Sons of Discord Preview #4 · 1:16pm Feb 11th, 2016
Something different around this time. Also, there will be only 1 more preview after this and then I PLAN to release this next week.
Two tall women cloaked in black Victorian Assassin robes walked down the Canterlot street side-by-side. Their stride was eerily similar, as if they walked in unison with trained discipline. Their slightly heeled leather boots clicked on the ancient cobblestone that was also holding up carriages and stagecoaches. Women with fashionable parasols and men with tall top hats walked with much more relaxed gaits than the two fine women.
As the evening sun was setting over the smoking factories and the white stone spires, now tainted yellow with age. The gas lanterns that now dotted the city were starting to be lit by the lamplighters. Those curious men in their dark suits stood on ladders and one-by-one, manually turned the street lights on. As the two women in their unusual clothes passed the lamplighters, the men politely tipped their hats.
"G'evening ma'm!" one gent said.
"Hello, m'ladies!" another smiled.
The two women acknowledged the gentlemen with warm and sincere smiles. Though young and innocent in appearance, these two women were much older than one would believe and tight sisters. Their high-cheeks and practically winkleless faces showed youth in the utmost beauty, but it was a false representation of their true age. One, younger by some insignificantly small amount of years to her sister, had her hair in a neat bun. Her dark blue-green eyes complimented the rich dark blue hair. The older and taller sister was lighter in skin color and her bun of hair was colored like an evening sky. Rich pinks, soft yellows, and subtle greens were swirled around in a captivating art. Her eyes were of pink so vibrant that it dominated her entire face. Her lips were so soft and sweet, especially compared to her younger sister's hard jaw.
They continued their slow way down the busy street, going northward in the direction of the Grand Royal Palace. As Canterlot grew massively in population, the curved architecture and the towers started to fade under the new square apartments and the giant factories where most of the Canterlotians toiled day and night.
Small airships gently floated above the city's heights while also staying below the mountain's looming peak. Airships, though still prototypes and extremely unstable, were popular in Canterlot since the capital was so high up. The West Balcony became docks for these airships and leaving Canterlot without taking the only road entrance was now possible. Thus, this also brought more trading to the capital and many, many more people.
"Remember when this city was quiet?" the younger one asked, her voice stern like her eyes, but edged with sincere Kindness.
The taller sister snorted in amusement at the question. "Never." Her voice was even smoother than her cheeks and filled with confidence gained from experience.
"It seems to be a blessing to see this city grow like this," the younger continued.
"It has seen better days, Sister Dearest, but I cannot disagree that it has never been so populated and busy as now."
Both sisters stopped on a street corner before turning down a different avenue. They walked with purpose, as they had a mission on their hands. Their Assassin robes portrayed what they were as well as lied about their true identity. They weren't Assassins. The Brotherhood that they represented was long passed, dissolved by an order from the last Bearers of Harmony. No, they weren't Assassins, but something much more intriguing.
Over their gloved fingers were matching golden rings that bore the Templar cross, but altered. Instead of the cross being the usual red, it was golden with fiery tails like a sun's flare emitted from the center. The same cross was repeated on the right side of their boldly black collars. Hidden blades were present underneath their strong wrists as well as a new device that was mounted on the top of their left arm. A device unseen by both Templar and Son of Discord.
They bore not only the Templar cross, but the Assassin insignia as well, which was placed on the tops of their decorated gloves. The symbol was also altered to be in a more crescent shape, like a moon. It was a peculiar symbol, but one they proudly wore.
"We should be near the destination," the older one spoke with a hushed tone.
"I see that. Is it time to leave the streets?" the younger asked with a sly grin.
"Are you ready to use that invention of yours?"
"Of course. I believe I have perfected this invention, Sister."
"Then let us be off."
They slipped between two buildings and into a dark alley. Their eyes shifted up and down the alley to make sure none were watching. Then, both of them lifted their left wrists to the sky, aiming them at the top of one of the buildings. Their other hand steadied the first and then pulled a trigger mechanism. A grappling hook shot out and soared to the roof. A low click noise was heard when the hooks latched into the brick of the building. The rope that connected the hook to wrist became taunt.
"Seems like it holds," the older remarked.
The younger smiled. "It does. I've tested it nigh on a dozens times. As you see, my body tells that it hasn't failed me."
They began to reel the rope, which in turn, made them ascend quickly up the wall of the building. The only way to cope with the speed was to take long strides and bounce off the stone with force and grace. Once they reached the top, they released the hooks and the whole climbing system shrunk back to the device on top of their arm.
"Magnificent," the older awed. "Well, never once did I doubt you, Sister."
"Thank you. Now, we should continue. Our targets may not stay where they are supposed to be."
"Right you are."
The two women quickened their steps and started to run along the tall rooftops. The swiftness and smoothness of their spectacular movements showed that their athleticism was unmatched. Every obstacle was crossed, climbed, or vaulting over with expertise and precision. The chimney sweeps who witnessed them simply stood in awe and could not comprehend what abilities they possessed.
Any taller buildings were quickly climbed up by their grappling hooks. Nothing slowed them down, nothing even made them stop to think. Ascending and descending was common on their path as the new modern buildings stood up the older and shorter ancient structures. Being a city that could not expand much out of the mountain, every space seemed to have been filled. The old obsolete homes were often tore down for large five-story apartments that could hold a hundred families. Sometimes the new buildings were simply added to the old ones. White-washed structures were under red brick squares that simply adding height to the already impressive skyline of Canterlot.
So, if I'm reading between the lines right, what do you call this third faction? If it's just the two of them, the Celestial Sisters? If they have a group , the Celestial's, Harmony Eternal, or the Balancer's (balanced between Templar and Assassin, Absolute Order and Absolute Freedom)? Just curious.
Also, I can see Luna being the inventor of the group. Lateral and sneaky thinking can go hand in hand with Fear.
I bet they are on the hunt for a certain archaeologist and her "friends".
3747725 I do have a name for them, but I hesitate to give it as it could be a spoil. But then again, it could not be a big one as it's just a name. I'll PM you it if you wish. But I'll tell you, they don't believe in Harmony like Assassins, but they don't reject it either.
3747795 Yes, hunting for a woman who will not be born until 150-so years later.
3747832
Ah, so hunting someone else then. I can see these two pulling off this look today with relative ease and nobody would feel that they are out of place.
3747842 Their last fully public appearance was when they were decked out in regalia and had long glorious hair, so yeah, the population probably never saw them in a common light and thus their appearance was easy to hide from the generations.
Though seeing them with short hair. Their wondrous manes, ruined!
The only problem is I keep seeing Evie Frye when I write about this part. I even imagine Luna with freckles. Which is surprisingly cute...
3747832
Don't worry about it. I figured you had a name already, it was mostly just speculating for fun on my part. I'll find out their name along side everyone else.
3747868 Alright!