Now and Againby FirenzaShabirriChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 1The rain of the night beat heavily against the palace windows as the dark-brown colt sat in his throne, located in the city of Canterlot. His dark eyes loomed as the messenger approached his throne and bowed, the colt stared intimidatingly as if the messenger’s presence itself was an act of annoyance. "You may speak," he said, waving his hoof unworriedly. The messenger began to speak quickly, knowing his presence was greatly annoying the prince. "Your sire, we have traced the record back five-hundred years to the day Celestia left for the sky city as you asked. We've spent valuable amounts of the pony's taxes searching through every record from every year up until your ascendance to the throne. It seems, through the family tree we have pinpointed, your long descendant was the second child of Celestia, although, the first seems to vanish from records just days after birth." He spoke, rolling over his words; his voice seemed as articulate as it was quiet. The prince stood up and walked to the window behind the throne and looked out onto the rain as it hit the glass. He closed his eyes and thought before he spoke, his voice ringing throughout the throne room. " You mean to tell me my suspicions were true then? Somepony out there is a descendant of Celestia and a long relative of mine? You see how this can be unbelievable due to the fact no one came forth about anypony being born before my father?" He turned and faced the messenger; his dark gray eyes were calm and deep as if looking through the messenger. "S-sire ever since the rumors of corruption throughout the royal family-" The messenger’s sentence was cut short as he was sent flying into the wall as if held there by a magical force that could only be described as overwhelming. The Prince boomed, "There has been no corruption or weakening of the family line! How dare you spill such filth in this throne room! I should waste your weak existence for even thinking such trash!" He glared harder and tightened his grip on the messenger’s throat. The messenger felt the tightening and squirmed violently before being dropped on his knees, his hooves grasping his throat as he gasped for air. "Get out of here before I decide to end you" The Prince said to the messenger who got up on all fours and sprinted towards the door. The castle, which had lost its former purity over the ages, was now a former shadows of its once true beauty and purity. Over the time that Celestias descendants ruled the cities, Canterlot and Ponyville had expanded very well and technology had expanded over time. Until about 300 years ago, everypony was content and happy. The royal family began to fight for the throne and in some cases only bred from inside the royal family, over time each ascendant to the throne had to prove he was the strongest and noblest to lead. The most recent Prince is a colt by the name of Duskmane. Even at an early age, his lust for power and paranoia had made him, by far, the best pony to rule. Anyone who stood in his way was cut down quickly and with no hesitation. Even in his young age he was feared by the common pony and respected in high regard by the royalty. His recent fear came from an old legend he had heard about. The "Lost Child of the Sun." In the story, a child of Celestia met another and battled for the throne. The unknowing foal had braved many challenges and slayed his long lost relative, restoring peace to all of Equestria. Our story begins on a bright day in Ponyville, as a colt is leaving his home for the day to begin his work in the town square selling fruits. He walked down the street, humming carelessly until he reached the square and saw his friend’s fruit stall. The bright red mare bounded up to him and tackled him happily, yelping in excitement. "I can't believe you made it today!" She squealed happily as she released him from her lung crushing squeeze. He smiled; his dark brown eyes met her auburn eyes as he scratched his black mane "It's the least I can do for you, after all, you gave me all those spiced apples for my family," he said, grinning happily "It means a lot that you came today Dom," Salia said, grinning as she trotted over to the cart and gestured for him to come. He trotted over and opened the stall for business; the first pony that came up was a usual customer to buy his weekly spiced apples. He was a light-tan colt with an hourglass cutie mark, he winked as he gestured towards his usual two cans of fruit and handed Salia 30 bits. He took them and trotted away in content. For some reason Dom felt odd, a sensation coming over him as though he was in danger, but he didn’t know what kind. Across the market on a bench was a hooded pony. He blended so well that Dom might not have noticed him, except for the fact that he was looking directly at him. The odd feeling magnified and seemed to span a long time before he heard Salia. "Come on quit day dreaming you silly colt!" Salia teased knocking her hoof against Dom's arm, he smiled, shrugging off the feeling and continued handing out spiced peaches. Suddenly, he heard shouting from a nearby stall. Startled ponies froze in confusion but Dom saw a mare shouting as she pointed towards a fleeing pony with some gold trinkets. Suddenly, an instinct washed over him and a voice echoed, "Get them, you don’t have much time." The voice rang as everything seemed to slow down again; he began sprinting through the crowd, dodging the ponies with ease and even vaulting over several stalls. The pony was fast, almost incredible as he as elegant in moving through the confused ponies. Dom sprinted faster and faster as they weaved through the crowded streets! The pony would have gotten away, but suddenly Dom leapt from behind with full force, tackling the pony and knocking him down to the ground, spilling the stolen trinkets from his hooves. Dom stared at the white-hooded thief as he picked up the items. The guards rushed over. "How did you catch him? He was moving as though he had wings of wind and his feet were gliding over the ground!" The guards huffed and puffed from under their cumbersome armor. "I- It was a snap decision! I don’t know how I .." his voice trailed off as he noticed the hooded figure studying him from inside the crowd with some interest, the white hooded figure began to run away after some time and Dom was rewarded as people barraged him, asking how he did it. Honestly, he was as surprised as everypony else, it seemed natural, the running through crowds, the jumping through stalls, the tackling the thief. A few hours after the pony had been taken away, the normal hustle and bustle returned to the main square. Ponies passed by Dom, giving him admiring looks for what he had done, but none more than the glance he received from Salia. Dom continued selling spiced peaches from dawn until late evening when the shop was closing. It seemed after several hours his story of heroism had come full circle in the town's rumor mill and it had died down as it moved onto other things. Dom strolled through the city streets to his house, taking in the beautiful orange and red hues that blended well in the sky. Dom was trotting home slowly as he let what happened that day sink in. How did he do those things? Not everypony can just lead a chase over several blocks against what was obviously a quick moving pony, but all of it felt as natural as it was alien to him. He felt an odd feeling causing the hairs to stand up on the back of his neck. He put his hoof down slowly and looked around. Then he saw it, from across the street in between two alleyways, was the hooded pony from before! He was observing him like a griffon observes its prey. Cold, calculating, and silent. The pony then turned and walked down the alley, the shadows blanketing him in a dark embrace. Scared, Dom fled home as fast as his hooves would carry him, he got inside, locked the doors, and sat inside, allowing himself to calm down. After a few hours he sighed and laid down in his bed, a sudden surge of exhaustion washed over him as he fell into a deep sleep Chapter 2The sun rose very lazily as the prince rolled out of his hazy stupor. Shaking himself awake he walked down the stairs to his personal study and he sat down by his scroll. The room was dimly lit by only two candles, the wooden floors tell stories of its ages as they had been worn down over time. The shelves next to his desk were crammed with an assortment of scrolls and items that told the history of this great castle. He began to read write: My life, as though many might assume otherwise, has never been an easy one. Since birth I was supposed to be this strong and notable leader with no weakness, no fears and no regret. Throughout most of my young life, i never got to be a regular pony. No, i was stuck inside this castle far away from the eyes of the regular ponies. I trained everyday in magic as hard as i could, and several months passed and i surpassed even my greatest teacher. People have said my weakness is my inability to trust, but how can I? Everyone i have ever loved, cared for, or even defended have betrayed me, tried to hurt me, hell even tried to kill me because of my influence on Equestria. Now that i looked back on it all, those events changed me, some say i became paranoid and delusional. I say i have grown to see someones true intentions. In the time I ascended and claimed the throne nopony tried to even stop me. I was known to be merciless by the time i was 17. Now since then i have ruled for a steady 18 years with no true worry, that is until several moons ago. A young mare from my childhood had shown up, her name was Viden. She showed up to the palace doors and made herself known to me, she walked inside as i sat at the throne my heart sunk into my chest, she hadn't changed a bit. Her dark orange coat still gleamed as the day i met her, her mane still the fiery red and yellow and her eyes. I felt a pain of guilt as i remembered. Her one good eye was a dark deep brown, the other one was hidden under an eye patch from where i had used my magic and sliced down her face and caused her to be blind in one eye. She noticed the guilt on my face as she approached, her voice was flowing and projected itself quite well in the palace. "Don't tell me the great prince feels sorrow and guilt now? I thought you were above that Dusk." She grinned maliciously and continued "Last time i checked, you loved tormenting your fellow subjects as much as the next pony did. Why are you so filled with guilt then over little old me?" "Listen Viden it's not like tha-" His sentence was cut short by a force of magic slamming him to the ground "It's not like what? First you told me you loved me, then you made me blind. Well i'm here to return the favor." She said smiling at the pony pulling a scroll from out of her coat she threw it next to his hoof as she turned and left. "May Celestia have mercy on your soul Dusk." She said leaving as quickly as she came. Dusk hobbled onto his hooves and looked at the scroll the outside which simply read "The lost descendant of the sun". After several months his paranoia grew, this prophecy was that a child unbeknownst to most would rise up and take back Equestria. His fears were confirmed when the family tree proved Celestia had 2 children, the latter being his known descendant. He looked out the window at the day as the sun rose up greeting everyone he knew somewhere out there was a relative who will in time oppose him. His worries sent him into a frenzy as in anger he slammed his hooves on the table. "I will find you, and when i do i will make sure the prophecy never happens. I am the one true king of Equestria and nopony will take that from me!" The morning rose to greet Dom's face as he stretched and rolled out of bed onto his hooves. His mane still a mess he went to the bathroom and cleaned himself up and sighed happily. Today was a special day for himself, he was turning 19 today and was excited to see Salia today for the part she had planned. In previously she would try to lie and say she didn't have anything planned, but would eventually spill about having it for him. He trotted outside as he was greeted by a familiar shriek and tackle from Salia. He grinned and got up scratching his mane and smiling. "Whats the plan for today?" He said smiling and putting his hoof down "Come by the bakery around the evening today we have something planned you wont forget." Salia said smiling cheerfully and trotting away. He smiled knowing today was going to be a pleasant day for all. Chapter 3As Dom Trotted along looking for some amusement, he came across the town square which was bustling with ponies like it usually is. The smell of spiced apples, cake, and bread wafers through the air around them. The he noticed something, a chariot approached the center of the square near the Celestia statue. Ponies in fiercely looking clad armor stood proud and intimidatingly. This was a rare occasion to see royalty come down to the city, two ponies opened the door and a cloaked pony with a bright red cross insignia got out of his chariot. The colt was then followed by a chorus of gasps and awes. "Dear commonpony, as many of you may know people of pure royal blood like myself do not grace your measly existence often with our presence. Right now we are looking for someone new to join our ranks." The crowed began murmuring but silenced quickly as their gaze returned to the speaking pony. "For you see, new places in our ever growing army are key to help getting peace among Equestria. That is what we all want right? Peace among everypony" He said looking over the crowd smiling as they murmured Dom noticed something among the crowds, through the top of a building he noticed a hooded figure moving closer towards the Speaker as if waiting for the right moment. Dom couldn't look away as the mysterious figure danced across the rooftops like the moon dances perfectly with the sea. The figure stopped after a few buildings and was perched closely near the Speaker as he continued to talk about things such as tax increases to help fund the newer expanse of the army. Suddenly there was a shadow above the figure as he breathed in deeply, before anyone could react the figure landed on the speaker. The sight was accompanied by a sickening sound. The figure rose as people looked at the figure with fear and terror written over their faces, the guards advanced but didn't move from their positions as being held by magic. The figure spoke up in a female and articulate voice. "For too long have the commonpony been looked down upon by the royalty of Equestria. This act was not the first, nor will it be the last until everyone has the same rights. The bloodshed will end when everypony has the freewill to choose the path they want for their country and life." The pony put her hoof over the speakers eyes and closed his murmuring something so softly everyone paid close attention. "For your corruption may the afterlife be as painful as this life was, rest in peace." The figure stood up now her cloak covered in blood, she ran down the long and narrow alleyway throwing something behind her which was followed by a loud bang and smoke from down the alleyway. The guards moved now as they seemed free from their invisible bonds. Gritting their teeth they shouted at everyone to leave the area now. So Dom left quickly running through the backstreets he was grabbed and pulled from behind by two of the guards from earlier. "Tell us where she went scum!" The taller guard with the more pronounced voice boomed. "What are you talking about?" "You know exactly what were talking about you peasant, where did the assassin go?! you were there when it happened and ponies saw you notice her before Redhoof was killed now where did she go?" Croaked the smaller one "I swear to you i have no ide-" His sentence was cut short from someone from behind the guards. "Looking for little old me, my the royal guards are awfully slow and stupid these days." The mare smiled as she stood taunting the guards who dropped Dom and raced at her. Their haste was rewarded when she jumped over them and snapped the shorter ones neck in one fluid movement. The Taller guard didn't have a chance as he turned to face her he was met with a knife in the throat. The mare smiled "It seems after all the money that goes into training this military they are still weak, oh well..." She trailed off "You okay back there, I didn't want such potential to get hurt." She continued facing Dom her white hooded robe caked in the speaker's blood. "Your the pony who was watching me yesterday!" He said in shock as he got up "Why are you killing all these people?!" He said in surprise and fear "The answer is simple, but we need to move somewhere more secret to talk about it. Follow me" She grabbed his hoof and lead him through the backstreets. They kept running for what felt like hours until they reached a cemetery. They stopped after a while and Dom caught his breathe. "Just be quiet and listen for now, we've had our eye on you for quite some time Dom. Waiting for your talents to surface, you've never been truly alone Dom. Now that your true talents have surfaced you have a simple choice: Join me and join the Brotherhood, or be pinned in the crimes of a royal member and sworn member of a group known only as the knights Templar. They have been helping the king in a giant conspiracy and we could use all the help we get." "Why should i help a bunch of murderers and psychopaths!?" Dom said angrily "Because Dom, our group of 'murderers and psychopaths is all that's stopping royalty from killing you and everyone you care about... Even Salia." "Fine i will think about it." Dom said leaving quickly and heading to the bakery people were inside as he walked in they shouted in a chorus. "Happy birthday Dom!" Salia was smiling in the corner and he went over by her, trying to push out the events of today. Trying to forget, but you cant forget what fate decides to do and where it will take you. Dom continued to laugh and have fun, but the entire time he could not get the mare's face out of his mind. Would he have to confront her so soon? Would he be forced to kill someone close to him? Only time will tell for our hero. Chapter 4As the day began for Dom the royal guards' bodies had been discovered and news of this mysterious mare had appeared in the newspapers. It was beginning to become more and more difficult for Dom to push the events out of his mind. People murmured rumors of this hooded vigilante who was seen throughout the city avoiding the guards with ease in a matter that seemed to just toy with whoever chased after her. Crime rate plummeted and people were scared for whomever this new figure was, they were an obvious threat to whatever pony ended at the end of her blade.Dom had finished a rough day at work selling spiced apples with Salia and headed home, exhausted and drained from the heavy lifting and carrying he did he crashed in his bed and fell asleep. When Dom came to he rubbed his eyes slowly and got up quickly in shock. His cozy log home had been replaced with a rundown stone room that had cracked stone columns every few feet or so. The dim light by where he awoke was just enough to see the outer edges of the room he saw a shadow on the top of one what appeared to once be a balcony. The hooded figure spoke in a familiar tone from before. "Finally you woke up sleepy head, now about you joining the brotherhood." The figure smirked and dropped down near Dom. "You again! Do you realize how much panic you've caused in Ponyville?!?" He shouted and went to shove the mare. But she was to quick and grabbed his hooves pulling them close so he was face to face with the mare. Dom squirmed for a few moments until she kissed him. He shook of after a few seconds and looked at her in shock. "What the hell was that for?!" He said still startled from what had just happened. "I had to get you to shut up some way, now come on and follow me. We have a lot to discuss." She said pulling off her hood. Dom followed into a room with more light where he could clearly see her. She had a pure white coat, and a deep blue mane with blue eyes, a scar ran down her left cheek in the shape of a small X. She began to talk slowly leaning against a wall. "You see Dom, I was once like you. I lived in Canterlot with my family who were of pure royalty. I used to have the name Jasmine, but after being recruited and showing my talent to the world as a very elusive mare escaping hundreds of times, I was given a fitting nickname as Jinn." She said sighing and looking at Dom "Today we are going to do have a small test on you. If after it's done and you don't want to know anymore you are free to go no questions asked, but if you are even the bit curious. You can stay and begin training immediately. Sound fair " She asked and Dom nodded. They were lead into another room this one was better looking with an orb in the center of what appeared to be an altar. "This orb is one our master magicians are proud of, it is a device that goes through the family line of whoever touches it and relives the memories of anypony with a specific relation to our brotherhood. With your sudden burst of what you did you might be a candidate with family in the brotherhood. Are you ready Dom" She said looking at him intently. Dom walked up to the orb and placed his hooves on the orb a bright light had shined and the orb shrunk down from the size of a boulder to an apple. Suddenly the muscles in his neck tensed and slowly began to move his face until his eyes stared into the orb. Light shot out into his eyes as he began to see his ancestors life before him. The colt stood up and yawned, some time had passed since he was inducted into the brotherhood and he got to relax before his first serious mission began. He looked in the mirror and his reflection greeted him. He was a muscular colt with a dark brown coat and black mane, his eyes were a golden honey color. He grabbed his hooded robe and placed it over his body, grabbing his weapons he went to meet his comrades on this mission. "Well look who decided to join us finally we were starting to get worried we might have to start without you." Lena said smiling at him and walking forward with him. "I didn't catch your name at the ceremony you are...." "Vocem." He said walking towards the tavern, the outside door had two royal guards Lena had whistled and lead them into a nearby alleyway one of the more masculine guards followed her and Vocem crept from behind and snapped the guard's neck making sure not to damage the armor. He then slipped into the armor and shouted for the other guard to come over. The guard was then ambushed by Lena and stripped out of the armor then dumped aside hidden in the refuse of the alley. The two assassins finally dawned in guard uniform walked into the tavern, it was filled with higher ranked guards who were drinking and gambling hard. One drunken colt staggered up to Lena and slapped her plot. "How about we go we go into a room and have some fun?" He said in his slurred speech which was almost undecipherable "How about no" Lena said pushing past him and looking around for the target. The pony staggered up behind her "Oi bitch i wasn't done with yo-" Suddenly a hoof came and knocked his helmet in front of his face, blinding him. The colt stumbled around and fell through a table. Lena continued to look around as many of the drunken ponies began to laugh and point at the guard in the middle of the broken table. She went up the top floor with Vocem and she smiled. "Thanks for the help back there, although i could have handled him." She said walking up to the door. Loud shouts of pleasure could be heard from inside as Lena looked at Vocem and nodded. They slammed in the door and saw the General staggered away from the mare grabbing for his weapon. Vocem jumped over the bed and slammed the general's face into the furniture then stabbed him in the skull leaving him there. The scared mare ran out of the room and down the stairs screaming at the drunken guards. "Now's a good time to leave" Said Vocem as they tackled through the window and sprinted away. Later on top of a building Vocem and Lena were talking. Lena's Dark coat blended in perfectly with the night, but her White mane and eyes reflected the moon. They stared up at the night sky taking in the beauty "It feels like we haven't had Celestia around for a long time" Lena trailed off "She was around about 200 years ago i think, my grandfather told me his grandfather was there when she bounded into the sky and vanished." Vocem said quietly, Lena moved close and breathed in deeply. "Do you think she will ever come back?" She asked looking at Vocem's eyes "Personally no, the story was she left to guard some new city in the sky." "I bet she would cry to see how the world has turned out since she left" Lena looked down "She may be gone, but the brotherhood will restore peace or die trying." Vocem said holding Lena tight. The bright light slowly dimmed down as Dom was returned to the room with Jinn. "Did you find anything interesting?" She asked quizzically "Yes, and I've decided i want to join the brotherhood." Dom said looking putting the orb on the altar. He knew deep down that his life would change forever after this decision. He understood what his Ancestor had done, and he did it for the right cause knowing of the consequences. "Things will never be like they were will they?" He said slowly looking at Jinn Chapter 5Dom and Jinn had traveled for many many months inside of the caravan of the brotherhood. Another 16 or so ponies were heading towards the cold mountains on the most Northern tip of Equestria. Most of the time Dom was speaking with Jinn about the brotherhood's delicate and intricate history and how it tied with protecting the freedom of a person's choices and will. As Dom began to learn more he began to watch several of the other colts in their routine training. They varied in size from everything to the size of a filly all the way to a full grown pony. They all could hold their own easily doing maneuvers with a dagger or sword to disarm and execute the person in a single motion. At night when every pony was in their caravans Dom would sneak out into the open area and mimic what he had saw that day. That night when he practiced the disarming techniques and execute strikes with a stick he had sharpened over time into a makeshift sword. He began his stance looking out at the wide tacks of grassland lit only by the starry night skies. He walked a bit away from the caravan and began to mimic the executions of that day. Suddenly something there was a loud thump next to him in the grass, and from a tree near the caravan sat a person watching Dom. Dom investigated the sound as best he could. Lying in the grass was a long leather holder with a sword in it he picked it up and as he did he heard something whistle through the air. A sword came flying at him in a strike as if guided by magic. Dom quickly blocked it and rolled to the side, it was no use the sword seemed to have a mind of its own he blocked as frantically as he could but he could not shake the sword that flew at him. The moon reflected off the sword and gleamed as a smile in the night, flying at him faster and faster. After what appeared to be several minutes the sword froze in the air and Dom took a step back and was grappled and slammed to the ground with incredible speed. The figure above him smiled and held a hoof out. "You did well Dom, just got to be careful about watching your back as well as your front when your in a sword fight." Jinn smiled at him, the light reflecting off her white mane and eyes. She seemed more cheery lately then what she had been earlier before his trip started. "T-thanks for helping me train, how long have you seen me doing this?" He asked pulling himself up onto his hooves. He smiled at Jinn, during all this troubling times it was good to have a familiar face. Dom trotted towards his caravan and layed down inside, they had to be up in a few hours and he didn't want to be dragged behind by everyone else. The sun rose lazily and everypony began to pack up and move forward. Most of the ponies in the caravan wore masks, they were called proctors Jinn explained they are hired help who are sent to help members of the brotherhood. In our case they guard the 10 are actual members in this caravan. At night Dom began his training, as the scenery changed, so did the intensity of his training. He recalled learning balance on broken tree limbs stretched over a moderately sized waterfall. He learned to climb and scale things by climbing the cliffs they passed , in his case he had to wear a saddle with extra weight. "You have to be able to be swift and fluid, so with that you will be able to do the job when needed." Jinn said looking at Dom, but something was different in her stare. She usually had a intimidating stare, but this time it seemed at ease slightly admiring. Dom continued his work for that day and finally went to his caravan after a long and exhausting day. As he trotted inside he looked into the mirror, his mane had grown longer since he last remembered, the black strands clinging to his neck from sweat. His body had become more noticeably muscular since he last remembered. He sighed thinking about the day he decided to join the brotherhood, it felt like eons ago. His ancestor was an assassin, he lead the revolution against the first wave of corrupted royal family over 370 years ago. Seeing what he saw, even for that one day had made him wonder. Had he chose the right thing? He left his life behind and Salia... Poor Salia I left suddenly and she didn't even get a goodbye. Moving towards his bed he sat down but he felt oddly dizzy, the feeling washed over him almost knocking him off balance. His vision blurred and darkened as he hit the ground with a thud, a bright light washed into his sight as things began to dull down and he saw. Vocem stood in the long hallway of the brotherhood, ponies were in two rows on either side of the carpet. He advanced slowly forward, for he had waited for this day for several years. A older colt stood at the top of the stairs and smiled at Vocem. Vocem reached him and he began to speak. "You have made it far in the brotherhood, the final part of it is to pledge your loyalty to the brotherhood. Do you swear to always stand for the free will and choice of the common pony?" He said and Vocem nodded "Then by my power you are an assassin." He said pressing a brand on Vocem's front left leg. He fell unconscious
Chapter 1The rain of the night beat heavily against the palace windows as the dark-brown colt sat in his throne, located in the city of Canterlot. His dark eyes loomed as the messenger approached his throne and bowed, the colt stared intimidatingly as if the messenger’s presence itself was an act of annoyance. "You may speak," he said, waving his hoof unworriedly. The messenger began to speak quickly, knowing his presence was greatly annoying the prince. "Your sire, we have traced the record back five-hundred years to the day Celestia left for the sky city as you asked. We've spent valuable amounts of the pony's taxes searching through every record from every year up until your ascendance to the throne. It seems, through the family tree we have pinpointed, your long descendant was the second child of Celestia, although, the first seems to vanish from records just days after birth." He spoke, rolling over his words; his voice seemed as articulate as it was quiet. The prince stood up and walked to the window behind the throne and looked out onto the rain as it hit the glass. He closed his eyes and thought before he spoke, his voice ringing throughout the throne room. " You mean to tell me my suspicions were true then? Somepony out there is a descendant of Celestia and a long relative of mine? You see how this can be unbelievable due to the fact no one came forth about anypony being born before my father?" He turned and faced the messenger; his dark gray eyes were calm and deep as if looking through the messenger. "S-sire ever since the rumors of corruption throughout the royal family-" The messenger’s sentence was cut short as he was sent flying into the wall as if held there by a magical force that could only be described as overwhelming. The Prince boomed, "There has been no corruption or weakening of the family line! How dare you spill such filth in this throne room! I should waste your weak existence for even thinking such trash!" He glared harder and tightened his grip on the messenger’s throat. The messenger felt the tightening and squirmed violently before being dropped on his knees, his hooves grasping his throat as he gasped for air. "Get out of here before I decide to end you" The Prince said to the messenger who got up on all fours and sprinted towards the door. The castle, which had lost its former purity over the ages, was now a former shadows of its once true beauty and purity. Over the time that Celestias descendants ruled the cities, Canterlot and Ponyville had expanded very well and technology had expanded over time. Until about 300 years ago, everypony was content and happy. The royal family began to fight for the throne and in some cases only bred from inside the royal family, over time each ascendant to the throne had to prove he was the strongest and noblest to lead. The most recent Prince is a colt by the name of Duskmane. Even at an early age, his lust for power and paranoia had made him, by far, the best pony to rule. Anyone who stood in his way was cut down quickly and with no hesitation. Even in his young age he was feared by the common pony and respected in high regard by the royalty. His recent fear came from an old legend he had heard about. The "Lost Child of the Sun." In the story, a child of Celestia met another and battled for the throne. The unknowing foal had braved many challenges and slayed his long lost relative, restoring peace to all of Equestria. Our story begins on a bright day in Ponyville, as a colt is leaving his home for the day to begin his work in the town square selling fruits. He walked down the street, humming carelessly until he reached the square and saw his friend’s fruit stall. The bright red mare bounded up to him and tackled him happily, yelping in excitement. "I can't believe you made it today!" She squealed happily as she released him from her lung crushing squeeze. He smiled; his dark brown eyes met her auburn eyes as he scratched his black mane "It's the least I can do for you, after all, you gave me all those spiced apples for my family," he said, grinning happily "It means a lot that you came today Dom," Salia said, grinning as she trotted over to the cart and gestured for him to come. He trotted over and opened the stall for business; the first pony that came up was a usual customer to buy his weekly spiced apples. He was a light-tan colt with an hourglass cutie mark, he winked as he gestured towards his usual two cans of fruit and handed Salia 30 bits. He took them and trotted away in content. For some reason Dom felt odd, a sensation coming over him as though he was in danger, but he didn’t know what kind. Across the market on a bench was a hooded pony. He blended so well that Dom might not have noticed him, except for the fact that he was looking directly at him. The odd feeling magnified and seemed to span a long time before he heard Salia. "Come on quit day dreaming you silly colt!" Salia teased knocking her hoof against Dom's arm, he smiled, shrugging off the feeling and continued handing out spiced peaches. Suddenly, he heard shouting from a nearby stall. Startled ponies froze in confusion but Dom saw a mare shouting as she pointed towards a fleeing pony with some gold trinkets. Suddenly, an instinct washed over him and a voice echoed, "Get them, you don’t have much time." The voice rang as everything seemed to slow down again; he began sprinting through the crowd, dodging the ponies with ease and even vaulting over several stalls. The pony was fast, almost incredible as he as elegant in moving through the confused ponies. Dom sprinted faster and faster as they weaved through the crowded streets! The pony would have gotten away, but suddenly Dom leapt from behind with full force, tackling the pony and knocking him down to the ground, spilling the stolen trinkets from his hooves. Dom stared at the white-hooded thief as he picked up the items. The guards rushed over. "How did you catch him? He was moving as though he had wings of wind and his feet were gliding over the ground!" The guards huffed and puffed from under their cumbersome armor. "I- It was a snap decision! I don’t know how I .." his voice trailed off as he noticed the hooded figure studying him from inside the crowd with some interest, the white hooded figure began to run away after some time and Dom was rewarded as people barraged him, asking how he did it. Honestly, he was as surprised as everypony else, it seemed natural, the running through crowds, the jumping through stalls, the tackling the thief. A few hours after the pony had been taken away, the normal hustle and bustle returned to the main square. Ponies passed by Dom, giving him admiring looks for what he had done, but none more than the glance he received from Salia. Dom continued selling spiced peaches from dawn until late evening when the shop was closing. It seemed after several hours his story of heroism had come full circle in the town's rumor mill and it had died down as it moved onto other things. Dom strolled through the city streets to his house, taking in the beautiful orange and red hues that blended well in the sky. Dom was trotting home slowly as he let what happened that day sink in. How did he do those things? Not everypony can just lead a chase over several blocks against what was obviously a quick moving pony, but all of it felt as natural as it was alien to him. He felt an odd feeling causing the hairs to stand up on the back of his neck. He put his hoof down slowly and looked around. Then he saw it, from across the street in between two alleyways, was the hooded pony from before! He was observing him like a griffon observes its prey. Cold, calculating, and silent. The pony then turned and walked down the alley, the shadows blanketing him in a dark embrace. Scared, Dom fled home as fast as his hooves would carry him, he got inside, locked the doors, and sat inside, allowing himself to calm down. After a few hours he sighed and laid down in his bed, a sudden surge of exhaustion washed over him as he fell into a deep sleep
Chapter 2The sun rose very lazily as the prince rolled out of his hazy stupor. Shaking himself awake he walked down the stairs to his personal study and he sat down by his scroll. The room was dimly lit by only two candles, the wooden floors tell stories of its ages as they had been worn down over time. The shelves next to his desk were crammed with an assortment of scrolls and items that told the history of this great castle. He began to read write: My life, as though many might assume otherwise, has never been an easy one. Since birth I was supposed to be this strong and notable leader with no weakness, no fears and no regret. Throughout most of my young life, i never got to be a regular pony. No, i was stuck inside this castle far away from the eyes of the regular ponies. I trained everyday in magic as hard as i could, and several months passed and i surpassed even my greatest teacher. People have said my weakness is my inability to trust, but how can I? Everyone i have ever loved, cared for, or even defended have betrayed me, tried to hurt me, hell even tried to kill me because of my influence on Equestria. Now that i looked back on it all, those events changed me, some say i became paranoid and delusional. I say i have grown to see someones true intentions. In the time I ascended and claimed the throne nopony tried to even stop me. I was known to be merciless by the time i was 17. Now since then i have ruled for a steady 18 years with no true worry, that is until several moons ago. A young mare from my childhood had shown up, her name was Viden. She showed up to the palace doors and made herself known to me, she walked inside as i sat at the throne my heart sunk into my chest, she hadn't changed a bit. Her dark orange coat still gleamed as the day i met her, her mane still the fiery red and yellow and her eyes. I felt a pain of guilt as i remembered. Her one good eye was a dark deep brown, the other one was hidden under an eye patch from where i had used my magic and sliced down her face and caused her to be blind in one eye. She noticed the guilt on my face as she approached, her voice was flowing and projected itself quite well in the palace. "Don't tell me the great prince feels sorrow and guilt now? I thought you were above that Dusk." She grinned maliciously and continued "Last time i checked, you loved tormenting your fellow subjects as much as the next pony did. Why are you so filled with guilt then over little old me?" "Listen Viden it's not like tha-" His sentence was cut short by a force of magic slamming him to the ground "It's not like what? First you told me you loved me, then you made me blind. Well i'm here to return the favor." She said smiling at the pony pulling a scroll from out of her coat she threw it next to his hoof as she turned and left. "May Celestia have mercy on your soul Dusk." She said leaving as quickly as she came. Dusk hobbled onto his hooves and looked at the scroll the outside which simply read "The lost descendant of the sun". After several months his paranoia grew, this prophecy was that a child unbeknownst to most would rise up and take back Equestria. His fears were confirmed when the family tree proved Celestia had 2 children, the latter being his known descendant. He looked out the window at the day as the sun rose up greeting everyone he knew somewhere out there was a relative who will in time oppose him. His worries sent him into a frenzy as in anger he slammed his hooves on the table. "I will find you, and when i do i will make sure the prophecy never happens. I am the one true king of Equestria and nopony will take that from me!" The morning rose to greet Dom's face as he stretched and rolled out of bed onto his hooves. His mane still a mess he went to the bathroom and cleaned himself up and sighed happily. Today was a special day for himself, he was turning 19 today and was excited to see Salia today for the part she had planned. In previously she would try to lie and say she didn't have anything planned, but would eventually spill about having it for him. He trotted outside as he was greeted by a familiar shriek and tackle from Salia. He grinned and got up scratching his mane and smiling. "Whats the plan for today?" He said smiling and putting his hoof down "Come by the bakery around the evening today we have something planned you wont forget." Salia said smiling cheerfully and trotting away. He smiled knowing today was going to be a pleasant day for all.
Chapter 3As Dom Trotted along looking for some amusement, he came across the town square which was bustling with ponies like it usually is. The smell of spiced apples, cake, and bread wafers through the air around them. The he noticed something, a chariot approached the center of the square near the Celestia statue. Ponies in fiercely looking clad armor stood proud and intimidatingly. This was a rare occasion to see royalty come down to the city, two ponies opened the door and a cloaked pony with a bright red cross insignia got out of his chariot. The colt was then followed by a chorus of gasps and awes. "Dear commonpony, as many of you may know people of pure royal blood like myself do not grace your measly existence often with our presence. Right now we are looking for someone new to join our ranks." The crowed began murmuring but silenced quickly as their gaze returned to the speaking pony. "For you see, new places in our ever growing army are key to help getting peace among Equestria. That is what we all want right? Peace among everypony" He said looking over the crowd smiling as they murmured Dom noticed something among the crowds, through the top of a building he noticed a hooded figure moving closer towards the Speaker as if waiting for the right moment. Dom couldn't look away as the mysterious figure danced across the rooftops like the moon dances perfectly with the sea. The figure stopped after a few buildings and was perched closely near the Speaker as he continued to talk about things such as tax increases to help fund the newer expanse of the army. Suddenly there was a shadow above the figure as he breathed in deeply, before anyone could react the figure landed on the speaker. The sight was accompanied by a sickening sound. The figure rose as people looked at the figure with fear and terror written over their faces, the guards advanced but didn't move from their positions as being held by magic. The figure spoke up in a female and articulate voice. "For too long have the commonpony been looked down upon by the royalty of Equestria. This act was not the first, nor will it be the last until everyone has the same rights. The bloodshed will end when everypony has the freewill to choose the path they want for their country and life." The pony put her hoof over the speakers eyes and closed his murmuring something so softly everyone paid close attention. "For your corruption may the afterlife be as painful as this life was, rest in peace." The figure stood up now her cloak covered in blood, she ran down the long and narrow alleyway throwing something behind her which was followed by a loud bang and smoke from down the alleyway. The guards moved now as they seemed free from their invisible bonds. Gritting their teeth they shouted at everyone to leave the area now. So Dom left quickly running through the backstreets he was grabbed and pulled from behind by two of the guards from earlier. "Tell us where she went scum!" The taller guard with the more pronounced voice boomed. "What are you talking about?" "You know exactly what were talking about you peasant, where did the assassin go?! you were there when it happened and ponies saw you notice her before Redhoof was killed now where did she go?" Croaked the smaller one "I swear to you i have no ide-" His sentence was cut short from someone from behind the guards. "Looking for little old me, my the royal guards are awfully slow and stupid these days." The mare smiled as she stood taunting the guards who dropped Dom and raced at her. Their haste was rewarded when she jumped over them and snapped the shorter ones neck in one fluid movement. The Taller guard didn't have a chance as he turned to face her he was met with a knife in the throat. The mare smiled "It seems after all the money that goes into training this military they are still weak, oh well..." She trailed off "You okay back there, I didn't want such potential to get hurt." She continued facing Dom her white hooded robe caked in the speaker's blood. "Your the pony who was watching me yesterday!" He said in shock as he got up "Why are you killing all these people?!" He said in surprise and fear "The answer is simple, but we need to move somewhere more secret to talk about it. Follow me" She grabbed his hoof and lead him through the backstreets. They kept running for what felt like hours until they reached a cemetery. They stopped after a while and Dom caught his breathe. "Just be quiet and listen for now, we've had our eye on you for quite some time Dom. Waiting for your talents to surface, you've never been truly alone Dom. Now that your true talents have surfaced you have a simple choice: Join me and join the Brotherhood, or be pinned in the crimes of a royal member and sworn member of a group known only as the knights Templar. They have been helping the king in a giant conspiracy and we could use all the help we get." "Why should i help a bunch of murderers and psychopaths!?" Dom said angrily "Because Dom, our group of 'murderers and psychopaths is all that's stopping royalty from killing you and everyone you care about... Even Salia." "Fine i will think about it." Dom said leaving quickly and heading to the bakery people were inside as he walked in they shouted in a chorus. "Happy birthday Dom!" Salia was smiling in the corner and he went over by her, trying to push out the events of today. Trying to forget, but you cant forget what fate decides to do and where it will take you. Dom continued to laugh and have fun, but the entire time he could not get the mare's face out of his mind. Would he have to confront her so soon? Would he be forced to kill someone close to him? Only time will tell for our hero.
Chapter 4As the day began for Dom the royal guards' bodies had been discovered and news of this mysterious mare had appeared in the newspapers. It was beginning to become more and more difficult for Dom to push the events out of his mind. People murmured rumors of this hooded vigilante who was seen throughout the city avoiding the guards with ease in a matter that seemed to just toy with whoever chased after her. Crime rate plummeted and people were scared for whomever this new figure was, they were an obvious threat to whatever pony ended at the end of her blade.Dom had finished a rough day at work selling spiced apples with Salia and headed home, exhausted and drained from the heavy lifting and carrying he did he crashed in his bed and fell asleep. When Dom came to he rubbed his eyes slowly and got up quickly in shock. His cozy log home had been replaced with a rundown stone room that had cracked stone columns every few feet or so. The dim light by where he awoke was just enough to see the outer edges of the room he saw a shadow on the top of one what appeared to once be a balcony. The hooded figure spoke in a familiar tone from before. "Finally you woke up sleepy head, now about you joining the brotherhood." The figure smirked and dropped down near Dom. "You again! Do you realize how much panic you've caused in Ponyville?!?" He shouted and went to shove the mare. But she was to quick and grabbed his hooves pulling them close so he was face to face with the mare. Dom squirmed for a few moments until she kissed him. He shook of after a few seconds and looked at her in shock. "What the hell was that for?!" He said still startled from what had just happened. "I had to get you to shut up some way, now come on and follow me. We have a lot to discuss." She said pulling off her hood. Dom followed into a room with more light where he could clearly see her. She had a pure white coat, and a deep blue mane with blue eyes, a scar ran down her left cheek in the shape of a small X. She began to talk slowly leaning against a wall. "You see Dom, I was once like you. I lived in Canterlot with my family who were of pure royalty. I used to have the name Jasmine, but after being recruited and showing my talent to the world as a very elusive mare escaping hundreds of times, I was given a fitting nickname as Jinn." She said sighing and looking at Dom "Today we are going to do have a small test on you. If after it's done and you don't want to know anymore you are free to go no questions asked, but if you are even the bit curious. You can stay and begin training immediately. Sound fair " She asked and Dom nodded. They were lead into another room this one was better looking with an orb in the center of what appeared to be an altar. "This orb is one our master magicians are proud of, it is a device that goes through the family line of whoever touches it and relives the memories of anypony with a specific relation to our brotherhood. With your sudden burst of what you did you might be a candidate with family in the brotherhood. Are you ready Dom" She said looking at him intently. Dom walked up to the orb and placed his hooves on the orb a bright light had shined and the orb shrunk down from the size of a boulder to an apple. Suddenly the muscles in his neck tensed and slowly began to move his face until his eyes stared into the orb. Light shot out into his eyes as he began to see his ancestors life before him. The colt stood up and yawned, some time had passed since he was inducted into the brotherhood and he got to relax before his first serious mission began. He looked in the mirror and his reflection greeted him. He was a muscular colt with a dark brown coat and black mane, his eyes were a golden honey color. He grabbed his hooded robe and placed it over his body, grabbing his weapons he went to meet his comrades on this mission. "Well look who decided to join us finally we were starting to get worried we might have to start without you." Lena said smiling at him and walking forward with him. "I didn't catch your name at the ceremony you are...." "Vocem." He said walking towards the tavern, the outside door had two royal guards Lena had whistled and lead them into a nearby alleyway one of the more masculine guards followed her and Vocem crept from behind and snapped the guard's neck making sure not to damage the armor. He then slipped into the armor and shouted for the other guard to come over. The guard was then ambushed by Lena and stripped out of the armor then dumped aside hidden in the refuse of the alley. The two assassins finally dawned in guard uniform walked into the tavern, it was filled with higher ranked guards who were drinking and gambling hard. One drunken colt staggered up to Lena and slapped her plot. "How about we go we go into a room and have some fun?" He said in his slurred speech which was almost undecipherable "How about no" Lena said pushing past him and looking around for the target. The pony staggered up behind her "Oi bitch i wasn't done with yo-" Suddenly a hoof came and knocked his helmet in front of his face, blinding him. The colt stumbled around and fell through a table. Lena continued to look around as many of the drunken ponies began to laugh and point at the guard in the middle of the broken table. She went up the top floor with Vocem and she smiled. "Thanks for the help back there, although i could have handled him." She said walking up to the door. Loud shouts of pleasure could be heard from inside as Lena looked at Vocem and nodded. They slammed in the door and saw the General staggered away from the mare grabbing for his weapon. Vocem jumped over the bed and slammed the general's face into the furniture then stabbed him in the skull leaving him there. The scared mare ran out of the room and down the stairs screaming at the drunken guards. "Now's a good time to leave" Said Vocem as they tackled through the window and sprinted away. Later on top of a building Vocem and Lena were talking. Lena's Dark coat blended in perfectly with the night, but her White mane and eyes reflected the moon. They stared up at the night sky taking in the beauty "It feels like we haven't had Celestia around for a long time" Lena trailed off "She was around about 200 years ago i think, my grandfather told me his grandfather was there when she bounded into the sky and vanished." Vocem said quietly, Lena moved close and breathed in deeply. "Do you think she will ever come back?" She asked looking at Vocem's eyes "Personally no, the story was she left to guard some new city in the sky." "I bet she would cry to see how the world has turned out since she left" Lena looked down "She may be gone, but the brotherhood will restore peace or die trying." Vocem said holding Lena tight. The bright light slowly dimmed down as Dom was returned to the room with Jinn. "Did you find anything interesting?" She asked quizzically "Yes, and I've decided i want to join the brotherhood." Dom said looking putting the orb on the altar. He knew deep down that his life would change forever after this decision. He understood what his Ancestor had done, and he did it for the right cause knowing of the consequences. "Things will never be like they were will they?" He said slowly looking at Jinn
Chapter 5Dom and Jinn had traveled for many many months inside of the caravan of the brotherhood. Another 16 or so ponies were heading towards the cold mountains on the most Northern tip of Equestria. Most of the time Dom was speaking with Jinn about the brotherhood's delicate and intricate history and how it tied with protecting the freedom of a person's choices and will. As Dom began to learn more he began to watch several of the other colts in their routine training. They varied in size from everything to the size of a filly all the way to a full grown pony. They all could hold their own easily doing maneuvers with a dagger or sword to disarm and execute the person in a single motion. At night when every pony was in their caravans Dom would sneak out into the open area and mimic what he had saw that day. That night when he practiced the disarming techniques and execute strikes with a stick he had sharpened over time into a makeshift sword. He began his stance looking out at the wide tacks of grassland lit only by the starry night skies. He walked a bit away from the caravan and began to mimic the executions of that day. Suddenly something there was a loud thump next to him in the grass, and from a tree near the caravan sat a person watching Dom. Dom investigated the sound as best he could. Lying in the grass was a long leather holder with a sword in it he picked it up and as he did he heard something whistle through the air. A sword came flying at him in a strike as if guided by magic. Dom quickly blocked it and rolled to the side, it was no use the sword seemed to have a mind of its own he blocked as frantically as he could but he could not shake the sword that flew at him. The moon reflected off the sword and gleamed as a smile in the night, flying at him faster and faster. After what appeared to be several minutes the sword froze in the air and Dom took a step back and was grappled and slammed to the ground with incredible speed. The figure above him smiled and held a hoof out. "You did well Dom, just got to be careful about watching your back as well as your front when your in a sword fight." Jinn smiled at him, the light reflecting off her white mane and eyes. She seemed more cheery lately then what she had been earlier before his trip started. "T-thanks for helping me train, how long have you seen me doing this?" He asked pulling himself up onto his hooves. He smiled at Jinn, during all this troubling times it was good to have a familiar face. Dom trotted towards his caravan and layed down inside, they had to be up in a few hours and he didn't want to be dragged behind by everyone else. The sun rose lazily and everypony began to pack up and move forward. Most of the ponies in the caravan wore masks, they were called proctors Jinn explained they are hired help who are sent to help members of the brotherhood. In our case they guard the 10 are actual members in this caravan. At night Dom began his training, as the scenery changed, so did the intensity of his training. He recalled learning balance on broken tree limbs stretched over a moderately sized waterfall. He learned to climb and scale things by climbing the cliffs they passed , in his case he had to wear a saddle with extra weight. "You have to be able to be swift and fluid, so with that you will be able to do the job when needed." Jinn said looking at Dom, but something was different in her stare. She usually had a intimidating stare, but this time it seemed at ease slightly admiring. Dom continued his work for that day and finally went to his caravan after a long and exhausting day. As he trotted inside he looked into the mirror, his mane had grown longer since he last remembered, the black strands clinging to his neck from sweat. His body had become more noticeably muscular since he last remembered. He sighed thinking about the day he decided to join the brotherhood, it felt like eons ago. His ancestor was an assassin, he lead the revolution against the first wave of corrupted royal family over 370 years ago. Seeing what he saw, even for that one day had made him wonder. Had he chose the right thing? He left his life behind and Salia... Poor Salia I left suddenly and she didn't even get a goodbye. Moving towards his bed he sat down but he felt oddly dizzy, the feeling washed over him almost knocking him off balance. His vision blurred and darkened as he hit the ground with a thud, a bright light washed into his sight as things began to dull down and he saw. Vocem stood in the long hallway of the brotherhood, ponies were in two rows on either side of the carpet. He advanced slowly forward, for he had waited for this day for several years. A older colt stood at the top of the stairs and smiled at Vocem. Vocem reached him and he began to speak. "You have made it far in the brotherhood, the final part of it is to pledge your loyalty to the brotherhood. Do you swear to always stand for the free will and choice of the common pony?" He said and Vocem nodded "Then by my power you are an assassin." He said pressing a brand on Vocem's front left leg. He fell unconscious
