Assassin's Creed: The Equestrian Guild

Chapters

The Tomb
The Breakout
The Return
Endless Possibilities
The Newest Mission
The Retreat
The Negotiation
The Start
The Hell

The Tomb

'So this is dying.' Ezio thought, not having enough energy to speak out-loud. He had been in his tomb for days, his limbs were stiff from not moving, his mouth dry, his stomach empty. He knew his time had come, and he could accept that. His eyes were heavy and each blink was longer than the last.

'It's time...' He whispered inwardly. Ezio let his muscles relax and his head hang, his consciousness soon taken for the last time. He had succeeded in his mission: To protect The Apple, it was in a secret cavity in the wall behind him. It would have to suffice long enough for the next assassin to take it, less a Templar gets his filthy hands on it.

But that does not mean The Apple wasn't active. It was not only a sacred weapon to some, or a tool to others; It was also the staple between all Realms of Existence, all Planes of Realities, every universe. It served as a message board in most cases, like it did this time. It picked up a request from some other reality, a savior of sorts, the person to save a dying species.

It knew just the person. It decided to give a final gift to its mighty protector. Instead of it's hero passing into the Afterlife, it planned to give him a second go. A new land to explore and save. A new purpose.

It was going to save Ezio Auditore da Firenza.

The Hive, 200 years later.

"My queen, I know it is not my place, but if I may suggest something, I think it would be best to just retreat as far as possible and try and hold there." The Changeling general, Re'naw, bowed to his queen.

"Your input is not necessary General Re. We are holding fine." Queen Chrysalis sat on her throne lazily. "If we were in as much trouble as you think we are, the Forgotten would have risen from his Tomb already!"

"Queen, the ponies are pulling an ultimatum! You either give yourself up and rot in their dungeons for the rest of your life or the Changelings go extinct!" Re'naw explained desperately. "It's either you, or your people. You know not a single Changeling would want you to go, but it's for the entire race's survival..."

"You know I hate it when you're right." Chrysalis sighed deeply. "I honestly hoped the legends of the Forgotten one were true. That he would save us in our time of need. Re, while I'm gone, run our Hive right. Make sure the Changelings live to see their hatchlings." Chrysalis looked once more at the General.

"I'll put together a carriage for transport, My Queen. Just remember that you did the right thing." Re'naw left the throne room and left the soon-to-be dethroned Queen Chrysalis to her thoughts. She thought back to the legend of the Forgotten one that the old queen taught her.

He sleeps in a tomb of dust and bones.

Taken by time

Returned by magic

He will come when we need him most.

He is the Forgotten one.

He is the Hero.

He is the Warrior.

He is the Thief.

He is the Assassin.

His tomb? Right under our noses.

So obvious a Newscale could find it.

Yet so hidden, the best could never.

Some will say he is just a legend, but don't listen to them.

You must always believe, young one.

Always remember.

Remember the Forgotten one.

"It's ready, My Queen." Re'naw called through the door. Chrysalis took one last look around her throne before slowly leaving it.

What she didn't notice, however, was the crack in the fireplace.

Underneath the Throne, 20 minutes earlier.

"Wake up, Ezio. You have rested long enough." A voice echoed in the tomb. Ezio's eyes opened slowly, taking time to adjust to the dim light.

"Weh....Where am I?" He jumped at the sound of his own voice, for so long it's sound was full of strain and pain from the years. But it was now...stronger, some could say rejuvenated. "I can't be in Masyaf, this room is...different." He observed his surroundings. It looked as though he had been moved to a Tomb, unless there was one in Masyaf he had no knowledge of, he was no longer in Syria.

"Your thoughts are true, you are no longer in Masyaf, nor Earth. Where you are is under The Hive." The voice echoed again.

"I am afraid I know nothing of this...'Hive'." Ezio tried to find the source of the voice, but it seemed to be omnipresent.

"It is a vast system of villages completely underground, belonging to the dying species known as Changelings. The Changelings are lead by a queen, Queen Chrysalis. The Apple was contacted by someone here on Equis, you were chosen to save the Changelings." The room seemed to brighten a little. "Your years have been tough on you, you were weak from age, The Apple has changed that: made you younger. You will find your equipment at the end of the path." The voice faded and the room darkened a little.

"Merda!(shit!)" He stood wobbly, his legs getting used to being active again. After several tries, he managed to fully stand and walk. He was in nothing put a pair of dirty leggings and a wool shirt. He didn't feel anything he did in Masyaf, he didn't feel stiff, he wasn't hungry or thirsty, he felt normal. He was more limber now than he was before, maybe the voice was telling the truth and The Apple had made him younger. "If only I had a torch..." Ezio quickly walked the path, observing the odd writing on the walls.

He walked for some time in silence, judging whether or not this was real. He pinched himself several times and sure enough, it was real. He spotted thin rays of light pouring in from small slits in a far wall. He spotted a desk near the far wall as well, on the desk was every piece of his equipment. His walk became a sprint as he hurried for his armor.

With his Master Assassin's Armor, Ishak's Turkish Kijil, Mehmet's dagger, and the rest of his weapons secure he went to the wall-slits.

"I'll put together a carriage for transport, My Queen. Just remember that you did the right thing." A voice on the other side said, it seemed to be sad. What puzzled Ezio was the buzz in it's voice. He heard a feminine sigh follow the click of a shutting door. He searched for a handle or button but couldn't find one.

"The windows of a new world are fragile, you must be careful not to crack them." The voice had a hint of suggestiveness in it's tone.

'Does it want me to take down the wall?' Ezio scanned his surroundings. 'Bone, bone, cloth, hammer, bone...Martello!(Hammer!)' He picked up the heavy hammer and swung at the wall several times. Solid, solid, solid, and finally a section gave, revealing a lever high on the wall. Ezio took a step back before running forwards and up the wall. He found a hand-hold and tried to reach for the lever. He barely had time to catch the lever with his hook-blade before his hand-hold gave and he was left hanging by the hook.

The lever took several seconds before giving to Ezio's weight and slowly descending. He heard clicking and the slits moved.

"It's ready, My Queen." The same, buzzing voice said sadly. The wall seemed to stop moving until everything was completely quiet. The door clicked closed again before a small panel opened near his feet. He fit his fingers through the opening and pulled it up, giving him enough room to crouch into the new room.

It was much brighter than the previous room, and cleaner. He saw no one in the room with him. "I should be careful, I have no information on these 'Changelings', if they are hostile or not." Ezio said to himself. He quickly moved to the door, his armor cancelling out any noise he could have made. When he opened the door he was met by great confusion.

The room, which was probably a throne room, was dark and Gothic-Styled, while this one reminded him of Venetian but...frillier. He heard several gasps and plates clatter to the floor and turned.

What he saw was...unexpected to say the least. Ezio hid his astonishment at the natives with an emotionless stare. What he saw was not human, nor The Ones Who Came Before, but...ponies. Talking, shaking, magical ponies. One was holding a tray in a green aura that matched her horn while the other whispered quietly. He was being glared at by a pair of larger ponies on thrones. "Non capisco cosa sta succedendo.(I do not understand what is going on.)" Ezio said worriedly. He blinked and found himself being stared at by...insects. Ponies? Insect-Ponies?

"I didn't think he was real..." One of the insect-ponies' eyes got large.

"I told you the stories were true!" Another laughed before dancing in place.

"I am sorry, but what stories? What is this place?" Ezio stared blankly at the insect-ponies.

"This is The Hive!" The excited one answered. "The stories say that The Forgotten One will rise from his Tomb and save us Changelings when we need him most! You fit the description perfectly!"

Ezio raised an eyebrow.

"Please! Let us take you on a small tour of the Palace!" The insect-pony -Changeling- beamed. After a very small tour, the Changelings lead Ezio to a balcony. The Changelings seemed sad, very sad. Ezio even spotted some sobbing.

Royal-Guard Carriage

Queen Chrysalis felt a tear roll down her cheek as she observed the gathering of her subjects behind herself. Then, if by miracle, she spotted the body of a legend. Her jaw dropped and quickly changed to a beaming smile when she saw the Assassin on a high balcony.

"What's got you so happy, Prisoner? Glad that you'll be rotting in the dungeon for the rest of your life?" A Royal-Guard glared.

"Let's just say I won't be there for long." Chrysalis laughed.

"Quiet, Prisoner." The Guard demanded.

Balcony

"What is the carriage carrying?" Ezio turned to the cheese-legged insect.

"Our Queen. We tried to take Love from the Ponies, but failed. Now they plan to make us extinct. But that's where you come in!" The Changeling explained.

"What do you mean 'take Love from the ponies'? And what am I coming in to?" Ezio then asked.

"Changelings can feed on Love as well as normal digestible foods. Well, not feed on the feeling, feed on the magic it creates. And we need your help to save our people, without you we don't stand a chance against the massive army of Ponies. Will you help us, Assassin?"

Ezio looked out onto the crowd while thinking, he noticed the starved looking creatures, the sick, the crying, the dying, and it made him angry. "What will I have to do?" Ezio asked, leaning on the balcony.

"That is up to the Queen to decide, so you should probably go get her." The Changeling pointed at the carriage.

"It should be easy enough, they are taking they're time." Ezio climbed onto the balcony before watching the carriage magically poof away. "Or....not. Where did they go?" Ezio asked, swallowing hard.

"The went to Equestria, Canterlot specifically." The Changeling answered simply.

"How...how did they disappear?" Ezio took a shaky breath. The Changeling looked confused momentarily before a look of realization flooded his features.

"I almost forgot the you don't know about magic. My bad." The Changeling laughed awkwardly. "My name is Fel'ed by the way."

"Ezio." Ezio went for a hand-shake but the gesture seemed to confuse Fel'ed.

"Psst. Close your paw and bump his hoof." The other Changeling, who was really quiet, whispered. Ezio did just that. "And my name is Utear." The quiet one did the same bump with Ezio.

"How do you expect me to get your queen?" Ezio asked. Fel'ed got an idea.

"Utear and I could take you there!" He beamed. Utear seemed shaken by the suggestion.

"I do not have much of an option. When do we start towards 'Canterlot'?" Ezio turned towards the dispersing, sad crowd.

"We'll go tonight, I can talk Re'naw to lend us a carriage. Until then, you should go explore, talk to some Changelings. Utear will show you around Yuépon, the royal city." Fel'ed turned and trotted into the building. Utear turned slowly to the intimidating Assassin. Unlike most Changeling soldiers, who had their heads tarred to cover their hole-filled manes, Utear kept his mane long.

Mainly so he could hide behind it.

"Uh...hi?" He smiled sheepishly at Ezio. Ezio raised an eyebrow at the odd Changeling before laughing slightly.

"There is no need to fear me...unless you cross me." Ezio laughed at Utear's startled reaction.

"Oh, um, do you want the tour? 'Cause if you don't that's fine, it's up to you." Utear asked behind his buggy mane.

"I will be fine on my own, but thank you for the offer Utear."

Utear lead Ezio to the front door and waved him off. His smile being filled with bewilderment at the Wingless-Assassin's extreme agility and dexterity allowing him to easily climb buildings and roof-run.

"He will do well, but I will do better if you'd let me." Utear turned to the source of the angry voice.

"Niem." Utear said sourly. Niem was a disgrace of a Changeling, the only reason he wasn't in prison was because he's Family of Queen Chrysalis. Spoiled brat is what he was.

"There is no need for hostilities, peon. I just wanted to comment on your 'hero'. You really think an old creature like that will save us? I'd do a much better job, because I'm younger, sexier, and better." Niem flipped his girlish mane.

"He'll show your traitorous ass up any day of the week." Utear spit venomously.

"There is no evidence your accusations, so I'd shut your little mouth before I do it for you." Niem stepped towards Utear, raising a hole-filled leg to strike.

"Try." Utear smiled smugly. "Try, and you'll regret it."

"Fine then." Niem raised his cheese-leg and brought it down fast, only to freeze in fear when he watched a small knife be thrown perfectly through on of the holes in his hoof and stick to the far wall, causing a flower to split in half. "That shot should be impossible..." He muttered.

"Now run along before he decides to not aim for the hole in your hoof, but the hole in your plot." Utear laughed at Niem's fear. Utear turned his head and spotted the assassin on a roof, the assassin nodded to Utear and he nodded back.

'This will work juuuust fine.' Utear thought as he slowly walked into the palace.

The Breakout

Ezio had fully explored the small city quite quickly, just in time for him to spot Fel'ed speaking to another, gruff-looking Changeling. Ezio jumped from the building and landed with a clean roll up to the two Changelings.

"Ah, Ezio! This is General Re." Fel'ed smiled warmly. Ezio did the hoof-bump-thing with the Changeling General.

"So you are the one that will save our Queen?" General Re asked the Assassin.

"I will try my best." Ezio answered simply. The General seemed skeptical.

"I need more than your best." He replied.

"What happens is out of my control, I can only do my best and try to get the best results I can." Ezio said sternly. The General could accept that explanation. "Now, General, what am I to do? I have no knowledge of this land, I will need an escort."

"And you will have one. Fel'ed was at Canterlot during last year's failed harvest. He knows the layout of the city greater than any Changeling in Yuépon, maybe even the entire Hive." The General turned to Fel'ed, who was beaming with glee from the compliment.

"YEP! I know the sewer, cloud, street, gutter, secret, super secret, magical, and super secret magical paths better the the back of my own hoof!" Fel'ed started dancing in place.

"You uh...you aren't normal." General Re stared in confusion at the dancing Changeling. Ezio laughed inwardly.

"I was normal once, i didn't like it!" Fel'ed continued to dance.

"When do we go?" Ezio asked the confused General.

"Whenever you're ready we have a military carriage prepared for the journey. Take your time." General Re bowed. "If you excuse me, I must go set up the new 'government' Queen Chrysalis said we should work on."

"I have nothing to prevent us from going now, do you Fel'ed? Any family you want to say goodbye to?" Ezio asked. He noticed a change in Fel'ed, he stopped dancing and his tail started twitching.

"N-no, they...know I'm going already, yeah. I've told them already." Fel'ed said weakly. Ezio raised an eyebrow at his sudden change.

'It seems the topic of family stings him. I could sympathize with him, or just leave it.' Ezio thought as they climbed into the carriage. The carriage left the city in silence and traveled the road quickly; The only light from holes in the high ceiling. They rode for hours before Ezio spoke up.

"Fel'ed, about your family. What happened to them?" Ezio asked the bored Changeling.

"It's that obvious huh?" Fel'ed sighed. "It was the harvest, when the ponies used that...'love blast' is what you could call it...it...it killed my parents. Reduced them, along with hundreds of Changelings, to ash." Fel'ed's voice was laced with pain.

"My condolences, I'm sure-" Ezio was cut off by Fe'ed's sudden outburst.

"Do you know what it's like! Your family taken from you by a higher power, and you can do nothing about it?!" Fel'ed shouted.

"I do. My father and brothers were hung from the gallows in front of my eyes, so yes, I know it very well." If looks could kill Fel'ed would be dust.

"Oh...I had no idea. The stories never told of that." Fel'ed apologized.

"There is no need to apologize, you are hurting and frustrated. I went through a time where I wanted nothing but to make those cazzo ventose(cock suckers) pay. And I did, oh how I did." Ezio smiled slightly. Even though it was mostly business, he knew he enjoyed eliminating the Borgia feccia(scum).

"I don't want to get revenge, I just hurt. I will fight for my people if I must, but I won't enjoy it." Fel'ed sighed again. "I don't like being sad! Let's be happy again!"

'Ehi ragazzo...(Oh boy...)' Ezio smiled slightly.

2 months later. Equestrian border

Ezio new very well how mentally tearing long journeys could be, he traveled roughly twenty-five hundred kilometers alone (1500 miles). So to keep himself and Fel'ed sane, he spent almost every waking hour teaching him the Italian language.

"Il bordo è in arrivo presto, dovremmo togliere messaggio del pony? O semplicemente cercare di sgattaiolare da (The border is coming up soon, should we take out the pony's post? Or just try and sneak by)?" Fel'ed asked in his new language.

"Sarebbe meglio per ottenere inosservato, meno ci attirare più attenzione di quanto abbiamo bisogno (It would be best to get by unnoticed, less we draw more attention than we need)." Ezio watched as the words formed in Fel'ed's head.

"It would be best to get by unnoticed, less we draw more ducks than we need?" Fel'ed looked genuinely looked baffled.

"Less we draw more attention than we need." Ezio corrected. Fel'ed nodded.

"Any idea on how we get by?"

"I will try and create a distraction while you all go ahead, and I'll meet up with you later." Ezio pulled out a bag of colored powder. "Take this, make a fire somewhere far down the road and throw a little bit into the flame every couple of minutes." Fel'ed took the bag and strapped it to his armored scales. The carriage dropped Ezio off and slowly made its way off road.

Ezio walked for some time before going above-ground and spotting the border office. The office was lined with guards, there must of been hundreds. He approached the heavy-steel gate and waited while the nearest battalion strolled up to the same gate.

"Didn't you hear? Borders are closed to prevent Changelings from going after their queen. Screw off." The leader demanded. Ezio stood their, his silence unnerved the ponies.

"He said screw off!" A neighboring pony shouted. Finally, after much thinking, Ezio spoke. Fel'ed had told Ezio of the three, well four, types of ponies: Unicorns, Earth Ponies, and Pegasi. This battalion, along with the rest of the border office guards, were earth ponies.

"Are you a betting pony, sir?" Ezio asked in a cold tone, making a small group in the battalion visibly shake.

"Yeah, I am. What of it?" The leader stood his ground.

"I'll bet you my right to pass this gate if I beat every willing pony here to submission. No weapons." Ezio said sternly.

"Ha! One...thing against all of my stallions! You are absurd. But this will be fun. I accept." The leader stripped his armor, as did the rough two-hundred willing ponies. Ezio stripped his weapons and armor, leaving him in just a thin shirt and pants.

"Cherry Picker, you're first." The leader picked the first fighter. Cherry threw a single punch before being grabbed, flipped to his back, and throat-punched.

Ezio:1

Ponies:0

Hour and a half later.

No one noticed the carriage pass by, they were too focused on fighting the unstoppable creature that had challenged them. Ezio was up to twenty at a time and barely had a scratch on him. He flipped and threw a pony at two others and knocked them out cold. He was grabbed by the waist from behind by an unseen pony and was held still. He went limp and let the stallion's legs slip up his body before hooking his arms beneath the pony's waist and throwing him off; following with and elbow to the throat.

Ezio: 199

Ponies: .0000000000003

The leader stood among the bodies of moaning and groaning broken guards. "Whadda'ya say we make this one to the death?" He smirked.

"It would quite the final." Ezio picked up Mehmet's Dagger and the pony squad leader picked up his sword.

"You're making this unfair, use your sword, I want a challenge."

"This dagger will suffice." Ezio said, stone-faced. This was rather unnerving, hearing such confidence in a small knife from a creature who took down nearly two-hundred expertly trained royal guards wit his bare paws. "You do not have to die, just let me pass and I will go. This is a warning."

"I'll be fine. You know, it's a shame a cool creature like you has to die. We could have been friends." The pony smiled warmly. Ezio took a step forwards and the guard drew his fancy sword. The guard charged at Ezio, but was easily countered by the master assassin and fell limp with Mehmet's Dagger planted firmly in his skull. Ezio retrieved his dagger and closed the ponies eyes in respect.

With his equipment on once more he made his way down the road. Half an hour later he spotted a smoke plum with the occasional green puff rising against the orange sunset.

"Direi che è andata bene. Ci riposeremo qui per la notte (I would say that went well. We will rest here for the night)." Ezio sat near the fire, taking the powder-sack from Fel'ed and put it away.

"Quanti (How many)?" Fel'ed asked the tired assassin.

"Roughly two-hundred." Ezio answered, resting his eyes.

"Dead?"

"One. The leader. A noble man he was, I hope he finds peace. Riposa in pace (Rest in peace)." Ezio yawned.

"I think I'm going to go to bed now." Fel'ed seemed aggravated.

"What is his problem?" Ezio asked a carriage puller.

"He doesn't like the sight of ash, not one bit. He is never violent, but I've seen him gut a Changeling, gut, for throwing ash at him. Prison for ten years." The Changeling answered.

"What is wrong with ash? Is it the the thing with his parents?" Ezio then asked.

"No, that happened last year. Ten years ago his sister, a beautiful, beautiful female, was tortured and then spit-roasted to ash. The bastards made him watch and made him inhale his own sister. Never been the same. On the outside he's nice, cheery, caring, even generous. But on the inside...no one knows. I fear the thoughts that may be in his head." The Changeling explained fearfully, checking over his shoulder occasionally. The Changeling leaned in close. "There is a pony in Canterlot, Fel'ed burned his wings to the nub and broke every leg before practically melting the poor pony's skin. The poor bastard is still alive. Fel'ed made sure to make him live through the pain."

Ezio was stunned, he had no idea Fel'ed, the cheery person he is, would be so gruesome. So intense so...effective.

"He is specifically wanted all over Equestria, if he's spotted and arrested he'll face life in prison with torture." The Changeling shuddered.

"I think that is enough information. Thank you." Ezio thanked the Changeling and ate his share of the rations before heading to bed.

In the morning Ezio helped pack up camp. They would have to stay off-road seeing how often ponies would travel the road.

"Ah, good morning Fel'ed, did you sleep well?" Ezio asked the grinning Changeling.

"Yep! We should probably leave soon, I'm sure the ponies will be here to investigate the smoke soon." Fel'ed started.

"Where do we head now?" Ezio then asked.

"North for a couple miles, Canterlot isn't very far from the border." Fel'ed pulled out a map and a piece of charcoal. "We're here," scribble "and Canterlot is here." scribble. "If we take this path," Fel'ed marked an arrow going onto the opposite side of the mountain. "we can go unnoticed if we do it right. Which would mean scaling the mountain and descending onto the top of the castle. It will be just you and me. The rest of you Changelings will stay with the carriage."

Just then, a thought hit Ezio. "Why exactly am I helping you? When I was fighting the ponies the leader explained to me their side: That the Changelings invaded Equestria and interrupted a royal wedding, only to be stopped by 'the power of love'," Ezio visibly gagged, "why should I keep helping you?"

"We only had to invade because of the ponies!" Fel'ed shouted defensively.

"How so?" Ezio said, staring down the Changeling.

"Hundreds of years ago, the elders made a deal with Celestia, that she'd up the level of sunlight that the Changelings get since we get sunlight through the holes in the ceiling. She agreed but eventually stopped caring, and as a result our crops stopped growing well, causing the wildlife to starve and grow scarce; and that made the Changelings have to invade so we could collect love so we wouldn't starve to death!" Fel'ed explained angrily. "So that is why our invasion was their fault, and none of the ponies even realize it!"

"Fine. I will continue to help you, but if it turns out you're lying and the ponies are innocent you will regret it." Ezio pointed an accusing finger.

"You can trust me, you know I'm a terrible liar." Fel'ed picked up a vial and had some other Changelings coat his wings in the contents.

"What is that liquid?" Ezio asked the shivering Changeling.

"It's and enhancer. Changelings can't fly very high normally so a, now very wealthy, Changeling created this form of salve to strengthen and enhance a Changeling's flying capabilities. It lasts for days before wearing off." Fel'ed shook when they were done. "It's also very, very cold."

"I have never heard of any tonic that enhances abilities." Ezio watched as Fel'ed's wings thickened and grew slightly.

"It wouldn't be much use to you, seeing how you don't have wings." Fel'ed laughed. "You ready to go?"

"I am ready, yes." Ezio climbed into the carriage after Fel'ed.

Some time passed before nearing the looming mountain. Ezio and Fel'ed exited the carriage before it went slowly into the deeper part of the near forest. "Do you want me to try and carry you up the mountain?" Fel'ed offered. Ezio got a humorous idea and put Fel'ed on his back like you would a back-pack. Fel'ed shared in the laugh before quickly gaining altitude.

Soon, they were half way up the mountain and could here hooves striking cobblestone coming from the other side of the mountain.

"Ezio...I don't think I can do this for much longer." Fel'ed heaved.

"No problem." Ezio quickly pried Fel'ed off his back and dropped, causing Fel'ed to startle. Ezio extended his hook-blade and caught himself on a ledge. He got an easy grip and pulled himself up on the ledge, it had enough room to stand. He could hear tapping in the wall. 'What could that be?' He mentally asked himself. He flagged over Fel'ed and had him listen to it. The tapping turned into hissing and then speaking.

"...They'll be here soon, I know it. Just you ponies wait! The Assassin will be here and you will regret it!" A female voice laughed before a smacking sound quieted her.

"There is no 'Assassin', don't you understand?" A more regal, but still female, voice responded.

"That's Queen Chrysalis in there! And Celestia, I think!" Fel'ed said worriedly. "How do we get in? Do you have any kind of explosives or acid?"

Ezio nodded before pulling out a Thunder Bomb. "How thick do you think the wall is?" Ezio asked the worried Fel'ed.

"Maybe...two feet?" He answered, tapping on the rock. Ezio pulled out a second Thunder Bomb, dropped them in a sticky pouch, and stuck them to the wall before lighting the duel-fuse.

Canterlot Dungeon, ten minutes earlier.

Queen Chrysalis, bruised and cut, sat in a cell with Celestia who was heavily guarded.

"Answer me, Chrysalis. Why did you invade, it wasn't just for food." Celestia repeated.

"I've told you, our invasion was your fault, Celestia! It was sit there and starve to death, or invade and feed! You forgot about our deal and we had to!" Chrysalis stomped. Celestia just wasn't getting it.

"I have no idea what you are talking about! What deal?! I have made no deal with you!" Celestia shouted back.

"It doesn't matter, they'll be here soon, I know it. Just you ponies wait! The Assassin will be here and you will regret it!" Chrysalis laughed, evoking a slap from Celestia.

"There is no 'Assassin', don't you understand?" Celestia replied angrily. All heads turned to the cell's wall, where a tapping was coming from.

"They're heeerreee~!" Chrysalis smiled with glee, some greenish blood trickling from her nose.

"Princess, move, now!" A large guard pushed Celestia out of the way before the wall exploded, sending a large splinter of stone into the guard that stood where Celestia had. A shiny rock followed, catching the guards' attention as well as Celestia's. It exploded and quickly flooded the room with smoke.

"Don't let her escape!" Celestia screamed. She noticed a pale blue light around herself, she scanned her surroundings and found the source, a guard. What she then noticed was all the guards were coughing, vomiting, and falling to the ground. This guard was just making sure she lived. Observing the bodies, she took a shaky breath. Her ears rang.

"Get her out of here!" An unknown voice shouted. Celestia saw the silhouette of a tall creature pick up the Changeling queen and run out of the room.The smoke faded and Celestia fell unconscious to the ground in shock.

Everfree forest

"My Queen, wake up! Wake up!" Fel'ed shook the unconscious queen.

"Give her this." Ezio handed Fel'ed a small vial. Fel'ed took the top off and poured the powder down the queen's throat. She coughed and shot up. She spotted Ezio.

"I knew it I knew it I knew it!" She cheered.

"Now is not the time for cheering, we must leave now. I can hear the ponies getting closer." Ezio climbed into the carriage after Fel'ed and Chrysalis.

The Hive

"Do it." A figure said, hidden in shadow. A Changeling hit a switch, causing a massive explosion over the hill. "Yes, these will be very. very useful. Make a thousand and send them with the spy to Canterlot. We've been oppressed long enough."

The Return

Another two months passed quickly as they made their way back to The Hive. Chrysalis never had a dull moment, getting to speak to her idol.

"Ezio, posso vedere il palazzo reale all'orizzonte. Abbiamo una ventina di minuti (Ezio, I can see the royal palace on the horizon. We have about twenty minutes)." Fel'ed beamed, it was obvious he was happy to be home.

"Not quite so, look over there." Ezio was pointing to a rising plume of smoke.

"Stop the cart, stop the cart!" Ezio demanded, the cart rolled to a stop and Ezio exited the cart. Upon opening the door, which was surprisingly sound-proof, he heard screams.

"We are twenty minutes from the capital, where are your guards!" Ezio shouted at Chrysalis.

"The ponies have never attacked from this direction; the entire military have been guarding the east entrance of The Hive!" Chrysalis flew into the sky. Ezio drew his sword and sprinted towards the little village.

Tager village, thirty minutes earlier.

"Do it." The figure said coldly, a trigger was squeezed and seconds later a massive explosion blinded them, they could smell the smoke, it deafened them. Screams soon filled the skies.

"Move in, while they're confused." He watched as a group of ponies charged into the village and started laying waste to the surviving Changelings. He tapped a-

"Sir! Scouts have spotted Chrysalis' carriage just down the road, should we retreat?" An armored Changeling asked.

"What harm could she do, she is weak. What threat does she pose?" The figure laughed.

"She has the Assassin with her, the one from the legends." The Changeling took to a fearful tone. "We're so screwed!"

"Relax; I'm sure our forces could handle this 'Assassin' easily. Just watch. Soon we will be on top, all of us."

Silent, the figure waited for Chrysalis' carriage to roll closer, he had a Changeling go plant an explosive on their path, the moment they are in range...

Boom

A wicked smile started to creep along his-

"What?! No!" He slammed the table. He watched the cart stop. Chrysalis and what looked to be a refined, armored Diamond Dog stepped out. The Dog shouted at Chrysalis before drawing a sword and sprinting towards Tager.

"Oh well, they will just die there."

Tager

Ezio ran over the hill and spotted Changelings being slaughtered, slaughtered by ponies. He threw a pair of knives into a pair of ponies, they dropped like rocks. He burst through a small crowd of ponies wailing on a changeling family and put a knife into each before they had the chance to stand. He was knocked to the side and pounded on by another group, countering, he smashed his fist into a pony's nose before sending the blade straight through his neck.

"Prendi l'inferno fuori di qui (Get the hell out of here)!" Ezio shouted. He lobbed a Splinter bomb into a charging group of ponies and watched them fly in different directions when it blew.

Several minutes passed and Ezio had cleared out the town. And he could have sworn he heard a frustrated 'Come on!' in the distance. Chrysalis and Fel'ed had been watching from the hill, starstruck.

"Who could have done this?" Ezio asked no one in particular.

"My guess...the dead ponies, and a couple Changelings." Fel'ed kicked a gored body.

"What makes you think Changelings did this?" Ezio turned to Fel'ed, who stomped on the pony's nose. The body erupted in a green fire before turning into a jet-black, hole-filled insect-pony.

"You never told me Changelings could do that." Ezio said honestly. Fel'ed and Chrysalis did a collective face-hoof.

"I didn't? I could have sworn I did..." Fel'ed sat hard on his rump and started to think back.

"There is no time for that. We have cleared this town, but what of the rest of The Hive? Who knows what is happening. I've been gone four months, there could be a new queen, or king, or president for that matter!" Chrysalis paced.

"Whatever it is, it isn't doing a very good job." Ezio commented.

"None of the ponies or changelings are military." Fel'ed looked back on the pile of bodies. "Which means that something else wants...I don't know, money? Power? Women? of course, changeling women are easy and loyal, but ponies require more effort. And I don't know if they'd go for Diamond Dogs, but they're a pretty good lay, obedient. Maybe that comes with being an evolved form of canine. Griffons on the other hand..." Fel'ed chuckled while Chrysalis and Ezio stared blankly.

"Mindblowi-"

"OKAY FEL'ED I THINK WE GET IT!" Chrysalis shouted at the star-eyed Fel'ed. Ezio stood confused.

"Sorry Queen." Fel'ed stared at the ground in shame.

"Anyways, there's no time to think about Griffon sex! We have to get to the palace!"

"Yeah...let's do that." Chrysalis facehoofed. The group made their way back to the carriage, Ezio stopped Chrysalis before they stepped into the carriage.

"What is a Diamond Dog?"

Meanwhile, on the other side of Tager.

"If you're going to help you need to get a better act! Stop being so one-dimensional!" The figure shouted at a changeling.

"Sorry Xaran, it's not easy." The changeling responded.

"I told you not to use my name! Someone may be listening!" The figure- Xaran -smacked a claw across the changeling's face.

"Sorry..." The changeling rubbed a hole-filled hoof across the quickly forming bruise. "Well, what would you have me do?"

"I don't know, I'm not there! Just...gather information, it’s all you're good for you damned insect." Xaran cursed silently. "Get out of my sight." And with that, the changeling left.

Carriage

"We need to hurry to the palace and see what the situation is." Chrysalis tapped a cheese-leg in her seat.

"If this is happening all over, then the capital will be in panic. We will keep an eye out for trouble." Ezio said sternly, blank expression.

"Let’s hope it isn't..." Chrysalis turned her gaze to the window, staring to space.

"I just hope not..."

Endless Possibilities

Not a word

Not a word was said, the sheer absurdity of the earlier statement had caused a silence of all present.

"A cursed stretch of sea?" The slow, tired, and weak drawl that was Achilles' voice asked, followed by a sharp, quick laugh.

"'Tis true, ay heard it from me mate down at da pub, and 'e neva' lies. Dis' 'bemuda triangle' load 'as us all in the shakes! We gotta make a trade run down 'der, we don't wanna get sucked away!" The salty sailor said seriously. He had sought out Achilles in his manor in great worry, just hoping that the man may just have a way to help the crew.

"Ah, the Bermuda Triangle. I have heard some stories about missing ships, some say it's magic, some say monsters, demons, some even believe Satan himself drags you down to the bowels of Hell. I myself don't believe that drab. But, I suppose I could get Connor to look at it, he should be heading down that way anyways in a few days. Just wait in Boston 'till we can get the news to you." Achilles explained slowly, as per usual.

"Thank you sir, thank you!" The sailor cheered. He soon left the manor, leaving Achilles to his writings, plans, and letters. Achilles, after finding a new quill, started his letter to Connor as soon as he heard the manor's door click shut.

Connor,

Along with your current assignment, to eliminate any British ships near the south-east coast, I would like you to look for and report any strange activity in a span of sea know as the Bermuda Triangle. Ask Faulkner more about the Triangle, I am sure he knows more than I.

-Achilles.

Achilles put on his walking shoes and soon, slowly, made his way towards the harbor.

Harbor, 10 minutes later

Achilles bit his bottom lip, grimacing at the bitter cold. He was quite the fool not taking his coat.

"Mister Faulkner! Mister Faulkner!" He shouted, hoping to grab the co-captain's attention. He must have been successful, seeing how said co-captain was now leaving his hut.

"Ah, Mister Faulkner, when you next see him, give this letter the Connor will you? It is very important." Achilles handed the dreary man the sealed letter and gave a quick nod before starting back to his warm, comfy manor.

"Er, okay then? I'll give it to him when I get the chance." Faulkner nodded to himself before pocketing the letter and trading the cold, quiet outside for the warm, cacophony filled hut filled to brim with his drinking buddies.

Several hours later

Faulkner and Connor, after Faulkner had given Connor Achilles' letter, had set out on the water.

"What is this 'Bermuda Triangle', Mister Faulkner?" Connor asked the bored looking man.

"An old sea-man's tale, a large, expansive stretch of water said to be 'cursed', a lot'a ships gone missing in it. That's all that really matters about it." Faulkner yawned as he watched the sun peek over the horizon.

"Achilles would like us to take a look and see if it is really all everyone says it is." Connor admitted.

"Damn that man, what if it is cursed? What if it takes us and spits us into...I don't know, Hell? What then?" Faulkner asked, obviously aggravated.

"You think I know? I have only just heard about the place." Connor stated, bored.

"I just don't understand why he'd ask us to do something so potentially dangerous...I-" Faulkner was cut off by a cannon-shot, the alarm bell having the hell rang out of it, and roars from the crew.

"MAN-O-WAR!!!" The crew-man in the raven's nest shouted.

"To your stations! I need full sails!" Connor demanded, making a hard turn to port to avoid the next volley of cannon-fire. He turned his head starboard and gave an order for cannons,

"Wait for it...wait for it..." The Man-O-War crossed into the perfect spot.

"FIRE THE HEAT SHOTS!" Connor bellowed. He was rocked by the force of the kick from the cannons simultaneously firing, sending fireballs streaking red through the sky before impacting on the Man-O-War.

"I can see it's powder!" A swivel-men shouted and pointed. Connor squinted and directed the Swivel-Men.

"FIRE!" He demanded, the swivels struck the powder barrels easily, blowing the ship to pieces.

"Not a scratch on us, well done Connor!" Faulkner laughed.

"Why would there be a Man-O-War out here? There is nothing under British control this way...I do not think this will our only encounter on our mission. Let us keep our pace to the Triangle." Connor watched as the doomed ship slowly fell below the sea.

Ponyville

"I don't get it, what does the weather have to do with weird magic?" Rainbow Dash had been flagged down by Twilight to see what the deal with the weather was about.

"If there is excess storm clouds magic is a little more unstable, what is so hard to understand? I am simply asking for you to clear them away for me." Twilight explained for the sixth time.

"Sorry Twi, it's a scheduled storm today, I'd get fired if I cleared the clouds, sorry." Rainbow Dash explained to the purple mare.

"Oh, I didn't know it was scheduled, I'll just move the tests to tomorrow then." Twilight sighed before waving off her friend and going back to her tree house.

"Oooor, I could just to do it inside..." Twilight smirked at herself.

Aquila, two months later

"We should be approaching the Triangle now." Faulkner stated.

"I do not feel this will end well." Connor said grimly.

"Chin up Connor, two months and only minimal fights? I'd say this is the best we've done!" Faulkner laughed.

"Exactly, which is why I feel something big is about to happen." Connor took a deep breath.

"PORT SIDE!" The raven's nest bellowed loudly, Connor spotted a small British ship turning a cliff-corner.

"Our swivels'll get'em." Faulkner sighed.

"BLOODY HELL, THEY'VE BROUGHT AN ARMADA!" The raven's nest then bellowed.

"I need to see this." Connor gave the wheel to Faulkner before running to the makeshift Raven's Nest elevator. He landed gently next to the crewman and took the telescope from him. His eyes went wide at the sight, two Men-O-War, twenty four frigates, and nearly forty other ships as well.

"TO YOUR STATIONS!" He roared before jumping off the raven's nest to the deck below.

"LOOK TO STARBOARD!" The Raven's Nest then shouted, another set of the same number was sailing towards them.

"GIVE ME EVERYTHING!" Connor demanded, unleashing Full-Sail

"LOAD THE GRAPES! READY..." He watched as maybe twenty small boats lined up

"FIRE!" He roared, watching the grapeshots simply decimate the tiny ships, after they were loaded again he repeated the process on port-side.

"LOAD THE HEAT SH-" Connor's command was interrupted by a large volley of cannons coming from the the Men-O-War and the Frigates. Many large storm clouds had gathered above and the smell of smoke was all that filled the air at the time. The alarm bell rang and they all ducked to avoid being swept away by a very large rouge wave. He lined up several Frigates and fired a massive volley of Heat Shots, again, the fireballs streaked red in the sky before abolishing both the ship and the crew, frying them to a crisp.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!!?" The Nest roared in fear, Connor threw his attention to a new ship rounding a cliff, it was twice the size of a MOW, jet black, and was lining up it's sights on the Aquila. Connor, after luckily ramming down a MOW, changed his priorities to avoid the, now know as the, BFS (Big-Fucking-Ship). The BFS's cannon's echoed through the night, sending a massive floury of Round-Shots through the sky, pelting the Aquila and breaking the iron clean off.

"HEAT SHOTS!" Connor demanded, the volley took down two of the MOW and the rest of the Frigates. Connor tried to turn towards another MOW but got stopped by another MOW ramming into the Aquila's port.

"FIRE!" The MOW was no less atomized by the close-range Heat-Shot blast. That left only the BFS floating among the debris of it's own fleet.

"Sir! Our cannons are gone!" Faulkner shouted, stress riddling his voice. Connor, having no other options, turned the boat to ram, like he did in the battle of Chesapeake Bay.

"Again?" Faulkner sighed before being ordered to duck to avoid getting shot by cannons. The ram made contact, splitting the ship's hull and giving the chance for boarding. Connor gave the wheel to Faulkner once more and ran to the bow. He jumped onto the port-side wall of the massive ship and started climbing, he flung a British soldier of the railing with his hidden blade before reaching the bow and climbing onto the ship's deck. He pulled Captain Kidd's Sawtooth from it's sheath and jabbed it into a Regular's chest before shooting another with his double-barrel flintlock.

"Keep'em away!" The captain demanded. Connor caught a rifle's bayonet with his hatchet and flicked it away before lodging said hatchet into the rifle owner's neck. Connor was cutting, hacking, and slashing the crew to pieces trying to get to the captain. The captain picked up a dropped rifle and shot at Connor, lucky for him, the ball lodged itself in Connor's chest, causing his counter to fail and him to get struck multiple times with some Regular's bayonet.

After taking down several more crewmen, Connor reached the captain.

"Please no, let me live, please! PLEASE!" The captain begged sorrily.

"A captain goes down with his ship." Connor drew his flintlock, but the barrel to the captain's head, and pulled the trigger. The captain fell limp and Connor jumped back to the Aquila. The large crack in the hull of the BFS was the thing that brought it down, not the cannons.

"We really need to avoid another fight, we don't have cannons or swivels." Faulkner sighed grimly.

"I still don't feel it is over." Connor looked at the clouds above, hoping he was wrong.

They sailed several more hours before night fell.

"The weather is getting more rough." Faulkner stated, a crack of lightning lighting up the outline of a large, distant, wave.

"We should be in the middle of the Triangle by now, I don't see anything too bad, we should start heading back no-" Connor was stopped by the Aquila almost tipping over to port.

"We've sailed into a whirlpool!" Faulkner shouted, leaning over the railing.

"I can't get out!" Connor shouted desperately, turning hard to starboard.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT LIGHT?!" Faulkner's eyes went wide at the glowing white light emanating from the whirlpool.

"ITS SNAGGED THE MAST GUIDES!" Faulkner watched as the roaring water snapped the guide off like a twig. Connor was pulling against the pull of the water as hard as possible, a groan being forced from the rudder. Connor was thrown over the wheel when it final broke off, causing all the force to get feed back into Connor and sending him flying.

"We are without control!" Connor ran over to Faulkner and shouted. Faulkner sighed deeply.

"Well kid, it's been a great run." Faulkner laughed.

"The whole British armada couldn't take me down, but instead mother nature is doing it for them. It's been a pleasure working with you Captain." Faulkner smiled grimly.

"And with you Mister Faulkner." Connor shook his co-captain's hand before being sucked under water.

Ponyville

"I kinda want a banana float..." Twilight pondered, bored. She focused on the image of a banana float in her mind and tried her best to summon one.

"Focus..." She whispered to herself.

"Can't screw this up-AHH!" She was knocked back the the slamming of her door and shot a purple beam through the roof.

"Hey Twilight, the CMC want to know if I could chaperone their sleepover, that cool?" Spike asked nonchalantly.

"Yeah, that's fine." Twilight answered rubbing a sore spot on her head.

"I hope my spell didn't cause any trouble." Twilight magic'd an ice-bag from the kitchen for her head and sat back down on her couch.

"Twilight! Come quick!" Twilight's ears picked up at the sound of a panicked Rarity. She grabbed her umbrella and ran out the door to her friend. She spotted her friend, jaw hanging, at the pond by her parent's house.

"Rarity? What's wrong?" Twilight asked the alabaster mare. Rarity simply pointed a hoof at the black, blue, and white structure before her.

"B-boat." The mare stuttered. Twilight heard groaning coming from said boat.

"I think I hear hurt ponies." Twilight teleported both herself and Rarity to the deck It was empty of all but two figures. One groaned and tried to get up, but fell back down.

"Oh my gosh, are you all right?" Twilight trotted over to the two figures.

"I've lived through worse, wait, where are you?" One of the creatures leaned up, facing the wrong way.

"Twilight? Rarity? Is that y'all up there?" The southern voice of Applejack called. Rarity looked over the edge, avoiding a burning mass of metal, and spotted the rest of her friends. Twilight zapped them up to her side.

"Sir? I'm right here, turn around." Twilight asked. The creature turned around, and promptly fell on it's back again.

"I think you scared it to death, Twi." Rainbow Dash stated, poking the now passed out creature. It groaned.

"Or not, I guess it's just tired." Rainbow shrugged.

"Should we take them to the hospital?" Fluttershy asked quietly.

"I don't think they'd know how to treat them, could we take them to your house, Fluttershy?" Twilight asked.

"I think I have a spare room, sure." Fluttershy smiled at the chance to help a new creature. Twilight lifted both of the unconscious creatures and zapped the entire group to Fluttershy's.

Fluttershy's Cottage, four hours later.

The sun was just rising when Connor shot up, gasping for air. The other five ponies had gone home, leaving Fluttershy to care for the two.

"Where am I?" He asked himself, eyes adjusting to the vivid colors. He was in just his pants at the time he noticed. He stood shakily and noticed Faulkner in an adjacent bed, still sleeping. He heard the door behind him open and a tray drop. When he turned to see what dropped it he could not believe his eyes.

"A horse?"

The Newest Mission

(From here on out, if there are Italics outside of dialogue, it is a character's thoughts.)

"A horse?" Connor half-whispered, he was baffled by the strong colors that painted said horse, butter yellow with a sweet-pink mane.

"Where is your owner?" He asked the horse as if he would ask a dog. The horse looked over its shoulder, what he assumed could be called a shoulder, he didn't know his horse terminology to the letter, and seemed to be looking for someone else.

"A-are you talking to...me?" A voice asked, Connor looked for the source but found none.

"Where are you? Who is talking?" Connor looked more frantically around the room.

"Down here, I'm talking." Connor turned and was chilled to find that it was the horse, not anybody else, the horse was talking!

"How are you talking? Horses can't talk!" Connor almost shouted, deeply confused. HORSES CAN NOT TALK!

"I'm a pony, and yes, ponies can talk!" The horse, er, pony scooted back after realizing it's volume.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to shout." It apologized meekly.

"It...is fine. But, where exactly am I?" Connor, now accepting the fact that he has gone insane, asked the presumably scared pony.

"Why, you're in Equestria, my home specifically, and, well, my home is in Ponyville, which is a tiny town in Equestria, well, it's not really all that small anymore, seeing how more and more ponies have been moving in and, oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get that talkative. Sorry." The pony apologized again, squeaking a little.

"If you do not mind my asking, what is your name?" Connor asked the quivering pony.

"My name is...flu...flut..hy..." The pony hide behind it's long mane.

"I am sorry, but could you repeat yourself a little louder?" Connor then asked.

"My...name is...Flutter...hy."

"One more time?" Connor leaned in a little.

"My name...is...Fluttershy." The pony, Fluttershy, flinched when Connor leaned back.

"I am Ratonhnhaké:ton, but I am more known as Connor." Connor said plainly, taking a small bow.

"Also, if I may ask, where is the rest of my clothing?"

Aquila

Hours had passed, Connor and Fluttershy had talked for a while waiting for Mister Faulkner to wake up, and then wake up again after Connor introduced Fluttershy, and were now overlooking the damage on the Aquila.

"Connor, I think I've found the main problem." Faulkner called urgently.

"What is it?" Connor took a stand near Faulkner

"SHE'S IN A BLOODY POND, THAT'S WHAT!" Faulkner boomed. Connor took a step back before moving to climb onto the Aquila's deck. he had also learned the there were three major classes of ponies, Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies. Along with a very small percentage of Alicorns, a pony that is both Pegasus and Unicorn that possess great power in both categories. Fluttershy had gone to gather the rest of her friends while Connor and Faulkner did their thing.

Connor, now on the deck, went for the hatch to the underside of the ship, the Hold. The hatch was stuck. He took a nearby jagged piece of wood and jabbed it into the space between hatch and deck and started to pry. His gear was most likely down in the captain's quarters. After wiggling and smashing the piece of wood for several minutes, the hatch became loose enough to be hoisted open.

"Faulkner! FAULKNER!" Connor shouted. He had found where the rest of the crew went. Faulkner climbed up and spotted what Connor found: dead and bloated bodies of his crew. They were all there, lying face down in shallow water, unmoving and not breathing.

They were all dead.

All of them.

"Bloody hell...Help me get them out." Faulkner descended down the hatch and began dragging the bodies out, and Connor soon joined in the effort. Soon, the entire crew laid on the dry, winter grass. Hands crossed over their chests.

"A terrible way to go...just...Why? Why did we survive? Why aren't we laying on the grass with them?" Faulkner balled a fist.

"Maybe it was for a reason, I am not one for superstition but maybe it was luck, or maybe someone has a plan for us." Connor suggested.

"I still don't understand, and I don't think I ever will. But...The Aquila is my ship, and even if she is land-locked, I'm going to try my damnedest to fix her up myself." Faulkner sighed.

"I am going to find my equipment." Connor took another look at the bodies before going back to the Aquila. He found all his weapons, clothes, consumables (ammo and such) in his quarters. He traded his Captain's uniform for his normal, surprisingly dry, New York style Assassin's outfit. (New York Outfit)

"I...I do not know what to do..." The realization struck Connor hard; he was in an unknown land, filled with unknown creatures. Without a mission, without a cause. He didn't have his assassins; his guild was without a leader. He swallowed his worries and climbed back out onto the deck, soon spotting Fluttershy and five other ponies helping Faulkner bury the crew. Connor jumped back down an joined the group in the last-minute funeral.

After it was all sorted out, each crewmen in their own grave, Connor went to introduce himself to the rest of the ponies.

"I am sorry we had to meet under such grim circumstances. My name is Ratonhnhaké:ton, but you may use my english name, Connor." Connor introduced himself, then the grim looking Faulkner.

"Ah'm Applejack." An orange, southern sounding pony said. She reminds me of people from Georgia.

"I am Twilight Sparkle."

"I am Madam Rarity, the finest clothes-maker in Pony-" The white pony was cut off by a blue one with a rainbow mane.

"Can it Rarity, he obviously wants to meet the best Pegasus in all of Equestria, the only one able to perform a Sonic Rainboom! Rainbow Dash! You ever heard'a me?" The blue pony, Rainbow Dash, seemed rather boastful.

"And I'm Pinkie Pie! I'm so so so so so so sorry about your friends, how about I throw you a party to cheer you up? Heck, I'll throw you a party even if you say no!" The pink mare, Pinkie Pie, bounced in place.

"It...is very nice to meet you. I apologize if I seem...uncaring, I am having trouble with the realization that all i know is gone." Connor stated honestly.

"Please, take your time, if all of what Fluttershy has told us is true, than I completely understand any troubles you're having." Twilight nodded.

"I would like to explore the town." Connor turned his attention to the main market, filled with busy and bustling ponies of all classes, colors, and sizes.

"Would you like any of us to show you around?" Twilight offered.

"No, I will be fine on my own." Connor dismissed her offer and started making his way to the town. He reached up and felt that his hair was growing back from when he last cut it.

"Did you hear about the Changelings? They have some kind hitpony, or ninja, whatever and had it lead an assault on Canterlot Dungeon. It freed Chrysalis. And they say it took down over two hundred border-guards and killed the leader to get into Equestria." A random pony said to another, the conversation had piqued Connor's interest and he decided to sit and listen, well, eavesdrop.

"No Cloud Chaser, I haven't heard anything about that. Was there anything else about it?" The other pony asked.

"The only other things I've heard about the...assassin I think the word is, was some details: brown mane, walks on its hind legs, and is very very dangerous." The pony, most likely Cloud Chaser, explained.

"Come on Flitter, let's go get some cupcakes." Cloud Chaser stood and left with her friend, most likely Flitter. Another Assassin?

Ponyville, two hours later.

Connor had thoroughly scanned the town, memorizing the landscape. He figured it was time to go check up on Faulkner and turned back to the pond where the Aquila was locked.

He found it soon, but not without drawing attention, a small group of towns-ponies had followed him to the boat.

"I think that's the thing that attacked Canterlot. Walks on two legs."

"I think it is too, should we...say something?"

"I think we should just jump it, just take it by surprise."

"I...kinda think that would work."

"On the count of three...one...two...three!"

Connor flipped around and caught a pony, throwing him back at his friend. He drew his flintlock and fired once in the air, symbolizing that he had the upper hand, er, hoof, or something.

"I do not understand what is going on, but I do know that I have never been to, or heard of, Canterlot. I wish for you all to go back to your homes before I have to hurt someone." Connor explained calm and slow, hoping that they would believe him and leave.

"I have had a long and hard first day in Equestria, I am surrounded by colorful talking horses, my crew and most of my friends are dead, and I do not want to get in trouble by injuring any of the local...horses." Connor then said, the ponies seemed to understand, most seemed...sorry. They backed off a little when he told them of his crew's fate.

"Now, I am going to go see how my friend is doing and you are all going to go home, okay?" Connor turned back to the Aquila and spotted the very friend he was talking about staring down at him.

Aquila, two days later.

With the help of Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash, Connor and Mister Faulkner were able to repair the ship four times as fast as if the crew had been helping. And that was with Connor and Faulkner working none stop with help from the girls. Aside from those three, no one else had really seen the two revolutionary-aged men.

"Thanks a bunch Ms. Sparkle, it might'a taken us weeks, maybe even months, to fix the ship without your help." Faulkner put up a smile. Having a clean and maintained ship always put him in a good mood.

"Yeah, no problem, whatever." Twilight seemed...off. Faulkner noticed this. Connor was...somewhere. Faulkner never could keep track of him.

"Is there a problem?" Faulkner asked the tired-looking purple pony.

"No, well...Kind of." Twilight said, acting bashful.

"What is it?"

"Well, Princess Celestia wants the Elements to try and find a way to get rid of the Changelings for good. But I'm really nervous; I don't want to get rid of an entire species!" Twilight stated loudly, getting flustered and breathing hard.

"Ay, calm down, I think Connor would the best person to talk to for things like this, he's had more tough decisions than I. And, well, I don't exactly know how he'd feel about me revealing this. But back home, he's in the same position these 'Changelings' are: The threat of extinction, a fight for survival, that stuff." Faulkner suggested.

"I'll have to when I get the chance, but when you can, do you think you could tell me more about your home?" Twilight asked.

"You'd have to ask Connor." Faulkner simply answered.

"Is Connor your leader?"

"In a way, yes. He's my captain. I could leave any time I want...but...if I did, where would I go? I don't even know where I am." Faulkner sighed.

"I understand." Twilight nodded kindly before getting up and poofing away to somewhere.

"I'll never understand this...'magic'." Faulkner stated before yawning and going into the brig for a nap.

Ponyville, somewhere near Sugar Cube Corner.

Connor had gotten caught up with the rumors of the other assassin. He had been stalking around and listening closely to the towns-ponies and what they had to say. Without, well, being noticed. He had found about eight ponies so far with information; he was listening to the eighth currently.

"I've heard from Shining Armor himself, the thing is in the Hive's capital. it works for the changelings! We need to just exterminate the damned bugs already. Maybe even take the empty land for ourselves. Who cares about the native species?" A pony whispered to his friend. That last particular comment, about taking the land and just wiping out the natives, made Connor's blood boil. It seems these ponies are the same as the men back home. They only want the land and don't care about who ever already lives there.

"I agree. The sooner they're gone the better." The other pony snorted. Connor had heard enough. He laughed sourly. He climbed out the haystack and started to just walk aimlessly. After walking for what seemed like a while he was startled by a bright purple flash of light. Without thinking, he drew his flintlock, pulled back the hammer, and placed it against the head of whatever made the flash.

"Hey! Don't poke me with your metal...thing! It's rude!" The voice of Twilight said angrily. Connor gently slide the hammer back, careful not to let it slip and go off. That would be bad. And bloody. And bad. Also bad.

"I am sorry, it was a reflex." Connor apologized. He put his pistol away.

"It's all right. Oh wait, Connor! I'm glad i found you! Mister Faulkner told me to speak to you." Twilight then said, dragging Connor.

"Please, sit. I have questions." Twilight insisted.

"Okay. Ask away." Connor sat oddly on the small chair. Twilight took a deep breath, suddenly remembering her situation.

"Princess Celestia has asked me to make the choice. Have the changelings driven to extinction, or try to find another way. As much as it pains her, she is leaning towards just...exterminating them. I just...Just don't know what to do! The fate of an entire species is in my hooves! No one should have to make this choice!" Twilight was in tears now.

"Mister Faulkner said it would be better to ask you than him. Something about you knowing what it's like." Twilight wiped her face.

"I...I am sorry. I know this choice is difficult. I have not had to make one like this, I have only been on the receiving end. Back home...On that land, I was torn. Part of me wanted to fight and repel all outsiders. The other part of me was the outsider." Connor started, almost as unemotional as ever.

"The choice between driving a race, or species, into extinction should never be the choice of another, no matter how much trouble they may cause. You listen to me Twilight Sparkle, no matter how hard Celestia may push you to change your mind, if she does, just let them live, try and find another way. And if you do just choose extinction, I will not let it happen. I am not your enemy, but mark my words Twilight; I am not one you would want." Connor explained.

"I understand, I know what I need to choose. Thank you Connor. I will go write the letter now, would like to come?" Twilight asked, seemingly relieved.

"No, but thank you for the offer. I have to go speak with Mister Faulkner." Connor answered. Twilight got up and left, leaving Connor for the minute, leaving him to his thoughts. Not again. I do not care what these changelings have done. Everyone deserves to live. There will be casualties of course, but not anyone should just be driven to extinction. Not even the British, or the Americans.

Connor soon got up, pushed in his chair, and made for the Aquila once more.

The Retreat

"I...I-I don't understand." Chrysalis stood speechless. Not a single changeling recognized her.

"Do you not know your Queen when you see her?" She asked a staring cheese-leg.

"Queen? We've never had a Queen." The changeling scoffed.

"Well...what do you have?" Chrysalis then asked.

"Where have you been living? The surface?" The changeling scoffed again, laughing at the taller changeling's confusion.

"We have High Emperor Faron and Councilmen Greg. Such a weird name that one." The changeling reluctantly said, as if in pain.

"Okay then. Well...thank you for telling me." Chrysalis thought for a moment before turning to head back to the cart. Ezio and Fel'ed were waiting for her there.

"Well? Did you find anything out?" Ezio asked.

"There is a High Emperor and a Councilmen, that's it I think." Chrysalis sighed.

"What now?" Fel'ed turned his gaze away from the window for a moment.

"They all seem so...happy. Like they don't even know how close they are to extinction..." Chrysalis put a hole-filled hoof up against the clear glass.

"They...they don't need their Queen anymore..." Chrysalis was obviously saddened.

"Now, do not say that. Something is amiss here, have you not noticed?" Ezio started, his eyes quickly scanning over the town in Eagle Vision.

"What do you mean? I don't see anything out of the ordinary..." Chrysalis wiped her face.

"Really? Not even the fact that those two changelings, without even being remotely in contact with each other, are in complete synchronization? One leg up, a tap, a flutter of the wings...And that there is nearly three times as many changelings with that particular hoof-scar than there should be?" Ezio pointed out the doubles.

"I find it highly unlikely that they all just happened to have gotten the exact same injury. No one seems to even notice the fact that there was screaming and large explosions coming from the neighboring town? Something is definitely wrong here." Ezio smiled smugly at his findings.

"I see it now...but what does it mean?" Chrysalis stared hard at a group of chatting changelings.

"If I were to guess, I would say these aren't your changelings. If changelings at all. Something is definitely odd around here." Ezio saw movement in the corner of his eye. He turned to see but spotted nothing but a blur.

Palace

Two changelings listened in on the carriage's conversation, nodding and writing down notes regularly.

"They know." One said grimly to the other.

"How did they spot it so fast?" The other changeling swore silently.

"I have no idea Emperor Faron, but they need to be...escorted out of the city, less they bring to much attention to it." One continued.

"I will arrange it, Greg." Faron turned and walked calmly out of the room. He met with another group of executives and sent them on their task quickly.

"Xaran needs to hurry up and get into Equestria. I've given that buffoon enough." Faron sighed. After Faron was elected Xaran Ruying had come to him with a sob-story hoping to get Faron's help with funding an invasion on Canterlot. No, not that one, a different one. One that could work. The basic gist of the story was that Celestia had his sister Gilda exiled after an incident in Canterlot and that rose some red-flags in the Gryphon Mountains. Last straw, blablabla, tired of ponies being the only first-class citizens. So he wanted to bring down the capital and cause a downfall of sorts.

But something about Xaran's story struck Faron as odd. The plan sounds fool-proof though, which is what dumbfounds Faron. Create some more tension between the ponies and changelings by having changeling rebels pose as pony soldiers and cause more havoc in the Hive. When enough get through, changelings attack pony-towns. And just when the cord snaps he sends Canterlot off the side of that damned mountain.

Xaran himself was a bit off a loose-screw. After some research he had found that Xaran had a rap-sheet that could stretch from the far end of Equestria to the capital in The Hive. Things ranging from petty thievery to grand treason.

Faron didn't care anymore. He just wanted to keep his position. No matter what.

Back in the carriage.

Fel'ed had gone to grab some supplies while Ezio and Chrysalis discussed what could be done.

"I think we should just leave..." Chrysalis admitted, disheartened.

"Where would we go?" Ezio asked bluntly.

"I don't know, changelings aren't very welcomed in the Gryphon Mountains, maybe the Diamond Caverns. Or we could risk it and sneak back into Equestria.

"I just know that I would only screw things up here. I couldn't even take Canterlot during a wedding!" Chrysalis half-shouted.

They talked for several more minutes before getting a knock on the carriage door. When Ezio checked he saw that it was most definitely not Fel'ed. Rather a large platoon of changeling soldiers.

"By order of the Emperor you have been ordered to leave the Hive. You have been reported planning acts of treason. Treason is the highest offense." The commander ordered sternly.

"We have done no such thing!" Chrysalis shouted angrily. The commander suddenly drew his blade and sent it through his neighbor's throat. The changeling dropped limp almost instantly.

"There, now there is treason, and murder." The commander scoffed.

"Look, just get out of here before we have to force you." He then said. Ezio stepped outside of the carriage and drew his sword, ready to fight.

"There are thousands of us here, do you really expect to last long?" The commander smiled smugly as the shriek of thousands of blades being drawn filled the air and drowned out any other noise. Ezio could realize when he was outnumbered.

"Kill him." The commander ordered. Ezio's eyes went wide at the unexpected sudden order. Before jumping on the carriage he made sure to drop a smoke bomb. By the time the soldiers had a clear view the carriage was already speeding away. Ezio was crouched on the roof and was picking them off with his wrist-mounted pistol. He knew he wasn't making a difference, he just wanted to spite them.

"Did you see Fel'ed anywhere?!" Chrysalis shouted from the interior of the carriage.

"No! He has no known affiliation with us though, he will be fine!" Ezio answered, hastily loading his pistol time after time.

"Never have I felt so unsure about the odds! We must leave quickly!" Ezio then shouted, dodging a thrown sword.

The chase went on for weeks. Ezio had long ran out of ammo, even the reserves he kept on the carriage. He however wouldn't be able to keep shooting if he could. A couple days back a changeling had gotten lucky and got a very lucky hit on Ezio's shoulder. Ezio would go on to be hastily and sloppily bandaged by Chrysalis. Luckily, the border was in plain sight.

Instead of fighting the ponies that guarded the border, the gate was blasted open by Chrysalis. They would leave the chasing changelings to deal with the ponies. Very soon after breaking sight of the gate the headed deep into the nearby forest to try and rest. The carriage pullers sure deserved it. They had quickly scrounged together a quick meal and camp from what little rations they had. Sure in their hiding place, the group let sleep take them.

Several hours later they all woke up and started packing up the camp. Chrysalis still seemed shaken by the chase. So suddenly cast out of her own...or, it once was her own kingdom? Why?

It didn't matter now, she was no longer Queen Chrysalis. She was now just Chrysalis.

"What am I going to do...?" She asked herself. Ezio laughed sadly.

"I know that look. I had that look for the longest time after Cesare Borgia killed my uncle. The look of not knowing what to do next, whether to give up and run or stay and fight. And you want to run. You want to know what we are going to do? I know what we will do." Ezio drew a changeling sword.

"Based on what Fel'ed has told me, the changeling soldier's use only one style of blade, jagged and rough. A great blade for cutting large portions out of a person. This blade is straight and sleek. Completely different. If those were actually changeling soldiers they wouldn't be using these. I have a feeling something much bigger is happening." Ezio explained. he sighed before tensing and rocketing the blade into a nearby tree.

"You haven't said what we are going to do." Chrysalis remarked.

"You have to trust me on this. We will go to the ponies." Ezio then said. Chrysalis visibly flinched.

"Are you crazy! We can't go to Celestia, I'll be arrested again and you will probably be executed!" Chrysalis quickly stammered.

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. They are not your people anymore. If any of my assassins turned on me I would not think twice about severing their heads. You do not betray a superior." Ezio explained truthfully. It was obvious he meant every word.

"You will have to trust me. You can explain what happened and negotiate a chance for freedom for information." Ezio then explained.

"Do you even hear yourself?! I would be slaughtering my own people! I suppose assassins are used to stabbing people behind their backs." Chrysalis' ending remark made Ezio boil.

"You think I like doing what I do? I have had to tear apart families, drive the innocent into poverty, and I have had to throw my entire life away for a cause I barely believed in! Do you think that was easy!? È dannatamente scarabeo ingrato (You damn ungrateful beetle)!" Ezio roared.

"I...I..." Chrysalis was in shock by Ezio's sudden outburst.

"No! It was not easy! I have risked my life for you two times since I have been here, be grateful! You will now listen to me, and only me, until I tell you otherwise." Ezio ordered.

"Now, get in the damned carriage!" Ezio pointed a finger at the packed cart. Chrysalis whimpered as she climbed into the cushioned carriage. Just for the hell of it, Ezio lit and threw a Splinter Bomb deep into the forest.

The rest of the five changelings soon were ready and set off to their new destination.

Canterlot.

The Negotiation

Celestia sat quiet in the Royal Canterlot Castle throne room. She idly tapped a bored hoof on the thick glossy metal that formed her golden celestial chair, it had been a slow, long day filled with nothing but paperwork. Her sister, Princess Luna, the very same who made a grand return to Equestria as the vile Nightmare Moon, was currently getting a lesson in sword-use. The incident from weeks back got Celestia thinking. She may be immortal to aging, but that didn't mean she couldn't be murdered. And in all her two-thousand years she never once had to use a sword, it was high time she learned.

A hoof-step on the marble tiled floor ceased her tapping, which in turn cut the sharp ringing the echoed with each tap.

"Um...Princess Celestia? The representatives from the Gryphon Mountains have arrived, would you like me to bring them straight here or have them wait a few minutes?" Celestia's assistant, Feather Pen, asked. Celestia had to keep herself from literally jumping with joy at the chance to do something.

"Go ahead and bring them in." Celestia cleared her throat and shifted to a more comfortable position in her throne.

"At once Princess." Feather ducked out of the room and soon brought in two Griffins, a male and a female.

"Greetings Lord Typhon and Lady Lead." Celestia greeted formally, leading the two into the meeting chamber.

"Cut the formalities Princess, we have troubling news." The greenish Griffin Lord stated.

"And what news would this be?" Celestia sat in her spot at the elongated table.

"Some of our sentries spotted a changeling carriage bust through the border-gate and zoom away after leading a very large amount of changeling to defeat the ponies and invade." Typhon slid a parchment over to Princess Celestia.

To who it may concern.

There isn't much time, I can hear my friends getting slaughtered outside my door. I have quickly counted roughly eight-hundred changelings and whoever is in that cart. I will die here today, but not without warning the rest of the military.

Signing off for the last time

- Heavy Hoof

The letter was bloodstained and slightly burned.

"After it was over one of our sentries flew in and found this next to a...gutted...body of a pony." Lady Lead swallowed hard.

"We were heading to the Diamond Caverns and decided to stop by after our sentry delivered this. It was his last wish after all." Typhon stood.

"I appreciate you taking time out of your surely busy schedule to speak with us." Lady Lead bowed before leaving with her husband.

Celestia sighed and hung her head, she wished Twilight would just send back a response. The meeting was rather short-lived. She stood and went back to her throne and started tapping away once more.

"Eight-hundred? If Twilight doesn't give me a response soon, I'll have to just go with extinction..." Celestia quietly explained to herself. She really didn't want to, but Chrysalis had brought it upon herself. As if on cue, a green dash of smoke glided in through an open window and materialized. Recognizing it as one from her dearest student Twilight, she grasped it in her sunny aura and opened it

Dear Princess Celestia

I have reached a decision on the state of the Changelings after speaking with a new-found friend.

I wish for us to try and find a different way

Connor, our new friend, has explained that no matter how bad someone acts they should have to be driven to extinction. I could not let the extinction of an entire race linger on my conscious, and I won't. I'm sorry for cutting this letter short, but Pinkie is planning a party of Connor and needs my help.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

Celestia crumpled up the letter in mild frustration. Connor? What an odd name for a pony.

She decided to just not worry about it now and relax for a minute or two.

Just outside of Canterlot.

The carriage was silent as it rolled up the road to Canterlot. Ezio had made sure that the changelings that were with did not disguise. He figured that if they went in undisguised they would be received better. If they disguised and were caught it could be taken as an invasion. Ezio was sitting next to the coachman on the front of the carriage instead of inside to make sure they made it in safely.

They were nearing the main entrance now, and already they were getting stares of anger, disgust, or hatred. Ezio caught a thrown rock and made sure to throw it back twice as hard. Ezio took note of something interesting: There were about three times as many women to men here.

"Damn beetles, who let them in?"

"Someone call the Guard."

"Let's just kill them.

"Now, only the ignorant judge a race by the actions of a few."

"Shut up Octavia, those damn bugs tried to kill us."

Those were only a few of the comments Ezio overheard. They continued towards the castle and Ezio, out of the corners of his eyes, could see a growing number of Guards following them. It was understandable. Ezio could see what he presumed to be the main door to the golden palace. The cart stopped and Chrysalis stepped out. Every Guard drew his respective sword and Ezio did the same. They took a step and Ezio had to think quickly.

They had every right to just arrest them straight away, but Ezio had to make them think they didn't. Another step.

"Stay where you are. Under the Hive's Diplomatic Dictation Decree you have no right to cause any unprovoked harm, stress, or worry under any diplomats or leaders. Put your swords away or I will be forced to take action." Ezio quickly thought up. He knew it wasn't true, but did they? He had to hope not.

"What chance would you have? It's fifteen to one." A white stallion with a blue mane asked. Chrysalis decided to answer this one.

"This warrior is the very same that fought the Border Guard one-on-one. All two-hundred. And the very same that sprung the seemingly impossible dungeon break a couple months back." Chrysalis explained. The stallion had something click in his head.

"We'll let you pass. But if you cause any trouble in there your head will be on a plate." The stallion ordered his men to move away. The stallion still shot a very dirty look at Chrysalis.

"Oh come on Shining, at least I made your wedding more memorable." Chrysalis laughed. The stallion, Shining, snarled before being lead away by a fellow pony. Ezio opened the door and let Chrysalis walk in first.

"I heard it all. There is no 'Diplomatic Dictation Decree'." Ezio heard a voice say. He found the source to be a very regal-looking alicorn. Most likely Princess Celestia.

"But it was clever, I'll admit." She then added.

"Now, what are you here for? Come to turn yourselves in?" Celestia asked tiredly.

"We are here to negotiate. We have information that could help you." Ezio explained.

"Turning against your own? Not surprising." Celestia glared.

"But I'll listen." She added.

"Good. All we ask is that when we give the information you drop all charges against me and Mr. Auditore if he has any." Chrysalis explained. Her terms were fair in Ezio's mind.

"It depends how helpful your side is." Celestia retorted.

"It will help immensely." Chrysalis ensured.

"Do we have a deal?" Chrysalis stuck out a hole-filled hoof. It was obvious Celestia was skeptical.

"Deal." Celestia reluctantly shock Chrysalis' hoof.

"What I have figured is that the changelings on the front line are not actual soldiers. We found that they were using smooth blades as opposed to the jagged ones they normally use. Their tactics are different, and uniforms. And if these are not the real soldiers, the real ones must be somewhere else. If you can find them and free them, if needed, you can use them on your side. Chrysalis has told me that changelings can only have order under a crown and will work for the nearest one. The Hive is no longer a Monarchy and no longer has a crown, so unless you are not really a princess, your crown could lead them." Ezio explained. He noticed Celestia was writing this down on some parchment.

"That is just a taste. Are you willing to give us our side of the bargain yet?" Chrysalis smiled.

"If there is more where that came from, then yes. Consider your slate cleaned." Celestia poofed a piece of paper from nowhere and ripped it to shreds telekinetically. The next few hours were spent discussing the holes in the changeling's defenses.

"This information is greatly appreciated, now, what will you-" Celestia was cut off by a massive explosion that shook the entire palace. A wounded Guard charged through the door and slammed it behind himself

"They're here! They've invaded again! They sent Chrysalis and the Assassin as a distraction!" He heaved. Celestia glared at the pair of "dignitaries" that had been discussing changeling weaknesses.

"We have nothing to do with this!" Ezio slammed on the table. Celestia called in a group of guards.

"An Assassin?!" Celestia's eyes went wide when the realization struck her.

"Arrest them! Keep the Assassin away from Chrysalis." Celestia ordered. Ezio was unable to free himself from the Elite Guard's magic as they took him and Chrysalis to the very same dungeon he had broken into some months back.

"Get comfortable, Beast. You're going to be here awhile." The Dungeon-Master cackled.

The Start

There wasn't much to do in Ponyville, Connor had learned. Aside from the occasional bar-fight, all was peaceful. Connor just sat limp on the deck of the Aquila. The ship was in perfect condition, just no use at the moment.

He had noticed a growing amount of ponies pouring into Ponyville, which seemed odd. There was nothing wrong with it, they were increasing profit for the small town at least by working in the shops and businesses. Maybe eight had gone to go work with the Apple family, and even larger numbers went to work with the rest of the Girls.

Suddenly, the entire deck shook violently and Connor was momentarily blinded by a bright flash and deafened by a very loud bang. He traced it to the source and saw part of a mountain-city, which Twilight had told him was their capital, Canterlot, sliding down the face of the mountain. Connor is standing in less than a second. He watched the cloud of smoke rise for a moment before vaulting over the side of the ship and diving into the pond below.

There was screaming coming from all directions. Connor spotted what looked like insects attacking the townsponies. There wasn't time to think, in an instant Connor drew his bow and started sending arrows into the insects; they dropped like flies. He soon ran out of arrows and would have to resort to his sword or axe. He drew both items quickly and sent the blade up through an insect's jaw before hacking it's chest with the axe. He then slammed the flat of his sword hard on another insect's skull before drawing his Double-Flintlock and emptying both chambers into respective targets.

He felt a familiar burning sensation as he realized one of the insects had jabbed a blade into his calf muscle. He let out a short grunt, slamming his balled fist into the same insect's snout as hard as possible. He heard a sickening, loud crack and it fell limp. He flung a rope-dart at one insect and yanked hard.

Another crack.

Another limp flop.

Are their bones made of driftwood? Connor thought. It was ludicrous how easy their necks, or skulls snapped in two. He flipped another over his shoulder and stomped on it's neck. Another crack, but this one with a gurgle. The immediate area around himself was cleared, well, 'clear' not meaning clean on account of the blood and bodies. But 'clear' as in...

Eh, you should know, you're a smart cookie.

He reached down and yanked the smooth blade from his calf and got that odd feeling. He always got this feeling after he could take a breather after getting injured. When he reached down to feel the wound he couldn't even find it. He gathered his arrows from the corpses and reloaded his Flintlock. He heard a scream coming from the library and started running. It sounded like Rarity. He passed a small group of insects and without time to spare just set down a mine behind himself.

Click.

Boom.

He saw two or three, dismembered, insects fly overhead and land somewhere unseen. He could see the giant tree and spotted several of the insects blocking all entrances. He dove into a nearby bush and could overhear what some of them were saying.

"Now that we have the Elements, there's no way we can lose! Canterlot is falling, Celestia is probably already captured, and all their troops are at the Hive!" An insect cheered. Another made a stern face.

"Are you oblivious? Have you not heard the screaming of fellow changelings or the explosions and the bodies of changelings flying everywhere? Something is here and it's disposing of us all without even trying!" So these are the Changelings?

"I try not to dwell on the negative." The first changeling smiled. The other one smacked himself. How is this for 'negative'? Connor thought before drawing his bow and sending two arrows into the two changelings. With a clear path, he left the bush and clambered into the awkwardly grown tree. He could see into the small window at the back of the room now. He saw the six mares sitting, tied together in a circle, at sword-point. After quickly counting, he figured that there were maybe fifteen, maybe more if there were some in other rooms.

"They would not kill the mares, if they did then it would not be a choice. The changelings would be driven to extinction without second thought." Connor said to himself. He opened the window slowly and lowered himself in.

"Keep them here, do not let anyone in, and kill any trespassers." A larger, more armored changeling ordered. Connor ducked behind a desk when he passed by. I wonder if this could work... Connor threw a handful of bait near the desk and was slightly amused when two changelings strolled over and started licking it up. He stabbed them in their necks with his hidden blades and lifted their bodies over the desk. He didn't notice it before, but their blood, or what he could only assume was their blood, was bright orange.

He repeated this move several more times and soon the room was nearly empty. Only the large changeling was left.

"Where the hell did you all go?" He asked, he made sure the girls where still tied up before continuing his small patrol. Connor stepped out and got his attention.

"Judging by the blood on your outfit, I'm guessing you're the one that killed all my guards?" He asked. Connor nodded.

Surely this would be a showdown of epic proportions, one of the century! One that all of Equestria would remember for all time! ONE THAT CELESTIA-

Never mind. Connor shot him.

Right in the face.

Anywhore, Connor untied the Elements after reloading.

"What is that thing you keep using?" Rainbow asked.

"It is a pistol, a small cannon you can fit in your hand." Connor explained.

"Canterlot is falling, we need to go help them there. The situation here is under control." Connor told Twilight.

"You girls stay here, Connor and I will go help Celestia." Twilight ordered. In a flash of purple light Connor and Twilight were in the center of Canterlot.

"Bu...But, what? We were just in your library!" Connor's eyes were wide in shock.

"I used my special teleportation spell!" Twilight exclaimed. Right...magic... Connor took a stable breath. It was quiet.

"What happened...?" Twilight pondered. Connor neared the edge of the city, where more city had once been, and looked down. Along with settling dust, splotched of red were easily visible. It seems not all were able to escape, if any. But there was work to be done and little time to waste. A thick purple bubble encased the palace and Twilight smiled to herself

"At least I know Shining is all right, he used this spell when the changelings invaded the first time." Twilight explained, she tapped on the bubble briefly.

"How do we get in?" Connor tried to look into one of the many large windows.

"If you give me some time I could probably cut a hole in it that we could crawl through before it replenishes itself. But I'm not sure how long it will take." Twilight sat behind an overturned cart.

"Be quick. I will try and look for any other ways inside in the meantime." Connor ordered before climbing into some nearby trees. He hopped from limb to limb around the perimeter of the magical shield without spotting any weaknesses. But what he did spot was what could have been an entire army of changelings wailing on the shield with all they had. There were easily four hundred, most likely more. He watched them silently for quite awhile, learning their tactics, how they thought, what they felt.

How he did from from a tree...I honestly have no clue.

"It's ready, come back!" Twilight's voice called in his head. The sudden break in silence caused him to nearly fall out of the tree he had been stalking the changeling in. He clambered back up and started making his way back.

~Inside The Castle Dungeon~

Ezio could only listen as the guards above trampled above setting up a barricade inside the castle. Chrysalis was likely locked up in the top of the castle for the sake of being cliche. Ezio noticed that, in a rush, the guards only stripped him of his visible weapons. He still had his hidden blades. He tested the main cell door to see if he could lockpick it.

"...Are you fooling with me?" Ezio slumped his shoulders.

Unlocked.

He rubbed his face. Ponies were too easy. With a dramatically loud creak the iron door swung on it's hinges. This situation was a doubled-edged blade, the hostile ponies inside would try their best to keep the hostile changelings outside at bay, while both factions would gladly take Ezio down. One wrong move and he'd be decimated by the ponies magic. Another could land him in the Swarm. He swung out his Hook-blade and clung to a high rafter. There was a maintenance door across the room that could lead him across the castle.

~Main Room~

Twilight and Connor had made contact with the Castle and were momentarily resting in the Throne room with Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Shining Armor.

"How can you use such bland military tactics?" Connor asked Shining.

"It works, when one line fails another immediately replaces it." Shining explained.

"If you spread your troops out and order them to act freely and take cover you would be far more successful. Its called Guerrilla Warfare where I am from."

"Twilight, you take Cadence and Celestia and talk to them while your friend and I discuss this please." Shining ordered. The three mares did as told and went into the Archives.

"Okay, now that they're gone...I have no idea what to do please help me." Shining's tone went from strong-willed to deflated and pleading.

"The changelings are a mirror of your military, basically." Connor pulled a piece of paper out of a nearby container. "Let's say this circle is them and this square is your troops. If you cut the square into three piece and send two discretely around the city to the changelings' rear you would be able to surround them and keep their attention from one area. What is the strongest piece of your army?" Connor put his pencil down for a second.

"Our mages."

"Have them do whatever they can to split the group apart, two small groups fall easier than one large one. Now I have a question of my own."

"What's your question?" Shining put down a notepad.

"I've heard rumors of an Assassin here. Is there? If there is I would like to see him...or her...it."

"I will have Twilight bring you down to the dungeon to see him." Shining called for the three mares. They returned and Connor went down to the dungeon with Twilight.

"That's the wall that was blown open by the Assassin a while ago when he broke Queen Chrysalis out. She's back in too, just in the High Cells instead of the dungeon.

"Why is this cell open?" Connor pointed at an open cell.

"Oh crap."

The Hell

Desmond sat dumbfounded in the Animus.

"Rebecca...I...I just don't understand..." Desmond stuttered. He watched as his ancestor talked to these creatures.

"I'm sure it's fine." Rebecca waved Desmond's worry off and continued to focus writing the latest Animus update.

"Anyways, we need to move, I caught a stray message that was for Abstergo, they've found us. Get out of the Animus and lets get out of here. Shaun and Warren will be here in a minute." Rebecca ordered.

'I don't even know anymore...' Desmond thought as he climbed out of the animus.