> Pony Creed: > by happyfuntimebrony > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Fallowing in his hoof steps > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a bright and sunny day in Tolmais. Everypony was happily walking around greeting each other, chatting with friends, or trying to bargain a deal with one of the many shops. Everypony except one white coat and light grey mane stallion with what looked like a blade with a red hot tip as a cutie mark. Ponytory was racing down the street. “Oh Chancer is going to kill me if I’m late again” said Ponytory to himself thinking (not like he couldn’t have waked me up when he left). Right as he said that he spotted a short cut, several boxes stacked up like stares to a hanging sign that lead straight up to the roofs of the shops and buildings that he could free climb. He has seen his mentor/caretaker use this way to get to his shop and had taught him how to do it to. With one last burst of speed he shot straight up the boxes and on to the sign, behind him he heard somepony say “It must be a drunken wager”. Within seconds he was on the roof and could see the black hoofs, Chancers blacksmith shop, just a few roofs away. As he was about to take off he heard “No civilians are allowed on the rooftops” as a silver mane, black coat Pegasus guard in dark blue armor with a lighter blue jewel in the center (one that Ponytory placed himself if memory recalls) said as he landed on the roof next to him. Ponytory smiled “Come on Night Silver I have to get to work and I’m late can’t you let me do this one time” adding “You never seem to mind it when Chancer dose it”. Returning the smile “Yes and you weren’t in the war against Discord and helped Luna convince Celestia to give her the territory Discord conquered ether” holding his head high as he said this. Ponytory know just what to do “Well if you let me go I could tell you what my sister said about you the other night” with a cunning smirk on his face. At that Luna’s head guard ears perked up “Sh-she said something about me” blushing slightly. Ponytory know just how much his friend loved his sister and was willing to always use it to his advantage. “Oh yes, she always just loves telling me how much she love to see you in that armor” said Ponytory. “She-she dose” said his winged friend blushing even harder. “Oh yes, and how lovely your mane is when it wipes in the wind when you fly” said Ponytory almost laughing. “Ok I guess I could let you go this one time slide for your sister’s sake but don’t let me or the other guards catch you again” said Night silver almost squeaking. With that the stallion zoomed away leaving a pony shaped cloud where he was standing yelling back “ThanksNightSilverI’llputinagoodwordforyoutomysister”. The guard could only do is just stand there thinking (why in Luna’s grace didn’t he just do that in the first place) and flew away just shaking his head. As Ponytory closed on the Black Hoof he slowed his pace to a sneak. Hoping that Chancer was too busy to notice he was late. As he open the back door he saw a sword handle being thrown towards him. “On guard” came a yell as another sword being thruster at him. He just had enough time to grave the blade thrown to him and parlay. “Oh come on Chancer I’m only a few minutes late” wined Ponytory as he block another slash. “Don’t give me that and your 3 hours late, if you weren’t out chasing tail all night maybe you could be here on time” hollered the crimson coat and black mane stallion with blackened hoofs with a hammer and ax cross as a cutie mark, as he slapped Ponytory in the face with the side of his sword “Ow”. Adding “I mean, come on your sister even gets here before you and she stays up and studies all night so she can get in that fancy antsy school in the Legion” slapping him on the other side of the face “Stop doing that”. As the two fought the light blue coat and pearl white mane Unicorn with a crystal as a cutie mark, that had stayed quiet till now finally spoke up “Could you two please stop fighting” said the soft spoken Cristal, neither of them hearing her. “Please stop you two, ponies are starting to stare” a little louder, but the fight continued on. Finally losing her temper she yelled “STOP FIGHTING” this time the fight came to an abrupt halt as the two stallions were knock of balance by the mighty yell and fell to the ground. As the duo stared at the now blushing filly, neither of them could help but laugh. This made the light blues filly blush even more. As Chancer pick himself up and offered a hoof to Ponytory he laughed “ Well, now that that out of the way and I need a new pair of britches why don’t I close shop early and we go get lunch” adding “Ponytory treat that is” eyeing his late pupil. “Fine I guess I can do that much for being late” sighed Ponytory, whispering under his breath “Could have woke me up” not wanting to make his sister anymore angrier. Chancer whispered back “What am I your mother” this time not wonting Cristal to hear him mention her long dead mother. Just then Cristal trotted up to them “What are you guys whispering about”. Both heads popping up yelling “NOTHING” in unison. Cristal just giggled and rolled her eyes “Suuure”. As the trio neared to food market they saw a large group surrounding a crier. Intrigued they all got closer to listen just to catch the crier repeating himself “I repeat: there has been several attacks on the border town of our great nation. It is thought to have been done by none other the Celestia’s top Legionary group the Templars. No word has come from Celestia herself on the mater but civilians are to be prepared. Luna herself has said that if another attack happens then she will have no chose but to declare war against her beloved sister. All members of the old army should report to the Princess for briefing if such a thing does happen. In other new there will be a new…..” with that neither Ponytory nor Cristal cared to listen to the crier. Their only focus was on the mentor, the pony who took them in without a word when their parents died, and one of the head generals who, with his friends and their father have help defeat Discord and set up this great nation. Chancer now what they were about to ask even before they did and didn’t allow them to “Well, who’s hungry I’m thinking I’m feeling generous and will pay so let’s have ourselves a feast shall we”. Once again without letting them speak Chancer trotted off to their favorite restraint. The siblings gave each other a glance and trotted off to catch up to their mentor. Hope filled both hearts that they wouldn’t be losing the one pony the both considered to be their father. Later that day. Ponytory lied in his bed dreaming. In his dream he was racing across roof tops chasing someone or something. He was wearing strange close and some sort of devise that he could almost feel above both hoofs. Suddenly the creature he was chasing stop and turned towards him. Horror fell over him as he saw the creature he was chasing. It was him but twisted and deformed. The very atmosphere around it felt evil. As the evil him stepped closer it spoke “what’s the matter, don’t like what your about to become” at that the creature lunged forwarded and swallowed him whole. Shooting awake from the dream Ponytory could barely hear the explosions and screams echoing through the city. (What was that) he thought as his sister bursts through the door. “Brother what happening, are we under attack?” cried the filly as she buried her head into her brothers’ chest. “I don’t know” said her brother dazed adding “Where’s Chancer?” “I don’t know he’s not in his room I think I saw him heading to the Black Hoof wearing a strange white hooded cloak” said Cristal as she finally coming down. Standing up and looking out his window Ponytory was shocked at what he saw. Building on fire, guards and civilian pony’s alike slain in the street, there were golden armor pony’s killing anyone they saw a few blocks down. Turning from his window Ponytory went to his chest that was at the foot of his bed. Opening it he saw just what he was looking for, his father’s sword and dagger. Taking the sword for himself and strapping it to his side he gave the dagger to his sister. Wide eyed she asked “What is this?!”. “Its father’s dagger there are pony’s that are killing others out there and I don’t want you going out there unarmed” replied Ponytory as he helped strap the daggers sheath to her. Almost crying again she asked “B-but why don’t we just stay here?”. “They will kill us for sure if we do that. The only thing we can do is get to the Black Hoof and find Chancer if he’s still alive.” said Ponytory regretting that last part. With that he headed to the door. As they got outside they hear a thud behind them. Drawing his sword Ponytory twirled around and clashed swords will a silver manned Pegasus. “Night Silver” gemmed Cristal with joy and she hugged her friend. “Well at least somepony knows how to greet a friend” said Night silver with a blush. Returning his sword to it sheath Ponytory asked “What’s going on and why are you doing here?” Clearing his throat Night silver said “Well as for what’s happening, from what I can tell we’re being attacked by the Legion” looking down both sides of the street to make sure no one ells was there. “As for me being here I came to see if Chancer is here and to get both of you out safely” exclaimed the armored Pegasus. Looking up at him Cristal explained what had happened there. Clearing his thought Night Silver said “Well then I guess I will escort both of you there”. “But don’t you have to protect the rest of the city?” asked Ponytory. “Most of the remaining civilians have already been evacuated and the rest are being protected by guards in the chapel.” said Night Silver. “Ok then let’s get moving” said Ponytory as he took the lead. As the trio approached the Black Hoof the heard fighting and yelling. “He’s here, the one Trixie want” said the golden armor unicorn with a commander’s armor and helmet that covered her face. Three other surrounded the injured Chancer one a strangely familiar looking Pegasus and the other Earth ponies. One of the earth ponies’ yelled to the other “remember now Smasher, don’t overdo it with that hammer of yo…” before he could finish a blade was slashed through the back of his neck. “NIGHT SILVER” yelled the golden armored Pegasus as the black Pegasus drew his commanders sword from the back of the dead pony’s neck. “Well never thought…” before he could finish, Smasher slammed down his hammer nearly hitting Night Silver “smmmaaaaaaasssshhhhhhhhhh” hollered the monster sized pony. As Night Silver pulled up the enemy Pegasus shot at him “your mine” forcing him even higher into the air. With that time Chancer attacked the monster pony stabbing him with two hidden blade that come out from under his hoofs. Being thrown back by Smasher Chancer yelled “Ponytory don’t just stand there go after the commander” as Cristal shot over to help him. Hesitantly Ponytory turned to the Unicorn how had already drown her curved blade. Ponytory drew his blade just in time to parlay the Unicorns blade. Seeing an opening he shot in for a strike just under her helmet. At the last second he veered his blade off and jabbed it into her armored shoulder scraping off a line of gold. Was this what the monster in his dream meant on “This is what you will become?” Suddenly he felt a sting on the side of his face. Dodging the curved blade he fell to the ground. He looked up and saw the commander standing over him “Any last word scum”. Smiling Ponytory replied “Go buck yourself”. In rage the Unicorn thrusted her sword at him only to be stabbed in the neck by his. Struggling to get the mare’s dead body of him he heard two thuds near him. The closes was a now one winged golden armored Pegasus as the slightly bleeding guard landed, tears filled his eyes. “I never thought the day would come that I would have to kill one of my own kin” he exclaimed. Finally Ponytory remembered why she looked so familiar; she was Night Silvers cousin from Cloudsdale. Sitting up after Night Silver had helped him get the Unicorns body off him he located where the second thud came from. Standing over the monstrous pony trying to catch both their breath was Chancer and Cristal. “I’m (inhale) getting (exhale) too old for this” exclaimed the strangely dressed Chancer. Looking over to Ponytory “What are you panting at; when I was your age I could take on an army of these buckers by myself” adding “Kids these day, so out of shape” with a short laugh. Looking at what she just helped do Cristal finally broke down and cried. After showing the trio the hidden passage in the back of the Black Hoof Chancer finally sat down and looked at them. “Well what you waiting for, I know you have questions, so ask away.” adding “We still have some time before it’s safe to leave.” Night Silver was the first to speak “What is that you are wearing, I’ve never seen armor and weapons like that before?” a question that was on everyone’s mind. Laughing Chancer explained “This is called a hidden blade” showing the blade as it popped out from behind his sleeve. “It has a few other devices in it but the blade is it primary weapon. As for what I’m wearing it is slandered creed guide master armor” As he said this he tossed Ponytory and a set of hidden blades and a suite of armor that looked like it was recently remade and fitted for him. “These were your fathers, he along with myself and a few others helped created what is called the Creed of Assassins.” Setting another set by his sister. Braking into the conversation “I’ve heard stories about such a group but I thought they were just a myth” said Night Silver as he adjusted the now sleeping Cristal so she wasn’t sleeping one him. “Hmm tell me what these stories told you of the Creed” asked Chancer razing an eyebrow. “Well…” said Night Silver clearing his throat “ They say the Creed was created by Luna the same time Celestia created the Templars and they were her elite forces against Discord and that four of them were the once that kill Discord, not the Princesses and the Templars” adding “or so I heard.” Chuckling Chancer said “well most of that is true we did serve the final blow but it was with the help of the Princesses that I was able to do it.” “WAIT” yelled Ponytory “you were the one who kill Discord!!!” “Keep your voice down” said Chancer shooting a glare at him. “And yes me, your father and four others killed Discord with the elements of harmony” replied Chancer to Ponytory’s earlier question. “Sorry” said Ponytory dropping his head a little. Breaking the silence Night Silver asked “Why aren’t you guys still around then and what happened with the Templars if they didn’t help kill Discord?” Sighing heavily Chancer answered “As for your first question we’re still here always have been, working from the shadows to keep the world safe, like we did for the war granted there are fewer of us that are still active members” pausing for a secant to let that soak in “as for the Templars, they always hated us, they called us cowered for hardly ever fighting face-to-face, even started fighting us towards the end of the war and after” sighing once again and shaking his head “they never even saw the final fight with Discord, they were too busy fighting use and each other, trying to make themselves look good.” “Is that why they said they killed Discord” came a small voice. The three stallions turned their head to stare at the now awake Cristal. Shooting Ponytory a look Chancer explained “Not exactly we and the Princesses say they were the ones that killed Discord, said that the six that deliver the final blow were some unknown Templers who sacrificed themselves to save us” adding “we hoped it would settle the bad blood between us”. “I’m guessing it didn’t.” said Ponytory. “No it didn’t, in fact it made it worse” said Chancer. Suddenly his head popped up with a sense of emergency on his face “If the Templars knew where I was than they know there every assassin and their families are including you!!!” Shock rolled over on both siblings face.Standing up “I’m must worn the other Assassins and unfortionally you’re going to have to help me” staring at the siblings. “What about me?” said Night Silver. “You’re not an Assassin but I’ll leave it to you to inform Luna that the Creed will be back in action and will gather at Castle De Discord awaiting her orders” turning to the sibling “As for you I hear by announce you both novices’ assassins.” Staring at each other in shock the sibling moved to say something but were interrupted. “I know neither of you want this but you don’t have a choose and I’m sorry to say this but I’m going to have to split you up” once again without letting them say a thing “Ponytory being that you have more combat training then your sister I will have to send you into the Legion so search for John Boy and Dylgon the only other surviving assassins that helped kill Discord, as for you Cristal I want you to head to Actin and Basil and inform the assassin there, you can find both their guides through the Courtesans guilds.” Saying this Chancer turned to leave. “WAIT” said Ponytory “How and I suppose to find them.” Turning back around Chancer simply said “Well first find the glowing green eyes of ponyvilla” with that he diapered down the black tunnel. The siblings looked at each other; finally breaking the silence Ponytory said “Well looks like we’re assassins” End of chapter 1 > Road to Ponyvilla > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Surprisingly it was a lot easier to get into the Legion territory then Ponytory had expected. All’s he had to do was leap into a passing hay wagon and wait for it to pass the checkpoint that was being guarded by regular Legion troops. They didn’t even check to see if anyone was hiding in the hay. What Ponytory didn’t expect was that he wasn’t the only one who had this idea. As he poked his head out to see if it was clear he felt someone move next to him. Suddenly a pink pony with a black cape jumped out of the hay and tackled him out of the wagon and onto the ground. “Hi I’m Pinkie Pie Master Theft extraordinaire what’s your name” said the smiling, over-hyper Earth Pony. Pushing her off him he smiled back thinking (Ok Ponytory ether she’s in the same boat as you or she’s the world’s most friendly killer) “Hello, nice to meet you I’m Ponytory Miss Pinkie Pie was it?” asked Ponytory as he took one of her hoofs and kissed it. “Yep that my name except you left out Master Theft extraordinaire and don’t worry I’m not the killing type” replied the mare with a little blush. (How the hell did she know what I was thinking) thought Ponytory. “s-so you openly admit that you’re a thief” said Ponytory as he quickly checked his belongings to make sure they were there. “Yep” said Pinkie Pie “But don’t worry I only take things from the rich and give it to the poor”. “You mean like Robin Hoof?” asked Ponytory finding a cupcake in a side bag (When did this get in there?) “I put it there silly and ya just like him, ever since my mom told me his story I wanted to be just like him!” answering both his mental and voiced question again. “So what is a cunning Theft of Justice such as yourself doing hiding in a hay wagon for?” said Ponytory. “Oh well I…” started Pinkie Pie before giving a nervous look around. “What is it?” asked Ponytory. “Can you keep a secret?” asked Pinkie Pie. “For a Lovely pony as yourself, I promise.” replied Ponytory. “You Pinkie Pie Promise?” asked the now blushing Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie Pie Promise? Wha…” started to ask Ponytory. “Cross your heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in your eye!!!” said Pinkie Pie with a little dance. “Ok ok, Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” imitating her moves. “Ok I’m going to see my mentor.” said Pinkie Pie. “Your mentor? Who’s that?” asked Ponytory. “Well he goes by the name “The Weasel” but his name is John Boy” replied Pinkie Pie. “WAIT you know John Boy.” said Ponytory. “Well look at the time got to go” said Pinkie Pie before zooming off. “WAIT” yelled Ponytory as he took off after her. As he chases her she does a double backflip from the ground to a tree branch that was hanging over the road and started to shoot from tree to tree. (How the heck did she do that?) thought Ponytory. As they draw near a clearing one of the branches bends down enough that he could tackle her to the ground. He leaps into the air and just touches her cape as the once bending branch shoot up into his stomach, knocking the air out of him and made him curl in pain, launching to the clearing. As he land on his back another shoot of pain went through him. Catching his breath he relieved that he had just gotten in front of the pink pony. He looks straight to the opening off the forest to see nothing. (Where’d she go?) thought Ponytory. “I’m up here” said Pinkie Pie. Looking up Ponytory was astonished to see Pinkie Pie hovering above him. “WHAT.” said the wide eyed Ponytory. “Ok, seeming that you couldn’t catch me I don’t think you’re a threat to John Boy so I guess I can tell you where to find him.” said Pinkie Pie as started to walk in the air. “How…” started Ponytory “I guess you already know he’s in Ponyvilla seen your heading that way right.” Giving up on what was happening in front of him Ponytory replied “Yes.” “Then meet me at Sugar Cube Corner” said Pinkie Pie as she started to descend down what looked like invisible stares. Then she took off towards the trees. As she reaches the trees she does a triple backflip into the tallest one. Ponytory stared in astonishment as he watches her sky blue eyes vanished into the leaves with a quiet hisssss. (What a strange girl.) thought Ponytory. “I’M NOT STRANGE, I’M PINKIE PIE!!!!” came a roar from the forest. After hours of stumbling around Ponytory finally sat down on a fallen tree. It has gotten dark and started to rain. “Stupid, why didn’t you ask which way Ponyvilla was.” muttered Ponytory to himself as he placed a hoof up to his face. As he looks up something catches his eye gleam. (What’s that) wondered Ponytory as he left the fallen tree to investigate. As he got closer he saw what it was, a strange foreign looking hut built into a tree with a small light coming from a window. On the outside there were old masks that he had only seen in the pictures Chancer took in the Tribal Lands. “What are these doing here?” Ponytory asked himself. Looking to the door he saw it was slightly open. “Hello. Is anyone there?” asked Ponytory. No reply. (Oh Screw it, it’s a dry place to rest) thought Ponytory as he stuck his head in. There was no one there and the only light in the room was coming from a glass jar of strange gloving moss. It was obvious that whoever lived he had expected to come back but never did. After locking the door he looking around and saw a sleeping mat that was in relatively good shape. “Well it not my nice cozy bed back in Tolmais but it will do for tonight.” said Ponytory as he laid down to sleep. Ponytory wakes up at dawn to a PECK, PECK, PECK. “Who’s there!” asked Ponytory. PECK, PECK, PECK. Ponytory went to the window to see… a chicken? “Ok” said Ponytory as he started to open the door. Suddenly Ponytory saw a tail that shouldn’t be on a chicken. Instead of a chicken tail he saw a snake’s tail. “A COCKATRICE!!!” said Ponytory as he slammed the door shut hearing a thud against the door as the cockatrice went for another peck. “Whatamigoingtodowhatamigoingtodo!!!!” said Ponytory franticly. “I know the window!” said Ponytory as he leaped towards the window. THUD. “Ow weren’t you supposed to break.” said Ponytory as he got back off the ground hearing the cockatrice snicker. “Oh shut up you.” yelled Ponytory as he looked around the room. Turning to the table full of labeled jars Ponytory searched “There’s got to be something in here I can us”. “Let’s see, Cure for Sore Throat no, Cure for Itchy Nose no, Wart Remover no, Bee Remover no, Stalker-Be-Gone no but I could use this on Night Silver when he gets clingy towards my sister, aha here it is” said Ponytory holding up a vile with a cockatrice in a red circle with a mark through it. “Cock-Be-Gone? Please be short for cockatrice and not some sick joke.” hoped Ponytory as he headed for the door. Tacking a deep breath, crossing his legs, and closed his eyes Ponytory opened the door and tossed the vile straight in the cockatrices face. POOF. When Ponytory opened his eyes there was nothing there. Looking around Ponytory only found a pile of dust in the middle of the shattered vile. “Well maybe I won’t be tacking the Stalker-Be-Gone.” said Ponytory as he places the vile he had taken on a counter by the door. As he did he saw something that he didn’t when he first come in. A map that showed him where he was and how to get to Ponyvilla. “Well let’s see, according to this I’m in Zecoras Hut, and Ponyvilla is…” “WHAT” said Ponytory as he saw that he was only a short walk away from Ponyvilla. After face hoofing himself he set of to ponyvilla. About half an hour later Ponyvilla was in sight but not what he expected. It turned out that Ponyvilla went from a nice small town to a very large military camp. From what Ponytory could see there were more tents then house and most of those looked like they were being used for the Legion. There were more legionaries then Ponytory had ever thought possible. “What happen to this place?” wondered Ponytory as he recalled how many praises Chancer gave Ponyvilla for its beauty and culture. “Why do you ask that are you a spy” said a strangely armored Rainbow haired Pegasus wearing a legionaries badge covering he cutie mark. “What the…” said Ponytory but was cut off. “Naaa if you were a spy you wouldn’t have been so easy to spot. Anyways who are you?” asked the Rainbow haired Pegasus. (Think Ponytory think) “I’m a traveling blacksmith” replied Ponytory. “Ok sure and where are you going Mr. traveling blacksmith?” asked the Pegasus. “Well I thought I would stop by Sugar Cube Corner and meet an old friend of mine.” answered Ponytory since that was the only place he now of in Ponyvilla. “Oh so you must know the Cakes then?” asked the Pegasus. “Ya me and Mr. Cake are old friends” lied Ponytory as he started to reach for his blade. “Ok then have fun and tell Mrs. and Mr. Cakes that Rainbow Dash says hi” said Rainbow Dash as she zoomed away. “Ya sure.” After about two hours of searching Ponytory found Sugar Cube Corner, well at least most of it. It seemed that an explosion from some kind of confetti cannon blow a large hole where the door and most of the front should be. Sticking his head in the hole “Anypony ho…” WHAM “OW.” “Oops sorry.” said Pinkie Pie holding a hammer. “I thought you were John Boy. We’re playing Whack the Weasel” said Pinkie Pie as she crouches into a hunting stance. “Well I’m not” said Ponytory rubbing his nose. “Ou ou ou I know, since your hear to find him why don’t you go in the back and see if he’s there.” said Pinkie. “Sure.” replied Ponytory. As he steps out the back he sees the last thing he wanted to see, another Legion commander. Luckily he hadn’t seen Ponytory and he was itching to test his hidden blade. Sneaking up behind him Ponytory thrusts the thin blade into the helmet of the commander just to throw it across the yard. “What?” said Ponytory. Suddenly a black furred weasel with glowing green eyes came shooting out of the neck opening of the chest plate. Extending his claws he graves onto the wall “Oi somepony fetch that helmet it took me forever to get a full set. Why you buck it off anyways” said the weasel. Suddenly the Pinkie Pie came around the corner with a blacksmith hammer “Found you John Boy.” said Pinkie Pie as she smashed the weasel with the hammer sending him crashing into the set of armor. “Oi now that’s not fair love I was distracted by this dashing stranger.” said the weasel. “Chancer should know not to seen messengers. He knows that I know everything that he knows just like everyone else, you know.” added the weasel. “Wait you know Chancer?” asked Ponytory. “Here you’ll need this and yes he’s John Boy.” said Pinkie Pie passing Ponytory the blacksmith hammer. “What do I need this for?” asked Ponytory. “Ye a traveling blacksmith aren’t ye, that an I need ye to buff out me armor now that it has a weasel size impression in it.” replied John Boy. “And when yo dune I’ll teach you some trick so you can show up them yellow liver legion honkers.” he added. “Why does he keep changing his accent?” whispered Ponytory to Pinkie Pie. “I don’t really know but it’s funny” After three hours of heating and hammering the chest plate and helmet dents back into place Ponytory was exhausted. “Now… I wish I… would have helped… Chancer on repairing… armor more instead …of just designs.” huffed Ponytory as he stumbled back into the store to be meet by a lovely smell. Looking up he saw Pinkie Pie covered with sweet breathing hard. “Oi I just love making special cupcakes with you Pinkie Pie” said John Boy as he washed himself off in the sink. “Ya but do we have to do it so fast I can never keep up with you and never finish before you.” said Pinkie Pie as she caught her breath. “Well don’t yuh know that’s how the best cupcakes are made.” replied John Boy. “Oh Ponytory, would you like to help use make another batch?” asked Pinkie. “Well that would ruin the mood wouldn’t it now.” said John Boy. “No that ok, I wouldn’t want to interrupt you two love birds” replied Ponytory. “What, Oh hey now this story isn’t a clopfic you sicko. That goes to you readers to.” said John Boy. “Wha…” “Never mind rest up while you can, your training starts once we’re done making my cupcakes.” said John Boy as he passed Ponytory a red cupcake with pure white frosting and a pink cross on it. “That should heal up any wounds you got and restore some of you vigor for ya.” Taking a bite Ponytory felt a rush of energy flow through him and felt better them he had in days. “What are these made of?” asked Ponytory. “Trust me you don’t want to know.” said Pinkie Pie with a blush. “I can tell you what the frostings made of if you like.” said John Boy. “NO!!!” yelled Pinkie Pie blushing even more. “Ya I’ll just be leaving then.” said Ponytory as he heads for the stares in a fast trout. (I wonder how my sister is doing on her quest.) thought Ponytory as he reached his room. End of chapter 2 > Crystal's story: Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sky was a strange purple color that seemed to radiate from the nearby Castle De Discord. For being one of the smaller cities in Luna’s Empire, Actin was a lively city. Being a town that was in-between the half destroyed remains of Discords old stronghold and Luna’s new castle it was an ideal place for traveler that were going to ether places to stop and rest and an even more ideal place for the Courtesans to flourish. Cristal was feeling nerves. Even before entering town she could tell it was going to have trouble finding the guides members in all people. As she was walking she felt somepony land beside her. “Hello pretty lady” said a black coat, silver mane Pegasus. “NIGHT SILVER” cheered Crystal as she gave him a hug “What are you doing here.” Blushing Night Silver returned the hug “Well I delivered Chancers message to the Princess and was told to help you guys as much as I can an since Chancer didn’t say where he was going and there’s no way I could get into Celestia’s territory let allow Ponyvilla without running into somepony I know and being caught I decided to help you.” Looking up at her friend with a smile “Thanks Silver I was a little nerves coming here on my own.” “Well shall we?” asked Night Silver offering Crystal his hoof. “Yes lets.” As they were walking Night Silver noticed a group of hooded ponies fallowing them. Ducking his head closer to Crystal “I think we have company.” “What?” said Crystal as she peered over her shoulder. Just as she did another hooded pony appeared in front of them. “Follow me and no harm shall come to ether of you” said the mysteries hooded pony. “And if we don’t?” asked Night Silver stepping in between her and Crystal. “Please we mean you no harm, we know why you are here and we wish to help.” said a large hooded stallion standing behind them showing them an emblem on his wrist that matched the emblem on Crystal’s hidden blade. “You’re an assas…” Crystal began before having a hoof shoved in her face. “Sssh… Do you want to blow our cover? Just follow us and we will explain.” said the Mare that was in front of them as she gestures to an alley. As they entered the alley they saw a broken door. “What happened here?” asked Crystal. “Templars, that’s what happened.” said the mysteries hooded pony removing her hood. “YOU’R A ZEBRA!!!” said Crystal surprised to see a zebra this far north. “Ya what of it and the names Kira.” said the Zebra. “Don’t mind her; she’s just mad that a Templar knocked her out before their main attack force attacked, my name is Zulu.” Said the large stallion removing his hood to revile he was also a zebra. Looking around Cristal and Night Silver saw that all but three of the hooded ponies were zebras. One of the others was a Pegasus and the other two weren’t ponies at all but young buffalo’s. “Tribal Mercenaries.” said Night Silver. “That is correct, all but I are mercenaries.” replied Zulu. “If you’re not a mercenary then what are you?” asked Cristal. “Ain’t it overuse you twit he’s an Assassin!” barked Kira. “Kira that’s not how we treat guests!” scolded Zulu giving her a glare. “Whatever, I’m going to scout the front. Zulu’s with me!” said Kira as the lead the rest of the group outside. “Sorry about that, she’s been that way since she was a little filly.” said Zulu. “Why did she call her groups Zulu?” asked Crystal. “Before I became an assassin I was the leader of that group and I named it the Zulu Mercenaries, that sis of mine just didn’t want to change the name just because I wasn’t in it anymore.” replied Zulu. “SHE’S YOUR SISTER!!!” yelled Crystal in surprise. Blushing Crystal lowered her head “Sorry.” (I really need to stop yelling.) “It’s ok and yes she’s my sister.” Replied Zulu once again. “Not to interrupt or anything but you still haven’t told us what happened here.” chimed in Night Silver. “Where should I start? First the Tribal Mercenaries were told that no matter the contract that they were to return to they’re designated name areas, their tribes land. Now that has never happened. The Tribal Lands have a code and that is to complete their contract no matter what, but we also have to listen to the Master Chieftain, Zecora, and she was the one how gave that order herself.” explained Zulu. “What about you?” asked Crystal. Zulu looked at Crystal with concerned “I’m not part of the Tribal Lands now. I’m guessing that you weren’t told; once you become an assassin you give up your nationality and beliefs, luckily we don’t have to completely give up our connections with our home land and are allowed to hire mercenary’s so I was able to stay close to my sister and friends by hiring them for missions.” “I’m sure that’s is all fascinating but you still haven’t told us what happened here.” Said Night Silver a little annoyed about all the interruptions. “Oh come on Silvyyy.” said Crystal with puppy dog eyes. “Well… i… fine.” Night Silver said turning his head to hide his blushing face. “No he’s right. I can explain all this to you latter. The Templars are smarter and better supplied then we thought. The night of the attack half of them were disguised as assassins and while the other half attacked the front they snuck in the back and pretended to be reinforcements and attacked from the rear. I was only spared because I was mistaken as a mercenary and was told to go to the other side of town and await order to attack the assassins. I thought that I could use this to my advantage sense the only mercenaries left in town were the Zulu’s and we could attack them when they lest expected it. I didn’t even find out till the next day that we were all tricked and all of my assassin friends were dead.” “WHY DIDN’T YOU INFORM YOUR COMRADS WHEN YOU FIRST FOUND OUT OF THIS.” yelled Night Silver ask he hit Zulu sending him sparling to the floor. As Zulu got back to his feet Kira flying through the air “DON’T YOU DARE HIT MY BROTHER” hollered Kira as she lanes a double flying hoof kick to the back of Night Silvers head. (Here we go again.) thought Crystal facehoofing herself as she goes to break up the fight. After the fight was broken up a question popped into Crystals head. “How did you know that I was an assassin?” “John Boy told us that you were coming.” replied Zulu as he held the still fuming Kira. “Wait, isn’t that one of the assassins that helped Chancer kill Discord and that Ponytory is looking for, how did he know… well anything?” asks Night Silver. “I don’t think anyone knows how he does it.” replied Zulu. End of Chapter 3 > New theft in town > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ponytory was falling through utter darkness. He felt nothing as he fell, not fear, nor wind. All he felt was the sensation of falling. Suddenly he started to hear voices. “I don’t even know who you are any more.” came what sounded like a sobbing Crystal. “I should have never made him an assassin.” came Chancers voice. “Crystal, Chancer where are you.” No response. “I can’t believe he would do something like this?” “Night Silver?” suddenly the voices started coming faster and louder, soon he couldn’t even make out what they were saying. Ponytory’s head started hurting and he could fell a pressure on his chest and lower abdomen. Ponytory suddenly opened his eyes. Centimeters from his face was the wide smiling Pinkie Pie? (Holy Shit!) “YAAAAAA YOUR AWAKE!!!!!!!” cheered Pinkie Pie as she bounced up and down on the bed still pining him down with her front hoofs “Now we can start your training.” “Hay hay don’t bounce on the bed like that I doesn’t look right.” said Ponytory as he struggled to get her off. (How the hay is this chick so strong?) Just as he thought that he saw someone coming up the stairs. “Ol right you two wha… hay if you’re going to do that sort of thing you could at least ask if I wanted to join.” huffed the weasel. “Wait John Boy I can expla…” started Ponytory “Oh my silly willy weasel you can join in anytime you know that.” said Pinkie Pie. “Good because…..” (Oh Luna why me? T_T) “I LOVE JUMPING ON THE BED!!!” yelled the weasel as he leaped into the air towards the bed causing Pinkie Pie to leap to. As the two fell on the bed the combined force caused Ponytory to go flying off and landed against the wall upside down. (Why me? T_T) as he straightened himself he stepped on something causing the most horrible sense of pain to shoot through his leg. “OW!!! What the hay is this this devise of pain and suffering I just stepped on?!” asked Ponytory holding up a small rectangle with eight small ciphers on top. “Oh that. That’s one of my most evil creations. A Lego.” said John Boy as he flipped off the bed on to the ponies’ shoulder. “Well enough fun-n-games time to train, follow me.” said the suddenly serious weasel pulling Ponytory’s ear towards the door leaving the still jumping Pinkie Pie in the room. As the two exited John Boy whispered “Oi you think you can do somethin for me?” in to Ponytory’s ear. “Sure? I guess?” said Ponytory hesitantly. “Good!” said John Boy as he jumped of Ponytory’s shoulder doing a little flip. “You see that sexy little thing in armor coming out of Lotus and Aloe bath house?” “Ya, so what you want me to assassinate her or something.” asked Ponytory a little too eagerly. “NONONONONO. Ha-ha no need to do that I just want you to get her keys.” “Her keys, really that all you want me to do is get her keys?” “Yep, that’s all.” Ponytory looked at John Boy currishly. “Why? How is getting her keys going to help me do anything?” asked Ponytory. “Well it will help you learn how to pickpocket is how it will help and as my mum always says, Meow meow mow mow,” replied John Boy. “WAIT YOUR MOM WAS A CAT!?!?!” yelled Ponytory in shock. “Eeyep but me and me dad don’t like talking about it much, so OFF with you.” With that John Boy kicked Ponytory out the door and closed it behind him. “And don’t come back till you get it!!!” heard Ponytory as he hoisted himself off the ground. (Man for someone that small he sure is strong.) After about half a day of fallowing the armored mare Ponytory came to a few conclusions. One after tailing her he found out that she was the one in control of the army here; she had a grey mane with what looked like pink roots (that’s weird) and a light brown coat and was named Mayor. Two she was constantly arguing with the rainbow haired Pegasus that he saw earlier, turns out she was the commander of the commando unit, The Wonderbolts, here and didn’t like being bossed around that much. Three she fallowed the same routine since he began fallowing her. Starting with her going to the main encampment to check on her troops, then to the commando encampment which to him to only yell at them for not being orderly or as well trained as her troops which would get their commander railed (I think I heard her called rainbow something but I’m not sure), and finally go into this tower in the middle of town. The final thing he noticed was that she had put several ponies who tried to pickpocket her in to a coma or worse. She was defiantly both a skilled fighter and kept track of her belongings at all times. To get the key without harming her was going to be near impossible. (Maybe I can sneak into the commando camp and put on their armor and swipe it when she is arguing with the Pegasus. Ya that could work.) Suddenly Ponytory was push down by somepony landing on his back. “HIYA!!!” cheered Pinkie Pie as she bounced off his back. (Ho my back T_T) “What are you doing here?” asked Ponytory as he rubbed the hoof prints off his back (wait what’s this, another cupcake how’s she does that.) “Wellllll, John Boy told me what you were doing and I thought it would be a great idea to try out these!!!” said Pinkie pie as she held out her hoof with several black balls on it. “What in the Hay are those?” asked Ponytory. “They’re another one of John Boy’s inventions called smock bombs their great if you want to distract a group of people and steal things from them, or secretly give them cupcakes .” explained the pink pony. (IDEA) “Hay Pinkie pie do you think you can teach me how to use those and how to pickpocket?” Asked Ponytory. “Sure. It’ll only take a second since the author will just skip me showing and telling you how to do it.” said Pinkie Pie. “Cool. Wait what?” After about half an hour of using the smoke bombs on some guards and stealing their bit purses Ponytory was ready and had more bits then he had ever had. “Man that was fast!” said the existed Ponytory. “Told ya the author would skip me showing you how to use them.” giggled Pinkie Pie. Ponytory just ignored her. He had it all planed out and wasn’t going to let the crazy pony confuse him anymore. He would use his previous plan of sneaking in and stealing some armor then he will use the smoke bombs he got from Pinkie and his new found skills of pickpocketing to steal the key. He even had Pinkie Pie show him how to replace them with a cupcake that he had specially had for the occasion. As Ponytory entered the camp he found out the one thing in his plan he did not account for, they were all Pegasus and griffins. (Buck how could I not noticed that. I better get the buck out of here before somepony notices.) Just as he thought this he felt a talon pock his head. “Hey you, how did you get in here.” said a griffin sitting on a pillar just above him. (Why me?) “I was… auu just…” before he could finish his sentence a cyan Pegasus with a rainbow mane landed next to him. “It’s ok Gilda he’s the blacksmith I had come in to fix my armor. Right.” said the Pegasus with a nudge smiling (Wait did she squeak when she smiled). “Y-ya that’s right.” replied Ponytory with a hesitant smile (Thank Luna I don’t do that). “Ok Commander Dash if you say so.” said Gilda muttering “Doesn’t look like much of a smith to me, too scrawny.” as she flew away. “Thanks for that for that but why did you save me there you hardly know me?” asked Ponytory as they entered a small wood hut. “Pinks told me of your plan and asked me to help but I can’t go telling everypony you’re here to steal from the Mayor you’d be torn to shreds instantly and I would be charged with treason. Not how I want to end my command as the leader of all the commandos.” explained the Commander. “So Commander Dash…” “Please my friends call me Rainbow Dash, and since you’re trying to pull one over on that old hag I count you as a friend.” interrupted Rainbow Dash adding. “Man I can’t wait to see the look on her face when she finds out that her keys has been swiped out from under her nose and replaced with a cupcake, good idea by the way.” After she got done giggling Ponytory continued. “So Rainbow Dash how do you know Pinkie Pie if you mind me asking?” asked Ponytory. “Well me and Pinks are best friends. Have been for years. That and our parents were the Templars that the Assassins gave credit to for killing Discord. “Oh is that all…. WAIT WHAT?” said Ponytory in shock. “Your parents were Templars but you’re helping an assassin?” “Ya so? I mean why not, all our parents preferred the assassins, heck they only stayed Templars because they had sworn allegiance to Celestia herself and were among her most trusted Templars.” explained Dash. “What happen to them now?” asked Ponytory. “Don’t know, from what I heard they all disappeared. Nopony has seen them since about a month before the Templar started attacking the Empire.” “And nopony said anything about this nor did your parent tell you they were leaving?” “If you think that is weird the only pony that’s even supposedly seen High Princess Celestia in three months is the new Sargent Major of the Legion, that and I haven’t seen my parents in years.” “O sorry to hear that.” After a few minutes of silence Rainbow Dash finally asked Ponytory what his plain was in detail. Turns out Pinkie Pie only told her that he was going to replace the keys with a cupcake. Really that’s all it had taken to get her to agree to help. After explaining his plain to her she was even more excited to help and even told him that she’d seen the majority or her troops patrolling around the Everfree Forest so he would have basically a straight shot to Sugar Cube Corner besides the guards already in town. After the half hour it took for Dash to send out all but five of her troops he was set. Just in time to because their special guest had just arrived. Ponytory watched as the aged mare trotted up to Rainbow Dash. “Well isn’t this a sight, finally having your little band of flying thugs off doing something besides lazing about or fighting with each other have we.” “Ya. I figured that since you keep getting onto me about not doing anything with MY troops that I’d send them out to patrol around for a bit.” replied Dash as she forced a smile. “Huff. We it seems to me that you sent out to many. How are you going to defend yourself if you are attacked? I mean honestly can you do anything right. Humph. Figures a useless whelp like yourself couldn’t be a proper leader.” huffed the Mayor. Ponytory saw this as the perfect time to strike as he lunged out from his hiding place an throw a smoke bomb. “(Cough) what is this? (Cough) what’s happening?” coughed the earth pony as Ponytory swooped by and successfully swiped the keys and replaced them with his cupcake that had a picture of a pony sticking out his tongue. Then with speed that even Rainbow Dash would admire Ponytory rocketed towards Sugar Cube Corner. As Ponytory neared his destination he slowed so he could examine the keys. It turned out there were only two of them the first was a slightly curved silver looking key with an impression of a tower on it (well this one obviously goes to the tower but what does OH MY GOSH!!!). Ponytory was stunned to see what the other key was. It was a slim pink key with an impression of a mare on it with “mare bath house” engraved on it. (WELL John Boy is going to have some explaining to do.)