(Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, 3rd POV)

Something has been going on much to the displeasure of the Dark Brotherhood. “This is a serious matter.” Luna said to Talia, Nazir, Babette, Cicero, and Shadowmere. “Agreed. This recent string of murders is quite disturbing.” Nazir said. “I think we should start cutting this cancer out before it gets out of hand.” Shadowmere said. “How do you suggest we do that?” Babbette asked. “Enough! Shadowmere is right we need to nip this in the bud, but we can’t risk being seen by the public. I think we also need to change our look, since these imposters are trying to steal it.” Talia said making the others nod in agreement. “What new style did you have in mind Talia?” Luna asked. “I was thinking a little something like this.” Talia replied showing her sketchbook.(Just imagine Ezio’s clothes just colored black and dark red with the Dark Brotherhood sigil instead of the Assassin’s Creed symbol.)

The others peeked over Lunas shoulder. “Now that’s what I call stylish.” Cicero said in awe of the illustration. “Thanks. I’ve been thinking about doing this for a while now, I just didn’t know how you guys would react to changing the uniform.” Talia said with a small blush on her face. “As nice as a much needed costume change is, who are these imposters going after next?” Babette asked looking to Luna. Luna closed her eyes and focused. “Dear child, these disgraceful excuses for assassins will target the young seamstress known as Rarity. I suggest you move quickly.” Luna heard the voice of Sithis say in her mind. Snapping out of her trance, Luna looked to the members of the Inner Circle of the Dark Brotherhood. “Rarity is in danger, bring her to the Sanctuary tonight!” Luna said worriedly. The other members nodded in agreement with Shadowmere running for the door to retrieve Rarity from her home.

(Night, Ponyville, Shadowmere P.O.V)

I ran towards Carousel Boutique as fast as I could to save Rarity from the imposter assassins. I silently climbed up the tree outside of Rarity’s bedroom and I saw that she was sleeping soundly in her bed. “Okay, show time.” I said jumping down from the tree and landing at the front door and crouched down. I picked the lock and entered the building and closed the door behind me. I silently made my way upstairs to Rarity’s room and I scanned the room to see if anyone was in the room. When I was certain that there was nobody else in the room I moved to Rarity’s bed and gently hoisted the mare over my shoulder. “Mmm, Spike.” Rarity moaned in her sleep. I shook my head smiling at her dream. We silently made our way back towards the Sanctuary, but I had the feeling we were being followed. I gently placed Rarity behind the outcrop of rocks near the door. I turned around and saw an Breton wearing a cheap knockoff of the Dark Brotherhood garb which made me grunt in disgust. “Whomever sent you obviously knows nothing about me or my organization.” I said as I grabbed my bow from my back and prepared an arrow.

The imposter managed to dodge my arrows, but I quickly drew my sword from the sheath on my back and clashed with the imposter’s blade. I then saw the familiar shape of Talia leap from a nearby tree and stabbed a dagger in his shoulder. The dagger as I observed had a Paralysis Poison coating the blade as the Breton was now on the ground motionless. I nodded to Talia and casted a personal bubble of silence to prevent the imposter, and by extension, Rarity from hearing the passphrase to the Black Door. “What is life’s greatest illusion?” The door asked. “Innocence, my Brother.” I replied. “Welcome home.” The door replied before becoming unlocked. Talia picked up the imposter,while I picked Rarity up and we went inside. I took Rarity to Talia’s quarters since they were more comfortable. “Now time to interrogate this imposter.” I said leaving the sleeping mare to her rest.

(Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, dawn of the next day, 3rd P.O.V)

Rarity began to stir from her slumber. Talia had fallen asleep in a chair in the corner of the room from the night before, but Rarity’s stirring roused the assassin from her slumber. When Rarity opened her eyes and saw that she was not in her home, she was beginning to panic. Talia noticed this and rushed to the mare’s side. “Whoa, Whoa, it’s okay.” The Dunmer said calmingly. Rarity knew this voice. “Talia?” She asked. Talia nodded and removed her hood. “Where am I?” Rarity asked as she inspected her surroundings. “You’re in the Sanctuary.” Talia replied. “Why am I here?” Rarity asked. “You were being targeted by an imposter.” Talia said with a frown.

“Who would do such a thing?!” Rarity asked in exasperation. “We’re looking into that, but I have a favor to ask of you.” Talia said. “For you I’ll do anything!” Rarity said. Talia chuckled. “This is what I want you to make for us.” Talia said showing Rarity her sketchbook with the new uniform design. “Oh my! This is simply magnificent! I’ll get started as soon as I can! I just need, oh never mind.” Rarity said as she saw the measurements of everybody getting the new uniforms. “Well I need to get going to the Friendship School and tend to my class.” Rarity said as she got dressed for the day. “I’ll send someone to escort you, but you can’t ever know where the sanctuary is, so we’ll have to blindfold you.” Talia explained. Rarity nodded as she headed out the door, not looking back.

(Friendship School, Rarity P.O.V)

I managed to get to the school with plenty of time to spare. Unfortunately, I didn’t eat any breakfast and my stomach growled. “Better get something to eat. I can’t work on an empty stomach.” I said as I made my way to the cafeteria. Once I made it to the cafeteria, I saw Spike working his magic of the culinary arts. He was humming to himself completely unaware of me entering the room, until my stomach growled again. “Sounds like someone’s hungry.” He teased. I blushed in embarrassment. “I got ya covered Rare.” Spike said as he made a plate of pancakes, toast, hash browns, and orange juice. “Thank you Darling.” I said taking the tray of food and pecking my lover on the cheek. “It’s nothing, but you kinda worried me this morning Rare, I came by to get you earlier this morning, but you weren’t even home. Did something happen last night?” Spike asked. “I was targeted by someone pretending to be from the Dark Brotherhood, why I don’t know, maybe it’s part of a plot to usurp Celestia, get Twilight to close the school, or some sick and twisted individual wants satisfy their horrific fantasy.” I replied. Spike now had a frown on his face, and I could hear him growling in agitation. “Whoever is responsible for this, I hope they suffer greatly for this.” He spat venomously.

“Spikey, calm down, I’m here unharmed, and while I too am shaken up about this, I know that the Brotherhood won’t take this lying down, as this desparages their honor.” I said reassuringly. This seemed to placate my loving dragon. “Alright, I get it, they saved you. So do they want anything in return?” Spike asked. I nodded taking out Talia’s sketchbook. “Talia wants me to make this new uniform for them. I’m going to make this a project for my class, so I can get this done a tad faster than I would working by myself.” I said as Spike looked at the design. “I wish you luck Rare.” He said kissing my forehead making me giggle. “Thank you darling, don’t work too hard.” I said as I walked over to a table to eat.

After eating my delicious breakfast, I saw that my classroom was still empty, so I decided to prepare for my little ‘class project’. Once I finished all of the necessary preparations, I saw my class come in and take their seats. “Good day class. As you see here on the board, today we’re going to be doing a very special project this week.” I said with a smile. The students all seemed excited to get to work. “If you all open your desktops, you’ll find a detailed set of instructions for your part in the project. Remember, this is a team-building exercise, I expect all of you to help each other out when you notice that someone’s group seems stuck. Understood?” I said with a confident smile. “Yes Ms. Belle.” The students chorused. “Good, now get into your groups and begin your work.” I said tucking Talia’s sketchbook into my handbag.

(Lunchtime, Gideon POV)

I have to say, that Fabjorn’s painting of George Washington was spectacular. His good work caused me to hold some of my lesson plans back so the students could ask question about the great man. After all was said and done, their curiosity was satisfied and lunchtime arrived. As I was making my way to the school’s cafeteria, I overheard something while Rainbow and Fluttershy was walking the opposite direction with their lunches. “Wait, Rarity disappeared last night, but is still okay?! I’m confused. Who told you? And don’t go down the line of who told who before that.” I had heard Rainbow saying to the shy mare.

“I heard it from Applejack. You know she’d never make this kind of thing up.” Fluttershy said in her quiet tone. I shook my head and continued on with my trek. ‘As much as I trust Applejack, I might as well get the information from the horse’s mouth...figuratively speaking.’ I thought to myself as I arrived at the cafeteria, which was strangely abandoned and smelled off...like sulfur.

“Hey, any kitchen staff in?” I called out. There was no response. I crossed to the visible kitchen area and readied to enter the back kitchen. As I approached I could hear Spike grunting and gasping in pain. “Spike? You okay bud?” I asked. Again, no answer, aside from the noises of pain, so I entered the kitchen, only to see a black and red leather clad person standing over him with a dagger. Then out of nowhere a small blur rushed in and tackled the figure holding the dagger. The smaller figure then latched itself onto the poor bastard’s neck and he fell to the ground with an enormous chunk bitten out of his neck. The man’s killer was a small girl who had glowing red eyes, black hair, very pale skin, and blood on her face. “That’ll teach you to impersonate the professionals!” The little girl said as she spat on the corpse. “Don’t just stand there gawking, help me with him.” The girl said pointing at Spike who was unconscious from his scuffle, and the pain he was experiencing earlier. I flinched at her ferocity and seemingly deceiving innocence, and I picked up Spike and started carrying him out of the kitchen, all while retching at the bloody corpse and the smell that came from Spike. “Gosh, dang it, Spike. What’s going on with you for you to smell like burnt gunpowder?” I asked out loud. Spike groaned as he regained consciousness. “I’m molting. By the way what happened to that guy who attacked me?” Spike asked. “Well, concerning the guy, you can thank this ‘wee, little rabbit’ for fending him off.” I joked as I gestured to the girl. The girl rolled her eyes. “I’m no rabbit, and I’m older than you, way older.” The girl said. “It’s a joke about a piece of comedy fiction that has a segment with a rabbit that killed people by biting their throats out. Don’t take it too seriously...all of a sudden, I feel like I’m infringing on someone’s phrase.”

(Across the Multiverse, on a desert Forward Operating Base in Southern Equestria)

A red unicorn sneezed, rather loudly. “Firebrand, are you okay?” Someone asked from down a hall. “Aramau, I’m fine. Some FanFiction writer must have referenced something about me.” He responded.

(Back on topic)

I left my thousand yard stare when Spike yelled out in more pain and spasmed in my grip. Shaking my head, I started into a jog towards the Hospital, with the girl following behind. “Out of curiosity, who and what are you? Last time I checked, I don’t think little girls drink blood like tomato juice.” I asked her. “I’m Babette, and remember when I told you that I’m much older than you by a large margin? What kind of being retains their youth and drinks blood?” The girl; Babette replied wiping her face. “Oh, right, a vampire. Personally, I don’t exactly favor the idea of agelessness, as then those you love die before you do, but I’m not sure if that complaint applies to you.” I said with slight fear in my voice as we arrived at the hospital.

Babette shrugged. “I lost my parents a long time ago, but the Brotherhood took me in and the rest is history.” She said as we laid Spike down on a ready stretcher with Nurse Redheart hurrying over to us. “Oh my goodness! What’s happened to him?” She asked in complete shock. “He’s molting. What can we do to help him?” I replied. “Well first we need to make sure he stays comfortable, and peel off any loose patches of scales.” Red Heart said as we headed to a massive room that had a sign on the door. ‘Warning! Molting Dragons Only!’ the sign read. “We’ll keep him here until his wings finally grow in and the pain subsides.” Redheart said as we wheeled Spike in.

(Back at the School, Twilight POV)

“I can’t believe this!” I shouted in shock and disbelief. “What, that Spike is finally getting his wings, Rarity mysteriously disappearing, or the fact that an armed intruder was killed in the school by a Dark Brotherhood assassin?” Greagithir asked. “All of the above!” I shouted. “Calm down, calm down. You weren’t expecting this, none of us were. What’s important is what you’re going to do now.” He said gently rubbing my shoulders. “You’re right. I’m sorry for yelling at you.” I said as I tilted my head upwards and pecked his cheek. “It’s fine. You’re worried for our friends, the students, and it’s extremely stressful.” Greagithir replied. “I’m going to write to Serana and inform her about this and see what we can do to guarantee the safety of everyone here.” I said as I reached for a piece of parchment. I dipped my quill in the ink and started transcribing all of the things that have happened recently. As soon as I was finished, I gave Greagithir the letter and he sent it to Serana. I stood up from my desk with Greagithir in tow. “Are we going home, or to the Pleasure Pocket?” My boyfriend asked. “We’re going home. I don’t feel like going out tonight.” I replied. “Fair enough, and I don’t think drinking is a good way to end a day like today. Besides you’ve got me to cuddle with Twi.” Greagithir said with a smile on his face. “I love you.” I replied as he picked me up off my feet and started to carry me bridal style to the castle.

(Canterlot, Blueblood’s Manor, Serana P.O.V)

I came home with a small smile on my face. “You seem happy this evening my dear.” My fiance, Blueblood said smiling back. “That’s because the E.E.A has pretty much wanted Neighsay gone, because they’ve been wanting to do what Twilight is doing, integrating the other races across the world other than the races of Tamriel.” I said as I walked over to Blueblood and hugging him tightly. “That’s good to hear.” He said as he kissed my cheek. “Also you got a letter from Twilight.” He said handing me the letter. I opened the letter and I was extremely shocked by what I was reading. “It’s good to know that Spike is finally molting. However this news about the Dark Brotherhood needing to intervene on assassins really seems out of character for them.” I thought to myself. “Serana?” Blueblood asked with a concerned expression on his face. "I need to bring this to the attention of the E.E.A and establish a new safety measure for the schools.” I said confidently. “That’s what will happen tomorrow, but for now I need to relax after a hard day at work, and my handsome prince is the only one who can help me.” I said pretending to faint. Blueblood chuckled as he now held me in his arms. “Just think a week from now, we’ll be husband and wife.” He said before kissing my forehead. “Ah this is the life.” I sighed wistfully as Blueblood carried me to our bedroom for the night.

(The Next Morning, E.E.A Council Chamber, Serana P.O.V)

After the rest of the E.E.A members came into the chamber and took their seats. “Fellow administrators, yesterday evening I received a letter from Twilight Sparkle. The contents of this letter are very shocking and disturbing.” I announced making the other administrators murmur amongst themselves. “So, my solution is to implement a new safety procedure to protect the staff and students of our schools. I call it the armed intruder drill.” I said earning many nods of agreement. “Chancellor, how does this drill work exactly?” A unicorn mare asked. “The procedure is as follows: the principal, or head of the school makes the following announcement: Attention students and staff, this is an armed intruder drill. Please turn off the lights, close/ lock the windows, lower the blinds, lock your classroom doors, and hide quietly out of sight.” I replied.

“I think this kind of procedure is very useful, but why huddle into a corner out of sight of the window in the door? Oh, nevermind.” One pegasus stallion said in realization. “I call for a vote on approving this drill to be a standard safety procedure.” I said. “All in favor raise your hands and say ‘aye’.” I instructed, seconds later the whole room raised their hands and chorused ‘aye’. “Very well, motion carried. Starting today, I will be visiting Twilight’s school for the first test of this new drill. I will record the results and we will review them when I return.” I said standing from my seat. “Meeting adjourned!” I announced as I descended from my podium.

(Twilight’s School, 3rd P.O.V)

It was quite an interesting sight for Serana to see the students of Twilight’s school enjoying themselves during their classes. As she made her way towards Twilight’s office, many of the students worried that she was going to be like Neighsay and close the school. Upon arriving to Twilight’s office, Twilight got up from her chair and came to hug Serana. “It’s so good to see you Serana! I just wish it could be under better circumstances.” Twilight said ending her hug with the vampire. “I share the same sentiment.” Serana said with a small smile. “How’s Spike?” Serana asked. “He’s doing fine, his wings have finally grown in, but he’ll have to stay for the next two days to allow his body to acclimate itself with them.” Twilight said as she made way to her desk to retrieve her clipboard, which had a sheet of paper on it for Serana’s evaluation. “Let’s get this over with. I’ll go get the others and brief them on this. Once I return, I’ll make the announcement and we can continue our chat.” Twilight said as she and Greagithir left Serana alone in Twilight’s office.

Twilight’s first stop was Gideon’s class. Seeing the resident American History teacher at work was truly inspiring. Today, he was discussing the Civil War, which was according to many of his country’s historians, was the bloodiest war ever fought on American soil. Right now, Gideon was talking about the infamous Battle of the Crater. “Mr. White, what exactly is undermining?” Olgarth asked raising his hand. “Undermining is a siege tactic used by many ancient, medieval, and post-modern militaries that involved digging tunnels under the walls of a fortification and then burning the supports of the tunnels, causing the ground and the wall above to collapse. When gunpowder was discovered, they would leave barrels of the stuff in the tunnels and then detonate them, causing the collapse in a more explosive way. This method left a crater where the Union dug and destroyed. Hence why the name, Battle of the Crater.” He explained. “So due to the Union soldiers rushing into the crater, they were forced to retreat?” Silver Stream asked. Gideon nodded. “Yes that’s correct. However, the Union did manage seize Petersburg and succeeded.” He explained.

“Excuse me for interrupting this very interesting lesson Gideon, but I have to speak with you and the other teachers in my office.” Twilight said causing the students to turn towards her. “Understood. Class, while I’m off in my meeting, chat with each other. Whether about the topic or your plans for the coming weekend, chat away.” He said, moving from the front of the class to the door. “So, what can I do for you, Twilight?” He asked as they walked towards Rarity’s class. “I’d rather not repeat this, but I assure you it’s of vital importance.” Twilight said as she looked int Rarity’s class and saw the room had many new outfits that looked like they came from the game series Assassin’s Creed at varying stages of completion, and Rarity herself was working on one of the outfits at her own station. “Rarity? Can you come with us for a meeting?” Twilight asked. “Oh! Twilight! Sorry, I didn’t see you there. I’ll be along in a moment.” She said as she got up from her sewing station. Getting Fluttershy to come with them was pretty simple. The moment she saw Twilight in her door meant something important was happening and just followed the group. Rainbow and Pinkie were hanging out near Applejack’s class because Pinkie Sense doesn’t lie. Soon all of the teachers met up just outside of Twilight’s office, where Serana and Starlight were just having a nice chat with Greagithir over some tea (mixed with blood for Serana).

“Ah you’re back.” Serana said putting her tea on the desk. “That we are. I take it you are the new head of the E.E.A.” Gideon commented. “That’s right, Serana Volkihar.” She said getting up from her seat and shook Gideon’s hand. “Hmm, nice eyes. I saw someone with similar eyes yesterday. She was ornery, but a nice person overall.” Gideon added. Serana chuckled. “So I take it that you’ve met Babette.” She said. “Anyway, we have important business. As you guys are aware, there have been armed assassins seeking the lot of you out. In light of this issue, I have come up with a safety procedure: the Armed Intruder drill.” the vampiric chancellor explained. “Ah, I recall something like this being implemented in schools in my homeworld...does it involve hiding from the intruder with locked doors and letting the authorities do their job without us, staff and students, from interfering?” Gideon asked. “Yes. Exactly that. So the concept is simple: Lock the door, turn out the lights, gather the students out of sight, and keep quiet until an all clear is made. Today this school will be the guinea pig for this procedure.” Serana said. “You guys can head back to your classes, I’ll be making the announcement soon.” Twilight said getting nods of agreement from the others. Shortly afterward, the drill began. The school was completely silent for five minutes, and soon all of the students gathered in the foyer to hear what Chancellor Volkihar had to say. “Congratulations everyone, you’ve passed the first ever Armed Intruder drill. I know this was probably strange for you, but this was implemented for the safety of your teachers and yourselves.” She said. “Have a nice rest of your day.” She said as she left the school through a blue portal.

(One Week later…)

Rarity finally had all of the Brotherhood’s new uniforms ready and Nazir was waiting for Rarity just outside the school. “There you are. I assume that all of those boxes contain our new uniforms?” The Redguard asked. “Indeed. I had my students help me out and I must say they all did a great job.” The fashionista said. Little did they know that Spike was hovering above them and listening in on the conversation. “I see that. I like that mine doesn’t have a hood. Also, if you ever need a secure place for you and your dragon to stay safe, you know where to look. Here’s something for your efforts.” Nazir said as he handed Rarity a sack of gold. “You didn’t have to pay me darling, I was repaying my debt.” She said trying to return the money. “No, you’re like family to us now, and family sticks together.” He said curling her hands over the money. “I’ve got to go. Stay safe you hear.” He said with a smile as he saw Spike landing behind Rarity. The seamstress nodded in reply. Spike snuck up behind his marefriend and hugged her. “Ah! Spike! Don’t do that!” Rarity squealed. “Sorry Rare, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” He said as he lowered his head. “I’m fine darling. Besides you’ve got your wings now, so now you can swoop in and save me.” Rarity said lovingly. “Yeah, so what happens now? Are they going to find out who did this to us?” He asked. “I’m certain they probably already figured it out and are planning the scoundrel’s demise.” Rarity said. “I feel sorry for the sorry sod. Especially since they’ve pissed off Celestia and Luna.” Spike replied pulling his lover closer and groping her backside. “Ooh! You greedy beast.” Rarity said flirtatiously. “I know I am. Now let’s go home.” He said picking up his lover and flew towards Carousel Boutique.

(Meanwhile in Canterlot)

Celestia and Luna sat on their thrones with frowns on their faces while Talia delivered her findings on who was responsible for the recent assassination attempts. “You’re sure of this?” Celestia asked. “I have no doubts in my mind Your Grace.” Talia said bowing her head. “Sister, this counts as treason to the Crown, Neighsay has to be dealt with quickly.” Luna said. Celestia nodded. “Indeed. Talia, go back to the Sanctuary and plan for Neighsay’s assassination. I’ll see if the Companions will assist Twilight and her friends by protecting them.” Celestia said. Talia bowed to the Solar and Lunar queens before leaving the throne room. Luna yawned and stood up from her throne. “Good night Celestia. I need to get some sleep, it seems my daughter is finally tuckered out.” Luna said as she gently patted her pregnant belly. “See you in the morning my dear sister.” Celestia said as she used her magic to levitate a quill, inkpot, and parchment to begin her letter to the Companions.

Author's Note

Chapter seven is done! Soon the Companions will be entering the struggle. Neighsay will be brought to justice!
On a side note, I'd like for Spike to have name i the Dragon's Tongue. I need your support and creativity to help me come up with a name that matches his personality.
Anyways I'd like to thank everyone for liking, favoriting and commenting on the story and I'll see you guys next time!