her goons rounded the corner toward the pile.

“Cazzo, it's Trixie,” Octavia grumbled.

“Keep looking,” Trixie ordered. “She couldn't have gotten far!” Trixie didn't think to search the hay pile, so Octavia stayed hidden. When Trixie left, Octavia ran the opposite direction. She ran to the base of Redheart's house.

“Redheart!” Octavia called. “Redheart!”

“Who's there?” Braveheart asked through her closed window.

“Me,” Octavia said. Redheart opened her high up window and looked down.

“Oh! Octavia,” she said. “I should have known.”

“May I come in?” Octavia asked.

“Fine,” Redheart agreed. “But only for a minute.”

“A minute is all I need,” Octavia said.

“Indeed,” Redheart said. As Octavia climbed the building, she suddenly heard the paradox in her statement.

“Wait,” she thought. “That came out wrong.” As she climbed through the open window, she saw Redheart sitting at her mirror.

“Come here,” Octavia said. Redheart sighed and rolled her eyes, but she went to Octavia.

“Oh, Octavia,” she sighed. She and Octavia kissed. Twice. Octavia removed Redheart's nightgown, exposing her.

“Oh, Octavia,” Redheart moaned. She and Octavia kissed again and fell on the bed. Octavia blew out the candle lights and slept with Redheart that night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Redheart's father called her to get up.

“Redheart,” he called. “Redheart! Sveglia. Your tutor will be here soon.” Redheart didn't answer. “Come my daughter,” the father said. “Is it really so terrible that…?” As the father walked into the room, he saw Octavia lying in the bed with Redheart. “Figlio d'un cane!” he cried. “What is this!?” Octavia jumped up and out of the window.

“Perdonate, Messere! Chiedo venia!” she apologized.

“I'll kill you!!” the father yelled.

“Now, now,” Octavia assured. “That's not necessary.” But the father was furious.

“Guards!” he cried. “Guards! Voglio la sua testa!” Octavia ran from the house, pursued by the Baltimare Guard. Octavia tried to talk her way out of it.

“There's really no need for violence,” she said. She ran through a busy street, knocking over somepony in the process. The guards followed her.

“You have me confused with somepony else,” Octavia tried. The guard continued to chase her. “She needed some help…with...some things,” Octavia lied. “I'm mostly innocent!” She ran up a building onto the roof, then dove back down into another hay pile. When the guards did not follow, Octavia left for her large home. Her father, Fredrick Melody de Baltimare, was waiting for her.

“Good morning, father,” Octavia greeted, trying to hide what she had done last night.

“Come with me,” Fredrick scowled. He turned toward the house.

“Is something wrong?” Octavia asked. Fredrick turned and gave Octavia a hard glare.

“Do you think me blind and deaf?” he asked coldly. “I know all about  your fight with Trixie Lulamoon last night, and then, this little 'visit' to Redheart.” Octavia started to speak up, but decided it would be best not to. “Your behavior is unacceptable,” Fredrick said. “It...” he checked behind his shoulder. “It...” Fredrick suddenly went from serious to jovial. “It reminds me of myself when I was your age.” He put a hoof on Octavia's shoulder. He walked back towards the house.

“I assume these misadventures won't interfere with your work today,” Fredrick hoped.

“No, Padre,” Octavia assured. “Avete la mia parola.” Octavia walked inside her father's office.

“I've prepared some documents here for Rarity de La Moda to review.” Fredrick said. “I need them delivered to her.”

“With haste, Father,” Octavia agreed.

“Return to me when it's done,” Fredrick ordered. Octavia left for Rarity's place. When Octavia got there, she found one of Rarity's servants at the door.

“Ah, Octavia,” the servant said. “Ben trovato! How are you?”

“Come sempre,” Octavia responded. “I have a letter for Miss Rarity.”

“I'll see that she receives it when she returns,” the servant assured.

“Returns?” Octavia asked.

“They've gone to Villa Careggi, I'm afraid,” the servant informed. “They're not expected back for at least another day.”

“I'll let my father know,” Octavia said. She ran back to her house to deliver the news. When she reached the house, Beauty was waiting for her.

“Keep up the good work,” she said.

“Bischero!” Octavia retorted. She knocked and opened the door. Her father was speaking with somepony.

“...you worry to much, Fredrick.” the mare said. “Amethyst Lulamoon is in prison.”

“Ah,” Fredrick said. “Hello my girl. You remember my friend Cadence?”

“Good morning, Gonfaloniere Cadence,” Octavia said.

“To you as well young lady,” Cadence replied.

“I trust you delivered the message,” Fredrick asked.

“Si, Padre,” Octavia said. “But it seems Rarity is out of town.” Fredrick gave the matter some thought.

“I did not anticipate this,” he mumbled.

“What does it matter?” Cadence asked. “So you wait another day or two.” Fredrick turned to Octavia.

“Listen,” he said. “Your mother and younger sister have been looking for you. I'll need you again in a little while but for now, see if you can't help them.”

“Are you sure?” Octavia asked.

“Yes,” Fredrick answered. “Now if you'll excuse us...” He turned back to his desk.

“Good to see you, Octavia,” Cadence said, smiling. Octavia nodded. She left the house to find her mother. She found her by the wall, tending the growing vines.

“Buon giorno, Octavia,” Carlotta said.

“Buon giorno a voi, madre,” Octavia replied. “Comé stäté?”

“Sto bene!” Carlotta said. “And you?” Octavia shrugged. “Still recovering from last night?” Carlotta inquired.

“I have no idea what you're talking about,” Octavia fibbed.

“Of course not,” Carlotta said. “Anyway, I have an errand to run. I'd like you to join me.”

“Con piacere,” Octavia agreed.

“Come,” Carlotta beckoned. “It's not far from here.” Octavia followed her mother through the streets of Baltimare. Carlotta struck up conversation.

“I know about your fight with Trixie,” she said.

“What fight?” Octavia lied.

“Per piacere,” Carlotta asked. “Let's not play this game.”

“She spoke ill of us,” Octavia confessed. “I could not allow her to continue.”

“I'm sure she's having a hard time dealing with the accusations against her mother,” Carlotta assumed. “Amethyst Lulamoon is many things, and none of them good. But even I never suspected she'd be capable of murder.”

“What will happen to her?” Octavia wondered.

“I imagine there will be a trial,” Carlotta guessed.

“Will Father speak at it?” Octavia asked.

“He'll have to,” Carlotta said. “He's the one with the evidence.”

“Still,” Octavia sighed. “I wish there was another way.”

“You've nothing to fear,” Carlotta assured. “Everypony wants justice done. It is an unfortunate state of affairs, but it will pass. Here we are.” Carlotta and Octavia arrived at an old friend's workshop. Carlotta knocked and her friend answered it.

“Hello, Applebloom,” Carlotta said.

“Madonna Carlotta,” Applebloom exclaimed. The two greeted each other with two quick kisses on the cheeks.

“This is my daughter, Octavia,” Carlotta introduced.

“Molto onorato,” Applebloom said.

“L'onore è mio,” Octavia replied.

“Let me go and fetch the paintings,” Applebloom said. “I'll be right back.” She left inside her workshop.

“She's very talented,” Carlotta admired.

“Immagino,” Octavia shrugged.

“Self expression is vital to understanding and enjoying life,” Carlotta explained. “You should find an outlet.”

“I have plenty of outlets,” Octavia said. Her mother got serious.

“I meant besides vaginas,” Carlotta scolded.

“Mother,” Octavia grumbled. Applebloom came out with a box of paintings.

“Back to your house then?” she asked.

“Si, si,” Carlotta said. “Octavia, help Applebloom will you?” Octavia picked up the box of paintings and led the way back to the house.

“So, Octavia, what do you do?” Applebloom wondered.

“She's been working for her father,” Carlotta explained.

“Ah,” Applebloom said. “You're to be a banker.”

“For now,” Octavia corrected. “And you? Art, was it?”

“Truth be told, it's been difficult for me to settle,” Applebloom explained. “Painting is nice, but I often feel like my work lacks...I don't know...purpose. Does that make sense? I'd rather contribute more practically. More directly. Architecture, perhaps. Or anatomy. I'm not content to merely to capture the world. I want to change it.”

“Oh, Applebloom,” Carlotta assured. “I have no doubt you'll go on to do great things.”

“Vi ringrazio, Madonna,” Applebloom thanked. “That's kind of you.” Octavia arrived at the house and placed the box of paintings inside the doorway.

“Thank you for your help, Octavia,” Carlotta said. “Don't let me keep you from your other duties.”

“It was nice to meet you, Octavia,” Applebloom said. “I hope our paths cross again.”

“Anch'io,” Octavia agreed. As Applebloom left for her workshop and Carlotta inside, Octavia walked over to her younger sister, Silver Spoon. She was sitting on a bench and looking forlorn.

“Ehi, Silver Spoon,” Octavia said. “How are you?”

“Bene...” Silver Spoon said quietly.

“You shouldn't keep things from me,” Octavia asked.

“It's Blueblood,” Silver Spoon broke.

“What of him?” Octavia inquired.

“I think he's been...unfaithful,” Silver Spoon moaned.

“Who told you this?” Octavia asked.

“The other fillies,” Silver Spoon weeped. “I thought they were my friends.”

“Griffins!” Octavia scoffed. “You're better off without them.”

“I loved him,” Silver Spoon mourned.

“No, Silver Spoon,” Octavia denied. “You only thought you did.”

“He should pay for what he's done,” Silver Spoon grumbled.

“Wait here,” Octavia said. “I will have a word with him.” Octavia stood up and went out to find Blueblood. She found him near the city square. He was giving another young mare a ring.

“Oh, Blueblood,” the mare exclaimed. “It's beautiful!”

“Nothing but the best for you, amore mio,” Blueblood said.

“But what of Silver Spoon?” the mare asked. “I thought you'd been promised to her.”

“Father said I could do much better than a Melody,” Blueblood disagreed. He slapped the mare's flank. She gasped.

“Birbante!” the mare cried. “Come. Let us walk a bit.”

“Walk?” Blueblood asked. “I had something else in mind.” He pulled the mare over to him and held her.

“Oh, Blueblood,” the mare moaned. Blueblood and the mare kissed, and were immediately interrupted by Octavia.

“Ehi, lurido porco!” Octavia yelled. Blueblood looked up.

“Octavia, my friend,” Blueblood greeted. Octavia responded by punching him in the jaw.

“Ma che ti piglia?!” Blueblood yelled.

“You insult my sister,” Octavia said. “Parading around with this puttana.” The mare was offended.

“What are you talking about?” Blueblood nervously asked.

“I saw the gift you gave her,” Octavia said. “Heard the things you said.”

“Maybe your sister shouldn't be so stingy with her virtù,” Blueblood said.

“You broke her heart,” Octavia growled.

“And now I'm going to break your face!” Blueblood threatened. He and Octavia traded blows on the streets.

“You Melodys all talk big,” Blueblood taunted. “But when it comes time for action? Hah!”

“You'll regret ever opening your mouth!” Octavia threatened.

“I could have taught your sister a great many things,” Blueblood said. “She's lucky to have had somepony like me.”

“Bastardo!” Octavia yelled. She grabbed Blueblood, slugged him in the face, and sent him to the ground.

“Basta! Mi arrendo!” Blueblood pleaded.

“Stay away from my sister!” Octavia yelled. She stormed off, leaving Blueblood writhing on the ground. As she got back to her house, she saw her young brother, Pipsqueak, waiting for her.

“Ehi, Octavia!” Pipsqueak called.

“What are you doing out here, Pipsqueak?” Octavia asked. “You should be in bed.”

“I want those feathers,” Pipsqueak said, pointing to some eagle feathers on a rooftop.

“What for?” Octavia inquired.

“It's a secret,” Pipsqueak said.

“If I get them for you, will you go back inside?” Octavia wondered.

“Yes, I promise,” Pipsqueak said. He went back inside the house as Octavia began to climb the building the feathers were on. She grabbed them from the roof and jumped down. She brought the feathers back to Pipsqueak.

“Here,” she said, feathers in hoof. “As promised.”

“Grazie, sister,” Pipsqueak thanked.

“You still haven't told me why you want these,” Octavia remembered.

“I will,” Pipsqueak assured. “In time.” Octavia shook her head and walked into her father's office.

“Octavia,” Fredrick said. “Come in.” Octavia walked up to the desk. Fredrick slid two thin packages across. “I need these packages delivered to associates of mine in the city. I also need you to retrieve a message from a pigeon coop not to far from here.”

“Va bene,” Octavia agreed. “I'll get it done.”

“Come back here when you're finished,” Fredrick said. “There are some things we need to discuss, and please Octavia, stay out of trouble. Hmm?” Octavia left the house and went to the nearby pigeon coop. She picked up the pigeon with the message on it and memorized it. She put the pigeon back and went to find the associates. As she turned from the pigeon coop, she saw a group of guards run towards her house. Ignoring them, she walked down the street until she suddenly heard a voice behind her.

“Here,” the voice whispered. “Over here.” Octavia turned to see a mercenary in a shadowy corner.

“I have a delivery from…” she began, but was cut off.

“Fredrick Melody?” the mercenary asked intently.

“Yes,” Octavia said, surprised.

“Were you followed?” the mercenary asked.

“No,” Octavia said, confused. “Why would I be followed?”

“Give me the package,” the mercenary ordered. He moved to whisper to Octavia. “Tell your father that they're moving tonight,” he said. “He should as well.”

“Who's moving?” Octavia asked. “What's going on here?” The mercenary ran away. “Wait, come back!” Octavia cried. “Explain yourself.” When the mercenary didn't turn around, Octavia went to deliver her final package. She found a filthy thief with a courtesan mare.

“You Fredrick’s kid?” the thief asked.

“No, idiota,” the courtesan said sarcastically. “She just happens to look exactly like the mare.”

“Give it here,” the thief ordered. Octavia hesitantly gave the package to the thief, confused on why he would be one of her father's associates.

“Don't worry,” the thief assured. “We're not contagious. At least I'm not.” The courtesan, offended, elbowed the thief before walking away with him. Octavia walked back to the house to see her father. When she walked in, the house seemed deserted.

“Father?” she called. “Beauty?” Octavia heard somepony behind her, and moved out of the way. Just in time to avoid a pot being smashed against her head. The mare holding the pot dropped it and gasped.

“Miss Octavia,” the mare cried. “Thank god.” It was Aloe, one of the housemares.

“What happened?” Octavia asked. “Where is everyone?”

“They took you Father, older sister, and brother to the Palazzo della Signoria.” Aloe explained. “To prison!”

“My mother?” Octavia worried. “My younger sister?” Silver Spoon called out from behind a wall.

“Octavia,” she said. Octavia ran over to see Silver Spoon trying to comfort Carlotta.

“Silver Spoon!” Octavia exclaimed. She ran over to her and they embraced. “Are you all right?” Octavia wondered.

“Yes,” Silver Spoon said. “But Mother...” Carlotta was staring off, not speaking.

“She's in shock,” Aloe said. “They...when she resisted...” The truth was, Carlotta had tried to prevent the guards from taking her family, but was raped. She couldn't speak.

“It's not safe here,” Octavia said. “Is there someplace you can take them?”

“Yes, yes!” Aloe said. “To my sister's.”

“Good,” Octavia said. “Do that. In the meantime, I'm going to go see my father.”

“Be careful, Miss Octavia,” Aloe warned. “The guards were looking for you as well.” Octavia left the house to the Baltimare prison. She climbed the building to the top tower avoiding guards as she did.. She heard her father call her.

“Octavia,” Frederick called. Frederick stuck a hoof out of his barred window to signal Octavia.

“Father,” Octavia cried. “What's happened?”

“Took a bit of a beating, but I'm all right,” Frederick said. “What of your mother and other sister?”

“Safe now,” Octavia said.

“Aloe took them?” Frederick assumed.

“Yes,” Octavia said. “Wait, you knew this would happen?”

“Not the way it did and not this soon,” Frederick regretted. “It doesn't matter now.”

“What do you mean?” Octavia asked. “Explain.”

“There's no time.” Frederick said. “Listen closely. Return to the house. In my office is a hidden door. Use your talent to find it. Beyond lies a chest. Take everything you find inside. Much of it may seem strange to you but all of it is important. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” Octavia said.

“Good,” Frederick said. “Among the contents is a letter, and with it some documents. I need you to take these documents to Miss Cadence. She was with me in the office this morning.”

“The Gonfaloniere,” Octavia realized. “I remember. Now please, tell me what's happening. Are the Lulamoons behind this? There was a note for you at the pigeon coop. It said...” A guard banged on the door.

“Go Octavia,” Frederick hurried. “Now.” Octavia got out of sight by dropping. She fell into a pile of hay underneath. She climbed down the tower and ran back to her house. She entered the office. This time, the house was truly deserted.

“Hmm,” Octavia thought. “Father said there would be a door here.” She used her special Eagle Vision to look around. The wall behind the hearth lit up with a pattern. Octavia began to see normal as she approached the wall. As she touched it, the wall slid down, revealing the hidden room. The chest her father spoke of was sitting directly below a painting right in front of her. Octavia knelt down and opened the chest. Inside was a white robe, a sword, and hidden blade with bracer. Octavia picked up the white robe and looked at it. She found that it was an Assassin's robe, complete with shoulder cape. She put it on, sheathed the sword, and pulled the robe's hood over her head. She picked up the blade and bracer as well as the documents.

“I have to bring these to Miss Cadence,” Octavia thought to herself. She left the building and rushed to Cadence's place, documents in hoof. When she reached the house, she knocked rapidly on the door. When nopony answered, she knocked harder. Octavia prayed that Cadence was there. Cadence opened the door.

“Octavia Melody?” Cadence asked. “What are you doing here at this hour?” Octavia struggled to speak.

“It...” she gasped. “I...I don't...”

“Wait, child,” Cadence slowed. “Take a breath. Collect your thoughts.”

“My father, older sister and brother have been imprisoned,” Octavia cried. “I was told to give you this.” She gave the documents to Cadence. Cadence looked them over and immediately understood.

“Ah,” she realized. “I see now. It's a misunderstanding Octavia. I'll clear everything up.” As Cadence said this, a tall mare with a red robe and hood stopped behind her and looked at Octavia. She continued by the door.

“How?” Octavia asked.

“The documents you've given me contain evidence of a conspiracy,” Cadence explained. “Against your family, and against the city. I'll present these papers at their hearing in the morning, and they'll be released.

“Thank you,” Octavia said.

“Of course, my child,” Cadence said. “Do you need a place to stay? You're more than welcome here.”

“No, grazie,” Octavia rejected. “I'll meet you at the piazza.”

“Don't worry, Octavia,” Cadence said. “Everything is going to be fine.” Cadence closed the door as Octavia walked to the piazza and waited for the hearing. Octavia must have drifted off, because the next thing she heard were angry shouts. The hearing had begun. She walked to the back of the crowd to watch her family's release. Her family stood on a platform, ropes tied around their necks and waist. They were waiting to be hung. Cadence was standing as the judge, with the executioner and the red-cloaked mare from the night before. The hearing began.

“Frederick melody,” Cadence called. “You and your accomplices stand accused of the crime of treason. Have you any evidence to counter this charge?”

“Yes!” Frederick raged. “The documents that were delivered to you last night!”

“I'm afraid I know nothing of these documents,” Cadence said.

“She's lying!” Octavia yelled, but nopony heard her. “I have to get closer.” She began to push her way to the front of the crowd.

“In the absence of any compelling evidence to the contrary,” Cadence said. “I am bound to pronounce you guilty. You and your collaborators are hereby sentenced to death.”

“You are a traitor, Cadence! You're one of them!” Frederick stormed. The executioner grabbed the release handle for the platform Frederic, Beauty, and Pipsqueak were standing on. “You may take our lives this day,” Frederick yelled. “But we will have yours in return, I swear.” Cadence nodded to the executioner, who pulled the release handle. “We will!” Frederick cried as the platform dropped. He and his family were hung before the crowd.

“Father!!” Octavia cried. She shoved her way to the front as the cloaked mare whispered something to Cadence.

“There!” Cadence cried. “Grab the girl. She is one of them!” Two guards grabbed Octavia and kept her from getting closer. She instantly broke free and drew her sword.

“Guards!” Cadence called. “Arrest her!” A guard in bulky armor approached Octavia, battle axe in hoof. The guard swung, disarming Octavia.

“Abbattetelo!” Cadence ordered. Another bulky guard approached Octavia. Octavia, seemingly out of options, saw the thief she had delivered the package to her earlier.

“You better run, girl,” the thief said. “And fast.” Seeing a chance, Octavia bolted from the piazza and ran. The guards pursued her. As Octavia ran, more guards followed. Octavia ran over the rooftops of buildings in an attempt to lose the guards. She ran to the edge of a house and dove into a pile of hay. The guards couldn't find her and gave up. Octavia climbed out of the hay and hid in a shadowy corner of an alley. Her family had just been murdered before her eyes, for a crime they didn't commit.