Chapters Clip. Clop. Clip. Clop. Clip. Clop.
The sound of hooves echoed throughout the hallway of the grand castle of Canterlot.
Clip-clip-clop. Clip-clip-clop. Clip-clip-clop.
That sound turned melodious as the pony creating the noise, skipped through the great corridor. A shadow of a mare danced across the stained glass and the many colourful drapes. A tune rose from the mouth of the pony and her grin grew with every step she took.
"Come on everypony, smile, smile, smile! Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine!"
The song she sang was one of the many melodies her friend came up with.
Her pink party friend, that is.
She fluttered her violet wings as she pranced along, gaining a little extra bounce. The lavender pony hummed the rest of song, but stopped abruptly as she bumped into somepony, and fell to the marble floor.
"Twilight?"
Princess Twilight Sparkle rubbed her sore skull as she looked up.
"I'm so sorry Celestia. I wasn't watching where I was going. " She apologised as she got herself up.
"I noticed."
However, the well respected sun goddess that is usually gentle and caring, sounded annoyed and angry.
"I'm sorry if I annoyed you." Twilight said with a hint of sorrow for what her mentor will say.
"Oh Twilight, I'm not annoyed at you. My mind is set on different matters. I should have been paying attention." Celestia soothed with a tone of anger.
"Is....everything okay?" The new alicorn asked cautiously.
"...Oh! Of course! Why wouldn't it be?" The elder princess bit her lip.
Twilight eyed at her teacher before smiling.
"That's fine by me."
And she carried on skipping down the hall.
Celestia watched her happy student, and sighed.
"So young. So happy. So unknowning of the dangers before her."
~~~~~~
"Have you?" A voice demanded.
"Have I what?" Another voice asked.
"Please don't act stupid. You know what I meant."
"By that, do you mean, have I slaughtered them?"
"Yes!" The first voice nearly screamed.
"Nope."
"What?!"
"I'm sorry. But we were unable to find them."
"You better find them! Her life is in danger!"
"Yes. I know. But, we have found one pony."
"Great. What are they going to do?"
"Please withhold your sarcasm. They are an agent of them. "
"You mean?"
"Yes. We have the first hoof pony of them . However, we cannot break him."
"So, what are we going to do?"
"Well...you could try and make him snap."
"And what about you?"
"I will protect her."
"Will you protect her well?"
"I will protect her with all my life. I will stand loyal for Twilight Sparkle. "
~~~~~~
"My life...is in danger?"
Twilight pressed her ear up to the door that Celestia had just entered a couple of minutes ago. She did suspect something when she bumped into the o-so-mighty princess. So when Celestia muttered that sentence after she left, she became more suspicious. And followed her.
And who was that voice?
She was sure she has heard that voice before.
Twilight heard hoof-steps coming closer to the door. She panicked, thinking what Celestia would do if she found her eavesdropping. Then she tapped her hoof on the door.
"Who is it?" Celestia called from inside.
"Ummm...it's me Twilight. "
"What is it?"
"Errr...I think I broke my wing."
"What?" Celestia's head popped out from behind the door. "How did it happen?"
"I...errr....I was skipping down the stairs...and....I fell. I fell on wing...and...it hurt...real bad." Twilight lied.
"Oh, okay. Just wait here, and I will comfort you in the minute. "
As soon as the door closed, Twilight face hoofed. Regretting the excuse she made. She bit her tongue as her aura surrounded her wing.
~~~~~~
"I'm sorry this meeting has been cut short, but Twilight needs my help."
"I understand. I will back tonight. At the same time. " The pony nodded.
~~~~~~
Celestia exited the room, and looked at Twilight. Her eyes were brimming with salty tears, and her tongue was bleeding.
"Are you alright?"
Twilight only muffled out a small cry of pain as she lift her wing.
"Oh dear Twilight. Come here." Celestia nuzzled her student.
The door creaked open, and Twilight tried to see who it was. But all she saw was a cloaked figure....she did see their hooves though. Cyan hooves to be precise.
"Come on Twilight. Let's get this wing better."
Twilight reluctantly agreed, and nodded.
Cyan hooves. Cyan....wait, what?!
~~~~~~
A sweet song escaped the mouth of the solar sister. She hummed the tune to her student as she wrapped bandages around her lavender wings. Celestia and Twilight sat on a rug in the white princess's room. It was hardly lit. The only source of light was the small fire that sat in front of the two.
"Umm...Celestia?"
"Hmmm."
"If I ask a question, will you answer it? And truthfully."
"Of course."
"Who was that pony that left the room? After you came out." Twilight knew who it was, but she had to be sure.
Celestia paused.
"Who was it?" Twilight asked again, facing her mentor.
"Somepony you know, but don't have to meet."
Twilight turned back around. Staring at the fire.
And Celestia carried on wrapping the bandages.
"Somepony I know. But don't have to meet. Yeah, whatever you say princess. I will find out tonight. And you cannot stop me!"
"I do hope you don't have to meet her. That will only mean that you are more in peril. Oh sweet Luna's moon! Please keep her safe Mistress. Please save my little Twilight."
"What is the status so far?"
"Pardon?" Celestia asked confusingly.
"Have you gotten the pony to speak yet?" The cloaked pony stated.
"Oooh! No. No, he won't talk."
"Damn!"
"Because he is dead."
"What?!"
"He commited suicide this evening. I guess he wanted to protect them ."
"Well then..."
"You must get your best ponies to protect Twilight."
"I will, your highness. I will protect her myself."
~~~~~~
"What are they saying?"
Twilight pressed her ear up against the door again. But all she heard was muffled voices.
"That is it! I've had enough!" She whispered angrily as her horn lit up.
~~~~~~
"I will make sure that my ponies will guard the city and Ponyville. And that-"
"Go on."
"Wait..."
The pony jumped up and balanced in the top corner of the room, above the door frame. And no sooner, the door blasted open.
"Twilight?" Celestia coughed as the dust rose and scratched at her throat. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Where is she?" Twilight demanded as she walked into the room.
"Where's who?"
"I'm not stupid! I know she's here! Where is she?"
The pony above the door frame attempted to escape, but thought that the young alicorn will see. However, as she moved, her small dagger slipped from it's scabbard. The mare's eyes opened wide, as she quickly grabbed the dagger.
She was leaning forwards, dangerously forward.
When she caught the dagger, it sliced through her hoof. Dripping blood. Trickling the red liquid onto the floor below.
Twilight jumped as she felt something warm land by her hoof.
"What in Equestria?" She muttered.
"That's paint!" Celestia blurted out.
"Paint?"
"Yes!" She nodded franticallly. "I had this room painted. I thought it could do with a new lick of paint." Celestia smiled sheepishly.
"So how come I can't smell anything?"
"It's scentless!"
"I've never heard of scentless paint."
"Well...err...umm..." Celestia's eyes gazed up to the mare in the corner. Seeing that she is struggling, with her injury.
"Celestia. Please. The thing that hurts me the most...is you lying to me. Why are you lying to me?" Twilight's eyes began to fill.
"She has to. To protect you."
Twilight turned around and looked up. The pony fluttered down to the ground, but the room was dark, so Twilight was unable to see her face.
"Rainbow Dash. I know it's you." The lilac princess lit up her horn. Revealing the pegasus' outline.
She wore a thick black cloak-decorated with red- that draped over her slender body. Her collars were large and red, and laid across her shoulders. And a white collar stuck up, around her neck. She sported a belt of many objects, and also had a set of small saddle-bags. Black tags hung around her neck. She had puffy sleeves, that were slit with red. And on her forelegs were silver bracers, with a peculiar symbol on them.
Rainbow lifted the hood that cover her prismatic mane and face. The hood uncovered her scar on her eye.
"Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked cautiously as she saw her many scars.
"Celestia, for the sake of Equestria and Twilight's life, she can't know anymore!" Rainbow stamped her hoof. Her injured hoof. And yelp out in pain.
"She now knows too much."
"Princess! You don't understand! If word gets out, I can no longer do my service."
"Nothing will get out, Rainbow! Twilight will not tell anypony."
"What! She won't tell anypony that I am an assassin!" Rainbow nearly yelled out.
Twilight quickly stepped back, and gulped.
"An assassin?"
~~~~~~
"An assassin?"
Twilight stared at her friend. She stared into her gem-like eyes.
"You kill ponies?"
Rainbow Dash slowly nodded.
"You kill ponies."
"Twilight, you must understand, I don't just kill ponies."
"All this time, I've been friends with somepony who could have stabbed me to death."
"No! Listen, assassins kill ponies that want to break the peace in Equestria. We killed the rebels that tried to murder Celestia and take her throne." Rainbow walked over to Twilight, and placed her hoof on her shoulder. "We are the ones that keep peace in order. We are the ones that protect the innocents."
"Have you....have you ever killed an innocent pony?"
"It is against us to kill innocents. We protect them. But Twilight," Rainbow looked up at the princess, "our life is made by the death of others. Nothing is true. Everything is permitted. But that doesn't mean you have to fear me. I am still the most awesomeness pony ever, just because I know the ways to kill, does not mean I have changed. I will stay loyal to you, no matter what."
Twilight hugged the pegasus.
"I know you are still Rainbow Dash."
~~~~~~
"I have had enough of this!!" An angry stallion screamed as he threw the table across the room.
"With all due respects Sir, there is nothing we can do."
"Yes. Yes there is, Trident."
"What is that Sir?"
"In order to kill Princess Twilight and The Sisters, we must kill her ."
The blue pony opened his eyes wide.
"B-b-b-but sir. You said it's impossible. She's the leader of Assassin's Creed. She owns the brotherhood. She's the highest level killer."
"Yes. I know."
"....." Trident held his head in his hooves. "My head hurts, Sir."
"Don't worry, Trident. I know how to destroy that weak little pony. Don't you worry." The corners of the mysterious pony's mouth grew as he began to laugh manically. Echoing into the darkness. "You will die Rainbow Dash! And when you do, the whole of Equestria will fall!!"
"There are ponies wanting to kill me? Why?"
"They believe that if you are dead, then Celestia and Luna will fall with you. Then they can take the throne. Ruling Equestria into war and death."
"Oh....my."
"And it is Rainbow's duty to protect you."
Twilight just nodded. Taking everything that her teacher and friend had just said.
"And she has also been protecting you a couple of years before your arrival in Ponyville."
"Wait! She's been watching me ever since?"
"You make it sound like I'm stalking you, but yes."
"What about the night where we defeated Nightmare Moon?"
"I was instructed by Celestia to keep a close eye on you. But then I became part of the event."
"One more question."
Rainbow groaned.
"Really?"
"How did you become an assassin?"
Rainbow looked up at Twilight.
"I..don't...really want to talk about it."
"Rainbow, I'm your friend. You can tell me. Does your family know you're an assassin?"
The pegasus attempted to speak but choked on her words. She just stood up and left the room. Limping, due to her wounded hoof.
"Is....she okay?"
"Twilight, my dearest student, you must understand. That you must not ask her about her past. Especially her family."
"Why?"
"The reason ponies become assasins, is because they have nothing else to live for. No family. No friends. No love. But instead of death, they choose to serve their land and protect innocents."
"So Rainbow choose to become an assassin?"
"Actually, no. Her parents were the original owners. But they were murdered. And her older brother was pony-napped."
"Oh dear."
"She was the last heir to lead The Creed. And so she trained hard. Now, she is Mistress of the Assassins, and highest level killer."
"Has she ever failed a mission?"
"You wouldn't be alive if she did."
"So...you are saying....that Rainbow Dash has been protecting me. No matter what. She risks her life for me?"
"That is why she is the Element of Loyalty."
~~~~~~
Twilight quickly trotted down the balcony. She heard a slight tapping. She turned around to investigate. Nothing there. She just shrugged it off, and carried on walking. She heard it again. But she ignored it. Twilight hopped into her room and slammed the door shut. Twilight sat on her bed and hovered over a book over. She flipped the book open to a folded page. Her eyes scanning the paper. The door slowly creaked open.Twilight smirked but kept her eyes on the book. The door shut, and hoof-steps echoed throughout the room.
"I was wondering where you went Rainbow. You kinda had me worried earlier. I hope you're not upset."
Silence burnt Twilight's ears.
"Oookaay. Creepy assassin. Rainbow, what are yo-" Twilight whipped her head around, and was met with somepony else's eyes.
They were fiery orange.
"Who...who are you?" Twilight croaked.
"Your worst nightmare."
The princess attempted to call out for help but was struck down by the pegsus stallion.
"Keep quiet if you value your pitiful life." The stallion lifted his bracer, which had the same symbol that Rainbow wore.
"Please. Don't hurt me."
"Oh shush. I'm going to let you in on a secret. Okay?"
Twilight nodded.
"Mistress Dashery is going to die. We're not after you anymore."
"Why?" She squeaked.
The pony shoved the bracer into Twilight's foreleg.
She tried to cry out, but her attacker stopped her.
"Assassins Creed is falling. Mistress will fall with it. She will die and so will you!" He lifted his bracer once more.
The lavender pony opened her eyes wide, bracing herself for the painful hit. But the pony stopped. He then coughed up blood, before falling to the floor.
"Rainbow!"
The hooded pegasus smiled as she helped her friend up.
~~~~~~
"Thank you Rainbow! Thank you so much!" Twilight hugged her friend.
"I am here to keep you safe. So that is what I will do."
"But how did you know?"
"We assasins, have a method of sharpening our sense. Especially our hearing. I walked past your door and heard you whimpering and a deep voice. I asked for the guards to come down and stand by the door, and I came in."
"What did happen to the guards?" Twilight looked towards her teacher.
"I don't know where my guards are. It was Luna's guards that Rainbow called down."
"Now, that is strange. Who was the pony that attacked me?"
Rainbow sighed.
"He was one of us. He was an assassin of the Creed. But he did not stay loyal towards it."
"I guess that's what he meant when he said Assassins Creed is falling."
"Yes. I hope that this war against us will end. I never liked the bloodshed of innocent ponies."
Feeling tired and sore, Twilight sat on rug opposite the fire, next to Rainbow.
"When are you going to tell the girls?"
"Never."
"But you have to."
"I can't. The more ponies that will know, the more I am putting at risk. And besides, what will they think? I kill ponies for Celestia sake!"
Twilight rested her hoof on Rainbow's shoulder.
"I'm sure they will understand. They will be surprised at first but they will support you. You kill ponies to protect the innocent. They love you Rainbow. And no matter what you do will not change their minds."
"Thank you Twilight."
"Your wel..." Twilight was unable to finish her sentence as she fell asleep hugging Rainbow. She felt safer if she was close to her colourful friend. Celestia smiled at the scene.
"It's okay Rainbow. You rest too. I'll keep watch." She soothed as she levitated Rainbow's bracers and weapons aside.
"Thank you, your highness." She whispered as she fell asleep next to Twilight. Feeling her warmth against her. "Good night, Twilight."
Deepest Memories And Ruthless Killings
"Rainbow Dash! My beautiful little girl!!" A feminine voice soothed.
"Mother?"
"Miriam!! A more masculine and deeper voice called.
"Father?"
"Stay strong, Dashie. The worst is yet to come."
"Mother! Father! I don't understand. "
"We love you, darling."
"No! Wait! Don't leave me! Waait!" Rainbow frantically searched the darkness. "Don't leave me again." Rainbow landed on the cold hard fall. Her wings drooping. But then, her ears twitched. She heard yelling and loud banging. Suddenly, a door blasted open. Rainbow saw ghostly figures of ponies in blackened armour. She then saw her parents. She stared as the ponies overpowered the couple. Beating them, before ending their life with a final slice of their throat.
"Mother! Father!" Rainbow wailed.
A guard glanced at the young pegasus. An evil smirk grew on his sick face. He walked over to her. His grin growing by the second. Rainbow tried to yell out but no sound came out. Her mind screaming at her to move or fly. She did not respond. Her flank stuck to the floor. The guard pushed her down onto her back. His twisted eyes searching up and down the mare's body. He mounted her, her minding racing for an escape plan.
"Nonono! Please!"
He just laughed at her pathetic attempt to stop him.
"Say on more word, and I will slit your throat, you filthy assassin." He threatened.
The stallion lowered himself onto her delicate body. Rainbow tried to push him off. But he wouldn't budge. She then glanced at his sword. Just before he could violate her, she picked up the weapon and shoved it into his foreleg. He screamed out in pain, but didn't move from his position.
"YOU WHORSE!!" He bellowed as he picked up sword and threw away. "Because of that, I'm not going to be gentle." He pushed his hips onto hers.
~~~~~~
"AAAAAHHH!" Rainbow shot up. Her wings fluttering beside her. Her heart pounding at her now bruised ribcage. Her breath hard and laboured.
"Rainbow! Are you okay?"
The pegasus' magneta eyes scanning her surrounding. Books. Books. More books. Even more books. Three fillies sat around a book, and an alicorn mare sitting by her desk. Rainbow slowed her wings beats, and she lowered herself before closing her wings as her hooves touched to the wooden flooring.
"I'm fine."
"Are you sure? You seem quite shaken." Twilight asked in concern for her friend.
"I-I-I...errr...had...a flashback." She stuttered to get the correct words out.
"Do you want to talk about? It would help you get it off your chest."
"No. I'm fine."
"Are you sure? I read a book saying-" Twilight paused as she saw her friend's looked. Although she had been asleep for a while, Rainbow still looked rough. The lavender unicorn decided to stop her sentence. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.
"Urm...Rarity fixed your cloak. It's over there. " She pointed to the far corner of her library, to a folded item of clothing.
~~~~~~
"Wow! This is amazing! I've never seen it so clean!" Rainbow stared at herself in the mirror, in her newly modified cloak.
"I know. Rarity's work never ceases to amaze me." Twilight sighed as she gazed at Rainbow's new cloak.
It still had it's original patterns, symbols, colours, collars and puffy sleeves, but it was now longer. It fitted perfectly with her slender figure. The hood was larger, so it hid more of her face. The cloak also moved more fluently with her every move, rather than it lagging. Her belt was also fixed, cleaner and stronger than before. Rainbow leapt from bookcase to bookcase. The three fillies watching in awe. She then landed next to the alicorn.
Scootaloo sat there with her mouth hanging wide open.
"That...was...awesome!"
"Thanks kiddo." The Pegasus smiled towards the filly.
"Rainbow."
"Yes." Rainbow turned to her friend. "Is everything alright?"
"Earlier, I received a letter from Celestia requesting your presence. But I said that you were resting. I was going to wake you, but you looked so peaceful."
"If only." Rainbow mumbled under her breath.
"She said that her guards had an update on... them . She said that they have moved closer into Equestria. That they have attacked several villages."
Rainbow's expression change to complete horror and shock.
"Why didn't you wake me earlier?! I need to see Celestia right away." Rainbow trotted over to the door.
"Rainbow! Wait!"
"What?!"
"Celestia said to stay put."
"Why?"
"She said...she said..." Twilight needed to say it, but she couldn't.
Rainbow sat down with head in her hooves.
"I'm failing! The Creed is crumbling before me."
"Rainbow. You are not failing."
"I am! I'm going to fail again! I can't! This time, I actually have ponies I care for." She glanced at the three fillies. Rainbow then shook her head. "I can't let anypony else die. I don't want to be alone again."
Princess Twilight fluttered over to the assassin.
"Rainbow Miriam Dashery! You are an assassin. The highest level killer. You are also the Element of Loyalty. You are not failing in your mission. Your mission is to protect me and the girls. And everypony else that care for you. Although things look bleak, there is always light at the end. Rainbow Dash. You are going to lead us to that light, and bring back Equestria's peace. I don't care if you know your way around a sword or knife. I don't care if drain the life out of ponies. You are doing it for the good of the land. You are doing it for us."
Twilight gently smiled at the pegasus, who had tears running down her cheeks. Rainbow lept up and hugged the alicorn. Her friend.
"Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you for understanding. Thank you for being my friend."
A knock at the door broke the two ponies from their caring hug.
Rainbow jumped up onto the windowsill.
"It's okay. It's the girls."
Twilight's horn lit up as the door opened.
"Hello girls."
"Is Rainbow awake?" Applejack asked as she ushered the ponies in, and finally slamming the door.
"Yes. Why?" Rainbow glided down.
"The Royal Guards are after you. To arrest you." Rarity panicked as she sat down.
"What? Why?"
"Apparently, you killed Prince Blue blood."
"What?! Never! I was here and I-" She stopped mid sentence as reality hit her. "Ohh! They are clever. They are very much clever."
"Rainbow?"
"Twilight. I've been framed. They want everypony to fear me. And if I'm arrested, I will be most likely executed for murder of a royal. Annnd, with me gone, who's going to lead The Creed? Who's going to protect Twilight? Nopony! Equestria will crumble. Twilight will be murdered. Everypony will be slaves. To them ." She quickly turned to the girls. "You must believe me. You must believe that I didn't not kill him. As much as a snob he was, I would never kill an innocent. "
Everypony jumped as somrpony began thumping at the door.
"Princess Twilight Sparkle! Open the door instantly! We are the Royal Guards!"
Rainbow flew over to the corner of the room. She hid into the shadows. She nodded to Twilight, who was cautiously walking towards the door. Twilight gulped as she opened the door.
"Yes?" She said shakily.
"Sorry to bother you Princess, but we are looking for the whereabouts of Mistress Dashery." The white unicorn in glimmering gold armour stated.
"And...and why is that?"
"She has ruthlessly murdered Prince Blue blood."
The princess put on a shocked face.
"Oh my! How dare she!"
"Indeed. Do you know where she is?"
"I'm ever so sorry sir. No."
"Hmmm. Mighty strange. Her mission is to protect you. With her gone walk abouts, she has already failed."
"Yes. I know. How....how...how unloyal! That cow!"
"As an assassin, she would never fail a mission. Well, except once. But she would never fail. Maybe she's gone rogue."
"Pardon?" Twilight squeaked.
"Gone rogue. Where she will only follow her own rules. I'm not surprised that she has gone rogue."
"Why is that?"
"No reason ma'am. Me and my patrol will be guarding the area, in case she comes to kill you." He saluted.
"Okay...then. Good bye sir."
"Good bye Princess." He trotted off towards Town Hall.
Twilight closed the door quickly.
"Rainbow Dash?!"
"I'm here." She stood next to the lavender alicorn, who literally jumped out of her hooves at her friend's quick actions.
Rainbow couldn't help herself but giggle.
"This is serious Rainbow!"
"I know. I know. I'm getting distracted."
"What are we going to do?!" Twilight wailed.
"You are not going to do anything." A voice boomed.
The mares and fillies looked up to see three tall shadowed figures at the door.
"Oh dear." Rainbow said aloud. "Oh dear indeed."
"Celestia! Luna! Cadence! What a pleasant surprise!" Twilight smiled sheepishly.
"Oh Twilight, this is not a pleasant visit." Celestia growled.
"How dare thy kill thou nephew!" Luna yelled, her aqua eyes glowing with fury.
"He was my cousin! And you murdered him! I thought you were an Element of Harmony!" Cadence scowled.
"Please Princesses, you must understand, I didn't kill Blue Blood."
"Oh really Rainbow. I can't believe sister ordered you to protect Twilight! You could have killed her without us knowing!"
"Luna! You must have it wrong. Rainbow has been here all day. She has been asleep."
"Twilight, dear, she is a sly, deceiving killer. She has killed my nephew. She has to pay the price."
The fillies and the girls backed to the sides of the library, while Twilight and Rainbow stood in front of the three princesses.
"Twilight. Step aside. Rainbow is to pay the price of the murder of Prince Louis Blue Blood." A blue aura surrounded the cloaked pegasus, as the Guardian of the Night glared at the assassin. Celestia trotted up to Rainbow, who was struggling to break free of the magic force around her.
"Filthy assassin. Disgraceful mare. Unworthy killer." She whispered into her ear.
"Please your highness! I've been framed! It was them !" Rainbow begged.
"Celestia! Don't! She's innocent!" Twilight attempted to remove Luna's grip on her friend, but got blasted into a bookshelf. Various books falling on top of her. The girls rushed over to her aid.
Cadence bit her lip. She mouthed 'sorry' to the young alicorn.
"You are unworthy to hold The Creed's name. You are unworthy to hold the Dashery name."
"Your highness. You've got it wrong. I didn't do it." Rainbow began to cough and choke as Celestia's horn lit up. She then began spluttering up blood. Her world turned dizzy. Her eyes drooping. Rainbow movements became slower. Her legs starting to buckle underneath her. Her friends watching in horror as the pegasus was slowly killed. Rainbow stared into Celestia's eyes. Rose reflecting into magneta.
"Miserere solaris sorores. Non sum ego, turpi crimine reus. Ego tamen aliam hostiam. Si autem occidere me est. Fidele semper tecum sim. Ex die qua natus sum secutus. Post mortem manet, et ego tibi fideles. Discipulus fidem tueri mea maxima culpa. Equestria omisi tueri." Rainbow struggled less and less. And more blood came out of her mouth. She began to sway, her legs unable to hold her much longer. She began groan and moan in pain.
Cadence stared at the pegasus. Staring at her blood that now painted the wooden floor. Cadence blinked her dark pink eyes before lighting up her horn. Blue light shot towards the two sisters. Celestia fell back, and into a pile of books. Luna staggered back, her mind rolling around her head. The blue aura disappeared off Rainbow. Cadence ran over to support the pegasus before she fell.
"Princess Cadence?! What is the meaning of this?!" Celestia demanded as she shakily stood up.
"She's innocent. Can't you see?" Cadence said as she held the weak pegasus.
"She murdered Blue Blood."
"No. No she didn't."
"How can you tell?"
"I can see it in her eyes. She's innocent. She is."
Celestia walked over to Cadence. Rainbow looked at the pink alicorn before gently pushing her away.
"Thank you." She croaked to the Princess of Love.
Celestia's god-like structure towered of the pegasus mare.
"I a-a-assure y-you. I am n-not the criminal in this crime. I-I swear to protect innocents, not kill them."
The sun goddess looked down onto Rainbow.
"I am only to serve you and the land. To stay loyal to you and the land."
"I believe that there must be a misunderstanding. Even though I do believe that I and Luna saw you kill him."
"How, might I ask?"
"You poisoned him before stabbing him in the back."
"The coward's weapon?! How could you think that I would use such a thing?! I...." Rainbow glanced to three fillies. "I am not going to say how I kill. But, I am very disappointed in you. How long have I been in your service?"
"I am sorry, Rainbow. But my head was rushing. My nephew had just been murdered. However, that is no excuse of the attempt to kill you. You have seen worse deaths." Celestia bowed her head in shame. Luna too lowered her head. She muttered an apology, but was loud enough for the others to hear.
"One question. Who was the pony that killed Blue Blood, and looks like Rainbow Dash?"
"I'm sure we will find ou...." Rainbow's ears twitched. "Twilight. Take the others out back. Now!"
Twilight reluctantly rose from her position and lead the mares to the back room. She came back after everypony had left.
"What is it? What can you hear?"
Rainbow's eyes widened. She moved her hoof towards her belt. She flicked her dagger so it flipped into the air, before she caught it.
"Ssshh."
"Why?" Twilight lowered her voice.
"I...can...hear...."
The wooden door blasted open. Nearly shattering it. Two ponies in white capes came running in. Panting.
"Bonbon? Lyra?" Twilight nearly yelled.
"Ssshhh!"
"Sorry."
"Ma'am, Manehatten has been attacked. Our numbers are shrinking." The mint green unicorn huffed.
"How many are left?"
"Less than ten...ma'am."
"What?!"
"It's true." Bonbon admitted. "Half of them got slaughtered by them ."
"They are good, Dash. Too good."
"Not as good as me." Rainbow Dash smirked.
"Ma'am? Why are you bloody?"
Rainbow raised her hoof to her mouth, and quickly wiped away the rest of the red liquid.
"I'm fine. Now go and resume your patrol."
"Yes ma'am." The two mares bowed before trotting away.
Twilight carefully closed the door, knowing of how delicate it now was.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
As if on cue, Rainbow coughed. Blood splattered onto the floor.
"I'm okay. Just still recovering."
"You didn't look sore earlier."
"Assassins have ways of masking their emotions and pain. Unfortunately, I do it to well."
"Unfortunately?"
"Come on. We'll get the others, and go to Canterlot. We must find out who that pony was, and where there next attack is." Rainbow walked away from Twilight, and towards the back of the library.
The door creaked open, and slammed shut. A happy hum came from the little dragon that had just entered.
"Hey Twilight."
"Hey Spike."
The dragon carried on walking towards the kitchen. His hum turning into a whistle.
"Spike?"
"Hmm."
"Watch the library for me. I've got to go."
"Okay. See ya later."
"Oh, and clean up the floor please."
"Okay." Spike groaned as he looked at the floorboards. "Is that blood?"
Twilight sighed. "Yes."
"What happened?"
"Nothing. Rainbow was just feeling a little ill." Twilight lied.
"Well, she needs to see Doctor Stable if she's coughing up blood." Spike stated as he fetched his mop.
"I wish she could. But there is going to be more blood shed later." The alicorn muttered underneath her breath.
"I will tell her later. I must tell her later. What was on that scroll Celestia sent me is something that will most likely break Rainbow."
"Oh, and tell Rarity that she left her ruby brush at Sugarcube Corner. She left it yesterday."
"I'm sure she'll survive. She's got several brushes with several different gems on them." Twilight scoffed as she walked towards the back door.
"But Rarity!"
"I'm sure she would be very grateful if you fetch it for her. She could do with a wittle helper like you."
Spike's grin grew and his eyes turned into hearts.
"But first, clean up the library."
"Yes Twilight." The purple baby dragon called as Twilight left.
"I hope Rarity gives me another kiss. I will never wash my cheek again." He said dreamily as he moped the floor, and as he dreamed of Sir Spike rescuing Lady Rarity. "I will save your brush, my lady!"
"Girls. Girls!! You are not going to get your cutiemarks by demolishing the great hall." Rarity stated.
"Yeah! We've already done that at the Great Galloping Gala!" Pinkie skipped beside her unicorn friend.
The mares blushed at the memory. Even Rainbow's cheeks glowed red, but were impossible to seen due to the shadow of her hood.
"Rainbow. Why do ya wear a black cloak? Ah mean, wouldn' it be easier to wear nothin'."
"It's tradition. That and it allows me to hide in the shadows. And, I am a master. Or mistress."
"Has there ever been a female leader of the...what is it? The creed?" Rarity asked as she sat trotted with the group. All four princesses, five mares, and three fillies walked down the halls of Canterlot Castle
"Well...yes and no. My....parents were the original owners. It was mainly my father. My mother ruled by his side. But, I am the first proper mare leader." Rainbow didn't look at her friends. Mentioning her parents made her crack up inside. She felt her heart shatter like glass. She didn't want them to see her weak. She was weak. She admitted she was weak. But the dagger and the robes made her feel stronger. She needed to feel stronger. To protect her friends.
"Equestria ta Rainbow? Come in Rainbow."
The pegasus shook her head as if emptying it.
"I-I'm fine. "
"Are ya sure? You were quiet."
"I said I'm fine!" She snapped at the apple mare. Who in return stepped back.
"Ah'm sorry, Rainbow."
Rainbow sighed.
"No, I'm sorry. I was the one who snapped." She smiled sweetly at her friend. That was before she began to cough, yet again. Rainbow winced, and hissed through her teeth as searing pain shot throughout her body.
"Rainbow. Ah'm going ask again. Are ya okay?"
"Yes, darling. You are obviously in pain." Rarity stated.
"I assure you. I am fine." She smiled in hope that it will mask her pain from the others. But the others could see through it clearly.
"You're a terrible liar." Twilight said in humdrum voice.
"Rainbow, please. If you are injured, we can help you....it's when we attempted to kill, isn't it?" Celestia asked urgently.
Rainbow hesitated before she answered to the sun goddess.
"Yes."
"Oh dear! We are so sorry! How are you bad injured? Is that why you keep coughing up blood?"
"Excuse me for asking Princess, but how were you intending to kill Rainbow?"
"Oh Twilight. We were trying to kill her by using the quickest route. However, it turns out it is the most painful."
"You got that right." Rainbow coughed.
"And that is to attack the heart. To try and destroy it from the inside out."
The girls shuddered at the thought.
"And, being an almighty princess doesn't help either. Like we said before, we are very sorry Rainbow. I should have thought about before it jumping to conclusions. Especially as you have been in my service for so long." Celestia croaked as she apologised even more.
"It's okay, your highness."
"LOOK OUT, YOUR MAJESTY!! THERE SHE IS!"
The mares turned to look at two stallions, dressed in golden armour who were quickly trotting up to them. Holding spears in their aura.
"Celestia! The assassin! She's there!"
"She must be executed for the murder of Prince Blue Blood!"
Rainbow groaned before flying up into the air. Her hoof hovering over her dagger.
"Guards! Stop at once! Mistress Dashery has been relieved of the crime."
"But, ma'am, she is the murderer. She must be punished."
"And you must do what I say! I said dismiss!"
The unicorns ignored the princess, and fired light towards the cloaked Pegasus. But Rainbow swiftly dodged them. While the guards were not looking, she threw, what looked like sharp silver stars. As soon as the stars had lodged themselves into their necks, they fell to the ground.
"Do you ever speak to your guards? I rather not kill off a whole flippin' army!" Rainbow demanded as she landed.
"I did. I called all the guards off."
"So why did they not listen to you, Tia?" Luna inquired, looking more confused than a diamond dog at the beach.
Rainbow walked over to the bleeding guards. She removed their helmets.
"That is why." She pointed to a symbol on their necks.
The mares stared at the symbols on the stallions necks. It was a golden dragon with red eyes.
"What in Tartarus is that?!"
"Their symbol."
"What?"
"It's the symbol that they use. The dragon represents destruction." Rainbow said as she removed the stars from the guards necks.
"What are...they ?" Scootaloo questioned as she hopped over with the two other fillies.
Rainbow looked at Celestia, who in return, gave a very worried look.
"I cannot tell them."
"Oh please Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo pleaded as she hugged Rainbow's leg. "Please! We won't tell anypony. Besides, we already know too much."
"No."
"She has got a point."
"But Celestia! I am risking their lives more and more. Just simply knowing what I do could result in them being murdered by them !"
"Yes, but with you protecting them, they have nothing to worry about." The white alicorn soothed.
"B-but-" Rainbow was unable to finish her sentence as agony ripped her apart. She felt her heart slowly decreasing. Her breathe was becoming more and more jagged and laboured.
"R-Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo released herself from her idol's leg.
Rainbow closed her eyes. In hope it would somehow block out the pain. She whimpered as the pain began to overpower her. Then, she felt it. She felt her heart stop. The assassin fell to the ground.
"Rainbow!"
The others gasped.
Rainbow lay there. Her chest barely rising. Her black cloak splaying across her slim figure. Blood dripping out of her mouth and nose.
Celestia began to panic.
"We must get her medical help!"
"I'll teleport to a guest room. Twilight and Cadence, go and get the Canterlot Castle doctor."
Twilight and Cadence nodded, as they began to run off.
A blue and gold aura surrounded the rest of the group.
~~~~~~
"This is all my fault. Rainbow Dash is on the verge of dying. My best protector. And I was the one who killed her. Now The Creed is really beginning to fall." Celestia paced around the room. She then turned towards the assassin. Rainbow was lying in a single bed in one of the many guest rooms. A heart monitor and other various hospital items were placed aside the bed. The rhythmic beeping echoing throughout the room. Her cloak and weapons were put on the table on the far side of the room.
"Calm down, Celestia." Cadence said as she walked over to her aunt. "It's also mine and Luna's fault."
Celestia sighed. She glanced at the other ponies across the room. Fluttershy and Pinkie both held each other. Their tears soaking their manes. Scootaloo fell asleep. She cried herself asleep while the others attempted to comfort her. Rarity, Applejack, Sweetie belle and Applebloom sat quietly next to each other, playing a simple game of snap. Luna had fallen asleep as well. But in her own room. And last but not least, a white earth pony with light pink hair was talking to Twilight.
"Is she okay, Nurse Redheart?"
"For the time being. And please, I'm no longer a nurse. I'm now Doctor Redheart."
"How so?"
"I've completed my training. I am no longer a trainee doctor or nurse.That's why I am in Canterlot." Redheart grinned.
"That's brilliant. When will Rainbow wake up?"
"I am unsure of that Twilight. From what I can tell, her heart has been jolted. And has also been badly damaged."
"Oh dear." Twilight stared at Rainbow. Her friend. She couldn't lose her.
"Come girls. We must leave her now. To rest." Redheart ushered the princesses and the mares out. Along with the fillies.
As Redheart shut the door, two other stallion guards walked up. One brown unicorn and one blue Pegasus.
"Guards. I want you to protect the this room and the pony within. No pony goes in without my permission. I have locked the windows and placed a charm on it as well. Now, protect her well. She is a very, very important pony. Also, keep an eye on her status. Get either me, Luna, Cadence, Twilight or Nur-Doctor Redheart when something happens. Understood?"
The guards nodded.
"Good. I also guess that you are wondering who you are protecting."
"Yes, your highness." They both nodded.
"You are protecting Mistress Dashery. Of The Assassin's Creed."
The guards' both opened their eyes wide.
"The Mistress Dashery?"
Celestia nodded.
"B-But, why does she need protecting? Isn't she supposed to be protecting?"
"Yes. Unfortunately, due to me, she is gravely injured. Dying, almost."
"Oh my. Yes, your majesty. We will guard her." The two stallions saluted.
"Thank you, sirs."
Celestia trotted off towards the room where the others were staying in.
"All...my...fault." She whispered.
"Great. Just great! I might as well blow up Equestria myself!" Celestia huffed.
"Princess, please. This won't do anypony any good."
"Yes, I agree with Rarity. Calm down." Twilight nodded to her friend, while her frustrated mentor paced around the throne room.
"No. I can't. Not until I know Rainbow is well and Equestria is safe." The sun raiser stamped her hoof before returning to walking around.
"Well...can you at least sit down and have some tea. It's dandelion and apple."
Celestia sniffed the air and inhaled the delicious scent. She reluctantly sat down, and began to delicately sip at the steaming hot delight.
"Mmm."
"Good. Relaxed now, sister?"
She nodded frantically to her younger sibling. She was about to gulp down the hot liquid, but a loud knock stopped the cup even touching her lips.
"Come in." She called.
The grand doors opened, and four cloaked ponies walked in. But instead of black cloaks-like Rainbow's-they were pure white, with brown boots on their back legs and brown bracers on their front.Their hoods masking their identity. The cloaks were bright and clean. Give or take the odd dirt patch, and the specks of dried blood.
"Yes. What is it that you need?"
"We need to see Mistress Dashery. It is the uppermost importance." The feminine voice replied.
"Bonbon?" Applejack asked.
The four ponies removed their hoods. Revealing a earth mare with blue and pink curly hair. A light teal unicorn mare, with scruffy turquoise hair. A purple pegasus mare with a plain blonde mane. And finally, a dark grey pegasus stallion. With a ice blue mohawk.
"Bonbon? Lyra? Cloudkicker? Thunderlane?" Rarity's voice getting higher with each name. "You lot are assassins as well."
The four ponies nodded in reply.
"Now, we must speak to our Mistress. It is very important. " Lyra demanded.
"Well, we're sorry. Because Rainbow is-"
"Right here."
Everpony turned to see Rainbow Dash, in her cloak yet again, standing by the door.
"How-but-but we didn't hear the doors open."
"You do realise what I do."
Twilight just sighed in response.
"If only you weren't." She muttered quietly so no-pony could hear.
"I'm sorry Twilight. But I've got to what I've got to do." Rainbow said as she trotted closer to the ponies. Obviously hearing her purple alicorn friend.
"But Rainbow!? What are you doing? You should be resting." Celestia yelled. Her voice echoing throughout the room.
"Listen, princess. Resting is not going to keep Equestria safe. Now, I don't care if I collapse every five seconds, or my hoof is broken. I am an assassin. We learn to put up with our own pain in order to make sure that the innocents are not. Okay?" Rainbow just smiled. Not even flinching at the goddess's o mighty voice, like everypony else.
"For cryin' out loud Rainbow. Ya heart stopped and ya had internal bleeding." Applejack protested.
"Meh. I've had worst." The pegasus shrugged.
"You nearly died, and you just say meh!?" Rarity yelled. Her indigo curls flailing around her face.
"Listen, diamond ass, I've been in worst situations. And I don't care about myself. I care about the millions of innocent ponies, gryphons, zebras and every other animal out there. I don't care if my life is on the bloody line. I will not stop until Equestria is safe!"
Celestia expression softened into a sweet smile.
"And that is why you are the Element of Loyalty." She soothed.
"Ah-hem! Please. The message we carry is very important. So if you please." Lyra stepped forward.
"Yes. Go on." Rainbow urged.
"Ponyville was recently under-attack."
"What?!" Everypony said in sync.
"It was attacked by unicorns in black armour."
Rainbow gulped at 'black armour'. Remembering her dreaded past and nightmares.
"H-How did they get past our defences?" She stuttered, hoping that no-pony had to go through the same torture she had to.
"We don't know. But whoever they are, they know everything about The Creed. The either murdered or captured the assassins."
"And...they have located all our bases all over Equestria. They have slaughtered every assassin." Thunderlane lowered his head as he remembered that his best friend in Cloudsdale was attacked earlier.
"Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear." Rainbow muttered.
"Ma'am. We are the last assassins of The Creed."
Rainbow's eye began to twitch.
"So there's only five of us left?"
The ponies nodded.
"Ooo. They are good. Very good." She turned to her fellow assassins. "Resign. Now!"
"What?!"
"I said resign."
"But, ma'am! Why?" Bonbon pouted like a little filly wanting the last piece of cake.
"The Creed has fallen. It has finally gone. Now...resign. And that's an order." The Pegasus demanded.
The four white cloaked ponies stuttered before slowly nodding in agreement.
"Yes...ma'am."
"Thank you. Now go. Go to your families. And Ponyville. I'm sure they could do with your help." Rainbow smiled to them. They turned to the doors and walked out of the room.
"Rainbow? What are you planning?" Cadence gave a disapproving look to the Pegasus.
"Yeah Dashie! That means you're the last assassin." Pinkie tilted her head in the cutest way possible.
"Exactly. I'm the last assassin. That means that our enemy will come after me. And me only." Rainbow trotted to the girls, before stopping dead in her tracks. Her ears twitching slightly.
"Are you okay, dear?" Rarity asked in concern.
"Yes. I'll be just a minute." She quickly trotted out of the room. Leaving the girls in confusion.
~~~~~~
"Let me go!! I said, let go!!" A muffled voice screamed from outside.
The doors blasted open. Scaring everypony, even the Princesses.
"Listen, I said let me go!! Or I'll...I'll..."
"Or you'll what? Scream like a filly? Grow up Lighting Dust!"
"Lighting Dust?" The fillies said in confusion.
Rainbow dash was dragging in a teal Pegasus mare by the collar of her uniform. Her golden locks ragged and untamed. Cuts across her face and legs.
"Celestia! Look what I found...in your bed chambers." Rainbow pushed the struggling mare in front of the white goddess. She fell to the marble floor. Her chin bashing against the hard flooring. Lighting Dust slowly looked up. Staring into Celestia's eyes.
"And what do you think you were doing?"
"I ain't saying anything." She huffed.
"Tricky one, are we? Listen, I am going to be nice. And when I say I, I mean Rainbow Dash."
Lighting looked over to her former friend.
"You don't scare me."
Rainbow smirked as she walked over. She stood above Lighting. Her face looking down onto the other pony. And she placed her hoof over the turquoise wings.
"Ptff! You think stepping on my wing will break me? You're having a laugh! My wings may be sensitive, but not as sensitive as yours! It's funny to see you in pain. That's why your wing hurt at the Academy and mine didn't." Lighting scoffed.
Rainbow shook her head.
"I wasn't going to use my hoof." A small sharp knife came out of the assassin's bracer. Lighting's eyes opened wide in fear.
"I don't care. You're a filthy assassin."
"Why are you here?"
Lighting pouted.
"Well then. Things get very bloody." Rainbow placed the sharp tool underneath Lightning's wing. Right under the joint where it connects to the body.
"Last chaaance." She whispered into the defenceless pony's ear. Who didn't reply. "Please. I rather not do this. Torturing is not very...nice to watch. And I do not want to scar the fillies."
"T-T-Torture? But I thought assassins do quick swift deaths." She began to panic.
"Oh we do. But we don't kill the ones we need. Like you. And since you are not going to co-operate, I guess you are going to be in a lot of pain."
Lightning Dust began to squirm, but Celestia held her down in her magic.
"Let me go!! I ain't sayin' anything!!" She yelled.
Rainbow rolled her eyes before moving the blade. Warm blood began to drip onto the clean floor. Lightning whimpered in pain. Her golden eyes brimming with tears.
"Still nothing? Well..." The assassin pushed the blade further into the Pegasus' wing.
"I'll talk!! I'll talk!! Please!! Just stop!!" She cried.
"Thank you." Rainbow quickly removed the blade. Lightning gasped as she felt it move out of her flesh. Her face coated in her tears. She cried into her hooves. Rainbow rummaged through her saddle bags and pulled out a roll of bandages. She wrapped it tightly around Lightning's wing. She then walked in front of the crying mare, and held out her hoof. Lightning Dust looked up. Her eyes glowing red from her tears. The prismatic Pegasus smiled.
"Come on. I ain't going to bite."
"B-b-but why? I'm the opposition. I'm the one who killed Blueblood." She croaked.
Everypony gasped except Rainbow.
"I know. But I can tell you are a victim. Not a criminal."
"B-b-but I-"
"Come on Lightning. You used to be friend. You are still my friend. Even after you nearly killed my friends at the Academy." She gave a friendly grin. Lightning Dust leapt up and hugged the Pegasus. Who was nearly knocked down due to the force of the other pony.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't! I didn't want this to happen!!" She wailed into Rainbow's shoulder.
"Neither did I." Rainbow mumbled under her breath. Feeling her body weaken every second. "Soon, it will be too late. Too late to save the peace and love." A twinge of pain flowed through her body. But nopony saw her wince or shudder.
Hypnotise And Night Skies
"How...what..."
"That's what I thought. But it just happened."
Four alicorns, five mares, an assassin and a follower from the...dark side sat in the middle of the Throne room of Canterlot Castle. The three fillies fell asleep a long time ago, and were now snoozing on the red velvet throne.
"How did they hypnotise you?"
"I don't know, your highness."
"Please, Lightning. Just call me Celestia."
"O-Okay, Celestia."
"Now, tell us what happened."
"Well,...
A teal Pegasus with golden hair sat on a stool in a small bar. Ponies of all types and sizes squeezed into the small area. Laughing and drinking away. The room smelt of smoke and vodka. But that didn't bother the mare, downing her drink.
"That's enough, Dusty."
"Don' tell mee wha's enough! I know when I ave ad a enough an I haven' ad enough yet!" Lightning slurred at the bar-pony.
"Lightning, please. This is your fourteenth glass. You have had enough." The red stallion said while he cleaned a glass and served two other ponies with his magic.
"Shaddup, Brandy! You...you don' know wha I've been through taday!"
"Of course I do. You came crying to me earlier. Saying that somepony named Rainbow Dash had got you kicked out of the Wonderbolts Academy." He turned his full attention to his distressed friend.
"It was my dream. But now it's gone. What have I got to live for now?"
"Err..."
"Exactly! Nothing!! That goody-goody Rainbow Dash had to get in the way." She moaned as she slurped at another glass of brown liquid.
"But you were being reckless, weren't you?"
"I guess. But they shouldn't have kicked me out! They should have just punished me instead. Now, I'll never be a Wonderbolt." The mare sulked.
"Listen, there will be other times."
"No there won't!!"
"Now, that doesn't sound like the Lightning Dust I know." Brandy hovered a bottle of cider onto the counter. Followed by two cups. And he began to pour the alcohol for himself and his friend.
"She's gone." She muttered as she snatched the bottle.
"Hey!"
"I'm sorry, Brandy. I need it." She took a swig from the bottle.
"No! You've had enough already!"
"Oh well!"
"And who's paying for it?" He demanded.
"Errr..."
"Because I ain't paying for it again." His voice stern towards the Pegasus.
"Well, Rainbow Dash will pay for it."
"Oh for crying out loud! Lightning she hasn't come here in ages! She goes to the bar in Ponyville. The one run by Vinyl Scratch."
"Who?"
"Vinyl Scratch."
"Ermm..."
"The DJ." He huffed.
"Still...."
"DJ PON-3!" He yelled in frustration.
"Oooo! She goes to The Scratcher? That place? Really?"
"Yes! Now pay for your drinks!"
"Just put it on a tab."
"Whose?"
"I dunno...Thunderlane's?"
Brandy shook his head.
"Just be careful, Lightning."
"Yeah yeah! Whatever!" She slurred yet again as she walked towards the exit.
~~~~~~
"I am pathetic. Stupid. Worthless."
"No you're not."
Lightning whipped her head around. Scanning the area with her golden eyes.
"Who's there?"
"Oh, you won't know me." A Pegasus stallion emerged from the shadows of the alleyway.
"Hey! You look like-" Her sentence was stopped by a hoof to her mouth.
"Please. Sshh. I have a deal to make. You hate Rainbow Dash. Don't you?"
Lightning nodded.
"Good. Good. Well, how would you like to join me? I too hate that disgraceful mare." He hissed through his teeth.
Lightning removed the stallion's hoof from her mouth.
"Hell yeah! I'm joining ya!! What we gonna do? Paint her house green? Embarrass her in front of millions?"
"We're going to kill her."
"What?!"
"We're going to kill her."
"I hate her, but don't you think that's too far?"
"Nope."
"I-I can't. No. I can't kill somepony." The mare turned away.
"But you have already agreed."
"What?"
The stallion pushed her to the floor. Her head making a sickening crush as it hit the floor.
"Hey!! What do you think you're doing?! I may be drunk but I ain't that drunk!"
"Oh shush you!!" The stallion beckoned another pony over. A shadowed mare walked over. Obviously, she was a unicorn, seeing a small shadow of a horn.
"Now. Do it now!" He demanded. In a flash of light, Lightning Dust was half unconscious.
"You will do what your master will say." The mare hushed.
Lightning nodded.
"Uh-huh."
"You will follow his commands."
"Uh-huh."
The light disappeared.
"There. You can tell her to do whatever, and she will do it. But! Nothing dirty! Okay! She's a slave but not that kind of slave! Okay?"
"Yes. I was going to use her...for a murder."
"What? Rainbow's?"
"No. Celestia and the other princesses will kill Rainbow. Lightning will kill Blueblood."
"Wh-"
"Shush!" He pushed the mare aside and lowered his head to Lightning's.
"You will kill Blueblood."
"Mmm-yes...sssir." She mumbled. She lifted herself up. "I will kill Prince Blueblood."
"Good. Put this cloak on and use these to kill him." He dragged out a black cloak with a red collar, a small vial off blue liquid and a small dagger. "Poison him. If that doesn't work, stab him. Now go!"
"Yesss massster."
"Good." The stallion flew back into the shadows, and the unicorn mare was surrounded in her aura. Before vanishing.
"Kill Blueblood. Kill Blueblood." Lightning Dust-still half asleep-put the cloak on and put the vial and dagger away. "Kill Blueblood." She kept muttering like a zom-pony.
"I don't understand. How can a unicorn perform a hypnotism spell. Not even I could do that. Only Discord can." Twilight shook her head in confusion.
"What did the stallion look like?" Rainbow asked.
"I-I don't...I don't remember...I'm sorry." She whispered.
"That's okay. I'm sure will find out who is soon." Rainbow rose from her position. The four princesses shared a look of worry. They moved closer to each other. Twilight her lip.
"I-"
"No. She must find out on her own." Luna interrupted Twilight.
"What are you all talking about?" Rainbow raised her eyebrow.
"Nothing of your concern, Rainbow." Cadence soothed, as she too got up. "I must go and see Shining. It's getting late."
Celestia and Luna's horns both lit up. Everypony looked outside and watched the oranges, pinks, purples and blues shower the sky. The sun finally lowered behind the hills, and the moon now ruled the sky. Second by second, little glimmers of stars appeared on the blanket of indigo and blue. It was now night.
"Sleep Sister. As always, I rule." Luna giggled.
"Ha-ha. Ha-ha." Celestia said sarcastically as she stood up and left. "Come on girls. Lets take the fillies, and rest ourselves." The Cutiemark Crusaders rose into the air by a yellow and light blue aura. Luna waved to the six mares, her sister and niece. However, Twilight and Rainbow stayed behind. To admire Luna's handiwork.
"It's beautiful Luna." Twilight gazed into sky while walking onto the balcony.
"Indeed. Tis a shame that no-pony comes to watch our magnificent night. Even when thou is no longer feared, they don't not want...to see the beauty." Luna said. Her language a mixture of the Royal Canterlot Voice and normal everyday voice.
"That's not true. Everypony love the night. It's a time for rest, romance, fun and everything else. Ponies love the night, probably more than the day. There is nothing to be upset about your work." Rainbow trotted onto the balcony too. Joining the two alicorns. "Luna. Remember. That what you did is in the past. Ponies live to forgive and forget."
"Yeah. Everypony adore you. Your loyalty, your kindness, your laziness and you. They love you for you."
"Thank you Twilight. Thank you Rainbow. We needed much comfort. Sister was not enough." She smiled to the girls.
Rainbow stared at the stars. Like glistening jewels in a dark sea. She sighed. Her head lowered and her wings drooped.
"What is wrong Rainbow?"
"Nothing. Nothing is wrong." She mumbled.
"Rainbow. I'm your friend. What is wrong?"
"I know us assassins kill ponies, but why do the rest fear us? We protect them. Remember when Rarity saw my dagger. I hate it. We protect them by risking our lives. We kill the ones that want them turned into slaves. But they don't realise that. When they see us, they scream and run away."
"Rainbow. I'm not going to lie. I was scared when you said you were an assassin. But deep down I knew that you were only doing it for the good of Equestria." Twilight placed her hoof onto the Pegasus pony's shoulder. And Rainbow carried on.
"They fear us assassins because they only hear the bad stuff. The killings. They just know that we killed somepony. They don't know why or who. That's why I stayed hidden. I tried to hide my tail so no-pony recognised me and then hated me. I was panicking when Rarity saw my weapon. I thought the others would hate me too."
"Yes, but we don't darling." A voice said gracefully.
The three ponies turned to see Rarity and Applejack.
"We came over ere, cause we couldn' sleep."
"We didn't want to." Rarity added. "So we came back up here. Fluttershy and Pinkie fell asleep as soon as they touched the beds. And so did Celestia and Lightning."
"Bless them. Twilight, Rainbow. I must go." Luna walked over to the doors.
"Okay Luna." Twilight waved to her friend.
The four mares turned back to the night sky. The gentle breeze flowing through their manes. While Twilight, Applejack and Rarity were admiring the sky, Rainbow just stared up. Her mind racing.
"ANSWER ME YOU LITTLE SLUT!!"
"DIRTY LITTLE ASSASSIN!!"
"YOU AIN'T AN ASSASSIN!! YOU'RE NOTHING!!"
"NO SKILL!! NO NOTHING!!"
"COME ON THEN!! TRY AND HIT ME!!"
"SEE THAT NIGHT SKY. SEE THOSE BEAUTIFUL STARS PRINCESS CELESTIA MADE. THAT IS THE LAST THING YOU'LL EVER SEE."
"STOP CRYING! YOU DON'T DESERVE THOSE TEARS!"
"COME BACK HER YOU!! I WASN'T FINISHED!! I STILL NEED TO BEAT YOU TILL YOU ARE JUST A PUDDLE OF BLOOD!"
"THAT FEELS SO NICE. OBVIOUSLY, YOU'RE IN PAIN. BUT I DON'T CARE!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Rainbow came back to reality. She staggered back as her heart pounded inside of her. First it's nightmares, now it's happening everywhere. And why now.
"Rainbow? Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Ya zoned out. Than ya began ta breathe weirdly."
"Are you sure that you are okay? Wait...is it the same memory and relapse that you had back at the library." Twilight inquired.
Rainbow wanted to admit it, but couldn't. She couldn't reveal her emotions now. She tried to fight the temptation of collapsing onto the ground, crying like a little filly. But she couldn't give up her guard.
"....yes." She croaked. She gave up fighting. She had to tell them some day. She surrendered the war inside of her. Tears began to drip out of her rose irises. Clearly seen by the others.
"Rainbow? Why are you crying? What's wrong?" Rarity asked in concern.
"There is something. Something horrible, I need to tell you." She sat down on the hard, cold floor of the balcony. Followed by the other three mares. "I need to tell you about...my past."
"Mother!! Father!! I'm home!!"
"We're in the kitchen, honey!"
A young Rainbow Dash trotted through the grand house. Her hooves booming through the old house. It wasn't a cloud house. Like where normal pegasi live in. It was a large, old mansion. On the ground, instead of the sky. Shielded by dark, gloomy trees.
"Hey. What's up?" Rainbow asked nonchalantly, as she trotted into the kitchen.
"Rainbow. How was you test today, sweetie?" Sunset Breeze asked. Her voice softer and silkier than silk itself. She was a slim white Pegasus, with red, orange and yellow hair. It was smooth and soft. Her eyes were dark blue, and her lashes long and curly. Her Cutiemark was a sunset with a cloud. Her talent, swift and sly moves. Moving almost like a feather.
"It...err....went...fantastic!" Rainbow lied through her teeth.
The blue Pegasus stallion gave a disapproving to his daughter. His red eyes glaring at her. He had green, blue and purple hair. He had Rainbow's same style but it was much sharper. He had a black soul patch beard. His Cutiemark was a tri-coloured lightning bolt with green, blue and purple, and a black flame behind it. His talent was flying. And fast.
"Rainbow. Don't lie to your mother." Lightning Blitz said in a stern yet friendly voice.
"I...fa...." She mumbled.
"What?"
"I...fai....."
"Sorry, I can't hear you Fluttershy."
"I FAILED!! Okay?! I failed!!" She yelled out. Tears brimming her rose eyes.
"Well, that's no surprise. Rainbow Dash fails another test." Another stallion walked in. He was the same height as Rainbow, maybe slightly taller. His coat was a dark cyan blue. He had rose eyes. Like Dash's. And his mane was red, yellow and blue. Yet again, he had the same style as Rainbow's. His Cutiemark was a red lightning bolt. With white flames behind it. His talent was rough flying. Like drag racing. His wings were hard and strong.
"Oh shut up Blitzen!!" Rainbow snapped.
"Oh please don't argue. I don't want my little girl and my big boy fighting." Breeze begged.
"Okay mother." The two siblings said in sync.
"Why did you fail, Rainbow?"
"I don't know." She muttered as she sat down.
"Maybe because you were born with a roasted walnut instead of a brain!" Blitzen sneered.
"Don't be rude to your sister. You know she has a higher IQ than you."
"Then why doesn't she use it?!" The young stallion demanded.
"Because I rather not be beaten to a pulp!!" Rainbow yelled back. "I was threatened by some of the bullies saying they would hurt me and Fluttershy if I passed another test."
"Sweetheart." Breeze fluttered over to her daughter. "Dashie, darling. You don't have to fear them. They should really fear you. After all you are an assassin."
"And bloody good one." Lightning Blitz added. Blitzen scowled his father.
"They are probably jealous. Jealous that you are better than them."
Lightning Blitz walked over with an object in his wings.
"Here. I was saving it for your birthday, but you could do with a smile." He grinned as he handed the item to his youngest. Rainbow's eyes widened at it. It was a silver dagger. With swirls and spirals around the handle. And engraved on it was two names. Lightning Blitz and Sunset Breeze.
"But-but this is yours and mother's dagger. The dagger you made to propose to mother. Why are you giving it to me?" Rainbow was confused.
"Because, we both know that you have great potential. To be an assassin and much more. We know that one day, that when you lead The Creed, you will lead it and Equestria to their greatest victory. And we know that because we believe in you." Sunset Breeze hugged Rainbow.
"You are a brilliant young mare." Lightning joined into the hug. But just behind them, watching the happy scene unfold in front of him, was Blitzen John Dashery. Rage built up inside of him as his parents cared for his puny little sister than they did for him. Yeah, she was fast and agile. But he was much stronger. And his body could take much more. If Rainbow went flying through a storm, she would fall out due to attack of winds, hail and snow. However, he would fly through a storm without a scratch.
Suddenly, a pony in a white cloak came bursting in.
"Sir!! They have come!! They are killing Everypony!!!" He panted.
Lightning Blitz rose from his position.
"Where are they located now?"
"Near the house, sir. I advise you to take your family away before the-" He was unable to finish his sentence as an arrow was shot through his neck. He fell to ground. Blood gushing out of his neck and mouth. His pristine white cloak, now deep scarlet. Stallions began to barge into the house. Lightning Blitz grabbed his sword and held it up, and Sunset Breeze picked up her bow and arrow.
"What do you want?" He demanded.
"We want The Creed to fall. And fall it shall." One of the stallions yelled as his fellow ponies raged through the house. Two ponies overpowered Lightning, while one pushed his wife. Another stallion went for Blitzen, but he was stabbed by Rainbow Dash. The two siblings began to push and fight the ponies. But Rainbow was pushed to the back of the room, and knocked unconscious. Blitzen too, was knocked unconscious as somepony threw a chair over his head.
"Don't kill this one. He will be a great help to us. Take him back." Two ponies dragged his limp body across the floor and outside.
"And you two...kill them."
Instantly, the stallions holding down the couple, stabbed them in their stomachs. Blood coating their bodies. At this point, Rainbow woke up. A cracking headache splitting her head.
"MOTHER!! FATHER!!" She wailed.
The ponies turned around to the crying young mare.
"Wait! Don't kill them yet. I have a better idea." The lead pony held a evil smirk as he walked closer to Rainbow.
"Rainbow. Run. Fly." Her mother choked before the stallion punched her in the face.
"Oh she won't run. Or fly. If she knew what was good for her." He stood right in front of her. His huge frame towering down on her petit athletic body. "So, Rainbow. If you even try to fly away, I will hack your wings off and kill your parents. You understand?"
Rainbow's mind rushed. Her assassin instincts were to attack or flee. But with no way out, she had to give up.
"W-What will you do?"
He smiled. "You see, I am a very lonely stallion. With no one to please me. And you are one sexy mare. I don't think I know anypony else with a tight rump than yours."
"Sick bastard! You stay away from my daughter!" Lightning yelled.
The lead pony waved his hoof. Signalling the other pony. The stallion holding Lightning Blitz stabbed him in the chest. But not in the heart. He wanted him to see his daughter in pain before taking his last breath.
"Father!! Please!! Don't hurt them!!" She attempted to run over, but the evil stallion grabbed her tail.
"Stay put, you little bitch!"
Rainbow's assassin side came out and she kicked him in the face. He fell back. Red liquid trickling from his snout.
"DAMNIT!!"
The prismatic Pegasus fluttered over to her fallen parents. The lead pony leapt up again. And push the mare to the floor near her mother.
"I'M GOING TO FUCK YOU!! AND HARD!!" He held her down. He used his magic to pluck a few of her feathers out. She moaned in pain. Feeling warm liquid coat her wings. He then grabbed the dagger in the far corner. It now glowing green. It was the dagger that Lightning had just given to Rainbow.
"No...please...she's still young....she's only fifteen." Breeze pleaded as she coughed up blood.
"I don't care. She's a worthless assassin. She deserves to die." He smirked as he lowered himself onto the slender mare.
~~~~~~
"Nice. Nice. Go on, boys. Now you've finished, you can finish them two off. Oh don't worry, I put a protection spell on you...Dashie. You won't get pregnant." He shooed stallions. The smirking guards that had now violated the young mare, slit the two elder ponies' throats. Rainbow watched through her blurry eyes. Fresh tears fell on the dark floorboards. Then the lead stallion grabbed Rainbow's dagger and stabbed her in the chest. She gasped as she felt the cold metal penetrate her skin. She heard her father and mother whisper, "no...."
"There. Come on then. These lot will die in the minute. The Creed has finished. It's now dead." He walked out of the house followed by the others. Leaving the three dying ponies alone. Rainbow dragged herself, clutching her chest, closer to her parents.
"Mother...father..." She croaked.
"....rainbow....my....girl....." Lightning whispered. Trying to savour his breath.
"I....love...you..."
"...w-we...love...you...too...our little...girl...."
"our....special....girl..."
"I don't want to die. I don't want you to die." She cried.
"Dashie....protect....the ones...who...you care....for...." Sunset Breeze said before closing her eyes.
"We...believe...in you....sweetheart...."
"I love you father. I love you mother." She watched as their chests fell...and never rose again. She struggled to get herself up. Her legs shaking madly. Still holding her chest. The blood leaking onto the floor and drenching her hoof. She lifted her dagger and held it close. Tears flowing freely like a waterfall.
"I promise. I promise on my life. I will lead The Creed. I lead them well. I will do it for. And I will get revenge on them." She limped over to a cupboard, and put on a black cloak.The very black cloak her mother wore. She placed the dagger in it's holder, and put the other weapons in her cloak. She wrapped some bandages around her chest. She pulled the hood over her head. Rainbow-before leaving-looked back at her parents.
"Ego promitto. Promitto in animam meam protegam Equestria. Et dedúcet Symbolum. Te amo. Non deficiam." She whispered before fluttering off.
Attack Of The Night Guardian
"And I have been leading The Creed ever since." Rainbow finished. She had finished telling her story to her three friends. Her rose eyes glowing red and wet. Her cheeks damp and her hair sticking to her coat, from her tears. She had done it. Not only had she told somepony about her horrific past, she had shown her emotions. Although she was not in the presence of an enemy, she revealed her weakness. Assassin's never show anypony their weakness. But Rainbow let this off. She had to tell them. They were her closest friends.
Now, throughout the story, the three mares sat in utter shock. Too upset to say anything. Applejack sat on her haunches. Completely still. Holding her tatty hat by her chest. Her emerald eyes opened wide. Rarity and Twilight were both laying on their stomachs. Rarity's blue gem eyes were brimmed with tears while Twilight said nothing. She looked the most calm out of all of them. No tears, no shock, no nothing.
"Oh my. Rainbow Dash, darling. And there I was thinking that your foalhood was normal. Parents, love, family, friends. But no. You've had the most horrendous past I have ever heard. I'm so sorry, Rainbow." Rairty cried.
"Sorry for what? You couldn't have done anything to prevent it." Rainbow stood up and quickly wiped her tears away. "Celestia. I can hear you." Everypony turned to the doors. And they all heard a groan.
"You cease to surprise me, Rainbow." The grand alicorn smiled as she walked in. "I am glad you told somepony, Rainbow Dash. You maybe tough, but everything has it's breaking point. I feared the worst for you."
"Why?"
"Rainbow Dash. You bottle up your emotions. And you have so much to cover up. I feared that one day you'll just burst. Whether that would be just collapsing to ground crying, having a rant at one of your friends or even-"
"No! Excuse me, your highness, but don't even mention that word! I would never give up so easily!" Rainbow snapped at the Princess.
"Of course you wouldn't. But it is possible."
"So you think I am an emotional wreck that would take her own life? For crying out loud Celestia! I would have done it already!!"
"Please Rainbow. Lower your voice."
"Urg! I am not a little filly! So don't treat me like one!!" Rainbow stormed out of the room. Leaving the three mares in a confused state.
"Wha?" Applejack just rubbed her head.
"She's breaking inside."
"What do you mean, Celestia?" Twilight asked.
"I mean she fighting with her own emotions. She's creating a war inside of her. Although she has told you her past, that's only the first battle."
"Princess?"
"Listen girls. It doesn't matter whether Rainbow is an assassin, she is still a little filly crying for her mother. I found this out as a few days ago, before you lot knew about her job, she was a wreck. I found her, hiding in the Canterlot Maze. She was sitting in a bush, crying. I found out that she had also began to self-harm herself. But no too serious." Celestia sat down next to her student. "I heard her saying her parents names. The poor dear. I was going to comfort her, but I decided to leave her be. I worry that she is becoming more unstable by the minute. You saw what had just happened. One moment she's distruaght, the next, she's angry."
"Soo, in a way of saying things, she's like a train." Rarity piped up.
"A train?" Applejack sniggered at her frilly-fro-fro friend.
"No no, Applejack. Rainbow is like a train. Tough and fast. And her emotions are the tracks. Now what happens when a track gets dented or breaks and the train is coming down?"
"...the...train derails...?" Twilight said uneasily.
"Exactly. The train derails, falls of the tracks. It crashes. It explodes."
Celestia nodded.
"I understand your point, Rarity."
"Ah...kinda...ya comparin Rainbow ta a train?"
Rarity moaned in frustration and face-hoofed.
"Applejack! Rainbow is on her way of bursting out!" Twilight yelled.
"Then why couldn' ya jast say tha?!" Applejack retorted.
"We did!!" Twilight screamed. Her violet wings flared out by her side, and her horn glowing pink.
"Twilight! Calm down." Celestia soothed. Twilight turned to her teacher with an apologetic look.
"I'm sorry." She whispered as she slumped to the floor. Her wings drooping and her horn dimming. Applejack patted her friend's back.
"It's okay, Sugarcube. We all git angry now an again."
"And you have just proved our point. Rainbow might burst out like that. Maybe worst." Rarity yawned. Followed by Twilight.
"My, my. Tired, are we?" Celestia giggled, before the doors blasted open.
"YOUR HIGHNESS!!" A grey bat-winged mare and stallion galloped in. "Your highness! Your sister! Our leader is under attack!" They both panted.
"What?"
"Yes! We saw Mistress Dash run in the direction of Princess Luna. But no other guards." The guards said no more as the four ponies ran out.
~~~~~~
"Princess Luna? Are you okay?"
"We are fine, Mistress Dashery. We are only....ahhh....wounded." The blue alicorn collapsed to ground. Her blood sticking to her coat and mane. She was struck down when she talking to her guards. The two night guard mares were stabbed in the neck by the attackers. Luna was too shocked too reacte. They then shot her with a magical beam, that paralyzed her magic. The ponies shot her with more beams. Slicing her skin like a hot kinfe through butter. The pain sallowed her up, and she was unable to move any further. She couldn't cry out for help as her throat dryed up from the fear. She wondered where her guards were. Or where anypony were at that point. She thought it would end. Right there. She didn't want it to end. However, a flame of hope lit up as she saw a pony move in the shadows. She saw the pony leap above the attackers and hit them with some long object. She saw the attacking ponies fall to the ground. She saw Rainbow Dash.
"Your majesty!" Rainbow quickly trotted over to Luna. More ponies began to crowd around the Princess and the Assassin. Rainbow Dash knew that she could not protect them both. Especially with Luna in this state.
"Luna? Do you trust me?"
"Nnnn-yes...w-why?" She croaked.
No soon had the alicorn answered, she was lifted up. She looked down to see the ponies yelling, and some of them flying after her. She then glanced back up, seeing that she was on Rainbow's back.
"You're pretty light, Princess. Much more lighter than Celestia." Rainbow smirked as she dogded the other ponies.
Rainbow flew past the wall of the castle. Hoping to land somewhere behind it. However, somepony else had other plans. The assassin was knocked off course and spiralled out of control, and into a window. She barrel rolled on to the floor. The princess landing and sliding apart from the pegasus.
Rainbow groaned as she staggered up. But was pushed down by the same pony outside.
The stallion held her down. Smirking. Rainbow just smiled before bucking him in the ribs. He shrieked out in pain. The mare jumped back up, but the stallion pushed her again. This time against the wall.
He held a sharp bracer to her throat and a dagger to her stomach.
"Ha! Wait until I tell my master that I have kill the Mistress of The Creed." He scoffed.
"There...is...no....Creed....It fell...." She gasped. Struggling to breathe.
"Oh well. He wants you dead! And you will be dead!" He pushed the dagger in to her stomach. Rainbow began to cough up blood. The sticky red liquid now staining her cyan fur. She felt too weak to fight back. Her heart slowly decreasing it's beats. Her blood dripping out of her and on to the floor. He lifted his dagger again and raised it towards her chest. He made eye contact with the assassin. His green eyes staring into her rose irises. He hesitated to stab her. But he caught himself again. Then he resumed to his evil glare.
"Time to kill the great Mistress Dash."
Rainbow's eyes rolled back and her breathing became short and barely noticeable.
Then, the stallion got blasted by blue light. He flew into the wall on the other side of the corridor. Rainbow fell to the ground. Coughing and gasping. She looked up to see a very shakey Princess Luna.
"I trusted you. And you can trust me." She croaked as she slumped to the ground.
Rainbow lay down on her side. Holding her hoof to her stomach. She attempted to get up, but the weak mare fell.
"LUNA!!"
Two alicorns and two other ponies came running up to the injured princess.
"Oh sister!! Are you okay?" Celestia asked frantically as she helped her sister up.
"We are....okay...." She wheezed as the pain exploded throughout her body.
"Oh Luna. You are not okay." The elder pony used her golden light to support her sister. She then glanced at the other pony. Leaning against the wall. Struggling to stand up. "Thank you Rainbow. Thank you."
"Don't....thank me. I just...just helped her up here....she saved me." She croaked as blood dripped from her mouth.
"How?"
Her cyan hoof shakily pointed to the unconscious stallion on the other side of the corridor. Applejack walked over to him and poked him with her amber hoof.
"Whooee! He's knocked out cold!" She cheered.
"Nnn-aahhh!" Rainbow fell down slightly, as her wounded took hold of her even more. Everypony gasped as Rainbow's cloak moved. Revealing her injury to everypony.
"Rainbow!" Twilight quickly fluttered over to her friend. "Oh my goodness! Rainbow! Did that pony do this to you?"
"I-I'm fine." She spluttered up blood. "I take that back." Rainbow grinned as Twilight and Rarity supported her.
"Come on. We need to get you two some medical help." Celestia helped her sister walk straight as they headed down the corridor.
"Me and Applejack will get the guards."
"Thank you Rarity." Twilight and Rainbow followed the princesses. All of them, unaware of the shadows.
The shadows that will rule the land once more.
"Pathetic!"
"Worthless!"
"Stupid!"
"How are you my daughter?"
"Yeah! Our daughter was brilliant. You are just a piece trash!"
"Rainbow Crash! Rainbow Crash! Rainbow Crash is a piece trash!!"
"Just die already!!"
"You are not a true assassin!"
"You're too weak to be an assassin!"
"FAILURE!!"
"NO!"
"Rainbow?"
The pegasus mare's eyes darted around room. Her heart and head thumping inside of her. She was now sitting up in a large fourposter bed. The thin, silk covers sticking to her skin due to her sweat. Rainbow felt tears build up in her eyes but shook them off as hot pain shot through her delicate body.
"Rainbow. Are ya okay?" An amber earth pony asked.
Rainbow Dash looked up to see all her friends plus three fillies at the end of her bed.
"How long wa-"
"An hour. You passed out before the we could get you to the doctor." Twilight interrupted.
The assassin groaned as she fell back onto the pillow.
"I am weak." She mumbled as she put her hooves over her face. "I need to go." Rainbow winced as she got up.
"I'll stay put if I was you, darling. You are pretty hurt." Rarity hushed.
"Yeah, but you're not me. You don't have the weight of war on your shoulders. I do." Rainbow jumped out and quickly put her cloak on. She trotted towards the door, her legs shaking from the agony ripping through her.
"Dashie? Are ya superduperabsulotelysurelysure you're okay?" Pinkie jibbered as she bounced around.
Rainbow Dash just ignored her party friend, and proceeded to push the door. She hesitated and sighed. She turned to her friends.
"Don't worry about me. I've been doing this since the day I was born. I'm used to pain. Physically and emotionally." Rainbow pushed the door and left.
~~~~~~
SWOOSH.
"Sister! You have a letter."
"Indeed I do." Celestia smirked as a scroll hovered down to her. The scroll was surrounded by a golden light, and it unraveled. The rose eyes scanned the parchment. The alicorn's expression changing from it's sweet and simple state, to horror and confusion.
"Tiiaa?" Luna asked uneasily.
"How-what.....Luna, get Twilight and Mistress Dashery. Now!"
Luna saulted before disappearing in a flash of blue light.
"Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear." Celestia muttered as she re-read the scroll.
~~~~~~
"Sir. Are sure that was a good idea?"
"Why are you so unsure?" A deep voice questioned.
"It's...erm...nothing...nothing about you sir, it's just that...." The other pony stuttered.
"Hehehe. You have nothing to worry about, dear Trident. You are my best friend. I understand what you are saying." The elder pony smiled.
"Excuse me for asking sir, but why do hate her so much?"
The pegasus groaned.
"I hate her. I hated her ever since she was born. I hated her parents. And now they're dead, I can kill her. Dear, Night Stinger said that he killed all three of them. He said that he abused her right in front of her parents before killing them all. Before slicing her parents throats and stabbing in the chest with her own dagger." He slammed his hoof onto the table in front of him.
"Now, when you say abuse,....do you mean hitting and punching oooor....you know...."
"Raped?"
"Yes. R-r-rap...ped." Trident stammered.
"She was raped by him and a few of his guards."
Trident looked away in disgust.
"What's the matter, Trident?" The stallion asked calmly.
"Nothing sir. You still haven't answered my question."
"Yes. I know."
"Her being tourtured by our founder doesn't explain why you hate her so much."
"Ahh. All will be answered soon. Seeing as that disgraceful cow, Princess Celestia has recieved the letter."
"Ummm....yes....sir."
~~~~~~
"Did she say why?"
The blue alicorn shook her head.
"She just recieved a scroll, read it, then told me to get you and Raa..inbow....Dash....where'd she go?"
Twilight whizzed around to see empty space.
~~~~~~
"They want me to what?"
The grand alicorn nodded.
"Are ya sure? I mean, really sure?"
"YES! Yes Rainbow Dash!! It says right there!!"
"B-But....that is such....no!" The assassin shook her head furiously.
A gaint bang caught the attention of the two ponies.The two grand doors slammed against the doors. The pegasi guards stood dumbfound by the throne, where Celestia sat upon. Dust rising from the floor.
"Sister! I-I-I....I have found Princess Twilight. And the others." Luna panted as she walked over and collapsed onto her deep blue throne.
"Thank you. Guards. Dismissed." Celestia demaned.
"Your highness. Captain Shining Armour's orders were to protect you, Princess Luna and Princess Twilight. We are to stay and protect you." The grey pegasus stated as he stood his ground.
"Yes, I understand your orders. But assure you, We will be fine." She soothed.
"Celestia! What would happen if there was an attack?"
"Then Mistress Dashery will ensure that we will be safe."
"But..." He leant closer to the princess. "But she is a disgraceful, devious killer. She could go rogue." At that very moment, the guard yelped as was pushed onto the floor. He shakily rose up, and his fellow guards stood behind him.
"See your highness. She's attacking me. The Royal Guard."
"Oh shut that trap of yours. I've had enough. Your Princess has given orders for you to leave. And leave you shall." Rainbow walked closer to the guard.
"Why should I take orders from you? You lowlife killer! We protect those in Equestria. You just kill them."
Everypony stared at the two bickering pegasi in the middle of the room. They could plainly see Rainbow's anger rise, as her eye began to twitch and her wings began to flutter.
"For a matter of fact, oh Royal Guard, it is the assassin's of The Creed that protect Equestria. We protect the peace and the lives within this land. However, you just stand there. Looking pretty in your golden armour. Now go! Before I report to your captain that you are disobeying orders." She pointed a hoof towards the door.
The other guards quickly trotted out. The pegasus guard muttered before leaving.
"Useless excuse of life."
Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth as the last guard left and shut the door.
"Rainbow. Calm down. There is no need to be angry." Celestia quickly said. "I know what you are thinking."
"They should not treat you like that. Disobeying orders is high offense." Rainbow stamped her hoof.
"Yes, I know. Now, Rainbow we...you have bigger problems."
Rainbow sighed before answering.
"For once in my life, I might just give up."
The mares in the gasped.
"How can ya say such a thing, Rainbow?"
"Mistress Rainbow Miriam Dashery!! You are not to give up!! Especially when Equestria needs you more than ever. The Elements of Harmony won't be able to help you, but your friends can." Luna stood up. Still shivering from her injuries.
"Thank you Luna. But as Celestia said before, everything has it's breaking point. Even assassins. Even me." Rainbow lowered her voice. "However, I shall never give up. I will never give up till the day of my death. Which may be soon."
"What do ya mean, Dashie?" Pinkie asked innocently.
The pegasus sighed before speaking. "The...leader of our enemies want me to duel. Fight to the death. If I win, they will retreat and leave Equestria in it's peace. However...if...I lose, not only will The Creed finally fall, Equestria will be plunged into war."
The others gasped. Except Twilight.
"We believe in you, Rainbow. Everypony does. You will not fail." Twilight hugged her friend. But Rainbow pushed her aside.
"I don't know. What if I do fail? My skills might not be enough."
Celestia rose from her seat.
"Potiri potes modo ferri?"
"Quid quaeris?" Rainbow asked quickly.
"Respondeo dicendum meo quaestionem Sicarius! An uti vos gladium, et effundentium sanguinem potestate?" Celestia demaned.
"Yes yes. Utique possum." The prismatic mare titled her head from the Princess's uncertainness.
"Coarguit. Quis mihi probabit." Celestia stood up. "Guards! Fetch me...them." The two unicorn mares nodded before galloping off.
Rainbow turned towards the white alicorn.
"Why must I prove-"
"Because Rainbow, if you can defeat me, you can defeat anypony."
Rainbow was now confused.
"But Princess! I-I-I...I'm an assassin. Not a warrior. I do not do hoof to hoof combat. I sneak on ponies and kill them without them even knowing."
"Yes, I know. Still, you can fight. You were born in to a family that protects. And to protect, you fight."
Pugnatorum, Persequimur, Ruentes
"Come on, Rainbow!! Fight me!!" Celestia yelled.
"Princess. I can't do this. I serve you, not fight you."
"I don't care!! My orders are to fight me!! And fight me you bloody shall!!" Celestia rose the golden sword and pointed it towards the cloaked pegasus.
"For crying out loud, your highness!! It's against The Creed to fight you!!" Rainbow replied as she stood her ground. Not even flinching from the princess's mighty voice.
Princess Luna, Cadence, Twilight and the girls just stood by the thrones. Unable to process what was happening.
"Rainbow Dash!! Prove to me you can fight! Fight for Equestria!" Celestia began to charge at the assassin. Fluttershy yelped as she saw the sword point right at Rainbow. But Rainbow didn't move from her spot. However, she threw something small and silver. Looking almost like swirly stars. Celestia stopped abruptly. Confused by her actions.Then she looked at her sword. The bright gold blade fell to the floor in pieces. All that the Princess held was the bronze handle.
"....b-b....h-how? This is made of celestial gold and bronze. The only thing that can destroy it will be moonshine silver."
"Or Nebula Metallum. Equestria's most hardest and rarest metal. Only a few ponies own this metal, including me."
"But assassins don't have them! They have have bracers and daggers!"
"Seriously? Ya just think we just go around stabbing ponies with blunt knifes. Oh Celestia! You are an idiot!" Rainbow smirked as she flew over and picked up the thin stars. "Many assassins don't have these . Only a couple have them as they are higher assassins than the others." Rainbow stopped dead in her tracks. "I-I err...mean they used to be...no assassins have these anymore. They are probably in a dusty draw as their owners fear when a deadly attack will come." Rainbow trotted towards the doors. "I must practice for-...Lightning Dust?"
"What? She's not here." As Rarity finished her sentence, the doors blasted open.
"RAINBOW!! THE FILLIES HAVE BEEN TAKEN!!" The teal pegasus yelled.
"What?!"
"I was looking after them, and then Applebloom asked for a drink. When I brought the cups in, three stallions were in the room. The unicorn one just smiled and said something in some wierd language and disappeared. Along with the earth pony, and the pegasus stallion flew off with the fillies." She said quickly.
"Which way did he go?"
"Towards The Everfree Forest."
Rainbow sped out of the room.
~~~
"Let us go ya jerk!" Applebloom screamed as the stallion flew off, with the three fillies in tow.
"Yeah!! What do you want with us?" Sweetie demanded.
"Shut it!! Otherwhise, I'll throw you in midair and watch you fall!" He yelled as he scowled the fillies.
"Not on my watch!" Rainbow Dash sped up next to the stallion.
"But...how....how did ya get here so fast? We're miles away! We're above the Everfree!!"
"I'm Equestria's fasest pegasus. That and you've captured my sister and her friends." Rainbow kicked the stallion in the side. He lost his grip on the fillies, and they were sent flailing towards the ground.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" They all screamed as they plummeted.
They then stopped falling, and began to hover.
"Don't worry girls. I've got ya." Rainbow assured as she turned back to the Canterlot Castle.
"Oh no you don't!! I have orders to kill you!!" The stallion flew next Rainbow. And instead of pursing her, he raised his bow from his side and fired the arrow towards Rainbow.
"Rainbow!! Look out!!" Scootaloo warned as she held tight to Rainbow.
Rainbow swerved but the arrow still struck her. She yelped out in pain as the arrow shot straight through her wing. Slowly, they began to fall towards the ground.
"Ha! Falling to your death!! The irony as you are a pegasus!!" The stallion cackled.
Rainbow ignored him as she had bigger problems. She had to protect the fillies. She kept her wings open and gently glided down. As soon as her hooves touched the ground, she sat down. Scootaloo ran over to Rainbow and hugged her.
"Thank you Rainbow!! Thankyouthankyouthankyou!!"
"Ah! Your welcome kiddo!! But-aahh-p-please let go!! That hurts!!" She whined.
Scootaloo quickly let go of her idol.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean-"
"It's okay Scoots."
"Oh for the love of shadows!! Why won't you die?!" The stallion screamed as he landed. "You didn't die when your parents died! You didn't die when Celestia to tried to kill you!! You just don't die!!" He pointed his bow and arrow at her. "But now, you can die now. As they all say, a downed pegasus is a dead pegasus." He smirked.
Rainbow Dash stood up.
"Girls, stand behind me."
"The last assassin. And I will be the one to kill her."
"No. I will!" The earth pony from before emurged from the bushed. "I will kill her!! Her blood is rightfully mine!"
"Shut up, you noobs!! She's mine, of course!! But I won't kill her. She will be my slave. My very...saucy slave." A unicorn appeared with a sword held in his magic.
"Wait a minute!! She can't be yours, Demon Horn!! Especially not like that!!" The pegasus retourted.
"Who said she was yours? Can't you see that I will be the one to kill her." The earth pony replied.
"Why kill her, Boulder? When we could have our way with her?"
"Flicker!! Keep your gob shut!!" Demon demanded.
"Why? I was the one who shot her. I should kill her!"
While the three stallions bickered, Rainbow facehoofed.
"Oh sweet celestia." She muttered. "Come on girls. Let's go." She ushered the three fillies away.
"And where do you think you are going?" Another unicorn asked.
Immeadiately, Rainbow's eyes shrunk. Her heart began to beat faster and faster.
"Long time, no see...Rainbow Dash." He smirked. "Boys! Stop now!! You nearly let the enemy get away!"
"We're sorry, sir." The stallions apologised.
"Now, of course, you know the plan. We either keep or kill the fillies, but Miss Dashery stays alive." He walked towards Rainbow, while she tried walking away. "You're mine. The rest of your pitful life will be as my slave. As I said, many years ago, I am a very lonely stallion."
"N-n....no...nonono!! You stay away from me and the girls!!" Rainbow shook her head.
Night Stinger licked his lips.
"What's the matter, Rainbow? You will be pleasing your parents. You don't want to disappoint them, do you?"
"No! I don't! But they don't want this to happen!" She wailed.
"Boys. As a treat, you can have the three fillies. Nice and fresh." He smirked as he turned to the scared Crusaders. The three stallions shared evil glares as they walked to the girls.
"Nonono! You leave them!!"
"Rainbow! What are going to do to us?" Scootaloo asked as the unicorn picked her up.
"Take me! Take me instead! Please. Just don't hurt them. They're too young." Rainbow's eyes began to blur with tears.
"So very loyal of you. Defiantely a leader of The Creed. Tis a shame it shall end." Night Stinger's horn glowed. And so did the arrow in Rainbow's wing. She screamed as the arrow began to tug at her wing. "Lovely. A grounded pegasus is a dead pegasus. Boys. Leave the fillies. We can have this sexy mare instead." He pulled harder at the arrow, and Rainbow's screams became louder. "Better not do this too much. We want you awake when we have our fun." He pushed Rainbow Dash to the ground. His horn dimmed, along with the arrow.
Rainbow looked up at the fillies. They all wore the same look of confusion and fear. She saw them as their tears fell to the ground. She saw them shiver and shake from the fear.
"Come on boys. Time to have some fun." He turned to the three stallions. Awaiting their treat. But no sooner had Night Stinger turned his head, a dagger was was shoved into his chest.
"SIR!" The stallions cried out.
"L-Little bitch! Get her! Get her now and kill her!! Do whatever you want to her when you get her, just get her!!" He barked.
Rainbow galloped to the fillies and threw them on her back. She flapped her wings, hoping to gain flight. Her weak attempts failed as pain shot through her. She whimpered as the arrow cut through her delicate wing.
"Once we get you, we're going to hurt you." The pegasus cackled as he soared after them.
"And the fillies!" The earth pony yelled.
"And you're going to watch them. In pain." The unicorn fired more arrows.
"Rainbow! Wha are we gonna do?" Applebloom asked.
"Girls, I need you hold on. And tight. It's gonna be a bumpy ride." The bleeding assassin began beating her wings once more. Ignoring the pain, she furiously flapped them. Little by little, the hovered into the sky. But only for a couple of seconds.
"Rainbow!! Stop!! You gonna run off that cliff!!" Sweetie cried as she pointed to the gap.
"Do you trust me?"
"Err...yeah." The girls answered, confused.
"There she is!!" The unicorn yelled.
"She's going to jump!!"
"Coward!!"
Rainbow jumped. The fillies screamed as they fell. Her cyan wings flapped her wings. They stopped falling, and they began gliding.
"Flicker!! Catch her!! Now!!"
"I'm on it!" He zipped towards the injured pegasus mare.
"He's coming, Rainbow!!"
"Don't worry." Rainbow sighed and closed her eyes. "Just ignore the pain. I can do this." And with one quick beat, they began to fly faster.
"Dammit!! How can you still fly?" The stallion roared.
"Nearly at the castle. Nearly at the castle."
As if things couldn't get worst, two more pegasus ponies appeared.
"At last you guys. Now quickly! She's getting away!!"
The two ponies nodded and followed Rainbow.
"There's two more of them." Scootaloo gasped. Rainbow tried to go faster, but the arrow buried itself deeper into her hurting wing. Her nose began to bleed and she coughed up the vile red liquid. Her vision became blurred as she started to fade out of consciousness.
"Wait! Ahh!" One of the pegasi fell. His chest gushing out blood.
"Who are they?" Applebloom asked. Rainbow Dash ignored her as she blacked out. But the screams from the fillies awoke her again. She continued to glide.
"We are here to help you." The voice called. A pony in a white, red and brown cloak glided next to Rainbow.
"Thunderlane?" She croaked as she turned her head.
"Don't worry ma'am. We're to help."
"But-but you resigned. I orde-"
"We didn't resign. We may have said yes, but we didn't. We couldn't just leave The Creed. And we couldn't just leave you." The grey stallion smiled, as a mare fluttered over.
"Hello ma'am." Cloudkicker grinned. "Those buggers won't be back for a while now." She sniggered, however, she stopped as she looked at her leader. "Ma'am?"
"Please. Don't worry about me. Just take the fillies."
CloudKicker quickly took the girls and placed them on her back. But as soon as the fillies were off of her, she blacked out. And fell.
"Rainbow!" The fillies shrieked.
"Don't worry! I'll get her." Thunderlane assured as he flew downwards.
Quicker and quicker Thunderlane closer and closer to the falling assassin.
"Come on! Almost there!" He yelled at himself. He reached out his hoof, and grabbed the end of her cloak. He flapped his wings to stop himself falling any further. He pulled the mare up, and rested her in his fore-legs. Thunderlane slowly fluttered up to Cloudkicker.
"Do you think she'll be okay?" Cloudkicker asked.
"I don't know. She's most likely to have blacked out from shock."
"How?"
Thunderlane pointed to the arrow in her wing. The scarlet red blood that now stained her normally bright cyan coat and feathers.
"Oh."
"Look! We're nearly there!" Sweetie Belle squealed.
"And there are the others!!" Scootaloo cheered.
As the Cloudkicker landed, she was surrounded by guards.
"State your purpose." One of them barked.
"Guards! Lower your weapons!" Celestia called as she trotted up.
"Dashie!!" Pinkie skipped behind Celestia. "Where's Dashie?" She looked Cloudkicker.
"She's up here." Thunderlane stated. Pinkie and the girls gasped as they saw Rainbow Dash huddled up in Thunderlane's fore-legs. "She rescued the fillies, but she was injured. That's when we helped her."
"Oh Sweetie Belle!!" Rarity ran up to the little white filly, who was jumping off Cloudkicker. "I was so worried and so scared! I'm glad you're okay!" She hugged and smothered her younger sister.
"Applejack!!" Applebloom galloped over to the orange mare.
"Applebloom! Are ya hurt? Do ya need anything? Are ya okay? Did they hurt ya?" Applejack questioned as she inspected her sister.
"Ah'm fine, sis. Thanks ta Rainbow, Thunderlane an Cloudkicker."
"Yeah! Those big bullies said that they were going to use us for something." Scootaloo said as she hopped off.
The mares and princess's eyes opened wide as they had an idea of what they were saying.
Rarity burst into tears. "Oh Sweetie Belle!! They were going to do horrible things to you!! To my sweet little sister!! Why would they do that?!" She wailed.
"Ah tink tha unicorn one, tha one who bossed tha others around, name was....Night Stinger." Applebloom pondered.
Cloudkicker and Thunderlane's mouths dropped open wide.
"N-Night St-Stinger?!" They both stuttered.
"Why? What's wrong?" Twilight asked.
"He's the founder of our enemy. He's the one who killed the original leaders of The Creed. He's the one that-"
"Raped Rainbow." Twilight whispered.
"I guess she told you. She must really really trust you."
"She's only told me, Applejack and Twilight. Fluttershy and Pinkie were asleep. And Celestia was eavesdropping." Rarity added.
"Still. She has never told anypony. We only found out because we were eavesdropping."
"That and Derpy found her diary." Cloudkicker sniggered.
"Come on. We must put her down, and get the arrow out." Fluttershy soothed. "It must be really hurting her."
Thunderland nodded as he followed the others. While the girls were discussing matters and were smothering the fillies. The grey stallion hovered as held on to his leader. He looked down at her. She looked so peaceful.
"T-T....Thank.....you..." Rainbow whispered before blacking out again.
"Oh sweet Celestia! I ache all over. What happened?" Rainbow mumbled as she rubbed her head.
"A downed pegasus, is a dead pegasus."
"We're gonna hurt you!"
"And the fillies!"
"And you're going to watch them. In pain."
"Coward!"
"Oh right. That." Rainbow sighed as she examined her surroundings. "Oh crap. Not again." Rainbow Dash was laying in the same bed from earlier. With the red silk covers and the golden posts. Rainbow's ears twitched as she heard muffled voices outside the door.
"Pinkie! Just leave her! She needs to rest!"
"But I need to see Dashie!!" Pinkie whined from outside.
"Pinkie! No! She might be awake yet!!"
"But-but....I don't care!! I'm going to see my friend!! I'm going to hug my friend!! And none of you are to stop me!!"
"Pinkie!!"
The cherry brown doors blasted open as the pink menace hopped in.
"Dashie!!! You're awake!!" The pink pony bounced onto the bed and hugged the pegasus. "I'm so happy you're awake! Cause you keep going to sleep and then everypony is really quite and sad. And I don't like anypony being saddy waddy because it makes me all sad and I don't like being sad but I'm not sad because you're now awake!" Pinkie giggled as she hugged Rainbow tighter and tighter.
"N-nice to see you-aah-too Pinkie. But-aaah-can ya let go. You're-aaahh."
"And I was sooooo worried cause you're my bestest friend in the whole of Equestria and I wouldn't my friends to die or get hurt. I love my friends."
"Pinkie...can you stop..." Rainbow croaked. But her pleas fell on deaf ears. "Pinkie. You're pulling out my feathers."
At that point, the others walked into the room.
"And Equestria will not be the same without my super duper awesome friend! Or the fastest pegasus ever, will it? Of course not!! But you aren't gonna die, cause you're too awesome to die. But I'm going to hug you anyway cause I missed you and-"
"PINKIE PIE!!" Rainbow yelled. The bouncy pony stopped jibbering and let go of her friend.
"I'm sorry, Dashie." She lowered her head as she whispered. Rainbow's expression softened.
"It's-it's okay, Pinkie. You didn't know. Besides, I missed you too." Rainbow returned the hug to Pinkie.
"Are ya okay, Rainbow? Ya feathers are all over tha bed." Applejack pointed the cyan feathers across the bed. Rainbow retreated from the hug and jumped out of the bed.
"Oh well. Most of them aren't primary feathers, so I'm okay." The pegasus flapped her wings, gaining about a foot in the air. She then quickly landed as pain from her injured wing flowed through her. "Crap! How long was out this time?"
"Just under an hour." Twilight answered.
"How are the girls?"
"They are fine. Thanks to you." Rarity beamed. "Thank you for saving my little Sweetie Belle."
"An Applebloom."
"And Scootaloo. Goodness knows what they would have done to them." Fluttershy quickly said.
"Well, I have an idea." Rainbow growled.
"Yes but you stopped that."
"Only barely. They had me as well."
"What...do you mean?" Twilight asked.
"I didn't care about the other three, it was...him." Rainbow Dash recoiled in horror and fear as she mentioned him.
"Night Stinger."
"Yes. Wait, how do you know his name?"
"Thunderlane and Cloudkicker told us. He's the one that..." Rarity's eyes lowered to the floor as she couldn't even mutter the word.
"Rainbow Dash. Thank you so much for saving the girls. You were even injured in the worst possible place, yet, you still save them from the worst torture." Twilight smiled to Rainbow.
"I just...I just didn't want them to be in the same pain I was...the pain I still have." Rainbow trotted over to her cloak.
"You're mine. The rest of your pitful life will be as my slave. As I said, many years ago, I am a very lonely stallion."
"What's the matter, Rainbow? You will be pleasing your parents. You don't want to disappoint them, do you?"
"Lovely. A grounded pegasus is a dead pegasus. Boys. Leave the fillies. We can have this sexy mare instead."
"Better not do this too much. We want you awake when we have our fun."
Rainbow clipped on her belt and lifted the hood over her head. Covering most of her face. She stared in the mirror. Her rose eyes glowing almost red.
"Et mortem tuam finietur meus sollicitus. Finire dolorem. Ego occidam, Night Stinger." Her evil glare reflected upon the mirror. "And I will enjoy doing so."
~~~~~~
"What?!" The stallion slammed his fist on to the table. "What do you mean she got away?"
"She...got...away. She stabbed Night Stinger." Trident stuttered.
"Is he still alive?"
"Of course, sir. But Flicker and two others are dead. Two more assassins killed them in midflight."
"Dammit! But how did she still fly?! She was shot in the bloody wing!" The stallion demanded.
"I have no idea, sir....Um, sir?"
"Yes, Trident."
"Are you still going to-"
"To fight that weakling? Yes."
"When, though?"
"Tomorrow." He said bluntly.
"What?! But sir, you never said that in the letter."
"You're right. I didn't. I better send another letter then. Thank you Trident."
"Sir, are you really going to kill her?"
"Of course." He chuckled.
"But, what happens if she still loses but you don't kill her, what are you going to do?"
"Hmmm. I might take her in. Torture her. Yes, that would be fun."
"O-okay, sir."
"Right. Now the letter."
~~~~~~
"Tomorrow?! Seriously?!"
"Yes Rainbow. It says here." Celestia turned the letter towards the assassin.
"Thunderlane!! Cloudkicker!!" Rainbow yelled.
"Yes ma'am?" The two pegasi answered.
"Help me practice. Now. Down in the Canterlot Arena. Ten minutes. Okay?"
"Yes ma'am." The two assassins nodded and left.
"Are you sure you will be to do this?" Twilight asked. "I mean, you have so many injuries. You have a weak heart, you've been stabbed in the stomach, and you've been shot in the wing."
"Trust me Twilight. I've been in worst." Rainbow smirked as she headed out. "I've been in so much worst."
"Hey! Thunderlane!! What's up?" Lyra trotted over.
"Hmm? Nothing is wrong. Why?" The grey pegasus mumbled.
"You're acting all weird. Especially around Mistress." Bonbon walked over, along with Cloudkicker. The turquoise unicorn grinned madly.
"You like Rainbow Dash, don't you?" Lyra teased.
"What?!" Thunderlane jumped up. "N-No I don't!! What gave you that idea?"
"So why are you acting weird around her then? Huh?" Cloudkicker asked.
"I'm....I'm just worried for her. Okay? I'm just worried." He huffed.
"We all are." Lyra placed her hoof on Thunderlane's shoulder. "Tell us the truth. Okay. We're all friends. We're all family."
"Yeah. Not biologically, but we're all together. We're part of a commity that not only protects, but loves each other. We may not have any proper relatives, except for the odd brother and sister, but we are a family. And you can trust us with anything." The mares beamed smiles towards the stallion.
"Okay...I like Rainbow." He admitted.
"See! I knew it!" Lyra cheered.
"Calm down Lyra!" Bonbon scowled. "Now, Thunderlane. Why do you like her?"
"We mean, she's bossy, she's mean, she's a loud mouth, brash, arrogant, big headed, a show off." Clodkicker complained.
"Kind, funny, loyal, supportive, protective, generous, honest. I know she acts all tough, but really, she's just a scared, crying filly."
"Aren't we all?" Lyra said mindlessly. Bonbon glared at the unicorn. before hitting her. "Ow! Bonbon!"
"She may not show it, but she's a mare screaming out for love. And I love her being a show off. It shows that she's confident in what she does and she wants to prove the world how good she is."
"How long have you liked her?"
"Ever since I joined The Creed." He sighed.
"Yeaah, but still. There is something else, isn't there?" Cloudkicker winked. Bonbon now glared at the pegasus mare, and whipped her hoof around her head. "Sweet Celestia, Bonbon!! Stop it!"
Thunderlane started to blush.
"Err-uhm-y-yeah. T-There is."
Cloudkicker and Lyra both hooted and awwed while Bonbon just rolled her eyes, and smoothed out her cloak. The four assassins, awaiting there leader, were completely unaware of the pony listening in.
~~~~~~
"Woo! Thanks guys. Dismiss. Go and do whatever you want." Rainbow waved her hoof as she placed her dagger back in it's holder.
"Thank you ma'am." The four ponies panted as they began to exit the arena.
"Damn! She just gets better and better." Lyra muttered.
"I swear, I nearly lost my hoof and my tail!" Bonbon coughed as she wiggled her tail. Just in case.
"Oh! Thunderlane!" Rainbow called.
"Err...yes ma'am." Thunderlane stuttered as he feared that he might have done something wrong.
"Come here. Girls, go and tell Celestia that I allowed you to the lunch table." Rainbow smiled as the three mares' eyes lit up with hunger, before zipping off for food.
"Umm, Have I done something wrong ma'am?"
"What? No! Of course you haven't. You've been the best so far."
Thunderlane trotted up to Rainbow.
"So, why did you call me? I mean that, you let the girls go off and I'm kinda hungry. So whatever it is, can it-mmmm!" Thunderlane's sentence was cut short as Rainbow pushed her lips against his. His mind fluttered with confusion, but he blocked his thoughts out as he let the mare of his dreams continue to kiss him. After awhile, Rainbow pushed herself away from him, gasping slightly.
Thunderlane-still confused-spoke up.
"Why?" He asked breathless.
"Why do you think?"
"I-I-errr..." He stuttered as he blushed furiously.
Rainbow rolled her eyes.
"I came by the arena, early. And I over-heard you. How I'm funny, kind, loyal, supportive, protective." She gently brushed her hoof on his dark grey cheek. "How you love me being a show off, as you love my confidence."
"Y-You heard all that?"
"Yep! That I'm a mare thats screaming for love. Which I am."
"But wait!" Thunderlane pushed her away. "Do you even like me?"
"Of course. Why do you think I kissed you? Just for fun. I have always had a crush on you since school."
"What?!"
"When you joined my school in Cloudsdale, from Ponyville, I've always had a crush on you. You were funny, cocky, always had a grin on your face, stood up for others, annnd, you are pretty hot." Her cheeks began to burn. Thunderlane smiled. "I wanted to tell you but...I couldn't. I didn't want you to reject me. So I hid my feelings from everypony. Even from...my parents...before they died." Rainbow Dash turned away. But Thunderlane used his wing to turn the mare's head.
"Don't be sad, Dash."
"Thunderlane. I don't know. I shouldn't have done this."
"What?! Why?" He widened his eyes in surprise.
"I'm going to die tomorrow. The leader is most likely to kill me. And...I will fail to protect Equestria and Twilight." Tears began to form in her rose eyes.
"Hey hey. Don't cry. Please. I can't stand it when you cry." He used the tip of his feathers to wipe away her tears.
"But-"
"But nothing, Rainbow. You are going to win. You are going to beat them. I know you can because I believe in you. I just hope that you don't hurt yourself. You're a pretty mare not to be messed with." He used his wing to bring her face closer to his.
"Hey! Rainbow! Are you here, cause I- O-oh." Twilight quickly jumped behind a barrel by the door. She watched as the two ponies shared their love through kiss.
~~~~~~
"Twilight. What took you so long? I thought you went to get Rainbow." Celestia said as she munched on a slice of cake.
"Twilight, dear. Are you okay?" Rarity asked.
"Of course. I'm just really happy for somepony." She giggled.
"Who? What? Why? How? And where?" Pinkie jbbered as she bounced circles around the alicorn. Twilight opened her mouth to answer when the door opened.
"Rainbow! There ya are! We were waitin for ya!" Applejack waved as she pointed to the table full of delicious snacks.
"Yea, ma'am." Bonbon muffled as she took another bite of her sandwich.
"And what did you want with Thunderlane? Was he in trouble?" Lyra questioned. The teal unicorn sat by Fluttershy and Rarity, discussing the latest gossip. Rainbow deeply blushed at the mention of his name, and Twilight smirked.
"J-Just something about his skills." Her smiled wavered as she lied through her teeth. Applejack eyed her as she saw the signs of a liar.
"Oh, okay ma'am. If you say so. Would you like some lunch with us?" Cloudkicker asked.
"Hmmm, no ta. I shouldn't really." Rainbow shook her head. "I'm just going to...sort...something out." She lied yet again.
"Okay then." Pinkie grinned as she face planted her lunch. Rainbow just stared at the pink pony's method of eating, and then remembering her time in the hospital.
~~~~~~
Rainbow shut the door of the lunch hall and began to trot down the corridor. She sighed as she slowly flapped her injured wing. She began to quicken her pace, but stopped abruptly as a flash of bright purple light appeared in front of her.
"T-Twilight?! What the hell?" She yelled.
"Rainbow." She hushed.
"What?!"
"Rainbow! Tha ain't no way ta talk ta tha princess." Applejack sniggered as she came through the door.
"AJ? What is going on?" Rainbow began to flutter her wings in frustration.
"Rainbow. You have a secret." Twilight hissed.
"Of course I do. I have many secrets."
"Wha abou Thunderlane?" Applejack smirked as she walked up to the pegasus.
"What about him?" Rainbow began to panic. And it clearly showed as she began to slightly shake. Her eyes shrunk and her wings buzzed.
"What's the matter, Rainbow? Why so panicked?" The princess began to tease.
"...Err...n-no reason." She smiled.
"Admit it Rainbow!! I saw you!!"
"Saw what?"
"Don't play dumb. I saw you and Thunderlane!! In the arena!! Kissing!!"
Rainbow's eyes widened and her cheeks began to glow bright red.
"Y-Y-you s-saw us." She squeaked as she lowered her head. Applejack walked over and placed her hoof on the assassin's shoulder.
"Now now. There's nothin ta be ashamed of."
"There is, AJ. I'm an assassin. By being in a relationship is just endangering more lives. It will distract us from our work. That and there's a chance I might die tomorrow. I knew it was stupid of me. Stupid Rainbow Dash." She began to quickly trot away. Twilight and Applejack shared a look of concern.
"No. It's not stupid. You've found love, Rainbow."
"Great. I'm most likely to die tomorrow. And what will happen then, huh? The reason I kept it secret from Thunderlane was to protect him. I didn't want to break his heart. But this afternoon, the others and Thunderlane were talking. They found out that Thunderlane had a crush on me. While they all said that I was bossy, arrogant, a show off, Thunderlane said I was kind, funny, protective, supportive." Rainbow sat on the floor. "Nopony has never complemented me like that before. A few ponies may have said, "Wow! Awesome flying skills!" and "Great work!"....but nopony has ever said that. Not even my parents. He said I was pretty." Twilight and Applejack sat next to the pegasus. Not noticing the ponies entering the corridor.
"I've never thought that I was pretty. I mean, come on. When ponies say pretty, I think of Rarity. Or Fluttershy. Or you guys. But not me." She sniffed.
"Don't cry, Rainbow." Twilight said.
"Ah. Look at me. I'm an assassin. Not a sniffiling filly." She wiped her eyes with her hoof. Rainbow's ear twitched as she got up. She turned around and faced six mares and two princesses. "Oh crap." She flared out her wings and bolted out the door.
"Woah. She moves fast for an injured pegasus." Lyra gawped.
"Aww! That's so cute!! Dashie has a special somepony!!" Pinkie pranced around everypony.
"Well, Thunderlane worked quickly."
"Shut up, Cloudkicker." Bonbon muttered as punched the pegasus in the ribs.
"Come on girls. We've just got to believe in her. She can do it!"
"Yes, of course, Twilight. We all believe in her. But what would happen if...she...." Rarity turned away as she couldn't even start to think what those terrible ponies would do if they won.
"If Rainbow Dash does fail, a tomb and a statue would be made to remember her and her duties." Celestia stated as she trotted towards the five younger mares.
"But, wha if Rainbow does fail, but doesn' die?" Applejack asked. The ponies were walking down the corridor, leading up to the Collosium.
"Well....she-"
"Would not rest until they have been defeated." Rainbow trotted next to Twilight. Her cloak flowing with her movements. "Girls, you're acting like I have no chance of beating them. Is there something I'm missing?"
"Well.....ummm...kinda." Twilight mumbled.
"And that is?"
"Rainbow Dash! Please! You're an emotional wreck! Your heart has been jolted and is barely working, you've been stabbed in the stomach and wing!!" Rarity yelled as she stared daggers at the pegasus.
"Yes. Anything else?" Rainbow smirked as she continued to walk.
"Anything else? Anything else?!" Rarity coughed as she stomped towards Rainbow. The others just watched in dismay. Wondering whether to interfere or not.
"Rarity. Once you have been in my position, you learn not to care for yourself. Not care whether you have one hoof in the grave. We assassins learn that our feelings and injuries only get in the way of our duties. Okay, Rarity." Rainbow said nonchalantly. Not even making eye contact with her unicorn friend.
"B-b-b-but Rainbow Dash...." The marshmallow mare stuttered as the assassin walked off.
~~~~~~
"Are you ready sir?"
"As ready as ever. Time to kill that disgraceful mare."
"Okay." Trident gathered the weapons off the table and placed them in the holders of his master's cloak.
"Haven't worn this in a while. Who am I kidding, I haven't this since then."
"I'm surprised it still fits you."
"Hmm, yes. Trident."
"Yes sir." The pegasus saluted.
"Is Night Stinger well and ready?" The stallion asked as he moved away.
"Of course I am." A unicorn opened the door with his sickly green magic, and walked inside the room. "Why must you ask?"
"Just wondering. As she had stabbed you in the chest."
"Oh shut up!!" Stinger snapped.
"What's the matter? Is because you got beaten by a mare?" The stallion teased as he sorted his cloak.
"At least I broke her down. You've just got to finally smash her." Night Stinger laughed. "This indeed will be fun."
"Umm...sir?" Trident awkwardly asked.
"Yes. What is it?"
"What do you plan to do with Miss Dash once you have won?"
"Well...I will break her down so she's weak. Then Night Stinger will take her away." The stallion pointed towards the unicorn, who was smirking. His eyes giving off an evil glint.
"....okay sir. But if you don't win?"
The stallion smashed his hoof against the table as he turned to his friend.
"What?! Do you doubt me?"
"N-no sir." Trident stuttered.
"Listen Trident. You are my best friend. Ever since school. You better not be ditching me now." He growled.
"I-I'm not, s-sir."
"And if you do leave us, then we will have to hurt your little sister." Night Stinger sneered.
"No!! Don't hurt her!! Fluttershy doesn't deserve to be hurt!! She's so innocent and kind!!" Trident wailed as his wings nervously fluttered by his side. "And you promised not to hurt her."
"Oh yes. Of course." Night Stinger muttered as his expression dropped.
"Well then, Trident Shy. I will keep your promise, but." He said sternly. "If you do leave, she's a dead pony."
"Okay s-sir." Trident slowly made his way towards the door.
"We are you going?" Stinger questioned.
"Well, you're going soon. So I thought..." Trident's sentence trailed as he turned his view to the unicorn.
"You're coming with us."
Trident's eyes widened in surprise.
"What?"
The cloaked stallion walked up to his friend and smiled.
"Don't you want to see your sister?"
"Really?"
"Yes. And you can watch us two fight Rainbow." He beamed a smile.
"...thank you, s-sir."
~~~~~~
"Luna? Luna."
"Yes sister." A blue head with a midnight blue mane popped from behind the door. "You called."
"I want your guards." Celestia demanded.
"Pardon?" Luna fully opened the door, and stepped out to properly talk to her sibling. She was not wearing her crown, necklace or shoes. Her mane was slightly ratty and her eyes showed all the signs of lack of sleep. "Why?"
"To protect the city."
"Can't you use your guards?"
"I am. But I can double the protection with your guards too."
Luna sighed.
"DUSK GAZER!! STARLIGHT SKY!!" She yelled. Her voice rattling throughout the castle. Celestia winced as her sister used her mighty voice. No sooner had the echoing stopped. The sound of hooves replaced the previous echo.
"You called for us, your nightly-ness." A grey unicorn stallion and a bat winged mare bowed. Both dressed in blue and purple armour.
"Gather the others and station yourselves around the city. Make sure everything is securely guarded. Okay?" She stated.
"All of us, Princess?" The mare asked.
"Yes. Of course. Guard every crack and cranny of Canterlot. Understood?" Luna said in a stern tone.
"Yes, your highness." The two ponies began to trot away.
"And if you're lucky, I'll treat you all to some moonshine." Luna smiled. The guards cheered before quickening their pace.
The sun princess turned to Luna.
"Moonshine? You have moonshine? Since when have you had moonshine?" Celestia rose eyes widened in shock.
"Pttf!" The younger alicorn stuck her tongue out. "Since ever. I've got loads in the cellars."
"Is that why I couldn't find you for two days last month? And when I did, you were stuck in tree pretending to be cat." Celestia giggled at the memory while Luna blushed. Her cheeks glowed furiously.
"Maybe."
"Haha. You've got to invite me some time. It would be fun." Celestia smiled. "Anyway, how many guards do you have? I've never actually counted the-"
"Two hundred thousand and ninety eight." Luna interrupted.
"What?!"
"Two. Hundred. Thousand. And. Ninety. Eight." Princess Luna repeated as she paused between each word. Hoping her idiot sister would get it.
"B-b-but...the royal guard only has about half of that." She stuttered.
"Well, you better thank that your awesome sister is back in town." Luna grinned.
"How?" Celestia mumbled. Still mesmerised at how her younger sister has assess to so many guards.
"The majority of them were frozen in time when I was...sent to the moon. Some joined as I came back as Nightmare Moon. And some just joined. A few of them were your guards as well."
"What?!"
"Uh-huh. They came to me saying that they wish to follow me as their main ruler. Saying that my rules and commands were a lot softer and kinder than yours. I cast a spell which permanently changes their appearance.To look more like a night guard." Luna finished with a yawn. Celestia stood there gobsmacked. Is that why her guard numbers were suddenly low? They joined her sister? Oh well. As long as they do their job, it's fine by her.
"Excuse me, Tia. But I feel sore all over and I am rather tired. So, if you please..." Luna yet again yawned.
Princess Celestia was brought out of daze. Her expression softened.
"Okay Luna. You rest. I'll call for you when we need you. Okay?" Celestia soothed.
"Thank you." Luna slowly and quietly shut the door to her chamber.
"Rest well sister." Celestia smiled as she began to trot away. She licked her lips as she remembered the taste of sweet moonshine. "In the cellar, hey?" Celestia turned as went down the stairs.
~~~~~~
"Rainbow. You seem very confident."
"Of course I am, Celestia. I'm going to win." The cloaked pegasus grinned as the two mares walked towards the arena.
"Really? How so?" Celestia questioned raising her eyebrows.
"Because I have to. For the sake of Equestria. For the sake of my friends." Rainbow Dash lifted her hood over head. As she did, she sniffed the air.
"Have you been drinking Celestia?"
Celestia's eyes widened. She rustled her large swan like wings.
"Maybe." She coughed.
"I could do with a drink." Rainbow muttered. The two mares squinted as the bright exploded onto them. The dark corridor lit up with with sun's light as they ponies neared the exit.
"Rainbow Miriam Dashery. Are you sure you are ready?"
Rainbow sighed before answering.
"If it saves Equestria...then yes. I am ready." She weakly smiled to the Princess.
~~~~~~
"Oh dear. Oh dear."
"Twilight. What is it?" Rarity asked.
"When did it come to this?" Twilight wailed. The six ponies sat in a row in the Canterlot Arena.
"Wha's wrong, Twi?"
"We're about to watch Rainbow fight to the death!! Our best friend!!" Twilight cried. Tears streaming freely down her face. "I don't want to watch Rainbow die." She croaked.
"Oh, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Nopony wants to watch any of this. But we are here, not to watch, but to support her." Princess Luna smiled sweetly to the purple alicorn.
"Nopony is going to die." Fluttershy hushed.
"Yeah but-"
"Yeah but nothing. Dashie will be okay. Okay?" Pinkie hugged her purple friend.
"Thank you Pinkie. Thank you girls."
~~~~~~
"Sir. We have arrived."
"I do have eyes Trident!" The stallion snapped.
Trident lowered his head.
"Sorry sir." He mumbled.
"Whatever. Do the guards have the three?"
"...yes...sir." Trident answered.
~~~~~~
"Your highness. They've arrived." A white unicorn stallion stated.
"Thank you sir. Now go and join the others."
The pony saluted before trotting off. Celestia now sat with girls in the Arena. She sighed. The only reason she kept the arena was for the farmer's market, every Sunday. She could have demolished it, along with it's blood soaked walls. But it was a building from the old Romane times. The deadly fights from gladiators to simple pony folk.
The stadium had now a small hoof-ful of guards from either side. From the Royal Guard and from the dark side.
"Look! Somepony is coming!!" Cadence shot a hoof towards a cloaked figure walking into the arena.
The pony was a butterscotch yellow stallion with light blue hair. His eyes, aquamarine.
Fluttershy rose from her seat. Squinting at the pony.
"No..." She barely whispered.
"Princess Celestia Solaris. Princess Luna Eclipse. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. And Princess Twilight Sparkle." He paused as he glanced at a yellow pegasus mare. "Elements of Harmony and everypony else. We are here to witness a battle between good and bad. Between two great leaders. Between the current leader of the Assassin's Creed, and the current leader of The Obscurentur Animas. A battle which will decide the fate of this...peaceful land. Whether it's to remain it's harmonious state, or to reign destruction and dismay over it." Trident finished. He turned to his leader. Night Stinger appeared and walked up to him.
"You can see you sister now." He whispered.
Trident looked back to the pegasus mare with the rose pink hair.
"I am sorry."
"What for?"
"I'm leaving. I wish to disperse from this evil organisation." Trident said with confidence, loud and clear so the others heard it.
"What?! Why?!" Stinger growled.
"Because, I have a loving sister! And I wish to stay by her side and protect no matter what! I don't want to watch Equestria burn. Equestria is my home." He yelled.
"Your sister is not worth protecting! You disloyal bastard!! She's a pathetic mare whose scared of her own shadow!!" Stinger yelled back.
"No. My sister is the loveliest and kindest mare you'll ever meet! My sister is Fluttershy!!"
"Fluttershy?!" The girls said in sync.
Fluttershy shed a few tears before answering.
"My brother went missing a couple of years back. My parents tried everything to find him, but with no success. They gave up. I wanted to carry the search on, but by myself...I'm weak."
Trident fluttered up to Fluttershy.
"You're anything but weak, sis."
"Trident! I missed you!!" She leapt into his arms. Crying onto his shoulder.
"I missed you too. I would have come sooner, but they threatened to kill you."
"You'll regret this, Trident!! When our leader wins and kills that damned bitch of a fuckin' assassin, I'll kill you first and your stupid little sister!!" Night Stinger yelled. His voice echoing around the stadium.
"Oh shut your trap!" A voice yelled.
Night Stinger and the girls instantly recognised the voice.
A cloak pegasus emerged from the shadows.
"He has the rights to leave. And if you dare harm Fluttershy, I swear on my parents graves, I will bucking kill you!" Rainbow Dash snarled.
"Hmmm. Really? Rainbow if you wanted to kill you would have killed me ages ago." The unicorn sneered. "Is it because the wittle assassin is scaredy waredy of an old unicorn like me?" Night Stinger trotted closer to the mare. Rainbow gulped as she stood still. But kept her eyes to the ground.
"Ha! Silent treatment, heh? You're not so tough, are ya? You're just a weak, pathetic, dumbass whore. What would you do if I killed Fluttershy? Or the white unicorn? Or the pink pony or the orange one? What would you do? Cry to your mother? Like the foal. Cry to your pathetic mother and your weakling father." He was right in front of Rainbow now. Their snouts almost touching.
Rainbow snapped like a twig. She pushed the pony to ground.
"SHUT UP!! FOR THE LOVE OF MOTHERBUCKING CELESTIA, SHUT UP!!" She yelled.
"Hit a sore spot, have I?" He laughed. "What about your brother, heh? What about him?"
"He's dead! He's not here any more because you killed him!" She raised her dagger.
"Oh Rainbow. Didn't you know? I guess Princess Twilight and Celestia didn't tell you then."
Rainbow froze. Her eyes widened and she flattened her ears.
"What...." She muttered.
Everypony turned to another cloaked figure.
This pony was a large pegasus stallion. His wings were large and strong. He wore cloak similar to Rainbow's.
"Rainbow Dash, I was never dead." He lifted his hood. Rainbow gasped and staggered back.
"B-but...." She choked on her tears which were now running down her face. She turned to look at Twilight. Who had her head down.
"Why didn't you tell me this? Why?"
Twilight kept her eyes to the floor and simply shook her head.
The unicorn stood up and smirked.
"I welcome you, Sir Blitzen Dash. Our faithful leader."
"...you're....their leader."
"Yes. Can't you see, you stupid mare?" Blitzen sneered.
"B-but....why join them? They killed our parents! They killed mother and father!!" She cried.
"No! They killed your parents!" He screamed back. "They only cared for you, and for you only!"
The assassin stepped back.
"What do you mean, Blitzen?" Her eyes were now sore as her tears coated her cheeks. "What the hell do you mean? Of course they cared for you!!"
"No they bucking didn't!! They cared for my weak little sister!!!" He walked towards Rainbow.
"You are so blind! They loved you too!! I guess you were too blind to see that!"
Blitzen growled as he pushed Rainbow against the wall. Her head bashing against it. He held a bracer against her throat.
"They. Ignored. Me. You worthless mare." He hissed to her face.
"You couldn't see the real love they gave you." Rainbow said as she kicked him back. He staggered back but remained his balance.
"Please Blitzen. I don't want to kill you." The mare whimpered.
"I guess that means it's easier for me to kill you!"
~~~~~~
About ten minutes had passed since the two siblings began to fight. One more reluctant to fight then the other.
Rainbow slammed against the wall of the arena. Her cyan wings bloodied and hanging limply by her sides. Scarlet red blood dripped from her mouth and nose, making the taste of copper linger in her mouth. Her breathing was laboured. Her legs shaking. She was weak. But she refused to give up.
"Just give up, Rainbow! You're a goner! Either way, you die now or I'll have Night Stinger take you away." Blitzen stated.
"...n-never...I'll....nev...er give up." She spluttered.
"I knew you were going to say that. Guards! Bring them in!"
The girls gasped as the three ponies dragged in three fillies.
"Lemme go ya jerk!!" Applebloom demanded.
"Please! Rarity! Rarity! Help us!!" Sweetie Belle squeaked as she waved towards her sister. Rarity jumped forward but was caught by a blue aura.
Rarity turned Princess Luna with tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry Rarity. But if any of us go down there, not only you be a target, Rainbow will be killed instantly." Luna apologised as her horn grew dim. Releasing the unicorn.
"What do you mean, Luna?" Twilight asked.
"Well, if one of us go down there, there are two different outcomes. One is Rainbow will try to protect you and end up being killed. Along with yourself. The other us that of a rule. Any viewers of a fight within the arena to enter during a fight, will be killed on sight for disruption, along with the losing opposition. As Rainbow is losing, she will be killed by your actions." Cadence explained. But the ponies were interrupted by a screaming filly.
"Let me go!! Rainbow!! Rainbow Dash!! Help us!!" Scootaloo screamed with tears in her eyes. The pony holding her held a dagger to her wing. There he slit her small delicate wing.
Everypony winced as the cries of filly filled the arena.
Rainbow cried to herself. She couldn't do anything to stop them. She was weak. She had no weapons.
Unless....
"No! Stop! Please!! Not the other one!! Please!!" The orange filly begged. The guard smiled as he placed his dagger under her wing. He was about to cut her wing again, when there was a loud thud. The guard stopped before falling to the ground.
Scootaloo looked up to see Rainbow Dash holding a large wooden plank from the far side of the arena. She gave a weak smile to filly pegasus.
"Rainbow! Thank you!!" Scootaloo squealed as she hugged the mare. Rainbow threw the plank and hugged Scootaloo.
"You're my sister. And I'll never let anypony hurt you."
"Aww. Such a sweet sight. Remember it well, Rainbow, as it was your last." Blitzen held his dagger as he came over to the ponies.
"Please, brother. Please. I beg of you. Don't hurt the fillies. You can kill me or whatever, just don't hurt them." Rainbow cried as she begged. Still holding the bleeding filly.
Blitzen thought for a while.
"Alright then. Guards let the other two go. But, Rainbow. You better let me kill you. Or the fillies and all your stupid friends are dead!" He spat.
Rainbow nodded. She stood up with Scootaloo on her back.
"Rainbow. You can't die." Scootaloo sniffed.
"Yeah. That would be horrible." Sweetie said as her and Applebloom skipped over.
Rainbow helped lift the fillies to the girls.
"Please don't leave Rainbow. I don't want you to die." Scootaloo now had tears flowing from her eyes. Staining her bright orange fur.
"I ain't going anywhere, Scoots. Okay? Now don't cry. There's no need for that." Rainbow used her hoof to wipe away the filly's tears.
Twilight pulled Scootaloo up. She looked down at Rainbow with a teary smile.
"Thank you. For saving the girls. It means so much to all of us." Twilight paused. "I don't want you to die." Her eyesight blurred as they welled up with salty tears.
"Hey, do I ever leave my friends hanging?" Rainbow smirked as she trotted back.
"Ready to die Rainbow." Blitzen held his dagger in his mouth as he trotted closer.
"Funny, heh? I was going to ask you the same thing." Rainbow used her wing that was less damaged to throw three small, flat, silver stars.
Two of which hit Blitzen. One in the foreleg, the other in the side. He cried out in pain as the metal buried itself into his skin.
"Damn you! Damn you!! Why can't you just die quietly?" Blitzen ran towards Rainbow.
"Because, I ain't dying!" She quickly moved to the side. And she used her bracer to stab her brother.
"Fuck!" Blitzen held a hoof to his newly made wound. Blood dripping down his dark cyan coat.
"Don't you remember Blitzen, out of our family, I was always the agile one." Rainbow grinned. But her grin was short lived as her ear twitched. "What?" As soon as she turned around, a plank whacked her on the head. Rainbow collapsed to the ground. Blood dribbling down her fore-head.
Night Stinger smirked as he held up the plank with his magic.
"Wait. That isn't fair. Two stallions against one mare." Twilight pointed out.
"Twilight, dear, none of this is fair." Rarity croaked.
Rainbow Dash groaned in pain. Her head throbbing with agony. She slowly opened her eyes. However, her eyesight was still blurred. She attempted to lift herself up, but her legs buckled beneath her.
"Almost dead, yet you still try to fight me." Blitzen laughed.
"Tis a shame, she shall die soon. I would have loved to have some fun with her again." Night Stinger walked away.
Rainbow shakily lifted herself up. Blitzen bent down, and used his hoof to lift Rainbow's face up to his.
"I guess I win then." He raised his dagger. Everypony looked away as he finally lowered it into Rainbow's chest.
Scootaloo wailed into Celestia's chest. Fluttershy choked on her tears as she hugged her brother. The others held in their wails and tears as they hugged each other. But for Twilight, she had her eyes tightly shut. Her own tears running down her lavender cheeks.
"No...nononono." She mummbled.
"We're so sorry Twilight." Celestia soothed as she stroked Scootaloo's fuschia mane.
"NO!" Twilight screamed as her horn lit up. She disappeared from her seat and appeared in front of Rainbow. "Rainbow! You said you wouldn't die!! You said you wouldn't!! But you did!!"
"...hnng....s-s...sto-p....y-yell...ing...T-Twi..." Rainbow coughed.
"Rainbow?"
Rainbow slowly stood up. Her whole body shaking. She leaned against the wall to support her.
"Damn it!" Blitzen stomped his hoof in anger.
"Rainbow! You're alive!" Twilight squealed as her face lit up.
"N-not.....f-for....long, T-Twi." Blood gushed from her chest and mouth.
"Fine then!! I'll kill Princess Twilight too then!!" Blitzen screamed.
"Wait!" Rainbow held up her hoof. "I'm...s-sorry, Blitz."
"What? What for?" Blitzen stepped back.
"I-I'm s-sorry y-you...didn't see the l-love our parents gave y-you....I-I'm s-sorry y-you didn't s-see t-the....love I gave y-you...T-this...whole t-thing....is...all...my...f-fault...I'm...sorry..." Rainbow weakly turned to Twilight. "I-I'm sorry...Twi...I'm sorry...I'm leaving you...all of you...b-but....I'll always be...in here." The assassin placed her hoof on Twilight's chest. The princess looked at the bloodied hoof and then back at the pegasus, who was smiling. "T-Thank you...for being my friend." Rainbow took her final breath as she fell to ground. Her blood creating a pool around her limp body.
Tears fell from Twilight's eyes. Her mouth opened wide from shock.
Blitzen on the other hoof, was frozen in his spot. His mind exploding with what his sister said with her dying breath.
"Finally!! She's dead!! Let's kill the Princess!!" Night Stinger yelled as quickly walked over with a dagger held in his magic. The lavender mare stood still as she stared at her dead friend.
"Die Princess!! Along with Equestria!!" Night Stinger was about to stab Twilight, when a bracer blocked him.
"Blitzen? What the hell? Kill her!! Your sister is dead!!"
"Exactly." He whispered as he stuck his other bracer into Stinger's stomach.
The unicorn gasped before looking at the pegasus.
"Why?"
"Once an assassin, always an assassin." He said as the unicorn fell to the floor in a bloody mess.
"Twilight. Twilight."
A quiet moan escaped the lips from the unconcious alicorn. A small yellow hoof prodded Twilight's arm.
"Twilight. Please wake up....if you...don't mind."
"Five more...minutes." She mumbled.
"Scuse me, Shy. Ah'll git her up." Applejack gently pushed the pegasus aside. "TWILIGHT!! YA LIBRARY AN YA BOOKS ARE ON FIRE!!"
"WHAT?!" Twilight shot up. Her eyes opened wide and her wings flared out. "Wait...what? Applejack?" She rubbed her purple gem eyes.
"Howdy there, Sugarcube. Welcome back ta tha world of tha livin'." Applejack grinned.
"Why are you so happy?" Twilight sat up. Streching her back and wings.
"Well, umm...that's why we needed to wake you. You see..." Fluttershy turned to Applejack.
"Rainbow is gonna live!" She blurted. Twilight stared at her orange friend. Deciding whether to be confused or happy.
"What?! But that's impossible!!" Twilight asked. "How long was I asleep?"
"The whole night. It's now about midday." Rarity stated.
"And what about Rainbow?"
At that moment, a white mare with pink hair trotted in.
"Well, about Rainbow Dash. It was a good thing that her heart gave out. We were able to shock her heart back, and back on to it's original beat. She's now able support herself, but we left her on a life support machine to make her heart stronger." Redheart finished with a smile.
"She's going to live?!" Twilight grinned grew.
"It depends really. She's still weak. But her chance of surviving is a lot higher now."
"Rainbow is going to okay!" Twilight did a quick loop to loop before thudding to the ground. "Owie."
~~~~~~
It had been an extra week since then. Twilight and the girls were reluctant to leave the first couple of days, but Celestia persuaded them to rest in the castle. The doctors and nurses had been giving reviews and reports on Rainbow, describing her injuries and how well she's recovering. Most of the doctors were baffled at how quickly she was recovering, but the girls dismissed this by saying that she is used to getting injuries. Thunderlane, however, had not seen in the hospital. Not seen by anypony, or anywhere. He has not returned since Rainbow's near death.
~~~
"...hnnn..."
"Did ya hear that? Cause I heard that! Do you think she's waking up? Do ya? Do ya? Do ya?"
"Pinkie. Shush. We just have to see." Rarity whispered. "And do please be quiet."
Five mares surrounded a small hospital bed. Laying on the bed, was none other than Rainbow Dash. Her name has been swept across Equestria. The leader of The Creed. The pony who saved Equestria. And finally brought peace.
The white covers draped over her body. Transparent tubes connected to her forelegs. The heart monitor and other hospital objects placed near-by.
Everypony watched as Rainbow's hoof moved to side. They all began to smile at the signs of their friend finally waking. The pegasus rolled her head.
"...nnnnn..." Rainbow Dash slowly flickered her eyes open. Her bright rose eyes duller than usual. "Hnnn...w...w-whe..." She coughed as she raised her arm up to her head. "W...w-wh...where...." Rainbow croaked.
"Howdy, Sugarcube. Ya in hospital. Okay?" Applejack smiled.
"C-c...cra-ap...n-not...a-again." She weakly smiled. Twilight moved closer to Rainbow.
"We thought you died, Dash." She hugged Rainbow. Burying her head into the pegaus' chest.
"I...I n-never le-eav-ve m-my frie-ends...ha-anging." Rainbow Dash struggled to get her words out as her throat was dry and sore. She shuffled slightly, but winced as she moved her wings.
"Are ya okay?"
The wounded assassin opened her mouth, but quickly closed it. Instead she shook her head.
"Can we git ya any-"
"Applejack, dear. She's just woken up. She's still in a daze and by the sounds of it, she can't talk." Rarity interupted.
"Okay then."
"Oh, Miss Dash. You're awake. Good. I can test your reflexes." The unicorn that had just entered hovered over his clipboard. "Right, okay. You can't speak for awhile as your layrnx is quite damaged. Not too badly, but still damaged. So, I'll miss out that test for a while. But I might be able to do these." He turned the other mares. "Can any one of you lip read?"
"Ummm...I can." Fluttershy whispered. "I lip read my animals when they can't talk. So I can."
"Thank you, miss. So, Rainbow Dash, how many sticks am I holding up?"
Everypony watched as Rainbow's mouth moved, but no words came out.
"She said twelve." Fluttershy stated.
"Thank you. Right, her eyesight seems fine. Next..." The caramel unicorn levitated a small whistle over, and placed it on his lips. Silence. No pony heard anything. However, Rainbow winced and ears twitched. "Perfect. Miss Dash, your senses seem as sharp as ever. I'll come back later to do further tests." He bowed his head before leaving.
~~~~~~
"Right. Okay, Miss Dash. One hoof in front of the other."
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as the doctor continued to talk to her like a foal. But slowly, she shakily walked forward. Her balance slightly off and her legs shaking. She flapped her wings to gain balance. Rainbow hissed through her teeth as her wings stung.
"Okay then. Your balance is still off. And your legs are still quite weak. But, I must say Rainbow. You woke up only two days ago, yet your recovery is smashing. Oh, and you're friends are here too. Along with the princesses." As the doctor left again, the others came trotting in. The stallion whispered to the girls before disappearing.
"Well, howdy Rainbow. How ya doin'?" Applejack asked. Rainbow mouthed something, but the others just gave her blank looks. She facehoofed. She just nodded.
"Okie dokie lokie, Dashie!! I brought you some yummy yummy cupcakes!!" Pinkie bounced in, balancing a white box on her head. The four princesses and Rarity sat by the window. Fluttershy fluttered next to Rainbow. The prismatic pegasus whispered something to Fluttershy.
"Pinkie, Rainbow said that she loves the offer but she isn't really hungry."
"What?! Not hungry for cupcakes?! Impossible!!" Pinkie grabbed Dash and frantically shook her. "Who are you and where's Dashie?! Tell me!!"
"Pinkie Pie!! Don't do that!!" Rarity stepped up and gently pushed the pink pony away.
"But-but Dashie....doesn't....want....cupcakes."
"Darling, by the look of those hospital meals, I'm not surprised Rainbow Dash has lost her appetite. More disgusting than alfalfa with honey and sardines. Bleurgh!" The white unicorn stuck her tongue out.
"Rainbow, are you able to talk yet?" Twilight asked. Rainbow shook her head. After a pause, Rainbow turned to Fluttershy again. The yellow mare's eyes opened wide.
"Ummm...."
"What did she ask about?"
"....umm....Thundrlane..."
"Oh dear."
Rusty and dirt covered chains clung to the stallion's legs. Ridding him from any movement, what so ever. His dark cyan wings tightly closed and tied by a leather cord. His now dirt and blood riddled mane hung loosely over his dark rose eyes. He held his head down. Down in shame. He had caused so much. So much pain. Tears filled his eyes as he realised his greatest mistakes. Ignoring his parents. Believing they hated him. Hating his sister....killing his sister. After he was taken away by the guards, after watching his sister fall to the ground in a bloodied heap, he never heard anything about her. Nothing. Whether she was dead or not. His mind filled with the statues of his mother and father.
Blitzen was awoken from his daydreaming to the sound scraping and clanging metal. He looked up to see a grey pegasus stallion in a white cloak.
"Assassin, huh? You look a little weak to be one." Blitzen croaked. Thunderlane growled at him.
"Look who's talking." Thunderlane sneered.
"H-How's my sister?" The chained pony asked.
"What? The mare that you nearly killed? The love of my life? The pony that is lying in a hospital bed DYING?!" Thunderlane yelled.
Blitzen gulped.
"Wait. Did you say, love of your life?"
"Yes. We both admitted our feelings the day before the fight. We shared our love in the arena." He slyly smirked.
"What?!" Blitzen jumped up and tackled the assassin. Even with his chains on, he managed to pin him down. "You-you had sex with my sister?! My sister!!" He yelled as he punched Thunderlane in the ribs.
"What planet are you living on? No. I haven't. We kissed. Sweet Celestia!! I care for her personality over body. But, she does have a pretty sexy body though." Thunderlane yelped as Blitzen grabbed the dagger from his belt, and shoved it into his side.
"That's my sister!" Blitzen growled.
"Oh, and you suddenly care? You were trying to kill her not so long ago." Thunderlane coughed. His white cloak turning into a deep shade of red.
"I was wrong. I was so wrong. I did love her. I did love my parents. My jealously got in the way of it." Blitzen's slouched slightly.
"It got in the way a lot!! You have killed the Creed, you jerk!! You killed Dash!!" Thunderlane coughed some more. "I was going to love her. I was going to marry her. Have a family with her. And we were going to die together. I said to the girls that if Rainbow does die, I'll die with her."
"Well, I better send you on your way then." Blitzen raised the dagger, but was stopped as Thunderlane used bracers. There he stabbed Blitzen in the arm. The cyan pegasus howled in pain. But quickly grabbed Thunderlane's throat before he got away. "Die!! Die with my brat of a sister!!"
"Guards!! GUARDS!! ROGUE PRISONE-" Thunderlane couldn't finish his sentence as his own dagger was stabbed into his chest. Directly into his heart.
Five stallion guards bursted through the cell bars. Three of which pulled the pegasus off the assassin. The two remaining guards stood with Thunderlane. Who was spluttering up the sticky red liquid.
"Sir?"
"T-T-Te-ll...M-Mist-ress D-Da-sh....I'm...I'm sorry...." Thunderlane fell limp. His eyes gently shut. His blood pouring over the floor.
~~~~~~
Rainbow Dash staggered back as Celestia told the story that Blitzen had given her. The pegasus shook her head and staggered back. Tripping over her own hooves, and falling to the ground. Everypony watched as she silently cried. Unable to say a word as she cried.
Twilight stood up and walked to the crying pegasus. She sat next to her and hugged her.
"I'm so sorry, Rainbow. You've already been through enough."
Rainbow silently wailed into Twilight's chest. Everypony felt their own tears as they stared at the distraught pegasus. Feeling her sorrow.
~~~~~
"Raaaiiiinnbooow. Rainbow Dash." A voice called.
The mare opened her eyes. She saw darkness all around.
"Rainbow. Come to my voice." It called yet again.
Rainbow Dash rose to her hooves and slowly trotted around. Her ears twitching. She tried calling out, but nothing came out.
Suddenly, at the corner of her eye, a figure approached her. Rainbow quickly pushed the pony and pinned them down. But her eyes opened wide as she saw the face of the pony. She mouthed a single name, 'Thunderlane'.
Thunderlane smiled.
"Hey there, Rainbow."
Rainbow continued to stare. Unable to move. Thunderlane raised his hoof and rubbed her throat.
"Come on Dashie. Don't you want to speak to me." He gave a playfull frown.
"...b-but I can't." Rainbow gasped as she could finally speak. "How?"
"Anything can happen here, Dash."
Rainbow instantly kissed the stallion under her. Finally being able to see him again. After about a minute, Rainbow pushed herself away and burst into tears.
"Why did you have to leave me? I loved you." She wailed as she hugged Thunderlane.
"I didn't want to, but your brother had other ideas." He wiped the mare's tears with his grey wing. "Don't cry, Dash. It doesn't suit you."
"B-but...I can't live without you. There must be some way. Twilight is princess. She can do something princess-y."
Thunderlane laughed.
"That's what I said when you were in hospital. We are connected." He continued to laugh until he looked into Rainbow's rose, pain filled eyes. "Oh, Rainbow. Don't be upset."
"What am I going to do?"
"Rainbow. You're a pretty mare with lots of personality. I'm sure you'll find another stallion to love you." Thunderlane began to blur.
"Wait! No! Don't leave!!"
"Goodbye Dash." He placed his nearly transparent hoof on Rainbow's chest. "I'm always in here." His voice and body faded into the darkness.
"No! Don't leave me!!"
~~~~~~
T'was the day of the execution of Blitzen James Dashery. A few Canterlot ponies came to watch the first execution in over a thousand years. Most of the ponies were assassins. However, they were not wearing their cloaks. To avoid getting noticed and crowded by paparazzi. Celestia stood on a stage. Along with Luna, Cadence and Twilight. Rainbow didn't want to come. Not saying why. Set up in the middle on the stage, was a gallow. A thick rope hanging from it.
"My little ponies. We are here to witness the execution of horrible pony. A leader of an organisation that kill. That wanted to destroy our peace and love. To kill and enslave everyone." The crowed booed. "However, due to another organisation, he was stopped. Through thick and thin, these ponies fought to protect you. To protect everypony. These ponies...are assassins. Of The Assassins Creed. And the Leader of The Creed had pushed away her pains and misery to continue her duty. She lead The Creed for many years into great victories. She fought the Leader Blitzen to protect Equestria's newest princess, Princess Twilight Sparkle. No matter her injuries, she never gave up. The Assassins have finally defeated their biggest enemy and threat." The assassins in the crowed cheered. "But, to complete this victory, we must kill their leader. Blitzen Dashery."
Three guards dragged up the stallion pegasus, who was in chains. Everypony booed as he walked on. Blitzen glanced at Twilight. The guards placed the rope over Blitzen's head, and around his neck. The guards then trotted to the side.
"Blitzen James Dashery. You are to be executed on the charges of murder and leading a dark organisation that feed on crime. Such as rapings, murder, torture, kidnappings and so on. You are also charged with the attempted assassination of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Miriam Dashery. You are also charged with the murder of Thunder Louis Lane, first hoof pony of The Creed. Do you understand?" Princess Luna asked. Blitzen nodded. "Well then. Pull the lever an-"
"Wait!!"
Everypony gasped and turned to a pegasus mare trotting onto the stage. She was wearing a black cloak. Her wings and hooves still in bandages.
"Rainbow?! You said you weren't coming!" Twilight shouted.
"I say a lot of things." Rainbow smirked as she trotted up to the chained stallion.
"Rainbow. I'm sorry about this. I'm sorry about everything. I'm sorry about killing Thunderlane. Just please, forgive me." Blitzen begged.
Rainbow paused, and then smiled.
"Nope."
"What? Please Rainbow." He cried.
"Nope. Never. Curse your soul to the deepest depths of Tartarus, you bloody disgraceful scoundrel. You are not worthy of The Dashery family or The Creed." Rainbow turned to Luna, and nodded. "Proceed please."
"Oh. Umm...pull the lever. To death you go Blitzen."
"Nononono! Wait!" He shouted as Rainbow walked away. "I'm sorry!" Were his last words. Everypony but Rainbow winced at the sound of the rope twanging and Blitzen's neck snapping.
"To be never forgiven." Rainbow whispered as she left. "You lost your loyalty for The Creed."
~~~~~~
"Fluttershy. Are you sure she went this way? I mean, dear, she could have gone anywhere." Rarity asked. The five mares were walking (one of them bouncing) through a wood under Cloudsdale.
"Wait! What's that?" Pinkie pointed at a grand decaying house. The mares walked to the door of house.
"My, my, my. This house is beautiful. It's a shame it's ruined." Rarity was about to enter, but was stopped by a yellow pegasus.
"She won't be here. She would die if she came here. Too many happy memories...and a very very bad one." Fluttershy shook her head. "She went this way."
The mares stopped abruptly as they saw two great white statues. One of which, was a pegasus stallion in a cloak. With a sword in his right front hoof. To his left was a pegasus mare. She also wore a cloak but her hood was down, showing her flowing, puffy hair. On her back, was a bow and bunch of arrows. Both ponies sported confident smiles. By the statues were many flowers...and a pegasus mare.
~~~
"They're finally gone. We've done it. It may have not been together, but we did it. I kept my promise. I protected Twilight and the girls. The fillies as well. I couldn't protect Thunderlane, but he died for The Creed." Rainbow's tears began to freely flow down her cheeks. "Oh mother, father! I wish you were here. You didn't deserve to die. Utinam victoria videres. Victoriae nostrae. Etiam proditorem fratrem, et tamen vincitur. We still won." She paused and stared at the engravings on the statues. Even though most of it was in Latin, she understood it fully. But she stared at one line on the plaque.Rainbow sighed and placed her hoof over it. "I am and I will stay until I die." She looked into the sky and zoomed upwards. Unaware of the mares close by. They walked closer to the statue and looked at the plaque. They stared at the last line that Rainbow had touched.
'Loyalty Of The Creed'
"Twilight. Twilight. Twilight!"
"Mmm."
"TWILIGHT!!"
"AAH! I'm awake! I'm awake!!" Twilight whipped her around. "Rainbow?"
"I thought you wanted to go to Ponyville, egghead." Rainbow smirked as she put on her bracers and belt.
~~~~~~
"Hey Rarity!"
The white unicorn turned around to the sound of the voice.
"Hello Applejack. Are you heading to the library?"
"Yeah. So is Pinkie an Flutters. Ah don't know about Rainbow though. Ah haven't seen her in ages." The earth pony said as she trotted to her friend.
"Me neither. I do hope she is okay."
"Hiya Rarity! Hiya AJ!!"
"Howdy Pinkie."
"Are you going to the library? Of course you! Do you know how I know? I don't know! But I bet it's something important!" She giggled.
"Umm....hello girls."
"Hello Fluttershy. Off to the library too?"
The shy pegasus nodded.
"Ah wonder what Twilight wants."
"Fluttershy, dear, do you know where Rainbow is?"
"No. She dropped off Tank a few days ago at mine. She said that she was too busy to look after him. I'm sorry that I couldn't help you."
"That's okay Flutters!!" Pinkie brought the butterscotch pegasus into a spine cracking hug.
"Err...Pinkie. Can you let me go? That is...if you don't mind."
~~~~~~
*Knock. Knock. Knock.*
"It's open!" Somepony-or some dragon-shouted from inside.
The girls cautiously let themselves in.
"Hi girls."
"Hey Spike. Is Twi here?"
"TWILIGHT!! THEY'RE HERE!!" The baby dragon yelled from the bottom of the stairs.
"I'm coming. I'm coming." Hoof steps filled the library. A lavender alicorn trotted down the stairs.
"Good day girls."
"Hi Twilight."
"Please, sit down. "
The four ponies sat on the cushions in front of them. Twilight too, sat on a cushion.
"Spike. Here are some bits. Go to Sugarcube and treat yourself. " She hovered a small bag over to her assistant.
"Oh great!! Thanks Twi! Bye girls!!" He waved as he ran out the library.
Twilight waved back to him, before turning to the others.
"I guess you are wondering why you are all here."
~~~~~~
"This is so great! I'm gonna get me some ruby cakes!"
"Hey Spike."
"Oh hey, Applebloom."
"Whatcha doing?" Scootaloo asked.
"Twilight gave me a bag of bits to go to Sugarcube Corner."
"Why?" Sweetiebelle squeaked.
"I...I dunno." He shrugged as he skipped off.
"Something is mighty suspicious here."
"Ah agree with Scoots. Let's go an see wha Twi is up to."
"Wait!" The unicorn filly waved her arms in front of her friends. "That's spying. She could be doing something private."
"Come on Sweetie. We could get our cutiemarks in spying."
"I-I guess...that would be a pretty good cutiemark. Okay."
~~~~~~
"Ya bet. Wha's goin on?"
"Yeah! And where's Dashie?"
"And what happened to your leg and wing?"
"Calm down girls. We have something to tell you."
"We?"
"Yes, Rarity. We."
~~~~~~
"Can ya see them Scoots?"
"Yes! But Rainbow Dash ain't there." The orange filly balanced on the very narrow windowsill.
"We're coming up."
~~~~~~
"You are probably wondering where Rainbow Dash is as well."
"Probably napping on a cloud. You know how tired she gets. Especially around this time of day." Rarity scoffed.
"No Rarity. I ain't napping on any cloud."
"Rainbow? Darling, where are you? I can't see you." The unicorn squinted as she searched the library.
"Right here." She stepped forward, revealing herself to her friends.
~~~~~~
"Woah! Look at Rainbow!"
"Ssshh!"
"Sorry." The pegasus filly whispered.
"Why is she wearing that?"
"It looks like a cloak."
"Yeah, but why is she wearing it?"
~~~~~~
"Rainbow, wha are ya wearing?"
"Oh! Oh! I know! She's wearing it because it's 'looking creepy day'! Or is it-mmm! Mmmm!" A set of zips formed on the pink pony's lips. Sealing the black hole of endless dribble and noise.
"Rainbow! Dear! This is magnifique! The way it flows with your body! And the way the red and gold blends with it!" Rarity gazed at her cloak. But as she lifted part of it, she saw a small dagger. Rarity's eyes widened as she stumbled back.
"R-R-R-Rainbow...d-dear. You have...a knife." She stuttered.
"Girls, I need to tell you something. Something important. The reason why I have the dagger and other weapons, is because...I am an assassin."
~~~~~~
"An assassin?"
"Ssshh!"
"She's...an assassin?"
"Isn' tha where they kill ponies."
"Eeep!"
~~~~~~
"What?"
"This is a joke...righ'?" Applejack looked towards Twilight, who in return shook her head.
"It's true. But don't be scared. She won't hurt you."
"I won't. I can't kill innocents. I won't kill innocents. I won't hurt you."
Fluttershy stepped up, and walked towards the other pegasus. She then looked into Rainbow's rose hue eyes, before hugging her.
"I believe you, Rainbow." She hushed.
"Fluttershy!"
"No Applejack! If it weren't for Rainbow, I would be dead."
"What do you mean?"
"She has been protecting me since I came to Ponyville. She saved me last night." Twilight trotted over to Rainbow.
"How?"
"Last night, there was a break in. A pony tried to kill Twilight. He only injured her. I killed him before he stabbed her again."
Applejack, Rarity and and Pinkie stared at Twilight's bandages.
"Is tha why ya leg an wing are wrapped up?" The orange pony pointed at Twilight's leg.
"The leg, yes. The wing, no."
"She fell down the stairs. But she used that as an excuse. She actually snapped her wing on purpose to find out what Celestia was doing."
Twilight sheepishly smiled. "Wait! How do you know that?"
"Like I said Twilight. I have heightened senses. I could hear you whining and the bone snapping."
~~~~~~
"That is so awesome!"
"I don't think we should have come here." Sweetiebelle sighed.
"Yeah. You say that Sweetie. But this is the best thing-woah!" Scootaloo tilted backwards, waving her forelegs in the air, before falling.
"Scoots!" The two fillies whispered loudly, watching their friend fall.
Scootaloo closed her eyes. Waiting for the flood of pain to come. Nothing. Surely they weren't that high. She cracked one eye open. There she saw the scowling face of her idol. She grinned as she leapt up.
"Thank you Rainbow!"
"How much did you three hear?" She asked with a tone of anger in her voice.
"Errr...."
"Lots." Applebloom admitted from above.
~~~~~~
"Eavesdropping is a very serious business. It's very bad." Rarity glared at the three fillies.
While the two elder siblings argued with the fillies, Rainbow Dash was sitting alone. By the window. Muttering.
"Innocentum tueri non materia quod. Innocentium nesciat, aut ad vitae leo. Per eos cognoscens, dissolvitis pars scriptor Symbolum prosmise. Viribus tueri potes ultra conferre. Omnes sumptus ad tuendos eos."
"Rainbow? Are you okay?" Fluttershy asked as she shuffled closer to her distressed friend.
"Mmmm! Mmmmm mmm mmmmm!" Pinkie tried to say.
"I'm fine." The assassin croaked.
"What are you saying?"
"It's latin." Twilight stated as she hovered a book over. "Buuut...I cannot translate what you had just said." She flipped the pages of the book.
"I cannot perform my full duties. Now that more of you know, you are more at risk."
The three fillies warily walked over to the four mares.
"We're sorry for syping on you." Sweetie admitted.
"We knew that it was wrong." Applebloom hung her head in shame.
"Yeah. I'm sorry too, Rainbow Dash. But it so cool that you are an assassin!" Scootaloo cheered. "It must be so awesome! Scary but awesome!"
The pegasus shook her head.
"Twilight! Please! You must erase their memories!" Rainbow begged.
"I'm sorry. Even if I could, it would be too dangerous."
"But we've got to do something! They are too young!" Rainbow raised her voice as she shakily stood up. "I can't....I-I..urgh!" She huffed.
"Rainbow. Calm down."
"I can't. This is too much." She sighed as she slumped to the floor.
"Rainbow, dear, when was the last you slept. You look terrible."
"Last month. I tried to sleep last night, but I couldn't. I couldn't give up my guard on Twilight. Even if Celestia did say she would stay awake, I couldn't still sleep."
"When was tha last time ya ate? Ya look really thin."
"I...don't remember. Ages ago." As if on cue, Rainbow's stomache growled. She looked up at the girls. "I'm fine."
"Rainbow Dash. Please. You've got to rest."
"Yes. I agree with Fluttershy. We understand that you must protect Twilight and everypony else, but you must eat and rest."
"I can't. You know I can't. The Creed is falling. The less there are of us, the less protected everypony is."
Twilight sat next to Rainbow.
"Please Rainbow. You are weak."
"I ain't. I'm fine." She snapped.
"Rainbow, I saw you collapse in front of Celestia the other day. You cannot go on like this. Please. Just sleep for an hour or so, and I could make you some lunch. It's the least I could do after last night."
"I could. A sleep does sound nice." Rainbow yawned as she lowered her head onto the pillow.
"Yes darling. And I could fix up your cloak. And that belt. As lovely as it is. It's in tatters." Rarity said as she took off Rainbow's cloak and belt. She stared at the dagger that was held in the tan belt. Engraved on the handle, among the swirls and spirals, were two names, Lightning Blitz and Sunset Breeze.
"My parents. They were good ponies. And I carry their final wish."
"And tha is?"
"To protect all of those I love." She smiled before closing her eyes.
"Mmmmm! Mmmmm!" Pinkie muffled.
"Ssshhh!"
"Mmm mm mmm mmm!" She pointed to her mouth, which was still zipped.
"Oh! Sorry." Twilight giggled as her horn lit up.
As soon as the zip disappeared, Pinkie gasped.
"Ssshh!"
"Come on girls. We are going to be Cutiemark Crusader Assassins!"
"Now, hold it righ' there. Ah tink tha' ya shall stay here. Ah don't tink it would be safe with ya runnin' around sayin Rainbow is an assassin."
"You mean..."
"We've got to stay..."
"In the library?!"
The mares nodded.
"Darn!" The fillies hissed.
"Well, at least you have lots of books to read."
The Crusaders groaned, and the girls giggled quietly.
"A great leader of The Creed has fallen. A brilliant leader. Your great leader. My dear assassins. You have served Equestria through thick and thin. Protecting the ones within. No matter your pains and sorrows, you held your heads up high and continued to do your best. As did Mistress Dashery. She has fallen for the freedom of this land and for you. Unless of a miracle, The Assassins Creed is no more. I grant you, your freedom to a peaceful life." Celestia finished her speech. She stood in front of the last assassins. There was about less than fifty in the grand hall. All wearing white cloaks. A variety of pegasi to unicorns to earth ponies.
One unicorn rose. A mint unicorn mare. With golden eyes.
"No. I reject this freedom. When I joined The Creed, I swore that I will never leave. And I shall not. Being an assassin is my life. It's where I made my friends and found my love of my life." Lyra turned to the earth pony next to her. "Whether you may believe that The Creed has fallen, we think differently. As long as remember Mistress Dashery, us assassins will never fall. We are assassins." Lyra stamped her hoof.
Bonbon rose from her seat.
"We are assassins." She smiled to Lyra.
Cloudkicker and Thunderlane stood up.
"We are assassins!" They cheered.
One by one, each pony rose and all cheered. Repeating the same thing again.
"We are assassins! And assassins never fall!"
~~~~~~
Laying in a bed in Canterlot Hospital was a pegasus mare. Her wings spread out and wrapped up with white bandages. Her forelegs, forehead and chest were also covered in bandages. Red splodges appeared on the pristine white bandages as scarlet blood seeped through. An oxygen mask was delicately placed on the mare's snout. But her chest was barely moving. Cuts and bruises were noticeable on the pony's coat. A heart monitor sat next to the bed. Filling the room with the only noise. Various other machines sat near the pegasus' bed.
~~
"Will....Will she live?" Fluttershy asked quietly. Her voice scratchy and sore from the tears and wailing.
The doctor in front her shook his head.
"Unless there is a miracle, it's unlikely. Her body is barely strong enough. Her heart is weak. Very weak. It won't be long till it gives out. I'm sorry." He apologised as he trotted down the corridor.
The yellow pegasus sighed before sitting with four others. A white unicorn with a ratty, tangled indigo mane. Her sapphire eyes red. Her forearms wrapped around an amber earth pony. The cow pony's blonde hair covered her crying and pain filled eyes. She gently stroked the unicorn's mane. A pink pony sat in the corner. Her coat dull and her mane straight. The usually bouncy mare was stuck and frozen. Her eyes glued to the wall. Muttering under her breath, a single name. Dashie.
A purple alicorn was the only one active. She paced around the room. Mumbling while she walked. She was thinking of a plan to bring back her friend. But....with no success. She stopped and paused in the middle of the room. She stared at her chest. She shakily placed her hoof onto her purple coat.
"I'll always be...in here."
Twilight looked up to see a weak and injured Rainbow Dash. Her bloodied cyan hoof on Twilight's chest. Despite her wounds and pain, she still smiled. Her rose gem eyes reflect happiness and her loyalty.
"T-Thank you...for being my friend."
New tears streamed down her damp cheeks. Rainbow's image blurred and disappeared as she said her last sentence.
Fluttershy watched as the princess broke. Snapped. She watched as she fell to the floor, with her her head in her hooves. Sobbing uncontrollably.
"Hush hush now, my student." Celestia nuzzled the pony.
"S-she said she won't die! She said she wouldn't! But she did!!" Twilight wailed. Celestia sat on the floor next to Twilight. Her soft wing extended over the young alicorn.
Luna and Cadence also walked in. Cadence sat next to Fluttershy, while the Night Princess sat next to Pinkie. Luna hugged the still mare.
"I'm sorry sir. But you cannot see her. She's in a critical condition." A unicorn in a white coat stated.
"No! I demand to see her! I need to see her! Please just let me through!!" Thunderlane yelled. His voice showing he was on the verge of breakdown. "Please."
"Doctor Medical, please let him through." Celestia stated.
"Your highness? But she-"
"Please Doctor. I would mean so much to him if he could at least see her before she dies."
The unicorn's mouth opened to speak again, but nothing came out. He closed it and nodded.
"Thank you, princess." Thunderlane smiled before trotting into Rainbow's room.
~~~~~~
Thunderlane sat next to Rainbow's bed. Watching her chest slowly rise and fall. He sighed as he held on to her hoof.
"Heh. It's funny, isn't it? About a day ago, you were just my leader. My boss. The next minute, we were kissing. I love you, Dash. I love everything about you. I don't want you to die. But here you are. Risking and using your life to protect the land you love. And everypony in it. I'm happy for you, Rainbow. I'm going to miss you shouting at me for my mistakes with the weather to you giving me confidence in my training. I going to miss you. Please. Please don't leave me." Thunderlane struggled to hold back his tears.
The stallion's ears twitched as he heard the sound of hoof steps come closer.
"Hey, Thunderlane." Twilight croaked.
"Hmmm." Thunderlane didn't move his gaze from the pegasus mare as Twilight walked in. She sat down next to the assassin.
"I'm so-"
"Don't apologise, princess. You didn't do anything." Thunderlane snapped.
The two ponies sat in an awkward silence.
"I'm...sorry, Twilight. It's just...it's just all of this. Everypony knows Rainbow doesn't deserve this. She doesn't deserve any of this. She didn't deserve to watch her parents die. She didn't deserve to get raped. She didn't deserve be alone. She's a loyal and confident mare. She's lead the Creed to victory many times. She's kind and generous. But here she is, lying in a hospital bed. On her last thread of life. Killed by her brother. Her brother who she thought was dead. Murdered by those evil ponies. With all the pain she's kept, she still had a smile of her face. She still was cocky and a good joke around." Thunderlane looked at Twilight with his eyes over flowing with tears. "I don't want her to die. She doesn't deserve to die."
"I know. I know. But there's nothing we can do. Just watch her die." Twilight stroked the stallion's back.
"But we can't. We can't just watch her slowly die. We've got to do something." He stood up. His wings loudly buzzing. "We've got to."
"I'm sorry. But we can't."
"What about The Elements? Or using your magic? You're a princess now! Do something princess-y!!" He yelled. Drawing the ponies in the other room their attention. A crowd of mares watched as the assassin yelled at the purple princess.
"Thunderlane. Please, just calm down. There's no need to shout." Twilight hushed. Unaware of the ponies by the door.
"Please!! You must do something!! Please!!" Thunderlane fell to floor. His wings drooping by his sides. "If she dies, I die with her."
"What?!"
The two ponies looked up at the mares in the doorway. All three princesses and the girls stood there, with their mouths hanging wide.
"I don't want Dash to leave me. So I'm not leaving her. Even if that means killing myself." Thunderlane said confidently. The fell silent. The only noises were the constant whirring and beeping of machines.
Luna opened her her mouth to talk and raised her hoof.
"That is very loyal and loving, Thunderlane. But we will not allow such a thing."
"But, your highness-"
"But nothing. We will not allow anypony to die." Luna, Celestia and Cadence walked off. Pinkie followed, along with Rarity. Fluttershy and Applejack slowly trotted towards Twilight. And Thunderlane fluttered away.
"Twi. Are ya okay?"
"Why am I so helpless, AJ? Why couldn't I help Rainbow earlier? I could have saved her." Twilight cried.
"Oh Twilight. You couldn't-"
"YES I COULD!! I KNEW THAT IT WAS RAINBOW'S BROTHER!! ME, CELESTIA, LUNA AND CADENCE KNEW!! BUT WE DIDN'T TELL HER!! WE THOUGHT IT HURT HER!!" Twilight screamed. Her violet eyes shut, but still released salty tears. "IT'S ALL MY FAULT!! I SHOULDN'T BE PRINCESS!! I'M A RUBBISH PRINCESS!! I'M A RUBBISH FRIEND!!"
"Please, Princess Twilight. Calm down." A doctor trotted in, hovering a clipboard. "I know that you are very upset, but I must check on-" The stallion didn't have chance to finish his sentence as the roomfilled with an eratic beeping."Oh crap!! Nurse!! Nurse Rhyme!! Nurse Attention!!" He yelled as he pushed various buttons. Two mares galloped in. "Good! Rhyme. Get the others out. Atty.Help m-" The beeping stopped. And was replaced by a long, flat beep. "Quick!"
The three mares were pushed out of the room. The white door was slamed in their face. They whimpered as they walked away
~~~~~~
