HOME | DD

Description
"So how much does Luna actually know about you guys?" Swift asked Cannon Fire as they raced across the rooftops. "Honestly, not that much," said Cannon Fire. "All she really knows is that I've got friends in high places. And, whoever they are, they're on her side."

"So she doesn't know anything about the Assassins or the Templars?"

"If she does, I haven't been able to notice."

Swift Wing nodded. Eventually, the two hooded ponies reached Canterlot's castle. They dropped down from the roofs, and approached the entrance. "Stop! Who's there?" asked a royal night guard. His expression lightened when her saw Cannon Fire. "Oh! It's just you, Cannon Fire," said the guard. "You and your friend look out of breath. Why the rush?"

"Sword Hilt, we need to see Princess Luna, now! It's urgent!" said Cannon Fire. The guard nodded and stepped aside. "She should be in her room," he said. Cannon Fire nodded and galloped into the castle, Swift Wing following close behind.

Eventually, the two came to a large set of double doors. A moon pattern was engraved into each. Cannon Fire knocked in a rhythm that Swift figured was a secret code. After a few moments of silence, the doors creaked open, and the two stepped inside. And by her bed laid the princess of the night, Luna. Her mane sparked even in the dim light. She walked up to the hooded ponies. "Greetings Cannon Fire," she said. "I trust your mission went well?" Cannon Fire took a breath. "Yes, princess," he said. "And I believe I have found something that might interest you." He nodded to Swift, who took out the Templar note.

"We think we've uncovered a plot to kill you, your highness," said Swift. Even though she liked Luna as a ruler, the words 'your highness' still didn't feel right in her mouth. "And what is your name?" asked Luna, who took the note to read. "Swift Wing," said Swift. She gave as much of a bow as she would allow herself to make. Luna looked at Cannon Fire. "I take it she is one of your associates that you often speak of?" she said. Cannon Fire gave a look. "Not necessarily," he said. "She's not in with my 'associates' but she's definitely on our side." Luna nodded. She glanced down at the note and quickly read it. Her face looked concerned.

"Do you know where this meeting is to be held?" she asked.

"In some hidden room in the castle's basement," said Swift. Luna gave an expression that was a mix of shock and anger. "They plot against me in my own home?" she asked. "How despicable!" She placed a hoof on her chin. "Alright," she said, her voice calm once more. "Cannon Fire, I would like you to gather up however many night guards as you feel necessary and patrol the castle for anything suspicious." Cannon Fire nodded. Luna turned to Swift. "And you, Swift Wing, if you don't mind, I would like you to try to locate this meeting, and if possible eavesdrop on the fiends. Are you up to the task?"

Swift nodded. "I believe so," she said. Luna smiled. "Thank both of you," she said. "I'll gather up a few guards of my own. I have no intention of dying anytime soon. I know of others who might try to take my place. Their methods aren't very agreeable. They put too much focus on themselves and not enough on the ponies they watch over. I will not have them take my throne." The three nodded to each other, and then, after wishing one another good luck, went their separate ways. Swift looked down the castle's vast corridors. She decided that it was time to practice with her eagle vision once more.

After wandering around the corridors for a short time, Swift found her way into the castle basement. The dark caverns were lit by candles flickering on the walls. "Okay. Secret door, secret door," mumbled Swift to herself as she activated her eagle vision. After a few minutes, she found a golden glint. It traced a rectangle in one of the stone walls. A small stone was covered in a golden hue. Swift smiled. "Secret door!" she said. She looked to her left and to her right, making sure nopony was watching. Then she placed a hoof on the stone and pushed. Almost like magic, the door slid inwards and upwards. Taking one last look around, Swift ducked into the corridor beyond. The door slid shut behind her.

More torches illuminated her path. She thought she heard the distant sound of hoofsteps. She decided that stealth would be her best option in this scenario. She saw a scaffolding just below the high ceiling. She tested her wing and decided that it was healed enough to fly her up there. As silently as she could, she fluttered up and landed on the scaffolding. By now her eyes had adjusted to the dim light, and she continued onward.

Soon, Swift found a large door, and she heard voices coming from behind it. She quickly found a small window that looked down into the room behind it. She smiled as she realized that she had stumbled upon the Templar meeting. She saw a few royal guards, a yellow mare with a magenta mane, an orange guard with a blue mane, Prince Blueblood, and, to her surprise, Princess Celestia. The sun princess sat at the far end of the table at which they sat. A small pouch sat on the floor next to her. Swift sat silently in her hiding spot, and listened.

"Where in Equestria is Fleur?" asked Blueblood, who was clearly getting irritated. Celestia looked at him. "You're certain that you invited her?" she asked.

"Yes! I even took the time to send the letter myself!"

"She's taking too long. We will have to start without her." The other Templars nodded. "Very well," continued Celestia. "I'm sure you all know what it is we are to do?" The others nodded. "Alright. Let's review just in case. I have arranged a royal dinner for tonight. Myself, Luna, and Blueblood will be there." She turned to the guard and the mare. "Flash Sentry and Cherry Jubilee, you will be in the meeting hall. During dinner, Blueblood will excuse himself and meet you there. He will then give you the tools and information needed to continue with the assassination plot." The group nodded.

"Alright. I'm glad we understand. And remember, there can be no mistakes." After a brief moment of silence, the guard, Flash Sentry, changed the subject. "What's the status on the Apple of Eden?" he asked. Celestia turned to her pouch. Using her magic, she opened it up, and pulled out the Apple. Swift gave a silent gasp at seeing it. She still had no idea what it was exactly, but based on what the Assassins had told her, she knew it wasn't good. The golden sphere, barely bigger than a small melon, gave off its golden glow. The beams of light coming out of its engravings was almost supernatural. Swift could tell it wasn't magic, so what was it?

Celestia placed it on the table in front of her. "I've had my best minds working on it," she said. "They believe it requires something more in order for it to help bring the new world to us." There was something in the princess’s voice that Swift thought was off, though she couldn't place what. "Do you mean another artifact?" asked the mare, Cherry Jubilee. "I believe so," said Celestia. "We believe it also has something to do with the Tree of Harmony. I've already sent a few agents out there to investigate." She placed the Apple back in her pouch.

Soon, the meeting was put to a close. Everypony except Celestia left the room. Swift stayed to watch her. "It's a shame," the princess said to herself. "I wish it didn't have to be like this. She always had so much potential." Swift assumed she was talking about Luna. The princess continued. "After I'll I've done for her, after all I've given her, she still hasn't performed the way she should." A frown appeared on her face. "After making her one of us! She barely uses what I've given her!"

Swift eyes widened at this. One of us? thought Swift. Is Luna a Templar? Or... was she at one point? She continued to listen to Celestia's rant. "I wouldn't be surprised if she was an Assassin," said the princess. She let out a sigh, and calmed herself slightly. "This needs to be done. We can't be reborn with ponies like her in the way. It has to be this way." With that, the sun princess left. Swift stayed still on the scaffolding, pondering over what she had just heard. What did she mean by "reborn"?. Swift decided to think more about it later. For now, she had to stop Luna's murder.

------------

Later that night, Swift hid in the castle's hallways with Cannon Fire. The royal dining room was just around the corner. Inside, the scene was just as Celestia planned for it to be. Soon, Blueblood excused himself and walked into the halls. "So, what’s the plan?" Cannon Fire whispered to Swift. She didn't take her eyes off of Blueblood. "I'll tail him and strike when I get the chance," she said. "I'll get the information we need out of him. You'll stay here and ensure Luna is safe." The two nodded to each other, and then Swift was off.

She followed Blueblood through the halls, making sure to stay out of his sight. Eventually, the prince walked into a room. Swift remembered from wandering around that the room was a dead end. The one door she saw was the only way in or out. She placed an ear to the door, but the sound within was muffled. "Dang it," she mumbled to herself. She ducked behind a nearby corner, and waited.

After a while, Blueblood emerged again. He shook hooves with Flash Sentry and Cherry Jubilee, who followed him out. The prince and the others went in separate directions. After giving a look of disgust and dusting his hoof off, he began walking in Swift's direction. Swift smiled at this perfect opportunity. She waited as he came closer, and closer, until finally...

Snick!

Swift's hidden blade rammed right into Blueblood's chest. His shocked eyes stared into Swift's. Almost instantly, Swift felt the tingling in her brain, and the white void consumed the world around her. Blood poured from Blueblood's wound. "A... Assassin!" he coughed.

"What are you planning?" Swift demanded to know. "How are your agents going to kill Luna?" The dying prince gave a confused look. "Luna?" he said. "We're not plotting to kill Luna." It was Swift's turn to look shocked. "Wait. What?" she said.

"Auntie Celestia would never allow Luna to be killed," said Blueblood. "She says that she's too important for her new world to thrive."

"Then... who were you plotting to kill?"

The prince coughed blood. Through ragged breaths he said, "Twilight."

Swift raised an eyebrow. "Twilight? Twilight Sparkle? Her old student from Ponyville?"

"Yes. I've already sent my agents on their way to Ponyville. They'll infiltrate the castle and strike." He paused, his body shaking. "There! I've told you everything! Now, please, spare me!"

Swift gave a slight frown. At least her other targets were hesitant when giving information. At least they had the honor of staying loyal. But not this one. Even if Swift could spare him, she doubted she would. She stared at Blueblood as he suddenly collapsed to the ground, finally dead. "Betrayal is the worst enemy of any cause," said Swift to the corpse. She closed his eyes. "Rest in peace."

Soon, the void faded, and reality returned. Swift pondered her next move. At least she knew Luna was safe, but now she had a whole new problem. "Twilight Sparkle," she mumbled. "What did she ever do? I've got to stop them before they get to her." She was about to leave, when she heard a voice from behind her. "Was it him," it asked. Swift pivoted around to see Luna. Cannon Fire stood by her side. "Was it Blueblood who plotted my murder?" asked the princess.

Swift's expression was grave. "Well, yes and no," she said.

"What do you mean?"

"He plotted a princess’s assassination, but it wasn't yours." Cannon Fire raised an eyebrow. "Then who's the intended target?" he asked.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle," said Swift. Cannon Fire and Luna's eyes widened. "That's not good at all," said Cannon Fire. "Twilight is an extremely valuable ally. If they eliminate her..."

"They?" asked Luna. Swift nodded. "There are others. And chances are, they're already on their way to Ponyville." The three looked at each other. "We need to return to headquarters immediately," said Cannon Fire. Swift nodded. "I wish both of you the best of luck," said Luna. "We cannot allow our enemies to strike at dear Twilight." The hooded ponies nodded. After saying their quick goodbyes, they galloped out of the castle, and toward their hideout.

------------

"They're after who?" said Feather Duster with raised voice. She couldn't believe Swift and Cannon Fire's explanation. "Princess Twilight Sparkle," said Swift with worry in her voice. Feather Duster looked distressed. "Oh, that poor filly," she said. "She's in way over her head."

"Do you know her?" asked Sea Foam, who stood at her side. Feather looked at her fellow Assassin. "She used to come to the library all the time when she was younger. She was always such a nice young mare, even if she was a bit antisocial." She looked at Cannon Fire and Sea Foam. "We have to send someone to Ponyville straight away. The Assassins cannot afford to lose her!" The three Assassins looked at each other, trying to decide who they should send.

"I'll go," said Swift, to the hooded ponies' surprise. "Are you sure, Swift?" asked Sea Foam. Feather cast a glance at Swift. "Yes. Are you sure?" she asked. "You have done enough to mend our ties. You don't need to do anymore for the Assassins." Swift shook her head. "No way," she said. "I'm not backing out of this now. There's something big going on, and I want to know what it is. I'm sticking by you guys for now." She paused. "If you guys are okay with that."

The three Assassins looked at each other in a silent conversation. They nodded to each other, and Feather looked at Swift. "Very well," she said. "If you are willing to remain our ally, then you may take on this mission. You are assigned on behalf of the Assassins to travel to Ponyville and eliminate the Templar threat there. Once you arrive, look for my little brother, Pen Quill. He leads the Assassins there. The hideout is located in a music shop near the center of town. A mare named Vinyl Scratch will be at the counter."

Feather walked to her desk and quickly wrote something on a small piece of paper. She passed it to Swift. "This is the pass code," said Feather. "Tell her this and you should be in business." Swift nodded and looked and what was written on the paper:

We work in the dark to serve the light.

Swift placed the paper in her saddlebag. "Alright," she said. "I guess I should get going then."

"Good luck," said Sea Foam. Swift nodded. The four said their goodbyes, and then Swift set out.

Description
"So how much does Luna actually know about you guys?" Swift asked Cannon Fire as they raced across the rooftops. "Honestly, not that much," said Cannon Fire. "All she really knows is that I've got friends in high places. And, whoever they are, they're on her side."

"So she doesn't know anything about the Assassins or the Templars?"

"If she does, I haven't been able to notice."

Swift Wing nodded. Eventually, the two hooded ponies reached Canterlot's castle. They dropped down from the roofs, and approached the entrance. "Stop! Who's there?" asked a royal night guard. His expression lightened when her saw Cannon Fire. "Oh! It's just you, Cannon Fire," said the guard. "You and your friend look out of breath. Why the rush?"

"Sword Hilt, we need to see Princess Luna, now! It's urgent!" said Cannon Fire. The guard nodded and stepped aside. "She should be in her room," he said. Cannon Fire nodded and galloped into the castle, Swift Wing following close behind.

Eventually, the two came to a large set of double doors. A moon pattern was engraved into each. Cannon Fire knocked in a rhythm that Swift figured was a secret code. After a few moments of silence, the doors creaked open, and the two stepped inside. And by her bed laid the princess of the night, Luna. Her mane sparked even in the dim light. She walked up to the hooded ponies. "Greetings Cannon Fire," she said. "I trust your mission went well?" Cannon Fire took a breath. "Yes, princess," he said. "And I believe I have found something that might interest you." He nodded to Swift, who took out the Templar note.

"We think we've uncovered a plot to kill you, your highness," said Swift. Even though she liked Luna as a ruler, the words 'your highness' still didn't feel right in her mouth. "And what is your name?" asked Luna, who took the note to read. "Swift Wing," said Swift. She gave as much of a bow as she would allow herself to make. Luna looked at Cannon Fire. "I take it she is one of your associates that you often speak of?" she said. Cannon Fire gave a look. "Not necessarily," he said. "She's not in with my 'associates' but she's definitely on our side." Luna nodded. She glanced down at the note and quickly read it. Her face looked concerned.

"Do you know where this meeting is to be held?" she asked.

"In some hidden room in the castle's basement," said Swift. Luna gave an expression that was a mix of shock and anger. "They plot against me in my own home?" she asked. "How despicable!" She placed a hoof on her chin. "Alright," she said, her voice calm once more. "Cannon Fire, I would like you to gather up however many night guards as you feel necessary and patrol the castle for anything suspicious." Cannon Fire nodded. Luna turned to Swift. "And you, Swift Wing, if you don't mind, I would like you to try to locate this meeting, and if possible eavesdrop on the fiends. Are you up to the task?"

Swift nodded. "I believe so," she said. Luna smiled. "Thank both of you," she said. "I'll gather up a few guards of my own. I have no intention of dying anytime soon. I know of others who might try to take my place. Their methods aren't very agreeable. They put too much focus on themselves and not enough on the ponies they watch over. I will not have them take my throne." The three nodded to each other, and then, after wishing one another good luck, went their separate ways. Swift looked down the castle's vast corridors. She decided that it was time to practice with her eagle vision once more.

After wandering around the corridors for a short time, Swift found her way into the castle basement. The dark caverns were lit by candles flickering on the walls. "Okay. Secret door, secret door," mumbled Swift to herself as she activated her eagle vision. After a few minutes, she found a golden glint. It traced a rectangle in one of the stone walls. A small stone was covered in a golden hue. Swift smiled. "Secret door!" she said. She looked to her left and to her right, making sure nopony was watching. Then she placed a hoof on the stone and pushed. Almost like magic, the door slid inwards and upwards. Taking one last look around, Swift ducked into the corridor beyond. The door slid shut behind her.

More torches illuminated her path. She thought she heard the distant sound of hoofsteps. She decided that stealth would be her best option in this scenario. She saw a scaffolding just below the high ceiling. She tested her wing and decided that it was healed enough to fly her up there. As silently as she could, she fluttered up and landed on the scaffolding. By now her eyes had adjusted to the dim light, and she continued onward.

Soon, Swift found a large door, and she heard voices coming from behind it. She quickly found a small window that looked down into the room behind it. She smiled as she realized that she had stumbled upon the Templar meeting. She saw a few royal guards, a yellow mare with a magenta mane, an orange guard with a blue mane, Prince Blueblood, and, to her surprise, Princess Celestia. The sun princess sat at the far end of the table at which they sat. A small pouch sat on the floor next to her. Swift sat silently in her hiding spot, and listened.

"Where in Equestria is Fleur?" asked Blueblood, who was clearly getting irritated. Celestia looked at him. "You're certain that you invited her?" she asked.

"Yes! I even took the time to send the letter myself!"

"She's taking too long. We will have to start without her." The other Templars nodded. "Very well," continued Celestia. "I'm sure you all know what it is we are to do?" The others nodded. "Alright. Let's review just in case. I have arranged a royal dinner for tonight. Myself, Luna, and Blueblood will be there." She turned to the guard and the mare. "Flash Sentry and Cherry Jubilee, you will be in the meeting hall. During dinner, Blueblood will excuse himself and meet you there. He will then give you the tools and information needed to continue with the assassination plot." The group nodded.

"Alright. I'm glad we understand. And remember, there can be no mistakes." After a brief moment of silence, the guard, Flash Sentry, changed the subject. "What's the status on the Apple of Eden?" he asked. Celestia turned to her pouch. Using her magic, she opened it up, and pulled out the Apple. Swift gave a silent gasp at seeing it. She still had no idea what it was exactly, but based on what the Assassins had told her, she knew it wasn't good. The golden sphere, barely bigger than a small melon, gave off its golden glow. The beams of light coming out of its engravings was almost supernatural. Swift could tell it wasn't magic, so what was it?

Celestia placed it on the table in front of her. "I've had my best minds working on it," she said. "They believe it requires something more in order for it to help bring the new world to us." There was something in the princess’s voice that Swift thought was off, though she couldn't place what. "Do you mean another artifact?" asked the mare, Cherry Jubilee. "I believe so," said Celestia. "We believe it also has something to do with the Tree of Harmony. I've already sent a few agents out there to investigate." She placed the Apple back in her pouch.

Soon, the meeting was put to a close. Everypony except Celestia left the room. Swift stayed to watch her. "It's a shame," the princess said to herself. "I wish it didn't have to be like this. She always had so much potential." Swift assumed she was talking about Luna. The princess continued. "After I'll I've done for her, after all I've given her, she still hasn't performed the way she should." A frown appeared on her face. "After making her one of us! She barely uses what I've given her!"

Swift eyes widened at this. One of us? thought Swift. Is Luna a Templar? Or... was she at one point? She continued to listen to Celestia's rant. "I wouldn't be surprised if she was an Assassin," said the princess. She let out a sigh, and calmed herself slightly. "This needs to be done. We can't be reborn with ponies like her in the way. It has to be this way." With that, the sun princess left. Swift stayed still on the scaffolding, pondering over what she had just heard. What did she mean by "reborn"?. Swift decided to think more about it later. For now, she had to stop Luna's murder.

------------

Later that night, Swift hid in the castle's hallways with Cannon Fire. The royal dining room was just around the corner. Inside, the scene was just as Celestia planned for it to be. Soon, Blueblood excused himself and walked into the halls. "So, what’s the plan?" Cannon Fire whispered to Swift. She didn't take her eyes off of Blueblood. "I'll tail him and strike when I get the chance," she said. "I'll get the information we need out of him. You'll stay here and ensure Luna is safe." The two nodded to each other, and then Swift was off.

She followed Blueblood through the halls, making sure to stay out of his sight. Eventually, the prince walked into a room. Swift remembered from wandering around that the room was a dead end. The one door she saw was the only way in or out. She placed an ear to the door, but the sound within was muffled. "Dang it," she mumbled to herself. She ducked behind a nearby corner, and waited.

After a while, Blueblood emerged again. He shook hooves with Flash Sentry and Cherry Jubilee, who followed him out. The prince and the others went in separate directions. After giving a look of disgust and dusting his hoof off, he began walking in Swift's direction. Swift smiled at this perfect opportunity. She waited as he came closer, and closer, until finally...

Snick!

Swift's hidden blade rammed right into Blueblood's chest. His shocked eyes stared into Swift's. Almost instantly, Swift felt the tingling in her brain, and the white void consumed the world around her. Blood poured from Blueblood's wound. "A... Assassin!" he coughed.

"What are you planning?" Swift demanded to know. "How are your agents going to kill Luna?" The dying prince gave a confused look. "Luna?" he said. "We're not plotting to kill Luna." It was Swift's turn to look shocked. "Wait. What?" she said.

"Auntie Celestia would never allow Luna to be killed," said Blueblood. "She says that she's too important for her new world to thrive."

"Then... who were you plotting to kill?"

The prince coughed blood. Through ragged breaths he said, "Twilight."

Swift raised an eyebrow. "Twilight? Twilight Sparkle? Her old student from Ponyville?"

"Yes. I've already sent my agents on their way to Ponyville. They'll infiltrate the castle and strike." He paused, his body shaking. "There! I've told you everything! Now, please, spare me!"

Swift gave a slight frown. At least her other targets were hesitant when giving information. At least they had the honor of staying loyal. But not this one. Even if Swift could spare him, she doubted she would. She stared at Blueblood as he suddenly collapsed to the ground, finally dead. "Betrayal is the worst enemy of any cause," said Swift to the corpse. She closed his eyes. "Rest in peace."

Soon, the void faded, and reality returned. Swift pondered her next move. At least she knew Luna was safe, but now she had a whole new problem. "Twilight Sparkle," she mumbled. "What did she ever do? I've got to stop them before they get to her." She was about to leave, when she heard a voice from behind her. "Was it him," it asked. Swift pivoted around to see Luna. Cannon Fire stood by her side. "Was it Blueblood who plotted my murder?" asked the princess.

Swift's expression was grave. "Well, yes and no," she said.

"What do you mean?"

"He plotted a princess’s assassination, but it wasn't yours." Cannon Fire raised an eyebrow. "Then who's the intended target?" he asked.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle," said Swift. Cannon Fire and Luna's eyes widened. "That's not good at all," said Cannon Fire. "Twilight is an extremely valuable ally. If they eliminate her..."

"They?" asked Luna. Swift nodded. "There are others. And chances are, they're already on their way to Ponyville." The three looked at each other. "We need to return to headquarters immediately," said Cannon Fire. Swift nodded. "I wish both of you the best of luck," said Luna. "We cannot allow our enemies to strike at dear Twilight." The hooded ponies nodded. After saying their quick goodbyes, they galloped out of the castle, and toward their hideout.

------------

"They're after who?" said Feather Duster with raised voice. She couldn't believe Swift and Cannon Fire's explanation. "Princess Twilight Sparkle," said Swift with worry in her voice. Feather Duster looked distressed. "Oh, that poor filly," she said. "She's in way over her head."

"Do you know her?" asked Sea Foam, who stood at her side. Feather looked at her fellow Assassin. "She used to come to the library all the time when she was younger. She was always such a nice young mare, even if she was a bit antisocial." She looked at Cannon Fire and Sea Foam. "We have to send someone to Ponyville straight away. The Assassins cannot afford to lose her!" The three Assassins looked at each other, trying to decide who they should send.

"I'll go," said Swift, to the hooded ponies' surprise. "Are you sure, Swift?" asked Sea Foam. Feather cast a glance at Swift. "Yes. Are you sure?" she asked. "You have done enough to mend our ties. You don't need to do anymore for the Assassins." Swift shook her head. "No way," she said. "I'm not backing out of this now. There's something big going on, and I want to know what it is. I'm sticking by you guys for now." She paused. "If you guys are okay with that."

The three Assassins looked at each other in a silent conversation. They nodded to each other, and Feather looked at Swift. "Very well," she said. "If you are willing to remain our ally, then you may take on this mission. You are assigned on behalf of the Assassins to travel to Ponyville and eliminate the Templar threat there. Once you arrive, look for my little brother, Pen Quill. He leads the Assassins there. The hideout is located in a music shop near the center of town. A mare named Vinyl Scratch will be at the counter."

Feather walked to her desk and quickly wrote something on a small piece of paper. She passed it to Swift. "This is the pass code," said Feather. "Tell her this and you should be in business." Swift nodded and looked and what was written on the paper:

We work in the dark to serve the light.

Swift placed the paper in her saddlebag. "Alright," she said. "I guess I should get going then."

"Good luck," said Sea Foam. Swift nodded. The four said their goodbyes, and then Swift set out.