Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Familyby MrHoustonChaptersPrologueChapter 1: Sweetie BelleChapter 2: The White HoodChapter 3: RevelationsChapter 4: Nothing is TrueChapter 5: Into The CryptPrologue[Canterlot. 200 hundred years ago.] It was late at night but it wasn't a bother to the ponies living in the marvelous capital of Equestria. This night would but full of celebration for a high minister of Cloudsdale and his marriage to a beautiful, rich, earth pony mare. The official ceremony lasted for three hours at best, the two said their vows, cut the cake, and now were dancing together as with the rest of the highly classed ponies in Equestria. Most of them wore fancy dresses and suits. Mares wore jewelry that had been crafted from fifteen to thirty carrot gold, silver, and sapphire. They wore powder face make up and different colored eye liners. Stallions wore corsages with highly decorated collars and cufflinks, made from gold and rubies. Truly, this party was for the rich and possibly famous. The music was cheery and ponies were dancing in the traditional waltz. The newly wedded couple danced in the middle of the circular crowd. Hugging each as they spun slowly in a complete circle. Among the upper class ponies were the rulers of Equestria, Princess Celestia and Luna. Both were in their usual diamond incrusted crowns with silver linings. Celestia wore her gold horseshoes, necklace, and tiara while Luna wore her black. The two were happy for the couple, they truly were but it was their true identities are what made them targets. The stallion in secret, even to his wife, was part of a evil organization looking to over thrown the princesses and take over Equestria. His name is Domino Aortas. An arsonist for the Renegades. He is responsible for the deaths of innocent civilians and destruction of precious landmarks. He thinks he is incognito but he is wrong. So very wrong. The princesses have been keeping an eye on him since he entered the palace. He is seen putting money in nobles pockets and they start to laugh. He has done this with four other nobles, each with the same result. Not wanting him to stir any unwanted events, especially on his wedding day, the princesses had to let him do what he pleased and what to see what would happen. Then, a soft whistle caught Celestia's ear. She perked her head up and saw a shadowy figure, wearing a black, cloak like attire. The attires lines were a dark rose red with leather straps holding daggers, pouches, and a weapon that was advanced for its time. A gun, powerful enough to kill a manticore with one shot. He wore bronze gauntlets with a small insignia in the top of it. The symbol was like an anchor but it also resembled an arrow head. Under the hood, the princess saw a small grin. She gave a smile of her own. The hooded pony dropped to the ground with a soft thud and swiftly ran behind the princesses throne. Lune didn't bother looking, knowing who it was. "Brave Burn. Thou are late, we have already started." Celestia said. Brave Burn chuckled and leaned against the back of the throne. He crossed his hooves and slowly started to slide down the throne until he was on his rear. "Thou worry to much your highness! I have already accomplished the task." Celestia gave a confused look. "How so?" she questioned. Brave Burn said nothing but chuckled again. Celestia then heard him walk away and into the crowd. Both her and Luna gave worried looks. Brave Burn however, was smiling and walking through the crowd as if he was one of them. He maneuvered around the dancing couples like a snake through grass as he saw his target. He was talking with other nobles while his wife talked with the nobles wives. The hooded stallion grinned and he shot out his arm slightly below him. A small, thin blade came from one of his gauntlest making a small SHINK! The blade looked small enough to be a butter knife. He kept his head down the entire time, trying not let anyone to see his face. That was a prime rule for the members of his order. He creped closer to the stallion of his choice, sliding his blade across the marble floor. The stallion looked to his right and saw the hooded figure approaching him fast. A look of dread came apon his face, he tried to scream but a swift strike and the blade connected with the side of the stallions neck. A deadly spot indeed, Brave Burn knew he possible severed an artery from the slash judging by the stallions face. He leaned in to the stallions ear and whispered. "The creed sends its regards renegade scum." Brave Burn retracted his hidden blade and made his way back toward the princesses. The stallions collapsed to the ground, with a puddle of blood leaking from his neck. Ponies around him screamed, his wife crying at his side. The assassin felt sympathy for the mare. Even though he was a renegade, he took away a husband from his beloved. Brave Burn let down his hood, showing a snow white pony under the hood with bright orange and red hair, almost looking like fire. He had an expression of accomplishment but also regret. Celestia and Luna knew that look. He quickly approached the princess Celestia side and leaned in. "The job is done your grace, I will make haste before some pony notices me." With that, Brave Burn quickly climbed on the wall behind the throne and jumped out the open window. Celestia and Luna looked at each other, hearing the discomfort in the assassins voice. It wasn't the first time Brave Burn has had uneasiness in his voice after a successful assassination. Yes, the job was complete, but at what cost? A mare losing the one she loves on their wedding day. They knew it wasn't fair but the stallion was unfortunately at the wrong place and time with his reputation. Celestia knew the Renegade killed now was one of the many still at large and she knew the creed her and Luna had formed would be victorious in the end. The princess didn't fear much but Celestia feared only about the decedents of the assassins that live now, how will their lives be affected if they knew about their history. That would be something she would have to keep secret, both her and Luna. Chapter 1: Sweetie Belle[PonyVille. Present day.] It was a simple job. So simple in fact, a foal could do it. Being asked to do it three times a week however makes it seem like a necessity for modern life. If you count getting cloths for dresses your sister is making them yes. Rarity had been going on about for weeks about a special order for a dress she was given. She went on saying, "It will be able to pay off our house for years", and "I'll finally be able to retire a happy mare!" To her sister Sweetie Belle, who was running these trips to the store, it was absolutely ridiculous. She has heard Rarity get excited before, but this was a new set on the scale for her. Days on end, she would be working on that dress. Till the break of dawn until she went to sleep. At times, Sweetie Belle found herself worrying about Rarity and how much stress she was putting herself through. She's at least surprised Rarity hasn't collapsed by now from sleep deprive. With her big sisters age as well, its an even bigger eye opener. Sweetie Belle had aged just like her sister. A full grown mare in her early twenties. Beautiful like a summer sunset and elegant like a swan. Her personality though never changed, along with her friends. Though their lives had grown as well. Apple Bloom had gotten married to another earth pony in Appleloosa and is now expecting twins. Scootaloo has followed her dream and became the worlds most famous stunt pony. When she was leaving for tour, Rainbow Dash acted as though she signed up for the army. Sweetie Belle counted the remember seeing the Pegasus so happy in her life. The thought of it now made her giggle slightly. Sweetie Belle thought to herself. "Gee...the years have certainly gone by." Nearly all of the main six had grown into their thirties or early forties, having now children or got married. Sweetie Belle almost felt like she was on her own, but Rarity had told a long time ago kids was something she would have once she married but so far that had never happened. It was true, she was worried for Rarity in all sorts of ways. She was growing old and still she wasn't seeing some pony. She worried she would find Rarity in her workshop one day dead from dehydration or starvation or even working herself to death. Sweetie Belle signed, focus was a prime concern now. Although she was tired of doing this job. She had been doing it for nearly three days now and for what? "More thread Sweetie! I need more!" The words echoed in her mind every time she went on these tedious trips. Sweetie Belle opened the door to a shop near the town hall of PonyVille. The building was just some ordinary shop in the middle of town, nothing special really. Common customers came in every so often but Sweetie Belle and Rarity were the clerks favorite customers from how much they visited the shop every week for supplies. Inside, the shelves were covered in all sorts of colors and textures for cloths and threads. In the middle of the room was a square shape container with an assortment of threads, coming in red, pink, blue, even some highly unused colors. Such as baby blue, orangey red, and sage. Sweetie Belle had to give it to the owner, she was obsessed with the stuff. She didn't even have to talk as the clerk made her voice known from the backroom. "Huh? What? Who's there!" "Its me Ms. Spring lock!" she called back. An elderly unicorn mare came from behind a door, leading to the back room. Her light pink coat and grass green mane were the first things Sweetie Belle noticed. Also her glasses that hanged down past her nose. She took one look at Sweetie Belle and gave a shriveled smile. "Ah! Miss Belle! Here for the usual's?" she said. Sweetie Belle gave a small giggle. "Yes ma'am." The elder pony lowered her head behind the counter and grabbed a brown sack. She plopped it down on the counter and waited. Sweetie Belle nudged three bits across the counter toward Ms. Spring lock and she accepted the money without hesitation. Sweetie Belle then grabbed the bag and placed in inside a saddle bag she had on her back. She waved good bye to Spring lock and started her journey back home. Not a minute passes and a swift breeze brushes itself across Sweetie Belle and she stepped back in surprise. She looked and saw a white hooded figure running very fast and suddenly darting behind a building. Shortly after, to Sweetie Belles amazement, royal guards for Princess Celestia ran till they were right in front of the white mare. "Were did he go!?" "I think he went that way!" "Move!" They guards then ran in the opposite direction of were the hooded figure ran. Now Sweetie Belle was curious. She thought of the hooded figure as simply as thief, though a thief normally looked raged and tagged from being on the streets. The white hood that zoomed past her looked professional, and the way the figure moved and how fast it was. Sweetie Belle turned to walk in the other direction but felt something sharp under her hoof. She yelped slightly and backed away, looking down at the source. On the ground was a small dagger, big enough to look like a butter knife. The white unicorn used her magic to lift the blade up to eye level. It had dirt and very visible scratches on it. The blade itself was dull like a pizza cutter. Sweetie Belles curiosity was now peaked. Why would a thief carry such a peculiar blade? These answers Sweetie Belle would have to look into some other time. Unknown to the mare, the same white hooded figure was watching her from a few rooftops over with a very hostile look. He cursed under his breathe as he left the rooftop. "Damn." Chapter 2: The White Hood She couldn't stop thinking about it. Why did that white hooded figure seem so odd to her? She didn't even see his or hers face. Nothing but the white robes, but she felt as though she needed to see it again. Sweetie Belle tossed and turned in her bed, trying to get herself to go to sleep. She laid there with her eyes open, starring at the ceiling of her room. She signed and turned her toward her nightstand. A small electric clock was present with red lighting in it. It was only past ten o'clock. She groaned softly and rubbed her eyes with her hooves. All she could think about were those white robes. She then looked next to her clock and saw the small blade she picked up in the plaza. She avoided Rarity seeing it, fearing she would over react as usual if any type of weapon came into the workshop. She grinned at the thought of seeing Rarity freak-out. Over the years its become more of s show then something serious whenever Rarity flipped out. Sweetie Belle forgot how long she was laying there. She closed her eyes and dwelled inside her dream land. Inside, Sweetie Belle was running in a lushes green field, feeling the wind in her face and mane. She felt wild, feeling the soft ground glide across the her hooves felt amazing to Sweetie Belle. She looked up toward the sky, she saw the bright blue sky and yellow sun in the sky above her. Birds flew past her and glided higher into the sky. She felt like a child again. She felt free as an eagle. On cue, a hitch pitch eagle cry came from above her and Sweetie Belle yelped as she tripped and landed on her rear. Sweetie Belle looked up and saw a brown eagle circling around her. The gracefulness of the bird was amazing to the filly as it glided in the air. What she didn't expect though was the bird to suddenly nose dive toward her. Sweetie Belle screamed as the bird came in like an arrow. Her world went dark and Sweetie Belle felt her head hurt and she felt as though she was upside down. Sweetie Belle groaned as she felt her head was slowly filled with blood. She opened her eyes and saw that it was daylight. She groaned again and fixed herself off her floor. Sweetie Belle rubbed her head and looked toward her clock. It was a few minutes past eight. She stood up and walked over to her makeup stand. Her eyes were baggy and her eyes were slightly blood shot. "I'm starting to look like Rarity." she mumbled. She used her magic to lift a brush off the desk and began to brush her mane, straitening it out. Sweetie Belle caressed her mane, holding it with one hoof while her magic guided the brush over her hair. Her hair looked as though it was made of silk with each brush, shining in the sun light coming through the window. Its golden glow coating her mane. She started to hum to herself. A sweet song that her mother had taught her at a very young age. Sweetie Belle was going along more with the song, she started to softly sing it out loud by this point. "By wind and by sea, by the grace of your need to adventure and prize. Thou must venture to parts unknown to rescue your bride." she sang. Sweetie stopped her singing as she could hear as though another was singing with her. She looked around her room, nothing but her bed and window to be seen. She could have sworn... "Why did you stop my dear? That tune was marvelous." The mare yelped and looked toward a corner of her ceiling. There, perched like a bird on a cliff, was the same white hooded pony from the day before. The one who dropped the blade. The mare wanted to scream for her sister but found she couldn't find the words, fearing what the hooded pony might do if she did. She could see a smirk on the ponies face, under his hood. Sweetie Belle felt like she would pass out at any moment. The pony spoke again, his firm and gentle colt like posture that was telling the mare he wasn't going to hurt her. "Calm down my dear. I do not wish to hurt you. All I want is my wrist blade." he said pointing a blade on Sweetie Belle's nightstand. The mare looked toward the blade and lifted it with her magic. She levitated it toward the perched stallion and he grabbed it with his hoof. He made a thank you gesture toward the mare and placed the blade in his white robes. He then leaped off his perch and landed with a soft thud on the floor, landing on his back hooves. He stood up and walked toward the white mare on the chair. Her muscles were tensed and her mind was ready for anything if the hooded stallion tried anything. He stopped in front of Sweetie Belle and bowed his head as if she was royalty. The mare gave him a confused look. "Many thanks miss...?" "Sweetie Belle." "Miss Sweetie Belle for returning by blade to me. I assured you wouldn't be harmed and I will keep my word. Now, I must be off." Sweetie Belle grabbed his hoof before he ran out her open window. "Wait! Who are you?" she asked. The hooded stallion looked over his shoulder and Sweetie could barely see a smirk on his face. "My name is Altair. Nice to meet you Sweetie Belle." He perched himself again on the rim of Sweetie Belles window and opened it slowly with his hoof. Before he jumped out, he turned toward her and smiled at her again. " I wish for us to meet again under...different circumstances." With that, he leaped out the window and Sweetie Belle was blushing slightly, she could hear him running across her roof and then jump off once again. She looked to the ground and thought about what had just happened. How did he get in? None of the windows were open until he opened the one now. Which made it all the more confusing. She had forgotten to ask him why he wore those robes but what really caught her eyes was the odd symbol on the tip of his hood. Sweetie Belle thought she had seen that symbol before. To make sure, she would pay a visit to a certain alicorn tomorrow. Chapter 3: Revelations Questions were swirling around in Sweetie Belles head. It was like starring into a time spell looking at Altair and his attire. He looked like something from a history book. A legend created by parents to tell to their children at bed time. A role play children would do at the park. His weapons are what made her anxious however. Blades in sheaths in his robes and the two in his gauntlets. What did he need them for besides possible bloodshed. Which led Sweetie Belle to another question. Had he killed some pony before? When she looked over his blade, it looked clean, as of it was never used. That made her feel better by a little bit but it still wasn't enough. She still needed to know the odd symbol he had on the tip of his hood. She swore on her life that she had seen that symbol before but she couldn't remember. That irritated Sweetie Belle beyond content, she couldn't remember. The mare stepped to the side, avoiding two fillies running toward her laughing and shouting as they ran past her and darted behind a building. She smirked, remembering her and the crusaders chasing each other around Ponyville. She turned her attention back in her original direction, toward Twilights library. The towering tree house was like a monument in the small town. One of the most popular buildings in Ponyville. Another being Carousel Boutique, which belonged to her sister Rarity. Sweetie Belle knocked on the wood door and waited for someone to answer. The door knob lit up with purple aura of magic and cracked open. Sweetie Belle pushed the door open with a hoof and her eyes went wide from seeing books literally flying off the shelves and placing themselves into others. Sweetie's mouth was a gape at the seen. A friendly voice then rang from the other room. "Come on in!" The mare did her best to avoid the barrage of flying books. Sweetie ducked under a school of books, a small yelp escaping her. She rubbed the back of her neck and continued walking toward Twilight's rambling in the other room. It sounded like she was in the mist of another inventory check for the library. Sweetie then saw a adolescence Spike, carrying a dozen books in his claws like a tower while a annoyed look was plastered in his face. He glanced toward Sweetie Belle and smiled slightly. Sweetie smiled back and tried to hold in a giggle as Spike bumped into a table, nearly spilling the books on the floor. On the other end of the room it was like a swarm of bees flying into the queens chambers. She figured Twilight was inside. Breathing deeply, Sweetie Bell pushed herself through the army of books. She ducked under the hard covers, she swatted the soft covers away, and ducked to avoid the others. She comes through the other side and sees, roving her theory, Twilight with levitated books surrounding her. She was singing a joyful song to herself, obviously enjoying her reshuffling day. Everyone in PonyVille who was Twilights friend knew of her reshuffling days, being the main reason no pony went to the library on the weekend she did it. The alicorn turned to Sweetie Belle with a warm smile and kind eyes. She was having a good day alright. She was flying a good few feet in the air while looking over the historical section of the library. A perfect place to start thought Sweetie Belle. "How can I help you Sweetie Belle?" she asked. The mare walked until she was nearly under Twilight. Looking up at her as if she was an angel. Sweetie Bell shacked her head as Twilights voice rang in her head again. "Oh, uh, I was wondering if you can tell me about this symbol." Sweetie Belle levitated a small paper from a satchel around her back with the symbol drawn on it. Twilight gave a curious look and used her own magic to bring the small paper to her. She raised an eye brow and began to scratch her chin. She squinted her eyes and looked long and hard at the symbol. Sweetie Belle started to loose hope after a few minutes of waiting. She was corrected when Twilight pulled her eyes away from the paper and slightly smiled. "I think I've seen this before, in an old history book I read that Princess Celestia selectively gave me." she said nonchalantly. Sweetie's jaw hit the ground and her eyes went wide. Just the way Twilight it so casually was enough to shock Sweetie Belle to her core. The alicorn levitated the paper back down to the white mare and began her search. Literally seconds later, Twilight pulled from the bookshelf a small book. The book was a dark brown with the same symbol but in gold, it you could see it past the disgusting amount of dust covering it. The book looked like it had been sitting on the self for decades. The books swirled around Twilight like bats as she glided down in front of Sweetie Belle, opening the book and looking it over. Her eyes narrowed as she read. "Well... the information is vague." Twilight said. To Sweetie Belle's dismay. "But the symbol you found was once used by a secret organization of assassins that served Princess Celestia and Princess Luna." Now it was starting to make sense. Altair is an assassin. Sweetie Belle wondered how that cold be though. In a peaceful place such as Equestria, why do the princesses need assassins? Twilight, as though she had read Sweetie Belle's mind, answered her question. She flipped a page and continued reading. "The reason the creed was born is because a another organization know as the Renegades. They wanted to take over the entire world and the princesses couldn't allow it." Sweetie Belle levitated a seat behind her and sat on it. Twilight continued. "An exact date isn't know, but some believe the creed is over two hundred years old." She turned a page. "Its first master, who went by the name 'Brave Burn' was an extremely skilled assassin. Legend says he was the first, and only assassin, to kill a griffon king who was a Renegade. He was know to be very antisocial however, not caring for any pony except the princesses. Though one day, he vanished. Not even leaving a trace for future masters to follow him. Some suspected he committed suicide while others say a conspiracy happened within Canterlot at the time." Sweetie Belle raised an eye brow and leaned in toward Twilight. The mares face was becoming more depressed by the minute her eyes scanned the pages. "The conspiracy was the creed was corrupt. Leaders organized contracts against other countries leaders, including the dragons. Other times they allowed orgies in their lairs for the wealthy at the time. Once the princesses found out, they ordered the creed to be disbanded and its members to never wear the symbol again." Twilight closed the book and set it down on a near by table. Sweetie Belle was rubbing her chin and was trying to comprehend what was read to here. "If that's the case, how does Altair have his armor?" "Who?" "None of your damn business!" Both mares glanced toward the end of the room. A white hooded figure was standing in the doorway with a firm look on his muzzle. Spike was standing behind him, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry girls...he said he was Sweetie Belle's friend." The assassin stepped forward, he scowl not leaving him. The two mares felt their hearts drop. Sweetie Belle prepared for the worse while Twilight got in a battle ready stance. What they didn't expect was him to pass them and pick up the book. He scoffed and tossed the book to the side. "Did you actually believe the smut in that filthy book?" he said toward Sweetie Belle. The mare widened her eyes and gulped. She wasn't sure of anything by this point. She worried if she said the wrong thing, Altair would kill her for sure. "I don't know." she answered honestly. Altair's look of anger softened a bit but he still looked angry. He walked until she was nearly a few inches away from the mare. Her cheeks lightened a bit. The assassin then chuckled. "Good answer my dear. Now, if you truly want to know the true behind the creed of assassins. You will follow me." Altair then walked into the main room, waiting for Sweetie Belle to make her choice. She glanced toward Twilight who was just as confused as her. Figuring she still needed answers, Sweetie Belle signed and followed Altair into the main room. He smiled and jerked his head toward the door, signaling to follow. Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes and nodded. The two walked out of the library, with the door closing slowly behind them. Chapter 4: Nothing is True The sun was setting and wind brushed across the Everfree Forest. the leaves rustled and grass swayed with the wind. An orange glow had engulfed Equestria's horizon along with purple clouds. A beautiful sight to behold. Canterlot shined light a diamond in the light. Ponies were heading home from their long days at work. Closing their shops and businesses. Guards patrolled the out side and inside. Most of the guards were on edge during this time of day. It was the perfect times for thieves to wonder the streets and look for shops to break in. Or assassins looking for their next target. Altair jumped from one rooftop from another with vast speed. He lunged at the side of a building and gabbed the window with his hooves. He quickly pulled himself up and ran. He stopped as he reached an edge of building, over looking the entrance to an flower shop. behind him, he heard heavy breathing and shuffling of hooves. He rolled his eyes and looked behind him to see a tired Sweetie Belle behind him. She stopped once she reached him and put a hoof to her chest. Altair chuckled. "What's the matter? Cant keep up?" Sweetie Belle gave a annoyed huff. "Hey...you've been doing this for years, I only started today!" she breathed heavily. Altair nodded and smiled. "Good point my dear." Sweetie Belle walked over to the white robed stallions side and looked at the same flower shop. She gave him a confused look. "What does a flower shop have to do with finding the lair?" The assassin perched himself on the edge of the building and looked over his shoulder at Sweetie Belle. "Because...that IS the lair." Sweetie Belle face hoofed. Altair knew she didn't believe him, so he would have to prove it. The stallion looked below him, seeing a hay kart below him. He grinned and turned back to Sweetie Belle. "What I'm about to do it stupid. I don't want you to try this until for a while." The mare gave Altair a confused look. The hooded stallion the leapt off the building, causing Sweetie Belle's heart to drop. She quickly rushed over and saw Altair in a spread eagle position and falling toward an abandoned hay kart. He landed with barely a sound. Sweetie Belle waited for her friend to emerge from the kart. Her wish was granted as Altair leaped out of the kart but darted into the black ally behind it. She gave a questionable look. Sweetie Belle looked and saw a ladder behind her. She quickly climbed down the building and saw Altair still looking at the building of interest. "You know their was a ladder back there right?" she said, Altair broke his gaze from the building and toward his friend. "I didn't know that. But I always like to use that dive." he said. Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes. The two returned their gazes toward the building. The sun was nearly down, purple was engulfing the sky by this point as Luna's moon was breaking the horizon. Altair raised his hoof in front of Sweetie Belle and the two froze. The moon peaked over the mountains and guards started to go on their patrols. The two waited for a guard to pass them. Altair swung his hoof down and the two ponies sprinted toward the flower shop. Altair brought a key out from his robe and unlocked the door. Sweetie Belle's eye twitched with confusion. Altair noticed this and grabbed the mare by her hoof and pulled her into the shop. He then silently closed the door. "How in the name of Celestia do you have the key to this place!?" she shouted she loud, Altair was glad the guards outside didn't hear his companion. Altair put his hoof to Sweetie Belle's mouth and shushed her before she could scream any louder. "Any louder my dear and we'll be in the dungeon by midnight!" he said. The pair made their way toward the back of the store, behind the counter and through a backdoor, leading into a store room of the flower shop. The storage room was decorated with various plants, seed bags, and fertilizers. The smell was the first thing that hit Sweetie the moment she walked in the room. It smelled like she was in a jungle, surrounded by various wild flowers. She cupped her nose and she could feel her eyes start to water. Altair looked as though he didn't enjoy the stench either, he was scrambling to fins something on the wall of the storage room. The assassin wiped out his hidden blade and cut a square shape on the dry wall. He peeled off the wall paper and it revealed the creed's symbol underneath. Altair then planted his blade inside a key sized slot in the wall. Mechanisms squeaked and gears grinded and the sound of the door lock clicked. Altair pushed open the small door, a stair case lit by candle light behind it. Altair looked back toward Sweetie Belle who shrugged. He jerked his head toward the stair case and moved in toward it. The pair slowly made their way toward the spiraling staircase. Sweetie Belle was admiring the architecture of the walls and how old they must have been. Altair was only looking straight, a look of no emotions on his face. The two arrived at the bottom of the stair case. A large door met them at the bottom. The creeds symbol present on the front. Altair smiled and reached into his robes. He pulled out a strange looking key. Sweetie Belle tapped his shoulder and he looked back toward her. "You still haven't answered my question." she said. Altair rolled his eyes. "The shop keeper is a long term friend of mine. He keeps that room locked twenty four seven." To Sweetie Belle that was a fair enough answer. Altair stuck the key in the door and twisted it. A loud click was heard inside the door and it opened with a creepy creak. Behind the door was a completely pitch black room, Sweetie Belle stuck her hoof out and watched as it disappeared into the darkness. She quickly took back her hoof and grasped it. Altair chuckled and grabbed a torch off the wall behind them. He raised the torch above his head and began to walk into the black abyss. Sweetie Belle squeaked and wrapped her hooves around the assassins neck with a look of fear on her face. Altair snickered, earning a pout and a blush from Sweetie Belle. The tow made their way further into the blackness until Altair nearly collided with a wall. He smiled and lit another torch above him. A chain reaction was set off, lighting torches all through out the room. The chamber itself was larger then what Sweetie Belle expected. It was large enough to hold over a dozen ponies. The walls were covered in the creeds banners with their symbol in the middle. In the middle of the room was a round table. Altair took in a deep breathe and observed the lair. He felt a grip around his neck tightened, he looked and saw Sweetie Belle looking in amazement at the lair. He gave her a smug look. "Do you intend to make this an intimate moment Ms. Belle?" he said. Sweetie Belle's face turned bright red and she quickly jumped off Altair. He chuckled again and made his way toward a doorway to the right of the round table. He walked into a dark room and cheered excitedly, catching Sweetie Belle's confusion. She walked over toward the door and stopped at the entrance. Altair emerged with a broad stick strapped to his back. Sweetie Belle raised an eye brow. "What is it?" Altair raised his hoof and lowered his hood from over his head. Sweetie Belle's eyes went wide as she saw Altair's snow white mane and grey fur. His eyes were like rubies as they met Sweetie Belle's. Sweetie Belle didn't want to say it, she only thought it, Altair was the most handsome stallion she had ever seen. She tried not to blush at the thought, and kept her bearing. Altair grabbed the stick from behind him and showed it to Sweetie Belle. The stick had a thick handle like grip to it and with long nozzle. Metal carvings were present on it along with a strange trigger near the arch of it. She engulfed the pistol in her magic and lifted it toward. "I have found supplement weapons that assassins before us used in their work." he said. Sweetie Belle lifted her head up and looked at Altair. "Us?" she questioned. Altair nodded and walked over toward another wall of the chamber. He grabbed a torch and lit the final one. A wall piece of the wall was discovered, showing a ancient painting. Hundreds of years old from the looks of it. It showed the royals Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sitting in the middle of two assassins one wore pitch black armor while the other white assassin had his hood down. Sweetie Belle could see his smile from where she was standing though. Altair called out and pointed his hoof at the white assassin. "Sweetie Belle! I want you to meet your ancestor! Brave Burn Belle!" The mare could feel her knees start to give out as she gazed apon the white assassin. She couldn't believe it. She had assassin heritage. How could that be? Her mother and father or gods even Rarity would've told her! Altair could see the distort in Sweetie Belle's face and raced over to her. He stopped in front of her and she sat her self down in a old chair. "I understand this comes as a surprise to you?" "Oh yea think!?" she barked at him. Altair was unmoved by her outburst but instead felt bad for his friend. He grabbed a chair of his own and sat down next to her. "Why do you think they didn't tell you this?" he asked her. Sweetie Belle snapped her head toward Altair with her eyes wide open. She looked back down toward the ground and signed. "I...I don't know. Maybe they just thought it wasn't an important part of my history I should have know about?" Altair looked as though he didn't like that answer. In fact, he out right hated that answer. Not wanting to show rage for something that wasn't Sweetie Belle, he breathed through his nose and looked toward the painting on the wall. "I believe they didn't want you to know my dear is because their scared of what might happen if you found out. You may not see it on me Sweetie Belle, but assassins have become prey toward an organization know as the Renegades. They are the reason we are the only ones left of the creed. They are also the reason many assassins I knew years ago have turned in their robes and blades to escape death. I can understand why however, you would be constantly hunted by Faust knows what and not know when it would happen. I however, have nothing to fear. I have no family, nor friends except you to defend knowing how defenseless they are. To put it bluntly, I am not scared of death. But, back to your family not telling you your heritage." "I cant say I vouch for them to have kept it a secret. You had every right to know, even if you didn't want to become part of the creed. But the most likely reason they didn't tell you was because they knew their heritage and what the risks might be if the Renegades knew of them. They only wanted to protect you." Sweetie Belle was clenching her seat. She had assassin heritage which makes her apart of the creed by birth. Altair put his hoof on her shoulder and she looked at him. He pointed at a doorway opposite toward the round table. She got up and walked over toward door, being careful not to stumble into chairs around the table. She used her magic to open the door. Her eyes widened as she saw a mannequin pony wearing an assassins robes. Her eyes lit up with delight and she launched at the robes but a sudden gold light wrapped around her and pulled her back into the chamber. "Hey what gives!?" she said. Sweetie Belle looked behind her and her mouth dropped. A goddess of a pony was standing beside Altair. She dropped Sweetie Belle and the mare landed on her rear. She looked up at the princess and gave an embarrassed smile. "I hope you didn't think you can wear Brave Burns armor without training now did you?" Chapter 5: Into The CryptSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Prologue[Canterlot. 200 hundred years ago.] It was late at night but it wasn't a bother to the ponies living in the marvelous capital of Equestria. This night would but full of celebration for a high minister of Cloudsdale and his marriage to a beautiful, rich, earth pony mare. The official ceremony lasted for three hours at best, the two said their vows, cut the cake, and now were dancing together as with the rest of the highly classed ponies in Equestria. Most of them wore fancy dresses and suits. Mares wore jewelry that had been crafted from fifteen to thirty carrot gold, silver, and sapphire. They wore powder face make up and different colored eye liners. Stallions wore corsages with highly decorated collars and cufflinks, made from gold and rubies. Truly, this party was for the rich and possibly famous. The music was cheery and ponies were dancing in the traditional waltz. The newly wedded couple danced in the middle of the circular crowd. Hugging each as they spun slowly in a complete circle. Among the upper class ponies were the rulers of Equestria, Princess Celestia and Luna. Both were in their usual diamond incrusted crowns with silver linings. Celestia wore her gold horseshoes, necklace, and tiara while Luna wore her black. The two were happy for the couple, they truly were but it was their true identities are what made them targets. The stallion in secret, even to his wife, was part of a evil organization looking to over thrown the princesses and take over Equestria. His name is Domino Aortas. An arsonist for the Renegades. He is responsible for the deaths of innocent civilians and destruction of precious landmarks. He thinks he is incognito but he is wrong. So very wrong. The princesses have been keeping an eye on him since he entered the palace. He is seen putting money in nobles pockets and they start to laugh. He has done this with four other nobles, each with the same result. Not wanting him to stir any unwanted events, especially on his wedding day, the princesses had to let him do what he pleased and what to see what would happen. Then, a soft whistle caught Celestia's ear. She perked her head up and saw a shadowy figure, wearing a black, cloak like attire. The attires lines were a dark rose red with leather straps holding daggers, pouches, and a weapon that was advanced for its time. A gun, powerful enough to kill a manticore with one shot. He wore bronze gauntlets with a small insignia in the top of it. The symbol was like an anchor but it also resembled an arrow head. Under the hood, the princess saw a small grin. She gave a smile of her own. The hooded pony dropped to the ground with a soft thud and swiftly ran behind the princesses throne. Lune didn't bother looking, knowing who it was. "Brave Burn. Thou are late, we have already started." Celestia said. Brave Burn chuckled and leaned against the back of the throne. He crossed his hooves and slowly started to slide down the throne until he was on his rear. "Thou worry to much your highness! I have already accomplished the task." Celestia gave a confused look. "How so?" she questioned. Brave Burn said nothing but chuckled again. Celestia then heard him walk away and into the crowd. Both her and Luna gave worried looks. Brave Burn however, was smiling and walking through the crowd as if he was one of them. He maneuvered around the dancing couples like a snake through grass as he saw his target. He was talking with other nobles while his wife talked with the nobles wives. The hooded stallion grinned and he shot out his arm slightly below him. A small, thin blade came from one of his gauntlest making a small SHINK! The blade looked small enough to be a butter knife. He kept his head down the entire time, trying not let anyone to see his face. That was a prime rule for the members of his order. He creped closer to the stallion of his choice, sliding his blade across the marble floor. The stallion looked to his right and saw the hooded figure approaching him fast. A look of dread came apon his face, he tried to scream but a swift strike and the blade connected with the side of the stallions neck. A deadly spot indeed, Brave Burn knew he possible severed an artery from the slash judging by the stallions face. He leaned in to the stallions ear and whispered. "The creed sends its regards renegade scum." Brave Burn retracted his hidden blade and made his way back toward the princesses. The stallions collapsed to the ground, with a puddle of blood leaking from his neck. Ponies around him screamed, his wife crying at his side. The assassin felt sympathy for the mare. Even though he was a renegade, he took away a husband from his beloved. Brave Burn let down his hood, showing a snow white pony under the hood with bright orange and red hair, almost looking like fire. He had an expression of accomplishment but also regret. Celestia and Luna knew that look. He quickly approached the princess Celestia side and leaned in. "The job is done your grace, I will make haste before some pony notices me." With that, Brave Burn quickly climbed on the wall behind the throne and jumped out the open window. Celestia and Luna looked at each other, hearing the discomfort in the assassins voice. It wasn't the first time Brave Burn has had uneasiness in his voice after a successful assassination. Yes, the job was complete, but at what cost? A mare losing the one she loves on their wedding day. They knew it wasn't fair but the stallion was unfortunately at the wrong place and time with his reputation. Celestia knew the Renegade killed now was one of the many still at large and she knew the creed her and Luna had formed would be victorious in the end. The princess didn't fear much but Celestia feared only about the decedents of the assassins that live now, how will their lives be affected if they knew about their history. That would be something she would have to keep secret, both her and Luna.
Chapter 1: Sweetie Belle[PonyVille. Present day.] It was a simple job. So simple in fact, a foal could do it. Being asked to do it three times a week however makes it seem like a necessity for modern life. If you count getting cloths for dresses your sister is making them yes. Rarity had been going on about for weeks about a special order for a dress she was given. She went on saying, "It will be able to pay off our house for years", and "I'll finally be able to retire a happy mare!" To her sister Sweetie Belle, who was running these trips to the store, it was absolutely ridiculous. She has heard Rarity get excited before, but this was a new set on the scale for her. Days on end, she would be working on that dress. Till the break of dawn until she went to sleep. At times, Sweetie Belle found herself worrying about Rarity and how much stress she was putting herself through. She's at least surprised Rarity hasn't collapsed by now from sleep deprive. With her big sisters age as well, its an even bigger eye opener. Sweetie Belle had aged just like her sister. A full grown mare in her early twenties. Beautiful like a summer sunset and elegant like a swan. Her personality though never changed, along with her friends. Though their lives had grown as well. Apple Bloom had gotten married to another earth pony in Appleloosa and is now expecting twins. Scootaloo has followed her dream and became the worlds most famous stunt pony. When she was leaving for tour, Rainbow Dash acted as though she signed up for the army. Sweetie Belle counted the remember seeing the Pegasus so happy in her life. The thought of it now made her giggle slightly. Sweetie Belle thought to herself. "Gee...the years have certainly gone by." Nearly all of the main six had grown into their thirties or early forties, having now children or got married. Sweetie Belle almost felt like she was on her own, but Rarity had told a long time ago kids was something she would have once she married but so far that had never happened. It was true, she was worried for Rarity in all sorts of ways. She was growing old and still she wasn't seeing some pony. She worried she would find Rarity in her workshop one day dead from dehydration or starvation or even working herself to death. Sweetie Belle signed, focus was a prime concern now. Although she was tired of doing this job. She had been doing it for nearly three days now and for what? "More thread Sweetie! I need more!" The words echoed in her mind every time she went on these tedious trips. Sweetie Belle opened the door to a shop near the town hall of PonyVille. The building was just some ordinary shop in the middle of town, nothing special really. Common customers came in every so often but Sweetie Belle and Rarity were the clerks favorite customers from how much they visited the shop every week for supplies. Inside, the shelves were covered in all sorts of colors and textures for cloths and threads. In the middle of the room was a square shape container with an assortment of threads, coming in red, pink, blue, even some highly unused colors. Such as baby blue, orangey red, and sage. Sweetie Belle had to give it to the owner, she was obsessed with the stuff. She didn't even have to talk as the clerk made her voice known from the backroom. "Huh? What? Who's there!" "Its me Ms. Spring lock!" she called back. An elderly unicorn mare came from behind a door, leading to the back room. Her light pink coat and grass green mane were the first things Sweetie Belle noticed. Also her glasses that hanged down past her nose. She took one look at Sweetie Belle and gave a shriveled smile. "Ah! Miss Belle! Here for the usual's?" she said. Sweetie Belle gave a small giggle. "Yes ma'am." The elder pony lowered her head behind the counter and grabbed a brown sack. She plopped it down on the counter and waited. Sweetie Belle nudged three bits across the counter toward Ms. Spring lock and she accepted the money without hesitation. Sweetie Belle then grabbed the bag and placed in inside a saddle bag she had on her back. She waved good bye to Spring lock and started her journey back home. Not a minute passes and a swift breeze brushes itself across Sweetie Belle and she stepped back in surprise. She looked and saw a white hooded figure running very fast and suddenly darting behind a building. Shortly after, to Sweetie Belles amazement, royal guards for Princess Celestia ran till they were right in front of the white mare. "Were did he go!?" "I think he went that way!" "Move!" They guards then ran in the opposite direction of were the hooded figure ran. Now Sweetie Belle was curious. She thought of the hooded figure as simply as thief, though a thief normally looked raged and tagged from being on the streets. The white hood that zoomed past her looked professional, and the way the figure moved and how fast it was. Sweetie Belle turned to walk in the other direction but felt something sharp under her hoof. She yelped slightly and backed away, looking down at the source. On the ground was a small dagger, big enough to look like a butter knife. The white unicorn used her magic to lift the blade up to eye level. It had dirt and very visible scratches on it. The blade itself was dull like a pizza cutter. Sweetie Belles curiosity was now peaked. Why would a thief carry such a peculiar blade? These answers Sweetie Belle would have to look into some other time. Unknown to the mare, the same white hooded figure was watching her from a few rooftops over with a very hostile look. He cursed under his breathe as he left the rooftop. "Damn."
Chapter 2: The White Hood She couldn't stop thinking about it. Why did that white hooded figure seem so odd to her? She didn't even see his or hers face. Nothing but the white robes, but she felt as though she needed to see it again. Sweetie Belle tossed and turned in her bed, trying to get herself to go to sleep. She laid there with her eyes open, starring at the ceiling of her room. She signed and turned her toward her nightstand. A small electric clock was present with red lighting in it. It was only past ten o'clock. She groaned softly and rubbed her eyes with her hooves. All she could think about were those white robes. She then looked next to her clock and saw the small blade she picked up in the plaza. She avoided Rarity seeing it, fearing she would over react as usual if any type of weapon came into the workshop. She grinned at the thought of seeing Rarity freak-out. Over the years its become more of s show then something serious whenever Rarity flipped out. Sweetie Belle forgot how long she was laying there. She closed her eyes and dwelled inside her dream land. Inside, Sweetie Belle was running in a lushes green field, feeling the wind in her face and mane. She felt wild, feeling the soft ground glide across the her hooves felt amazing to Sweetie Belle. She looked up toward the sky, she saw the bright blue sky and yellow sun in the sky above her. Birds flew past her and glided higher into the sky. She felt like a child again. She felt free as an eagle. On cue, a hitch pitch eagle cry came from above her and Sweetie Belle yelped as she tripped and landed on her rear. Sweetie Belle looked up and saw a brown eagle circling around her. The gracefulness of the bird was amazing to the filly as it glided in the air. What she didn't expect though was the bird to suddenly nose dive toward her. Sweetie Belle screamed as the bird came in like an arrow. Her world went dark and Sweetie Belle felt her head hurt and she felt as though she was upside down. Sweetie Belle groaned as she felt her head was slowly filled with blood. She opened her eyes and saw that it was daylight. She groaned again and fixed herself off her floor. Sweetie Belle rubbed her head and looked toward her clock. It was a few minutes past eight. She stood up and walked over to her makeup stand. Her eyes were baggy and her eyes were slightly blood shot. "I'm starting to look like Rarity." she mumbled. She used her magic to lift a brush off the desk and began to brush her mane, straitening it out. Sweetie Belle caressed her mane, holding it with one hoof while her magic guided the brush over her hair. Her hair looked as though it was made of silk with each brush, shining in the sun light coming through the window. Its golden glow coating her mane. She started to hum to herself. A sweet song that her mother had taught her at a very young age. Sweetie Belle was going along more with the song, she started to softly sing it out loud by this point. "By wind and by sea, by the grace of your need to adventure and prize. Thou must venture to parts unknown to rescue your bride." she sang. Sweetie stopped her singing as she could hear as though another was singing with her. She looked around her room, nothing but her bed and window to be seen. She could have sworn... "Why did you stop my dear? That tune was marvelous." The mare yelped and looked toward a corner of her ceiling. There, perched like a bird on a cliff, was the same white hooded pony from the day before. The one who dropped the blade. The mare wanted to scream for her sister but found she couldn't find the words, fearing what the hooded pony might do if she did. She could see a smirk on the ponies face, under his hood. Sweetie Belle felt like she would pass out at any moment. The pony spoke again, his firm and gentle colt like posture that was telling the mare he wasn't going to hurt her. "Calm down my dear. I do not wish to hurt you. All I want is my wrist blade." he said pointing a blade on Sweetie Belle's nightstand. The mare looked toward the blade and lifted it with her magic. She levitated it toward the perched stallion and he grabbed it with his hoof. He made a thank you gesture toward the mare and placed the blade in his white robes. He then leaped off his perch and landed with a soft thud on the floor, landing on his back hooves. He stood up and walked toward the white mare on the chair. Her muscles were tensed and her mind was ready for anything if the hooded stallion tried anything. He stopped in front of Sweetie Belle and bowed his head as if she was royalty. The mare gave him a confused look. "Many thanks miss...?" "Sweetie Belle." "Miss Sweetie Belle for returning by blade to me. I assured you wouldn't be harmed and I will keep my word. Now, I must be off." Sweetie Belle grabbed his hoof before he ran out her open window. "Wait! Who are you?" she asked. The hooded stallion looked over his shoulder and Sweetie could barely see a smirk on his face. "My name is Altair. Nice to meet you Sweetie Belle." He perched himself again on the rim of Sweetie Belles window and opened it slowly with his hoof. Before he jumped out, he turned toward her and smiled at her again. " I wish for us to meet again under...different circumstances." With that, he leaped out the window and Sweetie Belle was blushing slightly, she could hear him running across her roof and then jump off once again. She looked to the ground and thought about what had just happened. How did he get in? None of the windows were open until he opened the one now. Which made it all the more confusing. She had forgotten to ask him why he wore those robes but what really caught her eyes was the odd symbol on the tip of his hood. Sweetie Belle thought she had seen that symbol before. To make sure, she would pay a visit to a certain alicorn tomorrow.
Chapter 3: Revelations Questions were swirling around in Sweetie Belles head. It was like starring into a time spell looking at Altair and his attire. He looked like something from a history book. A legend created by parents to tell to their children at bed time. A role play children would do at the park. His weapons are what made her anxious however. Blades in sheaths in his robes and the two in his gauntlets. What did he need them for besides possible bloodshed. Which led Sweetie Belle to another question. Had he killed some pony before? When she looked over his blade, it looked clean, as of it was never used. That made her feel better by a little bit but it still wasn't enough. She still needed to know the odd symbol he had on the tip of his hood. She swore on her life that she had seen that symbol before but she couldn't remember. That irritated Sweetie Belle beyond content, she couldn't remember. The mare stepped to the side, avoiding two fillies running toward her laughing and shouting as they ran past her and darted behind a building. She smirked, remembering her and the crusaders chasing each other around Ponyville. She turned her attention back in her original direction, toward Twilights library. The towering tree house was like a monument in the small town. One of the most popular buildings in Ponyville. Another being Carousel Boutique, which belonged to her sister Rarity. Sweetie Belle knocked on the wood door and waited for someone to answer. The door knob lit up with purple aura of magic and cracked open. Sweetie Belle pushed the door open with a hoof and her eyes went wide from seeing books literally flying off the shelves and placing themselves into others. Sweetie's mouth was a gape at the seen. A friendly voice then rang from the other room. "Come on in!" The mare did her best to avoid the barrage of flying books. Sweetie ducked under a school of books, a small yelp escaping her. She rubbed the back of her neck and continued walking toward Twilight's rambling in the other room. It sounded like she was in the mist of another inventory check for the library. Sweetie then saw a adolescence Spike, carrying a dozen books in his claws like a tower while a annoyed look was plastered in his face. He glanced toward Sweetie Belle and smiled slightly. Sweetie smiled back and tried to hold in a giggle as Spike bumped into a table, nearly spilling the books on the floor. On the other end of the room it was like a swarm of bees flying into the queens chambers. She figured Twilight was inside. Breathing deeply, Sweetie Bell pushed herself through the army of books. She ducked under the hard covers, she swatted the soft covers away, and ducked to avoid the others. She comes through the other side and sees, roving her theory, Twilight with levitated books surrounding her. She was singing a joyful song to herself, obviously enjoying her reshuffling day. Everyone in PonyVille who was Twilights friend knew of her reshuffling days, being the main reason no pony went to the library on the weekend she did it. The alicorn turned to Sweetie Belle with a warm smile and kind eyes. She was having a good day alright. She was flying a good few feet in the air while looking over the historical section of the library. A perfect place to start thought Sweetie Belle. "How can I help you Sweetie Belle?" she asked. The mare walked until she was nearly under Twilight. Looking up at her as if she was an angel. Sweetie Bell shacked her head as Twilights voice rang in her head again. "Oh, uh, I was wondering if you can tell me about this symbol." Sweetie Belle levitated a small paper from a satchel around her back with the symbol drawn on it. Twilight gave a curious look and used her own magic to bring the small paper to her. She raised an eye brow and began to scratch her chin. She squinted her eyes and looked long and hard at the symbol. Sweetie Belle started to loose hope after a few minutes of waiting. She was corrected when Twilight pulled her eyes away from the paper and slightly smiled. "I think I've seen this before, in an old history book I read that Princess Celestia selectively gave me." she said nonchalantly. Sweetie's jaw hit the ground and her eyes went wide. Just the way Twilight it so casually was enough to shock Sweetie Belle to her core. The alicorn levitated the paper back down to the white mare and began her search. Literally seconds later, Twilight pulled from the bookshelf a small book. The book was a dark brown with the same symbol but in gold, it you could see it past the disgusting amount of dust covering it. The book looked like it had been sitting on the self for decades. The books swirled around Twilight like bats as she glided down in front of Sweetie Belle, opening the book and looking it over. Her eyes narrowed as she read. "Well... the information is vague." Twilight said. To Sweetie Belle's dismay. "But the symbol you found was once used by a secret organization of assassins that served Princess Celestia and Princess Luna." Now it was starting to make sense. Altair is an assassin. Sweetie Belle wondered how that cold be though. In a peaceful place such as Equestria, why do the princesses need assassins? Twilight, as though she had read Sweetie Belle's mind, answered her question. She flipped a page and continued reading. "The reason the creed was born is because a another organization know as the Renegades. They wanted to take over the entire world and the princesses couldn't allow it." Sweetie Belle levitated a seat behind her and sat on it. Twilight continued. "An exact date isn't know, but some believe the creed is over two hundred years old." She turned a page. "Its first master, who went by the name 'Brave Burn' was an extremely skilled assassin. Legend says he was the first, and only assassin, to kill a griffon king who was a Renegade. He was know to be very antisocial however, not caring for any pony except the princesses. Though one day, he vanished. Not even leaving a trace for future masters to follow him. Some suspected he committed suicide while others say a conspiracy happened within Canterlot at the time." Sweetie Belle raised an eye brow and leaned in toward Twilight. The mares face was becoming more depressed by the minute her eyes scanned the pages. "The conspiracy was the creed was corrupt. Leaders organized contracts against other countries leaders, including the dragons. Other times they allowed orgies in their lairs for the wealthy at the time. Once the princesses found out, they ordered the creed to be disbanded and its members to never wear the symbol again." Twilight closed the book and set it down on a near by table. Sweetie Belle was rubbing her chin and was trying to comprehend what was read to here. "If that's the case, how does Altair have his armor?" "Who?" "None of your damn business!" Both mares glanced toward the end of the room. A white hooded figure was standing in the doorway with a firm look on his muzzle. Spike was standing behind him, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry girls...he said he was Sweetie Belle's friend." The assassin stepped forward, he scowl not leaving him. The two mares felt their hearts drop. Sweetie Belle prepared for the worse while Twilight got in a battle ready stance. What they didn't expect was him to pass them and pick up the book. He scoffed and tossed the book to the side. "Did you actually believe the smut in that filthy book?" he said toward Sweetie Belle. The mare widened her eyes and gulped. She wasn't sure of anything by this point. She worried if she said the wrong thing, Altair would kill her for sure. "I don't know." she answered honestly. Altair's look of anger softened a bit but he still looked angry. He walked until she was nearly a few inches away from the mare. Her cheeks lightened a bit. The assassin then chuckled. "Good answer my dear. Now, if you truly want to know the true behind the creed of assassins. You will follow me." Altair then walked into the main room, waiting for Sweetie Belle to make her choice. She glanced toward Twilight who was just as confused as her. Figuring she still needed answers, Sweetie Belle signed and followed Altair into the main room. He smiled and jerked his head toward the door, signaling to follow. Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes and nodded. The two walked out of the library, with the door closing slowly behind them.
Chapter 4: Nothing is True The sun was setting and wind brushed across the Everfree Forest. the leaves rustled and grass swayed with the wind. An orange glow had engulfed Equestria's horizon along with purple clouds. A beautiful sight to behold. Canterlot shined light a diamond in the light. Ponies were heading home from their long days at work. Closing their shops and businesses. Guards patrolled the out side and inside. Most of the guards were on edge during this time of day. It was the perfect times for thieves to wonder the streets and look for shops to break in. Or assassins looking for their next target. Altair jumped from one rooftop from another with vast speed. He lunged at the side of a building and gabbed the window with his hooves. He quickly pulled himself up and ran. He stopped as he reached an edge of building, over looking the entrance to an flower shop. behind him, he heard heavy breathing and shuffling of hooves. He rolled his eyes and looked behind him to see a tired Sweetie Belle behind him. She stopped once she reached him and put a hoof to her chest. Altair chuckled. "What's the matter? Cant keep up?" Sweetie Belle gave a annoyed huff. "Hey...you've been doing this for years, I only started today!" she breathed heavily. Altair nodded and smiled. "Good point my dear." Sweetie Belle walked over to the white robed stallions side and looked at the same flower shop. She gave him a confused look. "What does a flower shop have to do with finding the lair?" The assassin perched himself on the edge of the building and looked over his shoulder at Sweetie Belle. "Because...that IS the lair." Sweetie Belle face hoofed. Altair knew she didn't believe him, so he would have to prove it. The stallion looked below him, seeing a hay kart below him. He grinned and turned back to Sweetie Belle. "What I'm about to do it stupid. I don't want you to try this until for a while." The mare gave Altair a confused look. The hooded stallion the leapt off the building, causing Sweetie Belle's heart to drop. She quickly rushed over and saw Altair in a spread eagle position and falling toward an abandoned hay kart. He landed with barely a sound. Sweetie Belle waited for her friend to emerge from the kart. Her wish was granted as Altair leaped out of the kart but darted into the black ally behind it. She gave a questionable look. Sweetie Belle looked and saw a ladder behind her. She quickly climbed down the building and saw Altair still looking at the building of interest. "You know their was a ladder back there right?" she said, Altair broke his gaze from the building and toward his friend. "I didn't know that. But I always like to use that dive." he said. Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes. The two returned their gazes toward the building. The sun was nearly down, purple was engulfing the sky by this point as Luna's moon was breaking the horizon. Altair raised his hoof in front of Sweetie Belle and the two froze. The moon peaked over the mountains and guards started to go on their patrols. The two waited for a guard to pass them. Altair swung his hoof down and the two ponies sprinted toward the flower shop. Altair brought a key out from his robe and unlocked the door. Sweetie Belle's eye twitched with confusion. Altair noticed this and grabbed the mare by her hoof and pulled her into the shop. He then silently closed the door. "How in the name of Celestia do you have the key to this place!?" she shouted she loud, Altair was glad the guards outside didn't hear his companion. Altair put his hoof to Sweetie Belle's mouth and shushed her before she could scream any louder. "Any louder my dear and we'll be in the dungeon by midnight!" he said. The pair made their way toward the back of the store, behind the counter and through a backdoor, leading into a store room of the flower shop. The storage room was decorated with various plants, seed bags, and fertilizers. The smell was the first thing that hit Sweetie the moment she walked in the room. It smelled like she was in a jungle, surrounded by various wild flowers. She cupped her nose and she could feel her eyes start to water. Altair looked as though he didn't enjoy the stench either, he was scrambling to fins something on the wall of the storage room. The assassin wiped out his hidden blade and cut a square shape on the dry wall. He peeled off the wall paper and it revealed the creed's symbol underneath. Altair then planted his blade inside a key sized slot in the wall. Mechanisms squeaked and gears grinded and the sound of the door lock clicked. Altair pushed open the small door, a stair case lit by candle light behind it. Altair looked back toward Sweetie Belle who shrugged. He jerked his head toward the stair case and moved in toward it. The pair slowly made their way toward the spiraling staircase. Sweetie Belle was admiring the architecture of the walls and how old they must have been. Altair was only looking straight, a look of no emotions on his face. The two arrived at the bottom of the stair case. A large door met them at the bottom. The creeds symbol present on the front. Altair smiled and reached into his robes. He pulled out a strange looking key. Sweetie Belle tapped his shoulder and he looked back toward her. "You still haven't answered my question." she said. Altair rolled his eyes. "The shop keeper is a long term friend of mine. He keeps that room locked twenty four seven." To Sweetie Belle that was a fair enough answer. Altair stuck the key in the door and twisted it. A loud click was heard inside the door and it opened with a creepy creak. Behind the door was a completely pitch black room, Sweetie Belle stuck her hoof out and watched as it disappeared into the darkness. She quickly took back her hoof and grasped it. Altair chuckled and grabbed a torch off the wall behind them. He raised the torch above his head and began to walk into the black abyss. Sweetie Belle squeaked and wrapped her hooves around the assassins neck with a look of fear on her face. Altair snickered, earning a pout and a blush from Sweetie Belle. The tow made their way further into the blackness until Altair nearly collided with a wall. He smiled and lit another torch above him. A chain reaction was set off, lighting torches all through out the room. The chamber itself was larger then what Sweetie Belle expected. It was large enough to hold over a dozen ponies. The walls were covered in the creeds banners with their symbol in the middle. In the middle of the room was a round table. Altair took in a deep breathe and observed the lair. He felt a grip around his neck tightened, he looked and saw Sweetie Belle looking in amazement at the lair. He gave her a smug look. "Do you intend to make this an intimate moment Ms. Belle?" he said. Sweetie Belle's face turned bright red and she quickly jumped off Altair. He chuckled again and made his way toward a doorway to the right of the round table. He walked into a dark room and cheered excitedly, catching Sweetie Belle's confusion. She walked over toward the door and stopped at the entrance. Altair emerged with a broad stick strapped to his back. Sweetie Belle raised an eye brow. "What is it?" Altair raised his hoof and lowered his hood from over his head. Sweetie Belle's eyes went wide as she saw Altair's snow white mane and grey fur. His eyes were like rubies as they met Sweetie Belle's. Sweetie Belle didn't want to say it, she only thought it, Altair was the most handsome stallion she had ever seen. She tried not to blush at the thought, and kept her bearing. Altair grabbed the stick from behind him and showed it to Sweetie Belle. The stick had a thick handle like grip to it and with long nozzle. Metal carvings were present on it along with a strange trigger near the arch of it. She engulfed the pistol in her magic and lifted it toward. "I have found supplement weapons that assassins before us used in their work." he said. Sweetie Belle lifted her head up and looked at Altair. "Us?" she questioned. Altair nodded and walked over toward another wall of the chamber. He grabbed a torch and lit the final one. A wall piece of the wall was discovered, showing a ancient painting. Hundreds of years old from the looks of it. It showed the royals Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sitting in the middle of two assassins one wore pitch black armor while the other white assassin had his hood down. Sweetie Belle could see his smile from where she was standing though. Altair called out and pointed his hoof at the white assassin. "Sweetie Belle! I want you to meet your ancestor! Brave Burn Belle!" The mare could feel her knees start to give out as she gazed apon the white assassin. She couldn't believe it. She had assassin heritage. How could that be? Her mother and father or gods even Rarity would've told her! Altair could see the distort in Sweetie Belle's face and raced over to her. He stopped in front of her and she sat her self down in a old chair. "I understand this comes as a surprise to you?" "Oh yea think!?" she barked at him. Altair was unmoved by her outburst but instead felt bad for his friend. He grabbed a chair of his own and sat down next to her. "Why do you think they didn't tell you this?" he asked her. Sweetie Belle snapped her head toward Altair with her eyes wide open. She looked back down toward the ground and signed. "I...I don't know. Maybe they just thought it wasn't an important part of my history I should have know about?" Altair looked as though he didn't like that answer. In fact, he out right hated that answer. Not wanting to show rage for something that wasn't Sweetie Belle, he breathed through his nose and looked toward the painting on the wall. "I believe they didn't want you to know my dear is because their scared of what might happen if you found out. You may not see it on me Sweetie Belle, but assassins have become prey toward an organization know as the Renegades. They are the reason we are the only ones left of the creed. They are also the reason many assassins I knew years ago have turned in their robes and blades to escape death. I can understand why however, you would be constantly hunted by Faust knows what and not know when it would happen. I however, have nothing to fear. I have no family, nor friends except you to defend knowing how defenseless they are. To put it bluntly, I am not scared of death. But, back to your family not telling you your heritage." "I cant say I vouch for them to have kept it a secret. You had every right to know, even if you didn't want to become part of the creed. But the most likely reason they didn't tell you was because they knew their heritage and what the risks might be if the Renegades knew of them. They only wanted to protect you." Sweetie Belle was clenching her seat. She had assassin heritage which makes her apart of the creed by birth. Altair put his hoof on her shoulder and she looked at him. He pointed at a doorway opposite toward the round table. She got up and walked over toward door, being careful not to stumble into chairs around the table. She used her magic to open the door. Her eyes widened as she saw a mannequin pony wearing an assassins robes. Her eyes lit up with delight and she launched at the robes but a sudden gold light wrapped around her and pulled her back into the chamber. "Hey what gives!?" she said. Sweetie Belle looked behind her and her mouth dropped. A goddess of a pony was standing beside Altair. She dropped Sweetie Belle and the mare landed on her rear. She looked up at the princess and gave an embarrassed smile. "I hope you didn't think you can wear Brave Burns armor without training now did you?"
Chapter 5: Into The CryptSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
