It's been 2 weeks since the rebel griffins attacked Canterlot and after the incident both Rage and my face were in the papers the next morning. I was swarmed with ponies for the entire day all of them calling me a hero I tried to avoid the crowds. I also used my disguise ring to get around town until it stopped. Meanwhile Fancy Pants recovered and returned to Canterlot with Fleur along with some guards provided by Celestia. The Immortals barracks had been made behind my home it was a simple building. It had with two bathrooms, girl and boy bedrooms, lounge room and dining room also a kitchen. The crown was paying them still and they had the freedom of making their own meals but I invited them to come dine with me they accepted but only twice a week. In the present I went to bed early at 4:00pm and fell asleep but that is when I opened my eyes and was in Faust's library. I stood up and looked around to look for Faust I took a single step but was tackled to the legendary Alicorn.

"Oh my God oh my God I can't believe it finally my little Lulu has found love," Faust said as she picked me up and swung me around.

"Faust I can't breathe," I said in the alicorns grip.

I managed to pry her fingers open but she was still spaning around and I was flung into a pile of books causing them to topple on top of me. I pushed the books off of me and gave an annoyed look at Faust as I rested my chin on the palm of my hand.

"Sorry Ash," Faust apologized.

"Question Faust how'd you know I was in love with Luna," I asked as I stood up and dusted myself off.

"I was watching over them before you went stargazing and made that constellation and sang my lullaby to her thanks by the way for doing that. Also I heard you say it before you fell asleep," Faust said.

"Geez if things weren't creepy enough in life," I said sarcastically.

"Hey I stopped as soon as you were both out," Faust said.

"Yeah alright but Faust listen I have a bit of a problem and I need your help," I said.

"What's the problem?" Faust asked.

"I found a Piece of Eden," I said causing Faust to freeze. "It was hidden in the hydra's tonsils below the Wonderbolt academy and no one knows of it," I said causing Faust to relax a bit.

"Well done Ash I need you to hold onto it until the knights and I decide what to do with it," Faust said.

"Yeah there's also something I need to ask whose Desmond?" I asked.

"I'm not sure but I think one of the knights mentioned him once," Faust said.

"I see anyway that's my news is there something you wished to discuss with me?" I asked.

"Yes you know that journal you gave to Celestia," Faust said.

"It wasn't a bad idea was it?" I asked with worry.

"No in fact I needed you to give it to her anyway. There's an unfinished spell on the last page of the book that Twilight Sparkle must finish," Faust said.

"Ok I'll-wait did you say Twilight must finish it?" I asked.

"Yes it's an important one I made a list of instructions for Celestia to follow once you wake up I need you to mail it to her," Faust said as she handed me a scroll.

"I can do that but if I may ask what's so special about that spell anyway what's it designed to do?" I asked.

Faust just smiled before she spoke.

I slowly woke up to see the scroll of instructions in my hand and it was just about sunset. I immediately got out of bed and wrote a quick letter to the princess. The letter was to explain what the other scroll attached to the one was instructions from Faust for Celestia to follow. As I wrote I could not believe what the spell was supposed to do and why Faust wanted this. But, I just keep on writing and when I was satisfied with my letter I sent it imminently. I honestly wish I could have been there when they saw the letter.

Canterlot Castle Dining Room

Celestia was in the dining room with Luna, Dream Catcher, Chrysalis, Shining, Cadence, Rage and Eris. Discord said he was going to be gone for a few days, for some strange reason. Celestia was about to dive into the double layered cake before her before a scroll appeared in front of her. Celestia wasn't exactly happy being interrupted when she was about to have her dessert but she picked up the scroll and looked at the scroll. The scroll had a grey ribbon on it and a silver wax seal with Ash's mark on it.

"It's from Ash," Celestia said.

"Oooo is it poetry for Luna perhaps," Eris suggested.

"If it was I believe the letter would be in my grasp instead of Celestia's," Luna said with an annoyed look.

"Luna's right Ash marked the scroll as important with my name on it," Celestia said as she broke the seal.

Celestia unrolled the parchment and another scroll fell out and landed on the table. Celestia looked at the scroll on the table before she focused on the scroll Ash wrote. As she read the letter her eyes got bigger and bigger in shock and tears started to spill from her eyes. Once she finished she dropped the scroll and looked at the other scroll on the table.

"Celestia are you alright?" Chrysalis asked with worry.

"We-we-we got a letter from mom," Celestia said crying tears of joy.

The room was silent no one said a thing until Rage spoke up.

"Well what are you waiting for open the damn scroll and read it. After all you haven't heard from her in how long and now you get a letter from her," Rage said.

"Rage is right open the letter Tia and tell us what mother wants!" Luna yelled.

Celestia nodded before she unrolled the ancient parchment and read it out loud.

My Dearest Children

I know how all of you must be feeling right now and I want to apologise to you all without saying goodbye. But, if I didn't then you wouldn't let me leave so I had no choice and it was like somepony drove a knife into my heart when I left. But, I had to try and stop Heartless at least contain him just know I miss you all terribly and wish I could hold you in my arms once more. I think of you all every day and if it weren't for the window I created to see you all and how you were doing I probably have gone crazy about now. I know you wish this letter could go on but I wrote to you for a reason Celestia your student is quite an impressive mind and I need your help with something. Starswirl's journal has an unfinished spell inside of it that Twilight must finish. This will be her final test as your student also a list of instructions for you to follow below. There will also be an explanation for what the spell will do.

Your Mother forever always.

Faust

When Celestia finished reading she, Dream Catcher, Chrysalis and Luna were all in tears at the small letter from their mother.

"Discord's gonna be sorry he wasn't here," Shining said.

"What are the instructions for Twilight?" Cadence asked.

"Hm-oh yes," Celestia said before she continued to read.

I woke up to the sound of pitter patter of rain on the dome window above me I looked up to see the clouds were in some checked pattern. I just ignored it and thought Rainbow was trying out something different with the sky. I was about to fall asleep again because I enjoyed sleeping in when it was raining but my rest was soon interrupted by the knock at the door.

"Ash Twilight Sparkle is here to see you," Silver Tray said.

"Tell her I'm sleeping in if she wants to talk she'll have to come back later," I said.

There was a bit of silence before Silver's voice returned.

"I'm afraid she's insisting," Silver said.

"Tell her I said tough luck cause I'm not getting up," I said rolling over in my bed.

The room was silent and I was settling back into sleep. I could feel myself begin to float away into sleep but then gravity kicked in and I fell onto the floor hard.

"Ow," I groaned as I opened my eyes and saw I was my bedroom floor I looked around and I saw Twilight and Spike were in my room. Twilight's horn had an aura around it before it disappeared telling me she used magic to get me out of bed.

"Are you up now?" Twilight asked.

"I swear Twilight what you have to say had better be worth waking me up from my sleep in," I growled.

"Look I need your help something is wrong," Twilight said.

"Explain it to me please," I said as I stood and rubbed my head.

"There's no time we need to go now," Twilight said.

"Well I ain't going anywhere without getting ready and breakfast," I said walking to my bathroom.

"There's no time," Twilight said.

"Twilight is the world falling apart?" I asked.

"No," Twilight answered.

"Are zombies trying to eat anypony," I asked.

"No," Twilight said.

"Are demons attacking?" I asked.

"No," Twilight said.

"Is Discord spreading chaos," I asked.

"Not that I know of," Twilight said.

"Then whatever it is can wait until I get ready," I said.

"Bu-but...fine," Twilight sighed in defeat.

"Silver can you make me a breakfast to go please?" I asked before I looked at Spike to see him holding his stomach. "Also can you bring some gems for Spike looks like he missed breakfast as well?" I asked.

"Certainly Ash," Silver replied.

After I got changed I walked through Ponyville with Twilight and Spike to Fluttershy's cottage while I ate a blueberry muffin that Silver made.

"I still don't know what you had to wake me up I love sleeping in the rain," Spike said as he finished his bag of gems.

"I hear you there Spike," I said as I finished my muffin.

"It's not about the weather you two Rarity had Rainbow Dash's cutie mark and said this was Rainbow Dash's cottage," Twilight said as we walked up to the door of said cottage. "Something strange is going on," Twilight said as she knocked on the door.

The door opened and Rainbow's head poked out.

"Hey guys," Rainbow said in a tired tone when she saw us.

"Rainbow Dash why is Rarity doing your job?" Twilight asked all of a sudden a loud bang came from inside and Rainbow disappeared behind the door. “And what in Equestria is going on in here?" Twilight asked but when she opened the door all the animals were running wild.

"What in the name of pony," I said shocked at the scene before me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dSoqWcmjqw

"Ok rewind this for me what the heck is going on?" I asked as we walked through the door of Twilights library and I saw "Mac, Caramel, Comet, Thunderlane, Pierce, Gilda and Trixie looking at us.

"Twilight most of the girls had their cutie marks switched around," Pierce said.

"They also don't remember us dating them," Caramel said.

"Dash doesn't even remember I moved in with her and Scootaloo," Gilda said.

"Is Discord causing trouble again," Thunderlane asked.

"What's going on why is this happening?" Spike asked.

"Last night when you were taking one of your seven hour bubble baths I got a special delivery from the princess," Twilight said as she showed us Starswirl's Journal and explained what happened and showed me the letter.

Dear Twilight Sparkle

The spell contained on the last page of this book is Starswirl the bearded secret unfinished masterpiece. He was never able to get it right and thus abandoned it my mother believes you’re the only pony that can understand and rewrite it and I agree.

Princess Celestia

"I cast the spell to see what it was but nothing happened but now I know something did happen the spell has changed the elements of harmony. That must be why their cutie marks are all wrong I was just so eager to please Celestia's mother I wasn't thinking," Twilight said while looking at the different coloured Elements of Harmony.

"So just use the counter spell to switch them back," Spike said.

"There is no counter spell," Twilight said looking through the book.

"Why don't you use that memory spell you used to fix everypony when Discord was here," Spike suggested.

"Spike it's not their memories it's like their personalities have been taken out and placed into a different body," I said.

"Zecora's cure for the cutie pox," Spike suggested.

"That won't work either," Twilight said as she began to walk up the stairs to her bedroom.

"Well maybe it won't be so bad maybe our friends will grow to like their new lives. And you guys get to fall in love with them all over again and Gilda you could just ask to move in again," Spike said but the stallions and Gilda gave Spike a nasty glare.

"No Spike their not who their meant to be anymore their destinies are now changed and it's all my fault," Twilight said as she walked upstairs to her room.

I gestured for Spike to follow me up and told the others to stay behind and let us handle it we walked up stairs and when we entered I heard Twilight singing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7ZbM8GOKd8

.

"Oh Spike Ash what have I done," Twilight cried as she looked out her window.

"Aw c'mon Twi you'll figure out a way to fix this these are your friends," Spike said placing a claw on her shoulder.

"Spike's right your friends would want you to try and fix this instead of give up," I said.

"You’re both right they mean more to me then anything," Twilight said as she walked over to a fire place and looked at a picture of all of us together. "My friends," Twilight said as she began glow brightly.

"Twilight are you alright," Spike asked shielding his eyes from the growing light.

"I got it I know what to do," Twilight said.

"You do," Spike and I said in sync.

"I may not be able to remind them of who they are but I can show them what they mean to each other. They'll find the part of themselves that's been lost so they can help the friend they care about so much," Twilight said as she walked downstairs and packed the elements into a case and handed it to Spike.

"Wow Twi that was so sappy it just might work," I said.

"C'mon," Twilight said in a confident tone before she ran out the door with us not to far behind.

We ran through Ponyville and saw Fluttershy handing some bits to the balloon pony while she had a large suitcase next to her.

"Fluttershy wait," Twilight called.

"Oh hey everypony," Fluttershy said in a depressed tone when she saw us.

"Where are you going?" Twilight asked.

'I'm moving back to Cloudsdale I don't know what's wrong but I can't seem to make anypony laugh," Fluttershy said pulling out a whoopee cushion and making the farting noise.

I could see Big Mac was heartbroken but I place a hand on his shoulder before I spoke up

"Well before you go Flutters do you think you could help us help Rainbow Dash she's struggling to keep her animals under control," I said.

"But I don't really know anything about animals," Fluttershy said.

"But you do know something about Rainbow Dash," Twilight said.

"I know she's a true friend and I'll do anything I can to help her," Fluttershy said.

We then walked over to Rainbow's cottage but before we knocked I heard Rainbow shout for help.

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight cried out.

I pushed the door open with a little force and saw Rainbow was tied up inside a large cooking pot while few of the critters inside did some tribal dance around it.

"Holy St Peter their gonna turn her into soup," I said.

"Hurry Twilight can't you use your magic to get her out?" Fluttershy asked.

"No Fluttershy you’re the only one who can help Rainbow Dash needs you," Twilight said.

Fluttershy gulped and nodded before she walked inside.

"Uh hello little woodland creatures I know that your all very upset and feel like giving Rainbow Dash a hard time. But, we'd all really appreciate it if you calmed down and maybe rested for a bit," Fluttershy said and one by one the animals stoped the ruckus and sat in front of Fluttershy calmly. "Oh uh look here are some nice juicy greens for you to munch on and some crunchy munchy acorns too," Fluttershy said and like that all the animals dived in. "Aw I guess you were all cranky because you were hungry," Angle turned around and bounced onto Fluttershy's hand and let out a few squeaks and the other animals joined in. "Aw your very welcome little friends goodness I can understand them. It feels strange like this is what I'm meant to do this is who I am my destiny," Fluttershy said as she began to glow.

Twilight reached into the chest and pulled out the element and placed it on Fluttershy's neck. When she did the element glowed and returned to its normal colour and her eyes went wide before they closed and she fell to the floor.

"Wh-what happened?" Fluttershy asked.

"Fluttershy look your cutie mark," Twilight said as she pointed at Fluttershy's shoulder showing three pink butterflies on it. "It worked it worked oh I'm so happy your back to normal," Twilight said as she bounced around Fluttershy and Big Mac hugged Fluttershy before kissing her. "Now we need your help Fluttershy," Twilight said before she started singing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0RTd5XvOeQ

We walked down the street with the entire town singing along and as we approached the end of the song Twilight lifted the girls up into a group hug. Twilight set them down while they were still hugging they held the hug until Twilight spoke.

"Wait a second that's it I understand now I know how to fix the spell," Twilight said.

"Great just try not to mess up the elements again ok Twi," I said.

Twilight paid me no heed as she ran to the library with us right behind her Twilight opened the door and picked up Starswirl's journal and I handed her a quill and ink well.

"From all of us together, together we're friends with the marks of our destiny's made one there is magic without end," Twilight said as she wrote down the words in the book.

When she finished she closed the book and smiled but then the element of magic began to glow and created a bright sphere around Twilight. The elements shout out a beam at Twilight and everyone was in a panic. The element of magic then grabbed me and pulled me towards Twilight and when it did we vanished leaving only behind a burn mark, and the tiara that held the element of magic fell to the floor.

I woke up to see mist all around me I stood up quickly to see the mist reached my legs and there was a starry void around me I was back in the world between worlds but I wasn't alone.

"Hello-where am I-what is this place," I heard Twilight's voice.

"Twilight is that you," I called out into the mist and saw Twilight come into shape.

"Ash how are you here? Where is here?" Twilight asked as she ran over to me her voice filled with panic.

"It's ok Twilight we're in the world between worlds," I said.

"The world between worlds," Twilight repeated.

"I've been here countless times first when the knights unlocked my magic core and when I have my talks with Faust," I said.

"Wait Faust is here let's go find her and try to get her out," Twilight said.

"You misunderstand Twi Faust sealed herself away to stop Heartless she'll return when she wants too," I said.

"Can I meet her ask her why she wanted me to finish that spell?" Twilight asked.

"In time perhaps but right now there's something more important," I said gesturing to a shape in the fog.

The fog moved closer and took shape of a familiar sun alicorn.

"Congratulations Twilight I knew you could do it," Celestia said as appeared out of the fog.

"Princess I don't understand what did I do?" Twilight asked.

"You did something today that's never been done before something even a great unicorn like Starswirl the bearded was never able to accomplish. Because he did not understand friendship like you do the lessons in Ponyville have taught you well you've proven that you’re ready Twilight," Celestia said.

"Ready, ready for what," Twilight asked only for Celestia to start singing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVjwtQ3GoWI

Once we neared the end of the song Celestia spread her wings and rose into the air a bright glow appeared behind Celestia like the sun that shone down on Twilight. I looked at Twilight to see a piece of raw pure magic leave Twilights chest and circle around her and lifted her up into the air. As Twilight rose into the air I kneeled and Celestia landed when a bright light appeared and when it reached its peak Twilight disappeared leaving me with Celestia.

"So how'd you get here Celestia?" I asked.

"When Twilight completed the spell I was sent to this place and Ash I know this may be asking a bit much but can you show me where mother is?" Celestia asked.

"As much as I want to Celestia I can't if you see Faust now Heartless will escape she had to make a deal to contain Heartless. She had to stay as far away as possible from you and your siblings and I'm not strong enough to fight Heartless yet, so I ask you to be patient a little while longer," I said causing Celestia's ears to flatten against her head which made me feel guilty. "Have faith Celestia I'm working on a plan to let Faust out and keep Heartless caged until I'm strong enough," I said scratching behind her ears earning a smile from the mare as she pressed her head against my hand.

"Thank you Ash I needed those words and Luna was right when it came to scratching behind the ears," Celestia said with a wink.

"It wasn't anything special but I believe you should be going and explain things to Twilight before she freaks out," I said.

"Yes I should and thank again Ash," Celestia said as she disappeared.

"You know you could have said hi instead of asking me to lie to the poor mare I hate lying to others," I said.

"I'm sorry Ash it's just I want to see all of my children at the same time so they don't think I pick favourites," Faust said as she walked out of the fog behind me and walked up to me.

"Spending all your time here must suck I know I'd go bat crazy if I saw something in front of me but could never touch it," I said.

"I may have to stay in this place for eternity but I wish I could get my children to come here like you can instead of like that then I wouldn't mind where I am," Faust said.

"Well I meant what I said," I said.

"Sorry?" Faust asked.

"When I said I'd find a way to get you out but keep Heartless contained until I was ready I meant it," I said.

"I'm certain you did but if it were only possible," Faust said.

"Never give up Faust I promise you I'll figure something out," I said as I placed a hand on her shoulder before I took a few steps forward.

"Don't make a girl a promise if you know you can't keep it," Faust said.

"If there's one thing I do Faust it's I keep my promises," I said as I disappeared.

I appeared above Ponyville and it was night time saw all of my friends and Celestia outside the Golden Oaks Library bowing towards Twilight. I also saw on Twilights back a pair of wings with lavender feathers that matched her fur. She was also a few inches taller and had an hourglass figure along with a bigger bust I flew down towards the group and landed behind Twilight.

"How does it feel Princess Twilight?" I asked as kneeled towards Twilight.

"You knew about this?" Twilight asked gesturing to herself.

"Duh someone had to tell Celestia to give the book to you remember after the incident at my house a while back remember that package I had before we returned to the hospital," I said.

"That was the journal," Twilight said.

"Yes," I said.

"But what do I do now is there a book about being a princess I should read," Twilight asked.

"There will be time for all of that latter,' Celestia said with a small giggle.

"And if you can't find one I'm sure Faust has one after all she's got every single damn book in her library," I said.

Twilight just gave me a sheepish grin.

My friends and I were up in Canterlot inside the same room the wedding took place in. I was standing next to Luna wearing my knighting tunic and cape. The girls wore their own special clothes Rarity designed along with all the guys Soarin included. (He came over this morning and was shocked senseless when he saw Twilights wings.) Rage also wore clothes similar to mine but were red and black and we all stood on the alter while Celestia gave her speech.

"We are gathered here today in celebration of a momentous occasion my faithful student Twilight Sparkle has done many things since she lived in Ponyville. She even helped reunite me with my sister Princess Luna," Celestia said looking at Luna before she looked back at the crowds beside the red carpet that lead to the alter. "But today Twilight Sparkle did something extraordinary she created new magic proving without a doubt she is ready to be crowned Equestria’s newest princess. Fillies and gentlecolts may I present for the very first time Princess Twilight Sparkle," as Celestia finished the doors that lead outside opened to reveal Twilight. She wore a magenta, gold and white dress that Rarity designed with her wings outstretched for authority. She was followed by four identical mares with white manes and blonde manes and tails. They also wore red dresses with white moons on it and carrying a lavender banner with Twilights cutie mark on it. The mares were also followed by four unicorn Solar Guards and they all were singing as well. When Twilight reached the alter Spike handed Celestia a golden crown with the element of magic in it. Twilight then turned around and kneeled so Celestia could place the crown on Twilight’s head. When she did Twilight stood and looked at the girls then me, before she looked at the crowd and the element gave of a pulse of light. The crowd cheered for Twilight as she walked out onto the balcony with the princesses the others and I and waved to the enormous crowd below.

"Say something princess," Celestia whispered to Twilight.

"Oh um a little while ago my teacher and mentor Princess Celestia sent me to live in Ponyville. She sent me to study friendship which was something I didn't really care much about. But now on a day like today I can honestly say I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the friendships I made with all of you," Twilight said as she turned around to look at us. "Each one of you taught me something about friendship and for that I'll always be grateful. Today I consider myself the luckiest pony in Equestria thank you friends thank you everypony," Twilight said as she turned around to face the crowd causing them to cheer before we walked back inside.

"Twilight I'm so proud of you," Shining said as he hugged Twilight.

"Are you crying," Twilight asked jokingly.

"Of course not it's liquid pride totally different thing," Shining said wiping away his tears.

"Y'know Shining my mentor Alex once told me it's alright to cry its just proof you have a heart beating in you," I said.

"Truer words have never been spoken," Cadence said.

"Best coronation day ever," Pinkie said as she appeared out of nowhere and jumped in the air and stayed airborne for 5 seconds.

Twilight was then wrapped in a hug her friends before they went down to the carriage bay and the guards split the crowds to the sides making a pathway. All of a sudden a gold and purple chariot with Twilight's cutie mark came out the doors and down the make shift road. Twilight sat in it and waved to the crowds and sang along with the others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Rpq4RRpTeU

Later that Night

I was sitting in the castle dining room with most of the royal family, my friends and Twilight's parents and Rage. I was happily eating some chicken and everything was great except one thing Blueblood. I heard Twilight's parents talking to Comet and they were thrilled to find out he was dating her. But when Velvet asked Twilight how good Comet was in bed Comet fainted on the spot causing many to laugh and for Twilight to scream at her mom in embracement.

"So anything new with you Ash like say a special somepony?" Cadence asked causing me to almost spit out my drink.

"I thought we moved on from the awkward questions," I teased.

"Aw c'mon Ash you must have found somepony," Rarity said with mischief in her voice.

"That depends," I said.

"On what?" Cadence asked.

"If I want to say anything at all," I said as I stuck out my tongue at her causing her to pout but then her eyes lit up.

"That tongue looks quite flexible perfect for Preach kissing," Cadence said causing Luna's cheeks to turn red and for me to stop eating.

"I'm afraid I lost my appetite if you'll excuse me I'll be off to bed," I said as I stood up and was about to walk to the door.

"Good riddance monster," Blueblood said earning him a glare from my friends.

"Hey Blueblood didn't you think it’s your ugly mug that is putting me off my appetite," I said causing the room to erupt in laughter from the guards, maids, my friends and the princesses while Blueblood was so mad I thought I saw steam coming out of his ears. I high fived Shining before I walked to the doors I was about to walk out, but not before I caught a last glimpse at Luna smiling at me.

Midnight

I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling the bad gut wrenching feeling since Celestia asked us to stay tonight hasn't left me alone at all. I normally was able to sleep but I just couldn't so I got out of bed and decided to take a walk through the castle to try and clear my thoughts. I checked on Dust to see he was happily sleeping on a bird stand so I left him rest. I then got into some clothing and left my room and walked around the corridors. There were a few Luna guards out tonight I gave them a small wave which they returned with either a nod, wave or hello before I passed them. I was walking inside a corridor that had a view of Twilights old tower. I looked at the tower and remembered Twilight and the rest of the mane 6 plus stallions would be staying there tonight. I was about to turn my gaze away when I saw 9 figures running along the grounds towards the tower. I opened a window and jumped out and ran over to them but stayed out of sight. I hid behind a fountain and in the light of Luna's moon, I saw that these 9 were dressed the same as the ponies that attacked my home.

"Templars," I thought to myself.

The ponies reached the tower but didn't use the front door instead they went to the side where the balcony was and pulled out some grappling hooks. I snapped my fingers and changed into my assassin robes and was armed with my hidden blades and Whispering Wind. But I remembered if Twilight and the others saw me they'd want an explanation of why I killed these guys. I then remembered a trick that Corvo once taught me for situations like this. I snapped my fingers and looked down and saw my shadow was leaving the ground. My shadow crawled its way over my body coating me in black. I then pulled out my disguise ring and put it on turning into my unicorn self before I looked back at the Templars. I saw they managed to set their hooks on the balcony and started to climb. I ran out of my hiding spot and over to the doors and opened them and ran up the stairs silently. I reached the room on the top floor and looked through the key hole and saw the room was a giant library with a massive hourglass in the centre of the room. On the next level of the room was where the mane 6 and their coltfreinds were sleeping, while Trixie, Spike and Gilda slept next to the base of stairs. The mane 6 slept on the same bed as their coltfreinds while Gilda, Trixie and Spike slept on their own. I slipped inside and stayed in the shadows and moved to the balcony window and waited for the Templars to come. Suddenly, I saw 9 shadows had finally appeared and climbed over the railing they walked over to the window. The Templars picked the lock and entered the room and looked around the room before they walked further inside. They walked past the hourglass and I followed but made sure to keep myself out of sight. The group walked until they stopped in front of Spike, Gilda and Trixie.

"Sir what do we do with these ones?" One of the Templars asked.

"Our orders were to clear kill everyone in the room," The leader said.

"But what about the dragon our blades won't even tickle him," another said.

"That's why we have dragons bane you dolt now you three take them out while the rest of you take out the rest I'll take care of the new princess," the leader said I recognized dragons bane was a type of poison specially designed for dragons.

While 6 of the Templars went upstairs the other three made their way over to the Trixie, Spike and Gilda. I decided to make my move and crept up behind the Templars and went for the two closest. I extended my hidden blades and walked in-between them and stabbed them in their necks and let them fell to the floor. I turned to the last guard who was about to turn around and investigate what made the noise. But, when he did I stabbed him in the heart and laid him down gently before I went upstairs. I saw them reach the top one of them walked over to the bed closest which held Rarity and Thunderlane and pulled out a knife. I grabbed the Templar by his mouth and broke his neck and continued onto the next bed. The bed held Applejack and Caramel and the both looked very peaceful. The Templar drew a knife but I stabbed him in the spine and covered his mouth to stop him from screaming and laid him on the floor. The next held Fluttershy and Mac he raised his knife and brought it down on Fluttershy. But, I grabbed him and pulled him away and broke his neck before he even made a peep. I looked at the bed to see the blade just missed Fluttershy. Fluttershy just turned over in the bed causing me to release the breath I was holding. I then pulled the blade out of the pillow so Fluttershy wouldn't hurt herself during the night. I went over to the last three next was Rainbow Dash and Soarin. I walked up calmly and grabbed the Templars mouth and brought my blade across his neck causing him to gag and die. I saw one of the last Templars was about to go for Pinkie who fell out of bed. There was not enough time for me to get to them and stop him so I used my phantom blade and shot a dart at the Templars neck. I ran at the Templar before he hit the floor and alert his friend. I managed to catch the guy and pulled out the dart in his neck so I left no evidence I was here. I saw the leader draw his sword and was going for Twilight but, while I watched I forgot about the knife the dead Templar held was still in his grip. The knife fell to the floor letting the metal ring out the Templar spun around saw me. But I placed the guy on the floor but when I looked up the leader tried to stab me with his sword. I dodged to the side and saw the blade was made of some type of stone. I grabbed the pony by his shirt and threw him over the railing only problem he grabbed my arm and I went with him. We landed on the floor and I rolled away from the Templar and stood up and saw he was up as well with his sword in hand. I saw he was a unicorn so I had to be cautious with this guy’s magic. We stared at each other for a few seconds before the Templar spoke.

"Who are you and why'd you kill my stallions?" the Templar asked.

I didn't answer his question and remained silent.

"Are you here to protect the fake princess?" the Templar asked.

I still remained silent.

"It doesn't matter if you speak or not you’re still gonna die," the Templar said as he disappeared.

He reappeared on my right and slashed at my leg causing me to grunt in pain I heard the Templar snicker at me. I stood up straight and taunted him with index and middle finger for him to come at me before I got in a stance. The Templar scoffed at me before he charged at me but I blocked his attack and twisted his arm causing him to cry a little in pain and drop his sword. I kicked the sword away and pushed the Templar causing him to stumble onto one of his dead comrades. He picked up a knife and drew a sword that was on the corpse and threw the knife at me. I just simply moved my head to the side and watched as the blade flew by. I looked back at the Templar and saw the Templar charge at me ready to cut me in two. I ran at the Templar and rolled underneath the blade and stopped next to the sword I kicked away. The Templar turned around and had his back to the giant hour glass he was ready to spill blood. I looked at the blade next to my foot and stomped on the hilt launching it into the air before I caught it and threw it at the Templar. The sword impaled the Templar right below his horn and pierced the hour glass. His eyes rolled into his skull and blood leaked through the cracks staining the sand in the glass red.

"Your time has come," I thought smirking at my own pun before I walked over to the Templar corpse. I yanked off his necklace and taped my forehead and then closed his eyes "Sleep in peace," I said as I did the motions.

I then felt eyes on me I turned around and I saw both Trixie and Spike were awake staring at me in shock. I decided to just play it cool by placing the necklace into my pocket and turning around and walking away. I took a few steps away but Trixie screamed at the top of her lungs causing everyone to wake up but go pale when they saw the corpses in the room. When they went to go check on Trixie they saw me and I looked at the group before I sighed.

So much for the leaving calmly I thought.

I ran to the balcony and jumped off and turned around to grab a rope and slid down it thankful I was wearing my gloves otherwise I would have rope burn. Once I reached the ground I teleported to the infirmary. Everyone was asleep so I quietly and quickly grabbed a bandage for my leg before I teleported to my room. I took off my disguise ring and the shadow spell and began to wrap the bandage around my leg. Once I finished I then changed into the clothes I wore before and returned my weapons to their places before I heard hooves approaching.

"Sir Ash Blade you must come at once," Somepony said.

"I'll be right there," I called once I checked everything was hidden I walked over to the door trying not to limp and opened it to see a Night Guard. "What's the problem?" I asked.

"It's the Elements of Harmony sir and Princess Twilight Sparkle and their friends," the guard said

"What's wrong are they alright?" I asked.

"Yes sir but there has been a murder in their room," the guard replied.

"What do you mean if Twilight and the others are alright then who was murdered?" I asked.

"That's just it sir we don't know who was murdered," the guard said.

"Have the princesses and Rage been notified," I asked.

"Yes their on their way," the guard said.

"Right let's fly there it'll be faster," I said as I spread my wings and took off with the guard next to me.

I flew in from the balcony and I saw the girls were there all staring at the mess I made while the guys conferred them.

"Are you all alright?" I asked as I walked over to them.

"Ash it's them again," Twilight said as she pointed to the lead pony impaled in the hour glass.

I saw Rage looking at the pony as well so I walked over to him.

"I can't believe this happened again only to my friends," I said.

"Yeah but whoever did this has skill 4 quick clean deaths 4 took a single strike to kill but this guy was pretty beat up," Rage said.

I looked at the corpse behind me and saw a vial filled with black liquid in his belt. I reached for the vial and picked it up and studied it closely. I then saw Celestia, Luna, dream Catcher, and Chrysalis arrive they saw my friends before Celestia wrapped her wings around the group in a hug. I then walked over to the group with the vial in my hand before I addressed Spike.

"Hey Spike which bed were you sleeping in," I asked.

"One on the left," Spike said.

I nodded to Spike before I uncorked the vial and took a sniff quickly pushing it away and corking it again.

"What is that Ash?" Dream Catcher asked.

"Dragons bane," I said handing it to Dream Catcher.

Twilight griped Spike tightly and the look of fear was frozen on Spike’s face while I just walked back over to the hour glass and looked at the pony impaled on it.

"Get anything from this guy," I asked.

"Nothing no orders no identity nothing," Rage said.

Just then the doors burst open and Shining, Cadence and Twilights parents ran in Shining's face was ready to spill blood and all the guards moved away from him. Shining looked at me but I just pointed over to Twilight Cadence, Shining and his parents were overjoyed when they saw Twilight. They ran over to her and hugged her and I turned my gaze back onto the lead pony and grabbed the sword that held him to the hour glass. I gave it a yank but it wouldn't budge I gripped it in two hands and after a while I managed to pull it out and let the body fall to the floor.

”Man I really got you jammed in there huh,” I thought before I looked at the blade made of stone "Hey Rage look at this blade," I said.

Rage did so but looked puzzled.

"Why do these guys have a sword made of stone?" Rage asked.

"How would I know,” I said as I walked over to the group with Rage. "Hey Pinkie you used to be a rock farmer right?" I asked earning a nod from the now flat maned mare. "Can you tell me what type of stone this is," I asked handing her the blade.

Pinkie took the blade and looked at it closely.

"I'm sorry Ash I've never seen this type of rock before," Pinkie said as she handed the sword back to me.

"May I see it?" Celestia asked.

I handed the blade to Celestia for her to inspect it when she did her eyes widened in fear.

"Alicorn stone," Celestia said grimly.

"What's alicorn stone?" I asked.

"Alicorn stone is a type of rock that was used to kill alicorns it's very rare to find and most have forgotten it exists," Celestia explained.

I looked at Twilight and saw she was the one being gripped by her friends and family.

"So this was an assassination attempt but who stopped it?" I asked.

"I saw who," Spike said causing me to tense up

"Really who was it?" Cadence asked.

"I don't know precisely because he well it was a shadow," Spike said.

"A Shadow?" Luna asked interested.

"Yeah but not the one connected to your feet it was like someone had just cut him out of the universe leaving a moving black hole that looked like a pony," Spike said.

"Can you tell us anything else?" Celestia asked.

"Yeah he had a horn and he took something from that guy's neck," Spike said as he pointed to the lead pony.

"This guy must know more about these guys then we do," Rage said.

"So he saved us," Fluttershy suggested.

"Either that or he didn't want to split the pay with his comrades when he did away with my sister," Shining said.

"Shining Armour!" Cadence scowled.

"I'm just throwing out possibilities if this guy killed these nine then this guy is dangerous," Shining said.

"Well when that shadow was here he fought that guy that was impaled on the hour glass the guy didn't know who he is so it's obvious they weren't working together. Also that shadow was injured in his right thigh," Spike said.

"That's something we can use I'll send out guards to look for a unicorn with an injured thigh," Shining said as he stood.

"Well I think he's a hero," Twilight said.

"Why do you say that darling?" Rarity asked.

"In front of our beds there is one corpse obviously this shadow was able to stop them from harming us," Rarity suggested.

"Perhaps but I want to bring this so called shadow in for questioning if he knows something about these ponies that I don't then I want to find out what it is," Celestia said.

"Well I believe such investigations will have to wait it's nearly dawn," I said as I stood up.

"Has that much time passed already," Celestia said as she stood up.

"It's probably for the best if we have a nice calming breakfast before you all leave," Luna suggested.

All my friends nodded in agreement before we left the tower leaving the guards to clean up.

No one said a thing at breakfast which was understandable I know I wouldn't want to say anything either. After breakfast I went to my room to pack my luggage and collect Dust once I did I heard a knock on the door. I walked over to the door and opened it and saw Luna.

"Hi Luna what can I do for you," I asked.

"I just wanted to know how you were feeling after all ponies similar to these ones attacked you home," Luna said.

"Honestly I'm thankful that shadow showed up when he did I should have expected that there were ponies that didn't approve of Twilight becoming a princess," I said.

"How do you know that?" Luna asked.

"Alicorn stone sword remember if there is one thing you don't do is you don't carry gear like that unless you plan on killing an alicorn," I said.

"True but it’s still terrifying to think this is happening," Luna said.

"Don't worry Luna everything will be fine," I said as I hugged her

"Thank you Ash just hearing you say that fills me with confidence," Luna said as she looked up at me.

"Luna if I may ask why are we hiding our feelings from the others don't you think we should tell them?" I asked.

"Yes how about next time were all together and at the right time we'll tell them," Luna said.

"Great idea and I should let you know your mother found out about us," I said.

"She did!" Luna yelled in surprise.

"Yeah and she's happy for us," I said.

A smile made its way onto Luna's face that threatened to split her face before she kissed me we held the kiss for a bit before Dust squawked snapping us out of it.

"What you jealous," I said teasingly Dust just rolled his eyes while Luna giggled.

"Come we must be on our way," Luna said gesturing to the door.

I gave her a smile before I grabbed my luggage and gestured for Dust to get on my shoulder which he did before I walked out with Luna. I met the others at the train station and said my goodbyes to Twilights parents the princesses and Shining and hopped aboard. Surprisingly Rage asked to come along with us to provide additional protection and to get to know my friends better.

Once we arrived I stretched out my wings and looked around and saw most of Ponyville came to greet their new princess. After a little ceremony for Twilight the girls returned home but Rage wanted to talk to me and the guys and Spike about something. We walked with Rage until we were outside Ponyville before he addressed me.

“Alright Ash spill what are you hiding,” Rage said.

“What are you talking about?” I asked.

“It was you who killed those ponies last night you made it pretty convincing but when Spike said the so called shadow was wounded in the leg. And I saw you hiding the limping I knew it was you also Spike told me the guy had a sword on his back. And if you want proof show us your thigh if it’s fine then I’ll admit I was wrong and wear a pink tutu around Canterlot for a week,” Rage said.

I saw all the stallions were surprised by the accusation but looked at me waiting my answer I let out a sigh before I spoke.

“Ok you caught me I’m the shadow that killed those ponies,” I said getting the stallions to gasp.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Spike asked.

“None of you were supposed to know anything but since I’m discovered I’ll tell you then you can tell everyone else,” I said.

“I’ll hear the story first before I decide to tell anyone,” Rage said which the others nodded.

“Very well but I choose where I tell you ok,” I said.

“Ok then where?” Comet asked.

“Rage can you take them to the Everfree library I’ll meet you there once I grab something to help explain the story,” I said.

“Alright but if you run I’ll tell,” Rage said.

“I won’t run I promise,” I said.

Rage gave a single nod before he and the others vanished I then teleported to my room and grabbed the Apple of Eden and placed it in a small pouch Rarity made for me. I teleported to the Everfree library and I walked in and saw the others standing around waiting for me.

“Ok now that we’re here let’s go in,” I said.

“But were already in,” Soarin said gesturing to the room.

“Not the in I was talking about before I show you stallions and dragon you must pinkie promise me you won’t reveal what I’m about to show you to anyone. You can reveal what I did once I explain but not where I told you.

“Cross my heart and hope to fly stick a cup cake in my eye,” the stallions and dragon said as they did the gestures.

I gave a nod before I kicked the emblem and the door opened causing the group to go slack jawed before I walked down the tunnel with the others right behind me. We walked inside and the boys were dumbstruck by the room.

“Hey what’s that?” Spike asked as he went to touch the orb.

“DON’T TOUCH THAT!” I yelled causing Spike to freeze. “It’s a gateway to Faust’s prison for humans I don’t know how it will effect dragons and ponies and I really don’t want to know,” I said while Spike stepped away from the orb

“Hey check it out Ash got his own statue,” Thunderlane said pointing at my statue.

“The knights made that but anyway you want to know the story about why I killed those ponies right,’ I said getting the group to gather around.

I told them the story from start to finish even about Altair’s, Ezio’s and Arno’s past. I told them about the Templar order and the Brotherhood the three civilizations before mine. I even showed them the Apple of Eden which they were awestruck by.

“So this secret war has made its way to Equestria and those ponies from your home and Canterlot those Templars were just war casualties,” Comet said.

“And now you’ve been asked to end it here as well,” Mac said.

“You’ve pretty much got it,” I said.

“Well I’ve made my decision,” Rage said as he stood up after sitting down while I explained and paused for dramatic effect. “I want to join you,” Rage finally said.

“What!” I shouted.

“You said this is a war and I want to help you win it we’re brothers now and brothers are supposed to look out for each other,” Rage said placing a hand on my shoulder.

“I’ll join too,”

“I looked to see Spike was the one who spoke.

“Same here,” Mac said.

“I’m in,” Soarin said.

“Me five,” Caramel said.

“Bring it,” Thunderlane said.

“Count me in,” Pierce said.

“Why not,” Comet said.

I was shocked by what everyone said before I pushed Rage’s hand off

“Are you all nuts I’m not going to drag you all down with me if I’m caught and what about the girls? If I got one of you killed I’d never forgive myself and if your discovered it could destroy your relationship and I don’t want you to become killers,” I said.

“Ash we’ve watched the girls save Equestria many times now and we’ve never been able to do anything except pray. We all want to protect Equestria like them but we never had a way how to but when you explained the story I knew I would be able to do something. Even if it’s like this if we can protect Equestria then I don’t mind I just don’t want to be living in a shadow anymore,” Spike said.

At those words I remembered when Luna said she was tired of living in her sister’s shadow and that led her on her dark path I then turned to the rest of my friends to hear them speak.

“We can handle our marefriends if were caught,” Soarin said.

“And you’ll just need to help us not get ourselves killed,” Comet said.

“And these Templars messed with our marefriends and us if they’re that bad I wouldn’t mind getting a little blood on my hands,” Mac said.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing my best friends were telling me that they wanted to become assassins to serve Equestria not that I thought it was crazy. I stared at them before I took a breath and sighted.

“Just wait a minute,” I said as I walked to the orb and touched it.

“Faust I need your help,” I called out once I appeared in Faust’s library.

“Hello Ash what do you need?” Faust asked as she stood up from her desk.

“Well you see,” I said as I began my tale when I finished Faust eyes were closed and her face had a neutral expression.

“I see,” Faust said.

“I’m sorry Faust I don’t know what to do,” I said as I held my head down.

Faust just walked over to a shelf and opened a box and pulled out 8 aqua coloured crystals and 4 gold crystals. She then waked over to me lifted my head up and placed the crystals in my hand.

“Give these to each of your friends and Rage then tell them to close their eyes and relax but there will be pain,” Faust said

“What will these do?” I asked.

“They want to join the brotherhood then its fine by me,” Faust said with a smile.

“What?” I said shocked.

“Ash you will need help in future like you did back in the tower with these 8 they will be a great help to you. These crystals will give them some upgrades in combat but you will need to help them sharpen their skills,” Faust said.

I bowed my head to Faust and sighed.

“Understood Faust,” I said.

“Don’t worry Ash with your training and these crystals they’ll be fine also you can use the secret room as your HQ. Also tell the ones who can’t use magic those gold crystals will serve as a teleporter to get you back to the room,” Faust said pointing to the gold crystals.

I gave a nod to Faust before I left.

I returned to the room and looked at my friends.

“Well what did Faust say?” Rage asked.

I walked over to the group and handed each of them an aqua crystal.

“Ok now what?” Spike asked.

“Close your eyes and relax,’ I said.

They did what I asked and the crystals began to glow but then the group started screaming in pain and their bodies began to glow. It continued for a while until the glow dimed and the screams stopped. The group were all on their hands and knees before they stood up and opened their eyes and saw they were wearing assassin robes. Rage wore red and black robes with Fury and Hate on his hips and hidden blades. Spike’s robes were green, purple and dark green and had a pair of revolver pistols on chest and a kukri on his hip and hidden blades. Comet also had hidden blades and yellow and purple robes with a pair of knifes on his hip. Thunderlane had dark grey and silver robes with hidden blades and a short sword on his hip and some throwing knives crossing his chest. Soarin had light blue and purple robes and hidden blades and sword and knife. Pierce had dark blue and silvery blue robes with throwing knives a machete and hidden blades. Caramel had dark yellow and chestnut brown robes with hidden blades and a tomahawk on his hip. Mac had maroon red and hay yellow robes he also had hidden blades and a war hammer on his hip. the group looked themselves over in surprise while I smiled.

“Welcome to the brotherhood and remember nothing is true everything is permitted,” I said to the group.