A Newly Hooded Road to Walk

"Oh that? It's just like you to get so worried about such renegades," Scoffed Twilight lightheartedly. "I assure you they only target politicians and figures of that caliber, you have nothing to be afraid of."

Its not them Im afraid of... thought Fluttershy. She had hoped Twilight would answer the question about assassins more seriously (as she should as a princess) but Fluttershy shrugged it off. She didn't want to drastically change the mood of the conversation for it might rouse some suspicion.

"Oh well that's relieving, I wanted to ask you because it seems like a lock-and-key sort of subject around town," Said Fluttershy in an innocent voice, trying to maintain the persona that Twilight was used to seeing. She decided to press more into the subject. " So what have they done exactly? They must have done something pretty significant to get such attention from the whole of Ponyville's guard." About this Fluttershy was most curious, especially since there was no creed missions conducted after Silvershade's work involving Celestia's fiancé. If anything had happened recently it must have been a fake, or there might be a large political witch hunt happening around the city; Though either way, this could prove problematic for Fluttershy.

"Oh right you missed the paper two weeks ago, many property and business owners have been killed in the recent months. Not just any ponies either, but owners and managers of large industrial operations or and businesses, such as farmers or factory owners. Because of all this Applejack and her family have been placed under protective custody at their home, along with many others fitting the victims' trademark."

Fluttershy was confused, there didn't seem to be anything referring to creed involvement, there has to be something... "How does that bring up the subject of assassins? It all sounds like a simple yet aggressive business campaign to get property."

At this remark, Fluttershy could tell that Twilights friendly mood had darkened a degree. "There is always a mark whenever the assassins make a kill, thus whenever we see it at a scene, our city-wide, even nation-wide search continues for these bloodthirsty murderers."

Fluttershy's blood warmed a bit at Twilight's last bit of words, but she had to keep her composure. "A mark?" she asked.

"Yes. The mark they left at their first kill in this city, which I'm sure you remember."

"Yes... Of course." Dammit Silvershade, always having to show off. Thought Fluttershy angrily. "That triangular looking symbol on the posters?"

"Indeed. Ever since that fateful night all those years ago, whenever that mark appears we know exactly who we're looking for. Right after the first incident, I gathered some of the most renown detectives across Equestria, as well as Princess Luna, and searched the entire Royal library for anything related to the symbol, and what we found was astounding. A hidden war has been waged for centuries upon centuries. The Templars and this Brotherhood have been fighting continuously throughout the years, as well as un-named related factions which existed far before any records too, I presume. These records, written by the Templars heavily express the determination and tenacity of the assassins, and their constant struggles for similar achievements as the Templars. Yet their methods differed greatly, which was the greatest cause for conflict in later years. The brotherhood, as you can imagine, was and is the more aggressive of the two, using more violent action and direct involvement to reach their goals. It is for this reason, and their personal act upon me and my friends that I cannot allow them to continue to conduct themselves freely, and in such a manner. As for the Templars... they seem just as devious as the Assassins, yet they do not act in an expressive way, so their is no way to find them. Alas, the only prominent threat myself and my advisors can see is the Brotherhood. So far we have put away eleven such members of their Brotherhood, and in correlation to their crimes six others have been put to death." Twilight finished her lecture proudly.

Fluttershy was shocked as a shiver ran down her spine. Twilight... She's been conducting witch hunts for assassins, though none have ever been active here except for an informant; However, they've been in hiding while creating and investigating all of the Ponyville contracts. Plus her knowledge on everything is pretty spot on, and I'm thankful she doesn't seem to have taken sides; yet I can't say that I'm at all surprised. Fluttershy became startled by the old friend standing in front of her, for her over-committed nature seemed to have taken over even more with the pressure of ruling a large city. In the past Twilight would get such a mindset over magic research and things of the sort, but Fluttershy could tell from her body language and heart rate that Twilight had changed into something more intimidating than an extremely smart pony. She had become obsessed in finding the Creed over the years and this had made her different. Twilight was excellent at hiding it, her anger, her desire, her stress, her fascination, but Fluttershy could see it all. Though small reactions, she could see and feel them: a surge in her heartbeat at mentions of certain details, ears twitching, fists clenching, tail movements, teeth grinding, magic growing in her horn subconsciously. After seeing all of this resonating from Twilight, Fluttershy began to grow frightened upon realizing how much danger she was actually in there in the Great Oak, and she felt an instinctive urge to flee. However, she knew she had to stay and press on, this would probably be her only opportunity to get such information with causing suspicion.

"W-wow, you've been quite busy so it seems. I can't even think of a way you could start searching for them, they seem so... Oh what's the word..."

"Professional?" Interjected Twilight.

"Yes! w-well something along those lines at least." Fluttershy was growing increasingly satisfied with herself as she was luring Twilight into a vocal trap. By making herself seem completely uneducated on the subject, it made Twilight's boastful nature itch like mad, but it would be impossible for Fluttershy to pull off if she didn't know her friend so well. "I mean, the detectives must be so skilled along with you and Princess Luna to find such ancient information. All to say the least, I could never figure something out like that..."

Twilight fell for it. "Well actually it's typically general sightings or suspicious neighbors that bring them to light. These reports lead to a pony, and then we crack them through interrogation. In that way we get all the details and even more names, but as you can probably guess, not a lot of them crack so easily; typically piggybacking the 'I don't know anything why are you doing this' guilt trip."

"Amazing. That's pretty efficient I presume." Fluttershy felt as if her jaw was about to drop. It's worse than I thought. She's not even investigating these like I thought she would! She just goes off of random tips around the city! Plus I would find it hard to believe that these interrogations they're conducting are at all peaceful like any normal investigation, I bet they torture the poor souls to the point they'll admit to anything. Fluttershy had gathered all she could without seeming pushy, and when on such a subject being pushy could get her killed. She needed to close off the conversation, especially since she had more to do before the sun went down.

"Yes, it works very well I must admit."

"Well I have to say, I am oddly proud of you Twilight. You've grown into a fine ruler over the years."

"Thank you Fluttershy. That means a lot coming from you. I'm so happy that you're moving, I'll be sure to send messages to the others letting them know your back, and from the news they'll probably come right over to see you. That'll save you the trouble of going out to seem them all, so you can focus on moving back in." Twilight was acting completely normal again oddly enough.

This was the Twilight that Fluttershy was used to, very kind, thoughtful, and especially thorough. "Thanks I appreciate that," Fluttershy smiled at the reappearance of the real Twilight. She then took a fake glance at the clock so that she could leave punctually, her spine still tingling from Twilight's frightening aura. "Oh! Would you look at the time. I'm sorry Twilight but if I stay any longer my luggage wagon will be waiting, I should head off."

"Oh why yes of course. Do you need any help moving in? I can't come myself of course, the Guard Captain simply wouldn't allow it, but I could send over some stallions to help move your heavier things."

"Oh no no it's fine, I have all that stuff set up already for the most part. Thank you though." At that Fluttershy started for the door, but was stopped by a firm hand on her shoulder. Fluttershy's muscles tensed as she unconsciously prepared for an attack, but she came to her senses and turned to Twilight.

Fluttershy turned to a worried and serious face. "Fluttershy, be careful when walking around, do it for me, please. This town isn't the same one you left seven years ago, you could say it's... Darker."

This town isn't the only thing that has changed over the years. Trust me Twilight, your head will be spinning now that a the actual Creed will be at work. "O-of course thank you. I'll be sure to take that to heart." Fluttershy then headed out the door, only stopping again quickly to exchange goodbyes with Twilight.

Fluttershy walked briskly out of the great oak, her fur still on end from Twilight's intimidating persona. She looked at the sun's position in the sky to figure what time it was. She would probably be late to meet the wagon driver, but if she hurried she might just make it. No matter how much she wanted to go and personally meet the others, getting moved in her old house was her highest priority. Her home base was necessary for working, though starting to kill ponies left and right just after she moved would be foolish with such an on-edge guard force. Thus she would have to keep to investigating her contracts for the time being, and find a way to contact the Creed's informant somewhere in the the area.

Fluttershy then headed off towards her home, Twilight's odd mood still lingering in the back of her mind, and her guard completely up.