Chapter 22: Ungrateful Night
By Octavia Melody
"Here's your bloody bits!" I threw my newly acquired money at the thief.
"Haha! We knew you'd come through, m'lady. Didn't get your face ruined neither." The thief laughed.
I sighed in response. My interesting day was still far from over. The dark East District was empty and lonely as usual. Thieves and slutty women cheered from within the Guild's headquarters. I impatiently tapped my foot to remind the thief of our business.
"Alright! Alright! Don't look at me like that." The thief scowled back at me.
"Then give me the dirt."
"Fine. Lord Toity and Madame Finish live in the west part of the North District. Lord Toity is a well-known businessman. Mainly dealin' with clothes and such. I think he likes to trade with the Crystal Republic. Finish is an odd one. She's as haughty as nobles get. Gone through about six husbands or so. Not much about her, except that she likes to walk around the city in the evening with her four bodyguards. Now Lady Shores, she lives in the south part of the West District and she is a suspicious gal. She used to be the head of a brothel. Dumped that and all her girls for more.....respectable earnings. Her money increased by a lot and she became a noblewoman. No one knows how though."
"Is that it?" I was slightly disappointed.
"Yup. Not much about them. They's just normal nobles. Don't know why you guys are after them."
"It's complicated."
"I'll take your word for it."
With the information I needed, I left the Guild. My pouch was heavy with the remaining 500 bitpieces. I thought of something to purchase for myself. I had to dismiss this as I was getting sidetracked. Those nobles, innocent or not, must die. Die for one filthy Bearer.
I decided to assassinate Lady Shores first since she was the farthest away. The rooftops were mainly empty save for the occasional worker or thief. The afternoon sun did not heat up the city, as it remained cool in the mountain air. After crossing the central opening, I climbed to the top of a spire to get a better look as to where I was.
The wind was powerful up there. I stood on the tight balcony that every tower possessed. I gazed around the whole city. The view was spectacular as I was hundreds of meters above the streets. The Grand Royal Palace loomed over the city and even the towers from the north. I could see the Overton Tower to the northwest. With these landmarks, I was able to get my bearings. The south part of the West District was to the west.
I placed my hands on the railings. I felt an etching in the stone. I lifted my hand and saw a name hastily engraved in the railing. The name read "Octavia." I smiled at this. I had been up here before. It was when Twilight started my training in the Brotherhood. The night when Vinyl suggested my service to the Bearer of Magic, she made me climb up here. She said I took the longest of any new apprentice. Then she executed a Leap of Faith. My young self etched my name in here because I thought I was going to die by following her. I, however, was wrong.
I then remembered where she and I had jumped from. I got on the railing and crouched to keep balance. I looked down. The distance was far too great for my eyes to see anything down below. I adjusted myself slightly to negate the wind. I closed my eyes and leaped.
I flipped myself in the air to land on my back. Only the rustling air was what I heard. This was for some time as the height was immense. Finally my body fell into a thick stack of hay. I sighed in relief as I did the first time I had jumped from the tower. I could not see anything, as hay surrounded every part of me. I then got myself up and scrambled out of the stack.
Common folk walked around me, completely ignoring what I had just accomplished. I looked back to where I landed. The hay was stacked loosely about three or four meters high. The horses in the stable next to it only snorted at me. It was just as I had remembered it. Good thing too.
The southern part of the West District was filled with liveliness. Canterlotians happily shopped and sold along the streets. I walked, keeping my head down, through the crowds. I realized that I did not exactly know what Lady Shores looked like. I whispered a curse as I roamed the pleasant streets. I gazed left, and then right. The noblewomen all looked the same. Elegant dresses and large hats. I wished I had strangled more out of the thief. 1500 bits for what he told me? I made a mental note to find him again in my free time.
"Oi M'lady! You seem like the mercenary type."
I turned to see a blacksmith waving at me from his shop window. I walked over to him. I assumed he heard the jingle of the money I was carrying. His apprentice was hammering steel on an anvil behind him. Like most Canterlot blacksmith shops, the smiths forged their weapons and tools in plain sight. The blacksmith smiled at me.
"You look like ya in need for some nice armor! Or maybe some sharp and quick saber. Prices half off."
"Why the discount?" I asked.
"To liven up a pretty face." He replied.
"Father!" The apprentice yelled. "You can't make a business with that attitude!"
"Shut up boy!" The blacksmith fired back and then turned back to me. "Now, what'll be? An Estoc? No...Too long for ya. A rapier? No, not ya style. I gots it!" He reached under a table and pulled out an oddly shaped sword in a simple sheath.
"What is that?"
"Why m'lady, it's a falchion! Best swords of the Empire!"
I had never been one for swords. I usually used quick daggers and my hidden blades. This falchion, however, enticed me. It was short enough for mobility, but also strong enough for hacking. The shiny blade curved at the top, giving it a slightly Arabian appearance. The short grip was black with grey lines running down to the pommel. The pommel had a ruby embedded in it at the bottom, the usual Equestrian touch. The front of the cross guard curved downward while the back curved upward. I was successfully enthralled by the work of art.
"How much?" I asked as he handed me the sword.
"About 1200 bits. But with you, it's less."
"How about 500?"
"That'll do nicely."
I threw him the pouch that contained my bits. He waved at me as I walked away. I stopped in the street and admired my new weapon. The sword was light and balanced. I gave it a few swings. Due to my recklessness to the nearby pedestrians, I quickly stopped. I placed the blade comfortably in its sheath and tied the leather straps around my waist. I looked up and realized that I was sidetracked again from my objective. I still did not know what Lady Shores looked like. Time was running out also. I turned back and walked to the blacksmith.
"Yes m'lady?"
"I am new to the West District and I wanted to meet Lady Shores. I, however, do not know what she looks like, can you help me?" I told him in my best innocent voice.
"Of course. Lady Shores has long blue hair. One for lots of makeup too. She hangs around just two blocks south of here. Go and I am sure you'll find her."
"Thank you sir."
I turned south and headed that way. It did not take long for me to see a blue haired noblewoman. The woman was chatting with many other women that looked just as fanciful as her. She had large eyes and eyeliner that stretched to the sides of her face. I silently approached my first target.
"Then I told him to beat it. Can't have men like that in my life." Lady Shores told her friends.
"Trenderhoof is always like that. Just treats all of us like we're trophies." A woman said.
"At least he isn't like the scoundrel Fancy Pants." Another jeered.
The group laughed. I stood by a tree in the middle of the street. How was I going to do this? I must not be spotted. I hated being chased by the Guards. I held a throwing knife in my hand. I thought I could slide one in past the other ladies. I then remembered how Minuette tried the same thing with Sir Rich. I put the knife away. I then walked up closer to them.
"That Fancy Pants." Lady Shores grumbled. "Always getting in my way. I don't know what I did to him to make him hate me so."
A woman nodded. "Fancy Pants and his wife love to make enemies. Never see why the Sisters approve of them."
"No one does." Another woman commented.
I stood about eight meters from the group. There were no Guards around, so maybe I could simply walk up and stab her. What if the other women attack? Then all of them would die too. I didn't want that. I then turned and climbed up to the roofs. Once I was on top, I looked down at the women. They did not notice me climbing, so they still sat around chatting and gossiping. I decided to drop in on them. They were right under me, so I could easily assassinate Lady Shores and run. I extended out my hook and blade and jumped off.
"Look out!" A woman screamed and pointed at me.
Lady Shores rolled out from under me with surprising agility. I firmly landed on the ground and rolled away. The other woman started to throw dishes and food at me. Lady Shores was running down the street.
"Out of my way!" I yelled at the women.
I ran at them and forcefully shoved them out of the way. Lady Shores was far down the street. I saw that she had ripped her skirt to increase mobility. I sprinted after my target. Common folk jumped out of my way. I started to gain on her, until she took to the roofs.
"What in the Sun's name?"
Go! Get her! I turned and ran up a short wall to get on a side porch. I then ran along the sides, grabbing signs and windows. Lady Shores was still in sight above me. I swung on a beam and threw myself on the roofs. The noblewoman still had a large lead.
Sprint! I sprinted on the rooftops. Dodging every obstacle in my way. I was still in shock by the woman's skill. Something was not right with this picture. She turned sharply and jumped across the street. I followed. She then tiptoed over a thin rope. I jumped alongside the rope and hooked into the wall across the street. My device allowed me to propel myself up and I had gained on her.
I saw her gasp and she turned again. I threw a knife at her and missed. I need some range. I chased after her. Lady Shores ran along the rooftops in front of me. She then slid off the roof and back on the streets. I jumped off and swung my way to the ground on a wooden beam. The area was becoming a construction site. Builders stood on scaffolding repairing windows or creating buildings with stone bricks. They yelled at us as we sprinted through their workplaces.
Suddenly, Lady Shores kicked out a small beam from one of the scaffolding, causing it fall in front of me. I dodged the falling wood and made my way through the obstacle. I saw the noblewoman run into an alleyway. I followed close behind her. I entered the alleyway to see her looking up at the high walls. The alleyway was a dead end. I saw my chance and charged at my target.
"Wait! Stop!" The noblewoman begged.
I did not heed her. My impatience and frustration fed my will for blood. My savage instincts took control. The noblewoman ran and started climbing again. I threw another knife at her. It landed in her hand. She cried, but still climbed. I cursed and chased her up the wall. When I was in reach, I hooked her in the leg and pulled her off the wall, making her fall to the ground. I heard a wail of pain when she landed. I jumped off the side and stood over her.
"Why did you do this? I didn't do anything to you..." She coughed.
I remained silent as I watched her blood smother the dirty cobblestone. I looked at her for any signs of her belonging to the Templar. I couldn't find any.
"Was it my desertion? I tried so hard to help your cause. It's just.......It limited me. I left to see what I could make of myself.......All those years ago.....Comes back to bite me." She gasped for air at her last sentence.
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
"You don't know.....? Check my arm."
She pointed her finger at her right arm. I grabbed her sleeve and ripped it off. I was saddened to see a faint tattoo of the Assassin insignia on her dark arm. I could only stammer an apology.
"I......I'm sorry...Sister...."
"Who sent you?" She asked with desperate strength.
"I.....It was...." I couldn't finish.
The noblewoman slumped over. I knew she had perished from all the blood lost. I got up and ran out of the alleyway. I left the dead noblewoman in the alleyway. I just wanted to escape that area. I had not only killed an innocent noble, but one that was with the Brotherhood.
The evening sun filled the city in bright orange. The North District was bustling with activity. The rich imported incense filled the streets, giving me a slight headache. Though I must admit that it smelled better than what the Brotherhood used in the lounge. The North District nobles chattered in the shadow of the Grand Royal Palace. I walked on the rooftops, inspecting every single noble. From some gossip I had picked up on the way; I knew that Madame Finish was going to be easy to spot. She had no problem standing out.
I stretched out my back. My body had begun to ache from the day's brawls, chases, and general usage. The Bearers should be happy after this. My tolerance level for them was dropping dramatically. So if they weren't happy, I did not know what I would do to them. Probably something rash.
"Getz out of my way! I'z got places to be, peazants!" I heard a haughty voice call out below.
"Well, that must be her." I said aloud.
I looked down at the yelling noblewoman. She had white straight hair and a long black dress. There were four bodyguards around her. They were not Royal Guards or even Templar soldiers. Their armor was black with light purple stripes. They had long purple crests on their helmets. I could not see their faces, as their helmets fully covered their face and head, like the helmet of an Enforcer. They were all armed with long Crystal Republican glaives. Like all Crystal weapons, the blade itself was made out of carved crystal. An unusual weapon to be seen in the Empire, but one that was majestic enough for Madame Finish.
I grabbed the poison joke vial out of my pouch. It was about time I used it, I needed this target to be done with quickly. I opened the vial. I expected a foul stench, but instead, a sweet aroma. I extended my hidden blade. I then delicately slid it into the vial and dipped it in the poison. I sealed the vial and returned it to its pouch. My blade now glistened in the sun's light. This made me think of a way to improve the blade. Maybe have the blade automatically fill itself up with poison? I assumed that would require the hollowing of the blade itself and much, much work. I would leave that to Vinyl and Lyra.
I got off the roofs and onto the streets. Madame Finish was yelling at some merchant. Her guards stood silently by her. I did not worry about the guards since I had already planned for them. I had a smoke bomb on me and would use it when I was close enough. A large group of commoners were walking their way. I slipped in the crowd and walked with them.
Soon enough, I had reached Madame Finish. She was done with the merchant and began walking away. I grabbed my bomb and threw it at the ground, creating a small explosion. Smoke filled up the street, causing guards, commoners, and nobles to gag and cough. I steadily walked through the smoke, avoiding contact with anyone or thing. I grabbed the noblewoman and gave her a poke on the neck with my blade. I then walked away as the smoke dissipated.
I did not turn around to see if the poison worked. However, the screams and shouts suggested that it did. I silently thanked the Sun that this assassination went much smoother than the last. I looked up at the sun. It was under the horizon now. I only had six hours left to kill Lord Hoity. Plenty of time, I thought.
Only three hours remained before midnight. The bright stars were out over the capital. I wondered if Sir Fancy Pants was waiting at his home for us. For Rarity or some other Assassin to come and tell him that the deed was done. Would he mind if we were five minutes late? An hour? I mentally shrugged and carried on.
I wandered the dark North District. Balls and banquets went quietly along as I passed them from above. I pondered how many of them were Templar. Was Sunset Shimmer attending one? I then shook off these thoughts and continued to search for my target.
I soon came upon a group of Templar soldiers. They were armed with muskets and short swords. Due to the darkness, I easily approached them from above. The Templar were chattering while drinking some cider.
"I don't see why we must carry these guns. They get the Royal Guards to stare at us!" A soldier complained.
"Well if they attack us, then we can jus' shoot 'em."
"Well maybe not those Night Watch guys. Those guys creep me out."
"Empress Luna always has head-cases in her personal army. The Night Watch and the Shadowbolts both."
"Some Shadowbolts were found dead in the Rock Ridge yesterday. They all got shot too."
"I guess Empress Luna's designs aren't that great."
The group chuckled. They all took a long drink from their ciders before continuing.
"Ya hear 'bout Iron Will? He hasn't gotten anyone in the Order for two weeks now."
"The man's been slippin. How long before Lady Shimmer boots him off?"
"She won't do that."
"Sure she will! The woman hates it when things don't get done."
"Don't all women?"
They all laughed heartily.
"How about them Assassins? Lost their Den and everything."
"Yeah, those thugs didn't stand a chance. Though, we lost Appleloosa."
"So what? The place is useless anyway. Now we need Baltimare.
"What's so important about Baltimare?"
"C'mon guys! That place is a trade center. Yeah it's bloody wretched, but good bits flow through there. Bits that belong to us. Manehatten only gets us a few bits from their trading. Fillydelphia is jus' a big fort. Baltimare is where it's at!"
"Wait 'til we get Ponyville..."
"That won't for for a month and something."
"Tank ain't even here yet...."
"What was that?"
All of them got up and pointed their guns every which way. They were not worried about me, as none of them looked up. Suddenly, a pistol fired nearby. The soldiers ran towards the sound. I silently followed behind them.
The soldiers rounded a building and aimed their muskets down an empty street. There was nothing in the street except a body lying on the ground. The soldiers approached the corpse with caution.
"Who did this?" One asked in a whisper.
"It was a firearm that did it. Templar or Assassin. No one else."
"Assassin then. We would know if we had a noble to hit."
"Then we better get out of here!" A soldier panicked and then ran off in fear.
"Holt! Stick to the rest of us!"
Holt ran through the empty street. A bright purple flash appeared by him. His head was then sliced off cleanly by a sword. The other soldiers panicked before positioning themselves in a fire squad formation.
"Fire!" A soldier ordered.
The Templar fired their weapons. The attacker teleported again and appeared next to the soldiers. The Bearer of Magic cleaved another soldier. Her levitated pistols shot the others. When her ambush was finished, only three soldiers remained and attacked her. They dropped their muskets and pulled out their swords. The Bearer expertly deflected their blades and countered them in quick succession. Stabbing one, slicing one, and then threw the last one down. She then walked over to him and stomped on his face. The Templar's body instantly became limp.
I jumped off the roof from where I was watching and jogged up to her. As I approached, she pointed a pistol at me. The darkness shrouded her face.
"Bearer, it's me!" I told her.
She lowered her pistol. "Den Master. I guess you were doing your task after all."
"Of course. I still have Lord Toity though."
"No you don't. He's right there." She pointed at the corpse that was in the street.
"Well thank you? Why did you kill him for me?"
"It's about two hours before midnight. I had not heard from you since you left. Apparently you were taking your sweet time. I had to make sure the contracts were met."
I grunted in frustration. "Sweet time? I've been working at this all day!"
"And you have a nice new sword to prove it. Also a brawling title."
"How did you...."
"You don't think that the news of a woman winning a brawling tournament was going to just stay put? Bars everywhere are talking about you. The tough woman in gray robes. It was easy to make connections."
"It's complicated Bearer...." I started.
"Oh I'm sure." She sounded sarcastic.
I sighed. "Is my work done?"
"Yes. You can head back to your Den. I'm going to give Rarity the news of our success so that she can report to Fancy Pants."
I walked past the Bearer. My fists were clinched tightly in anger. I was sure she took notice of my mood. However, she remained silent and teleported away. I climbed onto a roof and walked southward to my home.
I am glad that I rested before writing this. I had arrived last night at around 3 AM. I couldn't have written a log at that time. So I slept and started in the early morning. The sun is rising at the moment. I hear Vinyl and Lyra cheering about something in the lounge. Maybe they have completed their pistol device. I shall soon know the answer.
Adieu.
~
