Pony's Creed 2

As Octavia caught her breath in the alley corner, Aloe ran past the ally. Aloe spotted Octavia and ran over to her.

“Miss Octavia,” she gasped. “Thank god. I've been looking everywhere for you.”

“I couldn't stop them, Aloe,” Octavia said. “I tried, I swear. But there were so many guards.”

“Please, come with me,” Aloe said. “We need to get you off the streets.”

“What of my mother and sister?” Octavia asked.

“They are safe,” Aloe informed. “I will bring you to them.”

“No,” Octavia rejected. “It's too dangerous for us to travel together. Tell me where to go and I'll meet you there.”

“My sister's house,” Aloe said. “Just north of the Duomo.”

“I'm on my way,” Octavia said. Aloe left for the her sister's on the streets while Octavia took the rooftop route. Octavia tried to stay out of the archers' sight as she made her way to the place Aloe spoke of. She spotted Aloe in front of a large building. She jumped down onto the streets and entered the house with Aloe. The house was actually a courtesan mansion. Octavia stood in confusion.

“I think we have the wrong building,” she said to Aloe.

“No,” Aloe disagreed. “No, this is it.” As Aloe left to find Silver Spoon and Carlotta, Octavia looked around. She saw one courtesan who seemed to be the head of the place approach her.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Octavia,” the mare said. “Aloe speaks quite highly of you. I can see why.”

“I appreciate the kind words, Madonna,” Octavia thanked.

“Ti prego,” the mare interrupted. “Call me Lotus.”

“Thank you for offering your home to my family, Lotus,” Octavia said.

“It was the least I could do,” Lotus said. “You must be tired. Perhaps you'd li...”

“No, grazie,” Octavia said. “I can't stay.”

“Why?” Lotus asked. “Where are you going?” Octavia turned and looked out a distant window.

“To kill Cadence,” she answered.

“I understand your desire for vengeance,” Lotus said. “But the Gonfaloniere is a powerful mare. You are not a killer, Octavia...”

“Spare me the lecture,” Octavia grumbled.

“But I can make you one,” Lotus finished.

“Where are you going to teach me how to kill?” Octavia asked.

“I'm not,” Lotus said. “I'm going to teach you how to survive. Come.” Lotus stepped outside with two groups of her courtesans. Octavia followed.

“Discretion is paramount in my profession,” Lotus said. “We must walk the streets freely, seen, but unseen. You too must learn to blend like us, and become one with the city's crowds. My mares will show you how.” The two groups of courtesans stood in separate groups with a space in the center. Octavia stepped into the center of a group and Lotus nodded.

“You can practice with me anytime,” one of the courtesans said. Octavia stepped out of the group.

“Bene,” Lotus congratulated. “Now that you've learned how to blend, I'll show you how to use it for more than just moving around. Let's teach you how to steal.” Octavia walked behind a courtesan and sneakily stole the money she had.

“Thief!” the courtesan playfully cried. “Thief!”

“Once you've stolen from somepony, Octavia, you musn't linger,” Lotus added. Octavia quickly ran in the opposite direction and blended with the other group. Lotus clapped to her mares.

“You can go now, girls,” she said to them.

“Oh, do we have to?” one of the mares asked.

“So innocent,” another commented on Octavia.

“She's cute,” a third added. The groups of courtesans walked back into the house. Lotus waited until the mares had gone inside.

“Now that you've learned how to approach the enemy, we need to find you a suitable weapon,” Lotus told Octavia.

“What would you have me use?” Octavia asked.

“Ah, but you already have the answer,” Lotus said. She held up the hidden blade.

“Hey,” Octavia exclaimed. “My father's blade and bracer! How did you get them?” Lotus chuckled.

“By using the same skills I just taught you,” she simply said. Octavia studied the blade.

“It's not exactly in working condition,” she realized.

“I assume you're familiar with Applebloom,” Lotus wondered.

“Si,” Octavia answered. “But how does a painter factor into this?”

“She's far more than that,” Lotus corrected. “Give her the pieces. You'll see.” Lotus started to walk back inside.

“Before I go,” Octavia said. “One last question, if I may.”

“Of course,” Lotus agreed.

“Why have you given your aid so readily to me?” Octavia asked. “A stranger.” Lotus lifted her dress sleeve. The wrist of her hoof was stitched from a cut, and her arm was dry with blood.

“I too know betrayal,” she answered. She walked back into the house as Octavia left for Applebloom's workshop. She entered the building. Applebloom turned to see who had come in.

“Ah!” she cried. “Octavia Melody! I...I didn't expect to see you again, what with all that's happened. Ah, where are my manners? Welcome back!” Applebloom gave Octavia a quick hug, and Octavia patted her back. “Now, how can I be of service?” Applebloom asked.

“I was hoping you could repair something of mine,” Octavia said.

“Of course!” Applebloom said cheerfully. “Come! This way.” Applebloom led Octavia over to her desk, which was a mess. Applebloom grunted at the mess.

“Ah, che pasticcio...” Applebloom mumbled. “Tutto il santo giorno che cerco...Let me clear a space.” After Applebloom pushed some papers aside, she turned back to Octavia. “All right,” Applebloom said. “Let's see it.” Octavia gave her the broken hidden blade. Applebloom put it down on the table.

“Fascinating,” she marveled. “I don't know, Octavia. Despite its age, the construction seems rather advanced. I've never seen anything quite like it. I'm afraid there's not much I can do without the original plans. Mi dispiace.” As Octavia went to pick up the pieces, Applebloom noticed something. She pushed Octavia's hoof away.

“Wait wait wait,” she cried. Applebloom opened up a scroll included with the blade.

“What are you doing?” Octavia asked.

“The contents of this page are encrypted,” Applebloom explained. “But if my theory is correct, based on these sketches, it may very well...”

“May very well what?” Octavia asked.

“Please, sit,” Applebloom said.

“Applebloom,” Octavia pleaded. Applebloom shushed Octavia. Octavia rolled her eyes and sat down on a nearby stool.

“Remarkable,” Applebloom said. “If we transpose the letters, then select every third…” Octavia fell asleep as Applebloom worked.

Applebloom woke Octavia up with a little nudge.

“There,” she said. “It's finished.” Octavia woke up.

“Hm?” she mumbled. “What's finished?”

“The blade,” Applebloom explained. “I managed to decode that parchment of yours. It showed me exactly what to do. Now all that's left is to remove your hoof-tip.” Applebloom held up a cleaver.

“Really?” Octavia nervously asked.

“I'm sorry, but this is how it must be done,” Applebloom said. “The blade is designed to ensure the commitment of whoever wields it.” Octavia didn't want to, but she had no choice.

“Bene,” she said as she put her left hoof on the table. “Do it quickly.” Octavia closed her eyes and waited for the pain. Applebloom brought down the cleaver into the table. Octavia jumped, shocked. Applebloom giggled.

“I was only having fun, Octavia,” she said. “Though the blade once required a sacrifice, it's been modified. You can keep your hoof.” Octavia stood up and fitted the blade onto her left hoof. She opened up the blade, the length of which surpassed her hoof length.

“Incredible,” she said.

“Yes, it is,” Applebloom agreed, holding the parchment. “Tell me, do you have other pages like this?”

“I'm sorry,” Octavia regretted. “Only the one.”

“Listen,” Applebloom requested. “If you ever do happen to come across another one of these, please bring it to me.”

“You have my word,” Octavia said. “And thank you for fixing this. It...”

“By order of the Baltimare guard, open this door!” A guard outside yelled while pounding on the door.

“Eh, just a moment!” Applebloom called. She gave the parchment to Octavia. “Wait here,” she ordered. Applebloom spoke with the guard at the door.

“Are you Applebloom?” the guard asked.

“Si,” Applebloom said. “How may I be of service?”

“I need you to answer some questions,” the guard said.

“Certainly,” Applebloom agreed. The guard led her to the courtyard of the workshop. Octavia watched from the door.

“What seems to be the trouble?” Applebloom asked.

“A witness claims to have seen you consorting with an enemy of the city,” the guard said.

“What?” Applebloom gasped. “Me? Consorting? Preposterous.”

“When was the last time you saw or spoke with Octavia Melody?” the guard inquired.

“Who?” Applebloom lied.

“Non fare il finto tonto!” the guard yelled. “We know you were close to the family.” The guard threw Applebloom to the ground. “Perhaps this will help to clear your head.” The guard kicked Applebloom in the gut. “Ready to talk?” The guard asked. He kicked again. “What about now?” Another kick. “Tell me what I want to know and I'll end this.” Octavia had seen enough. She slowly walked over to the guard as he kicked Applebloom once more.

“Had enough yet?” the guard asked. Octavia extended her newly crafted blade and thrust it into the guards neck. The guard choked as blood spurt from his throat. He fell to the ground as Applebloom got up.

“Grazie, Octavia,” she thanked.

“Sorry about that,” Octavia said.

“Eh, I've grown accustomed to their abuses,” Applebloom confessed.

“What of the body?” Octavia wondered.

“Bring it inside and put it with the others,” Applebloom said.

“Others?” Octavia asked, dumbfounded.

“The city gives them to me, for research,” Applebloom explained. Octavia picked up the dead guard and walked back into the workshop.

“Over there,” Applebloom showed Octavia. Octavia put the body in a corner of the workshop.

“See?” Applebloom asked. “Like it never happened.”

“Thank you, Applebloom,” Octavia said. “For everything.”

“Any time!” Applebloom said. “And remember. If you ever find more of those strange pages, bring them to me. Should they contain new designs, I will upgrade your blade as well.”

“Of course,” Octavia agreed. “Now I really should be getting back to Lotus.”

“Porgile i miei omaggi!” Applebloom requested. Octavia left the workshop and back to Lotus's home. She knocked on the door and entered. Lotus was waiting for her.

“You were gone for quite a while,” Lotus said.

“Applebloom likes to talk,” Octavia said.

“That she does,” Lotus agreed. “But I trust she did more than talk.” Octavia held up the bracer and extended the blade to show Lotus.

“Impressive,” Lotus said.

“I'm rather fond of it myself,” Octavia mentioned.

“I've given you the skills,” Lotus said. “Applebloom's given you the blade. All that remains is the deed.”

“Where can I find Cadence?” Octavia asked.

“According to my mares, she'll be attending an unveiling tonight of Scootaloo's latest work.” Lotus informed. “It will be held in the Santa Croce cloister.”

“Watch over my mother and sister while I'm away,” Octavia asked.

“Of course, Octavia,” Lotus said. “As if they were my own.” Octavia left the building and climbed onto a rooftop. She found Cadence walking in front of a large church. She was speaking to Rarity, who had returned from her trip.

“Again with this?” Rarity asked. “You have overstepped your bounds, Cadence.”

“Who are you to speak of bounds?” Cadence retorted. “You, who have crowned yourself Rarity de La Moda, Princepessa of Baltimare.”

“I did no such thing,” Rarity argued.

“Of course not,” Cadence said. “Ever innocent. How convenient. At least now we know as to how far your reach extends, which is to say, nowhere at all. It has proved a valuable lesson for me, and my allies.”

“Yes,” Rarity falsely agreed. “Your allies the Lulamoons. Is that what this is about?”

“Be careful with your words, Rarity,” Cadence warned. “You might attract the wrong sort of attention.” Attract the wrong sort of attention it did, for when Cadence and Rarity walked into the site of the unveiling, Octavia jumped off the rooftop and blended in with a group of ponies that were permitted inside. Once Octavia was in, she climbed onto a roof to get her bearings on Cadence. She spotted her near the center of the crowd. Octavia did not strike right away, for she wanted to bid her time, and see what secrets would be revealed. A group of guests walked up to Cadence.

“Good evening, Gonfaloniere,” the first guest said.

“To you as well,” Cadence said. “I trust you're enjoying yourselves?”

“Indeed!” the guest agreed. “A nice distraction from that nasty business with the Melody family.”

“And to think I once thought of Frederick as a brother...” Cadence scoffed.

“Don't blame yourself!” the guest said. “How could you have known what evils he planned?”

“I say we strike that traitor's name from the record books.” the second guest suggested. “Let history forget he ever even existed.” Cadence thought that this was a grand idea.

“Yes, I should look into that.” she said. “If you'll excuse me for a moment...” the guests left as two mares walked up to Cadence.

“Cadence!” one of the mares called. “A moment of your time?”

“Anything for you, Lyra,” Cadence said. Lyra giggled.

“So! Tell us!” Lyra asked. “How does it feel to be a hero?”

“Please, I am no such thing.” Cadence humbly said. “As Gonfaloniere it is my duty to ensure that the city of Baltimare remains a shining beacon of justice. Corruption and its ilk shall find no purchase here so long as I am in control.”

“You are a treasure, Cadence!” Lyra rejoiced. “I hope Rarity recognizes that!”

“Yes...” Cadence mumbled. “Our great leader, Rarity. I'll see you girls later.” The girls walked away. Three more guests approached Cadence.

“Ah, Cadence!” the third guest exclaimed. “There you are. I was just telling the other about the execution.”

“I mean no offense,” the fourth guest asked. “But what if they did not act alone?”

“You can rest easy, friends,” Cadence assured. “I am confident that this treachery began and ended with the Melody family.”

“What of the other daughter?” the fifth guest worried. “Octavia, was it?”

“The filly poses no danger,” Cadence relaxed. “Soft hands and an even softer head. She'll be caught and executed before the week is out.”

“Don't let us keep you, Cadence,” the third guest stopped. “We just wanted to say hello.” Octavia was getting sick of insults towards her family, but she managed to withhold her blade a little longer. A couple walked up to Cadence.

“Evening to you, Gonfaloniere,” the mare said.

“Is everything to your satisfaction?” Cadence asked.

“Do you even need to ask?” the mare laughed. “Of course!”

“Accept our thanks,” the stallion said, “for this evening, and for helping to keep Baltimare safe. I always had my doubts about the Melodys. Where did the family even come from? To gain such wealth and...and prestige in...in a single generation?”

“And the children with their odd names,” the mare added. “Always making trouble.”

“No surprise, given the company their father kept,” the stallion agreed. “Whores and thieves, I swear it!”

“Indeed,” Cadence said. “It is clear now he sought to undermine the city, to overturn all we've worked so hard to build.”

“But thanks to you, that's over now,” the stallion said as he and his wife walked away. That conversation was the last straw. Octavia jumped off the roof and walked slowly toward Cadence. Cadence saw her.

“You...” she gasped. “Guards! Arrest her!” But there were no guards in sight, nor hearing distance. Octavia drew her blade and drove it into Cadence's chest. She pulled it out and repeatedly stabbed Cadence. Octavia withdrew her bloody blade and lay Cadence's body on the ground.

“You would have done the same,” Cadence managed. “To save the ones you loved.”

“Yes, I would,” Octavia fumed. “And I did.” Cadence died, murdered by Octavia. The crowd around Octavia began to whisper, “Assassino” among themselves. Octavia stood up, her hooves drenched in blood.

“The Melody's are not dead!” she cried to the crowd. “I'm still here! Me, Octavia! Octavia Melody!” The crowd, in fear that the Assassin would kill them as well, moved out of the way for Octavia. Octavia stormed out of the area, fuming. Guards began to chase her, but Octavia made a break for it and got away. Satisfied that the deed was done, she returned to Lotus's house.

“I think it's best if I leave Baltimare,” Octavia announced.

“Where will you go?” Lotus asked.

“My aunt Fluttershy owns a villa near Appleloosa,” Octavia informed.

“You're still a wanted mare, Octavia,” Lotus said.

“What would you have me do, then?” Octavia asked.

“I've seen posters all across the district,” Lotus said. “Tearing them down will help the city forget your face. No doubt the heralds also incite the public. Bribe them and they'll speak of other things. Or you can hunt those who bear false witness against you. They traded dignity for coin. Their loss would not be mourned. Do any of these and you should be free to leave.” Octavia left the building and went hunting. Octavia found a WANTED poster stuck right in the wall of a neighboring house. She made sure nopony was around, then tore it off. As she continued her search, Octavia found a witness walking the streets. The witness recognized Octavia and made a run for it, but Octavia caught up with him. She jumped into the air and landed on the witness, her hidden blade piercing his throat. Blood squirted from the dead witness's neck and made a puddle on the ground. Octavia didn't have time to dispose of the body. She found a nearby herald talking of an unknown Assassin. But to Octavia, it didn't take a detective to know it was her. She walked up to the herald and gave her some florins. The herald agreed to speak of something else. Feeling that her notoriety had been reduced enough, Octavia returned to Lotus.

“Bentornato, Octavia,” Lotus said. “Were you successful?”

“Yes,” Octavia answered. Lotus clapped, and Aloe brought Silver Spoon and Carlotta came down the stairs.

“Madre?” Octavia gasped.

“Octavia!” Silver Spoon cried. “Where have you been? They wouldn't let us leave, and Mother, oh! She hasn't spoken a single word since we left the house. Father will need to sort things out.” As Octavia hugged her mother, a feeling of guilt passed over her at Silver Spoon's remark.

“Where is Father?” Silver Spoon asked. “And Beauty? And Pipsqueak? Hm?”

“Something's...happened,” Octavia said.

“What do you mean?” Silver Spoon asked. She then suddenly realized the truth. “No,” she denied. “It's impossible.”

“Silver Spoon,” Octavia tried.

“No, no, no, no, no,” Silver Spoon mourned.

“I did everything I could, piccina,” Octavia said. Silver Spoon began to weep in Octavia's hooves.

“Listen,” Octavia said. “What matters now is getting us all someplace safe. But to do that, I need you to stay focused. Do you understand?” Silver Spoon managed a nod, eyes wet and tears streaming down her face.

“Good,” Octavia said. “Will you watch over Mother for me?” Silver Spoon nodded again. She walked over to Carlotta and led her to the door.

“Then we are ready,” Octavia said to Lotus. “Thank you again, for everything.” Lotus gave Octavia a kiss on the cheek.

“Stay safe, “Octavia,” Lotus wished. “Stay vigilant. I suspect the road ahead is yet long.” Octavia led what was left of her family out the door and out of Baltimare. Silver Spoon worried about what would happen to them.

“How could this have happened to us?” she asked.

“I don't know,” Octavia said.

“Will we ever be back?” Silver Spoon asked.

“I don't know,” Octavia said, getting annoyed.

“What will happen to our house?” Silver Spoon wondered.

“I don't know!” Octavia yelled, irritated with her sister.

“Were they given a proper burial?” Silver Spoon questioned. Octavia actually knew the answer.

“Yes,” she said, “They were.”