//------------------------------//
// Chapter 8 
// Story: Messing with The Apple of Eden 
// by RedundantRedundancy 
//------------------------------//

Ezio was right. The smoke coming from the ruined foundations rose up to the sky, sending out a signal to nearby cities, alarming the soldiers of the cities surrounding Canterlot. He watched the battalions march towards Canterlot, obviously concerned for the welfare of its citizens and their princesses. “Ezio! We have to hurry, Nightmare Moon could be anywhere by now!” Blazing Fire said. The assassin looked at his apprentice, “What else can we do?” he asked rhetorically, and went back into the depths of the ruined city.

The search was almost hopeless. Until they approached the castle. Standing on the balcony of the main spire was the Nightmare Moon herself, she took notice of the trio approaching the castle. “Took you long enough! Now, give me that object and I will make your death painless.” she said. Ezio just glared at her, “You have used that same threat against me, puttana! (Bitch!)” the assassin continued to defy the princess with insults, until Nightmare Moon could bear it no longer.

She jumped off the balcony, her landing created a miniature shockwave. “Now you've gone too far!” she yelled. The princess charged. Ezio's two apprentices dove out of the way. The assassin held his ground and, finally held out the apple. The beam was stronger than ever before, it collided with Nightmare Moon and the princess dissolved, leaving behind a smaller body. Immediately, Blazing Fire rushed to the princess' side, “Princess Luna! Are you okay?” he asked, the princess looked up at him groggily, “We are fine.” she replied, then she fell unconscious.

Once Luna had been dragged away to safety, the trio went into the castle. They climbed up and up, into the main spire. 

By the time they had reached the balcony, the battalions of soldiers were already advancing towards the city. “This is not going to end well.” Octavia said. “What about that apple? Can it stop an army?” Blazing Fire asked Ezio. The master assassin looked at the soldiers before replying, “It can stop things more powerful than mere armies.” was the simple statement. “Then use it!” the apprentice urged. “Using it would mean the meaningless deaths of others.” Ezio said.

“Ezio, I have to agree with Blazing Fire, we have no other choice.” Octavia said.


“Let him make his decision.” a new voice replied.

All turned to the source of the unearthly voice, behind them, stood Minerva. “Let Ezio decide his own actions, but in the end, he will have to return.” she said. Ezio had a glint of hope in his eyes, “I will return back home?” he asked. The apparition nodded, “You do not belong here. Your mere presence interferes with this world's fate.” Minerva replied. Ezio had finally come to an understanding, where ever he went, there is no such thing as peace. The world is always in chaos, whether big or small. Chaos always exists.

He went down the stairs, and left the castle. This time, he would have to face this army that had gathered before him. It was time to face death straight in the eye and challenge it. It was a suicide mission, but there was no other choice. He walked along the empty streets. Ever since the army had arrived, the city had been evacuated. Ezio was surprised they even had time to evacuate the citizens. He reached the city's ramparts and looked down below.

“Hey you! Get down here!” shouted a commander. “If you want me, come and enter the city.” Ezio replied defiantly. “Archers!” the commander barked. Arrows flew towards the assassin, only to be knocked back by an unearthly force. The arrows rained down upon the soldiers, some fell dead, others only received an injury. The commander growled and shouted at the assassin, “Get down here and let me face you myself!” the assassin did as he was told, and jumped down, landing in front of the commander.

The commander unsheathed his sword and prepared to attack. The assassin just stood there, watching him. “Want to die already? Fine!” the commander lunged. His blade came down upon the assassin, only to be blocked. Ezio released his hidden blades from his wrist and had parried the attack. The commander was a fairly good match for a fighter of Ezio's skill. It took awhile before Ezio finally disarmed his opponent, and in the process, create a wound on his face. “Now that I have beaten you, tell this army to back off, or I will do much worse than kill them all.” the assassin growled.

In the end, the army had backed off, separating into groups. Going back to their respective cities.

“Quite the brave one aren't you?” said a voice.

Ezio turned and saw Princess Celestia walking up behind him with Blazing Fire and Octavia. “I have never witnessed anypony with such ferocity in battle.” Octavia commented. “You fought well mentor.” Blazing Fire said. Ezio smiled, “I believe my work here is done. I have done all I can to help you, my apprentice, but I sense my time here is over. I will have to go home.” he said. “That you are right about,” Minerva appeared once more, “the apple will get you there.” she said. Ezio looked at his apprentice, “All I want from you is to establish a Brotherhood here, and protect the innocent.” the assassin said.

“I will mentor, our newest member will be trained. Do not worry.” Blazing Fire replied. Ezio nodded and looked at Minerva, “You said the apple will bring me home?” he asked. The apparition nodded, “Yes, just think of home and you will be there. Ezio concentrated, and he thought of the one thing that he had missed ever since he made his way to Equestria. Home. The Apple of Eden glowed in his hands, and in a flash of light, Ezio was gone. Minerva was nowhere to be found too.

Ezio was back in Rome, still sitting in the chair as if time did not pass. He was also back in his human form. “It is good to be back.” he said.

Back in Equestria, Blazing Fire looked at Princess Celestia, “Princess, will you allow me to establish the Brotherhood here?” he asked. The princess nodded, “Yes, but we must keep it a secret. Nopony should know.” she replied.

Blazing Fire looked at Octavia, “Ready for your biggest adventure yet?” he asked. The gray mare punched him playfully, “Ready as I'll ever be.”