Chapters 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.
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.”
After some time of tedious travel, Octavia spoke up.
“We should be close,” she said.
“Grazie a dio,” Silver Spoon sighed. Just then, Trixie and several guards walked into the path.
“Buongiorno, Octavia,” Trixie said. Octavia stopped walking. “How could you leave Baltimare without saying a proper goodbye?” trixie asked.
“Octavia!” Silver Spoon cried. A guard circled the family and Octavia brought them closer.
“What do you want, Trixie?” Octavia asked.
“So many things,” Trixie responded. She began to list them off. “A larger palazzo, two new guards, a prettier bride, oh and yes. Your life.” Trixie drew her sword and motioned for a guard to attack Octavia.
“My condolences for the loss of your father, brother, and sister,” Trixie said. “What will happen now that there's no one left to help you? I have such wonderful things in store for your mother and sister.” Octavia killed the guard quickly with her hidden blade. Trixie fumed.
“I grow tired of this game,” she said. “Finish her! And do not spare the mares.” As more guards moved to attack, throwing knives suddenly struck them in the back, killing them.
“What sorcery is this?!” Trixie cried. A hidden voice laughed out.
“Not sorcery, girl,” the voice said. “Skill.”
“Show yourself!” Trixie demanded.
“As you wish,” the voice agreed. Another throwing knife flew through the air, knocking Trixie's sword out of her hoof. A tinted yellow mare with a pink flowing mane ran out of the woods, followed my several mercenaries. She threw Octavia a sword.
“Here,” the mare said. “Use this.”
“Kill them!” Trixie cried. “Kill them all!” The mare drew her sword and moved on Trixie. Trixie backed away and ran off, back to Baltimare. The rest of the guards attacked Octavia and the mare. Octavia used the sword she had been given to fight back. Once or twice, she glanced at the mare who had given her the sword. She was a very skilled fighter, and easily took out many guards. When the guards were nothing but bloody corpses on the ground, Octavia knelt before the mare and gave back the sword.
“You have my thanks,” Octavia said.
“Keep the sword, Octavia,” the mare said.
“Do I know you from somewhere?” Octavia asked.
“Don't you recognize me?” the mare asked. “It's me, Fluttershy!” Octavia was in shock.
“Aunt Fluttershy?” she pondered.
“It's been too long, nipota,” Flutttershy happily cried, as she gave Octavia a death hug. “Far too long.” She put down Octavia then got sympathetic. “I heard what happened in Baltimare. Terrible. Come. Let's get you all away from here.” Fluttershy led Octavia and her family to her Appleloosa Villa.
“Here we are!” Fluttershy said. “Casa dolce casa. So, what do you think?”
“It's most impressive,” Octavia admired.
“She's seen better days, I suppose,” Fluttershy said. “Believe me, I'd have her shining again if only I had the time. Now that you've had the tour, nipota, you should go and outfit yourself. My mares in the market are expecting you. Return here when you're finished, and we'll begin.”
“Begin?” Octavia asked. “Begin what?”
“I thought you'd come here to train,” Fluttershy said.
“No,” Octavia said. “I came here to escape Baltimare, and I intend to take my family further still.”
“But what about your father,” Fluttershy asked. “He'd want you to finish his work.”
“What work?” Octavia inquired. “My father was a banker.”
“Wait,” Fluttershy realized. “He did not tell you?”
“I have no idea what you're talking about,” Octavia said.
“Ma che mi combini, Frederick,” Fluttershy mumbled to herself. “Where to even begin? Go and fetch the gear in the market. It will give me time to think.”
“But...” Octavia started.
“But that's that,” Fluttershy interuppted. “We'll talk more later.” Fluttershy gave Octavia some florins. “Some spending money, should you need it,” Fluttershy said. “And if you are in need of rest, I've prepared a room for you on the top floor of the villa.” Octavia left for the markets. To her surprise, there were only two open shops. A blacksmith and a doctor. Octavia visited the blacksmith's and bought a pair of greaves for her back hooves, and a dagger. At the doctor's, she purchased some medicine. She returned to the villa and spoke to Silver Spoon and Carlotta.
“Don't worry,” Octavia said. “We're only staying for a little while.”
“I don't like it here,” Silver Spoon complained. “I want to go home.”
“I know,” Octavia agreed. She left and went to talk to Fluttershy.
“Salute,” Octavia said. “I did as you asked.”
“And quickly too,” Fluttershy noticed. “Ben fatto! Now, let's teach you how to fight.”
“No,” Octavia rejected. “As I said, we're leaving.”
“Octavia!” Fluttershy cried. “You barely held your own against Trixie. You won't survive a week on the road. If you want to leave, so be it, but at least do so armed with the skills and knowledge necessary to defend yourself. If not for me, for your mother and sister.”
“Fine,” Octavia agreed.
“Ottimo!” Fluttershy cried. In the next two years, Fluttershy taught Octavia how to fight. She showed how to counter, quick step, and overall use a sword. Octavia learned quickly, and after being challenged by Fluttershy, defeated her.
“Well done, nipota,” Fluttershy congratulated, exhausted. “You've really come into your own.”
“Thank you,” Octavia said. “For all you have given me.”
“You're family,” Fluttershy said. “Such is my duty and my desire.”
“I'm glad you had me stay,” Octavia thanked.
“Good,” Fluttershy exclaimed. “You've reconsidered leaving.” Octavia shook her head.
“We sail for Spain in three days,” Octavia said.
“But nipota,” Fluttershy said. “I have given you these skills that you might be better prepared to strike against our enemies…”
“And if they find me, I will,” Octavia said.
“You want to leave, Octavia,” Fluttershy raged. “To throw away everything your father fought and died for? To deny your heritage?! Fine! Come vuoi. Arrivederci e buona fortuna.” Fluttershy stormed off towards the villa.
“Fluttershy, wait!” Octavia called. She turned to a nearby mercenary. “Why is she so upset?”
“How can she not be?” the mercenary said. “Trixie's been harassing us ever since you first arrived. To be expected I supposed, given her heritage.” Octavia wanted to apologize. She ran into the villa to find Fluttershy. She walked into her library, but Fluttershy wasn't there.
“Fluttershy?” Octavia called. “Where is everyone?”
“They ride for San Gimignano to slay that snake, Trixie,” a mercenary said.
“I wish to join them,” Octavia said.
“You will find what you need when you get there,” the mercenary said. Octavia ran off to find Fluttershy, and help her kill Trixie. She found her at a small farm near San Gimignano.
“Octavia,” Fluttershy cried. “What are you doing here?”
“Taking responsibility,” Octavia responded. “Trixie troubles you because of me.” Fluttershy chuckled.
“Trixie troubles us because she is a Templar,” Fluttershy corrected. “And we are Assassins.”
“Either way,” Octavia said. “I wish to help.”
“Va bene,” Fluttershy agreed. “Then listen close. First we must find a way inside the city. Though it seems Trixie expects us. She has sealed the gates, and sent her mares to guard them. Fortunately for us, the city is larger than its host. The southern gate suffers for it, so this is where we'll strike. Pronti?” Under the cover of night, Octavia, Fluttershy, and a group of mercenaries traveled to San Gimignano. When they reached the southern gate, it was sealed, just as Fluttershy had said.
“Alright, Octavia,” Fluttershy said. “Here's how it is going to work. My mares and I will distract the guards. Once we've engaged them, get yourself over the wall, and find a way to open the gate. Take these throwing knives. Use them to dispatch the archers.”
“I'm ready when you are,” Octavia said.
“Then let us begin,” Fluttershy agreed. She and the mercenaries ran at the guards, yelling “All'attacco!” While the guards at the gate were busy, Octavia climbed the wall and threw her newly acquired knives at the archers. They went down and fell off the roofs. Once the last guard had fallen, Octavia opened up the gate. Fluttershy and her mercenaries had just finished off the guards.
“Well done, Octavia,” Fluttershy congratulated. “We're in! Come on!” The mercenaries ran in and followed Fluttershy and Octavia. They soon came upon some unsuspecting guards.
“I want you to distract those guards,” Fluttershy told Octavia. “Keep them from raising the alarm. That should buy me enough time to find and silence Trixie.”
“Va bene,” Octavia agreed.
“Wait, nipota,” Fluttershy stopped. “Take some of my mares with you, just to be safe. Come join me once they're dealt with.” Octavia told the mercenaries she had with her to wait. She ran close to the guards, but not close enough to be detected. Some of the guards were talking.
“What's Trixie up to now?” the first one asked.
“Nopony knows,” the second said. “But something has her on edge. How else to explain all the patrols?”
“We're meant to be soldiers,” a third guard complained. “Instead she's turned us into nursemares. And why?”
“Shooting her mouth off again, no doubt,” the second replied. “Angering the wrong sorts of people, and so now we pay the price.”
“Careful.” the first warned. “Or do you want us dragged before him like Flash Sentry was?”
“Poor bastard,” the second sighed. “I heard Trixie took his eyes.”
“I'd like to keep mine,” the first guard said. “So let's end this conversation.” Octavia heard what she needed to, and called for the mercenaries to attack. Octavia and the mercenaries took the guards by surprise, and the guards were quickly defeated. Octavia went on to the square. On the way, she found a mercenary wounded, lying against a well.
“Octavia,” the mercenary managed. “Your aunt is under attack and needs help! Go to her!” Octavia dashed forward to the city square. When she arrived, she and her mercenaries found a large battle taking place, and Fluttershy was right in the middle of it.
“Ah, nipota! There you are!” Fluttershy cried as she sidestepped a guard's attack. “It seems my plan has hit something of a snag. Trixie's mares ambushed us, and now we've got our hooves full.” Fluttershy killed an attacking guard. “My sisters and I will deal with these guards. I want you to go on and root up that snake. See that justice is served.” As Octavia ran onto a rooftop to find Trixie, she found her. Along with her Lulamoon family, as well as the red-cloaked mare. The family was planning something.
“It's settled,” the cloaked mare said. “Trixie, you will remain here to coordinate the mercenari. Amethyst will organize our forces in the city and send word when it's time to strike. Pinkamena, your job is to calm the citizens once the deed is done.”
“What about that ubriacone, Fluttershy,” Trixie asked. “She continues to harass my forces, and I fear she'll discover what we intend.”
“She's always been trouble,” Amethyst agreed. “Just like that bastardo brother of hers.”
“Then let me reunite them mother,” Trixie pleaded.
“There will be plenty of time to clean up the rifiuti when we're finished,” the cloaked mare assured. “Now, is there anything else?” There was no answer. “Muy bien.” Octavia looked on in silence. Strike what? Calm the citizens after what deed? Octavia was both worried and confused.
“May the celestial mother guide you,” the cloaked mare said.
“May the celestial mother guide you,” the Lulamoon family repeated. As the cloaked mare, Amethyst, and Pinkamena left, a guard called out to Trixie.
“Comandante! Comandante!” the guard cried.
“What?” Trixie asked, annoyed.
“Fluttershy Melody has invaded the city,” the guard informed. “She comes for you!” Trixie chuckled.
“Then let's not keep her waiting,” she suggested. She stationed guards to stop Fluttershy, then ran off to a nearby wall tower. She climbed to the top and watched the battle unfold. Octavia saw her chance and slipped over the rooftops. She climbed up the tower and hung from the ledge, as not to be noticed by Trixie. Two heavily armored guards were with Trixie. Octavia jumped onto the tower and assassinated both guards.
“Ah,” Trixie sighed. “There you are. I've been looking forward to this for a long, long time. Don't worry, Octavia. I will make sure your death comes quickly.” Trixie and Octavia fought on the tower, both trying to kill each other. Octavia countered an attack and extended her hidden blade. She thrust it into Trixie's chest, finishing her. As Trixie fell to the ground, Octavia held her by the collar.
“What are you and your allies planning?” Octavia demanded. “Is this what my father discovered? Is this why he was killed!?”
“I'm sorry,” Trixie said. “Were you hoping for a confession?” As Trixie died, Octavia unleashed her rage. She shook Trixie's dead body and cursed at her.
“Pezzo di merda!” Octavia yelled. “Vorrei solo che avessi sofferto di più! Hai avuto la fine che meritavi! Spero che bru...”
“Enough, Octavia,” Fluttershy scolded. “Show some respect.” Octavia threw Trixie's corpse on the floor and stood up.
“Respect?” she asked. “After all that's happened? Do you think she would have shown either of us such kindness?!”
“You are not Trixie,” Fluttershy reminded. “Do not become her.” She walked over to Trixie's dead body and knelt down.
“Che la morte ti dia la pace che cercavi,” Fluttershy prayed. “Requiescat in Pace.” She closed Trixie's eyes and took a letter from her corpse. She gave it to Octavia.
“Take this,” she said. “Read it when you have the time. Our work here is finished. Let us return to the villa.” Fluttershy and Octavia jumped down the tower, leaving Trixie's body. A threat to Octavia's family had been dealt with, with mixed emotions from Octavia and Fluttershy.
Back at the Villa Melody, the remaining mercenaries that fought alongside Fluttershy were drinking and celebrating their victory. Fluttershy saw Octavia come up.
“And here she is!” Fluttershy announced. “Our campione, Octavia!”
“All hail Octavia!” the mercenaries cheered.
“I see you've wasted no time starting the celebration,” Octavia said.
“And why not?” Fluttershy happily said. “You've done us all a great favor, nipota. With Trixie dead, Appleloosa will grow quiet once more. Do you know what that means?”
“Basta lavorare!” a mercenary said.
“Si passa tutto il giorno a bere!” another agreed.
“E a puttane!” a third added. The rest of the group gave him a strange look. “What?” the mercenary asked. “It's true.” The mercenaries laughed.
“Come, Octavia,” Fluttershy said. “Walk with me.”
“Yes, Fluttershy,” Octavia said. As they walked, Octavia told Fluttershy her findings. “The Lulamoons answer to another,” Octavia said. “An alicorn.”
“She is Celestia,” Fluttershy explained. “One of the most powerful mares in all of Equestria. And leader of the Templar order.”
“Which makes her responsible for the murder of my father, sister, and brother,” Octavia concluded.
“Yes,” Fluttershy agreed. “And she will kill you too, given the chance.”
“Then I must stand against her, if I wish to be free,” Octavia said. “But not until every other Templar has fallen to my blade. Father's list will guide me.”
“Where will you go next?” Fluttershy asked.
“Baltimare,” Octavia answered. “Amethyst de Lulamoon will share the fate of her daughter.”
“A sensible next step,” Fluttershy said. “No doubt she intends evil for the city. All right, that's enough grim talk for one night. I'll be in my study if you need me.” Fluttershy left for her study, and Octavia stayed in the main lobby, thinking. She decided to go talk to Fluttershy some more. She walked into the study and found Fluttershy staring at a wall.
“Look familiar?” Fluttershy asked.
“More codex pages,” Octavia said.
“Yes,” Fluttershy agreed. “Your father managed to find and translate a few before she...” Octavia gave Fluttershy the codex page from her hidden blade.
“Here,” she said. Fluttershy opened the scroll and looked over the page.
“This is not your father's work,” she realized. “Somepony else has translated it.”
“Applebloom,” Octavia explained. “A friend.” Fluttershy put the codex page on the wall with the others.
“Do you see the way the words cross from one page to the next?” she asked.
“There is something underneath it all,” Octavia said. “A kind of map. Where is it supposed to lead?”
“Your father and I managed to gather bits of a prophesy sprawled across the pages,” Fluttershy explained. “It was written by an Assassin like us, who long ago held a Piece of Eden. Her name was Vinyl. She spoke of something powerful, and ancient, beneath the land.”
“What is it?” Octavia asked.
“What indeed!” Fluttershy said. “Solving this little mystery is exactly why we collected these pages.”
“Then let me help,” Octavia asked. “It's time I take on my father's work. All of it. I'll start with the page I took from Trixie. Applebloom will decode it for us.”
“Bene,” Fluttershy said. “Return here when time permits, and we'll add it to the wall.” Octavia left the room and returned to Baltimare.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The date was April 20, 1478. Octavia had returned to Baltimare to seek out Applebloom for her help in decoding the codex page. She knocked on the workshop door and walked in. Applebloom turned around and saw her friend.
“Octavia!” she exclaimed. “You are still alive!” Applebloom gave Octavia a modest hug. Octavia marveled at the room.
“Look at this place,” she said. “The past two years have been kind to you.”
“But you are not the same at all, are you?” Applebloom asked. Octavia shook her head.
“I was hoping you could help me with something,” she asked.
“Anything for you, my friend,” Applebloom agreed. Octavia pulled out the codex page.
“Aha!” Applebloom cried. “You've found another one. How exciting!” She took the scroll over to her desk and opened it up. She looked it over. “Hm,” she thought. “This one is tricky to break. Clever in its use of ancient languages. Maybe if I just...oh. Oh! It seems to be a manual of some sort for different assassination techniques.”
“May I see it?” Octavia asked.
“Wait! What's that?” Applebloom wondered. “It's not so much a design this time, just a series of sketches. Hmm. What to make of all this?” Applebloom realized something. “Oh ho! Of course! And why not? What an inspired idea!”
“Can you build it for me while I try what is in that manual fragment?” Octavia asked.
“Take it,” Applebloom said. “I'll have my assistant set up some dummies for you to practice with. Hey! Babs Seed!”
Octavia walked outside into the courtyard and saw the dummies already set up. She looked at the decoded page. One dummy was standing near a cart of hay. Octavia read over the page, then jumped into the hay pile. The technique instructed her how to assassinate from a hiding place. Octavia quietly jumped out of the hay, stabbed her blade into the dummy's throat, then pulled the dummy inside the hay. Her technique was flawless. Another technique showed Octavia how to assassinate from a ledge. She climbed up onto the edge of a balcony where a dummy was. Octavia drove her blade into the dummy's stomach and pulled it off the ledge. Another flawless technique. The third and final technique was Octavia's favorite. It was an assassination from the air. Octavia climbed onto some high boxes overlooking another dummy. Octavia readied her hidden blade and jumped. She landed on the dummy as she drove the blade into the dummy's throat. Octavia had learned the techniques of the codex page. She walked back inside the workshop.
“I've done it,” Applebloom announced. “Come quickly. Look.” Octavia walked over to the desk. Applebloom gave her another hidden blade. “Take it,” she said. “Try it.” Octavia fitted the blade onto her empty hoof.
“Thank you, Applebloom,” she said.
“Non c'è di che!” Applebloom replied.
“There's somepony I need to see while I'm here,” Octavia remembered. “I cannot approach her publicly. Would you know a way...” Applebloom stopped her.
“La Volpe,” she whispered.
“The Fox…?” Octavia began, but Applebloom hurriedly shushed her.
“Capisco,” Octavia said. “But do you know where a fox might roam?”
“Perhaps in the Mercato,” Applebloom quietly suggested. “Where the thieves dwell.” Octavia nodded. “Sta attento, amico,” Applebloom said. Octavia left the workshop and traveled to the market. When she arrived, a thief ran up and nicked her. Octavia looked down to see her money gone.
“Hey,” she said. “My pouch. My money!”
“Oh, your money?” the thief denied. “I don't have your money.” The thief ran off and Octavia chased him. She finally tackled him on a rooftop.
“I really have no interest in hurting you,” she assured. “So just give me back my money and we'll call it even.”
“Not so fast,” a voice said. Octavia whipped around to see a mare in a light brown cloak.
“What do you want?” Octavia muttered. “Who are you?”
“They call me many things,” the mare answered. “Murderer, Tagliagole, Thief, but you may call me La Volpe. At your service, Miss Octavia.”
“How do you know my name?” Octavia asked.
“It is my business to know everything in this city,” La Volpe explained. “Isn't that why you're here?”
“Indeed,” Octavia said. “I need to find somepony. You'll know where she'll be before even she does.”
“Who?” Volpe asked.
“Amethyst de Lulamoon,” Octavia said.
“There's word on the street that a caravan just arrived from Ponyville,” Volpe said. “A secret meeting at sunset tonight. You can learn something about Amethyst's whereabouts there.”
“Do you know where it is to be held?” Octavia asked.
“Ma certo,” Volpe said. “Let me know when you're ready, and we'll go. Ah yes. Here is your money.” Volpe took the pouch from the thief and threw it back to Octavia. Octavia put it back on her belt and scowled. She walked up to Volpe.
“Follow me,” Volpe said. “But we must move fast. Think you can keep up?”
“Nessun problema,” Octavia said. Volpe climbed up a wall and onto the roof of the building. Volpe ran off.
“What are you doing back there?” she asked. “I said to keep up with me.” Octavia followed Volpe to the Santa Maria Novella. When they arrived, Octavia was panting heavily.
“Here we are,” Volpe said. “Amethyst de Lulamoon is meeting her ponies inside that church.”
“How do I join them?” Octavia inquired.
“There are catacombs that run under the city,” Volpe explained. “They will lead you to a place where you can eavesdrop on the meeting.” Volpe pointed to a handle shaped like the Assassin's symbol with a skull in the center. “Grip that stone handle,” she instructed. “Turn it, then slide it down.”
“Thank you for all your help, Volpe,” Octavia said.
“Buona Fortuna,” Volpe said. She walked away as Octavia jumped off the building. Octavia walked over to the stone handle. She checked to make sure nopony was around, then activated the switch. A door opened underneath her, and Octavia climbed down into the catacombs.
Octavia dropped into a room filled with rats. She heard voices. She noticed a small barred window near the floor. She knelt down and saw Amethyst, Pinkamena, and two other ponies. One of them was Amethyst's father. He was finishing a prayer.
“Et benedictio Dei omnipotantis,” he said. “Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti descendat super vos et maneat semper.”
“Thank you, father,” Amethyst said. “Raindrop?”
“It's all here,” Raindrop said. “Swords, staves, axes, armor, bows. Our mares will want for nothing.”
“I take this gift to mean the Pope concents?” Amethyst's father asked. Celestia walked into the room.
“She gave her blessing to the operation,” Celestia said. “As long as nopony is killed.”
“We're all set for the Duomo in the morning, Signora,” Amethyst said. “The bait's been laid, but it wasn't easy. Her fool sister keeps changing her plans.”
“Si,” Raindrop agreed. “We'll need to be on hoof to make sure Sweetie Belle even gets out of bed for church tomorrow.” The Templars laughed at this. Pinkamena wanted to say something.
“What is it, Pinkamena?” Celestia asked. “Do you think they suspect something?” Pinkamena began to speak, but Amethyst cut her off.
“Impossible,” she said. “The La Moda are to arrogant or too stupid to even notice. Likely a bit of both.” Amethyst and some of the Templars laughed again.
“Do not underestimate our enemies, Amethyst,” Pinkamena warned. “Or have you already forgotten how your daughter was murdered?” Amethyst turned to Celestia.
“We'll have no such surprises this time, Maestra,” she said. “You have my word.”
“Molto bene,” Celestia said. “I should be off. I have some other business to attend to before I return to Ponyville. Fillies and gentlecolts, tomorrow, a new sun rises over Baltimare. May the celestial mother guide us.”
“May the celestial mother guide us,” the Templars repeated. Octavia stood up as the Templars left the room. She crawled out of a drainage pipe and back into the fresh night air. She found La Volpe sitting on a nearby bench, awaiting Octavia's finds. Octavia sat down.
“I know where Amethyst will be and when,” Octavia informed. “But…”
“What is it?” Volpe asked.
“I overheard something,” Octavia said. “They have weapons. Enough for a battalion. Even the Pope has given support.”
“Hm,” Volpe pondered. “Typical of Sixtus. But...what the hell are they planning?”
“I couldn't understand the specifics,” Octavia replied. “But it involves the La Moda, and it begins tomorrow morning at the Duomo.”
“The La Moda will all be there for Sunday service,” Volpe said. She suddenly realized something. “Along with the rest of Baltimare!” she cried. They are going to do it right in the middle of high mass.”
“But it's also a chance for me to blend with the crowd, get close, and stop this madness,” Octavia said.
“If they succeed,” Volpe said. “If we lose Rarity and Baltimare falls to the Lulamoons...”
“It will not come to that,” Octavia assured. “I promise.”
“I hope you are right,” Volpe worried. Octavia stood up and climbed up the side of the building. She spent the rest of the night waiting for the next morning.
When the sun finally came up over Balitmare, Octavia woke up from a snooze. She positioned herself on the roof and waited. She didn't have to wait long, because the Sunday service was about to start. Octavia spotted Rarity.
“There's Rarity,” she said to herself. “And her husband.” she looked around for other members of the La Moda family. “There's Sweetie Belle,” Octavia said. “Rarity's sister. But where's Amethyst?” Octavia saw Amethyst push her way to the front of the crowd with Raindrop. “There she is,” Octavia muttered. “Time to strike.” Octavia jumped off the roof and blended in with the crowd. She slowly made her way to the front. Raindrop pulled out a knife and attacked Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle avoided the first swing, but Raindrop stabbed again and caught Sweetie Belle in the chest. As Sweetie Belle tried to run, Amethyst stopped her and Amethyst's father grabbed her. Rarity heard and turned around.
“Sweetie Belle?” she cried. “No!” Rarity was attacked by another rouge priest, and Rarity fought her back. Amethyst and Raindrop continued to attack Sweetie Belle, who put up a decent fight. Raindrop caught Sweetie Belle multiple times, and knocked her to the ground.
“No!” Sweetie Belle cried in pain. “In nome di Dio, vi scongiuro! Pietà!” Amethyst didn't listen to Sweetie Belle's plea for mercy, and she stabbed her many times.
“Nessuna pìetà, cane maledetto!” Amethyst yelled, enraged. “Muori! Muori! Muori!” Amethyst stuck her dagger into Sweetie Belle's bloody corpse. Rarity had fought off her attackers, and Amethyst ran over to her, sword drawn. Rarity and Amethyst stood, facing each other.
“Your day is done, Rarity,” Amethyst cried. “Your entire family dies by my sword!” Civilians had panicked and ran away from the scene. Octavia was the only one left, and her sword was drawn. She attacked and killed the guards that were attacking Rarity. Amethyst ran off.
“You saved my life,” Rarity thanked.
“It's nothing,” Octavia said. “But the mare who did this to you has to pay.”
“Not now,” Rarity said, as she winced. “I need help...to my home...ponies I trust there...can you…?” Rarity picked up her sword and follwed Octavia to her home. When they reached the building, Octavia pounded on the door.
“Rarity's been wounded,” she cried. “Aprite la porta!”
“What's the password?” the door guard asked.
“Berry Punch!” Rarity cried. “Open the maledetta porta!”
“By the Thrice Greatest!” Berry Punch cried. “Come in. Quickly! The city is at war! Hurry!” Octavia helped Rarity inside, then turned to leave.
“Wait,” Rarity called. “I am in your debt. Tell me, why did you help me?”
“You are not the only one who has lost a sister to the Lulamoons,” Octavia explained. “My name is Octavia Melody.”
“Ah,” Rarity realized. “You're Frederick's daughter.” Octavia nodded. “Your father was a good stallion,” Rarity said. “He understood honor. Loyalty.” Another guard suddenly burst into the room.
“The Lulamoon thugs are storming the Palazzo della Signoria!” he cried. “We cannot hold them off much longer.”
“No!” Berry Punch cried. “If they get inside, they'll murder our supporters, and put their own devils in power.”
“Then my survival would mean nothing,” Rarity said. She stood up. “I have to...” Rarity suddenly dropped to the floor, in pain from her wound. Octavia helped her back onto her seat.
“Amethyst de Lulamoon,” Rarity growled. “Help save our city, Melody. Kill her.” Rarity waved off Octavia, and Octavia walked toward the door. When she got outside, she heard the clanging of swords. She climbed onto a rooftop to get her bearings. She saw Amethyst standing on a ledge of the Palazzo della Signoria. Amethyst saw her.
“You again?” she cried. “Why aren't you dead? Slaughter her!” Octavia jumped down and climped the palazzo. When she reached Amethyst, she found herself surrounded by guards. Octavia quickly killed them all.
“Guards!” Amethyst cried. “Guards!!”
“Nopony is coming,” Octavia said. “It's just us now.” Amethyst climbed onto the ledge.
“Meledetto!” Amethyst yelled. “Che il diavolo ti porti! Stammi lontano!” Amethyst jumped off the tall building and landed in a hay pile. Octavia followed her. Amethyst climbed a building and got onto the roof, but Octavia was upon her. Octavia drove her hidden blade into Amethyst's heart and brought her to the ground.
“Now Baltimare will judge you for what you've done,” Octavia said.
“It's over,” Amethyst moaned. “It's all over...” Amethyst Lulamoon died in that moment.
“Meglio essere felici in questa vita che aspirare a esserlo nella prossima,” Octavia prayed. “Requiescat in Pace.” Octavia secretly carried Amethyst's body back to the palazzo. Supporters of the Lulamoon's were gathered, and chanting.
“Libertà! Libertà! Libertà!” the crowd cried out. Pinkamena joined them.
“Libertà!” she cried. “Libertà! Libertà! Popolo e libertà!” Another group of voices was heard.
“Libertà!” a group of La Moda supporters yelled. They threw the stripped body of Amethyst down from the ledge of the Palazzo della Signoria. A rope around the corpse's neck horrified the Lulamoon crowd. Pinkamena turned around and saw the ghastly body.
“Amethyst?” she gasped. The body was lifeless, and looked terrifying suspended there. The group of La Moda supporters cheered from on top of the Palazzo della Signoria. Pinkamena rode away as Octavia looked on. She was satisfied that Amethyst de Lulamoon was finally dead. Octavia jumped off the building and landed in a pile of hay. She traveled underneath the cover of night, pleased.
Octavia walked up to Rarity, who was standing at the edge of a bridge, overlooking the sea. Rarity began to tell a story from her fillyhood.
“When I was six years old,” Rarity began. “I fell into the ocean. I soon found myself drifting down, and into darkness, certain my life was at an end. Instead, I woke to the sound of my mother weeping. At her side stood a stranger, soaking, and smiling at me. My mother explained that he had saved me. And so began a long and prosperous relationship between two families. Yours, and mine. I am sorry I could not save your father, sister, and brother.”
“You have nothing to apologize for,”Octavia explained. “I believe Pinkamena de Lulamoon played a part in their deaths. And in the attack on you as well. I need to find her.”
“That coward fled before we could arrest her,” Rarity said.
“Have you any leads?” Octavia asked.
“No,” Rarity regretted. “They've hidden themselves well.”
“They?” Octavia wondered.
“Pinkamena was not the only conspirator to escape,” Rarity explained.
“If they were with Pinkamena, they were definitely involved in the plot against my family as well,” Octavia assumed. “Give me their names.” Rarity began listing the names of the criminals.
“Bon Bon, Cloudkicker, Thunderlane, and Minuette.”
“Bene,” Octavia said. “I will go see my aunt. She has her mares stationed in the countryside.” Octavia turned to leave, but Rarity stopped her.
“Wait,” Rarity said. “Before you go...” she gave Octavia a scroll.
“Another codex page!” Octavia exclaimed.
“I took it from the files of Amethyst de Lulamoon,” Rarity said. “Seeing as she clearly no longer needs it. I've always had an interest in things of antiquity. As did your father.”
“It's meaningful to me as well,” Octavia explained.
“Then consider it a gift,” Rarity said. She put a hoof on Octavia's shoulder. “Che il Signore ci protegga.” Octavia left Baltimare and ran to Appleloosa. When she reached town, she walked into Fluttershy's study.
“Octavia!” Fluttershy exclaimed. “Come in, come in! To what do we owe the honor?”
“I've been sent from Baltimare by La Magnifica to attend to some unfinished business,” Octavia explained. “I'm looking for Pinkamena de Lulamoon.”
“Ha!” Fluttershy laughed. “Who isn't? We've been at it for days.”
“Perhaps what I carry will help us both,” Octavia suggested. “A list of her co-conspirators. One of them will talk before she dies.”
“Excellent,” Fluttershy said. “These mares are sure to lack Pinkamena's resources. Which means they will be easier to find. I will put my scouts to it at once.”
“I appreciate the help, Fluttershy,” Octavia thanked. “I've got something else for you as well. More codex pages.” Octavia gave her retrieved pages to Fluttershy.
“Ah,” Fluttershy said, opening up a page. “Let us see what we can learn.” She looked over the page. “What is this?” she questioned. “What prophet?”
“What did you find, Fluttershy?” Octavia asked.
“Just another damn mystery,” Fluttershy grumbled. “The text here roughly translates to “...only the prophet may open it...” There's reference to two pieces of Eden, but these pages offer no answers, nipota. At least not on their own. You must find more.”
“We'll have to save it for another day, Fluttershy,” Octavia said. “I have a mission to attend to.” Octavia left the Villa and traveled to the first location. She found one of Fluttershy's scouts near an abbey.
“Ah, there you are,” the scout said. “Listen, we found Thunderlane. Just follow this road and it will take you to the abbey where he's taken refuge.” Octavia followed the path and walked into the abbey. She found Thunderlane, disguised among the priests. Octavia slowly approached him from behind. She extended her hidden blade and drove it into Thunderlane's back. She lay him down on the concrete.
“Now I will see who was right,” he gasped.
“Where is Pinkamena?” Octavia demanded.
“Nothing to fear, I suppose,” Thunderlane said. “They meet in the shadow of the Equestrian gods.” With that, Thunderlane died.
“Ora sei libero dalla paura,” Octavia said. “Requiescat in pace.” Octavia traveled on to the next scout. She found him near a villa.
“Over here, Octavia!” the scout called. “We found Cloudkicker. She's barricaded herself inside that villa.” Octavia nodded and headed toward the villa, along with some mercenaries the scout had lended to her. She killed the archers, scaled the wall, and was immediately met with a host of guards lead by Cloudkicker. She quickly opened the gate to let the mercenaries in.
“You Templars,” Octavia sighed. “Always singing the same song.”
“You think a few mercenari will scare me?” Cloudkicker asked.
“They should,” Octavia taunted. She killed some guards, and left the rest to the mercenaries. She confronted Cloudkicker, sword drawn.
“Shall I send your remains to that ubriacone, Fluttershy?” Cloudkicker asked. “Ha! What's the point? There won't be anything left of you to recognize.”
“It's quite a plan you have,” Octavia said. “Spouting nonsense while you send these other mares to die.”
“I am a reasonable mare,” Cloudkicker said. “What say you to this? Turn back now and I'll call off my mares.”
“Sorry, friend,” Octavia said. “You are on my list. You're fate is sealed.”
“Tear her limb from limb!” Cloudkicker cried to her guards. While Cloudkicker was yelling, Octavia ran up from behind and ran her through with the hidden blade. She brought Cloudkicker's body to the floor.
“Where is Pinkamena?” Octavia demanded.
“She knows you come for her,” Cloudkicker managed. “She is merging only in darkness to meet with the others.”
“That answers when,” Octavia said. “Now tell me where.” Cloudkicker died before she could answer. “La fede dovrebbe dare confroto, non pena,” Octavia prayed. “Requiescat in Pace.” Octavia left the villa with the rest of the mercenaries. She let them go back to Fluttershy while she went on. She found the next scout in the city of Dodge Junction.
“Octavia!” The scout cried. “About time you got here. We've found Minuette.”
“Ottima notizia!” Octavia said. “Tell me where she is and I'll see that she's dealt with.”
“That's the trouble,” the scout regretted. “Rarity actually had her arrested days ago, after being returned to us from Vanhoover. But she escaped. We believe her to be somewhere inside Dodge Junction.”
“Va bene,” Octavia said. “I'll see if I can't pin her down.”
“How do you expect to succeed where the rest of us have failed?” the scout doubted.
“I have my ways,” Octavia grinned. She climbed up onto a rooftop to see her surroundings. Using her senses, she pinpointed Minuette among a crowd. When Octavia walked onto the edge of a wooden beam, she was directly above Minuette. She readied her hidden blade, then jumped. The blade pierced through Minuette's neck. Octavia rolled Minuette over to speak.
“I knew you would come,” Minuette gasped.
“Where is Pinkamena?” Octavia demanded.
“So you can do to her what you've done to me?” Minuette asked.
“There is still time for you to clear your conscience,” Octavia reminded.
“We gather at the church,” Minuette said. “When a meeting is called.”
“Mi duole dover giungere a tanto,” Octavia said. “Requiescat in Pace.” She lay down Minuette's body and found the final scout in a corner of Dodge Junction.
“Salute, Octavia!” the scout exclaimed. “Bon Bon has sought refuge atop the city's highest structure, spouting scripture and arrows in equal measure. The mare has clearly lost her mind. Making matters worse, she's posted archers all around her. You'd do well to clear them out before approaching.”
“Grazie for the information,” Octavia thanked. She jumped for the roofs. She took out the archers with ease, then began to climb the Dodge Junction clock tower. As she got closer to the top, she could hear Bon Bon's words more clearly. Bon Bon was speaking of the evils of the land, and how following her would make everything better. Octavia reached the top of the tower and climbed on. She kicked out Bon Bon's back hoof and used her hidden blade to stab Bon Bon in the neck.
“Away with you, demon,” Bon Bon cursed.
“Have some respect for death, my friend,” Octavia said.
“I'll show you respect…!” Bon Bon threatened.
“No,” Octavia said. “I will. Che tu possa alfine trovare riposo nel corpo e nella mente. Requiescat in Pace.” She left Bon Bon's body on the tower and stood on the edge. She looked down and saw a pile of hay to jump into. Before she did, Octavia took a good look at Dodge Junction's cityscape. She liked the view. Octavia took the leap of faith. She fell into the pile of hay without any injury and got out. She climbed onto a roof to find Pinkamena. She found her exit the nearby church.
“If I can stay my blade long enough to follow her,” Octavia thought. “She'll lead me to her Templar sisters, and I'll have more names for my list.” Octavia followed Pinkamena out of the city, while talking to herself.
“Your letter mentioned Canterlot,” Octavia remembered. “Are there Templars there as well?” Octavia followed Pinkamena to a small pit, housing the ruins of a temple. More Templars were there, including Celestia.
“How many mares are responsible for my father's death?” Octavia wondered. She hid behind a pillar to listen to the meeting.
“I am sorry, Maestra,” Pinkamena apologized. “I did all I could, but the Assassin proved too strong.”
“Clearly,” Celestia growled. “As the others would be here with you. Say nothing of the fact that Baltimare remains in La Moda hooves.”
“It's Amethyst's fault,” Pinkamena blamed. “Her impatience made her reckless. I tried to be the voice of reason.”
“More like the voice of cowardice,” Raindrop said.
“You're one to talk, Sinora Raindrop,” Pinkamena scoffed. “Had you sent us quality weapons instead of this garbage your mares call armaments,...”
“Enough!” Celestia yelled. “We put our faith in your family, and you repay us with inaction and incompetence!? Then when asked to account for your failures, you make excuses, and insult us!? How do you expect me to respond?”
“I don't know,” Pinkamena quietly said.
“It's all right,” Celestia assured, putting a hoof on Pinkamena's shoulder. “I do.” She took out a knife and stabbed Pinkamena in the gut. Pinkamena fell to her knees.
“No,” she gasped. “Please. Don't.” Raindrop laughed.
“Please don't what?” she asked. She pushed Pinkamena to the ground. Pinkamena begged for mercy.
“I can...fix this,” she stammered. “Only...spare me.” Celestia drew her sword.
“No,” she said coldly. She ran the blade through Pinkamena's neck. Pinkamena stopped struggling. “What a mess,” Celestia grumbled. She sheathed her sword. “So sorry to have claimed your prize, Assassin,” she called. Two guards grabbed Octavia and dragged her before Celestia.
“Did you honestly think I would not expect you to follow?” Celestia asked. “That I didn't plan for it? We've been at this a lot longer than you. Kill her.”
“I know you're only doing as you're told,” Octavia reasoned with the guards. “So if you release me, I will spare your lives.” The guards laughed, lowering their watch. Octavia stabbed them simultaneously with her twin hidden blades, killing them. Heavily armored guards surrounded Octavia. She fought and killed them all without breaking a sweat. She walked over to Pinkamena's gasping body to end her suffering. Octavia stabbed her blade into Pinkamena's throat.
“Vai, amico, libero da fardelli e paure,” Octavia prayed. “Requiescat in pace.”
Back in Baltimare, Octavia walked up to Rarity to tell her the news.
“The Lulamoons are dead,” Octavia said, “Every one of them.”
“I must admit,” Rarity confessed. “I’ve never believed I could desire the death of others so badly.”
“Nor I,” Octavia agreed. Rarity put a hoof on Octavia’s shoulder.
“Octavia,” Rarity said. “Thank you for the role you’ve played in keeping this dream of mine alive a little longer.” Octavia bowed.
“L'onore è mio, Signora” she replied.
“What will you do now, figiola,” Rarity asked.
“There are still others I must hunt, Signora,” Octavia answered. “They are already digging their claws into the heart of Canterlot.”
“No!” Rarity gasped. “La Bella Canterlot. Then that is where your journey must take you, Octavia. Before you leave us, I have something for you. A gift.” Rarity waved to a servant of hers. The mare brought over a white cape with a purple insignia.
“This cape identifies you as a friend of the La Moda,” Rarity said. “As long as you wear it, the city guards will be…more tolerant of your actions. But be warned, you will not be granted immunity from the law.” Octavia nodded and took the cape. She removed her old one and fastened the La Moda cape in its place.
“Che la fortuna favorisca la tua lama,” Rarity said. Octavia bowed and left for Appleblooms workshop. When she reached the building, she knocked on the door. There was no answer.
“Applebloom,” Octavia called. “Applebloom!” A passing citizen noticed Octavia and stopped to explain.
“Mi dispiace, Messera,” the civilian apologized. “But she is gone. Maestra Applebloom was commissioned by a Canterlot noble to paint some portraits. She paid for the Maestra to move her entire workshop to Canterlot. It’s quite an opportunity.”
“Grazie mile, friend,” Octavia thanked. Octavia left Baltimare, trying to find Applebloom. Upon entering the mountains, Octavia found Applebloom mending her broken wagon.
“Applebloom!” Octavia called. Applebloom looked up from her work and saw her friend.
“Octavia?” Applebloom gasped. “What luck! I…er…I’ve run into a bit of trouble.”
“Let me see if I can help,” Octavia offered.
“I know how to fix it, but lack the means to do so,” Applebloom explained. If you could just lift the wagon…” Octavia walked to a reasonable spot and hefted the wagon up. Applebloom continued to work. As she held up the wagon, Octavia could see a strange contraption inside.
“What is this thing?” Octavia asked.
“Eh?” Applebloom asked.
“It looks like a giant bat,” Octavia commented.
“Oh nothing,” Applebloom said. “Just an idea I’ve been working on. I could not leave it behind.” Applebloom stood up and Octavia dropped the wagon.
“What is it for?” Octavia asked.
“I shouldn’t really talk about it,” Applebloom said. “Ah…al diavolo. I can’t hold it in anymore. Octavia. I think I’ve figured out how to make an earth pony fly!” Octavia gave a laugh and walked toward the wagon front.
“Come on,” she said. “I’ll drive.”
“But I haven’t even told you where I’m going,” Applebloom said. Octavia climbed into the wagon front and so did Applebloom. Octavia got the pulling ponies moving again and they continued toward Canterlot. Applebloom took a big breath of fresh air.
“Canterlot,” Applebloom remarked. “Such a beautiful city. So many sources of inspiration! Ponte de Rialto, Piazzo San Marco, L'Arsenale…” Octavia felt that something was wrong. She held up her hoof.
“Wait,” she said. “We’re not alone.” Octavia and Applebloom turned their heads to see multiple guards running toward the wagon. Octavia sped up the wagon to try and lose the guards.
“What’s happening?” Applebloom asked. “Who are they?”
“Celestia’s mares,” Octavia said.
“Why?” Applebloom inquired. “What do they want with us?” An arrow wedged itself in the seat in between Octavia and Applebloom.
“I think they want us dead,” Octavia worried. “Applebloom, hide!” Applebloom quickly jumped into the wagon and closed the cover. The guards pursued Octavia. Some of them tried to jump on the wagon. Octavia made sharp turns to shake them off. After a few more guards had failed to get on, Applebloom jumped back into the driver’s seat.
“Go, Applebloom!” Octavia cried. “They’re here for me. Not you. I’ll catch up with you later.” Octavia gave Applebloom the reins and jumped off the wagon. Applebloom proceeded toward Fillydelphia, where she would catch a train to Canterlot. As Applebloom sped away, Octavia drew her sword to defend against the guards. Two lightly armored guards attacked Octavia. Octavia kicked one in the chest, and drove her sword into the guard’s skull. Octavia smoothly pulled her sword out of the dead guard and cut into the other guard’s neck. Octavia pulled out her sword as a bulky guard approached. Octavia put her sword away and prepared to fight. The guard swung his heavy battle axe at Octavia, but Octavia grabbed it and kicked the guard in the hoof. Octavia took the axe and drove the blade into the guard’s head. The axe stuck in the guard’s skull as he was killed. The guard was still standing, so Octavia lightly pushed the guard to the ground. Octavia traveled the rest of the way to Fillydelphia on hoof. When she reached the city, she found Applebloom at the train station.
“Thank you, Octavia,” Applebloom said. “You saved my life.”
“I did what had to be done,” Octavia said. “You would have done the same.”
“I doubt it,” Applebloom chuckled. “Bravery is not my strong suit. I owe you a debt, sister.”
“Di niente,” Octavia shrugged.
“Tutti a bordo!” the train captain called. “Fra poco si salpa!”
“That’s our train,” Applebloom said. “Canterlot awaits.” Octavia and Applebloom boarded the train and left for Canterlot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rainbow Dash woke up in the real world, in her own mind. She thought they had work to do.
“Everything all right?” she asked.
“Better than all right,” Applejack said. “You’re making amazing progress.”
“Amazing’s quite a strong word,” Hooves grumbled.
“Then why are we stopping?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Prolonged exposure to the Animus can have…uh…side effects,” Vinyl explained.
“Awesome,” Rainbow Dash sighed.
“It’s nothing to worry about,” Applejack assured. “You haven’t shown any of the symptoms.”
“Symptoms? What symptoms?” Rainbow Dash demanded.
“Degradation of cognitions,” Vinyl listed. “Temporal hallucinations, multiple awareness issues, overlapping realities, you know.”
“So, what you’re saying is…” Rainbow began.
“What we’re saying is, Rainbow,” Hooves said. “Is that if you’re not careful, you may not need the Animus to visit with your ancestors. Which wouldn’t be a bad thing, assuming you could control it. Up until now, though, nopony has.” Rainbow realized something.
“Subject 16,” she assumed.
“We have safeguards, Rainbow,” Applejack said. “They kept her in the Animus way to long, sometimes days at a time. We’re being careful with you.”
“I hope so,” Rainbow sighed.
“Anyway, I was hoping we could test your skill retention,” Applejack wondered. “See if you’ve picked up some of Octavia’s abilities.”
“I’m game,” Rainbow Dash agreed.
“Great,” Applejack said. “Meet me downstairs when you’re ready.” Applejack left the room and went towards the storage room. Rainbow Dash walked over to Hooves. She had an important question.
“What could 16 have found that needed so much secrecy and security?” Rainbow Dash wondered.
“Well, I don’t know, do I?” Hooves said. “I know it had something to do with the codex, but I’m not so sure. I’m all ears if it’s as life changing as 16 says. Blimey, if I was the one allowed to use the Animus, I’d be in there finding out! Instead, I’m forced to sit here, as usual, on the sidelines." Hooves turned back to his work as Rainbow walked to the storage room. She found Applejack and walked up to her.
“So what’s the plan?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“We’re going to see what you’ve managed to retain,” Applejack explained. She slid a key card and entered a code into a panel, and the storage fence opened up. “Come on!” Applejack called. She walked into the storage room, followed by Rainbow Dash. Applejack stopped at a large pile of crates.
“Nightmare’s out there,” Applejack worried. “Looking for us. They’re better funded, and better equipped. So it’s only a matter of time until they find this place. We need to be ready for them when they do. I want you to activate the warehouse’s defense system. I'll let you figure out how to reach the sensors.”
“Aw, come on,” Rainbow Dash complained. “Not even a hint?”
“Open you're eyes Rainbow,” Applejack said. Rainbow Dash got to work looking for the sensors. As she started to walk around, her vision went to black and white, and she saw guards chasing the Assassin. The hallucination was very short, and Rainbow's vision went to normal.
“Uh, Applejack?” she called. “I'm seeing things.”
“Do the hallucinations last longer than 30 seconds?” Applejack questioned.
“No,” Rainbow Dash answered.
“Then it's nothing to worry about,” Applejack assured. “It'll pass.” Rainbow Dash continued to search and activate the sensors. After she had found a few, talked to Applejack.
“So,” Rainbow asked. “How am I doing?”
“You've picked up every single one of Octavia's skills,” Applejack marveled. “The adoption rate is fantastic. Another day or two, and we'll be done.” Rainbow Dash found and activated another sensor.
“OK, so you gotta tell me,” she said. “Why Octavia? Why ancient Equestria? I mean, we could have just gone back to Twilight again, and followed her during his early years.”
“It started with 16,” Applejack explained.
“Ah,” Rainbow Dash said. “Good old Subject 16. She repainted my room you know. With his blood.”
“I've been going through his files,” Applejack said. “Sunset flagged a couple of her Animus sessions. A bunch of different ancestors. Different dates and locations. Ancient Zebra territory, Saddle Arabia, but towards the end, she became obsessed with ancient Equestria. I think she knew about the vault. A few of the records of his later Animus sessions are missing. And the sessions that are there...after everything the Templars put her through...after everything...I put her through, it's all scrambled. If we hadn't pushed 16 so hard, we might have the answers already. And maybe she'd still be alive.” Rainbow Dash found and activated the last two sensors and walked back over to Applejack.
“All right,” Applejack said. “I think we're done for today. You should get some rest.”
“Applejack,” Rainbow said. “What happened to 16 wasn't your fault. You were just as much a prisoner as I was.”
“Thanks,” Applejack said. “Good night, Rainbow.” Applejack walked away, but stopped and turned back, smiling at Rainbow Dash. “I'm glad you're here,” she said. As Applejack left, Rainbow Dash walked back to her room. When she got to the hall, she had another hallucination, followed by a severe headache. Rainbow gripped her head as she saw priests from Twilight's time period pass by. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash was in Twilight's body and mind.
“What the hell?” she thought. “What is this? Where am I?” She realized where she was. “It's Saddle Arabia.” Rainbow saw a golden figure with her Eagle Vision.
“That must be her target,” she assumed. As the figure ran away, Rainbow Dash chased it up onto the top of a tower. The figure turned and removed its hood. It was a mare.
“It's the mare from Saddle Arabia,” Rainbow Dash realized. “What was her name? Carlotta. Yeah.” Twilight approached Carlotta. “Wonder what she wants with her?” Rainbow wondered. Twilight and Carlotta kissed affectionately. “Woah,” Rainbow Dash gasped. “Wasn't expecting that.” The natural memory faded to Twilight getting up and jumping off the tower, but strangely, the memory stayed on Carlotta.
“Wait,” Rainbow wondered. “Why am I not following Twilight? I'm stuck here with Carlotta. Holy shit. That must mean...This is one weird dream.” The memory moved in on Carlotta's abdomen and faded to black.
Rainbow Dash woke up the next morning in the lobby's bed. She didn't remember laying down. She looked at her hooves to make sure she was in her right mind.
“Sorry to barge in on you like this,” Vinyl said, walking in. “But it's getting late and we need to…” She noticed Rainbow's worry. “Hey, are you OK?” Vinyl asked.
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash said. “Everything's great. Just weird dreams, that's all.”
“All right,” Vinyl said. “I'll let you get ready. See ya in a few.” Vinyl walked toward her spot and sat down. Rainbow Dash got up and walked toward the Animus. Hooves spotted her.
“Ah,” he said. “So good of you to join us.”
“Sorry,” Rainbow apologized. “Long night.”
“What a professional,” Hooves sarcastically stated. “What a professional approach.”
“Leave him alone,” Vinyl said.
“Well, you'll forgive me if I want to get some actual work done,” Hooves argued. “Marvelous, isn't it?”
“Hooves!” Applejack scolded. “Please, that's enough!”
“All right,” Hooves defended. He turned back to his desk. Applejack buried her face in her hooves. Rainbow Dash walked over.
“Uh, hi,” she said. Applejack jolted up.
“Hi,” she managed.
“You OK?” Rainbow Dash wondered.
“Yeah,” Applejack said. “I'm fine. Everything's fine.”
“You sure?” Rainbow inquired. Applejack fessed up.
“We lost two more teams last night,” she confessed. “That's eight more of us, just, gone.”
“I'm sorry,” Rainbow Dash quietly said. Applejack sighed.
“I don't know what to do anymore,” she said. “It just keeps getting worse and worse.”
“Hey,” Rainbow stopped. “Remember what you told me. You gotta have faith. And look. Here we are, safe and sound.” Applejack laughed.
“For how long?” she demanded. “And when they find us? Then what?”
“When that happens,” Rainbow assured. “If, that happens, we'll deal with it. I'll keep you safe.” Applejack smiled.
“Anyway,” she said. “Enough with my little breakdown. “I better get back to work. And so should you.” Rainbow Dash sat down in the Animus and continued her work.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The year is 1481 in Canterlot. Octavia and Applebloom just arrived in the city. A tour guide walked up.
“Messera de Applebloom?” she asked.
“Yes,” Applebloom said.
“Buongiorno e ben arrivato!” the guide cried. “I am Carrot Top. Signor Fancypants has asked that I escort you to the workshop. Are you ready?” Applebloom and Octavia followed Carrot Top around Canterlot.
“No other city can match the size of Canterlot's markets,” Carrot said. Be it spices or silk, from near or far, there is… there is...” Carrot stopped as she saw city guards approach a local's fish stand. Applebloom and Octavia looked as well.
“You were told to stay home,” the captain said.
“But the rent is paid,” the local explained. “I have every right to sell here.”
“Diamond Tiara disagrees!” the captain cried. He and the rest of the guards proceeded to destroy the local's stand.
“No!” the local cried. “Stop. Stop!”
“Let us continue the tour...elsewhere,” Carrot Top suggested. She walked out of the market and Octavia and Applebloom followed. As they passed a nearby stand, Applebloom noticed a posable wooden doll on a base, resembling a ponyquin.
“Look,” she said to Octavia. “Isn't it amazing? Would you mind buying it for me? I left my money with my bags.” Octavia gave Applebloom a look. A small group of thieves ran by Octavia, one of them nudging her and stealing some of her money.
“Hey,” Octavia called. “Watch your step, coglione!” She shook her head and walked on with Applebloom. Carrot Top stopped at a large building.
“And here, we have the Palazzo della Seta,” she said. “Home to Diamond Tiara. Normally I'd suggest a closer look, but with the way things are now…”
“Why?” Octavia asked. “What's happened?”
“She is attempting to unify the merchants underneath a single banner,” Carrot Top explained. “There has been resistance, but some of it violent.”
“What kind of resistance?” Octavia wondered.
“They say they're fighting for the ponies,” Carrot said. “For freedom or some such nonsense. Baggianate, if you ask me.” Octavia looked closer to see the local whose stand had been destroyed walked up to the Palazzo guards.
“They destroyed my stand,” he said. “I demand compensation.”
“Here you are then,” a guard said. He drove the flat end of his spear into the local's chest. The local was furious.
“The Doge will know about this,” he threatened. “I'll report you to the council.”
“Good luck with that, my friend,” another guard said. The other two guards grabbed the local.
“What are you doing?” the local asked.
“You're under arrest for disrupting commerce,” one of the guards holding him said.
“What?” the local cried. “You just invented that. There's no such law.”
“There is now,” the guard said. The local was dragged away. Octavia, Applebloom, and Carrot Top walked toward the new workshop.
“And now, I present to you your new workshop, Sera Applebloom,” Carrot said. “We spared no expense in its design. You will see. It is perfect. As if you never left Baltimare. I wish you great success, and hope you enjoy Canterlot as much as she enjoys having you.” Carrot Top bowed and walked off.
“So, here we are,” Applebloom said. “Exciting, isn't it? Care to come in?”
“Maybe later,” Octavia said. “I need to visit the Palazzo della Seta. Try and gain an audience with Diamond Tiara.”
“As you wish,” Applebloom said. “But should you find yourself with free time, or another codex page, don't hesitate to visit. My door is always open.”
“Grazie, my friend,” Octavia thanked. Applebloom hugged Octavia.
“Di nulla,” she said. Octavia walked back to the Palazzo and observed what she could. She didn't want to walk right in.
“How to get inside?” she wondered to herself. “Perhaps scale the wall and...” Octavia noticed a very high ledge.
“That's not good,” she said. “I'll never make that jump. I need to find another way.” A group of thieves ran past Octavia and past the guards, who followed them. The thief who had stolen Octavia's money earlier ran past the open gate and began to climb the Palazzo wall. Archers began to fire at her. To Octavia's surprise, the thief jumped up to the ledge that seemed impossible to reach. An arrow suddenly pierced the thief's knee. She fell from the wall and began to run. She ran into Octavia.
“Hey,” Octavia realized. “I remember you.”
“We need to go,” the thief said.
“You never did apologize for knocking me over,” Octavia said.
“Now!” the thief cried. Guards walked up and drew their swords.
“Va bene,” Octavia agreed. “Where to?”
“The water,” the thief said.
“That doesn't exactly narrow it down,” Octavia said. The thief started to limp off, and Octavia followed. The thief ran for some ways before falling over.
“Cristo,” the thief grunted. “My leg.” Octavia picked her up and carried her.
“I never did get your name,” Octavia said.
“Pumpkin Cake” the thief said.
“Onorato, Pumpkin” Octavia said. “I am Octavia.” Octavia carried Pumpkin to a nearby boat.
“Pound Cake,” Pumpkin cried. Pound Cake turned and drew his sword.
“What is this?” he demanded.
“Pumpkin's been wounded,” Octavia explained. Pound put away his sword.
“Pass her here,” he said. “We go the rest of the way in the boat.” Octavia passed Pumpkin Cake to Pound Cake.
“Careful,” Octavia warned. As Pumpkin Cake was put in the boat, an arrow whizzed by and killed another thief on the boat. “Go!” Octavia cried. “I'll deal with the guards.” As the boat pushed out of the dock, Octavia ran over to the archer and killed him. There were more guards to deal with, and Octavia killed them all. Pound Cake rowed into an archway and docked the boat. He checked the dead thief.
“She's dead, idiota,” Pumpkin stormed. “Say a prayer later. I need to see Lightning Dust.” Pound started to lift Pumpkin up, but Pumpkin cried out in pain.
“Careful!” Octavia cried. “Let me do it. Go and find Lightning Dust.” Pound briefly continued to try and get Pumpkin out of the boat.
“Oh, cristo, Pound,” Pumpkin Cake cursed. “Just do what she says.”
“Qua l'ultimo arrivato da gli ordini!” Pound grumbled as he ran off. Pumpkin Cake passed out.
“Hey, hey!” Octavia cried. “Wake up!” Octavia picked up Pumpkin and walked off to the Thieves' Guild. He found Pound making some preparations.
“Make yourselves useful!” he cried to some thieves at a table. “Clear a space for her!” The thieves removed the contents of the table.
“Put her down there,” Pound Cake ordered. Octavia laid Pumpkin on the table. Pumpkin came to.
“Where are we?” she asked.
“Home,” Octavia said. “I've sent for help.”
“Thank you,” Pumpkin said. Lightning Dust walked outside.
“Pumpkin,” she said. “What's happened?”
“Just get this out of me,” Pumpkin moaned.
“Soon, soon,” Lightning assured. “Let's have a look first.” Lightning Dust studied the wound. “Clean enter and exit through the thigh,” she concluded. “That's good.”
“Get it out!” Pumpkin wailed.
“Pumpkin,” Lightning Dust reasoned. “We must be careful not to...”
“NOW!!!” Pumpkin yelled.
“Come vuoi,” Lightning said. She turned to Octavia and another thief. “Tenetela,” she ordered. Octavia and the thief held the wounded leg in place. Lightning grabbed the arrow and snapped it in two. Pumpkin groaned in pain. Lightning Dust grabbed the other end of the arrow and yanked it out of Pumpkin's thigh. Pumpkin Cake cried out in agony.
“I'm sorry, piccola,” Lightning Dust said.
“Sorry!?” Pumpkin stormed. “Ficcatelo nel culo your sorry!”
“Go fetch Cherry Spices,” Lightning Dust ordered. “Be quick.” The thief ran off. Octavia grabbed a cloth and pressed it against the wound.
“Porca puttana!” Pumpkin cursed.
“Ben fatto,” Lightning Dust said. “You work well under pressure. She's spirited, this one.”
“Porca puttana!” Pumpkin cursed again.
“Avanti,” Lightning ordered. “Get Pumpkin inside so Cherry Spices can close the wound.” She turned to Pumpkin and put a hoof to her cheek.
“You'll be all right,” Lightning Dust said. “The worst is past.” Pumpkin slapped the hoof away.
“Ti venisse il cancro, brutto bastardo!” she cried in anger. “A te e quella grandissima troia di tua madre!” Two thieves carried Pumpkin Cake inside.
“Thank you,” Lightning Dust said to Octavia. “Pumpkin is most dear to me. If I had lost her...”
“I've always had a soft spot for mares in distress,” Octavia confessed.
“So I've heard,” Lightning agreed. “Don't look so surprised. We know all about you Sera Octavia. Your work in Baltimare and the rest of Fillydelphia. Good work too, if a little...unrefined.”
“Then you know why I'm in Canterlot,” Octavia assumed.
“I can guess,” Lightning Dust said. “When you have a minute, come see me in my office. There's something we should discuss.” Lightning left for her office and walked inside. Octavia followed and knocked on the door.
“Avanti,” Lightning Dust called. “Come in, Octavia.” Octavia opened the door and walked inside. “Prego,” Lightning Dust said. “Can I offer you something? Biscotti? Un caffè?”
“What's caffè?” Octavia asked, confused.
“An interesting concoction brought to me by a Appleloosa merchant,” Lightning Dust explained. She poured a cup of dark liquid. “Here,” she offered. “Have a taste.” Octavia took the cup and took a small sip. She slightly cringed at the taste.
“A little bitter, if you ask me,” Octavia said, giving back the cup. “It just seems lacking somehow. I don't know, have you considered adding sugar maybe, or latte?”
“I suppose it's something of an acquired taste,” Lightning agreed. “Enough about that. Now where were we?” she walked over to a table with a three dimensional map layout of Canterlot. “Our failure at the Palazzo cost us dearly,” Lightning Dust regretted. “It will take time to recover. No doubt Diamond Tiara will use this pause to strengthen her defenses and continue her oppression of the district. I know you may not share our motive, but I know you share our goal.”
“Why not gather your forces and try again?” Octavia suggested.
“To act in haste will only bring more losses,” Lightning Dust said. “No. We must resupply and draw new plans.”
“I can ill afford to sit around and wait,” Octavia said.
“Nor would I want you to,” Lightning Dust agreed. “Work with us instead. Already my mares begin to mend today's wounds. Seek them out. They'll put you to work. The sooner you aid them, the sooner we can strike.”
“Molto bene, Messera,” Octavia said. “I accept.”
“It is the right decision,” Lightning said. Octavia left the building and went to find Pound Cake. She found him atop a roof. She climbed up and met him there.
“Ben trovato, Pound Cake,” Octavia greeted. “What's the trouble?”
“You and Pumpkin Cake managed to escape from Seta,” Pound Cake pointed out. “But the others were not so lucky. Diamond Tiara's captured them and now they await execution.”
“Do you know where they're being held?” Octavia asked.
“I know they're still in the district,” Pound said. “But beyond that, no. You'll have to look for them.”
“I'll have your brothers back here in no time,” Octavia said. She left the area and went to find the other thieves. She heard the voices of a guard, and she followed the sound. She found the thieves inside a cage in a secluded area of Canterlot. Octavia jumped off the roof into a hay pile and snuck up on the guards. She drew out her hidden blades and killed two guards at once. She drew her sword and killed the rest of the guards quickly. Once the guards were nothing but corpses on the ground, Octavia opened the gate of the cage and let the thieves out. She led them back to Pound Cake.
“I'm impressed,” Pound Cake marveled. “I did not expect you to succeed so quickly.”
“I aim to please,” Octavia said.
“I'll let Lightning Dust know about our progress,” Pound Cake said. “Come find me later. I've got another job for you.”
“What kind of job?” Octavia asked.
“Meet me by the docks and I'll explain,” Pound Cake said.
“Molto bene,” Octavia agreed. Later that night, Octavia went down to the docks and found Pound Cake there.
“Rescuing my brothers was more than just an act of charity, Octavia,” Pound Cake explained. “The stallions you freed will play a vital role in the weeks to come. Just ask for their help, and they'll join you.”
“And once I have my little band of thieves?” Octavia wondered.
“Send them towards a group of guards, and they'll create a distraction,” Pound Cake said.
“Clearing the way for me,” Octavia assumed.
“Exactly,” Pound Cake said.
“Saves me from having to bloody my sword,” Octavia said. “I like it.”
“Exactly,” Pound Cake said again. “Now I'll tell you what to do with them. Lightning Dust's plan calls for a bit of deception. We are to imitate as archers, which means we'll need the armor they wear. A shipment of the stuff has just been loaded into chests and now awaits delivery to Seta. Loot the chests and retrieve the outfits. When that's done, I'll need you to fetch me a boat as well, and bring it back here. We'll use it to move our ponies into the Palazzo undetected.”
“Consider it done,” Octavia said. She left the docks and went to go find the chests. She took a group of thieves with her for extra precaution. She and the thieves traveled by rooftop to find the chests. Octavia spotted a large chest protected by heavily armored guards. Octavia readied her hidden blades and jumped. She landed and drove her blades into two of the guards throats, killing them. The thieves jumped down and started to fight the remaining guards. While they did so, Octavia opened up the chest and took out the archer's armor. She turned and found the guards dealt with. She called the thieves off and left to find a boat. She found one near the dock where Pound Cake was. She got in the boat and rowed towards the dock. She put the boat in place and stepped onto the dock. Pound Cake was waiting for her.
“Molto bene, Octavia,” he said. “This is exactly what we needed. I'll let Lightning Dust know you finished the job.” Pound Cake ran off. Octavia walked back to Lightning Dust's office and knocked. Pound Cake opened the door.
“Please,” he said. “Enter.” Octavia walked into the office and found Lightning Dust and Pumpkin Cake there.
“Your good work has restored us to our former strength, Octavia,” Lightning Dust said. “We are ready to strike.”
“Just tell me what needs to be done,” Octavia said. “And I'll see that it is.”
“You'll approach from above under the cover of night,” Lightning Dust explained. “Diamond Tiara has posted archers all around the Palazzo. Kill them, but do so quietly. As they fall, my ponies shall replace them.”
“What about the guards?” Octavia asked.
“When you finish with the archers, we'll regroup in front of this building here, and discuss next steps,” Lightning Dust said, pointing to a model on the map.”
“Nessun problema,” Octavia said. “I'll take care of the archers and return to you.”
“Then it's settled,” Lightning Dust said. “In bocca al lupo.”
“Crepi il lupo,” Octavia returned. She left the office and went to the Palazzo. She climbed the surrounding buildings and killed off the archers. After she had done so, she left for the building Lightning Dust had spoken of. She found her, Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake there.
“Well done, Octavia,” Lightning Dust congratulated. “Everything is going according to plan. As we speak, my ponies are replacing the archers you've removed. The way to the Palazzo is clear now.”
“But not the building itself,” Octavia pointed out. “Diamond Tiara's guards still patrol its border.”
“Use my ponies,” Pound Cake said. “They can distract the guards, and save you from having to fight.”
“When it comes time to storm the place, remember what I've taught you,” Pumpkin Cake said.
“Sii cauto, Octavia,” Lightning Dust said. “We will await word of your success.” Octavia nodded, took a group of thieves, and ran to the Palazzo. She perched herself on a rooftop above the guards protecting the main gate.
“OK, go,” she said to the thieves. The thieves with her jumped down in front of the guards. They ran off with the guards in pursuit. Octavia jumped into the Palazzo and began to climb the walls. She reached the point she thought would be impossible to jump to. She jumped up and reached. She grabbed the ledge and pulled herself up. Pumpkin Cake had taught her to do this. Octavia reached the top of the Palazzo and looked down into it. She saw Diamond Tiara speaking to somepony named Cloudchaser.
“Your little house of cards is crumbling, Diamond Tiara,” Cloudchaser said.
“A minor setback,” Diamond Tiara shunned. “It will be dealt with. This povero scemo Lightning Dust and her thieves...”
“Never mind them,” Cloudchaser said. “It's the Assassin you should be worried about.”
“Why?” Diamond Tiara asked. “Is...is she in Canterlot?”
“She's been here for weeks!” Cloudchaser said. “How could you be so blind?”
“Unlike you, I've been busy,” Diamond Tiara retorted. “Somepony had to provide weapons for our sisters in Baltimare.” Cloudchaser shook her head and left. Diamond Tiara began to worry to herself. Octavia looked down at Diamond Tiara, who was exposed in the courtyard. Octavia drew her hidden blade and jumped. She pierced Diamond Tiara's throat and brought her to the ground.
“Do not be afraid,” Octavia said.
“I feel no fear, Assassin,” Diamond Tiara managed. “Only regret. I sought unity. Stability. Order.”
“At too great a cost,” Octavia growled.
“Progress demands sacrifice,” Diamond Tiara said. With that, she died.
“Non trovo alcuna gioia in questo, ma non c'e altro modo,” Octavia prayed. “Requiescat in pace.” As Octavia lay down Diamond Tiara's corpse, guards began to surround her. They suddenly fell dead. An arrow landed at Octavia's hooves, causing her to jump. She looked up to see the thieves and Pumpkin Cake up atop the Palazzo roof, clothed in the archer's armor. Pumpkin Cake was smugly grinning.
“Sorry,” she said. “I couldn't resist.” She jumped down into the courtyard. “Come,” Pumpkin Cake said. “Let's open the gate for Lightning Dust.” Octavia followed Pumpkin Cake to the gate and helped her open it. Lightning Dust walked through the now open gate.
“Seta has fallen and Diamond Tiara is no more!” she cried. “All thanks to you, Octavia.” She turned to the thieves. “Go!” she said. “Tear down Diamond Tiara's banners. Return what she has stolen from the ponies.” Lightning Dust turned back to Octavia. “Tell me, Octavia,” she wondered. “What can I repay you for your service?”
“Money's always nice,” Octavia said.
“Easy enough,” Lightning said. She pulled out a sack of florins and gave them to Octavia. “What else?” she asked.
“Diamond Tiara was meeting with a mare named Cloudchaser,” Octavia said. “She looked to be a government official. Do you know her?”
“Cloudchaser,” Lightning Dust worried. “She sits on the Council of Ten. Why do you ask? What are you up to?”
“I have a meeting to attend,” Octavia simply said. She bowed to Lightning Dust and walked out of the Palazzo.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the outskirts of Canterlot, a cloaked stallion walked up to Cloudchaser, who was sitting on a bench.
“Where is Diamond Tiara?” the stallion asked.
“I told her to be here,” Cloudchaser said.
“You told her yourself?” the stallion inquired. “In person?”
“Yes,” Cloudchaser retorted. “Myself. In person. I'm concerned that you don't trust me.”
“As am I,” the stallion grumbled. He looked around. “Perhaps she'll arrive with the others,” he assumed. “Walk with me.” The two ponies left the area, wondering what had happened to Diamond Tiara.
The next morning, Cloudchaser and the cloaked stallion met their allies in the city square. Two mares walked up to Cloudchaser and the cloaked stallion. Unknown to them, Octavia was perched in the shadows above.
“Buon giorno, cousin,” one of the mares said. “Signora Chaser.”
“We thought Diamond Tiara would be with you,” the cloaked stallion said.
“Diamond Tiara is dead,” the mare said.
“What!?” the stallion cried. “How?”
“The Assassin,” Cloudchaser realized. “The same one who hunted down the Lulamoons. She is here, in Canterlot!”
“È così,” the mare said. “Flash, did you not know? She could be anywhere. She could be here right now and we may not even know. She struck Diamond Tiara inside her own Palazzo!”
“So, what of our plans?” Flash Sentry wondered.
“There is no longer time for subtlety, my siblings,” the mare said. “We must act now.”
“But Starlight,” Cloudchaser argued. “I'm so close. A few more days, if I can just...”
“No,” Starlight Glimmer firmly said. “It happens this week.”
“We should keep moving,” the mare next to Starlight suggested. The four ponies walked off, and Octavia tailed them. The four stopped in a shadowed corner. Octavia saw Celestia enter the group.
“Enough of your inane prattle!” she stormed.
“Forgive us, Maestra,” Starlight apologized. “We wish only to serve.”
“The plan is this,” Celestia said. “Doge Flitter will die tonight. And once the deed is done, Starlight will take her place.” Starlight Glimmer bowed.
“Vi ringrazio umilmente, Maestra,” she said.
“Good,” Celestia nodded. She turned to Cloudchaser. “Messera Chaser,” she said. “You are closest to Flitter. Your work, the most vital. Serve us well, and it won't be forgotten. Walk with me.” The group of Templars walked off, and Octavia once again followed.
“Forgive me, Maestra,” Starlight Glimmer said. “But is this not a tad dangerous for you, involving yourself so intimately with the minutiae of our plans?”
“I feel the need to involve myself more directly,” Celestia said. “The Lulamoons disappointed us. I pray you will not do the same.”
“Do not worry this time,” Flash assured. “The Lulamoons were a bunch of foolish...”
“The Lulamoons were a potent and venerable family,” Celestia said. “Reduced to rubble by one young Assassin. Do not underestimate this troublesome foe who now haunts your city, or the same fate will befall your family. I want this done promptly. Bene, I must return to Ponyville. Time is of the essence. Do not fail us.” The ponies bowed as Celestia left. Octavia walked back to the Palazzo della Seta, where the thieves had made their new home. Pumpkin Cake met Octavia there.
“Salute, bello mio,” Pumpkin Cake said. “Come stai? You back to see me already?”
“Desolato, mia cara,” Octavia said. “But I am not here to play. I must speak with Lightning Dust. It's urgent.”
“Lightning Dust!” Pumpkin Cake called. “Octavia's here!” Lightning Dust came down to the courtyard.
“Octavia,” she cried. “Is everything alright?”
“Silver Spoon and her family are in league with the one they call The Alicorn. They are going to murder the Doge, and replace her with one of their own. They will have all of Canterlot, and an entire fleet in their grasp.”
“And they call me a criminal,” Lightning Dust grumbled.
“Then you'll help me?” Octavia hoped.
“You have me on your side, sister,” Lightning Dust agreed. “And the support of all my stallions.”
“And mares,” Pumpkin Cake added.
“Grazie, amici,” Octavia thanked.
“But Octavia,” Lightning Dust warned. “I must warn you. It's not going to be so easy this time. Palazzo Ducale is the most heavily guarded building in Canterlot.”
“Nothing is impenetrable,” Octavia said. Pumpkin Cake laughed.
“This is why we like you, Octavia,” she said.
“Come,” Lightning Dust said. “Let's go take a look. We'll come up with a plan.” Lightning Dust and Octavia walked off to the Palazzo Ducale and began a search of how to get inside. After searching from every possible angle, Lightning Dust gave up.
“It's impossible,” she muttered. She kicked a rock away, scaring off some birds. There's no way in or out for ponies. Not even Pegasi. Only birds.”
“Yes,” Octavia realized. “Birds.” She started to walk off.
“Where are you going now?” Lightning Dust asked.
“To see my friend Applebloom,” Octavia replied. She ran off to Applebloom's workshop. She knocked on the door and walked inside. Applebloom was working on something on her desk.
“I need your help, Appleblooom,” Octavia said. “Does it work?”
“What?” Applebloom asked. “What are you asking?”
“Does it work, Applebloom,” Octavia repeated, pointing to the bat shaped device. “Can it really fly?”
“I don't know,” Applebloom shrugged. “It's only a prototype. An idea. It's not ready yet.”
“Have you tried it?” Octavia asked.
“No,” Applebloom suddenly said, backing up a bit. “It's too dangerous. To test it, you'd have to leap off a tower. Now who would be mad enough to do a thing like that?”
“Applebloom,” Octavia smirked. “I think you've just found your mad mare.” Applebloom got the device and she and Octavia climbed to the top of a tall tower.
“So,” Octavia said. “How does she work?”
“Have you ever watched a bird in flight?” Applebloom asked. “It's not about being lighter than air. It's about raise, and balance. You must use your body's own weight to control your elevation and direction. Good luck, Octavia.” Octavia climbed into the machine and jumped off the balcony. She did what Applebloom had said, but there wasn't much control in the device.
“Why am I crashing?” Octavia cried to herself. “This is ridiculous. The Palazzo's too far away. Diavolo! I give up. I'm going to kill myself before I end up killing another Templar.” Octavia crashed into the hard dirt and met back up with Applebloom.
“I can't believe it!” Applebloom cried. “It worked! It really worked! You flew, Octavia! You flew!”
“Si,” Octavia grunted. “But not very far.”
“Well, what were you expecting?” Applebloom asked. “The machine wasn't designed for distance. All right, look. I'll go over my plans. Maybe I can find a way to extend the duration of the flight.” Applebloom walked back to her plans and looked them over. Lightning Dust suddenly ran into the room.
“Octavia,” she cried. “My ponies tell me Silver Spoon has the poison. We must hurry.”
“Lightning Dust,” Octavia said. “This is Applebloom. The master inventor who built this...this pezzo di merda.”
“Hey!” Applebloom stormed. “It's not the machine's fault. It's mine. I've checked and rechecked my blueprints. It's just impossible! I don't know how to extend the flight! Ah, che idea del cazzo!” Applebloom threw a piece of crumpled up paper into the fire and sat down. Octavia and Lightning Dust looked on in regret. Applebloom stared at the fire, and suddenly saw the paper she had thrown in floating in the flame.
“Eureka!” she cried. “Of course! Genio!” She jumped up and ran to her plans.
“What is she doing now?” Lightning Dust asked. Octavia shrugged.
“Heat rises,” Applebloom said. “It needs fire. Heated air under its wings will lift the machine.”
“Applebloom,” Octavia said. “What good is one fire going to do?”
“Not one fire, Octavia,” Applebloom corrected. “A dozen. Built all across the city. Enough to carry you all the way to the Palazzo Ducale.”
“How?” Lightning Dust asked. She walked over and looked at the new plans. “Ah,” she said. “Capisco. My ponies could do that. But you're forgetting about the guards.”
“Don't worry,” Octavia assured. “I will take care of them.”
“I'll give the order to have my ponies move in behind you and hold the locations,” Lightning Dust said. “They'll light them the second the sun goes down over the district.” Octavia immediately got to work. She traveled to the designated areas and cleared them out. The thieves followed, setting up the fires. When the job was done, Octavia met back up with Lightning Dust and Applebloom on the tower. The group waited for the sun to go down, and when it did, the fires were lit.
“It is time,” Lightning Dust said. Applebloom marveled at the chain of fires.
“You did it,” she said. “It's beautiful.”
“Si,” Lightning Dust responded. “Now let's hope you're idea works, because we're nearly out of time.”
“Listen close, Octavia,” Applebloom said. “You're going to want to fly from fire to fire. The heat of each one you pass over should lift you back up in the air.”
“Bene,” Octavia said.
“Careful, though,” Lightning Dust warned. “There's archers up on the roofs tonight. Avoid those arrows, or it will be a short trip.”
“I wish there was some way to use my sword while flying this thing,” Octavia complained. Applebloom chuckled.
“Well, you do have your back hooves free,” she said. “If you manage to get close enough without taking an arrow to the head, maybe you could kick them off the building.”
“Nice,” Octavia grinned.
“It's now or never, amico mio” Lightning Dust said. Octavia got into the flying machine and jumped. A guard on a rooftop panicked.
“Ma cosa?!” he cried. “Shoot! Shoot the flying demon!” The guards on the rooftops took aim and fired on Octavia, who skillfully dodged each arrow. Applebloom's plan worked to perfection, as the rising air from the flame rose Octavia higher into the air. Octavia flew over Canterlot to the Palazzo Ducale. A flaming arrow struck the left wing on the flying machine, and Octavia glided down to the Palazzo roof. She dropped and let the machine go. It flew out of control, knocking a guard off the roof before landing in the river, steam hissing. Doge Flitter walked over to her window and looked out.
“What was that?” she wondered out loud.
“Don't worry,” Cloudchaser said. “Probably just colts with firecrackers. Come. It's your move.” She and Flitter were playing a game of chess. Flitter took one last look out the window before walking back to the table. Octavia carefully ventured through the Palazzo Ducale, being cautious not to be seen. She noticed a guard that would not leave his area, so she snuck up behind him and stabbed him with her hidden blade. She walked into the room where Flitter and Cloudchaser were. Flitter was about to take a sip of her poisoned drink.
“Stop!” Octavia cried. “Signora, don't drink that!”
“You are too late,” Silver Spoon said, standing up. “The Doge is dead.” She knocked over Flitter's king chess piece to make a point.
“What?” Flitter gasped. “Chaser...”
“Apologies, Signora,” Cloudchaser said. “But you should have listened to me when you had the chance. It seems you have failed, Assassin.” Cloudchaser ran out of the room. Flitter dropped her cup and clutched her gut.
“Forgive me, Signora,” Octavia begged. “I tried.”
“Why?” Flitter asked. “What was it all for?” She suddenly began to cough up blood. Octavia ran after Cloudchaser, who called to the guards.
“Assassino!” she cried. “Assassino! She killed the Doge! The Doge is dead!” Octavia spotted Cloudchaser below a balcony. Octavia jumped off the ledge, falling toward Cloudchaser. She opened her hidden blade mid fall and pierced Cloudchaser's neck. Cloudchaser was brought to the ground.
“It takes one Assassin to kill another, it seems,” Octavia said.
“We kill thinking it's best for us,” Cloudchaser gasped. “Do we not, Messera Octavia?”
“I do this not for myself,” Octavia grumbled as Cloudchaser died. “Compio questo sacrificio per il bene superiore. Requiescat in Pace.” Octavia laid Cloudchaser 's body on the ground and walked away.
Octavia stepped into Applebloom's workshop. Applebloom looked up from her desk.
“Octavia!” she cried. “Dio mio! You're alive! Is it true? They say you killed the Doge.”
“I was trying to save her, Applebloom,” Octavia said. “But the truth matters little. I failed, and now I'm the most wanted mare in Canterlot.”
“Well perhaps you are in luck,” Applebloom said. “It's Nightmare Night in Canterlot. This is the time where everypony goes without a face.”
“That's why I'm here,” Octavia said. “Do you have a mask I can wear?”
“Of course!” Applebloom said. “Of course. Somewhere in here.” She looked through a drawer of hers, looking for a mask.
“Grazie, amico mio,” Octavia thanked. “And I have something for you.” She held up another codex page she had taken from Cloudchaser.
“Oh!” Applebloom gasped. “More of the codex.” She looked at the page. “Aha,” she said. “This one's quite complex. It's a new design, my friend. A mechanism for your hoof, but not a blade. In fact, it seems to be a kind of arma da fuoco, but as small as a hummingbird.”
“Is that possible?” Octavia asked.
“I have no idea,” Applebloom replied. “Let's build it and find out.” Applebloom got straight to work while her assistant set up dummies outside. When both tasks had been done, Octavia tested out the hidden gun on the dummies. The firearm worked perfectly. She returned to the workshop.
“You've done me good, sister,” Octavia happily said.
“Ma certo,” Applebloom replied. “But I'm sure your return was not just to play with new toys. Is it about this terrible new Doge they installed, Starlight Glimmer?” Octavia nodded. “Then you'll want to speak to your friend, Lightning Dust,” Applebloom advised. “I've seen her quite a bit lately at a...um...a mutual friend's. I'd look for her there, in the Dorsoduro district, in the south. Ask for Sister Apple Fritter.”
“Sister?” Octavia wondered.
“Well,” Applebloom stammered. “Yes...in a way...sister. And Octavia, you can't be carrying any weapons out there today.”
“Grazie, Applebloom,” Octaavia thanked. “Now, about that mask...” Applebloom walked back to her desk and gave Octavia the mask. Octavia walked out and to the building Applebloom spoke of. She walked into the building, a courtesan home, similar to the one in Baltimare. She saw Lightning Dust sitting on a couch, drinking with two mares.
“Lightning Dust,” Octavia said. “We need to talk.” Lightning Dust looked confused. She didn't recognize Octavia in her mask. Octavia removed the mask.
“Octavia!” Lightning Dust cried. “Octavia Melody! Fritter, meet the...most talented mare in all of Canterlot.”
“Madona,” Octavia bowed.
“Come!” Lightning Dust cried. “Join us, Octavia! Have a drink. Meet the mares.” A blood curdling shriek tore through the air. Everypony looked as a stallion ran through the house and out the door.
“Murderer!” a courtesan wailed. She held a body in her hooves. “Butcher! He sliced Bon Bon and stole her money!”
“So, Messera Octavia,” Apple Fritter said. “Let's see just how talented you are. After him!” Octavia nodded and bolted out of the building. She rounded a corner to see the killer holding a curved knife to another courtesan's neck.
“Don't come any closer or I'll carve up another one,” the killer threatened. “Don't make me kill again!” Octavia put a hoof up and backed away. But the hoof she raised was the hoof with the hidden pistol on it, unseen to the killer. Octavia took aim and fired. The shot rang out through the streets, and the killer fell dead, the bullet pierced through his heart. Octavia reloaded and put the safety on her pistol as the now freed mare ran back to the courtesan house. Octavia walked back as well. When she returned, the courtesans were mourning over Bon Bon's death. Apple Fritter turned to see Octavia.
“You have our gratitude, Octavia,” she said.
“Why is it wherever you go, trouble follows?” Lightning Dust accused.
“Lightning Dust,” Octavia said. “I trust you know why I'm here.”
“I imagine to rid Canterlot of Starlight Glimmer,” Lightning Dust assumed. “But really, Octavia. We did this once already. And this new Templar Doge is a bigger culo than the last. Never mind that she never leaves the Palazzo.”
“Yes,” Fritter agreed. “Except for tonight. Starlight wouldn't dare miss Nightmare Night.”
“How do you know this?” Octavia asked.
“In fact, she's throwing the biggest party of them all,” Fritter added. “But getting in won't be so simple. You'll need a golden mask for entry. And before you think about forging one, keep in mind each mask is numbered. Fortunately for you, I have an idea. Let's see if we can't win you a mask.” Octavia and Apple Fritter walked out of the courtesan house and into the streets of Nightmare Night. An announcer was about to say something.
“Puledre e gentilepuledri,” he cried out. “Come one, come all! The games of Nightmare Night are about to begin. Do you have the coraggio to compete for as grand a prize as this?” The mare that was with Starlight Glimmer back during the plot to kill off Flitter, whose name was Fluer dis Lee, held up the golden mask.
“This year, like every year,” the announcer said. “the golden mask will provide entry for one, e uno solo, to our most beloved Doge's personal ball. Who would not desire such an exceptional reward? Come! Compete! Whoever proves themselves champion in each of four games today shall be the Doge's personal guest tonight.
“You'd best get to it, Octavia,” Fritter said. Octavia walked off to compete. She won the first three games with ease. She stepped up to the last game.
“Benvenuti, lottatori,” the game host said. “The game is simple. There's only one rule. No weapons. Fight until you are the last pony left standing. Will it be you, o tu? Who will win the golden mask?” Octavia stepped into the fighting ring and faced her first opponent. An unarmored guard. Octavia quickly took down the fighter. Flash Sentry, who was looking on with Fluer dis Lee, chuckled.
“Looks like this one thinks herself some kind of campione,” he said. “Go on Fluer dis Lee. Show her how sadly mistaken she is. Fluer smirked and stepped into the ring, ready to fight. Octavia and Fluer fought for some time before Octavia won. Fluer dis Lee stepped out of the ring defeated.
“Is there nopony else to challenge our mare in the ring?” the host called. “Do we have a winner?” Flash Sentry walked up to the host and whispered something in his ear. He also gave him a bag of florins.
“We have combatants,” the host cried. Armed guards stepped into the ring, glaring.
“So that's how it's going to be, eh?” Octavia thought. Two of the guards jumped into the ring, and Octavia immediately put a hidden blade in their throat. She drew back the blades and jumped onto another guard, knocking him to the ground and piercing his neck. She stood up and battled with the last guard. She drew her sword and got ready. The guard attacked, and Octavia dodged. She spun around and thrust her sword into the guards chest. She pulled it out as the guard fell dead. Octavia walked back to the announcer.
“Puledre e gentilepuledri,” he cried. “The games of Nightmare Night have come to a glorious conclusion. Come see our winner claim her golden mask. Our winner has proven herself fleetest of hoof, strongest of champions, the wisest strategist, and clearly a favorite of the mares. With four games won lealmente, the winner of the golden mask is...” Flash Sentry gave a cough. “The winner of the golden mask is Fluer dis Lee!” Octavia could not have heard that correctly. Fluer stepped onto the stage to claim her prize. Octavia scowled from beneath her mask. Flash Sentry gave Fluer the golden mask.
“Congratulations,” he said. “We'll see you this evening.” Octavia stormed off the stage, unwatched. She walked up to the door of the courtesan house and pounded on the door. She stomped inside and began pacing.
“I'm sorry, Octavia,” Apple Fritter said. “We could not have known Flash would cheat as he did.”
“You should have,” Lightning Dust said.
“Sister!” a courtesan cried. “You told us to let you know if we saw that rottinculo who stole the golden mask. She's on her way to the Doge's party.”
“I will go,” Octavia said. “I can catch her before she arrives and take back the mask.”
“How?” Lightning Dust asked. “By killing the poor stronzo?”
“Yes,” Octavia said. “You know what is at stake.”
“No,” Lightning Dust said. “If you kill her, they'll cancel the party, and Starlight will retreat back into her Palazzo. We'll have wasted our time again. Steal the mask instead. Quietly.”
“My mares can help,” Fritter said. “They're already on the way to the party, all along the road. They can help you distract her while you acquire the mask.”
“Va bene,” Octavia agreed. “I can do that.” Octavia left the building and took a nearby group of courtesans with her. She found Fluer dis Lee walking to the party. She motioned for the courtesans to distract Fluer. The courtesans walked with Fluer dis Lee, keeping her busy with conversation. Octavia stealthily walked up behind Fluer dis Lee and swiped the mask. She ran off before Fluer noticed. Octavia found a secluded corner and replaced her mask for the golden mask. She walked up to the party archway. The guard let her in.
“Buona sera, signora,” he said. Octavia walked in and found Fritter.
“You made it,” Apple Fritter whispered. “Starlight is on a boat, just off shore. She's set to make a speech in a few minutes. Use my mares until then. Move with them to stay out of sight.” Octavia nodded. She moved from group to group, getting closer to the boat. She reached a courtesan group that was as close as anypony could get. The Doge advisor walked up to the crowd from the boat.
“Puledre e gentilepuledri,” he called. “I present to you, the beloved Doge of Canterlot.” Starlight Glimmer walked up to the edge of the boat.
“Benvenuti,” Starlight called. “Welcome, my friends, to the grandest social event of the season. At peace or at war, in times of prosperity or paucity, Canterlot will always have Nightmare Night!”
“Merda,” Octavia cursed. “She's not getting off the boat. I will have to swim out there.”
“I wouldn't try it,” Fritter disapproved. “You'd be spotted right away.”
“Then I'll fight my way out there...” Octavia started.
“Wait!” Fritter whispered.
“Tonight,” Starlight continued. “We celebrate what makes us great. How bright our lives shine over the world.”
“That's it!” Fritter quietly cried. “Your pistola! The one you stopped the murderer with. It's as loud as those explosions. Time it right, and you'll walk out of here unnoticed.”
“I like the way you think, Sister,” Octavia said.
“I'll be waiting for you back at the brothel,” Fritter said. As she left the party, Octavia took aim with her pistol and listened to the fireworks. She watched one rocket into the air. She pulled her trigger right as the firework exploded. The shot and the explosion blended perfectly, and Starlight Glimmer fell off the boat and onto the ground. Octavia walked over to her.
“No...” Starlight gasped. “It's too soon. I'm not ready.”
“We rarely are,” Octavia said. “Puledre e gentilepuledri. Requiescat in pace.” Octavia laid down Starlight's body and walked out of the party.
Octavia walked into the Palazzo Seta, where Lightning Dust was waiting for her.
“There you are,” Lightning Dust cried. “Come, Octavia. I'd like to introduce you to an...associate. This is Ms. Harshwhinny, soon to be Doge of Canterlot, thanks to you.” Octavia bowed.
“È un fare la vostra conoscenza, illustrissimo,” Octavia said. “I am sorry for the loss of your sister.”
“She had it coming,” Ms. Harshwhinny said. “She was bought and paid for by Celestia. A mistake I have no intention of making.”
“Come, Octavia,” Lightning Dust said. “We have much to discuss.” Octavia, Lightning Dust, and Ms. Harshwhinny sat down at a table.
“We have located Flash Sentry for you,” Lightning Dust informed. “He's fled into L'Arsenale.”
“Fled? You mean occupied,” Ms. Harshwhinny corrected. “And joined by 200 mercenari no less.”
“You're Doge now,” Octavia reminded. “Can't you just command them to stand down?”
“The committee of 41 has yet to confirm my ascension,” Ms. Harshwhinny said. “And this little stunt of Flash's has only made things worse. He has an entire army at his command!”
“Then help me to raise my own,” Octavia said.
“I figured you'd say as much,” Lightning Dust said. “Night Glider is the mare you seek. She and her ponies have little love for Flash. She resides in the military district, southwest of L'Arsenale.”
“Va bene,” Octavia said. “I will go and see her.” Octavia left the Palazzo and walked to the military district. She heard a weak cry for help. She climbed up onto a balcony to see a Pegasus mare severely wounded.
“You must be one of Night Glider's mares,” Octavia assumed. “What happened here? Where is she?”
“Flash's thugs...attacked,” the mare managed. “Took her deeper into the district...north of here.” The mare took her final breath as her body went limp. Octavia closed the mare's eyes.
“Requiescat in pace,” Octavia prayed. She left the area and found where Night Glider was being held. Octavia could hear Night Glider screaming curses at her captors. Octavia climbed to the top of a building above the guards. She opened up her hidden blades and jumped, landing on the two guards. The blades pierced their throats, killing them.
“About god damn time!” Night Glider cried. “I don't know if I should kiss you or slap you! Maybe both, just to be safe.” Octavia opened up the cage to let Night Glider out.
“That's quite all right,” she said.
“Who are you?” Night Glider asked.
“I am Octavia Melody de Baltimare,” Octavia said. “I'm here to rescue you.” Night Glider laughed.
“We'll see who ends up rescuing who,” she said.
“What do you mean?” Octavia wondered.
“Down there!” a guard cried. “Stop them!” Octavia and Night Glider fought off the guards. Night Glider fought like a vicious animal. Relentless and unpredictable. It proved useful, as the guards were killed quickly.
“We should keep going,” Octavia suggested.
“Agreed,” Night Glider said. “There are still more heads to be smashed.”
“Perhaps we should try to avoid conflict,” Octavia advised.
“Why?” Night Glider questioned. “Are you afraid?”
“No,” Octavia answered. “Just practical. I bet they outnumber us 100 to 1.”
“As you wish, bella mia,” Night Glider said. The two fighters fought out of the military camp, ever wary of guards.
“Watch for the tall one,” Night Glider warned. “Fluer dis Lee, she's called. Most of Flash's ponies are useless, but that one's trouble.” When the two had made it out of the area, Night Glider took a breath of fresh air.
“Ah,” she sighed. “Sweet sweet freedom. How I have missed you.”
“Flash sent his ponies to ransack your place,” Octavia informed. “Prepare yourself for a fight.”
“No need,” Night Glider said. “Night Glider is always prepared for a fight!” Octavia and Night Glider reached the main gate of the military headquarters, where two guards approached.
“If you value your life, you'll stand down,” one of the guards threatened.
“Never!” Night Glider denied. “What good is a mare's life if it is not lived freely, eh?” She drew her stolen sword. “I'll not go back into a cage.”
“Then you're going to the ground,” the guard growled. “Kill them.” Octavia and Night Glider fought the guards and killed them. Octavia opened up the gate. Night Glider looked at the aftermath.
“What a mess they've made,” she breathed. She suddenly remembered something. “Cheerilee,” she gasped. Night Glider ran off, and Octavia followed. Night Glider ran into her house and started turning over rubble, calling Cheerilee's name.
“Is everything all right?” Octavia asked.
“What do you think?” Night Glider stormed. “Look at this place! And poor Cheerilee. If something's happened to her...” Night Glider looked behind her desk.
“Aha!” she cried. She stooped over and picked up a decorative sword. “Oh, my darling,” Night Glider sighed. “Thank god you're all right. Octavia, meet Cheerilee. Cheerilee, Octavia.” Night Glider pointed the tip of the sword at Octavia's head. Octavia carefully moved it away.
“Charmed,” she nervously said.
“So,” Night Glider said. “I know your name, but not why you're here.”
“I have business with Flash Sentry,” Octavia said. “I was told you could help.”
“Ah,” Night Glider said. “It would be my honor.”
“But it's going to require more than just the two...uh, three of us to weaken his forces.” Night Glider sheathed Cheerilee. “How do you suggest we proceed?” Octavia asked.
“I'll go and ready my ponies for battle,” Night Glider said. “While I do this, I'd like you to rescue those who were captured during Flash's assault. I cannot, in good conscience, leave them behind.”
“Intesi,” Octavia agreed. “I will attend to it at once.”
“Good luck out there, Octavia,” Night Glider wished. Octavia traveled by rooftop to find the captives. She found a group of guards protecting a cage of fighters.
“What to do with this lot?” one of them asked.
“Flood the cage, I say,” another suggested. “Drown them all. Be done with it.”
“Flash wants them alive,” the third said. “Thinks he can turn them to our cause.”
“I wouldn't count on it,” the first guard said. “They are as loyal as they are stupid.” Octavia leaped off the roof and killed two guards, leaving the third panicked. Octavia swiftly killed the last guard and freed the fighters.
“Many thanks for the aid, friend,” one of the mercenaries said. “We'd like to fight with you, if you'll have us.” Octavia nodded and returned to Night Glider's home.
“Salute, Octavia,” Night Glider called. “Welcome back. And well done. My host is restored to its former glory. Now Flash will see just how grave of a mistake he's made.”
“How should we proceed?” Octavia wondered. “A direct assault against the Arsenale?”
“No,” Night Glider disagreed. “We'd be massacred at the gates. I have something else in mind. Take my ponies and plant them throughout the district. The trouble they cause will force Flash to dispatch most of his guards.”
“And with the Arsenale drained of guards,” Octavia assumed. “I can move in for the kill.”
“Esatto!” Night Glider cried. “You'd be virtually unopposed.”
“Let's hope he takes the bait,” Octavia said.
“Oh, don't worry,” Night Glider assured. “He will.” Octavia took a large group of mercenaries and planted them all around the district. When they had been set, Octavia climbed a tower and shot off a flare. It exploded in the sky, signaling for the mercenaries to attack. Guards flocked to the areas where mercenaries were, and Octavia dove off the building to fight with them. She landed in a pile of hay and fought with Night Glider, who was doing battle with Fluer dis Lee. Fluer ran off.
“Must return to L'Arsenale...” she gasped. Octavia and Night Glider killed the rest of the guards.
“After her!” Night Glider cried, chasing Fluer. Octavia followed, and found Fluer and Night Glider battleing again.
“A fine specimen, isn't she?” Fluer taunted. “You should be honored to die by her hand.” Octavia fought Fluer while Night Glider fought other guards. Flash suddenly called from a rooftop.
“Enough of this!” he cried. “We're out of time. Return to me! We must depart.” Fluer ran off.
“Octavia!” Night Glider called. “Go now. That mare will lead you straight to her master. My ponies and I will remain here and keep the guards from giving chase.” Octavia ran after Flash and Fluer.
“Hurry!” Flash cried. “They're going to leave without us!” They continued running to the docks. Octavia bolted towards them, and chased them through the streets. She started to gain ground. When Octavia had gotten close enough, she jumped and stabbed the two runners through the neck.
“What has happened here?” Octavia demanded. “Why the boats? I thought you sought the Doge's seat.”
“It was just a distraction,” Flash gasped. “We were meant to sail.”
“Sail where?” Octavia asked.
“I'll never tell,” Flash grumbled, as he died.
“Vanhoover was their destination,” Fluer managed. “They want...they...want...” Fluer dis Lee died before she could finish.
“Non temete l'oscurità, accettate il suo abbraccio,” Octavia prayed. “Requiescant in pace.” Octavia walked off to find Night Glider. She had defeated all the guards.
“Well done, Octavia,” Night Glider cried. “Flash is defeated, and the military district is returned to us! Perhaps Canterlot might finally enjoy a bit of pace e tranquilità! “We should celebrate this victory!”
“I am glad for you and your ponies, Night Glider,” Octavia congratulated. “But I cannot join. I fear my work has just taken a rather strange turn.”
“What do you mean?” Night Glider asked.
“Flash wasn't looking to replace Starlight as Doge,” Octavia said. “He was about to leave Canterlot, in fact. This whole thing was just a distraction.
“Why?” Night Glider wondered.
“That is what I need to find out,” Octavia replied. She left the area, a new mystery to uncover.
Two years after the incident with Flash Sentry and Fluer dis Lee, Octavia was sitting on a bench in Canterlot, her back facing the sea. Pumpkin Cake walked up to her.
“There you are, Octavia,” she said. “Why so serious?”
“It's my birthday,” Octavia mumbled.
“Davvero?” Pumpkin Cake asked. “Cento di questi giorni! That's wonderful.”
“Is it?” Octavia asked. “It's been over ten years since I watched my father, sister, and brother die. Ten years hunting the ponies responsible. I'm so close to the end now, but no closer to understanding what any of it was for.”
“You may not see it, Octavia,” Pumpkin Cake said. “But it's better here now because of the things you've done. Basta. Look here. I have a birthday present for you. It's L'Arsenale's shipping manifest. From the day the boat left.”
“The boat to Vanhoover?” Octavia asked. “You're serious?” She reached for the manifest, but Pumpkin Cake pulled it away.
“And guess when it's scheduled to return?” she said. “Tomorrow.”
“Octavia,” a voice said. Octavia turned to see Applebloom.
“Applebloom,” she cried. “When did you get back?”
“Just now,” Applebloom said. “I need to talk to you right away.”
“Go on,” Pumpkin Cake urged. “Have fun, girls.” She gave the shipping manifest to Octavia.
“This better be good,” Octavia threatened Applebloom.
“Oh, it is,” Applebloom said. “It is. Walk with me, but stay close.” Octavia stood up and followed Applebloom around Canterlot.
“These last two codex pages,” Applebloom started. “I've been studying the copies. I don't know why I never saw it before. But when put together, I realize the figures on the back clarify into words. Here, 'The prophet...will appear...when the second piece...is brought to the floating city.”
“Prophet,” Octavia wondered. “'Only the prophet may open it…two Pieces of Eden...'”
“What are you saying?” Applebloom asked. “Octavia, what is this?”
“We have known each other a long time, Applebloom,” Octavia said. “If I can't trust you, there is nopony. My aunt Fluttershy spoke of it long ago. A prophesy hidden in the codex, leading to an ancient vault, that holds something very powerful.”
“Grandioso,” Applebloom marveled. “But if you took these paged from Starlight Glimmer and Flash Sentry, then maybe they know about this vault too. That's not good.”
“Wait,” Octavia realized. “What if that's why they sent that ship to Vanhoover? To find this 'Piece of Eden'? And bring it back to Canterlot?”
“'When the second piece is brought to the floating city, the prophet will appear.'” Applebloom quoted.
“Only the prophet can open the vault,” Octavia said. “My god! When my aunt told me about the codex, I was too young. Too brash to believe it was anything but an old donkey's fantasy. But now I see. The killing of Flitter. Even the La Moda. My father, sister, and brother. It was all part of her plan. To find the vault. The Alicorn!”
“Celestia,” Applebloom gasped.
“The boat from Vanhoover arrives tomorrow,” Octavia said. “I plan to be there to meet it.”
“Good luck, my friend,” Applebloom said. Octavia left for the docks to wait for the boat from Vanhoover. When it arrived the next morning, two armored guards stepped off, one of them holding a large object that looked like a budding flower. Octavia noticed something from the corner of her eye. She looked to see Fluttershy sneaking around.
“Aunt Fluttershy?” she asked herself. She looked back to the guards. “Where are they taking it?” she wondered. She followed the guard with the Piece of Eden until they reached a darkened alley.
“The Maestra awaits,” a guard waiting said. “She will not suffer mistakes. Package it correctly, and do it now.”
“The Alicorn's here?!” Octavia gasped. “That changes things.” Octavia climbed up to a roof and jumped. She killed the guard packaging the Piece of Eden and stole his armor. She looked at the Piece of Eden as the guard captain walked in. Octavia looked up and stood up with the box.
“Yes sir?” she asked in a deep voice.
“This is a moment of great importance,” the captain said. “Stay in formation. Make this right.” Octavia nodded and followed the captain to an area in the outskirts of Canterlot. Celestia was waiting. The captain dropped to a knee, and Octavia did the same.”
“You really have it?” Celestia asked. “You were not followed?”
“Absolutely,” the captain said. “Everything went perfectly. We have followed your orders exactly as specified.” The captain suddenly began to groan, and blood spurted from his chest. He fell dead. Celestia recognized the form of attack.
“Octavia,” she said. “It has been some time.” The two guards with Octavia drew their swords. Celestia stopped them.
“Leave her to me,” she ordered. Octavia put down the box as the guards walked away.
“Celestia,” she growled. “So? Where is she?”
“Who?” Celestia asked.
“Your prophet?” Octavia cried. “It doesn't look like anypony showed up, Celestia. How many ponies have died for this? For what's in this box? And look! There's nopony here.” Celestia chuckled.
“You claim not to be a believer,” she said. “And yet here you are. Don't you see? The prophet is already here. I am the prophet.” Celestia drew her sword. “Now give me the Apple,” she demanded.
“Come and take it from me,” Octavia dared. She drew her sword. Celestia and Octavia traded swings of their blades, each one countering the other. Octavia gained the upper hoof for a moment and knocked Celestia back.
“Is this all you have?” Celestia asked. “Where are the rest of your ponies?”
“What ponies?” Octavia asked.
“You really have no idea, do you?” Celestia realized. “Guards!” Fluttershy suddenly stepped up behind Octavia, who turned to look.
“Fluttershy!” Octavia cried.
“Don't worry, nipota,” Fluttershy assured. “You are not alone.” A guard knocked Octavia back, and was immediately stabbed in the back by La Volpe.
“Volpe?” Octavia asked. “What are you doing here?”
“We could very well ask you the same thing,” La Volpe said. A guard was suddenly stabbed in the head by a knife. Lightning Dust and Night Glider showed up.
“Save your questions, sister,” Lightning Dust said, drawing her sword. “Don't let Celestia get that box.” Night Glider gave a cry and charged. Octavia joined the fight. She went after Celestia while everypony else attacked the guards.
“Now you all shall die,” Celestia hissed. She and Octavia engaged in brutal combat. Fluttershy, La Volpe, Lightning Dust, and Night Glider all helped Octavia in her fight against Celestia. Octavia and Celestia fought more forcefully than they had before. Octavia knocked Celestia back after a time. She raised her sword.
“This is for my father, you...” she said, but was kicked back. Celestia ran off. Lotus came up to help Octavia.
“Lotus?” Octavia asked.
“She's gone now,” Lotus said. “But we have what we came for.”
“No!” Octavia cried. “I need to go after her!”
“Do you really now?” a voice asked. Octavia turned to see Apple Fritter. “Or are you here for another reason?”
“Apple Fritter?” Octavia gasped. “But...what are you all doing here?”
“Perhaps the same thing you are, Octavia,” a voice in the back said. A tall mare came to the front. “Hoping to see the prophet appear.”
“I came here to kill The Alicorn,” Octavia said. “I couldn't care less about your prophet. She never showed up.”
“No,” the mare said. “But you did.”
“What?” Octavia asked.
“A prophet's arrival was foretold,” the mare said. “And unbeknownst to us, here you are. Perhaps all along, you were the one we sought.”
“Cosa?” Octavia asked. “Who are you?”
“Spitfire,” the mare said. “I am an Assassin, trained in the ancient ways to safeguard ponykind's evolution. Just like you, and each one of us here.”
“You are all Assassins?” Octavia marveled. “Lotus? Volpe?”
“It's true, nipota,” Fluttershy said. “We have all been guiding you for years. Teaching you the skills you would need to join our ranks. I think it's time.”
“We have our prize, but there is much to be done,” Lightning Dust said. “Come meet us here at sunset.” Lightning Dust gave Octavia a map, and she and all the other Assassins left. Octavia left as well.
That night, the Assassins met atop a tower in Canterlot. They were holding a ceremony for Octavia's initiation into the Creed. Octavia was in her Assassin robes, and Fluttershy had lit a fire of coals.
“Laa shay'a waqi'un moutlaq bale kouloun moumkine,” Fluttershy spoke. “These are the words spoken by our ancestors, that lay at the heart of our Creed.”
“Where other ponies blindly follow the truth,” Spitfire said. “Remember...”
“Nothing is true,” Octavia finished.
“Where other ponies are limited by morality or law,” Spitfire continued. “Remember...”
“Everything is permitted,” Octavia said.
“We work in the dark to serve the light,” Spitfire said. “We are Assassins.”
“Nothing is true,” the group chorused. “Everything is permitted.”
“It is time, Octavia,” Fluttershy said. “In this modern age, we are not so literal as our ancestors. But our seal is no less permanent. Are you ready to join us.”
“I am,” Octavia said. Lightning Dust pulled a clamp used for blacksmiths out of the coals. The tip was red hot.
“This only hurts for a while, sister,” she said. “Like so many things.” Lightning Dust pressed the clamp on Octavia's hoof. Octavia winced in pain as the red hot clamp burned the Assassin seal onto her hoof. Lightning Dust lifted the clamp.
“Benvenuto, Octavia,” Spitfire said. “You are one of us now. Come. We have much to do.” The Assassins jumped off the tower into a hay pile below, which they called a Leap of Faith, meant for the Creed. When all the Assassins had jumped, Octavia did the same.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rainbow Dash abruptly woke up from her Animus session. Applejack walked over to her.
“Are you OK?” she asked. “Do you want to stop?”
“No,” Rainbow Dash said. “I need to go back. Right now.” Applejack nodded to Vinyl as Rainbow Dash lay back down. She slipped back into Octavia's time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Octavia made her way to the Villa de Melody, Hooves noticed something.
“Uh oh,” he said. “Oh dear.”
“Hooves?” Applejack asked.
“Of course,” Hooves said. “How could I have forgotten?”
“Would you care to share with the rest of us?” Rainbow Dash telepathically asked.
“Celestia is elected Pope in 1492,” Hooves said. “Which means Octavia's greatest enemy is now the most powerful mare in Equestria.”
“I always wanted to visit the Pope Castle,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Well, you get to now, Rainbow,” Hooves said. “Happy days. Exactly what we all need.”
Octavia stepped into Fluttershy's library, where the Assassins had gathered.
“Octavia!” Fluttershy cried.
“It is time, Fluttershy,” Octavia said. “Let us finish what you and my father started all those years ago.”
“Indeed,” Fluttershy agreed. “Perhaps now we can finally make sense of this prophesy, and put a stop to whatever it is Celestia is planning.”
“We should start by locating the vault,” Octavia suggested. “The codex pages will lead us to it. Let's take a look.” Octavia placed the Apple of Eden on a pedestal in the library, and the Apple began to glow with a blinding light. It revealed a map on the many codex pages that were collected.
“It is a map of the entire world,” Octavia said. “But there are lands shown here that do not exist.”
“Apparently they do exist,” Spitfire said. “I imagine they've yet to be discovered. Or rediscovered.”
“How is this possible?” Octavia asked.
“Perhaps the vault will hold the answer,” Spitfire guessed.
“Do you see where it is then?” Lotus asked. Octavia looked at the map, and her eyes went wide.
“No,” she gasped. “It can't be. It says that the vault is in Ponyville. The Alicorn. This is why she became Pope.”
“Now I understand,” Fluttershy said. “It's not the vault alone he's gained access to, but the staff as well.”
“What staff?” Apple Fritter asked.
“The codex always spoke of two keys,” Fluttershy explained. “Two Pieces of Eden needed to open the vault. One is the Apple.”
“And the other is the staff,” Octavia said. “The Papal Staff is the second Piece of Eden.”
“For years, no, decades,” Fluttershy said. “We've sought these answers.”
“And now, at last, we have them,” Lotus said.
“But so too could The Alicorn,” Lightning Dust worried. “And if she does, if she finds a way into the vault, its contents will make the Apple seem like a trifling thing.”
“I must go to Ponyville and find the vault,” Octavia said. “What of the rest of you?”
“We will do what we do best,” Night Glider said. “Stir up some trouble in the city, giving you the freedom to conduct your search.”
“Just let me know when you are ready, nipota,” Fluttershy said. Octavia nodded. She needed something before she left though. She opened a hidden door Fluttershy had shown her many years ago and walked into the basement. Inside was a sanctuary for the Assassin's Creed. In the center of the room was a gate. Octavia opened it, and gained access to a set of armor. A set of armor worn by Twilight herself.
“Thank you, Twilight, for this great gift,” Octavia prayed. “May it shield me from my enemies.” Octavia replaced her father's robes for the Robes of Twilight, and set out for Ponyville.
Octavia arrived in Ponyville, clothed in her black Assassin robes, taken from the Assassins' sanctuary. She stood at the base of a wall on the south side of the city. She climbed up the wall using what ledges she could find and made her way inside. Celestia's guards patrolled the top of the wall. One of them walked in front of Octavia as she hung, so she killed him and let him drop. As Octavia climbed onto the wall, two guards spotted her. Acting quickly, Octavia killed them both. She pulled a nearby lever to open the tower gate. As she walked through, she killed off two more guards and opened the next gate. A group of guards were behind the gate. Octavia fought and killed them all. She climbed up onto a tower, and more guards ran from the barracks. She jumped off the tower and began to run. As she ran on, a large gap in the wall met her sight. Octavia jumped over it with skill. Guards on the other side prepared for her.
“Close the gates!” one cried. “Stop the intruder!” As the large gate slammed shut, Octavia climbed up the tower and kept on going. Two archers met Octavia at the top of the tower, and were quickly killed. Octavia jumped off the tower into a pile of hay. Four more guards were near it. Octavia climbed out and quickly killed them all. She climbed the next tower and killed the archers at the top. Below was another guard. Octavia jumped and killed him from the air. She climbed another tower and killed the archers. In a barracks tower below were a large group of guards. Octavia jumped and killed two of them. The rest of the guards drew their weapons and tried to stop the Assassin, but to no avail. Octavia killed the last guard and opened up the door to the city. She was finally inside. She didn't want to arouse suspicion, so she blended with cloaked ponies to stay hidden. She quietly killed the guard at the next door and opened it up. She had opened up the roof access to a church, and Celestia was inside. Octavia made her way through the scaffolding until she was right above Celestia. This was the moment she had become an Assassin for. She extended her hidden blade, breathed, and jumped. Her blade went straight into Celestia's chest. Celestia was brought to the floor.
“I...I thought I was beyond this,” Octavia growled. “But I'm not. I've waited too long. Lost too much.” Octavia extended her hidden blade. “Requiescat in pace, you bastard!” Celestia's eyes snapped open.
“I don't think so!” she cried. She knocked Octavia back with her staff. Octavia stood up and charged at Celestia.
“NO!” Celestia screamed. She knocked Octavia back again and drove the staff into the floor. The power of the Piece of Eden lashed throughout the room, killing every priest inside. Octavia stood up, unfazed. “How is it that you resist?!” Celestia demanded. She noticed the glowing Apple of Eden on Octavia's belt.
“Ah,” Celestia said. “So kind of you to bring me the Apple. Now give it here!”
“Vai a farti fottere,” Octavia growled. Celestia gave a laugh.
“Always the fighter,” she said. “Just like your father. Well, rejoice, my child, for you will see him again soon. You will give it to me!”
“As you wish,” Octavia said. She held up the Apple, and four living holograms of Assassins emerged from it. They all resembled Octavia.
“Fascinating,” Celestia marveled. “An impressive power, this. But if you think it's going to save you, you have another thing coming!” Octavia and her Assassins fought Celestia.
“You cannot stop me!” Celestia taunted. She killed two of the Assassins. They faded away as their power returned to the Apple. Octavia fought brutally, as did her living images. Celestia fought them well and hard, but she was losing. When she was distracted with the living images, Octavia attacked, bringing Celestia to her knees. Octavia stepped up, ready to take the staff from Celestia.
“No,” Celestia denied. “You will not take this from me.” Octavia pointed her sword at Celestia.
“It's finished, Celestia!” she cried. “Lay down your arms, and I will make sure your end comes swiftly.”
“Really, Octavia?” Celestia questioned. “And would you give up so easily if it were the other way around?” Celestia drove the staff into the ground, throwing Octavia back. “Why don't we find out?” Celestia wondered. She dissapeared. Laying down, Octavia took out the Apple, ready to fight. A hoof suddenly stomped on hers, knocking the Apple from her hand.
“At last,” Celestia grinned. She picked up the Apple and slid it onto the top of the staff. She walked in front of Octavia, who was still on the ground.
“Now,” Celestia grumbled. “To deal with you.” She used the power of the two Pieces of Eden to lift Octavia off the ground. Celestia walked up to Octavia and drove a knife into her gut. Octavia groaned in pain. Celestia pulled out the knife and walked away, leaving Octavia hovering there. When Celestia had left the room, Octavia dropped unconscious.
After a few minutes, Octavia came to her senses. She stood up, clenching the knife wound. She limped over to the wall, where two buttons were placed on either side of a coffin-like pedestal. Octavia pressed these buttons and a door slid open beneath her. She limped inside and found a long hall, lit with unnatural lights.
“What is this place?” Octavia wondered. She walked into a large room, with a gaping, circular pit. Not to far below was Celestia, banging on a large door. One of many in the cylindrical hole.
“Open, damn you!” she cursed. “Open!”
“It's over, Celestia,” Octavia said. She proceeded to throw her weapons to the floor, including her hidden blade. “No more tricks. No more ancient artifacts. No more weapons. Let us see what you are made of, old mare.”
“All right then,” Celestia hissed. “If that's how you want to play it.” She prepared to fight. Octavia and Celestia stood, mono e mono, waiting for the other to make a move.
“What do you want with them, Celesita,” Octavia demanded.
“Don't you know what lies within?” Celestia asked. “Or do you mean to tell me the great and powerful Assassins didn't figure it out?”
“Figure what out?” Octavia demanded.
“Gods,” Celestia said, simply. “It's gods that dwell within.” Celestia attacked Octavia, and the fight began. Octavia fought her adversary with strength and wits, countering and delivering blow for blow.
“You expect me to believe that gods dwell beneath Ponyville?” Octavia asked.
“A more logical location than a kingdom in a cloud, don't you think?” Celestia questioned. “Surrounded by singing angels and cherubim make for a lovely image. But the truth is far more interesting.” She and Octavia continued to fight.
“Say I do believe it,” Octavia said. “What do you expect to do when you open that door?”
“I don't care,” Celestia said. “It's not approval I'm after. Just power.”
“And you think they'll give it up?” Octavia asked.
“Whatever lies beyond that door won't be able to resist the staff and Apple,” Celestia said. “They were made for felling gods.”
“Gods are meant to be all knowing,” Octavia said. “All powerful. You think a couple of ancient relics can harm them.”
“You know nothing,” Celestia hissed. “You take your image of the creators from an ancient book. A book, mind you, written by ponies!”
“You are the Pope!” Octavia cried. “And yet you dismiss the central text of your faith?” Celestia laughed.
“Are you so naive?” she asked. “I became Pope because it gave me access. Gave me power! You think I believe a god damned word written in that book? It's all lies and superstition. Just like every other ridiculous tract written over the past ten thousand years!” Enraged, Octavia grabbed Celestia by the throat and began to choke her. Celestia tried to fight, but she lost breath too quickly. Octavia threw her to the ground.
“You can't,” Celestia wheezed. “YOU CAN'T!! IT'S MY DESTINY!! MINE!!! I AM THE PROPHET!!!”
“You never were,” Octavia said.
“Get it over with, then,” Celestia said.
“No,” Octavia rejected. “Killing you won't bring my family back. I'm done. Nulla è reale. Tutto è lecito. Requiescat in Pace.” Octavia turned her back on Celestia and walked away. She walked up to the glowing staff and Apple, placed in the center of the room. Celestia looked on. The power of the two Pieces of Eden shone on the door, sliding it downward. Octavia walked inside, surrounded by futuristic technology, flowing with magic. A golden figure suddenly appeared before her. A female, humanoid figure, that Octavia did not recognize.
“Greetings, prophet,” the female figure said. “It is good you have come. Let us see it. To give thanks.” Octavia held out the Apple to the figure, and the figure made the Apple glow, to prove it was the actual thing.
“We must speak,” she said.
“Who are you?” Octavia asked.
“Many names,” the figure said. “When I died, it was Minerva. Before that, Merva and Mera. And on and on. The others to. Juno, who was before called Uni. Jupiter, who was before called, Tinia.”
“You are...gods,” Octavia realized. Minerva gave a small laugh.
“No,” she said. “Not gods. We simply came before. Even when we walked the world, your kind struggled to understand our existence. We were more advanced in time. Your minds were not yet ready. Still not. Maybe never. No matter. You may not comprehend us, but you will comprehend our warning. You must.”
“None of what you are saying makes sense,” Octavia said.
“Our words are not meant for you,” Minerva said. She turned to Octavia's side, where she seemed to see somepony.
“What are you talking about?” Octavia asked. “There is nopony else here.”
“Enough,” Minerva said firmly. “I do not wish to speak with you, but through you. You are the prophet. You've played your part. You anchor her, but please be silent. That we may commune.” Minerva turned away from Octavia and back to her unknown figure.
“Listen,” she said. “When we were still flesh and our home still whole, your kind betrayed us. We who made you. We, who gave you life! We were strong. But you were many. And both of us craved war. So busy were we with earthly concerns, we failed to notice the heavens. And by the time we did... The world burned until naught remained but ash. It should have ended then and there. But we built you in our own image. We built you to survive. And so we did. Few were our numbers. Your kind and mine. It took sacrifice. Strength. Compassion. But we rebuilt. And as life returned to the world... We endeavored to ensure this tragedy would not be repeated. But now we are dying... And time will work against us. Truth turned into myth and legend. What we built, misunderstood. Let my words preserve the message and make a record of our loss. But let my words also bring hope. You must find the other temples. Built by those who knew to turn away from war. They worked to protect us – to save us from the fire. If you can find them...if their work can be saved, so too might this world. Be quick! For time grows short. And guard against the cross. For there are many who will stand in your way.” Minerva finished her message.
“It is done,” she said still speaking to the phantom. “The message is delivered. We are gone now from this world. All of us. We can do no more. The rest is up to you, Rainbow Dash.”
“What?” Octavia asked. “Who is Rainbow Dash? I don't understand. Please wait. I have so many questions.” Minerva disappeared an a glowing white light, leaving Octavia in the vault. Rainbow Dash was in shock.
“What the fuck?” she gasped.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rainbow Dash woke up, hearing her friends' voices around her, in panic.
“We've only got about ten minutes until they get here,” Hooves said.
“I need all my equipment ready to go,” Vinyl said.
“We need to be ready to go before they get here,” Applejack said. “Rainbow!” Rainbow Dash rubbed her eyes.
“Yeah?” she asked.
“All right,” Applejack said. “Hooves. I need you and Vinyl to get everything in here loaded into the truck. Rainbow. You and I will deal with the Templars.”
“What, they're here!?” Rainbow gasped.
“It was only a matter of time until they discovered us,” Hooves said, while packing up supplies. “To be honest, I'm surprised it took them as long as it did.”
“Let's go!” Applejack called. She tossed a hidden blade to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash put it on and followed Applejack out of the room and down to the storage basement.
“So what's the plan?” Rainbow Dash asked. “We ditch this place, and then what?”
“There's another safe house,” Applejack said. “It's...” The lights suddenly shut off as the building shook. “We've got company,” Applejack said. “The truck's just up ahead.” As the two reached the bottom of the stairs, two Nightmare officials ran up, along with Sunset Shimmer.
“Miss Dash,” Sunset Shimmer said. “This is an unexpectedly pleasant turn of events. And here I thought I'd have to waste more ponies on you. Kind of you to save me the trouble.”
“What do you want, Sunset?” Rainbow Dash demanded.
“For you to come home,” Sunset Shimmer replied. “We missed you terribly. There's still so much work for us to do together.”
“It's not happening, Sunset,” Applejack retorted.
“You continue to disappoint in every conceivable way, Miss Applejack,” Sunset Shimmer grumbled. “I saved your life once. Do you remember? And this is how you repay me?”
“You saved me so you could keep experimenting on ponies,” Applejack denied. “Destroying their lives. And for what?”
“Oh, this tired argument again,” Sunset Shimmer complained. “As I recall, you were there, at my side, every step of the way. Their blood is on your hooves just as much as mine.”
“You need to stop her,” Applejack said to Rainbow Dash.
“I'm on it,” Rainbow Dash said. She attacked the two officials, and many more appeared. Applejack helped Rainbow Dash fight. Rainbow was a better fighter, armed with the skills of Octavia. Rainbow Dash used her hidden blade to end each guard's life. When they had all been dealt with, Rainbow Dash and Applejack ran toward the Nightmare supply truck. Sunset Shimmer was in the back.
“Uh oh, doc,” Rainbow Dash said. “Looks like it's just you and me now.”
“Enjoy your victory, Miss Dash,” Sunset Shimmer said. “Temporary as it is.” Sunset Shimmer held onto the truck as it drove off.
“Rainbow!” Vinyl cried. “We have to go!” Rainbow Dash ran over to the large van Vinyl and Hooves had gotten into.
“There you are,” Hooves cried. “Come on! Help Applejack into the van! Hurry, Rainbow, we need to go!” Rainbow Dash got into the van and helped Applejack inside.
“You'll have your turn, Rainbow,” Applejack said. “Sunset's gonna get what she deserves. I promise.” Hooves started up the van and drove off.
“So what now?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Where are we heading?”
“There's a cabin up north,” Applejack explained. “We should be safe there. At least for a little while. I have to analyze those tapes from your session, figure out what's happening.”
“And then what?” Rainbow Dash questioned. She sat in the Animus and let Vinyl get her started.
“There you go,” Vinyl said. “I've got you all hooked up. We've got a long drive ahead of us. Figured you might want to play around with the Animus on the way.”
“All right,” Rainbow agreed. “But I've got some questions first. I mean, what the hell was that in the vault?”
“What you saw proves everything I was afraid of,” Applejack said. “The Templars aren't our biggest threat. Not by a long shot.”
“So, what?” Rainbow Dash wondered. “The sun is? What's it gonna do? Cook our world?”
“I doubt it,” Applejack shrugged. “I don't know. There's been some speculation that our world's magnetic field is weakening. A strong flare could flip the poles and cause a geomagnetic reversal. It's all theoretical, but if it happens, the planet could become geologically unstable. Very unstable.”
“It's meant to be the stuff of Suno-Science,” Hooves said. “But it must be catastrophic, like what happened to the people of the First Civilization. What, Minerva, was it? She seemed to think we were due for a second round.”
“So either way, we're fucked,” Rainbow Dash grumbled.
“I don't know yet,” Applejack said. “We'll keep reviewing the tapes, and you can keep digging through your memories. Maybe there's more to discover.”
“All right,” Rainbow Dash agreed. “Guess I better get started.”
“My name is Rainbow Dash, and I'm a prisoner of war,” the cyan pony began. “A war I never knew existed. Waged by two groups I never thought were real. Templars and Assassins. But the Animus showed me the truth, the things I've seen, the things I've been. A thousand years of history flowing through my veins. Brought to life by this machine.”
“They're using them, using me,” Rainbow explained. “To search for something called the Apple. It's an artifact, one of many so-called 'Pieces of Eden'. The Templars collected them, to help them stay in power. If the Templars get their hooves on another one, everything will change. They want to make us all their slaves.”
“When they first brought me here, I was worried what would happen if I tried to fight back,” Rainbow said. “Now...heh...I'm afraid of what would happen if I don't. But I can't do it alone. And maybe I don't have to. I met somepony. Her name is Applejack, and I think she's on my side. But she's gone now. Taken away by that bastard, Sunset Shimmer and her Templar masters. I don't know what will happen to her, or what will happen to me. All I know is that I need to get out of here. And I need to do it soon.”
“My name is Rainbow Dash, and this is my story.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Rainbow Dash sat in her quarantine room in the Nightmare corporation building, Applejack walked in.
“We need to go,” she said.
“Applejack, where have you been?” Rainbow asked. “Why did they...”
“Now,” Applejack interrupted. She walked over to a nearby Animus. “Get in.”
“What's with the blood?” Rainbow Dash questrioned. “Are you ok?”
“Look,” Applejack said, wasting no time. “We have maybe ten minutes, maybe, before they figure out what I've done. If we're not out of here and on the road before then...”
“Wait, we're leaving?”
“Rainbow,” Applejack stopped. “I promise I'll answer all of your questions. Later. But right now, I need you to just shut up and do what I say. So please, get in the Animus.”
“All right,” Rainbow Dash agreed. She laid down on the Animus while Applejack worked the controls. As the Virtual Reality screed pulled over Rainbow's eyes, she saw her name, subject number, and DNA strip appear on the right side of the screen. She was Subject 17. Another DNA strip appeared with the name, 'Subject 16' in front of it. Applejack began to search for relevant memory data linking the two DNA strips. She finally found a match and relayed it into Rainbow's head.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carlotta was laying on her bed, trying to give birth to her expected foal. Two of her nursemares were helping.
“Spingi, spingi!” one of the nursemares said. Carlotta pushed hard, crying out in pain. “Nuovo.” the nursemare said. Carlotta gasped and pushed one last time, as hard as she could.
“Disi, brava,” the nursemaid said. The other nursemare ran over to help get the foal from Carlotta's abdomen. The first nursemare stood up with the newborn foal in her hooves.
“It is a girl,” she announced. Carlotta gasped, trying to relieve the pain of birth. The father suddenly came in.
“Oh, my love,” he said. “Mi dispiace, I… I was at the bank when they told me. Did I miss it? Am I too late?” The nursemare with the newborn filly in her hooves showed the father.
“Give her here,” he said.
“Fredrick?” Carlotta asked.
“Shh, shh, my love,” Fredrick said. “It will be alright.” Fredrick spoke to the filly. “Sei un Melody,” he said. “Sei nato un combattente. Quindi lotta” The filly began to cry, a signal that she was breathing.
“Listen to her!” Fredrick exclaimed. “A fine set of lungs.”
“And what shall we call her, my love?” Carlotta asked.
“Octavia,” Fredrick answered. “Octavia Melody de Firenze!” The foal gave out a loud cry as the memory faded.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Get up,” Applejack ordered as she turned off the Animus. “Let's go.” Rainbow Dash stood up and tried to regain balance.
“Yeah, well, I'm gonna need a second,” she said.
“There isn't time Rainbow,” Applejack said. “We need to leave. She took a hard drive from the Animus and ran over to a door. Rainbow Dash followed her out of the room. Two security guards rounded a corner to a closed glass door.
“Stay close,” Applejack advised. She ran over to a computer console. The guards spotted her.
“Hey!” One of the guards yelled. “You're not supposed to be up here.” Applejack quickly used the console to lock the glass door. One of the guards tried to open it. It wouldn't budge.
“Open this door!” he ordered.
“I'm calling it in!” the other guard informed. He picked up a nearby mic and alerted more guards. “We have a breach in the research wing!” he said. “I repeat, there's been a breach in the research wing!” Applejack and Rainbow Dash ran through another door, away from the guards. Rainbow Dash, having never been outside the room with the Animus, looked around the hall as she ran.
“Nice walls,” she said. “I'm guessing Nightmare has some pretty fucked up decorators.” As Applejack rounded a corner, she found two more guards waiting.
“There they are,” one of them said. “Don't let them get away.” Applejack approached the guards and knocked one to the floor. The other guard attacked her, but Applejack blocked the attack and knocked that guard down as well. She stole the control staff from his hoof and knocked him unconscious with it. Applejack spun around and struck the other guard in the jaw. Blood flew from the guards mouth as he fell unconscious. Applejack threw down the staff.
“Holy shit!” Rainbow Dash cried. She ran with Applejack through more hallways. It was strange to Rainbow. “Look at this place,” she said. Applejack stopped at an elevator and got in. Rainbow Dash followed. Applejack closed the door and sent the elevator to the lowest floor it would go.
“What about the cameras?” Rainbow asked.
“I rigged them to loop old footage,” Applejack explained. “How do you think I managed to hide all your nighttime snooping from Nightmare?”
“You're good,” Rainbow Dash said, impressed.
“So I've been told,” Applejack agreed. “But they're on to us now. We need to hurry.” The elevator came to a stop and the doors opened to another hallway. Applejack and Rainbow Dash turned right and stopped at the corner. A large room met their gaze.
“We need to get to that elevator on the other side of the room,” Applejack said. “Follow my lead, but keep an eye out for security. I'd rather avoid a fight.” Applejack ran into the room and through its maze-like halls. Rainbow Dash followed close behind. As they ran forward, Rainbow Dash saw another Animus.
“Is that an Animus?” she asked. Applejack didn't answer and turned right, followed by a left, followed by another right. She stopped at a four-way corridor.
“Stay with me,” she said. After checking for more guards, she ran straight and then turned right. Rainbow Dash saw more Animus machines.
“What the...” she gasped. “How many of them are there?” Applejack made a left turn, not answering.
“Hold on,” she said. She checked for more security and made a left. Applejack ran straight for a distance.
“Is it Animuses, or Animi?” Rainbow Dash asked, confused with the grammar of multiple Animus machines. “What do you think, Applejack?” Applejack didn't answer. She made a left. “Applejack?” Rainbow asked. “What do they need with all of them?”
“Rainbow,” Applejack said, making a left. “Shut. The. Fuck. Up.” Wanting to retain her manners, she quickly added. “Please.” She made a final turn to the right, right toward the elevator. Applejack slid her stolen key card into the console and entered the code. The elevator didn't open.
“Fuck,” she growled. “I thought this card would work. It must be on a separate system, and I don't have the code.”
“Wait,” Rainbow Dash said. She stared at the console, and suddenly saw it differently. Everything was black and white, but she was glowing blue. She saw the four of the buttons on the keypad glowing red: 2, 3, 4, and 7. Rainbow Dash imputed 3247. The console buzzed.
“Shit,” Rainbow muttered. She imputed 7423. That code didn't work either. “Oh, come on,” Rainbow Dash grumbled. She thought a moment, then entered 2374. The console lit up and the elevator doors opened. Rainbow Dash suddenly saw normally again.
“How did you do that?” Applejack asked, intently.
“I… don't know,” Rainbow answered. Applejack quickly got focused again.
“Let's go,” she said. She and Rainbow Dash entered the elevator and proceeded to the ground floor.
“It's always something,” Applejack said.
“What was that in the Animus?” Rainbow asked. “Subject 16? Octavia…Melo...something?”
“I think we've been wrong all along,” Applejack explained. “That's why we need to get out of here. Sparkle and the Templars, their only part of the problem.”
“What do you mean?” Rainbow asked.
“I'll explain when we get there,” Applejack said.
“Get where?” Rainbow Dash inquired. The elevator stopped in the parking garage of the Nightmare building. A squad of security guards were waiting. Applejack and Rainbow Dash started to fight them off. With her experience, Applejack fought fast, but Rainbow Dash was inexperienced, so she had a bit of trouble. When all the guards were writhing on the concrete, Applejack ran up to a car and opened the trunk.
“Get in,” she said.
“You're joking,” Rainbow Dash said.
“It's for your own protection,” Applejack reasoned.
“Oh man,” Rainbow Dash sighed as she curled up in the trunk.
“We're almost there,” Applejack said. Rainbow looked up, confused, before Applejack closed the trunk door.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Applejack opened up the trunk a while later, and Rainbow Dash climbed out.
“Thanks for that,” she said. “It was great. Being shoved in the trunk, bouncing around, loved it.”
“This way,” Applejack said. Rainbow Dash followed Applejack through a storage building.
“So, you gonna tell me what's going on now?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“There was a reason for the escape, Rainbow,” Applejack said.
“Figures.”
“We need your help,” Applejack said.
“For what?” Rainbow inquired. “Another treasure hunt through time?”
“Nightmare's gonna replace their Apple Eden,” Applejack explained. “The map your ancestor found guarantees it. The other Assassins...they'll do what they can, where they can, but...”
“What?” Rainbow asked. “What is it?”
“We're losing this war, Rainbow,” Applejack said. “The Templars are too powerful. And every day, more of us die.”
“I still don't see how I fit into things,” Rainbow said.
“We're going to train you,” Applejack said. “Turn you into one of us.”
“What?” Rainbow gasped. “No. No, you've seen me in action. I'm no good at this. And even if I was, it would take months. Years even.”
“No,” Applejack disagreed. “Not with the Animus. Not with the bleeding effect.”
“But I'm just one mare,” Rainbow Dash argued.
“Sometimes, that's all you need,” Applejack said.
“So that's why you found her,” Rainbow realized. “My ancestor. “What was her name? Octavia?”
“If you can follow in her footsteps, you'll learn everything she did,” Applejack said. “Just like she did.”
“You dragged me all the way here just to make me an Assassin?” Rainbow asked.
“Look, there's more to it than that,” Applejack said. “But it'll have to wait. Trust me. OK?” Rainbow Dash gave the ensuing matter a little thought.
“All right,” she answered. “I'm in. Tell me what you need.”
“Really?” Applejack cried. “You're sure?”
“I...thought you'd be happy about this,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Sorry, I'm just a little surprised,” Applejack said. “I spent the whole ride over here wondering how I was going to convince you to do this.”
“Save it,” Rainbow Dash stopped. “After what those Templar bastards put me through, I'm ready, willing, and able.” Glad Rainbow would help, Applejack gave her a quick hug.
“Thank you,” she said. She turned and entered a room with a large chair and many computers. Two more ponies were in the room. A mare and a stallion. The mare noticed Applejack.
“Applejack!” she cried. “You made it.” She and applejack hugged. “God, it's been so long!” the mare said. “Seven years, can you believe it?”
“Indeed,” the stallion said, walking up to Applejack. “Welcome back.” The stallion turned to Rainbow. “Ah, so this must be the infamous Subject 17. Rainbow Dash, was it?”
“Who are you?” Rainbow asked.
“I'm sorry, where are my manners,” the stallion apologized. “I'm Dr. Hooves. This is Vinyl Scratch.”
“Nice to meet you, Rainbow,” Vinyl said, shaking Rainbow's hoof.
“Yes, well it's been lovely chatting,” Dr. Hooves said, in a hurry. “But if you don't mind, Rainbow, it's best we get to work. Time is precious, doubly so these days.” Dr. Hooves went back to his computers.
“We've got everything set up and ready, Applejack,” Vinyl said. “Just say the word and we'll get goin'.”
“Here,” Applejack said, reaching into her saddlebag. “I brought you something. A parting gift from Nightmare.” Applejack handed Vinyl the hard drive she took from the Animus at Nightmare.
“Whoa!” Vinyl gasped. “A memory core! This is amazing. With their data, things are gonna go a lot faster. I'll get to work on merging the code.” Vinyl sat down at her computer near the large chair and Applejack sat down at hers. Rainbow Dash walked over to Dr. Hooves.
“What's all this stuff for?” Rainbow asked.
“This stuff, Rainbow, oh this stuff is nothing special really, this stuff is just the stuff that keeps our entire operation from falling apart really,” Dr. Hooves said, annoyed. “It requires a great deal of concentration to keep it all moving so you'll forgive me if I don't have time to play 'meet and greet'.”
“Hooves is in charge of managing our knowledge archives,” Vinyl explained. “It's like a digital library. He'll be riding shotgun with me while you're in the Animus. So if you come across anything of note, ponies, places, events, etcetera, he'll create database entries you can consult for additional information.”
“Yeah, it not just databases though,” Hooves explained. “I also provide tactical support for the other Assassins. You know Rainbow, the ones that are out there, actually doing stuff. Risking their lives, little things like that.” Hooves turned back to his archives. Rainbow turned and walked over to Applejack.”
“Hey, listen,” she said. “I just wanted to say thank you, and that I'm sorry.”
“Sorry?” Applejack asked.
“Yeah, you know, before,” Rainbow Dash explained. “Everything at Nightmare. It was just...I wasn't ready.”
“It's OK,” Applejack said.
“No,” Rainbow said. “Going through all that. Knowing that the Templars still exist, what they're planning.”
“What's done is done, Rainbow,” Applejack assured. “You're here now, and that's what matters.”
“Applejack, I've been seeing things,” Rainbow Dash informed. “Symbols in my bedroom, the code on the keypad. Just like Twilight.”
“It's from the bleeding effect,” Applejack explained. “You're taking on more than your ancestor's memories. “You're taking on their skills too. In this case, Eagle Vision.”
“What skills?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“You're more perceptive now,” Applejack continued. “So if everything goes well, everything Octavia learned in the Animus, you'll learn too.”
“You really think this will work?” Rainbow wondered. “That I'll become an Assassin?”
“You already are an Assassin,” Applejack said. “You'll just be better at it.”
“Of course,” Hooves said, “You'll be much better at it. I saw the tapes from Nightmare, you didn't even try to escape.”
“What a dick,” Rainbow grumbled. She walked over to Vinyl.
“Hey, Rainbow,” Vinyl said. “What's up?”
“Just wondering what your role is in all this,” Rainbow said.
“I take care of Baby,” Vinyl said. “It's my job to keep her up and running?”
“Baby?” Rainbow Dash asked. “You mean the Animus.”
“Actually, I prefer Animus 2.0, since Baby's twice as awesome as anything you'll find at Nightmare. The Templars might have deeper pockets than us, but they've got no ambition. No passion. No competitive edge! That's why, even with all their resources, anything they can do, I can do better. Faster too. Anyway, take a seat when you're ready, and we can get started. I just need to make a few more adjustments.” Vinyl programmed a few more things into the Animus 2.0 as Rainbow sat down. Rainbow found that this Animus was much more comfortable than the ones at Nightmare. It was cushioned where the ones at Nightmare were not. Rainbow Dash put her right hoof in the rest near the computer. Vinyl stood up.
“So how does this work?” Rainbow asked. Vinyl held up an IV needle and gave Rainbow a sympathetic look. “Of course,” Rainbow muttered.
“Deep breath,” Vinyl said. She inserted the needle into Rainbow's forearm. Rainbow winced.
“Oh, what are you, a tiny foal?” Dr. Hooves asked.
“Hooves!” Vinyl scolded.
“Well…” Dr. Hooves stopped. Vinyl pulled a seemingly invisible VR screen over Rainbow's eyes and started up the Animus. Rainbow Dash's mind started to drift off.
“Here we go,” Vinyl said. Rainbow Dash slipped from reality and everything went white.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The date was December 26, 1476 in the beautiful city of Baltimare, Equestria. Citizens ran to a central road for an event they had been waiting for quite some time. The Melody family and the Lulamoon family were scheduled for a fight that evening, and the friends of the Melody family were giving support.
Octavia Melody walked in front of her crowd of supporters. She turned to them and gave a speech.
“Insieme per la vittoria!” she cried.
“Insieme!” the crowd cheered.
“Silenzio, my friends,” Octavia quieted. “Silenzio.” The crowd quieted down. “Grazie,” Octavia thanked. “Do you know what brings us here tonight? Honor. Trixie Lulamoon slanders my family's name, and forced her own miseries upon us. If we...”
“Enough of your nonsense, grullo!” A voice cried out from behind. Octavia turned to see Trixie standing before her.
“Buona sera, Trixie,” Octavia greeted. “We were just talking about you. Surprised to see you here. I thought the Lulamoon's hired others to do their dirty work.”
“It's your family that cries for guards when there's trouble, codardo,” Trixie countered. “Afraid to handle things yourself?”
“Your sister seems quite satisfied with the handling I gave her earlier,” Octavia taunted. The crowd laughed with her at this dirty joke. Trixie was not amused. At all.
“Uccidetelo!” she cried. She and her friends hurled stones at Octavia and her group. The one thrown by Trixie cut Octavia's lip. Octavia blocked out the pain as she and her group of friends began to fight. She immediately tackled a Lulamoon citizen and beat her to the ground. Trixie stayed back from the fighting. As Octavia grabbed another citizen by the throat, she heard a voice behind her.
“Ehi, behind you,” somepony said. Octavia turned to see her sister. She dropped her prey.
“Beauty,” Octavia exclaimed. “What are you doing here?” A rival citizen ran at Beauty, but she threw him to the ground.
“I wanted to see if baby sister had finally learned how to fight,” Beauty said. The citizen she had thrown down grabbed Octavia, but Octavia headbutted him and threw him down.
“Heh, and?” she asked.
“You have style,” Beauty said. “But endurance is what counts. Let's see how many of them you can ruin before they get the best of you.” Beauty joined the fight against the Lulamoon family. The rivals came in great numbers, but went down just as fast. Trixie saw this as a bad thing, and decided to call off her troops.
“Fall back!” she cried. “Fall back!” She pushed somepony out of the way and ran. Octavia tried to follow, but Beauty stopped her.
“Hold on,” she said.
“What?” Octavia cried. “We've almost won this!”
“Your lip,” Beauty noticed. Octavia wiped her lip and found a little blood on her hoof.
“Just a scratch,” she said.
“Let the doctor decide,” Beauty said.
“It's not necessary,” Octavia argued. “Besides, I have no money for this doctor of yours.”
“Wasted it on wine, eh?” Beauty asked.
“I'd hardly call it wasted,” Octavia said. “Lend me some florins then. Or have you done the same?” Beauty and Octavia laughed.
“Search them,” Beauty suggested. “They're bound to have something in their pockets.” Octavia searched through the fallen citizens for some florins. When she had found 200 Beauty stopped her.
“Va bene,” she said. “That should be enough. Let's get out of here before the guards arrive.” Octavia followed her older sister to a nearby doctor.
“Ben trovato, doctor,” Beauty said.
“Hmm,” the doctor said. “Sorelle Melody. Why am I not surprised?” The doctor inspected Octavia. “You've made quite a mess of yourself, young lady,” he said.
“It's nothing, really,” Octavia said.
“You must help her,” Beauty said. “That pretty face is her only asset.” Octavia gave her sister a hard glare.
“Fottiti,” she growled. The doctor pulled out a cloth to clean the wound. He put some remedy on it to heal it faster.
“There we are,” he said when finished. “Now get out of here.”
“Grazie,” Octavia thanked.
“This way,” Beauty said. “Quite a night!”
“Indeed,” Octavia agreed. “I only wish they were all as much fun. Oh, wait. They are!” The sisters chuckled.
“We should head home, Octavia,” Beauty suggested. “Father's sure to be wondering where we've gone.”
“Yes,” Octavia said. “And I'd rather avoid a lecture.”
“Up for a little race then?” Beauty asked.
“To where?” Octavia wondered.
“Ehh, roof of that church,” Beauty said pointing to a nearby church building. On the count of three. Uno, due, tre!” The sisters raced to the church roof.
“Baby sister still has much to learn,” Beauty taunted pulling ahead. “Come on, tartaruga.” Octavia, not about to lose, ran faster and got far ahead of her sister.
“Ha, I almost feel bad about this!” Octavia cried. “No shame in failure, sister!” Octavia sprang up the church building and won the race. Beauty came up soon after.
“Come on then, this way,” she said.
“Where are you going?” Octavia asked.
“You'll see,” Beauty said. She climbed up the church tower and Octavia followed her. Beauty reached the top and gave Octavia a hoof up. Octavia pulled herself up with her sister's help and stood on top of the tower.
“It is a good life we lead, sister,” Beauty complemented.
“The best,” Octavia agreed. “May it never change.” The two sisters looked over the beautiful cityscape of Firenze.
“And may it never change us,” Beauty finished.
