//------------------------------//
// Chapter 14: Complex Encounters 
// Story: Harmony's Creed 
// by Gapeagle 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 14: Complex Encounters


By Octavia Melody


I woke up startled. Grunts of pain were emitting from the other room. I leaped out of bed and ran to Vinyl's room. The inventor was sitting upright clutching her wounded arm. Her white robes were drenched in crimson. I quickly sat myself beside her. I was about to attend to her wound when she waved me off.

"Nah, it's fine Tavi, it's fine." She said defiantly.

"No it's not, Vinyl! Look at all the blood!"

"Yeah, I bleed some. Humans do that."

"Did you change the bandages since you wrapped my dagger around the musket?"

"Yeah..." She muttered.

"Can I see the wound?" I asked.

The inventor sighed in exasperation. She folded up the sleeve of her robe. The white bandages were completely red. I unwrapped the bandages to reveal the wound. The wound was still bleeding as I examined it. The puncture was raw and open. It did not appear to heal at all.

"How did you climb on this?" I asked, appalled by the damage in her arm.

"Well......It wasn't painless...." The inventor was barely audible.

"Vinyl! You should not have climbed on such a wound. You reopened it and now infection is sure to come!"

"Not even my mother would worry so much. Tavi, it's fine. I can still fight and that's all that matters."

"Not for long. It will only become worse. I will need to clean it up before we head out."

"Well, get on with it!"

I turned around and headed downstairs. The sun had not risen yet, but I could tell it was dawn due to the pinkness in the sky. Spiders and roaches scrambled out of my way as I walked to the wine shelves. I was about to grab a bottle of wine when my eyes spotted a case of Gryphonian whiskey. The increased amount of alcohol in such a beverage would surely cleanse the wound, I thought. I grabbed the case and returned to Vinyl.

The inventor was right where I had left her. She grumbled at my return. She extended her wounded arm towards me and looked away. I reached for a small towel and then soaked it in the whiskey. I lightly placed the towel on the wound.

"Gah! What is that? Octavia! That hurts worse than the wound itself!"

"Oh be quiet! It is merely cleansing the wound."

"I know, but..." The pain stopped her from speaking further. 

I removed the towel. Vinyl continued to cringe in her agony. I then replaced her old bandages with some fresh ones. She muttered something inaudible and stomped down the stairs. I followed her out of the inn after a brief rest.







The morning was hot and dry as usual, even with the sun still below the horizon. There was no wind, so the dust was completely settled. Vinyl was pacing out in the street. She was still unhappy and did not attempt to hide her emotions. I joined her out in the street.

"Oh, stop being so cheerless, Vinyl. Do you not remember our mission for today?" I told her.

"Yeah, yeah. Let's go find Note." She covered her face with her black mask. She then beckoned me to follow her as she headed toward the town hall.

As we made our way towards the hall, an Assassin in purple robes ran up to us. I could tell that the Assassin was female from her physique. The Sister stopped in front of us and bowed.

"I am First Rank Amethyst Star. I was sent to you by Den Master Braeburn. I shall accompany you for today." She said in a cheerful voice. 

The young Assassin was of average height and size. She did not appear to be above her teenage years. Her short hair was a mixture of purple shades. Her light purple eyes shined as bright as her smile. Her robes were comprised of many sashes. This, along with her darker skin tone, gave her the appearance of an Saddle Arabian. The only weapons I could see were her long parrying dagger and her Equestrian schiavona. 

"I am confused. Why must you accompany us?" I asked.

"The Den Master wants me to keep my eyes on you. He says it is important that I do so." She replied with the same cheerfulness.

"Sorry Amy, but we don't need ya to watch us." Vinyl waved a hand at her.

"What? And disobey a superior? Hmph! I must do as I am ordered." Her voice was supposed to be authoritative, but it seemed more apologetic than anything. 

"Vinyl, let her be. She has been ordered and she must obey. Now, Amethyst, if you wish to accompany us, we are heading toward the hall." I gestured toward the road.

"Thank you Den Master. Let us be off." 





It did not take us long to reach the hall. Appleloosan Assassins were already packing and moving equipment to another location. The Bearer of Magic was directing some Brothers to do some task. I could tell they were not performing well because of the Bearer's subtle cringes. I then saw a Brother tying a corpse by the neck over the hall.

"We captured a Templar scout during the night. We tried to retrieve information out of him, but, he was stout and didn't give any. So we hung him." Amethyst explained to us in joyful tone.

"Do ya always hang 'em?" Vinyl asked while grimacing at the sight.

"Well," she remained on that syllable for some time, "sometimes....most times....every time."

I could only blink at this response. Some other Assassins seemed to have taken notice of my surprise, as they laughed at me and held their sides. The previous days had certainly made me a laughing-stock among the Brothers. I scowled at them. This stopped their laughter and they returned to their work. 

"Ha, well ain't it the loners? 'Bout time ya got here!" A familiar voice sounded from behind us.

The three of us turned around to see the Bearer of Honesty. The large woman smiled at us with a straw between her teeth. We bowed at her and were met with hearty laughter.

"Haha, you guys are always so formal. How's your night been gals?" The Bearer asked.

"Well." Amethyst was the first to answer. "We had a good sleep I guess. I mean, with the scout and all..."

"It was fine, thank you Bearer." I interrupted the young Assassin.

"Wait, let me guess, Braeburn told this girl to watch ya, didn't he?" Applejack asked suspiciously.

"Yes, Bearer!" Amethyst responded proudly.

"Braeburn! He thinks ya traitors huh? He's been pretty rotten lately, but this?" The Bearer started to raise her voice.

Hey! You shouldn't speak of the Den Master like that!" Amethyst told the Bearer in an almost amusing attempt at being angry.

Applejack focused on the young Assassin. "He's my cuz. I speak to 'em how Ah want. Now you three better help with the moving. We all need to be settled again in the nex' hour."

The Bearer walked away. I could see her gritted teeth as she left. We turned around again and head over to the hauling Assassins. I saw the Bearer of Magic talking to Spike. The boy was obviously exhibiting his new shirt. Apparently, he did find a tailor shop to raid. Twilight was simply smiling at him. I assumed it was in a similar manner to a mother smiling at her child when he tells her something uninteresting. I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Psst, Tavi, Note's over there." I heard Vinyl whisper.

I glanced in the direction that Vinyl pointed at. There, indeed, was Noteworthy. The second-in-command appeared unconfident as usual. He was walking among some other Assassins, chatting. I glanced over at Amethyst, who simply looked back at me. We did not want to rouse her suspicion. I then saw Noteworthy walk away from his group in the corner of my eye. I had to think quickly. If Amethyst caught us spying on Noteworthy, she would surely inform Braeburn. I motioned to Vinyl to follow and I started to walk in Noteworthy's direction. The young Assassin followed behind us.

"Ya know that we gonna have to shake her off." Vinyl whispered to me.

"I am fully aware of that. Any ideas?"

"We could knock her out in an alleyway."

"Ha, we will be practically waving a red cross pattée." I told the inventor. 

"Hey! You can have a conversation with me too!" The young Assassin shouted at us.

We stopped in our tracks and turned around. Amethyst was no longer in a cheerful mood, as her arms were crossed and she impatiently tapped her foot. This reminded me of a certain Bearer in Canterlot. I hesitantly cleared my throat before speaking.

"We want to speak with Noteworthy. We have some.....business to take care with him." I stated flatly.

Her annoyed expression suddenly brightened. "Notey? Why didn't you say so? Go ahead."

I was rather taken aback from her sudden response. Her addressing of Notewothy as "Notey" also aroused my curiosity. I glanced over at my friend. She was in a similar state of mild shock. We certainly had not anticipated this. The young Assassin started to make her way to Noteworthy. We soon followed.





We found Noteworthy sitting on a porch far away from the other Assassins. His hood was down and his chin rested in his palm. One could tell that his mind was far off, as he did not hear us approach. He was briefly startled when he noticed us. However, upon seeing Amethyst, his scared expression was soon relieved.

"Ah, Star, nice of you to join me." He calmly said.

"As always." Amethyst giggled.

The young Assassin sat next to Noteworthy. He placed an arm around her and continued to stare off into the sunrise. Vinyl and I felt awkward to intrude on the pleasant meeting. Fortunately, Amethyst was the first to speak.

"I brought Den Master Octavia and her friend. They said they have business with you."

"I am sure of that. Do not worry Den Master, we can speak openly in front of my young sister." Noteworthy told us in his still calm voice.

"Alright Noteworthy," I began, "I am sure that you are aware of a traitor in our mist. We..."

"Let me guess, ya thinks it's me?" Noteworthy cut in, his calmness quickly changed into anger.

"Not exactly..." I tried to explain, but was once again interrupted.

"The Den Master thinks ya two are the traitors. And now, here ya come at me, accusing! What did I do? Huh?! It's because I don't like Braeburn? Is that it? You Canterlotians are such a judgmental type. Ya take anything, their moods and their clothes, and ya form ya tight opinions on them! Would a traitor bring his little sister into the Brotherhood? Would a traitor go out there and fight the Templar he works for? Ya know these answers. I don' see what's your problem. Maybe that fool of a Den Master was right about something. He was right not to trust Canterlotians. They jus' only care for themselves."

"My brother is right." Amethyst jumped in. "How dare you two accuse him of being so horrid. We've been here for weeks, even longer than you and Braeburn combined. Just because we don't share your fancy robes and your pleasant mountain doesn't mean that we don't follow the Creed."

"Fine! Then who do ya think is the traitor?" Vinyl questioned harshly.

At this, the two Assassins fell silent. Noteworthy still scowled at us. His sister's face became perplexed, her defending nature had left her. Vinyl and I stared back at them. We did not want to appear intimidating by their backlash nor offended by their rude remarks. The Appleloosan second-in-command stood up and stomped off without a word. He was to be out of eyesight when a large discharge was heard in the southeast.

BOOM!

The sound was that of a cannon. Amethyst got to her feet and began running to her brother. Vinyl and I followed. The crash of wood and destruction could be heard in the direction of the town hall. After about eight or nine discharges were heard, the town was completely silent again. We returned to the hall. Noteworthy and Amethyst were already there.

The place was completely demolished. small craters were spotted around the base where cannonballs first contacted the ground. All that remained of the structure were parts of the floor and a corner of the wall. We all stood there in awe. The precision on the artillery strike was astounding, as many of the surrounding buildings were unharmed. Our attention shifted to an Assassin down the road. The Assassin was excitedly beckoning us to follow. We ran towards him.

Upon reaching the Assassin, he withdrew his hood. This revealed that the Assassin was not a "he" but a "she." The Assassin possessed long orange hair and light green eyes. Her robes were of a light tan that made her slightly blend in with the dirt and buildings. Her face was knotted in annoyance.

"Why were ya out there? The Templar almost got ya! C'mon, I'll show ya where the others are." She said in a strong Baltimarian accent. 

"We heard the fire and quickly ran towards the hall. We were worried that the Templar caught the Brothers in mid-move." I explained to the Assassin.

The Assassin did not respond and led us to the north. Noteworthy trailed behind us, not speaking to anyone, even his sister. Vinyl and Amethyst were on either side of me. The orange-haired Assassin paused often and checked streets before crossing. I assumed she was simply making sure that the way was clear.

"So..." Vinyl started, "I'm Vinyl, that is Amethyst, that's Octavia, and that guy back there is Noteworthy."

"I'm aware of your names Brother and Sisters." The Assassin stopped and looked at us. "I am Second Rank Carrot Top." 

"Well met Carrot Top, but why are you so far from the others?" I asked.

"Huh, I should ask you four the same question. I am a Scout, so it is natural of me to be far from the others. Also, Braeburn ordered me to find you. He was rather upset that you were absent when we were struck by the artillery."

"You mean that you guys were still moving?" Amethyst inquired.

"Yes, Amethyst. We were about finished when the first cannonball headed our way. Luckily, it sailed over the hall. We quickly departed the hall and made for the north."

"How did they know of our location so fast?" Vinyl threw the question out to everyone.

"Well, Canterlotian, they's the traitor remember?" Noteworthy piped up. "Could have easily told the Templar of our location. It had to be the traitor since we killed their scout."

"The traitor sure is making things difficult." Carrot Top said. "I wonder how long this will keep up."





Carrot Top led us to a large building. The street was empty except for Braeburn and Applejack. The two were talking with each other. The conversation did not seem to be going well, as the Den Master was snarling at his cousin. They both simultaneously noticed our arrival and turned their attention on us.

"Where the hell ya been?! Amethyst! You were supposed to be watching Octavia and Vinyl. Yet here we go again with the info leaks!" The Appleloosan Den Master yelled.

"I...I was watching them Den Master! I swear by the Sun! They did not leave my sight."

"She's tellin' the truth cuz." The Bearer of Honesty told Braeburn.

"Ugh!" The Den Master angrily grunted. "Well ain't this fine and dandy? I guess ya off the hook for now Canterlotians. Hmm...First the Templar knows our plans and now they's knows our hidin' places. If we don't get this bastard soon..." The Den Master's voice trailed off, but soon resurfaced. "Carrot Top? What were you doing so far behind us?"

Carrot Top gave him a perplexed look. "I was searching for these absentees Den Master. Like you said."

"Hmph, I must have forgotten. Anyway, fine work." The Den Master turned and entered the large structure.

"That bottle clouds his memories." I heard Noteworthy murmur to himself. 

Carrot Top gestured to us to enter the building. I could not tell what the building's purpose was prior to its abandonment. It contained no sign or any noticeable features. I believed it was simply a rich home. Upon entry, my previous thoughts were confirmed. The fine furniture was sprawled about. The kitchen area was small but homely. Some Assassins sat around a long table in what I assumed to be the dining room. The place was not silent, as an Assassin played a small lute. Our party sat down at the table in any seat available.

The lute playing Assassin stopped his music and looked intently at me. The Assassin was a large man with a thick blonde beard and dark green eyes. His white robes appeared too small for him. I did not see any weapons on him. I assumed due to his large muscles that he was not one for swordplay. He lightly grinned at me, revealing a missing tooth.

"I know a musician when I sees one." He said in a deep voice. "Wait. I'm guessing cello right?"

"Your conjecture is most accurate." I responded.

"Oh, you don't need to polite m'lady. I jus' rarely see those who enjoy music down south. What's your name?"

"My name is Octavia Melody. I am the Den Master of the South Canterlot Den."

"Really? Canterlot eh? Never been there meself. I'm kind of a wanderin' bard. Going place to place with me music, and wrestling any beast that gets in me way. Oh, and I am Meadow Song of Manehatten."

"What is your rank?" I asked him.

He laughed heartily. "Rank? Pfft. I ain't an Assassin or whatever you guys call yourselves. Jus' a man on a mission."

My interest grew. "What is your mission?"

"Avenge me friend. Those Templar guys over there, they killed me friend. He was one of you guys. He was as long as I 'member. He always wantin' to fight for somethin' other than himself. And cause of that, those soldiers killed him. They killed him when the av'rage folks was still in this town. I tried to bury me friend. But they didn't let me. They let his body be food for the buzzards. After they picked him clean, I took his robes. He was always tellin' me to finish the job if he couldn't. I never knew what he meant, but I reckon it deals with you folk. So I took his spot. I ain't no Assassin, but I'm a man itchin' to kill them Templar. I doubt that you care for more than that."

"I'm sorry for your loss."

He shook his head. "Don't be. He died the way he want'd."

With that, he plucked the strings of his lute. The notes from the instrument were no longer high and lively, but long and deep. The whole scene was rather deceptive. The lute player was a broad and rugged man, however, his large hands were precise on the strings. The melody that sprouted from the lute was masterful. I can say that I have not heard better from even the prestigious minstrels of Canterlot.

No one dared to speak above the music. We all sat silently around the long table. I took this time to glance out the window. The sun was up, but not very high. It was about mid-morning. The day has already felt like a week and the past week has felt like a month. My mind began to wander as I recollected the past events. I was brought back to the present when the music came to a stop and I heard Braeburn addressing us.

"The Templar almost got us with their artillery back at the hall. The Bearer of Honesty and I believe that a counterattack is necessary. Their artillery is not easily moved. If we attack quickly, we could catch them out of position. Arm up, we're moving out!"

The Den Master turned and exited the building. All of us were quick to our feet. Meadow Song was the slowest to get up, but since he did not need to retrieve weapons, he was the first out. I followed close behind Vinyl and we stepped back out into the heat of Appleloosa. Upon our exit, we saw a large group of Assassins in a semicircle in front of us. In front of them were Braeburn and the two Bearers.

"Here we are Brothers." Twilight began. "We are performing a counteroffensive against the Order. Their artillery was in the south region when they opened fire upon the hall. That is a rather long distance from their fortified barracks. If we move quickly, we shall catch them off guard and neutralize their cannons. We must act with haste. The Templar are transporting their weaponry back to the fort as we speak. Let us be off!"

The Bearer turned to the south and began running. Assassins took the the rooftops and followed Twilight. I saw Amethyst and Vinyl head out. I was about to sprint after them when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see Noteworthy glaring at me.

"Go on Den Master. Would not want to disappoint the Bearer." He said in a mocking tone before running off.

I grunted in frustration. I assured myself that I would make the Bearer of Magic proud. Not only that, but I felt that I needed to prove Canterlot's worth as well. I sprinted after the others, quickly gaining up to them with my hook device. I was truly tired of this place and its complex occupants. This was my chance to help end the Appleloosan battle.



~