Two mares. One secret that connects them. One secret that may kill them.
Looking the same is no coincidence. Daring Do and Rainbow Dash will find that out through memories of the past. The past will explain who they really are, what secrets the Royal Family withholds, and the history of the Assassin-Tempmare war.
Sequence 1 "We got to go! It's about to collapse."
"Where's Ezio and Flavia?!"
"They're still in there!"
"No! We can't go back!"
"That's my wife and daughter in there!"
"Not to mention my husband and my daughter! Get out of the way, Ezio! Flavia!"
"No, Celestia! We can't go back! Blaze! Talk some sense into her!"
"... Flavia..."
"Sir, more are coming!"
"Buck! Get Dash and Blaze on the carriage! Start flying!"
"Yes sir!"
"No! Let me go, Edward! Turn this carriage around right now!
"Belay that! Celestia, it's over! We can't go back!"
"No! Let me go! There's still a cha- Oh Faust! Ezio!"
###
Rainbow Dash was sitting upon a roof, looking across Ponyville to its latest addition: Twilight's Castle.
"Sorry I'm a bit late," a voice apologized, the source being Ditzy Doo landing next to her.
"A bit being an hour," Rainbow corrected.
"Well, DJ isn't the neatest of eaters," Ditzy explained, "I had to clean him up before coming here."
"I told you not to get another foal," Rainbow smirked.
"At least I have foals," Ditzy shot back.
"Had to pick at that didn't you," Rainbow sighed.
"... Sorry."
"S'alright," Rainbow smiled, "Let's just hurry up and get to the meeting."
"Last one there pays five," Ditzy grinned.
"Always," Rainbow grinned back.
The two stood there, grinning at each other, until suddenly taking off towards the castle.
Dash jumped to another roof as Ditzy chased after her. They ran to the edge until Dash used her wings to blast up into the air and onto an unfinished building while Ditzy jumped down and ran through the first floor, weaving in and out of the steel foundation.
Rainbow ran across the second floor, jumping over a table and over the back of a worker who yelled after her.
"Tresspassers," one yelled as they all began chasing the two.
"Dont get caught," Rainbow laughed as she reached the end of the unfinished flooring and jumped across the horizontal beams, seeing Ditzy just below her.
Ditzy kicked the straps holding a bunch of barrels together as they rolled in front of the workers chasing her, cutting them off.
"Never had, and never will," Ditzy joked as Rainbow jumped off of the final beam and rolled next to Ditzy before running beside her, the two leaving the construction sight a mess.
"See you've still got some moves," Rainbow grinned as they ran down the streets that ended at an ally way only big enough for one pony, "But do you still have the speed?"
"Don't need it," Ditzy replied before pulling a scarf over her muzzle then throwing a small ball in front of them.
It exploded into a gray smoke as the two ran through it but only Ditzy coming out the other side.
"Now-ugh-that's cheating," Rainbow coughed as the smoke cleared out, allowing her to run after Ditzy who was already halfway down the street.
Rainbow ran as fast as she could, closing in on Ditzy as the ally got closer and closer.
Ditzy heard Rainbow coming up behind her as she entered the ally. She took a quick look back to see Rainbow was already just a few strides behind.
"Quick," Ditzy complemented, before throwing down anthor smoke bomb, "And the winner is-"
Rainbow smirked as she used her wings to shoot up into the air, flipping over as she did, than land in front of Ditzy, shocking her.
"Me," Rainbow declared as they came out of the ally and coming upon Twilight's castle, the two running up to the front door, "That'll be five bits."
"You used your wings," Ditzy panted.
"And you used smoke bombs," Rainbow pointed out, breathing a little hard as well, "Your point being?"
"We'll call it a draw," Ditzy sighed as she caught her breath, knocking on the door.
"Coming," Spike called as he answered the door, "Hey guys, meetings downstairs in the basement... why are you two all dirty?"
"Race," Rainbow answered before entering and heading downstairs.
"I just don't know what it is," Twilight said as she looked at a stone disk, strange markings scattered across it, "It's not in any of my books, so I figured it might have been an Assassin object."
"It is," Luna replied as she looked at her sister with worry, "To some extent."
"Meaning?"
"If this is what I believe it to be, than all will be revealed... and she will learn of her grandparents," Celestia sniffed a little.
"Are you sure you can handle yourself," Luna asked.
"I'll be fine," Celestia nodded, "and I appreciate you not telling her, Twilight."
"Your welcome, though, it was pretty shocking news," Twilight said, "But, I understand hiding it from her was for the best."
Ditzy and Rainbow walked into the basement to see Twilight, Luna, Celestia, and Shining all around a table, a podium in the center.
"Morning everypony," Rainbow smiled as she and Ditzy took a seat.
"Good morning, Rainbow," Twilight raised her eyebrow, "You seem pretty cheerful, especially after almost losing Equestria."
"Ah, Tirek was just another bad guy, a walk in the park," Rainbow waved her hoof, "Anyways, that's old news, what's so important that you had to call us?"
"Well, I was looking around my castle and found this thing," Twilight declared as she pointed to the stone disk, "Don't know what it is, or how it got here. I tried doing research, but I couldn't find anything on it, so I called all of you to see it."
"We think it's a Memory Seal," Shining added.
"Like the ones Ezio used to learn of Alteïr's life?"
"Correct, but we think these hold memories of Ezio himself," Luna explained, "We need you to explore them."
"Me? Why me," Rainbow questioned.
"These are a different type of seal," Celestia said, "Only activated by the touch of a descendent."
"You are the granddaughter of Ezio," Twilight said, "Meaning you can use these to see those memories."
"Ok," Rainbow declared, "But why do I need to?"
"There's a secret library in our old castle," Celestia explained, "Only opens when all the seals, or Masyaf keys, have been returned to it."
"Again, why," Rainbow repeated.
"Tirek was no simple mistake," Luna replied, "Cerberus doesn't leave his post unless told to, and he only listens to Royalty. Royalty by blood. We had him guard not only Tirek, but a Memory Seal as well."
"When we got news of it, I went to check it out," Shining added, "The seal was gone. A Tempmare has taken it."
"Tempmare," Ditzy questioned, "Why would they want that?"
"Ditzy, Rainbow," Celestia said, "What you know of the Assassins is only a fraction. The Assassin-Tempmare war goes beyond Nightmare Moon, beyond Discord, beyond even my life. We've been fighting for more than just a millennium. This is something you will learn Rainbow, when you touch that seal."
"What will happen if I do touch it," Rainbow asked as she eyed the stone disk as if it was an armed explosive.
"You'll be sent to a certain part of Ezio's life, and at the end, you'll learn of the location of another. That's why we need you to do this."
"Dont worry," Twilight smiled warmly, "We'll be here to help."
"Alright," Rainbow took a deep breath, "I'm ready."
"Good," Celestia nodded, "Touch it, and your mind will began to play you the memories."
Rainbow looked back at the disk as she slowly reached her hoof out. Stopping a few inches away.
She looked at the other, getting supportive nods and smiles. She looked back to the seal as she took another deep breath.
Then touched it.
###
"Mwuahahahaha! You must be faster than that Daring Do," the evil voice of Ahuizotal laughed.
"Your not getting away with that artifact, Ahuizotal," Daring yelled as she chased after him by jumping from tree limb to tree limb in an uncharted jungle, "Now, Dag!"
All of a sudden, Ahuizotal was captured into a net, causing him to drop the stone disk in his tail hand. Soon afterwards, a silver unicorn with a black mane and a dagger cutting through a shield for a cutie mark walked out. He was soon followed by a group of other ponies as Daring jumped from down from the trees.
"I got the seal, honey," the unicorn declared as he levitated it with his magic.
"Good work, Dag," Daring grinned.
Suddenly, Ahuizotal broke free, then ran into the juggle, disappearing into the trees
"He's getting away," Dag yelled, until Daring stopped him.
"Let him, we got what we need," Daring smiled, "Come on, let's hurry up and get home."
"Alright," Dag nodded, then turned to the others, "Go ahead and head back, we're all good."
Once they nodded and disappeared, Dag teleported, Daring and himself back to her home. They entered the house as they sat down on a couch, and let out a sigh of relief.
"Ah, home sweet home. Can't believe we pulled off yet another adventure. So how many does that make," Daring asked Dag.
"Two," Dag replied as he twirled the seal in the air.
"Good," Daring stretched, "Well, same drill as last time?"
"Actually, why don't you take a break, we got plenty of time to search for the next one."
"I guess I should rest up a bit, take a bath," Daring grinned, "Care to join me?"
"In a minute," Dag chuckled as he set down the seal on a table, "Got a couple of thing to take care of."
"Alright, Dag," Daring smiled as she said, "Don't take too long."
"I won't," Dag smiled as he watched her go upstairs before turning back around and conjuring up a quill and paper.
Dag sighed as he began to write, "Got seal two. Though Ahuizotal almost ruined it. Make sure he remembers to let us actually catch him. Anyways, I'll try to locate the next one as quick as I can..."
"Honey? Are you done yet," Daring called.
"Almost dear," Dag replied before continuing the letter, "I just hope I don't kill myself from having to live with this mare before the mission is complete. That's all for now, Sincerly, Master-Apprentice Tempmare, Steel Dagger."
Sequence 2 "Swords up." an alicorn ordered as a light brown pegasus held up his wooden sword against a unicorn, whom did the same in turn except using his magic.
The alicorn had a mane and coat that matched the color of the nighttime sky as both gave off a majestic mist. He looked to the brown pegasus as he said, "Remember Ezio, you only got three legs to stand on. Your balance has to be impeccable."
"Don't worry." Ezio grinned as he looked at his colt, yellowish gray unicorn companion, "I don't need magic to win."
"Sure does help," young colt replied, "I'll try to go easy on you, pal."
"That's a lie," Ezio chuckled, "Come on, Discord, you should know me better than that."
"You can always see right through me." Discord laughed.
"Boys!" the alicorn said sternly, "Focus."
"Sorry, Cosmos." they both sighed as they looked back at each other.
"Ladies first." Discord said as he got into a battle position.
"Age before beauty." Ezio shot back, doing the same.
The two stood off for a few more minutes as a gentle breeze blows across their faces. Then Discord swung first as Ezio blocked it.
"Nice reaction." Discord complimented as the swords bowed back and forth a little as each pushed against their opponent.
"Nice attack." Ezio replied before they both retracted their swords and hopped away from each other.
"Always press your advantages in your opponent's hesitation." Cosmos reminded as the two swung back and forth unsuccessfully, "Make them pay for thinking."
Discord glanced down at Ezio's leg as his teal tinted white aura manifested around it. Ezio was quickly swung off his hooves as he landed on to the ground with a grunt. He opened his eyes and saw Discord raise his sword, but when it came down, Ezio rolled out of the way before he was struck.
"Got to be quicker than that." Ezio grinned then lunged at Discord and tackled him to the ground.
Discord countered by using his legs to push Ezio into the air and onto his back. The two hastily popped back up and away from each other.
"Go Ezio!" a voice declared as they all looked to the source and saw a filly Celestia and Solar watching from the garden's entrance.
"Tia." Ezio smiled but was suddenly swept off his hooves and onto in his back again as a wooden sword lightly pressed into his chest, Discord standing above him.
"Good work, Discord." Cosmos congratulated as Discord retracted his sword and extended his hoof out to Ezio, helping him up, "And you Ezio, focus. Disappointing, and for which, you are in charge of cleaning the weapons room with Lunar tonight."
"Aww man." Ezio muttered under his breath.
"Ezio." Cosmos glared.
"Sorry," Ezio straighten up, blushing slightly as he heard the giggles from the two fillies watching and the snicker from his best friend.
"Better." Cosmos relaxed and began making his way out of the garden, "Training dismissed."
"Bye, Dad." Celestia said as Cosmos walked by.
"See you later, baby." Cosmos smiled as he gave a kiss on her forehead and looked up to Solar, "And have a good afternoon, Solar."
"You too, Uncle Cos." Solar beamed as Cosmos made his way back to the Canterlot Castle.
Discord and Ezio then walked up to the two as they turned back around.
"Hey mares," Discord smiled, "enjoyed the show?"
"I enjoyed the part were Ezio got his flank kicked." Solar grinned.
"Shut up, Flare." Ezio snarled, "How about you try to fight with no magic."
"I bet I could." Solar replied.
"No you couldn't," Discord interjected, "it takes skill."
"What are you trying to say?" Solar growled.
"You got no skill." Discord smirked.
"I show you skill." Solar tackled Discord as the two rolled around on the ground, ending with Solar pinning him down, "Pinned you."
"Oh really?" Discord replied, then suddenly flung his whole body up, throwing Solar off of him as the two wrestle each other again only for the same results.
"Pinned you again." Solar smirked as she got off of Discord, allowing him to get up.
"Twice," Ezio chuckled, "what happened, Discord?"
"Shut up, I'm tired," Discord huffed as he brushed some grass off of himself, "I had acrobatic training this morning because I was sick last week."
"Come on, guys." Celestia interjected, "No point in fighting."
"Tia's, right." Ezio nodded, "We'll have plenty of time to fight when we're older."
"Fine," Discord rolled his eyes, "anyways, I'm starved; I'm going to go eat."
"I'm in." Solar said.
"Me to." Celestia smiled.
"Let's hurry up, then," Ezio declared, "supper's about to start."
The four headed to the dining hall where many ponies we're sitting, and chatting. Celestia parted from the group and ran up to the two alicorns at the end of the long table.
"Hey Dad." Celestia called as she came up to Cosmos, "Can I sit with my friends today?"
"I don't know," Cosmos looked down to her, "Let me see... Did you clean your room?"
"Yes, sir." Celestia beamed.
"Finished your homework?"
"Yep."
"Helped your Mom with the garden?"
"Yep."
"Give your Dad a hug?"
Celestia jumped up into his lap and wrapped her hooves around him, then looked up and smiled, "Yep."
"Well, I don't know..."
"Dad." Celestia begged.
"Cosmos," the other alicorn scolded, her coat and mane acting the same way as Cosmos's, only they were colored to match the beauty of daylight.
"I'm kidding." Cosmos chuckled, as he ruffled his daughter's pink mane, "Go ahead kiddo, as long as it's alright with Glaxia."
Celestia ran back to her friends as they all took a seat with other kids off at a separate table.
"Alright guys," Celestia beamed, "what are we going to do tonight?"
"We know what Ezio is doing." Discord grinned.
"Ah, come on Discord," Ezio chuckled, "it's not going to be hard."
"Have you met Lunar?" Discord looked at Ezio.
"Well.. no..."
"Look," Discord nodded over to the end of the children's table where a small, black mane, white alicorn with glasses was reading a book with nopony around him, "He's a nerd, doesn't speak much, and when he does, it's to get away from you. In my opinion, he is a stuck up know-it-all.
"Or he's just shy." Solar corrected.
"How would you know?" Discord asked.
"It's called getting to know somepony before you judge him." Solar rolled her eyes, "He's from Bitan. He was the Prince there, until the Tempmares took it over, killed any royalty who opposed, including Lunar's parents."
"How do you know all this?" Ezio asked.
"My mom told me, so I got to know him.” Solar replied then punched Discord in his shoulder hard, causing him to gasp in pain, "Unlike this jerk."
"Ow." Discord quietly groaned, "That was my shoulder I dislocated this morning."
"Oops," Solar grinned to the others, "should have asked."
Discord glared at them as they all snickered a little.
After supper, everypony left the dining hall. Some left for bed, some stayed up for training, and others climb up into the trees to guard the castle.
"Alright guys," Ezio sighed, "see you tomorrow."
"Alright Ezio." Solar nodded.
"Bye Ezio." Celestia waved.
"We'll try not to have too much fun without you." Discord smiled as he and Ezio gave each other a hoof bump.
"Thanks pal." Ezio chuckled as he began to make his way to the weapons room in the basement, "See you in the morning."
Ezio headed down a staircase and a few stone corridors. He found Lunar already at the door upon reaching the weapons room.
"Hey." Ezio smiled.
"Good evening." Lunar quickly replied as he stayed behind the book.
Silence followed as Ezio stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do.
"So, uh, you ready?" Ezio asked as he pulled out a key and unlocked the door, opening it to a cluttered room. Spears, muskets, bows, swords, you name it, it was on the floor, "This might take longer than I thought."
Lunar was unresponsive as Ezio shook his head. He looked back at the mess and walked inside. He picked up a sword and put it back up on the wall. He looked back Lunar to see him sitting down next to the door, still buried in his book.
"Hey!" Ezio exclaimed, "Are you going to help?!"
Lunar didn't reply.
"Lunar!" Ezio barked as he approached up to him, "Get your muzzle out of that book and help me!"
Nothing happened as Ezio's threw his hooves in the air and declared, "Fine, I'll do it myself!"
Ezio turned back around, but was shocked as every object rose into the air and into their appropriate positions. They all had an orange-red aura around them as they moved, like the one Lunar's book had. Like the one his horn, he was emitting.
Ezio's mouth dropped as he looked at Lunar, still behind his book.
"Wh-Ho... Thanks," Ezio replied unsurely.
Again, only silence came from Lunar as he got up and made way for the door.
"Wait." Ezio grabbed Lunar's shoulder and said, "Where are you going, and why did you do that?"
"Please, d-don't touch me." Lunar said barely audible as he tried to shy away from Ezio's hoof.
"Lunar?" Ezio took another step closer as Lunar moved away from him.
Ezio slowly reached his hoof out and gently grabbed the book. He lowered it to see Lunar's black mane cover half of his face over his glasses.
"I'm just trying to talk to you, ok." Ezio calmly said, "No need to be shy."
Lunar slowly nodded as he relaxed a little.
"Ok," Ezio smiled, "Let's start with our names, mine is Ezio Auditore da Firenze, Ezio for short."
"I'm Lunar Eclipse." Lunar replied as he and Ezio sat down.
"Nice to meet you." Ezio beamed, "So, Lunar, I've been told your from Bitan. How was it like over there?"
"Alright, I guess." Lunar shrugged.
"What were you reading?" Ezio asked as he looked at the title of the book he took from Lunar, "A Two Way Mirror. What's that?"
"It's nothing really," Lunar replied, "I mean, the way you are, you'd think it's stupid."
"What do you mean?"
"I study ponies." Lunar explained, "From a distance, I watch what they do, how they act, what they like and dislike, and their responses to others so if I accidentally ever cross a pony, I know what to do so I won't get beat up. Like you. You are a strong, sort of a jock type of pony. So I know to try and stay out of your way and try not to exist in your eyes."
"Why in Equestria would you want to do that?" Ezio asked.
"So you wouldn't beat me up." Lunar answered.
"I would never do something like that." Ezio smiled, "Not to friend."
"A-A... Friend?"
"Yeah, friend, chum, buddy, pal," Ezio listed, "you’re all of those to me."
"A friend," Lunar repeated, "I never had one before."
"Well, it's time to change that." Ezio declared as he got up and extended his hoof to Lunar, "Come on, I'll introduce you to my other friends."
Lunar looked up at Ezio, and then smiled as Ezio helped him up, "Alright, sounds good."
Lunar collected his books, and then followed Ezio out of the weapons room.
###
Ezio was inside the Canterlot Castle's Library. He was in a stone corridor underground that ended with a gated doorway. He pulled a lever and the gate opened to a small room. Inside was a chest.
"5... 2... 9," Ezio mumbled as he turned the dials and opened the chest.
He pulled out a stone disk from underneath his Assassin Robe and placed it inside the empty chest. He closed the chest, spun the dials randomly, re-closed the gate, and left the building.
Sequence 3 Rainbow opened her eyes to the darkness of the basement. Her pupils enlarging, trying to take in more light.
Rainbow groaned as she rolled over and pushed herself up, her joints playing their quiet melody of popping as she moved.
"Ah man," Rainbow sighed as she stretched out her wings, causing a slight pain, but relief as they retracted.
Rainbow eyes adjusted to the sea of black as objects floated to the surface. She was able to make out the door as she walked over and exited the basement before heading up the stairs.
As Rainbow reached the top, the soft, gentle light of fire danced around her as she entered a room. Seeing Twilight on a couch with Spike lazily snoring next to her, his mind deep into whatever dragons dream.
"Finally up," Twilight softly chuckled as she closed the book she was reading, "How do you feel?"
"Sore," Rainbow replied as she stretched some muscles that still screamed the agony of ache.
"Celestia said that might happen," Twilight smiled, "She said to move around a bit."
"Gladly," Rainbow said as she flapped her wings silently, hanging in the air as she did, "Speaking of, where is everypony?"
"Celestia went back to Canterlot with Luna to lower the sun," Twilight answered.
"Lower the sun," Rainbow said in disbelief as she looked towards a window to see the moon shining down onto Equestria.
"You were in there all afternoon," Twilight explained as Rainbow looked out, clearly baffled.
Rainbow hovered in silence for a moment, her mind taking in everything that just happened. She slowly lowered to the ground and said, "I need to head to Canterlot."
"Now? You know the train won't come for a few hours."
"I'll fly there," Rainbow replied.
"All the way to Canterlot?"
"Done it many times before. I'll be fine."
"Alright," Twilight sighed, "Be careful."
Rainbow nodded as she left Twilight's castle into the quiet night of Ponyville. Taking a breath, she soared into the air, the joy of flight overpowering any to soreness left.
As Rainbow began to zoom towards the Canterlot lights in the distance, her mind still tried to comprehend what she has witnessed. It felt like her brain was in overdrive, all the details playing at once. She's been feeling like that ever since she woke up, but didn't want to worry Twilight. Flying seemed to help clear her mind slightly, but focusing was out of the question. For now, she continued to fly to the only pony who could help her...
###
"Tia," Luna called knocking on her sister's door, "Are you still awake?"
"Yes," Celestia quietly replied, "You may come in."
Luna entered, closing the door behind her softly, and saw Celestia laying on her bed, a picture in her hoof.
"Are you alright," Luna asked, knowing well of whom the picture withholds.
"Yes," Celestia smiled as she set the picture aside, "I've been getting better."
"Well, you stop drinking," Luna grinned, taking note of the lack of Cherry wine bottles, "So that's good."
"Don't push it," Celestia glared.
"Sorry," Luna apologized as she laid down next to her sister, "So, is there anything you want to talk about."
"About what," Celestia raised a brow.
"You know," Luna made a head gesture to the picture, "You seemed to be getting over him."
Celestia went silent, slightly worrying Luna that she may have asked too soon, so Luna quickly changed the subject.
"So, how was your trip to Saddle Arabia last week?"
Celestia was silent for a moment longer, than said, "It was alright. Just re-newing our peace treaty."
"Good good," Luna replied as the awkward silence fell again. Luna uneasily shifted her hooves, feeling a bit uncomfortable from not accomplishing what she was really here for.
This wasn't the first time Luna has come into Celestia's room and the conversation ending with this awkward silence. Luna has tried many times before to try and cheer Celestia up. Trying to get her to accept the fact that...
"Your highnesses," a guard interrupted as he stood in the doorway, "A blue pegasus is requesting your presence."
"Rainbow Dash," Celestia declared as she got out of bed, "Thank you. I'll be there momentarily."
The guard saluted, then disappeared as Celestia began to make way for the door.
"Tia," Luna called, causing Celestia to stop at the door.
"Lulu," Celestia replied without looking back at her, "Don't push it."
With that, Celestia left Luna in the bedroom in sadness. She looked over to the picture and levitated it into the air in front of her, seeing Ezio and Celestia laughing and having a good time.
"I'm trying as hard as I can, Ezio," Luna said aloud as she set down the picture, "I really am..."
###
Rainbow Dash was sitting inside the dining hall of Canterlot Castle. A maid offered her something to drink, but Rainbow denied the beverage. She was still trying to sort out the memories of the seal and just wanted to focus on that.
"Rainbow," a voice called, causing her to lift her head to see Celestia walk in.
"Celestia," Rainbow nodded as Celestia took a seat across from her.
"How do you feel," Celestia asked.
"Couldn't say," Rainbow half-heartedly chuckled.
Moments passed as Rainbow and Celestia stared at each other for a moment. Rainbow had a million questions she wanted to ask, but didn't even know where to start. Celestia could tell, and decided to start for here, "So, what did you see?"
"Well... it was pretty confusing," Rainbow admitted, "I saw Discord, but he was pony. Then I saw you and a filly named Solar Flare, though she seemed familiar.
"She should," Celestia replied, "That was Twilight's mother, Solar Eclipse, but her maiden name was Solar Flare."
"Wow, really? She seemed nice then."
"She was," Celestia explained, "but she was lead down the wrong path by my uncle... but that's a different story, continue."
"Well, then I saw, Twilight's dad, if I recall correctly. Lunar Eclipse was his name, right?"
Celestia nodded as she recollected the day Ezio let Lunar join in on their little group. She could remember how shocked Discord was that his assumptions were completely wrong. From then on, the four tried to get Lunar to come out of his shell. It took sometime, but by their teens, Lunar was a confident, strong young stallion... which caught the attention of Solar. Celestia quickly smiled as she remembered those days before looking back to Rainbow.
"Anything else," Celestia asked.
"Yes," Rainbow nodded, "I know where the next seal is, and it's in the library here."
"I believe I know where you are implying," Celestia declared as she got up, "Follow me."
Rainbow followed Celestia as they started to walk out of the Castle and into the courtyard, straight for the Canterlot Achieves. As they entered the tall slender building, Celestia lead Rainbow to a trap door, which she opened with her magic revealing a small staircase down. At the bottom was the stone corridor Rainbow saw at the end of the memories.
"What is this place," Rainbow asked, as they came upon the same gated doorway.
Celestia didn't answer, she just pulled the lever and the gate opened. The two walked in and Rainbow got her answer.
It was a small room with the chest that contained the seal, but that wasn't all Rainbow saw. Along the walls were pictures of Ezio, Celestia, Discord, Solar, and Lunar. Some had one of the five, and others had the whole gang. Some were ranging in their age, from child to adult.
"This... this was a special place to us," Celestia explained, as Rainbow looked at all the pictures, "It was our secret hiding place. I happened to stumbled upon it as a child and told my friends about it. We'd come down here to escape training or just to hang out."
"Wow," Rainbow looked in awe, then her eyes came upon a pedestal, an old, slightly worn book sitting upon it, "What's this?"
Celestia looked at the book, knowing what it was all too well, for many time she'd had opened it.
"This... this is the Royal Family Tree," Celestia said, trying to sustain composer.
"This doesn't look like it," Rainbow replied, oblivious to Celestia's emotion, "It's all beat up."
"That is the official version," Celestia took a deep breath as she calmed down a bit, "The Private version only meant for Royal eyes."
"Wow," Rainbow smiled, "Bet this would be pretty interesting to see."
"It's... There is... Rainbow," Celestia said, not knowing what to say. The secret she has kept from Rainbow for so many years must be revealed to her now... but how... how was Celestia suppose to just come out and say it. She'd has played this moment in her head many times, but she couldn't prepare for this.
"It's that... it's nothing," Celestia finally said as she shook her head.
"... Alright," Rainbow nodded then looked over to the chest, "The seal's in there. The combination is 529."
Celestia nodded then turned the dials and opened the chest. The two looked inside and saw the seal.
"There it is," Rainbow sighed as she looked at the disk, "Right where he left it."
Rainbow was about to touch it, until Celestia grabbed her hoof, causing Rainbow to look at her.
"Are you sure you don't want to rest first," Celestia asked.
"Not yet," Rainbow shook her head, "I need to know what's on this seal."
Celestia nodded and let go of her hoof. Rainbow took a deep breath as she thought about what could be on this seal.
"Only one way to find out," Rainbow declared, and touched the seal.
###
"Take her! Run!"
"No! I'm not leaving you!"
"Mommy!"
"Come out, Come out, Flavia!"
"Run! Now!"
"There you are!"
"Run!"
"Mommy! No!"
"... Daring... Daring Do... Wake Up!'
Daring Do was awoken suddenly as she shot up and started to breath quickly. The contents of her bedroom coming into focus as she felt her soft bed beneath her.
"Calm down, babe," Steel Dagger said at her side, "It's just me."
"Sorry, Dag," Daring breathing began to slow down, "Nightmare."
"It's alright," Dag smiled, "We all get them."
"How long was I out," Daring asked as she looked out the window.
"All day," Dag replied as he got of the bed.
"All day,' Daring repeated, "You should have woke me up."
"It's alright, we're in no rush," Dag replied, then levitated the Seal, "But since you're up."
"Alright, Alright, but it'll cost you a hoof rub," Daring teased
"A hoof rub? I wouldn't mind one," Dag playfully shot back, "Thanks, honey."
"Shut up and give me the seal," Daring laughed.
Dag levitated the seal to her as she reached out and grabbed it. The moment she did, Daring's head slowly laid back down on the pillow as her mind left it's conscious and began to play the memories.
Once he was sure she was asleep, Dag pulled out a quill and parchment.
"Progress Report," he wrote, "Daring has touched seal two and is now being played the memories. I will write to you when we've acquired seal three. Oh, and next time a mission comes up sis, don't recommend me to dad. That's all for now, Sincerly Master-Apprentice Tempmare, Steel Dagger."
Sequence 4 "Everypony remembers their jobs?" a teenage Ezio quietly asked his four foalhood friends.
"Sure do," Solar nodded.
"Without a doubt," Lunar added.
"Get in, get out, sounds simple enough," Discord silently chuckled.
"We're right behind you," Celestia smiled.
"Alright then," Ezio grinned as he turned around and put his Assassin hood up, "Let's do this."
He jumped out of the tree they were perched in and silently rolled on the ground into thick vegetation, concealing him as a pony walked by. With a small whistle, the pony turned his attention to the source only to get grabbed by Ezio and dragged into the tall grass; no sound was heard as Ezio was only one to come out.
Moving swiftly, he began to make his way to a big warehouse that stood looking towards Canterlot in the not too far distance. The sun lit the area but not enough to reveal Ezio as he moved from cover to cover as he cunningly evaded sight from guards.
It was almost too easy as he rolled up to the warehouse and pressed up against the side. Two armored unicorns stood guard at the front door, each equipped with a long battle axe.
"Come on Lunar," Ezio mumbled as he continued to peek around the corner at the two guards, "Where are yo-"
"Hey, hold it right there," a voice barked behind Ezio making him turn around and come face to face with another guard pointing a sword right at Ezio.
"Look out behind you," Ezio replied.
"Like I'd fall for-," the guard was cut short as he was hit by a hoof in the back of the head, knocking him out cold.
"I warned you," Ezio shrugged as the attacker, Discord, chuckled.
The joke was short lived as a soft explosion erupted from the front of the warehouse
"What the-" one of the unicorn yelped before being knocked out, his partner suffering a similar fate.
"Hey, that was our kill." Discord pouted as he and Ezio walked around the corner and saw Solar and Celestia standing above the two unconscious unicorns.
"First come, first serve, Dis." Solar smirked as Lunar appeared from a nearby bush.
"We were here first, except Lunar here didn't throw the smoke bomb," Discord snarled.
"Sorry," Lunar cringed slightly, "The blasted thing wouldn't light."
"Yeah, whatever," Discord huffed as he levitated a key into the air, "At least I did my job."
Discord walked up to the warehouse and unlocked the door, but right before he could opened it, the sound of a large metal bell began to ring out and before they knew it, the five were surround by ponies on all sides, all holding spears at the ready.
"Uh-oh," Ezio said as the five moved towards each other, all back to back as they readied themselves to be attacked... until...
"Stand down," a voice declared as the warehouse doors were flung open and Cosmos walked out, "Training is over."
All the guards relaxed and lowered their spears, each having a triumphic grin on their muzzles as they began to wake up their knockout friends and congratulating each other on a job well done.
"You five, come inside," Cosmos barked as he walked inside.
"Dang it," Discord groaned he put his hood down, "We have to be in last place now."
"Don't talk like that, Dis," Lunar frowned as he and the others put their hoods down as well, "We don't know how fast and clean the other teams did this."
"But they probably didn't get caught," Solar pointed out, "I told you that stallion saw you Tia."
"Well I didn't want to take him out," Celestia defended, "We're judged on the number casualties too!"
"Well maybe yo-"
"Ahem," a voice cleared its throat, stopping the argument as the five looked up to the owner, Cosmos.
"So, you're wondering how you all did, are you," Cosmos raised an eyebrow at the anxious group, "Well, in terms of ratings... you all won."
"What," they all exclaimed.
"But we got caught," Solar said.
"Yes, but so did the other teams," Cosmos smiled, easing the five as he felt a wave of relief radiating from them, "you five just remained undetected the longest. Do I need to remind you that I said that no team has ever completed this challenge? I thought today I might have been proven wrong for you actually made it to the door, but the elite guard isn't called elite for nothing. Well, since it is all settled out, I'll release the scores tomorrow, for now, you are all free to go."
With the satisfaction of winning the small tournament the Assassin's held every year for the trainees, the five walked out of the warehouse, and of course, Discord was the first to boast.
"We won, ha ha," Discord cheered, "I knew we could do it, didn't doubt us for a second."
"Then why were you sweating bullets in there," Solar smirked.
"I was not," Discord flared, "and even if I was, I saw your hooves shaking!"
"I was tired," Solar defended, "So buck off!"
"You wanna go," Discord growled as he got in Solar's face.
"Gladly!" Solar shot back, and then tackled Discord to the ground.
"There they go again." Celestia sighed and shook her head as the two wrestled each other, "As if they never grew up."
"It’s alright," Ezio shrugged, "They'll just tire themselves out. Come on, let's let the two fight it out."
"Good idea," Celestia chuckled as she and Ezio began to walk away, "You don't mind watching over, do you Lunar?" "Of course not," Lunar chuckled, "I'll make sure neither kills each other."
"Thanks," Celestia beamed, and then continued walking, not noticing Ezio giving Lunar a thankful nod, which was return by a sly grin from Lunar, knowing what Ezio was up to. Ezio chuckled; he began to go after Celestia back to the carriages that they came in.
"Hey, Tia," Ezio called as he caught up to her, slowing down to walk by her side, "What are you doing later?"
"I was just going to head back to castle," Celestia replied, "Why?"
"I was wondering," Ezio smiled, trying to hide his anxiousness, "If you wouldn't mind coming with me to that new restaurant that opened in town?"
Celestia thought for a moment, connecting some dots until finally saying, "As a date?"
"Um," Ezio blushed slightly, "Y-yeah."
"Then I'd be happy to accompany you," Celestia smiled, "but I would like to freshen up first."
"Of course," Ezio beamed, as he helped her into one of the carriages, "I'll get you around eight."
"I'm looking forward," Celestia nodded, and then looked to the stallions harnessed to the carriage, "Gentlestallions, to the castle."
"Yes, Princess," the two nodded as they began to make their way to Canterlot Castle.
Ezio watched the carriage as it made its way out of sight before flying up into the air, cheering.
"Woohoo," Ezio whooped as he did a few flips in the air, "She said yes! She actually said yes!"
"I guessing it went well," Lunar chuckled as he arrived at the carriages followed by a very bruised up Discord and not as bruised up Solar.
"Sure did, Lunar," Ezio beamed, giving a hoof bump as he landed, "I got me a date tonight!"
"Well, yeah," Ezio questioned though was in too good of a mood to do it properly, "Who else do we know named Celestia?"
"I... I never would have thought that... ," Discord started to mumble as he stood there in a daze.
"Are you all right, Discord," Lunar asked as the shocked unicorn took a couple of steps back, "You seem out of it."
"I... I got to go," Discord replied, shaking his head as he began to walk away from the group.
"Wait," Ezio called after, finally snapping out of his good mood to see something bothering Discord, "Where you going?"
"I just got to go, alright," Discord snarled at him.
Ezio bobbed back, surprised by his lifelong friend snapping at him like that. The two remained looking at each other, Discord with hatred, Ezio with confusion. Moments passed as only a slight breeze blowing across the field was heard, until finally Discord turned around and hopped into one of the carriages, telling the drivers to take him to the castle.
"What was that about," Solar asked as she and Lunar walked up next to Ezio, watching the carriage become nothing but a dot on the road.
"I don't know," Ezio replied, still slightly shocked by how Discord acted.
Lunar sighed, "Well, let's not worry about it; let's just let him cool off, besides, you better get ready for your date tonight."
The three climbed into the carriage and began to ride back to the castle. They shrugged off the whole scene as they began to talk about the tournament; however, Ezio couldn't get the picture of the way Discord glared at him. His normal, comedic spark was replaced with a cold fury. He felt like something had changed in him at that moment, like something inside Discord snapped... but when Ezio finally figured out what it was... it was too late...
###
There was a knock on two big crystal doors making Prince Sombra look up at the library's doors. He got up and walked to the door, opening it to find Ezio.
"Good evening, Ezio," Sombra smiled, "What brings you here to the Crystal Empire?"
"Evening Sombra," Ezio replied as he walked inside, Sombra closing the doors behind him, "Thanks for letting me in, I hate being out during winter. Anyways, I need a favor."
"Go ahead," Sombra nodded.
Ezio reached into his assassin robes a pulled out a Masyaf Key, showing it to Sombra.
"I need to hide this. Put it somewhere safe."
"But of course," Sombra smiled, levitating the disk with his magic, "I'll put it in the restricted section of the library, but may I ask why?"
"That is something that will lead to great power one day," Ezio replied, "and I can only trust the closest allies to the Assassins for it."
"Well, don't you worry, the Tempmares have yet dare set hoof into my father's domain," Sombra assured.
"Thank you, well, I best be off," Ezio nodded, "I hope our paths will cross again one day, hopefully not for business."
"I hope so to," Sombra waved, "Goodbye, Ezio."
Ezio walked out of the library and into the cold snow. He barely took one step before slipping on the icy steps, cutting his hoof as a piece of sharp ice nicked him.
"Aah," Ezio slightly gasped, as blood started to seep from the cut, "Faust I hate winter!"
Ezio sat there for a minute, staring at the bad gash across is hoof, until somehow; the gash sealed itself up, disappearing in the blink of an eye and becoming good as new.
"That's better," Ezio chuckled, then got up and flew up into the sky, a few drops of blood on the snow being the only evidence he was cut. (To Be Continued...)
Sequence 5 Rainbow Dash's eyes slowly open, focusing into a bedroom. Rainbow moaned, sat up, rubbed her eyes, and with a quick look of her surroundings, realized she was in one of the Canterlot Castle guest rooms. Sighing, Rainbow jumped out of the bed she was in.
"Ah, that feels better," Rainbow groaned as she stretched out her wings, hooves, and back, soreness within them all.
A low, but loud growl sounded throughout the room causing Rainbow to grab her stomach as a wave of sudden hunger washed through her.
"Faust, I'm starving," Rainbow grumbled as she began to walk out of the room, "Wonder if there's anything in the kitchen?”
Rainbow opened the door and let out a slight gasp of pain. The darkness of the room was suddenly vanquished by the brightness of daylight, shining through the hallway windows.
Rainbow directed her attention to the small, rhythmic tick of a grandfather clock in the hall, the smaller of the two hands pointing at the roman numeral of nine while its longer twin reached for twelve
"Morning," Rainbow said aloud, a slight disbelief lingering in her voice, "I was out all night."
Before Rainbow could ponder any longer, however, her stomach growled out again, demanding to be filled.
"Alright, alright, I hear you" Rainbow said to her stomach, annoyed.
Rainbow began to flap her wings, relieving some soreness before flying down stairs and straight for the dining hall. The long table that resides there was only occupied by Ditzy, Celestia, and Luna.
"Good morning, sleeping beauty," Ditzy grinned.
"Shut up, Derpy," Rainbow scoffed.
"Good morning, Ms. Dash," Luna smiled, "How are you feeling?"
"Hungry," Rainbow replied, taking a seat across from the three, "but I do feel better than the last time I woke up."
"Good," Luna nodded, turning to a thin mustache, tan unicorn and said, "Mr. Silver Platter, can you please bring us some breakfast from the kitchen."
"Yes, your highness," Silver Platter bowed before taking a leave through a side door.
Rainbow watched the side door as it moved back and forth as it slowly came to a stop, and then scanned the entire room before looking back at the other three.
"Something wrong, Ms. Dash?" Luna asked.
"It's just... I didn't notice this last night, but the dining hall looks the same as it did over a thousand years ago," Rainbow chuckled.
The others gave a small laugh before Celestia spoke up, "True, Rainbow, the only thing I ever see change were the tables. Three times, in fact, that we had to replace them."
"It's weird, though," Rainbow continued, "It... It feels... I don't know, I'm feeling something. It is a little offsetting to know my grandfather walked around this place, but at the same time... I don't know, maybe I'm just talking gibberish."
"You sound like, Ezio," Celestia giggled, "I remember when he said he had a weird feeling after experiencing Altaïr's Memory Seals."
"Heh, guess history does repeat itself," Rainbow half-heartedly chuckled, shaking off the weird feeling she had.
Everyone laughed again as Silver Platter and a few other servants came by caring breakfast for the four. Once done, the other servants retreated to the kitchen while Silver stood by the table.
"That will be all, thank you," Luna smiled, causing Silver to nod and bow before following his fellow servants.
"So," Ditzy said through a mouthful of eggs, "What you find out?"
Rainbow's whole body tensed slightly as she bit down on her fork hard, causing her to yelp from the small, but sudden pain.
"Ditzy," Luna scolded, "Let Ms. Dash some time to recover! Or at least let her finish her breakfast!"
"Well, excuse me," Ditzy rolled her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Dash," Luna apologized as she looked back over to Rainbow, "You don't have to tell us now."
"No," Rainbow sighed, "It's ok. Nothing really happened."
"Nothing," Celestia repeated, "You didn't see anything?"
"Well, of course I saw some stuff," Rainbow replied, "but... it was just you five winning the tournament we hold."
"Oh," Celestia said, slightly disappointed, "Did you... did you see anything else?"
Rainbow was mute for moment, as if she was pondering before saying, "Where the next Seal is, the Crystal Empire."
"... Well," Celestia declared, "If that is all, then I'll send a letter to Shining Armor of your arrival. Finish your breakfast of course; you may leave whenever you are ready."
"Actually, I think I'll leave now," Rainbow replied, "I don't wanna wait too long."
"Are you sure? You barley ate," Celestia asked, concerned.
"I'll take it with me," Rainbow answered, "Well, see you later."
"Alright, then" Celestia nodded as she watched Rainbow leave, "Safe travels."
Celestia stared at the closing dining hall doors before Luna spoke up, "Something troubling you, sis?"
"It just, something's not right," Celestia looked at her sister, "I remember that night we won the tournament, but I also remember something else."
"What is it, sister?"
"That was the night I went on my first date with Ezio..."
###
"All aboard!"
With a loud screech, the Crystal train departed its home station, leaving Rainbow at its platform.
"Dash. Over here."
Rainbow turned her head to her name caller to see Shining Armor with his foal, Adory, riding in a saddle bag.
"Shining," Rainbow chuckled, "What's with your kid?"
"Cadance said Adory needed some fresh air," Shining replied, "So, she's tagging along for the ride. Isn't that right, my little princess?"
The year old foal giggled at her father's affection, bouncing in her seat.
"Tsk. Since when do you talk like that?"
"You'll understand when you have your...," Shining's face froze as he realized what he was about to say, "Uh... sorry."
Rainbow rolled her eyes, "Whatever. Let's just go, alright. Library."
With that, Rainbow turned and walked off while Shining bit his lip and turned to his foal, "Adory, when you start dating, don't end up like Rainbow. Alright?"
With another small giggle, the two followed Rainbow to the Crystal Library. The massive building was mostly unoccupied except for the librarian.
"Prince Shining, Princess Adory, " the old crystal mare bowed, "To why am I bestowed with such a pleasant surprise, and with company?"
"You wouldn't happen to have the keys to the restricted section of the library," Rainbow asked.
"I do in fact," the librarian replied, "This key was passed down to me from my mother. She said she was entrusted with protecting the room at all cost. Of course, that was all before... well... HIM."
The librarian shuddered at the simple thought of their last ruler. It was still hard for some of the residents of the Empire who had lived under the tyrant to recollect those dark times.
"It's ok," Shining assured the librarian with a smile, "That's the past. It's all over now."
"Thank you for your kind words, your highness," she smiled back, "Guess I'm grieving the past still... but nonetheless. Here's the key."
The librarian unhooked one of many from a rusty, metal ring, giving it to Shining.
"Thank you," Shining nodded, "Have a good day."
"You too, your highness," the librarian waved.
With the key at hoof, Shining Armor led Rainbow to a darker, more secluded part of the library that resided in the farthest of corners.
"If I remember correctly," Shining mumbled as he felt along the crystal wall, "One of these crystals should be a lever... here we are!"
Shining pulled a slender, purple crystal down, causing part of the wall to slightly extrude in and slide right, revealing a hidden door.
With a quick unlock, the door was open and Rainbow walked inside the small room.
"It's pretty dusty in here," Rainbow remarked, "and a little cramped."
"Do you see the seal?" Shining asked.
Rainbow's eyes fell upon a very dirty, beaten cloth that lay upon a locked chest. She quickly pulled it off, kicked the rusty lock, and opened the chest.
"Yep," Rainbow replied as she saw the small stone disk lay flat on top of a book. She grabbed the book, careful not to touch the ancient artifact, and brought it out of the room.
"Perfect," Shining chuckled before he grabbed the seal and put it in his other saddle bag.
"Well then, if that's all, I better get to work," Rainbow replied, carelessly throwing the book back into the room.
"Hey," Shining exclaimed, "What are you doing?! That's part of my Empire's history! Show some respect!"
"It's just Sombra's journal," Rainbow rolled her eyes, "No big deal."
"You may not understand this, Rainbow," Shining flared as he closed in on the negligent mare, "But some of these ponies still fear him. It's my job to comfort them, to help them through their grief."
Rainbow was silent, her eyes locking with Shining's.
"You and I know how it feels to lose somepony close. These ponies are going through the exact same thing; the only difference is they are not taught to simply get over it... They're not what we are, so to speak," Shining sighed before he turned around, "It's tougher for them."
Rainbow watched as he began to walk away, gesturing her to follow, "He wasn't always like that, you know."
Shining stopped and turned his head around, "What do you mean?"
"He was good," Rainbow replied, "He actually cared about his subjects... and my grandfather trusted him with that disk your holding."
Shining pursed his lips as he turned his head back, "Ponies change, Rainbow. Some not for the better... There's a guest room being prepared for you. Ask some of the guards and they'll direct you. I'll leave the seal on the bed."
With that, Shining walked off with Adory tightly holding onto him. Leaving Rainbow alone in the quiet corner...
###
Daring Do opened her eyes, the smiling face of Steel Dagger being her only view.
"Morning, honey," Dag beamed, "Breakfast is waiting for you downstairs."
"Thanks, Dag," Daring chuckled, smelling the promise of eggs and pancakes from the kitchen below, "Mmm, smells good."
"Made with love," Dag laughed, letting Daring get up.
"Sappy," Daring smirked, "But still, can't resist a good breakfast."
"Well, go ahead and eat," Dag replied, "I'll join you in a moment."
"Alright, Dag," Daring pecked him on the cheek, "Just know, we'll be heading to the Crystal Empire today."
"Got it," Dag said, pushing her out the door, "Now go eat; you'll need your strength."
Dag watched as she made her way downstairs, and then quietly closed the door with a lock.
With a quill and paper, he wrote, "Progress Report, next Seal located at the Crystal Empire. You better make sure Ahuizotal holds his end of the bargain. If he messes this one up like he almost did last time, I'll make sure he'll never escape... make sure he gets the idea. That's all for now, sincerely, Master-Apprentice Tempmare, Steel Dagger."
