Dawnby Izzy GChaptersPart 1Part twoPart threeFinalePart 1Ink chuckled as she watched Stormbringer hurry to put out a small flame Thunder Strike had caused, smiling with the pride of a true mother. He flashed an apologetic look at Ink as the door behind her opened just slightly and there was a gentle tap on her wings. Ink spun quickly to see Silent standing in the doorway, a serious look on his face even though a vague smile flashed across his features when he saw the two unicorns. “What's wrong?” Ink's stomach dropped at the look on her former master's face. Something had to be wrong. He shook his head, “Nothing, Ink, calm down. Nothing is wrong. Just,” he smiled softly and motioned inside with his head. “C'mon inside. We need to talk.” She bit her lip but nodded and followed him inside, settling on the couch when he did and motioned for her to join him. Something inside her was crumbling, worried about what could possibly be so important that the two had to be out of earshot of the little one. If it was something about assassination, why come inside? Thunder knew. It was a source of pride for the little filly to say her “mommy” was a member of the Order. She may not have understood everything, but she was proud. She could quote the Creed as well as Ink, and didn't even hesitate to when she felt something went against it. So why should this be any different? It wasn't exactly kept a secret from the little one that her guardians were killers when there were cases full of artifacts Silent had collected over the years and weapons hung on hooks in the study. Traps in the upper hallways at night. The stairs that lead to a training area hidden behind a sliding bookshelf in the foyer. Ink came home all the time late. Silent would leave for stretches of almost two weeks, an come back bruised and covered in messy bandages. As if reading her thoughts, Silent shook his head. “Not to belittle what you do in the Order, Ink, but this is much different. A corrupt official is one thing. A demon that is more than happy to rip out your soul for breakfast and write its name on the walls with your entrails is an entirely different thing.” He chuckled slightly at her expression of fear and ruffled her mane gently, “I wouldn't give you something like that for your first mission, or at any time. This time it's something simple, I promise.” He took deep breath as she nodded, “A simple delivery.” He saw the look on her face and shook his head, “Not just a courier mission. Your skills as an assassin, Order or otherwise, are too good for that. You are to meet with a contact in Canterlot and deliver his package to another within the city.” Her brow still crumpled at the idea of it. Despite what he said, she thought this was a simple courier mission. She had spent a little under a year training for that? How inexperienced did he think she was? Like he said, Order or no, she was better than that overall. She was better than a courier mission. Not to be arrogant, but she was used to taking down high-ranking members of Celestia or Luna's council/advisors that had been corrupted. Royal guard members. City officials that had gotten their hooves dirty. She wasn't a letter carrier. She didn't get to be a master Assassin by playing delivery mare. “Ink,” Silent sighed, “I know you have much better skills than what I have to give you credit for, but to me, as Grand Master, you're a novice. I know the Ink that I fall asleep with every night is something more than that, but I have to judge as not your lover, but your leader here. I'm sorry.” He nuzzled her gently with a resigned sigh even though she bristled and pulled away, anger in her eyes. “It's more complicated than I'm letting on, I promise, Ink.” She only set her jaw and glared at him, almost insulted. He sighed, shaking his head. He knew Ink was like this. He knew she had pride way beyond her years. But what was he to expect? She had the responsibility of her brotherhood looming overhead and the knowledge that if she had been in Snow's place, she'd be ruling over a sprawling clan alongside him. She had perfectly good reasons to hold her head high and be proud. She was only nineteen, but already had about the same responsibility he did at her age. He almost chuckled as she stormed upstairs, grumbling the entire way to her room. As much as he hated to, knowing her pride, he would follow her. He had to. Something inside him would not be able to rest knowing she was doing this alone, even though he knew she was more than capable. But he didn't want to lose her. He couldn't. If things went as planned, she'd be fine. Little did she know, the first mission was always a set up anyway. The return home is what bothered him. Although that chapter had been inactive for awhile, she would be passing through Venom Stars territory to get there, if she took the route he thought she would. And she would be in a darker side of Canterlot. Regardless of the fact other members of her brotherhood would be more than willing to aid the Master's daughter, he had to follow her. Just to be sure. Just to make sure the mare he adored was safe. And he admitted to himself that it killed him inside to do it. If she didn't find out and do the deed herself. He inwardly sighed as they said their farewells that night and he wished her good luck, giving her all the information she needed to find his contact. He waited only twenty minutes before starting off after her, not being able to fight back the dread that ate away at him. Something was wrong. This would be a mistake. He just hoped Ink wouldn't pay the price. Part twoInk hurried down a dark alleyway, a misty rain clinging to the few strands of mane that poked out from under her dark hood. She passed by one of the hidden entrances to her brotherhood's hideout and had to resist the urge to press the switch disguised as a nearby keystone to get out of the rain. Instead she tossed her head and readjusted the heavy satchel hanging at her side, ducking into an outcropping and catching her breath for a moment before hurrying off again. Her crimson hooves glistened as they splashed through puddles, her layered robes clinging to her frame heavily. She shivered sightly, her teeth chattering as she took a sudden turn into a different alley. For a second, she paused and let the wild gasps rip at her throat as she glanced over her shoulder anxiously. Never again would she doubt Silent. Never again would she think he was giving her something beneath her level. She had been followed. She knew. She turned and braced herself, eyes scanning the nearby rooftops as she backed against the alley's end to make sure nothing could sneak up behind her. A rustle of fabric there. The echo of a hoofstep here. She swallowed nervously and tossed her head to lower her beaked cowl, needing the ability to see out of her peripheral line of sight. For what seemed like forever, Ink stood there shivering as the rain quickened, making it impossible to see down the alleyway back to the main road. Sighing, she knocked on the nearby door nervously, making it louder than she should of because of nerves. She nervously glanced around as a small panel on the door slid open and cautious eyes looked at her. “And what do you want at this hour?” Came the cutting voice of a pony from the other side of the door, almost blocked out by the sounds of breaking glass and something snapping. Ink took a moment to wonder what exactly Silent had gotten her into before responding. “Pardonate, Messere,” she bowed her head in respect, still panting, and her words came out as a rush. “But I have a delivery. My master sent me-” The door opened suddenly and she was pulled in roughly, the door slamming shut behind her. She almost squeaked as she found herself face to face with, much to her disbelief, a stallion who looked like her father. The black pegasus stood slightly shorter than Star Strike, and was missing the freckles across his nose, but he was missing the tips of his ears and had the same dusty gray hooves. “Give it 'ere,” he continued, oblivious to her surprise. Ink nodded and fumbled with the flap of her saddle bag, the metalwork of the Order's crest on it suddenly heavier than she remembered it being. She realized she was chilled to the bone from the rain, but still managed to wrestle the paper-wrapped package from within her bag. It was small, only slightly bigger than her hoof, and a rough cord tied the paper shut. She held the knot carefully in her teeth, then set the package on the floor in front of the stallion. “Good,” he nodded his approval gruffly, “he taught 'ye well. Now go and get, little miss. You best get home before t'morrow comes.” Something about that stroked her the wrong way. She paused, dread suddenly making her feel warm despite the chill from her soaked robes. “What do you mean? Why would I-?” “Get!” He nudged Ink out of the door roughly, back into the rain, then slammed it shut behind her. Ink stood there for a moment in disbelief, blinking in the rain. A lightning strike tore across the sky and for a moment, Ink thought she saw a figure standing on nearby rooftop. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind. She was just nervous. Too many questions were flying around in her head to think clearly. She toyed with the idea of going to the hideout to get shelter and a dry set of robes, but this was a Bleeding Moons mission, not Order. She had to return home to report to Silent as soon as possible, as tempting as the familiar warmth of her other home was. Sighing, she flipped her soaked hood back over her face, hoping it would provide her eyes with some protection from the rain as she ran off into the shadows of Canterlot. He had to admit. She was doing well. Much better than he thought she would. Yes, she was nervous and paranoid, but that was to be expected. He didn't exactly send her into a part of Canterlot that she was familiar with. Silent smiled softly from his carefully concealed hiding spot in a nearby alley as his contact pulled her in roughly, acting according to the script they had agreed on. To make it more realistic for Ink, he actually managed to get a few of Ink's own brotherhood to follow her and make it seem like she was in danger from the package she was carrying. Cruel, yes, but he had to laugh a little. She thought that bundle was something of dire importance. It was just a flask of imported wine from a neighboring country that he had come across and promised to his contact. No, it wasn't a full lie, as she had been told the package was valuable, but it was something slightly less dire than whatever she thought it was. His smile grew slightly as he whistled, signaling for her fellow Assassins to fall back and return to the hideout. Their part of the job was done. He would later send Star Strike a thank you letter for aiding in making this as realistic as possible for Ink. In the past, it would have been fellow clan members, but the situation didn't allow that and it seemed fitting to let Ink's peers be the ones to give her the final test. His brow furrowed slightly as Ink paused when she pushed back out into the rain. She was letting her nerves get to her. She was hesitating too much. He inwardly sighed. She loved familiarity, things to be explained, and knew that would be a weakness for her. She had to get used to knowing that she would not always have all the answers. Not everything would be laid out for her. It never had been, but she was used to the routine of an Order mission. Not the way the ones she would receive as a Bleeding Moon, which would be looser than what she was used to. He slipped back into the shadows as she flipped up her hood again and disappeared into the rain, hoping to get a head start on her and meet her back home. Part threeIt started with a pain gnawing at the back of her eyes. Ink paused and sat back on her haunches, rubbing her head with a groan. Maybe she was just tired. Maybe it was the anxiety finally getting to her. She sighed, shaking her head with something of a grumble and going to stand up but instead stumbling forward as the ground rose up to meet her. She lay there for a moment, fighting back the dizziness that now had a hold on her. Ink lifted her head weakly, trying to control the nausea that rose up as the world violently shifted around her. She couldn't help it as a whimper escaped her throat. She was alone and helpless. And she had no idea how to get any help, or if anypony would pass by soon enough to even realize she needed help. Biting her lip, she tried to get to her hooves but only fell back down with something of a rough exhale. A sob rose up in her throat, but she held it back until it became a painful lump in her throat. After a few moments, she closed her eyes and rested her head on her front hooves, trying to see if she could wait the dizzy spell out. She may have dozed off. She may not have. But eventually became painfully aware of the fact that she was not alone as a rough kick connected with her side. Ink snapped to attention, coughing out of reaction and following the motion of the kick before clumsily getting to her hooves again. Again the world shifted. Again she felt nausea creep up on her. Her body was heavy as she faced her attacker, trying to stand proud although she could barely even keep on her hooves, or even her head up for that matter. A rough laugh followed her challenge, echoing from the shadows of the forest around her. “Come out and face me!” Ink managed to squeak out, trying her hardest to summon the master Assassin inside her but only managing the same, weak voice she first spoke to Silent with. She inwardly shuddered at her weakness. But was it really weakness? Was she really that powerless? Maybe it was just sickness from being wet for so long. She had taken her robes off a long time ago, but her coat was still damp. Her mane still dripped slightly. The rain had calmed and it was slightly warmer, but there was still a slight chill to the air. Ink felt her teeth clattering as she shook slightly, unsure if she afraid or simply cold. Another laugh reached her and a pale blue unicorn stepped out of the shadows, grinning as her eyes sparkled. “Ink Flash!” She grinned as if greeting an old friend, “Fancy meeting you here in the forest! What a pleasant surprise!” She tossed a lock of lavender mane out of her eyes and laughed as Ink tried to brace herself to fight but only stumbled from the effort. “Awww...what's wrong little Bleeding Moon? Can't find your hoofing? What a shame.” “What do you want, Dawn?” Ink spat, trying to put all her hate into her blue eyes. Dawn knew it was just posturing, she knew Ink was just playing tough and trying to save face. That was the way Ink was. That was the way she was. The two of them were not so different, but nothing alike. Dawn grew up knowing she would be in Ink's shadow, knowing she would be trained in ways similar to Ink was within the Order in order to take revenge for a murder Ink's family was responsible for years past. She knew everything Ink knew about fighting, or so she tried to tell herself. She had been taught all she could be, but she knew that Ink was still better. That's why she held the novice Bleeding Moon under this spell, not letting her get the chance to land a clean hit on Dawn. It was nothing personal, and honestly, Dawn could care less for the young Assassina who stood before her. Ink was nothing to her. She was just some old blood Dawn's family had thrown on her. In fact, Dawn almost felt sorry for Ink. She had a lover. A daughter. A group of close friends who loved and adored her. A bright future. Dawn bit her lip and fought back a sting of jealousy that nipped at the back of her mind. Ink had everything she didn't. Everything she wanted. And she would destroy that. That would be the spark that let her make this moon set. Dawn snorted, “Talk's cheap, Ink Flash, but can you even do anything? I noticed you left Digger for that other stallion. What's his name again....Silent Shadow?” She laughed as Ink bristled, but worry slowly chipped away at her confident air when she felt Ink's resolve start to break though her spell. Magic is just a battle of wills, Ink. Ink would lose that fight. Screaming. Ripping. Her wings were broken. Pain. Searing pain. Was she burning her? What was happening? Something else snapped. Pain in her eyes. Swollen shut. Can't breathe. Coughs. Desperation. Screaming. She screamed out weakly. Pain. She could only feel pain. The world slipped away. She was falling. Crying. Emptiness for a moment. Then more pain. Darkness. Ink snapped awake at the sound of a high pitched scream of pain, weakly relieved to realize it didn't come from her own throat. One eye swollen shut, she could barely make out the figure of a darker, pegasus stallion standing over a unicorn mare who gripped her forehead as tears poured down her face. A darker liquid stained the mare's pale, blue face and she whimpered pitifully as she looked up at the pegasus, who stood with his back turned to Ink. The pegasus' posture was defensive, standing in front of Ink with wings spread as if to hide her. He was crouched low, as if to pounce, and something of a growl echoed from within his chest. Even through the haze that fogged Ink's mind, her heartbeat quickened at the sound of the pegasus' voice. “If you ever come near her again,” a low, serious voice almost growled at the unicorn, “I swear to all both holy and unholy that you will lose much more than your horn.” The unicorn whimpered and nodded. Ink realized one eye was swollen shut and one of her front legs was broken at an odd angle. “Then go,” the pegasus growled and watched as the former unicorn stumbled to her hooves and limped off into the darkness. After several tense moments, he turned back to Ink, worry filling his dark blue eyes. “Ink...” his voice lost all of its edge, suddenly frail and scared. “Sweetheart,” he gently stroked the side of her face as he knelt to her level, “You have to stay with me, my dear...c'mon...” His lips were moving past then, but she couldn't hear the words they formed. The haze pulled her back under, her breathing grower rougher. She was vaguely aware of him picking her up and holding her between his wings. Vaguely aware of being moved. With an empty gaze, she stared up at the night sky and a weak smile crossed her face the edges of her vision darkened. The last thing she saw was a crescent moon. Darkness. FinaleInk first became aware of the crunch of straw and the softness of a cotton blanket over her. Then came the soft chirping of birds, echoed by the crackling of a fire. But there was no warmth from what she thought were flames. There was nothing even. If it was a truly a bed of straw she was laying on, it should have given off some warmth as well. It should have been prickly. But there was nothing. Instead came a twinkling laugh, followed by a soft voice that almost sounded like wind chimes. “Good, you're awake.” Ink rolled over with a groan, her mane tangled in her face. She blinked against the dim light and couldn't help but gasp loudly at the sight of the white mare sitting beside her makeshift bed. She giggled, “I see you know who I am.” Ink nodded slowly, pushing her overgrown bangs out of her face and meeting the mare's emerald eyes. “How could I not?” She sighed lightly, “I suppose that's true. It isn't until recently he learned how to properly handle my death.” She sighed almost sadly, “And now he may have to deal with yours, Ink.” “No!” Ink sat up suddenly, expecting to feel the rush of blood through her but scared to find an empty numbness instead. Her drive was gone. Her resolve had dissolved into nothingness. She seemed to be merely there. “I-I promised! I promised I wouldn't leave him! And to take care of Thunder! And the brotherhood-” “It doesn't matter now,” the mare shook her head, “Unless they fix your body, little one, you're here.” “No! No, no, no, no, no!” Ink shook her head, almost relieved to feel tears prickle at her eyes, “Dammit, Snow, I can't stay here! I can't!” Her voice steadily rose until she was shouting, “I have a whole chunk of the Order to take care of! I have a daughter!” Her voice suddenly caught in her throat and she broke down, “I had them, anyway. I...thought I could give Night a future...that I could...” She collapsed into tears, burying her face in her hooves. Snow Star sighed softly and stroked Ink's mane gently. “You're still very much alive, aren't you? I don't think you're time is up yet, little one. Typically the dead leave their worries at the bridge between worlds...but you...you still worry...” “That's all I had...all I ever wanted...” Ink sniffled, looking up at Snow through a line of miserable tears, “I just wanted to make Night happy, to make sure my friends and those I held dear were safe. That's...that's all I wanted...But I can't anymore...I..I failed.” She hung her head, a sob escaping her throat. “I..don't think you have, Ink. Yes, it's true that for the moment, you are in limbo. But yes, you have made Silent- or as you would call him, Night- happy in ways that even I couldn't. You've grown under his watch and in return, helped him grow as well. You're an amazing mare and assassin, Ink. In fact, I think you took a life you didn't even realize you had.” Ink perked up slightly, brow furrowing. “What do you mean?” “The stallion I knew as Silent Shadow is long dead, Ink Flash, and you killed him. Not with a blade or even combat, but something as simple as a smile and giving your heart to him. But instead of leaving an empty shell like most killings, you breathed life into the stallion you know as Night Wind. And by doing that, you have given him a future. You've given a reason for living.” She smiled thoughtfully, “You've succeeded in more ways that you could have ever thought possible, little one. In fact, there's still time if you truly wanted to go back.” Ink's heart did a little leap of joy, her tears freezing instantly, “What kind of question is that?” Snow couldn't help but laugh and ruffle Ink's mane, “Of course. I forgot who I was dealing with. Now...take care of him for me, will you?” “I always will...” Ink nodded. Snow smiled softly, almost sadly, as the world around the two dissolved into a white light. “Thank you.” There was the fainting beeping of monitors as a blinding pain made its way into Ink's consciousness. Her eyes fluttered open slightly to see Silent sleeping in a chair next to her, murmuring to himself in his sleep. Ink couldn't help but smile faintly, even through the slight fog of pain. Adjusting the way he sat slightly, Silent's eyes opened a crack before opening all the way with a soft gasp. “Ink...” his voice was breathy in disbelief, still slurred from drowsiness as he climbed out of the chair, coming to stand beside her bed. “Where'd you go, love? I missed you.” Ink smiled knowingly, closing her eyes gently as Silent took one of her hooves in his. “I got lost. But it's okay, Snow helped me back.” Although surprise flickered across his features, he nodded softly and kissed her forehead, “Welcome back, maestra.” Ink couldn't help but giggle.
Part 1Ink chuckled as she watched Stormbringer hurry to put out a small flame Thunder Strike had caused, smiling with the pride of a true mother. He flashed an apologetic look at Ink as the door behind her opened just slightly and there was a gentle tap on her wings. Ink spun quickly to see Silent standing in the doorway, a serious look on his face even though a vague smile flashed across his features when he saw the two unicorns. “What's wrong?” Ink's stomach dropped at the look on her former master's face. Something had to be wrong. He shook his head, “Nothing, Ink, calm down. Nothing is wrong. Just,” he smiled softly and motioned inside with his head. “C'mon inside. We need to talk.” She bit her lip but nodded and followed him inside, settling on the couch when he did and motioned for her to join him. Something inside her was crumbling, worried about what could possibly be so important that the two had to be out of earshot of the little one. If it was something about assassination, why come inside? Thunder knew. It was a source of pride for the little filly to say her “mommy” was a member of the Order. She may not have understood everything, but she was proud. She could quote the Creed as well as Ink, and didn't even hesitate to when she felt something went against it. So why should this be any different? It wasn't exactly kept a secret from the little one that her guardians were killers when there were cases full of artifacts Silent had collected over the years and weapons hung on hooks in the study. Traps in the upper hallways at night. The stairs that lead to a training area hidden behind a sliding bookshelf in the foyer. Ink came home all the time late. Silent would leave for stretches of almost two weeks, an come back bruised and covered in messy bandages. As if reading her thoughts, Silent shook his head. “Not to belittle what you do in the Order, Ink, but this is much different. A corrupt official is one thing. A demon that is more than happy to rip out your soul for breakfast and write its name on the walls with your entrails is an entirely different thing.” He chuckled slightly at her expression of fear and ruffled her mane gently, “I wouldn't give you something like that for your first mission, or at any time. This time it's something simple, I promise.” He took deep breath as she nodded, “A simple delivery.” He saw the look on her face and shook his head, “Not just a courier mission. Your skills as an assassin, Order or otherwise, are too good for that. You are to meet with a contact in Canterlot and deliver his package to another within the city.” Her brow still crumpled at the idea of it. Despite what he said, she thought this was a simple courier mission. She had spent a little under a year training for that? How inexperienced did he think she was? Like he said, Order or no, she was better than that overall. She was better than a courier mission. Not to be arrogant, but she was used to taking down high-ranking members of Celestia or Luna's council/advisors that had been corrupted. Royal guard members. City officials that had gotten their hooves dirty. She wasn't a letter carrier. She didn't get to be a master Assassin by playing delivery mare. “Ink,” Silent sighed, “I know you have much better skills than what I have to give you credit for, but to me, as Grand Master, you're a novice. I know the Ink that I fall asleep with every night is something more than that, but I have to judge as not your lover, but your leader here. I'm sorry.” He nuzzled her gently with a resigned sigh even though she bristled and pulled away, anger in her eyes. “It's more complicated than I'm letting on, I promise, Ink.” She only set her jaw and glared at him, almost insulted. He sighed, shaking his head. He knew Ink was like this. He knew she had pride way beyond her years. But what was he to expect? She had the responsibility of her brotherhood looming overhead and the knowledge that if she had been in Snow's place, she'd be ruling over a sprawling clan alongside him. She had perfectly good reasons to hold her head high and be proud. She was only nineteen, but already had about the same responsibility he did at her age. He almost chuckled as she stormed upstairs, grumbling the entire way to her room. As much as he hated to, knowing her pride, he would follow her. He had to. Something inside him would not be able to rest knowing she was doing this alone, even though he knew she was more than capable. But he didn't want to lose her. He couldn't. If things went as planned, she'd be fine. Little did she know, the first mission was always a set up anyway. The return home is what bothered him. Although that chapter had been inactive for awhile, she would be passing through Venom Stars territory to get there, if she took the route he thought she would. And she would be in a darker side of Canterlot. Regardless of the fact other members of her brotherhood would be more than willing to aid the Master's daughter, he had to follow her. Just to be sure. Just to make sure the mare he adored was safe. And he admitted to himself that it killed him inside to do it. If she didn't find out and do the deed herself. He inwardly sighed as they said their farewells that night and he wished her good luck, giving her all the information she needed to find his contact. He waited only twenty minutes before starting off after her, not being able to fight back the dread that ate away at him. Something was wrong. This would be a mistake. He just hoped Ink wouldn't pay the price.
Part twoInk hurried down a dark alleyway, a misty rain clinging to the few strands of mane that poked out from under her dark hood. She passed by one of the hidden entrances to her brotherhood's hideout and had to resist the urge to press the switch disguised as a nearby keystone to get out of the rain. Instead she tossed her head and readjusted the heavy satchel hanging at her side, ducking into an outcropping and catching her breath for a moment before hurrying off again. Her crimson hooves glistened as they splashed through puddles, her layered robes clinging to her frame heavily. She shivered sightly, her teeth chattering as she took a sudden turn into a different alley. For a second, she paused and let the wild gasps rip at her throat as she glanced over her shoulder anxiously. Never again would she doubt Silent. Never again would she think he was giving her something beneath her level. She had been followed. She knew. She turned and braced herself, eyes scanning the nearby rooftops as she backed against the alley's end to make sure nothing could sneak up behind her. A rustle of fabric there. The echo of a hoofstep here. She swallowed nervously and tossed her head to lower her beaked cowl, needing the ability to see out of her peripheral line of sight. For what seemed like forever, Ink stood there shivering as the rain quickened, making it impossible to see down the alleyway back to the main road. Sighing, she knocked on the nearby door nervously, making it louder than she should of because of nerves. She nervously glanced around as a small panel on the door slid open and cautious eyes looked at her. “And what do you want at this hour?” Came the cutting voice of a pony from the other side of the door, almost blocked out by the sounds of breaking glass and something snapping. Ink took a moment to wonder what exactly Silent had gotten her into before responding. “Pardonate, Messere,” she bowed her head in respect, still panting, and her words came out as a rush. “But I have a delivery. My master sent me-” The door opened suddenly and she was pulled in roughly, the door slamming shut behind her. She almost squeaked as she found herself face to face with, much to her disbelief, a stallion who looked like her father. The black pegasus stood slightly shorter than Star Strike, and was missing the freckles across his nose, but he was missing the tips of his ears and had the same dusty gray hooves. “Give it 'ere,” he continued, oblivious to her surprise. Ink nodded and fumbled with the flap of her saddle bag, the metalwork of the Order's crest on it suddenly heavier than she remembered it being. She realized she was chilled to the bone from the rain, but still managed to wrestle the paper-wrapped package from within her bag. It was small, only slightly bigger than her hoof, and a rough cord tied the paper shut. She held the knot carefully in her teeth, then set the package on the floor in front of the stallion. “Good,” he nodded his approval gruffly, “he taught 'ye well. Now go and get, little miss. You best get home before t'morrow comes.” Something about that stroked her the wrong way. She paused, dread suddenly making her feel warm despite the chill from her soaked robes. “What do you mean? Why would I-?” “Get!” He nudged Ink out of the door roughly, back into the rain, then slammed it shut behind her. Ink stood there for a moment in disbelief, blinking in the rain. A lightning strike tore across the sky and for a moment, Ink thought she saw a figure standing on nearby rooftop. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind. She was just nervous. Too many questions were flying around in her head to think clearly. She toyed with the idea of going to the hideout to get shelter and a dry set of robes, but this was a Bleeding Moons mission, not Order. She had to return home to report to Silent as soon as possible, as tempting as the familiar warmth of her other home was. Sighing, she flipped her soaked hood back over her face, hoping it would provide her eyes with some protection from the rain as she ran off into the shadows of Canterlot. He had to admit. She was doing well. Much better than he thought she would. Yes, she was nervous and paranoid, but that was to be expected. He didn't exactly send her into a part of Canterlot that she was familiar with. Silent smiled softly from his carefully concealed hiding spot in a nearby alley as his contact pulled her in roughly, acting according to the script they had agreed on. To make it more realistic for Ink, he actually managed to get a few of Ink's own brotherhood to follow her and make it seem like she was in danger from the package she was carrying. Cruel, yes, but he had to laugh a little. She thought that bundle was something of dire importance. It was just a flask of imported wine from a neighboring country that he had come across and promised to his contact. No, it wasn't a full lie, as she had been told the package was valuable, but it was something slightly less dire than whatever she thought it was. His smile grew slightly as he whistled, signaling for her fellow Assassins to fall back and return to the hideout. Their part of the job was done. He would later send Star Strike a thank you letter for aiding in making this as realistic as possible for Ink. In the past, it would have been fellow clan members, but the situation didn't allow that and it seemed fitting to let Ink's peers be the ones to give her the final test. His brow furrowed slightly as Ink paused when she pushed back out into the rain. She was letting her nerves get to her. She was hesitating too much. He inwardly sighed. She loved familiarity, things to be explained, and knew that would be a weakness for her. She had to get used to knowing that she would not always have all the answers. Not everything would be laid out for her. It never had been, but she was used to the routine of an Order mission. Not the way the ones she would receive as a Bleeding Moon, which would be looser than what she was used to. He slipped back into the shadows as she flipped up her hood again and disappeared into the rain, hoping to get a head start on her and meet her back home.
Part threeIt started with a pain gnawing at the back of her eyes. Ink paused and sat back on her haunches, rubbing her head with a groan. Maybe she was just tired. Maybe it was the anxiety finally getting to her. She sighed, shaking her head with something of a grumble and going to stand up but instead stumbling forward as the ground rose up to meet her. She lay there for a moment, fighting back the dizziness that now had a hold on her. Ink lifted her head weakly, trying to control the nausea that rose up as the world violently shifted around her. She couldn't help it as a whimper escaped her throat. She was alone and helpless. And she had no idea how to get any help, or if anypony would pass by soon enough to even realize she needed help. Biting her lip, she tried to get to her hooves but only fell back down with something of a rough exhale. A sob rose up in her throat, but she held it back until it became a painful lump in her throat. After a few moments, she closed her eyes and rested her head on her front hooves, trying to see if she could wait the dizzy spell out. She may have dozed off. She may not have. But eventually became painfully aware of the fact that she was not alone as a rough kick connected with her side. Ink snapped to attention, coughing out of reaction and following the motion of the kick before clumsily getting to her hooves again. Again the world shifted. Again she felt nausea creep up on her. Her body was heavy as she faced her attacker, trying to stand proud although she could barely even keep on her hooves, or even her head up for that matter. A rough laugh followed her challenge, echoing from the shadows of the forest around her. “Come out and face me!” Ink managed to squeak out, trying her hardest to summon the master Assassin inside her but only managing the same, weak voice she first spoke to Silent with. She inwardly shuddered at her weakness. But was it really weakness? Was she really that powerless? Maybe it was just sickness from being wet for so long. She had taken her robes off a long time ago, but her coat was still damp. Her mane still dripped slightly. The rain had calmed and it was slightly warmer, but there was still a slight chill to the air. Ink felt her teeth clattering as she shook slightly, unsure if she afraid or simply cold. Another laugh reached her and a pale blue unicorn stepped out of the shadows, grinning as her eyes sparkled. “Ink Flash!” She grinned as if greeting an old friend, “Fancy meeting you here in the forest! What a pleasant surprise!” She tossed a lock of lavender mane out of her eyes and laughed as Ink tried to brace herself to fight but only stumbled from the effort. “Awww...what's wrong little Bleeding Moon? Can't find your hoofing? What a shame.” “What do you want, Dawn?” Ink spat, trying to put all her hate into her blue eyes. Dawn knew it was just posturing, she knew Ink was just playing tough and trying to save face. That was the way Ink was. That was the way she was. The two of them were not so different, but nothing alike. Dawn grew up knowing she would be in Ink's shadow, knowing she would be trained in ways similar to Ink was within the Order in order to take revenge for a murder Ink's family was responsible for years past. She knew everything Ink knew about fighting, or so she tried to tell herself. She had been taught all she could be, but she knew that Ink was still better. That's why she held the novice Bleeding Moon under this spell, not letting her get the chance to land a clean hit on Dawn. It was nothing personal, and honestly, Dawn could care less for the young Assassina who stood before her. Ink was nothing to her. She was just some old blood Dawn's family had thrown on her. In fact, Dawn almost felt sorry for Ink. She had a lover. A daughter. A group of close friends who loved and adored her. A bright future. Dawn bit her lip and fought back a sting of jealousy that nipped at the back of her mind. Ink had everything she didn't. Everything she wanted. And she would destroy that. That would be the spark that let her make this moon set. Dawn snorted, “Talk's cheap, Ink Flash, but can you even do anything? I noticed you left Digger for that other stallion. What's his name again....Silent Shadow?” She laughed as Ink bristled, but worry slowly chipped away at her confident air when she felt Ink's resolve start to break though her spell. Magic is just a battle of wills, Ink. Ink would lose that fight. Screaming. Ripping. Her wings were broken. Pain. Searing pain. Was she burning her? What was happening? Something else snapped. Pain in her eyes. Swollen shut. Can't breathe. Coughs. Desperation. Screaming. She screamed out weakly. Pain. She could only feel pain. The world slipped away. She was falling. Crying. Emptiness for a moment. Then more pain. Darkness. Ink snapped awake at the sound of a high pitched scream of pain, weakly relieved to realize it didn't come from her own throat. One eye swollen shut, she could barely make out the figure of a darker, pegasus stallion standing over a unicorn mare who gripped her forehead as tears poured down her face. A darker liquid stained the mare's pale, blue face and she whimpered pitifully as she looked up at the pegasus, who stood with his back turned to Ink. The pegasus' posture was defensive, standing in front of Ink with wings spread as if to hide her. He was crouched low, as if to pounce, and something of a growl echoed from within his chest. Even through the haze that fogged Ink's mind, her heartbeat quickened at the sound of the pegasus' voice. “If you ever come near her again,” a low, serious voice almost growled at the unicorn, “I swear to all both holy and unholy that you will lose much more than your horn.” The unicorn whimpered and nodded. Ink realized one eye was swollen shut and one of her front legs was broken at an odd angle. “Then go,” the pegasus growled and watched as the former unicorn stumbled to her hooves and limped off into the darkness. After several tense moments, he turned back to Ink, worry filling his dark blue eyes. “Ink...” his voice lost all of its edge, suddenly frail and scared. “Sweetheart,” he gently stroked the side of her face as he knelt to her level, “You have to stay with me, my dear...c'mon...” His lips were moving past then, but she couldn't hear the words they formed. The haze pulled her back under, her breathing grower rougher. She was vaguely aware of him picking her up and holding her between his wings. Vaguely aware of being moved. With an empty gaze, she stared up at the night sky and a weak smile crossed her face the edges of her vision darkened. The last thing she saw was a crescent moon. Darkness.
FinaleInk first became aware of the crunch of straw and the softness of a cotton blanket over her. Then came the soft chirping of birds, echoed by the crackling of a fire. But there was no warmth from what she thought were flames. There was nothing even. If it was a truly a bed of straw she was laying on, it should have given off some warmth as well. It should have been prickly. But there was nothing. Instead came a twinkling laugh, followed by a soft voice that almost sounded like wind chimes. “Good, you're awake.” Ink rolled over with a groan, her mane tangled in her face. She blinked against the dim light and couldn't help but gasp loudly at the sight of the white mare sitting beside her makeshift bed. She giggled, “I see you know who I am.” Ink nodded slowly, pushing her overgrown bangs out of her face and meeting the mare's emerald eyes. “How could I not?” She sighed lightly, “I suppose that's true. It isn't until recently he learned how to properly handle my death.” She sighed almost sadly, “And now he may have to deal with yours, Ink.” “No!” Ink sat up suddenly, expecting to feel the rush of blood through her but scared to find an empty numbness instead. Her drive was gone. Her resolve had dissolved into nothingness. She seemed to be merely there. “I-I promised! I promised I wouldn't leave him! And to take care of Thunder! And the brotherhood-” “It doesn't matter now,” the mare shook her head, “Unless they fix your body, little one, you're here.” “No! No, no, no, no, no!” Ink shook her head, almost relieved to feel tears prickle at her eyes, “Dammit, Snow, I can't stay here! I can't!” Her voice steadily rose until she was shouting, “I have a whole chunk of the Order to take care of! I have a daughter!” Her voice suddenly caught in her throat and she broke down, “I had them, anyway. I...thought I could give Night a future...that I could...” She collapsed into tears, burying her face in her hooves. Snow Star sighed softly and stroked Ink's mane gently. “You're still very much alive, aren't you? I don't think you're time is up yet, little one. Typically the dead leave their worries at the bridge between worlds...but you...you still worry...” “That's all I had...all I ever wanted...” Ink sniffled, looking up at Snow through a line of miserable tears, “I just wanted to make Night happy, to make sure my friends and those I held dear were safe. That's...that's all I wanted...But I can't anymore...I..I failed.” She hung her head, a sob escaping her throat. “I..don't think you have, Ink. Yes, it's true that for the moment, you are in limbo. But yes, you have made Silent- or as you would call him, Night- happy in ways that even I couldn't. You've grown under his watch and in return, helped him grow as well. You're an amazing mare and assassin, Ink. In fact, I think you took a life you didn't even realize you had.” Ink perked up slightly, brow furrowing. “What do you mean?” “The stallion I knew as Silent Shadow is long dead, Ink Flash, and you killed him. Not with a blade or even combat, but something as simple as a smile and giving your heart to him. But instead of leaving an empty shell like most killings, you breathed life into the stallion you know as Night Wind. And by doing that, you have given him a future. You've given a reason for living.” She smiled thoughtfully, “You've succeeded in more ways that you could have ever thought possible, little one. In fact, there's still time if you truly wanted to go back.” Ink's heart did a little leap of joy, her tears freezing instantly, “What kind of question is that?” Snow couldn't help but laugh and ruffle Ink's mane, “Of course. I forgot who I was dealing with. Now...take care of him for me, will you?” “I always will...” Ink nodded. Snow smiled softly, almost sadly, as the world around the two dissolved into a white light. “Thank you.” There was the fainting beeping of monitors as a blinding pain made its way into Ink's consciousness. Her eyes fluttered open slightly to see Silent sleeping in a chair next to her, murmuring to himself in his sleep. Ink couldn't help but smile faintly, even through the slight fog of pain. Adjusting the way he sat slightly, Silent's eyes opened a crack before opening all the way with a soft gasp. “Ink...” his voice was breathy in disbelief, still slurred from drowsiness as he climbed out of the chair, coming to stand beside her bed. “Where'd you go, love? I missed you.” Ink smiled knowingly, closing her eyes gently as Silent took one of her hooves in his. “I got lost. But it's okay, Snow helped me back.” Although surprise flickered across his features, he nodded softly and kissed her forehead, “Welcome back, maestra.” Ink couldn't help but giggle.
