Order vs Harmony

by Magenta Gleam

First published 13th of August, 2016

Shaun and Erica go to a convention and are suddenly thrown into Equestria as Desmond Miles and Lucy Stillman. When things go wrong between them and the princess they are turned to stone. But what effects does their presence have on the world?

Shaun and Erica decided to go to the Supanova pop culture convention with their friend Chris but are separated when they buy a pair of objects from a mysterious salesman. Will they ever see their friend again and more importantly... What effect will their presence have on the peaceful and happy ponies of Equestria?

Tags may be updated as the story is written.

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This is a Displaced story.

Prologue - Part I

We’ve all heard the stories. Tales of costumed convention attendees disappearing without a trace. I, like the majority always dismissed it as a modern urban legend. Just the newest in a series of tall stories created by those with more time than common sense. Even when those that knew the disappearing party made a fuss we blew them off. Things like that don’t just happen, knowing people these days they probably just wandered off and started a new life. People can be selfish and leave people behind like that. Little did I know at the time those stories were true and I was about to find out in the best and worst way.

It all started with an email...

“What are we doing guys? All we do is sit around the house, play magic:the gathering, video games and talk shit.” I said while looking over my small group of friends.

“What the hell else are we supposed to do? It’s not like any of us have work for the next few days and there’s shit all to do in this crappy town.” Answered Chris, his mouth filling every sentence with a range of expletives.

“Hey Shaun, check out the forums. Maybe there’s a new game coming out or something. Release days are always heaps of fun.” Added another of my friends. Erica was a short girl, barely standing over five feet tall and was the voice of reason in our little group.

“Yeah sure, give us a sec. I just want to check my emails.”

I switch the screen of my computer on and waited as it powered up, when it showed my desktop I quickly ran my fingers through my short black hair before lowering my hand to the mouse and opening up a browser. Clicking my way into gmail I looked through the usual spam, trying to find a golden ticket. Something that would give us something to do other than sit around and repeat the same actions ad neuseum.

Scrolling through the long list of crap I almost missed it, lodged between a fake email for overpriced sunglasses and a forum update was a newsletter from Supanova.

“Hey guys, I think I might have found something.” I said with excitement in my voice.

“What’s up dude?” Chris asked. “I haven’t seen you this bloody excited since your last pay rise.”

I looked at my friends and pointed at the screen before saying the only word I needed to. “Supanova.”

“Ohh hell yeah! It’s been ages since we’ve gone to a con! Oooh ooh we should all do matching costumes! That would be so cool.” Erica said in a verbal blur, her body almost vibrating as she climbed up from the comfy couch in the lounge and ran over to the computer.

“Huh, that actually sounds like a damn good idea Shaun. For once.” He added, poking his tongue out at me. “Nah but really this seems like a good idea. How long do we have?”

“We have two months to get ready if we all want to be in costume.” I told them, my mind already thinking over every possible costume I could prepare in that time.

There wasn’t much, but after rent, bills and everything else we at least still had a little bit to play with. Enough to get a bunch of fabric and make a few basic costumes. That was when an important question struck me. “Do any of us actually have any idea how to sew?” I asked my friends.

“Nah dude why would I know that? I mean we did a class on it back in bloody high school but did anyone ever actually pay attention to any of that shit?” Chris answered.

“I do! I do! I do!” Erica jumped up and down while crying out.

“Since when? I remember we had that class together and you slept through most of it.” I asked my hyperactive friend.

“Yeah but when you get into as many accidents as I do it’s cheaper to fix your clothes than to always buy new ones.” She explained with a sheepish look on her face.

Chris and I laughed at that. Whenever anyone did something stupid in our group it was usually Erica, her excitable mind often forgetting some safety measure and making a mess of herself.

“Hey stop laughing at me you guys! It’s mean to laugh at your friends!” She said, pouting.

“You know it’s all in good fun Erica.” I said smiling at her.

“Whatever, you guys are jerks. In fact I might not sew your costumes anymore.” She said, turning her back to us defiantly before turning back. “Nah! This is going to be way too much fun!”

“So what crappy characters are we going to be for this?” Chris asked. “I bet you guys want some boring shit like that pony show you guys are obsessed with.”

“Nah that would be way too hard. Let’s go with something we all like.”

“I know! We all loved those assassins creed games didn’t we?” Erica asked while looking at us.

“Yeah! Those games always kick ass, even if Unity happened.” Chris said.

“Unity never happened.” I said while completely deadpan. “But who should be be?”

“I could be Lucy! She was pretty badass in 2 and her costume looks super easy.” Erica practically bounced when she told us who she wanted to be. “Ohh and you should be Desmond, Shaun! You two look almost the same, even if you are way too thin and don’t have the scar on your face.”

“Ohh no no no, that leaves me with the english dick! There is no way I’m going to be him!” Chris almost spat while backing up.

“Dude chill. You don’t have to be a good guy. You could always be Cross, he was pretty badass.” I told my friend, trying to calm him down.

“Yeah true, he did look pretty cool.”

Erica jumped again, looking over us with a keen eye. “Well everybody, we’ve got two months to get ready and we’ll be needing every spare moment to get it done.”

As my friends and I finally climbed off the train at the Melbourne Showgrounds we all sighed with relief. Living in a small town out in the country meant that the journey had taken hours and even after getting up at 6 in the morning we still didn’t arrive at the showground until after 11. The biggest relief came when I remembered that we had booked a hotel back in the city so we wouldn’t have to do the massive journey for all three days.

We all checked over our costumes, making sure that every detail was right after how much time and effort -most of all Erica’s- went into making sure they were perfect. I looked over my white hoodie with its deep red lining and rim around the bottom. My black and red bag was still secured over my shoulder, my wrist blade was securely attached and silenced pistol was attached to the back of my pants. Yes I know that he didn’t have that for most of his parts of the game but I like it so had it.

Next came Erica, dressed up as Lucy Stillman. Every detail was perfect from the form fitting white top, black belt with a rectangular metal buckle that had a raised section in the centre to the lightly weathered denim jeans and black baton.

Last of all was Chris who looked perfect as Daniel Cross. A brown leather jacket over a slightly lighter brown hoodie with a mustard yellow lining, a padded vambrace over his right arm covering his hand and only leaving the fingers bare, brown cargo pants and military surplus boots. With his tall figure, lightly tanned skin and short brown hair he was an almost perfect replica of the assassin turned templar.

Knowing that our costumes were as perfect as they were ever going to be we looked up at each other with a massive amount of excitement. Erica linked arm with us and dragged us up to the entrance, the lanyards around our necks with our three day passes in them allowing us through without a fuss.

For hours we just had a heap of fun, running from exhibit to exhibit and enjoying the sights and sounds (not the smells though, anyone who has been to a con knows what I’m talking about) of the convention. At some point Erica and I broke away from Chris, who after hearing what we were going to do ducked out as quickly as possible. Honestly, who wouldn’t want to meet John De Lancie? After taking a few quick pictures with the man we rushed back out to look for Chris.

But as we moving from one overpriced stall to another something caught my eye. I dragged Erica to the booth I had found and showed her something special. It was a real metal replica of Desmond’s hidden blade. As I looked at the masterpiece Erica found something to peak her interest, a similar device to the one I was looking at but it had what looked like a miniature battery attached to it and a flat panel held between the holding straps.

“Ooh! This is like the shock blade from Syndicate! Her mister, how much as this?” Erica asked a tall man wearing a large hooded black jacket and a mottled purple piece of fabric covering his face.

“Twenty bucks” A voice growled out from behind the fabric.

“That’s so good! Here!” Erica practically threw the money at the man before snatching the shock blade up and attaching it to her wrist. “This is so cool!”

“You want that other one kid?” The man asked while turning to me. “That’ll be fifteen.”

Without a word I pulled the money out of my wallet. There was no way I was going to let a real metal replica pass me buy at that price. I mean even the plastic ones at EBGames were like fourty. Immediately I removed my plastic hidden blade and attached it to my right arm before pulling up the new metal one, attaching it to my dominant left arm.

I looked back over to Erica who was looking at me with a big smile on her face. She jumped forward and wrapped her arms around me, giving me a giant hug. One of the things I’ve had to get used to over the years of knowing this girl was her massively affectionate nature and being a bit of a loner it was quite the adjustment. But the kindness of this girl was not to be held at bay and I quickly found myself enjoying it.

“Hey Shaun, Erica.” A call broke through the crowds and we watched as Chris dragged his way between the people to get to us. “Did you guys find anything good? I was just abo-” Chris’ voice was cut off as a bright light surrounded Erica and I, still holding onto each other.

The world became nothing but Erica, me and the bright whiteness stretching in all directions. We stood there until the white changed, some of it solidified into colors that shifted, stretched and disappeared. When the colored came close by a sharp pain rolled through my body and probably Erica’s too from the screams I could hear next to me. In time there was nothing but shifting colors and the pain was constant. We could do nothing but scream as we held each other. All of a sudden the colors disappeared and we felt ourselves falling as a hole appeared below us.

A moment before we fell through the hole I could see… something. Something white and something else. Something blue. Then we hit the ground hard and everything went black.

“Well dear sister. What dost thou make of these strange beasts?” A blue alicorn asked the white one who stood beside her.

The white alicorn looked over the two beings that had crashed into their throne room through a portal in the sky before answering. “I’m not sure Lulu. Maybe we should wait for them to wake before making any judgements.”

“A prudent idea Tia. We agree wholeheartedly. It would do us no good to judge them too harshly if they didn’t not intend to appear in our throne room.” ‘Lulu’ agreed.

The two monarchs lifted one each of the strange bipedal creatures into an adjacent room before returning to the throne room and calling out to the masses of ponies that stood slack jawed after the spectacle they had just seen.

“Court is dismissed my little ponies. Please return tomorrow if you have matters that still need to be dealt with.” The alabaster alicorn called out to her subjects.

Grumbling that they had been sent away they all left the lavishly decorated room leaving the two rulers and a small contingent of guards behind.

“We guess we should go see if our guests are okay, their fall was a grand one.” The midnight blue alicorn spoke before leading her sister into the adjacent room.

To their surprise one of the creatures was already standing and in perfect Equish said. “Oh fuck no.”

I open my eyes while sucking in a massive breath as pain arched through my back. Swinging my feet to the side I throw my legs off a… couch. Okay now, I’m sitting on a dark blue couch and Erica is laying next to me. I hear a muffled voice coming from the room outside a door on the other side of the room before a chorus of other voices follow it and the sounds of people moving starts then stops. Another voice calls out from beyond the door and I can hear a few words as it gets closer. “.......guest…..fall…..grand one.”

The sound of footstep grew closer until a tall blue equine form comes through the door followed by and even taller white one. Wait… I know these forms…. I attempted to clear the fog in my brain keeping me from knowing who and what I was looking at, and then suddenly everything became very clear. Holy crap! That’s Celestia and Luna! What the fuck is going on here?

I sat there for several moments, my brain running at a million miles a minute but my body unable to move. Slowly I found myself able to move and said the first thing that came into my mind. “Oh fuck no.”

Before the impossible creatures in front of me could say anything in response I felt the body next to me shift.

“Ohh did anybody get the number of that bus?” Erica said while sitting up and rubbing her head. The moment she looked up however she froze like I did.

Celestia took the moment of silence to talk to us. “Hello. It seems as if we speak the same language. May I ask who you are and how you appeared in our throne room?

Erica and I just sat there in complete silence, shock removing our ability to function on even a basic level. Then Erica snapped and threw herself forward screaming. “PONY!” She wrapped her arms around Luna and gave her a big hug, unlike any she had ever given Chris or I.

“Unhand me at once!” Yelled the midnight blue alicorn.

Celestia turned to Erica, lighting her horn with a look of rage on her face. “Let go of her now or I will burn you to cinders creature.” The anger and power in her voice made Erica let out a loud “eep!” before she let go of Luna.

“Wait!” I cried. “She didn’t mean any harm princess. She is just excitable around cute things.” I explained as fast as I could.

“She-She thinks I’m cute?” The blue alicorn stammered.

“Of course!” You’re the cutest giant pony ever!” She said, looking up at the princess.

“I’m sorry for yelling at you. I was stunned by your sudden action.” Celestia said to Erica. “Please don’t take actions like that in the future. We have only recently come out of a large war and the nation as a whole is still on edge.

“It’s ok princess. I’ll try to calm down.” Erica said, struggling against her nature to bring herself back to sit next to me. When suddenly she turned to me. “Shaun, is it just me or do we sound different?”

The moment she said it I noticed, her voice was very different to how it had been until very recently. But that wasn’t the only thing I noticed, she was suddenly taller and had more muscle definition on her arms. Her face had remained the same but it was like all the rest of her had changed.

“You sound and look like Lucy, except for your face. You still look like you, but not you.” I told her.

“And you sound like Desmond! Wait wait wait wait, your face! You have a scar on your lip” She said, pointing to my face.

I raised my hand to my lips and ran my fingers over them gently, feeling a slight bump when my fingers reached the right side of my lip. Holy crap I got his scar! I started to hyperventilate but Erica wrapped her arms around me and slowly my heart and breathing started to slow.

“Sorry about that everyone. I guess the moment just got to me a bit there.” I half-explained to those around me.

“It’s okay, thou said two names before. Lucy and Desmond we think. Be that who you are?” Luna asked us.

Erica and I looked at each other, not sure how to answer until we both had the same thought.

Why not?

“Yes your majesties. I am Desmond Miles and this is my friend Lucy Stillman, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” I said while giving them a small bow.

“It is lovely to meet you also Mr Miles and Ms Stillman. There is more than we would like to ask you but it is getting late. Would you mind staying here in our castle until another opportunity to speak comes?” Celestia asked. “I can assure you that you’ll have the greatest of comfort if you accept.”

“I think that sounds like a good idea.” I answered the diarch.

“Excellent. I’ll have a servant come to bring you to your rooms.” Celestia said before walking off, closing the door behind her.

Erica and I looked at each other, massive smiles on our faces. It didn’t take long before we both spewed forth words from our mouths.

“Holy crap we’re in Equestria!”

“I will miss you terribly friends. I wish you well on your travels.” Celestia said to Erica and I as she waved us away from the Castle of the two Sisters.

As much as we enjoyed living in the castle with the diarchs it was getting more and more difficult to hide our identities and our foreknowledge from having watched the show. Especially with how close we had gotten with the moon princess. Every day it seemed she would try to include us in some prank on her sister or just to go through a walk in the palace gardens and every night she would ask us to stargaze with her. As much as we enjoyed it though the more time we spent with the alicorn the harder it was to keep our secrets.

The situation became untenable when they started to ask about certain objects we had brought with us, namely our wrist blades and my pistol. With Equestria’s extreme dislike of violence we weren’t willing to reveal what these devices were. As we didn’t want to color the diarchs opinions of us with images of the death our possessions were capable of spreading.

And so we headed out, to explore Equestria in a time before our knowledge. Our first steps took us into a much younger and nicer version of the everfree forest we knew, it’s thin capony let in a lot of light which made the walk an extremely enjoyable one. We could see however that not all things had began over the fall of Luna. Bright blue patches of poison joke were visible off to the sides of the path and small manticores probably about the size of a cat were scampering through the trees.

After a few hours we made it to the edge of the forest and found that we were looking at the tall figure of an apple tree. When we looked past it we could see more, stretching long beyond the horizon. When I came to the base however I could see it was far too tall to just reach up and grab those extremely delicious looking fruits.

“Maybe we could look around and see if any survived falling onto the grass?” Erica asked me, looking at how tall the trees were.

“Yeah maybe… actually hold on. I want to try something.” I answered her before stopping in front of the tree.

I placed a hand on the tree and closed my eyes, before opening them wide. In a flash the world changed before my eyes, everything was blue and grey. Everything but the tree in front of me, the tree was a bright green and had missing points in the color. Placing my hands and feet in these points allowed me to climb up the tree easily, like it was second nature. In seconds I had reached the height of the apples and removed a few from the branches, storing them easily in my bag. Suddenly the world shifted back into the correct colors and I found myself sitting on a long branch above Erica’s head. With a final move I jumped, rolling on the ground before bringing myself to my feet right next to my friend.

“That was so cool. It was just like in the games!” Erica said while jumping up and down.

“Yeah, it was like my body just knew how to do it and all I had to do was let it. And not only that but I used Eagle Sense, how cool is that?”

“You have got to show me how to do-” Erica was cut off as a loud scream was heard in the distance.

In a moment we were moving, sprinting at full speed towards the source of the sound. We passed line after line of apple trees until we found ourselves staring at a situation we never thought we would be seeing. A group of five unicorns some of which were holding knives to the throats of two young earth ponies. A much larger unicorn than the rest stood directly in front of them, holding their hooves to the ground. From behind a tree nearby we could hear him as he threatened the young couple. “Now I expect you to pay me each and every week and we'll make sure nopony else messes with your business, how does that sound?” He growled at the frightened ponies.

Erica and I looked at each other for a moment and nodded. We knew what we had to do, and now we knew our bodies would be able to do it. We didn’t like it, we didn’t want to do it, but we had to. Creeping forward as quietly as we could we approached the group of unicorns from behind. I took the pistol out from the holster attached to my belt and handed it to Erica. She took it in one hand while readying the shock blade in her other.

Moving to one side each we lined up out targets. I was behind the two unicorns on the left and she was behind the two on the right. With another look we struck, my two blades sinking easily into the necks of my targets while Erica’s single blade sunk into the throat or one of her targets as a bullet exploded out of the chamber through the skull of the other. Within moments four bodies hit the floor.

The larger unicorn turned to see his men dead and Erica and I standing above them. His face contorted in rage as he drew a knife from the minimal barding he was wearing. He swung the blade clumsily towards me and I bat it away with my hidden blade before sinking the other through his eye. I pulled my weapon out and let the body drop.

With their attackers taken care of we turned to their victims. The look of absolute terror tore me apart even more than knowing what I have done to the bodies around me. A look at Erica told me she was feeling the same way. But I knew I had to be strong. Steeling my mind I smiled at the young earth pony couple.

“Hello. I’m sorry you had to see that but I just couldn’t possibly allow them to hurt you. Are you alright?” I asked in my calmest voice.

“Y-Yes. Tha-Thank you. They were tr-trying to make us pay them for protection or they would kill us and ta-take the farm.” The young mare explained while her partner was still staring wide eyed at the bodies.

“It’s alright. I’m happy I could help.” I said while the mare started to calm down further. “May I ask your names?”

“I-I’m Appleseed and this is my husband Pippin, thank you again for saving us and our farm.”

“It was no problem I’m Des- *cough.* Sorry, I’m Shaun and this is Erica. I’m glad we could help but we really have to be going.”

I walked off quickly holding Erica’s arm as she struggled.

“Hey what was that crap? They were nice.” She complained.

“Do you realise who they were? Who we saved?” I asked her quietly.

“No they were just a couple random ponies, right?”

“Those were Applejack’s ancestors! If it wasn’t for us then she won't ever be born!”

“Holy crap!” Erica cried out, suddenly noticing the importance of our actions.

“Okay. Let’s get out of here before we become a part of history again.”

“Your majesty, we have been getting reports all over the country of a pair of bipedal creatures taking the law into their own hands and killing violent ponies. They even appear to have been training a few ponies in their methods. A few ponies we questioned spoke of their ruthlessness but also their gentle nature to the rest of the population. They spoke of a creed, rules that were followed by the group. We are not sure what to think your majesty. How should we proceed?” The guard captain asked.

It’s them, I’m sure of it. How should I act? If they are killing then it’s bad, but if they are only killing to protect others can I really act against them?

“I have an idea princess.” A voice called out from the shadows.

“Who’s there? Show yourself” I yelled into the dark corner of the room.

“Just a friend. One who understands the other side to the Creed. One who understands Order.”

Author's Notes:

I've had this idea in my mind and just thinking about it all the time has been impacting how much work I can put into my other stories so I'm putting this chapter out there to see if anyone is interested in it and if it is recieved well I'll think about continuing the story.

Prologue - Part II

I looked around the room, pride filling my chest as I looked over the ponies that stood before me. It had taken a long time and many mistakes but eventually Erica and I had taught a select group of ponies the way of the creed. Initially we didn’t want to give in to the methods and ideals instilled in the bodies we inherited but the world had shown us that it was necessary. The evils of corruption were strong in the population of Equestria. As much as Celestia and Luna would like to say that they ruled a peaceful country, we knew better. We had seen the violent nature hidden deep inside the bright exterior of the world.

It wasn’t until an incident a month after leaving the alicorn sisters behind that we saw just what the ponies of this supposedly friendly country were capable of. We had just made it to the slowly growing city of Manehatten.

“Wow, this city really has been around for a long time.” Erica said as she looked around at the small town we had walked into.

While looking around I noticed a few things. First of all there were far more earth ponies than any other of the tribes around and what other types of ponies were here weren’t getting the warmest welcome from the local population. I watched as a white coated unicorn walked past a small group of earth ponies and as they passed one of the earth ponies stuck out a leg to trip the unicorn who fell hard into the dirt. At this the group laughed and called out slurs. “Watch where you step stickhead, don’t want to mess up that coat.” With that said they turned and left, laughing uproariously.

I walked over to the downed unicorn mare and offered her a hand. The pony looked up at me, immediate reaction was fear when she looked at my scarred face. But then she noticed my smile and the hand offered and smiled. “T-Thank you.” The mare said quietly while grabbing my hand with her hoof (still have no idea how they do that) and lifting herself to herself to stand.

“Is being treated like that normal here?” I asked her.

“Yes.” She said while sighing. “This is an earth pony town so they treat everypony else poorly.”

Erica seeing the downcast look on the mare’s muzzle stepped forward and ran a hand through her two tone blue mane. “Why would they do that?” Erica asked the unicorn. “I thought this was a land of friendship and harmony.”

“That’s what the princess wants everypony to think.” The mare spat in sudden anger. “The truth is that after Discord’s reign many ponies have fallen back into the tribe mentality that nearly doomed us with the Wendigo’s. Sure we act like we are all friends when the princesses are around but the old hatreds still lurk under the surface until they are gone.”

“That is so terrible.” Erica said with a hand covering her mouth.

“Yeah, but it’s life. Not much I can do about it. Anyway, thank you for helping me up. I have to say I’ve never seen creatures like you before. What are you?”

“We’re humans, probably the only ones in Equestria. I’m Shaun and this is Erica.” I said while wrapping an arm around my friend's shoulders.

“Nice to meet you Shaun and Erica. My name is Keen Sight.” The mare said, returning our greeting. “I’m guessing you two don’t have anywhere to stay? The ponies here aren’t very welcoming to strangers and especially would be rude to you two, being a different species. Would you like to come back to my place?”

“Really? Thank you!” Erica said, bouncing forward and giving Keen Sight a hug.

The mare blushed before turning around and telling us to follow her. As we walked the quality of the houses became lower and we started to many more unicorns and pegasi. What was at first well crafted stone buildings slowly became wooden houses and then shack like buildings. After a while we turned down a small alley between two buildings and walked down the dirt path that separated them.

Only a few metres in a large earth pony came around the corner on the far end of the alley. It stood there unmoving as it looked at us. I turned, looking back from where we came and saw the other alley entrance blocked by a pair of ponies. The singular pony ahead of us took a step forward, causing our companion to whimper lightly.

“Well what do we have here colts?” The stallion asked the ponies behind us in a gravelly voice. “A stickhead and two ugly beasts. I bet those two will fetch a decent haul of bits from the boss.”

“What about the unicorn?” One of the ponies behind us asked.

“Don’t care, kill her, keep her. Nopony will miss a unicorn in our city.” He growled back.

Immediately the two ponies behind us galloped forward, closing the distance in moments. Before I had a chance to react a pair of hooves struck me in the chest, knocking me to the ground. Erica however was more prepared and drew her baton, flicking the telescoping metal tube out to full length and swinging the end into the face of the pony that had attacked her.

The stallion at the other end decided to join the fight and galloped towards Keen Sight, raising his hooves to strike her as she froze in terror. Without thinking I did all I could, reaching behind my back I slipped my pistol out of it’s holster and pointed the long silenced barrel towards the head of the attacking pony. With a small noise a bullet was blasted out of the pistol, streaking forward in its mission. With a cut off scream and thud the pony who was such a danger to my new friend fell to the ground, his head leaking a red liquid that pooled on the ground.

When I looked back over to Erica I saw her still caught in a battle with the two earth ponies, each tried to get the upper ground but she beat back their hooves with swings of her telescoped baton. But while the pair of ponies couldn’t get the upper hand on Erica, neither could she slip through their defences. With a quiet grunt I lifted myself to my feet and slid the pistol back into my belt holster. Moving as quietly as I could I walked up as close to the fight as I could and waited. The moment Erica blocked the swinging hoof of one of her opponents I struck, jumping onto the back of the earth pony mare and sliding my wrist blade into the back of her neck. My blade met resistance but I forced it through, I felt as it parted the vertebra in the back of my targets neck. Immediately the pony fell, my blade having severed its spinal cord and windpipe.

The other pony faltered when it saw me deal with its partner with little effort and that was all Erica needed. She stepped forward and jabbed as hard as she could with her baton into the ponies throat. The earth pony fell, unable to breath and Erica turned back to me.

“We-We had to do it didn’t we Shaun?” She asked me with tears coming to her eyes.

“Yes Erica, we couldn’t let them hurt other ponies. It was the right thing.” I answered while drawing her into a tight hug. Her tears fell from her eyes and into my clothes but that was okay. She needed to cry and I would be here for her.

Keen Sight walked up beside us, shock and fear on her face. “H-How did you do that? You killed them like it was nothing.” She asked us.

I answered almost without thinking. “These bodies are built to kill. It is what we do, we protect the innocent and we kill the guilty. Laa shay’a waqi’un moutlaq bale kouloun moumkine.”

“Sorry what was that?” Keen asked.

“Yeah Shaun, what did you say? It sounds familiar.” Erica added.

I stood there in shock at the words that had come out of my mouth. I knew what they were and where I knew them from. But why I had said them was completely unknown, it was like I was compelled to say them to the mare.

“Laa shay’a waqi’un moutlaq bale kouloun moumkine. It means ‘We work in the dark, to serve the light. We are Assassins.’”

“Okay… Keen Sight, do you think we could go to your place now?” Erica asked her.

“Y-Yeah, but shouldn’t we report what happened to the guards?” She asked us.

“If we do that they will probably arrest us, even if it was self defence, just because we aren’t earth ponies. If the city is as bigoted and corrupt as it looks I wouldn’t expect anything else.” I explained to the still frightened mare.

We all started walking back through the alley, taking care to step around the stallion with a large pool of blood surrounding his head. We turned to the right at the end and continued down a new street, only a few minutes later we stopped in front of a small house that looked more like a large shack than anything suitable for living in.

“Well this is my place. Hey umm could I ask you something?” The mare turned and looked to me.

“What is it?”

“Do you think you could teach me how to fight?” She asked, hiding behind her multihued electric blue mane. “I was so scared before but you two just took those ponies down in no time. Li-Living here is scary, I don’t want to be afraid anymore.”

Should I? This place is corrupt enough without adding more assassins into it. I looked at Erica who was no longer smiling. She nodded solemnly. Yeah. I think this world does need it. Celestia and Luna don’t even know how dark their world is and nopony is trying to fix it. We will train her, we will teach her the creed and we will help create a world of peace with the blade of a knife.

I looked back at Keen Sight who was looked between Erica and I anxiously, her eyes flickering between us and ears twitching.

“Do you understand what you are asking Keen Sight? If we train you then we will be training you to become a weapon. One that will become a silent blade in the darkness, striking and killing without ever being seen. You will become a harbinger of death, you will live in the dark so that others can live in the light. Do you understand?”

The mare looked terrified at my words, as I had hoped. But then she steeled herself, a hard glint entering her eyes as she looked back at me. “Yes. Please train me, I will become your blade.”

“Then bow and repeat after me” She kneeled down on her forehooves and lowered her neck to the floor. “Nothing is true, everything is permitted.”

“Nothing is true, everything is permitted.” She intoned immediately.

“Then rise Novice and welcome to the Assassin Brotherhood.” Erica continued in turn.

“Thank you for this chance.” She said to us with a smile.

“Do not thank us yet Novice. Let’s go inside, we have much to discuss.” I said.

Keen Sight opened her door and we went inside. I sighed, not able to shake the feeling that this was going to be a bad idea.

I shuffled my hooves as I watched the Master Assassins that stood before us upon the wrought iron podium inlaid with the golden symbol of our order. The room we stood in was cold, the small lanterns that lined the dark stone walls of the chamber did nothing to stave off the chill. Even our robes did little to warm our bodies as we stood at attention.

Looking over the small group that stood beside me I smiled, equal amounts of all the pony races stood side by side. Earth ponies, unicorns, pegasi and even batponies filled the small chamber, all clad in the same white robes.

Suddenly the air shifted and our masters stepped forward.

“Welcome my friends.” Shaun started. “I am glad to see that you have all succeeded with your missions and returned to us. You have each journeyed into the black hearts of this country and rooted out the ones who would lead with corruption and evil.”

“Novices, please take a step forward.” Erica said and a group of three ponies stepped forward. The pegasus and two earth ponies knelt as she stepped in front of them. “You have done your jobs well and have earned your promotions by acting with honour and following the creed. Rise Initiates and continue to honour us all with your actions.”

Erica stepped back and the newly promoted assassins exited the chamber.

15 members of the order were promoted to new ranks and left the chamber, probably to celebrate in a nearby bar. Until finally my name was called.

“Warrior Keen Sight, please approach.” Shaun ordered.

I stepped forward between the remaining ponies in the room. The moment I stood before the podium I bowed and waited.

“Rise Warrior, you were the first of us. You need not bow my friend.” Erica said to me. I looked up and smiled at the kind eyes of my friends, the first I made in many years.

“Warrior Keen Sight, you were tasked with crossing off the leader of a Manehatten crime syndicate that was buying and selling ponies in a Equestria-wide slavery ring. But you went above and beyond your mission and in doing so stopped a group that was primed to murder the princesses of our great nation. Is this correct?” Shaun asked with a big smile on his face.

“I merely did my part Master.” I answered.

“And you show humility in your accomplishments as always.” Erica commented, smiling at me also.

“Yes. As the first in the Equestrian Assassin Brotherhood you have grown powerful. When you joined you were untrained, fearful and unable to protect yourself. Now you are a blade amongst blades, a precise weapon in the darkness and a staunch protector of the innocent.”

“We believe that you should be given a rank befitting your skills, one that comes with a great responsibility but we believe you can handle it.”

Shaun took a deep breath before talking again. “We promote you to the rank of Master Assassin and with that we ask you, not order, to go to any major city and take three assassins of your choosing. There you will clear the city of any and all corruption, find recruits and begin your own brotherhood of assassins. Do you accept your new position and responsibility?”

I froze, probably for the first time in a year. The breath caught in my lungs before I remembered to clear them and breathe normally again. I looked up at my mentors, my masters, my friends and saw nothing but smiles. The same encouragement I had been getting nearly every day these past two years. Remembering all those times I knew I only had one possible answer. “Yes. I will answer the call, find a new home and new recruits. I will make you proud.”

They both continued to look down to me from the podium with smiles on their faces and answered as one. “We know you will our friend.” Looking up they surveyed the remaining crowd. “You are all dismissed, we will call for you if we require your aid.”

I watched as one by one everypony filtered out of the room until it was only Shaun, Erica and I. I looked up at my friends who were still looking at me with smiles on their faces. But I could see something behind them, something nopony else would have noticed unless they had spent as much time with the two as I have. There smile seemed somewhat forced and their eyes spoke of trouble.

“What’s wrong? I haven’t seen these shadows in your faces since we discovered the mayor of Manehatten was trying to hire our assassins.” I asked my friends.

“Keen Sight, we have heard word that the Equestrian princesses have discovered the brotherhood.” Shaun began, fiddling with his wrist blades in a familiar nervous tic. “It will only be a matter of time before they make a move and we don’t know what that will be. That is the biggest reason we need you to found your own brotherhood. We need to know that in the worst of circumstances there will still be ponies fighting for the soul of Equestria.”

“I understand, we must protect the nation. Especially from itself.”

“Exactly.” Erica answered. “You know our ways Keen, there is nopony else who could lead our ponies if we were to be lost. We rest our hopes on you and those you deem worthy to represent our order.”

“Thank you my friends, I will do you proud.” I said before turning to the exit. Making my way through the twisted corridors of the brotherhood sanctum I ruminated on the events of the last hour.

I really hope I can live up to your standard, my friends.

“Are you really sure about this Shaun?” Erica asked me.

“I have to be Erica, we don’t know what the princesses will do. They will always put their ponies first, even if they are blind to the darkness they hold in their hearts. All we can do is prepare for the future and hope that we can do some good for this world. And if the princess decides that she must remove us from the equation then we are leaving behind our creed to give the ponies something to strive for.”

“You’re right as always. I can’t believe you became so wise, it wasn’t so long ago that you were a nerdy loser with more games than friends.” She said while punching my arm.

“You weren’t any better Erica. Who was the one practically drooling over her Luna plushies when they came in the mail?” I countered her.

“Hey! Those were unique hand stitched plushies. And it was a long time ago.”

“It was 3 days before we came here. Not that long.” I said while poking my tongue out at her.

“Whatever.” She said, turning down the hall.

I’m glad I trained a few ponies how to make these. I thought while looking at my wrist blade, the new extendable hook shining next to the original blade. It wouldn’t have been easy to invent them from scratch.

“We will need to send a weaponsmith with Keen, they need to be able to make their own blades.” I said to Erica.

“I’ll get that done in the morning. Get some rest Shaun, I feel like we are going to need it.”

“Goodnight Erica.” I said while heading off to my personal chamber.

What did you mean by that?

The sounds of screaming woke me from my sleep. Looking groggily at the magical clock the artisans had built for me I could see it was only 4am. Another scream pierced the veil that sleep had left on my mind and I rushed to my feet, pulling on my jeans and hoodie before attaching my wrist blades.

I ran out of my personal chambers with my pistol drawn to hear the sounds of battle. The clang of metal on metal and the battle cries of warriors echoed throughout the underground chambers of the brotherhood’s sanctum. I watched as an apprentice fought off three enemies, killing two before succumbing to the spears of his royal guard opponents.

Immediately I fired a round into the head of the surviving guard before running down the adjacent hall, looking for more allies. Everywhere I look I could see the bodies of royal guards and assassins, some of whom I had trained with my own hands. I choked back a tear until I heard Erica’s battle cry. I practically flew down another hallway in the direction of the voice. Coming out of another long winding hallway I saw Erica fighting off five of Luna’s night guard, the batponies holding tight together and forcing Erica back towards the stone wall behind her. In a moment I dropped one of them with a well placed shot from my pistol before driving my wrist blade through the head of another. With their ranks broken by my sudden assault we dealt with with the rest before they could comprehend fighting on two fronts.

“Erica, how did they find us?” I yelled.

“I don’t know! They just appeared and started attacking.” She screamed back over the sounds of battle that echoed all around us.

“Have you seen Keen?” I asked, while deflecting the spear of another guard that had entered the room.

Erica used that moment to send her shock blade through the body of the guard before answering. “Yeah. I sent her and as many assassins as I could find out through the back exit, they should be out by now.”

“Then I guess we can start taking this seriously.” I said while checking how many rounds I have left in my pistol. Three bullets and 2 more magazines.

I am so glad this brain knew how to make gunpowder.

Erica looked at me grimly before we ran out into the next hallway. Finding ourselves at the entrance we ambushed two guards that were standing by the stairs. As we climbed our way out into the very early morning darkness we saw the one responsible for the attack. Princesses Celestia was standing there with a group of guards standing by her side and when she saw us her jaw dropped before she regained her stoic expression.

“I see that the reports were correct. You were responsible for this group of murders Desmond and Lucy, or should I call you Master Assassin’s Shaun and Erica?” She asked before continuing. “This saddens me greatly to go to such great lengths, but you cannot be allowed to disrupt the Order of my country.”

The Mistress of the Sun rose up to her full height and lit her horn, a vortex of power swirling around it. Before Erica or I could say anything she kept speaking. “I was not powerful enough to do this to Discord without the assistance of my sister and the Elements of Harmony. But you I should have enough. I, Princess Celestia, Mistress of the Sun and diarch of Equestria hereby banish the assassins Shaun and Erica to being stoned for all eternity.”

With those words the vortex of power around her horn imploded before become a beam that struck Erica and I. Slowly our flesh turned to stone but not before I could make one final act. In return for her betrayal I drew my pistol, sighted it and let out the final rounds in the magazine. One struck a guard through the eye, another missed and the other punctured Celestia’s leg, bringing her to the ground. I smiled as the stone rose up through my body, knowing that she would remember and fear our assassins for all of time.

And then the world went black.

As I flew back to the castle with a wing of guards around me and my foreleg wrapped up next to my body I couldn’t help but think of those last few moments. The look of betrayal on their faces was etched forever into my memory, even more so than what came next.

I betrayed them. I knew that I had to do this, but I wasn’t ready. I didn’t want to do this but I had to do the best for my ponies. My country needs Order and they were chaos, I couldn’t let chaos roam free again. I sighed heavily. Luna is going to hate this.

I landed heavily, forgetting that I had one less limb to make the landing. Next I dismissed the guards and made my way back inside the castle, searching out the throne room so I had somewhere to think. But when I stepped inside my thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

“So I take it Order prevailed?” The voice said, stepping out of the light showing his tall bipedal frame, draped in thick brown clothing.

Author's Notes:

Well there we go. Part 2 of the prologue and now we can get started with the actual story.

Sorry for all the time jumps in these chapters but I would rather not use 20000 words just for a prologue and I'll probably come back to this time period in flashbacks.

I hope you are enjoying this and if you aren't then please let me know why. Every comment/like helps.

Interlude - Chris

I stood in place, shock covering my face having watched my only two friends in the world disappear in front of my face. One moment they were looking at me and the next there was just nothing. An empty patch of ground was all that remained.

What? Where did they go? They were right bloody there.

I panicked and started screaming their names, looking all around hoping to see them in the crowd but they weren’t there. They were gone and I was all alone. My world crashed around me and I fell to the ground, swearing under my breath while curling up into the foetal position. After a few minutes a pair of security guards were called and they lifted me back up onto my feet. They dragged me off and out of the convention hall. They dumped me on the ground and walked off after muttering warnings not to come back in until I had calmed down.

Like hell they will keep me out. I have to find my fucking friends.

I climbed to my feet again, dragging myself sluggishly back to the centres entrance. Once back inside I looked around the building, scanning every face looking for Shaun and Erica but never finding them in the mass of bodies. For hours I dragged myself from one end of the massive hall to another, searching futilely for them. When the event ended for the day I was ordered to leave, the security from before appearing again and warning me that if I didn’t leave I would be banned from future events. I didn’t care but if I left I would be able to come back and look for them again.

For the next two days I came back, searching feverishly for my best friends but never finding a single trace. Each day I went from building to building searching for Shaun and Erica and each time I failed. With my head hung in defeat I left on the final day. The events of that first day just ran through my head over and over. Running around looking at all the shops, meeting celebrities and just having fun as friends do. Then we separated, Shaun and Erica doing their own thing while I went on a merchandise hunt. Finding each other through the crowds and then right in front of my eyes they vanished without a trace.

I sat on the long train ride home realising that for the first time in years I was really truly alone. Those two had been my rock in this crazy world. No matter what happened I knew that they would have my back, when I lost my dad two years ago it was them that had stayed with me and stopped me from falling into a pit of depression. They accepted my angry nature and my curse word strewn sentences without the barest hint of annoyance. They knew I needed to act the way I do or my feelings would overwhelm me, like it used to in the past. Now I have nobody and nothing, my rock is gone.

No! I can’t fall like this! They will fucking come back even if I have to search the world for them! I’m going to go home and never stop looking. I’ll call the cops and report them missing and I’m going to come back every year until I find them.

With this thought in mind I sat resolute, knowing I would tear the world apart to find my friends. No matter how long it took.

Him? No. Her? No. Assassin? Wrong one. White jacket? No, that’s a girl. Blonde hair? Definitely not her. Another assassin? Still not Shaun.

I arrived at Supanova an hour before the event started like I had every year for the past six years. I followed the event from city to city, hoping to find my friends. Every day of every event I would watch the front entrance, the staff had given up trying to stop me from loitering three years ago and they were used to me watching everyone arrive. I was working for them as a security guard now, travelling with the event holders. Luckily I had convinced them to let me come in my Daniel Cross cosplay every time too. If Shaun and Erica were here they would recognise me easier if I was dressed how I was the last time they had seen me.

At 1400 hours I decided to take a short break for lunch, walking through the tightly packed bodies to the Domino’s stand I ordered a couple of pieces of pizza and a drink. I sat there eating my food and scanning the faces of the crowd, seeing many familiar faces from other event but still never seeing Shaun and Erica. With my food finished I started walking back to the front entrance but something distracted me. In the distance I saw a flash of white, a familiar hood passing around a corner.

I ran through the crowd, almost knocking over several people but I didn’t care. If that was Shaun I needed to get to him, no matter who got in the way. Throwing myself around the corner I saw the hood again and a pair of very familiar blue denim jeans. I grabbed the familiar figure but the moment he turned around my heart sunk. It wasn’t Shaun, just a guy in the same clothes.

“I’m sorry, you were just wearing the same cosplay as a guy that I’ve been looking for for a long time.” I told the Desmond cosplaying man.

“It’s alright dude, I get that all the time.” The man said through a layer of purple fabric that covered half of his face. “While you’re are here do you want to look through my wares? I’ve got a lot of high quality items.”

“I shouldn’t I’m working and I need to get back to my position.” I answered the man, wanting to get back to looking for my friends.

“I’m having massive sale, I won’t take up too much of your time.” The man said while indicating a large display of merchandise.

I looked over his wares with a disinterested gaze until my eyes were caught on a single object. A gun, specifically a H&K Mk23 Phase II Prototype. The exact pistol Daniel Cross used in Assassin’s Creed 3. I picked it up, feeling the weight of the metal and noting how perfect of a replica it was.

“How much for this?” I asked him.

“How about 25? I haven’t been able to sell this for a while.” He answered.

“Deal.” I said, pulling the money out of my wallet and handing it to him before taking the replica gun and putting it in the inside pocket of my jacket.

“Hey Chris.” The man said suddenly. “Have fun.”

I froze when the man said my name. “How?”

The next moment everything shifted and I entered a world of pain and bright lights.

Author's Notes:

Short chapter I know but I needed to tell this part before getting into the rest of the story.

EDIT: Just realised how badly written this chapter is. I'll fix it at some point.

Chapter 1 - Never Alone in your Thoughts

My world was black. The moment my eyes became stone the entire world became a black void. Not unlike when Erica and I first arrived in the void, before we travelled through to Equestria. Just replace white with black. But that wasn’t the strangest thing. For some reason I could still hear, but the sounds around me weren’t the only thing I could hear. I could hear Erica’s thoughts and she could hear mine, but hers weren’t the only thoughts I could hear. There was a whispering, something was speaking, shouting really. I couldn’t understand it however, it was much too far away. My guess is that it was Discord inside his stone prison.

So my world became those sounds. First the sounds of Celestia apologising to us and then the shouts of her guards as they prepared to take us… somewhere. We heard our stone prisons being lifted, a faint whispering that sounded like Celestia’s thoughts but in a language I couldn’t hope to understand. The whispering thoughts surrounded us completely as we were lifted and when she let go the thoughts disappeared with them. I think it was the way her magic was working, like she was thinking exactly how she moved us and that’s what we could hear. Even know though the moment she let go I can’t remember what her thoughts were, as if they are beyond the capability of what a human mind can comprehend.

Erica is screaming, begging to be let go and I try to calm her but her distress is absolute. Nothing I think is reaching her, but I keep trying. If there is anyone who can understand how she is feeling it is me and I can’t leave her alone in her distress.

We are moving now, I can hear the wing beats of the pegasi carrying us and I can hear the air rushing as we move through the air. To me it’s calming and I try to send those thoughts through to Erica but I don’t think she can even hear them. Little by little the other voice is getting louder, obviously Celestia decided the castle was a good place to hold Discord. I don’t doubt that this world will follow the one we know and she will take him with her when she builds Canterlot.

Canterlot? Where is that my new friend? A voice whispers in my ear faintly.

Discord? Erica and I both thought, the voice as small as it was had broken through her shell of distress.

Yes it is I. Discord, the Lord of Chaos. And I must say in these past two years you have been able to cause such a great amount of chaos. I could feel it even here in my stone prison. I bet if you would have been allowed to continue I might have been released. Discord whispered further, getting slightly louder with each moment. But I can tell there will still be more. I bet little Lulu won’t be very happy about what happened here. I’m sure she will be possibly livid with dear Tia.

I could hear the laughter in his voice already. Soon it would be a powerful chorus as each moment we became closer and closer to our cellmate.

Discord! Can you get us out of here? Erica yelled in her thoughts.

Dear sweet Lucy, or is it Erica? I can’t tell with such a jumble of personalities in both of your heads. I’m terribly sorry but I have no more power in here than you do. If I was out it would be a snap I could practically hear the sound in my head. But as it is we will have to suffer the years together. Don’t worry though, I’m sure we will be ggrrreeeaaatttt friends.

I could hear Erica crying inside her mind, great sobs that her body was unable to create instead echoed from her thoughts. I went back to trying to console her even as Discord continued.

I must say though Shaun, your mind is so interesting. I can hear echoes of four minds in there. How is it that one brain can hold four minds? Surely it must drive you mad? Desmond, Ezio and Altair. Somehow you hold all these minds in perfect chaos behind Shaun and with so many restrained memories. You’ve only scratched the surface when creating your brotherhood. Ohh we are going to have so much fun you and I. But for now I will rest, bubye. I could hear Discord laugh as his thoughts slowly went quiet, then disappeared.

What did he mean Shaun? Erica whispered.

Our characters, they are a part of us. These bodies are not our own, apart from our faces, kinda. If we can believe Discord, we control the minds but the characters work in our subconscious. I thought, unsure of how true it is.

Erica went quiet as we started to slow down, the air we could hear moving past was getting quieter and the pegasi slowed their wingbeats. Then with a thump we landed, presumably at the castle. The moment we landed the unexpected happened and a loud voice broke through the air.

“SISTER!” We heard Luna scream in the Royal Canterlot Voice. “HOW DARE THEE DO THIS TO OUR FRIENDS!”

“Luna please calm down, I had to do this. They were training killers and murdering our ponies. Everypony was terrified.” Celestia said.

“NO! They were trying to make the world better! We know thee did not agree with their methods but they were working for the betterment of everypony in Equestria. Thee heard of their creed and how they would not harm the innocent.” Luna said. I think she may have been right next to me from how loud she was, even with the Royal Canterlot Voice turned off.

“It matters not Luna. You heard what we were told, letting them roam free would only bring chaos. I couldn’t let them risk weakening Discord’s prison.”

“Thou lie, dear sister. And thee do not even know it. Spewing the words of that fool will only cause thine downfall. We-We need to be alone and please, do not follow us.” Luna finished before we heard loud wingbeats as she flew away.

Once again we were surrounded in the thoughts of Celestia’s magic as we were levitated to a new destination. A garden or courtyard if the sounds of birds and wind through trees was any indication. There we sat, knowing that long years were before us.

But we would not be alone, every few days Luna would visit and speak to us. She would apologise for her sister’s actions and beg for our forgiveness. Erica would always answer, no matter how many times she came but after a year I stopped. It hurt too much to know how much pain we had caused the moon diarch. There was another also, it wasn’t Celestia, she couldn’t bare to face us. This one would walk by, stop for just a moment and then leave without ever saying a word. Each time the stranger would come I would ask who he was, why he continued to visit but of course he could never hear me. No one but Erica and Discord could ever hear me and they were always around, even if I could not always hear them.

Discord would constantly tempt us with knowledge, things held within the minds of our characters, but those memories were of no consequence to us. Many of them we already knew and others were unimportant to us. But he would continue, probably for no other reason than he was bored and he enjoyed having someone’s mind to play with.

I began to lose track of the days after a few years. After so much time it had started to lose importance. Being aware had become a curse, we were trapped inside ours and each other’s minds for years with nothing to break the monotony other than the occasional visitor.

That all changed however one day. On this Luna came but something was different, I knew the sound she made when she walked. I even knew the difference made when she came in her armor, this day however it didn’t sound like the approach of the Luna I knew. The shift of fabric, the muted clatter of weapons and the light step she made on the ground spoke to a different Luna. She stepped in between Erica and mines stone prisons and spoke.

“Grandmasters, I stand before you today not as Luna, Mistress of the Moon. These past years I have been trained in secret amongst those you left behind. Trained to move in silence and to strike from the shadows. I have become a blade in your name, one that is respected by her peers. Furthermore, I have been asked to lead my own forces against my sister. A duty that leaves me with a heavy heart, but I know that I must shoulder this burden. She has become a danger to our brotherhood, leading our country with force instead of compassion and must be stopped. So I stand here before you now and declare that Luna is no more, standing in her place is a name that will strike fear into her Templars and the one that guides her. I am now Nightmare Moon.”

With said she flew away, her wings beating almost silently through the air.

Erica and I stood in silence, neither wanting our thoughts to be heard. Until I broke it.

Did we? I thought.

Uh huh Erica replied quietly.

Shit, really? We created Nightmare Moon?

Ohh this is hilarious. Discord laughed. I mean I saw Nightmare Moon in your memories but I can’t believe that you guys actually created her. Nice work.

Shut up Discord! Erica and I yelled in our minds.

Ohh no, I’m going to tease you guys with this for years.

Erica and I could only groan, knowing that it would be a LONG time before Discord would stop with this.

The years passed on and Nightmare Moon was defeated, sealed in her moon by the Elements of Harmony. Celestia out of grief built Canterlot so she wouldn’t have to live in a castle full of memories of her and her sister and time went on. What we didn’t expect however was that while Discord was in fact moved from the castle we were not. Celestia for the first time came to our garden and spoke to us.

“I know that it was my actions that created Nightmare Moon, but it was your teachings that allowed her to gain so much power and so many followers. I cannot allow my citizens to be poisoned any more than they already are by your influence. So I will be leaving you here, to be forgotten. Order must prevail in the new world I am building and your creed will jeopardise it. I am sorry my old friends, but this is goodbye.”

With those final words she left and we were alone, truly alone.

Hey, hey Lucy. I thought at my best friend.

What Shaun? And it’s Erica, remember? She thought back with a hint of annoyance that I promptly ignored.

Eh, names don’t really matter at this point. Do you remember that time we were playing games on the work computers and they caught us so we had to escape Abstergo with me in the boot of your car?

Shaun, try to keep your memories in check please. That first part was us but the rest was Lucy and Desmond.

Whatever it sounds cooler like this.

I tried to act flippant but this had happened more often over the years than I would like to admit. My memories were becoming to warp from the amount of years we had remained alive inside out stony prisons. Sometimes I couldn’t even keep track of my name and Lucy’s, I mean Erica’s. At this point was I really Shaun anymore? I have spent untold years going over the memories of all the minds in my head. Somedays I would prefer to be Ezio, or Desmond, or Altair because it meant I didn’t have to be Shaun. The weak man that barely held together a life back on Earth. Over the years it just seemed easier to be someone else and so that’s what I became, but it wasn’t a perfect process. The memories were all mixed together, one flowing to the next with me playing the role of whoever was remembering themselves. I watched as Ezio while with family was murdered by Templars, I struck down corrupt leader after corrupt leader as Altair and I saved the planet as Desmond Miles. All of them men were far stronger than me and I wanted more than anything to become them, so in small parts I did.

Erica, I’m sorry for being so difficult. I know it can’t be easy talking to me when I could be someone else at any given moment. I thought to her apologetically.[/]

It’s ok Shaun, I know it would have to be hard. It’s hard for me sometimes not to let Lucy overwhelm me and you have three times that problem.

That’s something I have actually been thinking about. I’m not really Shaun anymore and I’m not really any of the other guys either. I think I should pick a new name, a name that represents who I’m going to become, not who I was.

At those words Erica was silent. I’m not sure how long she stood there, considering my words but when she finally got back to me her answer was not what I was expecting. Especially considering how often she had told me to come back to being Shaun.

You-You’re right Shaun, and honestly even though I wouldn’t admit it myself before I’ve been thinking the same thing. I’m not really Erica anymore, but I’m not Lucy either. I’m both and to go by one name just doesn’t feel right.

I sat there in silence again, considering what had been said. A name, it has to be special. Something that says what I want to become, something that speaks to who I was and who I will turn into.

Should be pick something together? God knows we have spent enough time together already. I thought to Erica.

Yeah! I used to spend a way too much time on Wikipedia looked at crap. At least now I could say that was time well spent. She thought back, suddenly sounding a lot more excited than I had heard in a long time. Ooh, we should be Keres and Thanatos, spirits of death, or, or maybe Jupiter and Shiva, gods of Judgement.

I laughed in my thoughts at Lucy Erica’s excited manner and the names she had picked.

Wouldn’t it seem a bit egotistical picking the name of powerful spirits and gods? Even if no one here would know what they mean. I thought to her.

I guess but who else would ever get the chance to walk around calling themselves the name of gods, and it’s not like we think we are anyway.

It still doesn’t sounds right to me.

Ohh alright. She huffed. Well how about Ashur for you and Aurora for me? They both mean new beginnings or something.

I stopped for a second and thought about it. We may be stuck in stone but being here, being in Equestria was a fresh start at life and even more so if we ever get out of these damn prisons. Maybe Discord will even let us out when he breaks out. We can start a new life as new people.

Inside my mind I smiled before answering. I actually like that.

Seriously? I thought you would think that was cheesy.

I probably should but it’s true. We have a new chance at life, one in a new world without all the crap we had to deal with back home. And if we ever get out of this stone we can actually do that.

Huh, you’re actually right for once. Aurora, Aurora, yeah I think I do like it. She thought slowly, testing the name before agreeing.

After that the maelstrom of identities became a little easier to deal with, the parts of who we were stopped fighting for dominance and started to piece together into the sum of a new whole. No longer were we Erica and Lucy or Shaun, Desmond, Ezio and Altair. We were Ashur and Aurora, new beings created from a sum of our parts. We still sometimes called each other by the wrong names but after several lifetimes it was sometimes difficult to break old habits.

With a new mindset, one born of hope we waited. We waited for the day we would finally be free.

Author's Notes:

Sorry it took so long to get this chapter done.
For some reason I started rereading a webcomic I used to read years ago and everytime I tried to stop reading I nearly had a panic attack wondering what was going to happen next.

Anyway... I finished reading it and then got this written in like 4 hours.
Hope y'all enjoy it.

Chapter 2 - Awakening

Another peaceful night was passing in the small courtyard, one like any other. As always I stood in silence, my mind an empty field, as was my companions. Aurora and I spent most nights in silence, not really thinking merely listening to the quiet wind of the world. But the night for once did not stay as such.

I heard something I had not heard in the longest time. The quiet swish of cloth and the muted clang of weapons could only signal one thing, an old friend had returned. She stood there in silence for several moments until she spoke. “My friends, it has been a long time. I’m sure you know what happened between my sister and I, as well as its eventual outcome. I’m sorry I left you alone for so long, but the time has come for you to return. In my exile I have spent every moment preparing a spell, one to finally remove you from your prison. I don’t even know if you can hear this but I do this for you, to give you back the life that was taken from you.”

With these words I feel as Aurora and I are surrounded by magic, the arcane thoughts of Luna’s magic filled the one sense we had left. Like with Celestia the words were strange but somehow I could understand them a little. They spoke of release and freedom, of broken stone and living bodies. A small cracking noise could be heard, one that slowly began to spread. Luna’s magic stopped but the cracking continued to spread, slowly increasing in volume each time. Suddenly a commotion could be heard nearby and several voices called out to each other.

“My friends, you will be free soon. I managed to trap my sister in dreams but I must see who she has prepared to send against me. I shall return the moment they are dealt with.” She said before quietly moving away.

Crap! The Mane 6 are here Ashur, we need to get to Luna before they can use the elements on her. Aurora thought to me.

I know. We can only hope that we can break free and get there.

Every moment the cracking spread further and as it did actual feeling started spreading into my limbs.

CRACK

My left leg could be felt.

CRACK

Right arm.

CRACK CRACK

My chest and right leg.

CRACK…. BOOM

Suddenly feeling rushed back into the rest of my body and the world could be seen. A dark night spread before me as eyes that were open uselessly started working again. My arm was still outstretched with pistol equipped, so with muscles somehow still used to the motion I holstered it quickly. I looked over to my left and saw the final pieces of stone break off Aurora and she repeated my actions, blinking against the world she could once again see in perfect clarity. We looked at each other with giant smiles and I thought to her.

We should go after Luna

I waited for a few moments still looking at her before releasing that she didn’t hear me. I firmly attached palm to face before looking back to her and opening my mouth.

“I guess we can’t hear each others thoughts anymore.” I said slowly, with the first words I had spoken in over 1500 years.

“Yeah… it’s so weird to hear our voices again.” Aurora said slowly.

“Wait, we don’t have time for this. We need to get to Luna” I interrupted quickly, grabbing her arm and running off towards the inside of the castle.

The first thing I noticed was the condition the once beautiful castle was in. Falling stones and tattered banners were everywhere. The opulent castle we had once spent so much time in now was a wreck. But it was better off than it should have been after so many years. I could help but think there was some magic that had kept the place looking so good.

As we ran into a large chamber a bright light appeared in front of us as a group of ponies floated in front of Luna. A very recognisable purple mare was speaking loudly. “...when those elements are ignited by the spark that resides in the heart of us all it creates the sixth element. The element of magic.” The bright lights intensified around each of the ponies facing our friend, the pieces of the elements coalescing into jeweled necklaces. With them a beam of rainbow power shot out, aiming for Luna.

A moment before the beam hit her however Luna disappeared in a flash of magic, appearing behind the group of mares. Her black hooded clothes flapped in a draft created by her teleportation as she looked back up to the group.

“I do not wish to fight you, stand down.” She said.

Twilight spoke up as the group turned around to face Luna again. “Nightmare Moon, we will not let you leave here to spread tyranny amongst this country again.”

“You think that’s what I did? You are fools to believe the lies my sister has told you.”

The congregated mares all spoke up in answer to that. “Sister?”

Aurora and I looked at the everyone in the chamber and not wanting it to escalate any further we ran forward, the only thought on our minds to get between the mane 6 and Luna. In an instant our bodies suddenly turned into shadow and swarmed forward, returning to our bodies the moment we were were we wanted to be. Everyone in the room froze, including Aurora and I as we looked at each other.

“Desmond! Lucy! The spell worked!” Luna cried, jumping forward and wrapping her hooves around us.

“Who the hay is that?” The voice of Rainbow Dash called out, but no one answered.

Luna continued to hug us as the group of 6 stood there in shock and confusion. Until the silence was broken by a voice that no one was expecting.

“D-Did she say Desmond an’ Lucy?” Applejack asked.

“Umm I think so.” Answered the small voice of Fluttershy.

Immediately the apple farmer burst forward towards the group, ignoring the warning cries of her friends. In response Luna, Aurora and I jumped back with weapons at the ready.

“Wait. Are you really Desmond and Lucy?” Applejack asked.

“Umm yes.” Aurora said. “Though we don’t go by those names anymore.”

“Y’all saved the lives of mah family many generations ago. Thank you.” Applejack said, the beginning of tears on the edge of her eyes.

“Th-That’s ok.” I said, clearly uncomfortable with the praise of someone we had just been standing against.

“My friends.” Luna whispered to us. “We need to go. The sleeping spell I cast on my sister will only last so long. We have to be out of here before she wakes.”

Without a word we all turned for the door. Running at top speed, again Aurora and I turned into shadows and Luna did the same. At speeds impossible to us before we drifted out of the Castle and through a forest that reminded us of how it looked all those years ago when Aurora and I watched the shows opening. We stopped at the first clearing we found, our bodies reappearing with a thought. Luna was the first to ask the question that was on all of our minds.

“How are you guys doing that? I didn’t think you had any magic.” She asked.

“Honestly I have no idea Lulu.” I answered honestly. I really had no idea how we were suddenly able to use magic and it was confusing the hell out of me. Even if it was useful.

“Either way it is so good to see you.” Aurora said while jumping forward and hugging Luna again.

“It is wonderful to see you too my friends. It has been far too long. By the way what was that you were saying inside about having new names?” The alicorn asked.

Ohh. Well with all the names we have inside our heads we decided that picking new ones would help us cope.” Aurora said, pointing first at herself and then at me while continuing. “I’m now Aurora and this is Ashur. They are names from where we come from that mean new beginnings.”

“Well chosen names, they suit you well. I must say this magic you are suddenly able to manifest intrigues me, it is very similar to my own magic movement. Would you mind if I scanned you?” Luna asked us.

“Go ahead Luna. I think we both would feel better about this if we knew what this ability came from.” I replied.

Luna’s horn lit up with a dark blue aura before a wide beam passed over our bodies, like a biometric scanner you see in movies. As it passed over my head I could hear her magic whispering. Scan, analyse, result. Finally the wave of magic passed over us and Luna stood silently.

“W-Well what is it Lulu?” Aurora stammered, clearly worried about the results and Luna’s silence.

“I’m not sure how to say this but you two have a large amount of magical power stored within your bodies, most of it appears to have been drawn from the natural magic field of Equus but the rest seems to match my magical signature. It may be that the spell I used to break you out of your prisons created a magical conduit in your bodies, allowing you to use some of the same magic that I do. The rest I’m assuming comes from spending so many years subject to the magic of this world.”

I stood there thinking about her words before answering. “That… actually makes a lot of sense and honestly is really cool. But we can’t tarry here for too long, those ponies are no doubt trying to find us again.”

“You’re right Ashur, we should be off. It’s just… we don’t really have anywhere to go.” Aurora said nervously.

“Why not go to your old brother sanctum? Celestia was never able to return there to tear it down after stoning you.” Luna interjected.

We all agreed that it would the best place to go, especially if Celestia was unwilling to enter. As one we all became shadows and drifted through the winds to the north east. None of us spoke as Aurora and I were focussed on controlling our new magical ability. Trees and dark fields passed us by as we travelled until all at once the sky changed. The sun rose within seconds and we were all as one blinded, our shadow forms disappearing the moment the light hit us.

Huh, I guess you need shadows to travel in shadows. Good to know.

With luck we were only a short distance from our old sanctum but as we neared the stone building that covered it several projectiles flew out, aimed for our heads. With speed we all as one ducked below the incoming blades.

“Stop firing!” Luna shouted. “We are allies!”

A voice called out from the building. “Nothing is true…”

We all answered together. “...everything is permitted.”

Without a sound the door opened and a white unicorn mare with two tone blue hair walked out, her body and head covered with a white hooded coat. She stood before us and bowed. “Welcome, our doors are always open to those who follow the creed.” The mare then raised her body back up with a big smile on her face. “Ok now that the official crap is over. I’m Warrior Vinyl Scratch, but you can call me DJ Pon-3. Who are you? And more importantly what are you two?”

Luna spoke first. “These are Grandmaster’s Ashur and Aurora, but you might know them better as our brotherhoods founders Erica and Shaun. I am Master Nightmare Moon.”

“Woah, umm you three might want to follow me. I don’t really know much about our history but the master of our chapter does. It just never seemed all that important, y’know?” The white mare said while indicating to follow her inside. While we walked she talked to us incessantly, barely even stopping to take a breath. “So you are all like super high ranks, I’ve never met anyone but Tavi who was around master rank. I bet you’ve seen some pretty hardcore shit if you’ve been around for this long. You ever fought a Hydra? Or a manticore? I heard of one assassin who was so powerful they subdued an entire pack full of Timberwolves with a blindfold on. Are you guys that strong? Coz that would just be so damn cool. Anyway, what music do you listen to? I said I was a DJ before didn’t I? You should come to Canterlot with me sometime, I DJ at this really awesome club and everypony loves it there.”

For Aurora and I the words of the mare we followed barely registered as we passed through the winding dark stone hallways of our old sanctum. We were too caught up in memories of a mare that looked almost exactly the same as the one we followed. Memories of the time we spent with Keen Sight rattled around our heads until we came to a sudden stop. Vinyl knocked hard on a large wooden door before shouting. “Oi! Tavi! We’ve got some friends here you might know”

“Uugghh Vinyl.” A quiet groan was heard through the door. The heavy sound of hoofsteps could be heard before the door swung open to reveal a dark gray mare with a black mane.

“Tavi! I found some assassins by the front entrance and they passed the word test. They say they are like super high ranked. I mean I’ve never even heard of anypony being called a grandmaster before.” Vinyl said excitedly.

“That’s because we haven’t had a grandmaster in over 1500 years Vinyl and the only ones we gave that to were dead.” The mare answered with a sigh.

“Yeah not quite.” I said.

I looked at the familiar mare that Aurora and I knew only as a background pony named Octavia as she looked back at us. Her eyes suddenly cleared and moved back a step in shock, her mouth opened and closed without any sound coming out. She looked between us and then continued over to Luna, taking another step back.

“What? How? Erica and Shaun? Luna?” She finally managed to say.

“Yes Miss Octavia, we have returned.” I said to the flustered mare with a smile on my face. “But you should really refer to us by our new names Ashur and Aurora.”

“It is I, Master Octavia. I am glad to see our brotherhood has been kept alive these long years.” Luna added.

The gray earth pony continued to stare at us in shock until Vinyl stepped forward and knocked her over the back of the head with a hoof. Like that her demeanor changed and her eyes regained the clarity from before. Immediately she bowed. “I welcome you back Grandmasters and Master.”

“That’s enough of that Tavi.” Vinyl said. “They don’t really seem to be the title type. So chill out.”

“Sorry about that. I’ve always been the type to stick to the old ways.” Octavia apologised before continuing. “But there is something you all should know. This is the last remaining assassin chapter in Equestria. Princess Celestia and her Templar Order have managed to all but destroy us over the years. There are chapters still in other countries but we have no way to communicate and it’s only a matter of time until they are found as well.”

“That is certainly troublesome.” Luna started. “How far has my sister’s Order infiltrated?”

“Ohh she doesn’t run the Order.” Vinyl said.

“What?” The three of us said in unison.

“Vinyl is right. Celestia has never lead the Order. Nopony has ever seen the one who runs it but everypony knows his name. His name is Cross.”

Author's Notes:

Here we go. Finally the story is getting into familiar territory, well kinda.
If I didn't make it clear enough Nightmare Moon was a persona not a transformation in this story.

Anyway after the next chapter I'll be ready to start doing crossovers with other Displaced if anyone is interested.

Also please let me know what you think of Ashur and Aurora having shadow magic.

Chapter 3 - Exodus

Cross? Do they mean Daniel Cross? That was Chris’ costume when we were sent to Equestria. But he wasn’t sent with us. How could he be here?

Aurora and I stared at each other, we both understood much more than anypony else about who was leading the forces against us. We knew who he was, what he looked like, everything. But could we tell everypony?

“Should-Should we tell them Ashur?” Aurora stammered nervously.

“I think we should, they deserve to know who is killing their friends.” I answered slowly.

“You’re right.” Aurora said before turning to Luna, Vinyl and Octavia. “The one known as Cross is not a pony like you. He is human, like us. His name is Chris, but here he is Daniel Cross and if he has become him completely then we are in more danger than you can possibly realise. He knows how we work because in a way he was once an Assassin.”

We all stood in silence, the ponies we stood before taking in the information we had given. Luna was the first to shake herself from her fugue. “So, how do we fight him if he knows how we work?

“I-I’m not sure honestly.” I said. “We don’t have enough forces to wage war on the Templars the way we are now.”

Octavia spoke up at this. “Then we need to establish a power base, find recruits and train them.” After that however she lowered her head and mumbled out the next sentence. “The only problem is that every city in Equestria is occupied by Templar forces.”

“Then we start lower. If we can’t build in a city then we take a town and move on from there.” Aurora said, sudden confidence in her eyes. “And I think I have the perfect place to start.”

With that she walked out and we all made to follow her until she stopped and turned around. “Miss Octavia, I need you to collect all the assassins you can find. Have them gather everything you can, we will need to move out by morning.” With that she turned and without waiting to see if her orders were followed walked out of the room.

Luna and I followed close, wondering what plan Aurora could possibly have. She gave nothing away however and so we continued to follow as she weaved through one twisted corridor after another. Finally she stopped and opened a door, we all stepped inside a large chamber. One with a large map laid over a stone table. On the map was the entirety of Equestria and a few of the outlying nations. In the center of each city was a single flag, one with a red cross on black. The only other flag that didn’t match was a single one pointing out from the edge of the unicorn ranges. It is the assassin insignia and it sits where we are now.

This was one room that for the longest time held a spark of hope, as it was in that here we planned the expansion of our brotherhood before the princess attacked. But that was a long time ago and now we are back to where we started. A small group of highly trained individuals and a dream of a free Equestria. This time though the stakes are higher. Everywhere we go we will be fighting an established force, one that knows who we are and how we fight.

Aurora stood in front of the map and looked at me. “Do you see where we will need to start Ashur?”

“Honestly I have no idea.” I said, looking at how much of the country Chris’ forces had taken.

“Well where do you see that is close and has no Templars yet?” She asked me and Luna.

Where has no Templars and is close to us? I mean there is Van Hoover and Las Pegasus but they are already heavily occupied. I thought looking at the two marked cities. I mean there is also… no… really?

“You can’t be serious? That’s suicide.” I exclaimed, looking at Aurora like she was crazy.

“What? What is she saying Ashur?” Luna asked.

“She wants us to set up in Ponyville Luna.” I told the alicorn.

Luna froze for a moment before looking at our friend. “I’m sorry Luc-Aurora. But are you out of your mind?”

“Nope.” She said with a massive grin on her face. “Look at all these big cities and how heavy the Templar presence is. Then look at the small towns and you can see that there is little to no influence at all. It’s like they don’t even see these towns. If we can find and recruit assassins in each of these towns we can build up a sizeable force without them ever knowing.”

“But why Ponyville?” I asked her. “Twilight and her friends live there and if they find us we are screwed.”

“No, you see this is why my plan is genius. If we start in Ponyville we can turn Celestia’s most powerful weapon against her.”

“You don’t mean-” I start to say before Aurora interrupts me.

“Exactly, we recruit the Elements into the brotherhood. We already have Applejack, even if she doesn’t know it yet. The rest we will convince one by one until Twilight has to join so she can stay with her friends.”

Luna spoke up this time. “I... actually think this could work.”

“Good now let’s collect everypony and start planning.” Aurora said triumphantly while walking out of the room. “We have a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it.”

Oh my god I can’t believe I’m actually here! I thought while looking around me.

Long lines of apple trees framed the path Ashur and I walked along, telling us exactly where we were. I was practically skipping with excitement as we walked.

I have always wanted to see this place. I mean my best pony lives here! And it’s so much better than I could ever have dreamed.

I let the atmosphere wash over me as the smell of grass, dirt and apples filled the air.

A voice from beside me interrupted my reverie however. “Can you calm down? I know you think this is a definite thing but we still need to be careful. Your whole plan relies on what happens here and now.” Ashur chastised me.

“But don’t you think this is exciting? This is The Sweet Apple Acres and we are going to go meet Applejack. How are you not super excited? Come on just enjoy it a little.” I said while pouting at him.

“I’ll enjoy it when this is over.” He said before going silent.

“Come on, even with everything going on you love that you are here.” I added while poking him.

He smiled slightly before resetting his features. “Yeah but, let’s just stay on mission.”

We walked up the long dirt path that lead through the gargantuan apple farm. After walking what felt like an hour but was probably only a few minutes a small farm house and barn rose up in the distance. As we came closer a dog started to bark and it’s small form rushed towards us. Ashur started to reach for his pistol but I stopped him with a raised hand.

“Chill, it’s just Winona.” I told my overly cautious companion. “If you shoot Applejack’s dog I think our chances might drop to nothing, don’t ya think?”

“Yeah sorry, these instincts can be a bitch sometimes.”

“Winona! Stop ya barkin’.” An accented voice called out as we approached the farm house.

The door opened suddenly and a familiar orange mare walked out, her mane tied up in an ironically named pony tail. She looked around and her jaw dropped the moment she saw us. She looked around nervously before waking a hoof, telling us to follow her before she turned around and walked into the barn. We followed her inside and the moment we entered she closed the heavy door silently cutting off all light in the large space.

She whispered to us in the darkness. “What in tarnation are y’all doing here? If Twilight knew y’all were ‘er she would be callin’ the guards.”

“We are sorry Miss Applejack but we needed to speak to you on a matter of great urgency.” Ashur said from beside me.

“I’m not sure if ah should be speakin’ to y’all. You stood with Nightmare Moon and the princess sent us to stop her.” The farm mare said hesitantly.

“You don’t understand the full story. Princess Luna isn’t the bad pony she has been made out to be.” I said to her.

“Princess Luna? Wait, y’all are sayin’ that the mare we were sent tah stop was a princess?”

“Yes, Princess Luna is Celestia’s sister.” Ashur answered before asking. “Do you know the reason why you were sent to banish her?”

“Ah jus’ heard that she was supposed tah bring eternal night or something.” Applejack said, her voice was slowly becoming even more nervous than before.

“That’s not true at all!” I almost shouted.

Luna would never do that! She is the most caring, wonderful pony ever.

“Do you want to know the truth Applejack?” Ashur said calmly.

“Ah suppose ah should give y’all a chance tah explain. Mah family owes you two a whole lot. I jus’ gotta ask first. Y’all are definitely Erica and Shaun, aren’t ya?”

“Yes, though we now go by the names Ashur and Aurora.” I answered automatically.

“Well our story begins like this…” Ashur started.

It took a long time for Ashur to explain the entire situation to Applejack and by the end of it the mares jaw had been firmly affixed to the ground. Celestia’s betrayal of us in particular had her falling back on her haunches. She also let us know a few things, like what Ashur’s final act of defiance had accomplished. The leg he had shot had to be amputated and she had a team of unicorns create a magical prosthetic, but the story behind it was far from the truth. According to records she had lost her leg while fighting Nightmare Moon.

At that point Applejack had gotten furious, apparently creating such a massive lie and making it general knowledge for the entire country really made her angry.

Well she is the element of honesty.

“Thank y’all for tellin’ me the truth. But now ah don’t know how I’ll be able to face Twilight with all of this.” The farm mare said after everything was explained.

“There’s another reason we came here Applejack, we have something to ask you.” I told her.

“What is it Aurora? Ah’ll do anything ah can to help y’all.”

“W-We want to move our brotherhood to Ponyville and start recruitment and training. And well, we wanted to know if you would join.” I asked her nervously.

“Ah’m not sure sugarcube, ah want join to but ah don’t want tah lie to mah friends. If y’all want to move here though ah’ll help any way ah can.”

“Well just thinking about it okay?” I asked again. “And you never know, maybe your friends would be willing to join. We really do stand for freedom and harmony like you girls.”

With those words Ashur opened the barn door and we walked out, leaving the mare to her thoughts. Honestly we shouldn’t have expected her to make a decision then and there, but we at least know that she is on our side. Even if she hasn’t joined she is still a powerful ally to have. As we walked through the shadow of apple trees I let loose a loud squee, finally I had met my best pony and she was just as adorable and awesome as I was hoping she would be!

Oh my god! Oh my god! That was so awesome! She was so cool and strong and just so awesome! I really hope I can see her more often and we can hang out and be friends and do all kinds of cool things together. She can teach me about applebucking and I’ll help her out on the farm. Then we will eat apple pie and lots of other really yummy things! Ohh it’s so exciting.

I continued fangirling all the way through the trees and back to the edge of the nearby forest, when we passed through the tree line a group of 13 ponies waited for us. Luna and a clearly nervous Octavia stepped forward as we approached.

“So how did it go?” Octavia asked.

Ashur answered confidently. “We have her support. Although she did not agree to join yet, she has assured us that she is on our side.”

The entire group let out a sigh of relief. Many believed that our plan had been foolhardy and we had been risking the brotherhood’s safety by approaching an element of harmony. Personally I had been a little frightful of that myself but Ashur assured me that it was the right option.

Luna spoke up next. “Well we need to set up a base. These woods should cover our activities well and I will be able to create something to keep us safe for the night with my magic but we will all need to work together to make anything more permanent.”

The alicorn lit her horn and her magic went to work, slicing through trees and arranging them into crude huts. She would first cut straight through the trunk, lift the tree and a wave of magic would reduce it down to a straight, round log. One by one she did this until a sizeable clearing had been made and in it she created five small wooden huts. Each was only a few metres wide but it was better than being out in the open.

We all broke off into groups of three, Luna joining us, Octavia and Vinyl chose to group with another mare and everypony else stayed with whomever they were close to. Once inside we all collapsed onto the dirt floor and sighed with exhaustion. We had spent the entire night packing up the sanctum and the entire day was spent trekking all the way to Ponyville.

I broke the silence with a nervous voice. “D-Do you guys think I made the right decision?”

“I’m honestly not sure Aurora.” Luna answered. “This plan has merit but it also holds a lot of risks. If we are discovered too soon we will not live long to regret it.”

“I believe in you.” Ashur added and I smiled at him. “You’ve always had the weirdest plans, but somehow they always work out.”

With that we went into a discussion of all the stupid things we had done back on earth. Most of which began with me having some weird idea and dragging my friends along for the ride. That unfortunately had the side effect of bringing up Chris.

“How long do you think he has been here?” I asked Luna and Ashur.

“I heard talk of a strange creature around the castle from time to time. So he has been here close to as long as you two if that was him.” Luna answered, which shocked Ashur and I.

“But if he has been here for so long why didn’t he ever try to contact us?”

“Actually do you remember someone coming to the courtyard but never speaking?” Ashur asked me before continuing. “I think that might have been him.”

“But still why did he never talk to us or come find us?” I asked again.

“What if he isn’t Chris anymore? He hasn’t always been the calmest guy and neither was Cross, maybe the lines blurred.”

Those words sent me into silence until another question came to my mind. “Then how is he still alive?”

Ashur and Luna shrugged before giving the most frustrating answer possible. “Magic?”

“Whatever. I guess we will have time to figure out more in the morning. Goodnight everypony.” I said with a heavy sigh. I lay on the soft grass and dirt floor with a thick cloak wrapped around my body and soon the world faded away as sleep overcame me. The last thing I heard was the returning answer of my two friends.

“Goodnight.”

Ugghh, we really need floors and beds. Sleeping in the dirt is a real pain in the ass. I thought the moment I woke from slumber.

There was faint sunlight filtering through our wooden shelter as the sun began to rise. I squinted as my eyes tried to open and I wiped a hand across them to dislodge any sleep that had built up over the night. Slowly everything came into focus and I could see Luna and Ashur still sleeping nearby in the plain interior of our hut. Everything was the same as last night, except…

What’s this?

I looked to the ground beside me and sitting in the dirt was a small silver medallion in the shape of a spider with DS marked in the center. As I lifted it to take a closer look a voice rung out in my mind. My name is Dark. I’m a web-swinger with a blade and a lot of heart. If you need a companion to talk to, or an ally to help fight your enemies, just toss this medallion to the air and I’ll be there. I’m always willing to meet new people. But know this, I will not allow anyone to harm innocents. As the voice spoke in my mind I reacted with shock, throwing the medallion away from me.

After a moment of flight the medallion stopped in midair and began to glow with a bright light that expanded into a large oval, filled with a familiar white and colorful expanse. In the centre three shapes could be seen. They grew bigger every moment until they hit the oval and fell through, landing on the floor.

In a moment Luna and Ashur were awake, blades at the ready.

Author's Notes:

Sorry if Applejack's dialogue doesn't sound right. I've only written her a couple times and I can never seem to get it just right.

And now we are moving into the first crossover. This one is with DarkSpider's Spider in Equestria.

Hope y'all enjoy. :)

Chapter 4 - Along came a Spider...

Author's Notes:

Part 1 of my crossover with Dark Spider's Spider in Equestria Displaced fic.

Just notifying that there will be a lot of dialogue in this and the next chapter as the concept of Displaced is explained to Ashur and Aurora as well as Dark telling the story of his Displaced life so far.

Next chapter should be read and edited by tomorrow.

I sat staring at the three figures that had suddenly appeared in front of me. The sheer strangeness of them had me at a loss for words. A large bipedal figure in a blue and black hooded cloak groaned in pain after landing on his back, while two… OMG are those pokemon? A rush of excitement flowed over me as I watched a Fennekin and Froakie sitting next to the cloaked figure and poked at him.

“Pray tell, who is this?” Luna asked with apprehension.

“I’m not sure. I found this weird medallion that spoke in my head and when I threw it away they appeared!” I answered her, my eyes locked on the two familiar creatures in front of me.

Another groan came from the dark clothed figure before a voice emanated from it. “Again in the back? I have got to get better at the landing.”

Luna stepped forward, defensive anger replacing her earlier trepidation. “What are you creature and how did you find your way into here?”

The figure looked to her. “Luna? Huh. Another regular pony world by the looks of it.” He stood up and dusted himself, the Froakie jumping onto his right shoulder.

“I will ask once more creature, how did you get in here? If you do not answer I will not hold back.” Luna demanded while stomping a hoof into the ground.

“Who threw the medallion?” The figure asked, seemingly ignoring Luna’s angry questioning.

I lifted my hand slowly. “Um, it was me.” I said nervously.

“Then you summoned me.”

“But, who and what are you?” I asked him as Luna became visibly angrier.

“To answer the second question, I'm exactly what you two are,” he said, pointing at me and Ashur.

“Wait, you’re a human? And what did you mean about normal ponies?” Luna interrupted.

“Yes, and I mean that you guys aren't anthropomorphic like in my Equestria.” Her anger turned to confusion at the sudden information.

Ashur suddenly laughed at that, “Oh man, that would be weird as hell.”

“Why?” The strange biped asked, confusion evident in his young, yet obviously masculine voice.

“Well it would be uncanny valley all the time. You know something that’s human but not quite so it’s unnerving.” Ashur explained.

“I lived there for a while now, so I'm perfectly fine with it,” he said with a shrug. “Heck, that's wasn't even a problem for me on my first day.”

“Hold on, I think we all just missed something super important. What the hell do you mean by your Equestria?” Ashur asked with confusion on his face.

He looked to me and Ashur with confusion before tilting his head. “Is this your first time learning about Displaced?”

“What is Displaced?” I asked nervously.

He sighed exasperatedly. “I'll take that as a yes. Okay, how about this, I explain everything going on, if you answer a few of my questions.”

Ashur looked at me and as one we nodded before he answered, “That seems fair.”

“Okay. Can we sit? This'll take a while.” The boy asked while rubbing his back.

I indicated around the barren hut. “Well you’ll have to sit in the dirt, we haven’t exactly gotten around to building anything but the walls and roofs.”

He shrugged. “I'm okay with that.” He then sat by the wall, the Fennekin curling up on his lap with him petting it while the Froakie remained on his shoulder.

With a sigh we all joined our strange company, taking a seat on the hard earth and looking at him expectantly.

“Okay. First off, who are you guys dressed as exactly? Your costume looks very familiar,” he said, pointing to Ashur.

“Did you ever play Assassin’s Creed?” Ashur asked in return.

“Of course. That's what gave me the idea for this cloak in the first place.”

“Well I’m sure you remember the modern day parts. I’m dressed up as Desmond Miles.” He said before pointing to me. “And she decided to be Lucy Stillman.”

“I remember Desmond, but I only played 4 and a bit of 3, so Lucy is unfamiliar to me. Anyway, I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Tito, but since I got Displaced, most call me Dark.” He waved a black and blue gloved hand to the Froakie. “This is my partner, Michael.” He then pointed to the Fennekin. “And this is my sister’s partner, Emily.”

I started to bounce slightly where I was sitting, barely able to contain myself from jumping forward and hugging the tiny fire fox. “You are so lucky! I’ve always wanted a Pokemon.”

“Well we just got these two a couple of days ago. Long story. Now, how long have you been in Equestria?” Dark asked, trying to keep the conversation on track after my interruption.

Ashur spoke up. “I’m not exactly sure. Time tends to get confusing when you get turned to stone.”

Luna interrupted suddenly to answer. “1563 years.”

We all sat there in shock, our jaws nearly hitting the floor. The sheer amount of years we had spent in our stone prison surprised us far more than we were expecting. We guessed it would have been at least 1000 years but over 500 more than that was shocking to say the least.

“Wow,” Dark said. “Let me guess, Royal Sisters didn't trust you and used the Elements on you?”

“They didn’t really need to, we aren’t exactly super powerful magic users. Well we might be now, not really sure how it all works.” Ashur tried to explain, thinking about our new shadow running ability. “And it was only Celestia. Luna” He pointed to the dark blue alicorn laying on the floor of the hut “Was on our side.”

“Wow… Okay then. Next, you know about MLP?”

I laughed for a moment before answering. “Yeah, we are massive bronies.”

“Okay then. The last Displaced I met didn't know. Now, when in the show’s timeline are we?”

Ashur and I froze with this question, looking at Luna. “Umm should we really answer that? I’m sorry Luna but we don’t want to give foreknowledge. And we definitely never talked about the show.”

Dark facepalmed. “Wow. I'm acting just like them now… Sorry, I'm just used to most of my friends knowing about it.”

“What is everypony talking about?” Luna asked while looking around at us. Ashur and I continued to look at each other, not sure how or if we should answer her question.

“Not important, Luna.” Dark said with a dismissive wave of his hand before continuing. “Now, have you met the Mane 6? If so, how did THAT go?”

“We met them two days ago when Luna released us and we spoke to Applejack yesterday.” Ashur answered. “The big encounter didn’t exactly go well but meeting Applejack went much better and we are hoping to get them on our side eventually.”

“Wow. That's all completely different than my experience.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Let's see… I've been in my Equestria for a little over a month now, my first day involved saving Apple Bloom and Scootaloo from a pack of timberwolves. Then I met some of the Mane 6 and told them about myself and now I'm living with Twilight and the others. Then the next day I met two Displaced and got the gist of everything, and had a welcome party after I made this cloak with Rarity.” Dark started to explain at length.

“Wow… Yeah. That’s completely different from us. We appeared way before the start of the show. Put it this way, the series premiere was two days ago.” Ashur explained.

“Huh. Wait…are you guys assassins?” Dark asked suddenly.

“Well yeah, we kinda fell into at first but the world was full of violence so we decided to help.”

“I'm not judging” Dark began carefully. “As long as you stick to the whole not killing innocents thing, we'll get along. I just wanna say...be careful with Lyra. I read a story where a guy who loved Assassin’s Creed got hit in the back of the head with a shovel because she wanted him to be her pet.”

“I would like to see her try that with me.” Ashur said confidently while crossing his arms. “She won’t find it so easy. And yeah, we would never harm innocents. That’s part one of the creed. Stay your blade from the flesh of the innocent.”

“Good. Let's see, after that, me and Rainbow became friends, I met Lyra and Bon Bon, as well as Trixie, and then went to Manehatten. I'll tell you this, swinging around that city is awesome. Only thing worth mentioning about that trip is that I saved Lightning from a bunch of rapists and took her to a hospital.”

“Looks like we’ve all been through a lot.” I said to Dark.

“We should probably mention one other thing. We aren’t the only... What did you call it? Displaced? There’s one other guy here with us.” Ashur added with a sudden scowl on his face.

“Oh?” He asked. “Who?”

“Well we had another friend that wasn’t with us when we came here, his name was Chris.” I began. “We don’t know how or when he got here but he is now Daniel Cross and he runs the Templar Order in Equestria with Celestia on his side.”

“Damn. That's gotta suck. Wait, do the Pieces of Eden exist here?” Dark asked.

“Honestly we don’t know.” Ashur answered. “It never really occurred to us to look for them.”

“Well hopefully they don't. But if they do, focus on the Ankh, the Shroud, and the Sword. So, you have any questions?”

“You keep mentioning meeting other Displaced?” I asked. “How many of us are out there?”

“From what I heard, thousands, probably millions.” He answered while shrugging.

“Okay… that’s surprising. So what exactly is a Displaced?” Ashur asked.

Dark sighed. “Okay, do you recall what happened right before you came to Equestria?”

“Yeah, I bought a hidden blade and Aurora bought a shock blade.” Ashur said as we both raised our arms to show the weapons attached to our wrists.

“Huh. I bought my mask and sword, my sister got a Piko Piko hammer. Anyway, you remember the guy you bought them from?”

“Yeah kinda. I mean he was hooded and had his face covered but he was pretty distinctive.”

“Yeah, blame him for all of this.”

“Why would I blame him?” I answered quickly. “Sure things haven’t always been great but life before we came here was so mind numbingly boring. Hell, I’d probably thank the guy if I saw him again.”

“Just saying, he's the reason you got sent here. He's known as the Merchant, and whenever someone buys something from him, they're sent to a version of Equestria, usually becoming whoever they're dressed as. For example, my sister Cece turned into Amy Rose, and I became a guy with all of Spider-Man’s powers. I've met some people who turned into a Spartan from Halo, Ivy from Soul Calibur, and Team Rocket from Pokémon, and a Kamen Rider.”

“Sounds like a pretty damn good deal to me.” Ashur said before looking over towards me.

I rolled over onto my side in a massive fit of giggles as multiple thoughts ran through my mind. The most prevalent among them I had to tell everyone as they looked at me with confusion. “Sorry, sorry. Just thinking about all the genderbent cosplayers.”

“Well...I haven't heard of any, but that make sense.” Dark answered with a slight chuckle. “Then again, I heard of a Displaced who was a male version of Ruby from RWBY, so maybe not. But you want funny? You should've seen the Mane Six’s reaction to the Ivy Displaced.”

I exploded in another fit of giggles while Ashur even broke into a deep laugh at the thought. Luna was still sitting in place not saying a word throughout our conversation.

“Anyway,” he continued, “from the moment we are sent to Equestria, we become known as the Displaced. And not all of us are happy about it. Cece being a key example. She's pretty mad about turning into a three foot tall hedgehog and being stuck in a world of magical ponies. Heck, it's why she's going to the EqG world right now, so she can be human again and not hide.”

I sat there in thought for a while before speaking. “I guess I can see how that would be difficult, but have you considered asking Twilight if she can use the mirrors spell to make your sister human again?”

“I'm pretty sure Twilight would've mentioned if she knew that spell.”

“She may not have considered that as an option. I know it’s just made up but I’ve read fanfiction with that. But you never know, to us before this world was made up.”

“I have a question for you Dark” Ashur interjected. “What was that thing that brought you here? Aurora mentioned a voice she heard in her mind when she touched it.”

Dark turned, looking around the floor and found the silver medallion. With a flick of his arm a white line shot out and hit it, a second flick and he drew it back into his hand, the web disappearing instantly. “This is why I'm here.” He then tossed it to me.

I held the small object in my hands, looking it over. “What’s so special about it? It just looks like a piece of metal.”

“That's my token.” Dark said simply.

“What is a token?” Ashur asked.

“It's how Displaced can call each other. We may not be able to go back to where we came from, but if you have a Displaced’s token, you can summon them from their Equestria, like you did for me. That voice was my message to anyone who finds my token. To send a Displaced back, they can either open a portal on their own, but I think only experienced Displaced can do that, or you say “Our contract is complete”.” Dark explained as I deposited the token in a pocket.

Suddenly a voice came from a corner that until now had remained mostly silent. “I’m sorry to interrupt but what is this you keep mentioning about other Equestrias?” Luna asked.

“Simple. Multiverse Theory, it’s real. Basically, imagine an infinite number of worlds, each one different in some way. Such as, everypony being humans. Most being high school students. Heck, my sister should be in that world right now. Anyway, other examples are Discord having a daughter he created with his magic, some ponies being...psychotic, and Nightmare Moon winning.”

“Basically for every decision made there is a universe created that the decision went the other way. From the smallest change to a world completely alien to another, all the decisions ever made exist as a separate reality to one another.” Ashur finished the explanation.

“Oh, you saw the season five finale?” Dark asked.

“Yeah.” I answered. “The last episode we saw was ‘The Cart Before The Ponies.’ So, if we want our own token how do we make it?”

“Just find an item that represents you and/or your character. Then, according to Sebaste, you “put part of your soul in it”, then say the message.”

I looked at Ashur for a moment before an idea came into my head. “Luna, do you have any spare fabric?”

The alicorn thought for a moment before a flash of magic conjured a pair of midnight blue saddlebags with a crescent moon on the side. With her levitation she opened them up and drew forth a length of crimson cloth. As she floated it over to me I grabbed it out of the air. It was long and thin, but made of a durable weave, not unlike her assassin’s barding just crimson instead of dark blue. I next removed the belt that wrapped around my body, slipping off the assassin insignia I used as a belt buckle. With both in hand I attached the symbol of our creed to the fabric, before asking Luna to meld both ends to each other, creating a deep red sash.

I stood and indicated for Ashur to join me. He pulled himself from the ground quickly and stood by my side, taking a hold of the sash. “So how do we do this soul thing?” I asked our guest.

He shrugged. “Not entirely sure. But I have something that might help if you don't have any ideas.”

“Ashur take my hand.” I told him. When I felt his palm touching my own I continued. “Now close your eyes and look inside, past our bodies and into the connection between us.”

Following my own instructions I put the rest of the world out of my mind and felt beyond the simple contact of skin. First it was all I could feel until that also fell away and inside what was once there I felt something that for the longest time could be heard right by my side. Thoughts not my own ran into my mind as Ashur and I connected on a level much deeper than the physical.

Can you hear me? I asked mentally.

For a moment all was silent until a familiar voice echoed inside my mind.

Aurora? Are we connected again? Ashur asked me, confusion in his thought projected voice.

Yes. I thought with a mental smile. Now we need to connect to something else. Feel for the sash in our hands..

We delved further along our connection, to the object held in our other hands. Pushing past our skin we felt it, an object devoid of life but still connecting us to each other.

Now push Ashur, push from deep inside. Give it life from within ourselves. I told my friend in his head.

As one we both pushed, at first as we tried part of us resisted, but when we forced ourselves against the barrier harder it suddenly broke and a strange feeling passed through us both. The sash we held between us suddenly pulsed with life and we crashed back into our bodies, falling to a knee as energy rushed out of us.

“I-I think we did it.” I said to everyone in the hut as we tried to catch our breath.

“You okay?” Dark asked.

“Yeah…” We both said, panted softly before I continued. “That was just... more tiring than I expected.”

“That was...unexpected. The only times I witnessed someone making their token was my own, and a Kamen Rider Displaced yesterday. So, now you just need to hold up your token and say your message. Just give some basic information like your name and your beliefs.” He paused for a moment. “Come to think of it, besides Luna, I don't know any of your names.”

“I guess now you’ll learn them.” Ashur answered in a heavy panting laugh.

Struggling against the drain from filling the token with life we both rose to our feet, the sash still held between us. As one we lifted it to the air and spoke together. “We are Ashur and Aurora, Master Assassins. We walk the darkness for those who live in the light. Our blades silence the evil and protect the innocent. Call upon us those who serve the light and fear us those whose intentions are less than honorable. Vittoria agli Assassini!”

A bright light emanated from the sash before dying. Ashur and I looked at each other before smiling and lowering our arms, the sash still held between us. We then looked to Dark, “So what do we do now?” I asked.

“First, you want to have a replica to send off, or use the original?”

“We can use the original.” Ashur answered.

“Then send it to the Void. Just toss it in the air.”

In concert Ashur and I swung our arms back before flinging them forwards and letting go, the sash flying into the air before a portal suddenly opened around it, sucking it in and disappearing. I looked to our new friend. “Did we do it right?” I asked.

“I'd say yes. Now, any questions?” Dark asked.

Ashur spoke up. “Yeah, are there any Displaced we should stay away from if we find their tokens?”

“Well, I heard there's a Nemesis Displaced, but apparently he's a good guy. Just stay away from a guy called...Ahriman, I believe. He kidnapped a version of Rainbow, brainwashed her, and killed a version of Applejack and Celestia.”

I gasped, holding my hands over my mouth. “Ohh no. That’s so terrible!”

Dark nodded. “And the Displaced that lived in that Equestria showed a recording of that a few days ago to prove to my version of Bon Bon that they were telling the truth about them being humans from another Equestria. Let's just say...I'm happy I'm the only one close to my Mane 6 who saw it.”

A dark mood fell over the room as everyone thought about the evils committed by others, and the evils that could already be in this Equestria. Ashur and I knew the extent of the evils that Templars committed in the games and only hoped that the same had not and would not come to pass here.

Dark clenched his fist, his face unknown under his hood. “Trust me, you don't want to know the details. And I can only imagine all the Displaced who just do what they want, hurting ponies just cause they can…” He started growling.

“Alright” I said, jumping forward and grabbing Dark’s hand. “Let’s talk about something else. All this darkness is no good.”

“My name is DARK for crying out loud.”

“And we work in the dark, but what is darkness without the light? A balance must be kept.” Ashur interjected.

Emily rubbed against him, Michael patted him, and he calmed down. “This is why I try to stay away from this type of stuff. It brings out my… darker side.”

“Sorry for starting this dude. I didn’t think it would bring up so much.” Ashur said apologetically.

Dark sighed. “It’s ok, you couldn’t have known. Anything else?”

“Yeah.” I said bouncing forward. “What are your Mane 6 like? We met Applejack but the rest we’ve only seen once and it wasn’t the best situation.”

“Well, since I'm from another dimension, and around Season Six territory, my experience would no doubt be different. Anyway, first was Rainbow, who kicked me in the back of the head when she first saw me, knocking me out.”

“Damn. I always figured she would be a bit testy, but that’s way more than I would expect.”

“Funny, a few experienced Displaced mentioned that that seems extremely hot headed, even for her. Anyway, I woke in the crystal palace, and fell from that chandelier onto the table, right in front of her, Twilight, and Fluttershy. Then she attacked me. After Twilight stopped it, I met Pinkie and I explained who I was, and a few of my abilities. Then Twilight offered me to live with her and the other two, which I accepted. I met Spike and Starlight. Next day, I met Rarity and AJ, and Rarity fainted.”

“Why would she faint?” I asked. “The rest, apart from Rainbow, didn’t react that strongly.”

“Well seeing a blue and black masked figure hanging from the ceiling upside down, and about a foot away from you, would be kinda freaky. And this is Rarity we're talking about.”

Ashur and I laughed at this. “So she is still a major drama queen then?”

“Rarity not being a drama queen is like Pinkie not telling jokes. Or Rainbow not being at least somewhat boastful. Or Twilight not liking books. In other words, it'd be crazy.”

“So what happened next?” Ashur asked, sitting forward while enjoying Dark’s story.

“Well, I introduced myself to AJ, which went okay. Until Rainbow burst through the entrance, having heard Rarity screaming. She saw me next to her unconscious friend and, never really trusting me at the time, she attacked me. After I wrapped her up, she said a few words that… struck a nerve. Then Applejack explained that I didn't hurt Rarity. That I was innocent. After that, she stopped, and I let her go, before going back to my room to… calm down.”

“What do you mean about wrapping her up?” Luna asked Dark.

“One of my powers.” He explained. “I'm able to shoot webs from my hands.” He fired a web up to the roof. “Though, one cool thing is that I can dismiss them anytime I want.” As he said this the web disconnected from the roof, dissolving into nothing before it hit the ground. “Useful. I can also stick to any surface I want, allowing me to scale buildings, and I have a sixth sense that warns me of danger, as well as acts like a map, allowing me to roam around an area with ease, even if I've never been there before.”

“Those are most strange abilities Mr. Dark.” Luna complimented. “I’ve never heard of anything like that before.”

“First, please don't call me mister. Still have another year before anyone should feel like they should call me that. Second, thanks. They were originally the powers of my favorite superhero from back home.”

“You think that’s bad?” Ashur said. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to being called master by the rest of the brotherhood.”

“Well you ARE a master assassin among your students.”

“Yeah but back on Earth I was a lazy, unemployed gamer. Even after over 1500 years it’s hard to think that people look up to me.”

“Hmm. Still, must be nice having at least someone look up to you…”

“From what you’ve been telling us you’ve made friends with a few ponies, don’t any of them look up to you?” I asked him.

He laughed. “Why would they? I'm just a guy with a sword and spider powers among magical beings.”

“Exactly!” I said energetically. “You have powers that none of them can begin to fathom. You can’t say that hasn’t gained you a couple of admirers, I bet Twilight would be especially interested.”

“Wait what?”

Ashur groaned after I spoke before looking at me with a look of annoyance. “Don’t listen to her Dark, I think she is trying to ship you.”

“Well don't. Cece did enough of that a few days ago on Hearth’s Warming Eve. And now that she knows how to turn invisible, I'll have to deal with that next Hearth’s Warming. Besides, Twilight already has a crush on someone.”

“Trust me dude, that won’t stop her.” Ashur said exasperatedly.

“Cece or Aurora?” Dark asked.

“This idiot.” My ‘best friend’ said while pointing at me.

“Hey! I just like spreading the love.” I mumbled.

“Don't,” Dark said, face palming. Then his stomach, as well as the Pokemon's, growled. “Um, is there anything to eat?”

“Huh, that’s actually a good question.” I said before looking at Luna. “How are our supplies?”

“The rations have yet to be dispensed amongst everypony, Vinyl was supposed to do it yesterday while you were with Miss Applejack, but it seems that never ended up happening.” She answered with a heavy sigh.

“Great.” Ashur grunted. “Aurora, go wake up that idiot and get us some breakfast.”

“Fine.” I mumbled before looking to our guest. “Do you want to come along? I’ll introduce you to some of our brotherhood.”

“Sure. Wait, Vinyl? As in Vinyl Scratch?”

“Yeah.” Ashur answered. “She is one of our warriors.”

“Vinyl Scratch...as an assassin…the others would not believe me if I told them,” he said with a chuckle. He then stood, picking up Emily. “Have any twigs nearby?”

“Uhh yeah, we are in the middle of a forest.” I answered, a confused look on my face as I led him out the door into the small clearing the settlement occupies. “Why?”

“It's for Emily. Fennekins love eating twigs.”

Something clicks in my head and I look at the Pokemon with a smile. “Fire type, makes sense.” I say before leading my guests to the edge of the clearing and indicating around. “There should be plenty of twigs here for her.”

“Mike?” The Froakie then jumped off his shoulder and ran to the forest. A minute later, he came back with a few twigs in his arms. He then jumped back onto Dark’s shoulder and gave one to him. “Thanks.” Dark then gave it to Emily and she started eating it.

I smiled at the interactions of the human and Pokemon before looking back to Dark. “You ready to go meet a couple of ponies now?”

Chapter 5 - ...And his Pokemon?!

Author's Notes:

Second half of my crossover with DarkSpider's Spider in Equestria.
Again, yes there is a lot of dialogue.

Regular chapters begin again after this.
Thank you for reading and I hope you are enjoying it.

“Sure, though I guess I don't need my cover anymore since I can't blend in here.” He then took off his hood and lowered his scarf to his neck.

“I guess you really are another human.” I said with a small laugh to myself as I looked over my dark haired guest. “I think I was expecting something weird with all the coverings.”

“Well I do wear it so no one knows what I look like back home, so I guess that's understandable.”

“Probably a hell of alot easier in an anthro world than here.” I mused.

“Yeah. Pretty nice there. Besides my first day and a few ponies in Manehatten.”

“There are always bad types, but you eventually meet some of the good ones.” I said while leading the way to a building not unlike the small hut we started in. I knocked heavily on the door while shouting. “Oi, Vinyl. Get your plot out here, and bring Octy. I’ve got some friends to introduce you to and we want the food you were MEANT to bring us last night.”

A loud grumbling emanated from inside the small structure followed by mumbled words and a loud yelp. Slow hooffalls came next until the door opened a crack and a magenta eye peered out of the crack. “Ugghhh, stop being so damn loud Aurora. We’re trying to sleep.” Vinyl grumbled.

“I don’t care, just grab Octy and some food then meet us in my cabin.” I ordered the indigent mare before walking off, indicating for Dark to follow.

As we walked back inside the hut I shared with my friends Ashur looked up at us. “So did you get something for breakfast?”

“Yeah.” I answered. “That stubborn unicorn will be here in a minute with Octy and some food.”

“Good. I didn’t even realise how hungry I was. Not needing to eat for so long kinda makes you forget.” Ashur said with a small laugh.

A few minutes later a pair of mares stumbled into the hut, a large pile of assorted foodstuffs and containers floating in an aura behind them. As they entered they froze, looking at the strange guests that were inhabiting the room. Vinyl was the first to break from her stupor and asked. “So these are your friends Aurora?”

“Yep.” I answered cheerily. “Vinyl, Octavia, meet Dark, or Tito whichever you prefer. A fellow human.”

Dark waved at them. “Hi.”

Vinyl stepped forward, offering a hoof while Octavia tried to break herself from her frozen state. “Sup dude?”

Dark chuckled before taking her hoof and shaking it. “Nice to meet ya Vinyl. Though, of all ponies, I would've never expected you to be an assassin. And ESPECIALLY not Octavia.”

Vinyl laughed deeply before answering. “Yeah I get that alot. Let’s just say it runs in the family.”

“Wait, so being assassins is your family legacy? Reminds me a bit of Desmond. Minus the whole thing with the Animus.” He paused for a moment. “And now I can't help but think about Sly Cooper.”

“Our family were the first assassins trained by these guys here a long time ago.” Octavia answered, finally able to function again. “Lovely to meet you. Master Assassin Octavia Melody at your service.” She said, offering a hoof.

He shook it. “I’m Dark, and this is my partner Michael.” He said pointing at the small blue creature before gesturing to the foxlike one. “And this is Emily.”

The Froakie nodded. “Froakie.”

“What interesting creatures.” Octavia mused.

“I think they’re pretty cool.” Vinyl added.

Dark chuckled. “Think Mike is cool now? Wait ‘til he fully evolves.” He then pulled out a phone and showed them a picture of a five foot blue and peach colored frog-like creature with a pink scarf on its face.

“Woah, he turns into that?” Vinyl exclaimed.

“Okay, okay.” Ashur interjected. “I think we all need food. What did you guys bring?”

Vinyl lit up her horn and levitated over a spread of sandwiches, assorted vegetables and water flasks, placing them down in the center of the room. I leant forward and snatched up a sandwich before asking Dark. “Can you keep telling your story while we eat? I’d like to hear some more.”

“Sure...where was I again?” He asked, him and Mike grabbing a sandwich each and eating, Emily just eating more twigs.

“You left to calm down after Rainbow attacked you.” Luna said before stuffing her face with some vegetables.

“Right. Anyway, a few minutes later, two things dropped to the floor of my room. One was a combination of a sword and a chainsaw, the other was this.” He reached into his backpack and pulled out an assault rifle from Halo.

“Damn. Is that a MA5 series rifle?” Ashur asked with awe.

“Uh...what?”

“UNSC standard issue assault rifle.” He said. “I uhh, used to play a lot of Halo.”

“Huh. I only played Reach awhile ago and just skipped the cutscenes.” He put it back in his bag. “Anyway, they were the first tokens I came across. I unknowingly summoned a Spartan, and some other futuristic super soldier named Sebaste and Sebastian. They explained everything to me and helped me with my token. After that, we met up with Twilight and the rest of the group, and they explained a few more things. And explained to Rainbow that she reminded them of a certain mustached bastard from Marvel,” he said with a growl. He shook his head and calmed himself. “Sorry. Just...really hate Jameson. Anyway, after that was done, Twilight teleported me and Rarity to Carousel Boutique so we can make this.” He gestured to his cloak.

Ashur spoke up. “You got Rarity to make clothes for you? Lucky.”

Dark shrugged. “I mostly helped with it. Took a few hours though. It was already night by the time we finished. After I snuck my way back to the castle and into my room, I put it on, then went to find the others.” He paused. “Didn't expect what happened, to be honest.”

I started laughing, having read enough fanfiction to know what was coming next. “Sorry, *snrk* keep going.”

“Um...something wrong?”

I answered quickly, waving my arms in front of me. “No, no, keep going. It’s fine.”

Dark raised an eyebrow. “I know that look. What's on your mind?”

“You got Pinkie partied, didn’t you?” I answered, a barely concealed giggle interrupting each word.

“Yeah. And Sebaste scared me so bad that I jumped all the way to the ceiling and stuck to it like a cartoon cat.”

“Somehow I’m not surprised.” Ashur said while laughing.

“Anyway, in the middle of the party, I left and found myself in a balcony. Then Rainbow walked up to me and we talked.” He paused again. “Come to think of it, that was the first actual conversation we had. The rest of the times before then she either insulted me, or threatened me. Or attacked me.”

“That must have been good.” I said. “Finally getting to clear the air and speak not as enemies.”

“Yeah. After that, we actually became pretty good friends. Even spar together every couple of days.”

“Ooh, ooh, maybe it’s Rainbow that you’re interested in? Prefer the athletic type, do you?” I suggested.

Dark’s eyes widened and he spat out the water he was drinking. “W-WHAT?! What in the wide wide world of Equis would make you think THAT?!”

“Well nearly all of our conversations have revolved around you and Rainbow.” I said simply, a wide grin covering my face. “That’s enough for me.”

Dark pinched his nose, the Pokemon snickering at his reaction. “I can safely say, without a doubt, I do not have a crush on Rainbow Dash. Or anypony for that matter.”

“It’s ok Dark.” I said. “I’m sure you just haven’t realised yet how perfect you are for each other. I’m sure in time you’ll come to accept that you are meant for each other.”

Dark narrowed his eyes at me. “Mike. Bubble.”

“Froak,” the Water type said, before shooting out a volley of bubbles from his mouth at me.

As the bubbles floated over to me rapidly I rolled to the side with practiced ease. “Sorry, sorry. I can’t help myself sometimes.” I said while giggling, before getting blinded all of a sudden. “Hey! What’s this?” I asked, raising a hand to my face.

“First off,” Dark said, “you don't know enough about me to be able to say that. Second, keep that up and you'll end up worse than the CMC. And third, that's webbing.”

“Okay!” I cried out through the web covering my face. “I’ll stop, just take this off me.” The web then suddenly vanished and I looked at our guest, an apologetic look on my face. “Sorry Dark.”

“Seriously, if I wanted someone to meddle with my love life, I would just go along with Cece on her stupid tradition.”

“Tradition?” I asked.

“She tries, every Christmas for the last few years, to get me under the mistletoe with some girl. Especially if they're around my age. She sees it like a game.” He then facepalmed. “And now that a Displaced we met recently told her about some invisibility power Amy has, she's going to use that next year. As if it wasn't hard enough now, with her enhanced agility and all.”

“We can never let these two meet.” Ashur said.

“Agreed. Though, since she seems to be acting like Pinkie, maybe Cece would just hit her. She's not a fan of Pinkie.”

The room temperature seemed to drop several degrees and everybody started to feel a sense of unease. Ashur started to rise to his feet and his next words came out in a deep growl. “Nobody harms her.” After he said those words however the atmosphere changed, becoming lighter and warmer. “Sorry.” He said quietly. “I can be a little over protective.”

Dark shrugged. “I'm usually like that with Cece, but I allow it whenever she deserves it. Like that Ivy Displaced I mentioned. Cece thought she was a stripper and said that out loud.”

“Ohh dude. That cannot have gone well.” Ashur exclaimed.

“Could've been worse. Luckily, Sebaste and I were able to stop it before it did.”

“So what happened next?” I asked.

“Like I said before, I met Lyra and Bon Bon, then Trixie, then went to Manehatten, swung around the place, and saved Lightning Dust from a bunch of rapists. After that, I found Cece, met the Royal sisters, as well as Discord, and explained everything to them.”

“Discord got out?!” Luna asked loudly.

“Oh...right...we're in Season One right now…” Dark muttered.

“We’ll talk about this later Luna.” Ashur answered dismissively.

“Right… Anyway, not much happened after that. For a while at least. Then came Hearth’s Warming Eve.” Dark sighed. “That was a very long and eventful day.”

“You’ve mentioned Hearth’s Warming Eve a couple of times now. What actually happened?” I asked Dark.

“You remember those Displaced I mentioned? The first two I met and the Ivy one?” We nodded. “Well, I invited them for the party Twilight was going to have. They came, and Cece and I met Alex, the Ivy Displaced, and Cece met Sebaste and Sebastian. Nothing much happened at first. We just put up the decorations and joined the party. But after Rainbow accidentally knocked Sebaste's helmet off in front of Lyra and Bon Bon, we had to explain everything to them. Bon Bon was a bit skeptical, and probably still is, but Lyra at least believed us. After that…” He lowered his head.

“What, what happened?” I asked worriedly.

“You wouldn't believe this, but they disappeared right in front of us and some guy showed up and said he was their “author”. He practically told us he rebooted them and replaced Sebaste with someone else, saying they were now in an Equestria that was at war. After he gave Twilight the ability to use healing magic, I was able to get him to let all of us say goodbye to them. Then...they were gone.”

“That’s really… confusing and meta.”

“Yeah…” Ashur said, scratching his head while trying to process the new details.

Octavia spoke up suddenly. “I’m not sure about everypony else but I have no idea what any of that means.”

Dark petted Emily, not looking up. “Long story short, Octavia, I'm from another dimension where all of you are humanoid and just explaining my time in my Equestria.”

Ashur looked over at the two mares, giving a small smile. “I’ll explain everything in more detail later, don’t worry.” He then looked back to Dark. “So after your friends left what happened?”

“Everyone else went back to the party, and I went to bed. Not much else happened for a couple more days. Until a version of Screwball found my token and threw it at a horde of Beedrill, summoning me and pulling Cece and Twilight along for the trip.”

“That sounds like it could have been either really dangerous or really funny.” I said.

“A guy who has a fear of bugs suddenly finding himself and two beings closest to him surrounded by giant bees with 3 stingers each. How do you think I reacted to THAT?!”

I looked down at my feet. “Sorry.”

“Yeah. Anyway, after Cece and I...took care of them, I found Screwball and introduced her. You should've seen Twilight’s face when I told her she was Discord’s daughter,” Dark said with a chuckle.

Ashur and most of the ponies in the room joined Dark in his humour before I absently asked. “I wonder if she exists in this Equestria.”

“Who knows? Anyway, after a...falling out with that annoying filly, we met her uncle Tomas, a Displaced who turned into James from Team Rocket. A little after that, we found these two.” He gestured to the Pokemon. “After we brought Emily in to help her with a wound she had, we explained what happened to Sebaste and Sasha to them. Then it was time to leave. But these two wanted to join us. So, we caught them and went back to our Equestria. But not before getting one last favor.”

“What was that?”

Dark pulled out his phone. “After what happened to Sebaste and the others, I thought I should have more than just their token to remember any Displaced I meet.” He then turned it on and gave it to me, showing a picture of Team Rocket, along with their Pokemon and a small pink filly with a beanie and purple swirls for eyes.

“Keeping pictures for mementos. Makes me wish any of our tech had made the journey.”

Dark shrugged. “Maybe you could end up in a human world and get some new stuff.” He then pulled 2 items that looked like cupcakes out of nowhere and gave it to Mike and Emily.

Ashur laughed suddenly. “Maybe we’ll sneak off if Equestria Girls happens here.”

I watched the Pokemon eating the cupcakes. “So what are those? And where did they come from?”

“They're Poképuffs,” Dark said. “As for where they came from…” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue gem. “A gift from Tomas. This thing is infused with chaos magic, allowing me to spawn things like Poképuffs, or replicas of my token. Can't do anything big though.”

“Still, that would be really useful.”

“Why?”

“Even a little chaos magic could do a lot of good if used right. You never know when it could come in handy. So after the Pokemon universe what did you do?” I asked, eager to hear the rest of the story.

“Cece and I were pulled into another dimension yesterday and met a Kamen Rider Displaced named Jack. He was also on Season One territory. I think Griffin The Brush Off since he mentioned seeing Rainbow with a griffin before he summoned me. After I introduced myself and Cece, we went to Golden Oaks, then we went to the moon,” he said before drinking more water.

“The moon?!” Luna cried. “Why would you ever go there?”

“The dude apparently has a base up there, with a gateway to it in Twilight’s house. It was pretty cool. Anyway, we, and by that I mean mostly me, explained the whole thing about Displaced to him. He was new to it too. After that, he made his token, and we were sent back home. Then today, Cece left Emily with me and went to the human world that mirrors our Equestria. Then you summoned me and that's it.”

“That was one hell of a story.” Ashur commented.

“And I only been there a month. I could only imagine the rest of my life. Not to mention living through a few episodes.”

Ashur stood and walked to the door, taking a look at the sky. “It’s reaching midday. As much as I enjoy your company Dark, I think we should say our goodbyes for now.”

Dark jumped to his feet. “Okay. But first, can I take that picture of you guys?”

“Of course.” I said, jumping to my feet. “Come on everypony.”

The ponies all moved in close to me as Ashur walked over and stood by my side, resting an arm over my shoulder.

Dark pulled out his phone and pointed it towards us. “Say “Creed”.” A flash went off on his phone and he put it away. “Well, now that that's over with, you remember how to send Displaced back?”

“Yeah.” Ashur and I answered. “Dark, our con-” All of a sudden a small portal appeared, interrupting us mid sentence as a crimson sash fell from inside before it vanished from sight, leaving the sash behind.

“What the heck?” Dark said. He then walked up to the sash and picked it up, before having a distant look in his eyes.

“You okay there Dark?” I asked him worriedly.

Dark shook his head before putting the sash in his backpack and looking at me. “I'm fine. Just heard your message is all. Looks like I have your token now.”

“Well that was good timing then, it would be useless for us to have it.” Ashur said. “We should try that again. It was nice meeting you Dark, maybe next time we will have time to tell you of our adventures.” He said before grasping the human’s arm past the wrist while giving him a large smile.

Dark smiled back. “You as well.”

Ashur stood back, letting go of Dark’s arm before standing next to me and speaking together. “Dark, our contract is complete.”

A portal opened up a few feet from us. Dark picked up Emily and Mike jumped back onto his shoulder and he walked to it. Before he went through, he turned to us and gave a small salute. “Good luck with everything, guys. And always remember, if you ever need help or someone to talk to, just toss that medallion.”

“And the same to you dude. Just give us a call if you need us.” Ashur offered.

As Dark was walking through the portal I stepped forward and yelled out to him. “Don’t forget to give Rainbow a kiss, loverboy.”

“Screw you Aurora,” he said, shooting another web at me before the portal closed.

The moment the portal closed the webbing that suddenly blinded me again disappeared and I looked around at the assorted ponies. All their eyes were locked on Ashur and I. I sighed before speaking to them. “We have a lot to explain don’t we?

As a group the three mares nodded and I sighed again. “Well it goes like this…”

Chapter 6 - Of Apples and Rainbows

I looked over the three ponies sitting on the hard earth of the huts floor. “So does that answer all your questions?” The assembled mares nodded and Aurora and I breathed a sigh of relief. “Good because we have precious few hours of daylight left and there is much to do.

“Luna.” Aurora spoke, looking at the alicorn. “I need you to start working on making this place a little more livable. Use your magic to form beds, seats and windows if you can. As much as we can handle sleeping on the ground it would better not to and the breeze coming through the windows frames only makes it more difficult.”

Luna nodded her assent and left the hut before Aurora pointed to the unicorn in the room. “Vinyl, do you think you can find a way to get us clean water?”

“Of course! Just leave it to me.” She replied boisterously before following Luna’s path outside.

“And Octavia.” I started. “You’ve got an excellent organisational mind. I need you to gather all the ponies you can and start working on everything else you can to improve our settlement.”

The mare immediately saluted before leaving without a word, leaving Aurora and I alone.

Aurora looked to me and gave me a small forced smile. “Do you think we are doing the right thing Ashur?” She asked worriedly. “This plan is really risky. What if we aren’t able to turn the elements to our side? This could spell the end for us.”

I rest a hand on my best friends shoulder and gave her a warm smile. “Don’t worry Aurora. This is one of your plans and since when do they ever fail?”

“I know that my track record is pretty good but I can’t help but worry. Before all my ideas were just small things that only affected us. Now we have ponies to protect, I’m just worried about what kind of collateral damage we might cause for those around us.”

“Well if you can’t trust yourself then trust in me.” I said drawing her into a hug. “I’ll see this through with you.”

“Thanks Ashur. I don’t know how I would have held up if you weren’t with me.” She said quietly, sinking into the hug.

We broke apart and Aurora looking back up to me, her face now a mask of confidence. “So you ready?” I asked her.

“Let’s do this!” She cried confidently. She turned towards the door of our small domicile,walking out. I followed her into the center of our small settlement before we turned and walked into the tree line.

I followed her weaving between trees, dodging low hanging branches and strange plants and within a few minutes we found ourselves looking out over the Apple family's orchards. Tree after tree covered in delicious looking fruit rose and fell with the hilly terrain. We stepped forward with purpose, making much faster progress now that we didn’t have to avoid the dangers of the Everfree.

Within a scant few minutes a large home rose up in the distance. The last few metres we crept forwards without making a sound, surveying the area around us until we spied our quarry in the distance. The orange coated mare was carrying a basket full of apples from a leaden cart towards the open barn door.

Aurora called out to her in a loud whisper. “Applejack.”

The mare in question stopped suddenly, looking around until she saw us standing against the nearby wall of her home. “Howdy y’all. Ah was wonderin’ when ah’d see y’all again after ya disappearing act yesterday.”

Aurora smiled and spoke again. “Hey could we find somewhere to talk?” She asked.

“Of course. Ah’ll just git these apples into the barn then we can go out into the fields. Big Mac and Granny are busy in town today, Applebloom is still at school an Mac will pick her up. We should be okay to talk there.” Applejack replied.

She cantered quickly into the barn before returning sans apples. She walked past us and we followed her out into the orchard. A few minutes later she stopped and leant against a tree. “So what did y’all want to talk about? It must be mighty important fer you to risk coming out here in the middle of the day.”

I stepped forward and addressed her question. “Well we were hoping you would help us speak to some of your friends. We would rather not have a repeat of the event from the other night and you’re the only pony we can approach for this.”

“That might be a bit difficult. After you stood up fer Luna, Twilight wrote to the princess and she warned us that y’all are dangerous criminals. Ah don’t believe it fer a second but everypony else are all on watch fer y’all.” She warned.

Ashur and I sighed heavily. We both realised how much more difficult that would make our task. Not only did Celestia now know that we are out but she probably told Chris about us too.

“Are you sure you can’t get at least one of your friends to talk to us?” Aurora asked.

“Ah’m not sure. We definitely can’t git-” The mare was interrupted as a loud shout reached us.

A blur of motion surged toward us in the shape of a cyan coloured pegasus with a rainbow contrail. “Don’t worry Applejack! I’ll save you!” The mare shouted.

Rainbow Dash flew at breakneck pace towards Aurora without any hint of slowing down. She turned in the air and pointed a powerful leg towards her. A moment before the dangerously quick mare could strike Aurora shifted her weight to the side and reached forward, grabbing Rainbow’s extended rearhoof and swinging her body around, launching the attacking mare back into the distance.

A second later she turned in the air and came flying back, her eyes full of anger. She landed in front of us before raising her body up and striking a fighting pose. “Get away from my friend!” She screamed.

“RAINBOW DASH STOP!” Applejack yelled at her friend, causing Rainbow Dash to stumble and fall back onto her haunches.

“Wuh. What?” Rainbow Dash asked bewilderedly. “Aren’t these the monsters Nightmare Moon summoned?”

“No they ain’t Rainbow. They are friends of the family and you WILL NOT attack them on mah farm. Do you understand?” Applejack said, stomping a hoof in annoyance at her friend. “And you will not call Princess Luna that name either.”She added.

“But, but Twilight…” Rainbow Dash started before being interrupted by Applejack.

“Ah don’t care what Twilight told us. These two are the reason the Apple family exists today.”

“You mean…” Rainbow stammered. “The story you told me about how your ancestors were saved by two strangers… that is them?”

“Yes, and you will show them respect.” Applejack said forcefully.

The mare gulped under the stern gaze of the earth pony. She looked up to Aurora and I, an internal battle seemed to be fought within her. With a deep breath she stepped up to us with a hoof raised. “Um, I’m sorry I attacked you.” She said with an apologetic look in her eyes.

I took a step forward and raised a fist to the hoof of the pegasus. “That’s okay.” I said with a smile as I bumped fist to hoof. “We didn’t exactly make the best impression the other night did we?”

“Heh, not really.” She replied before looking to Aurora with an excited expression. “Hey, can you show me that move? It was so awesome!”

“Aurora. Why don’t you go show Rainbow a few things.” I told my companion. “Applejack and I will stay here and talk.”

“Alright” She replied with a happy smile before walking off with Rainbow Dash trailing behind her in the air.

Rainbow Dash surged forward on powerful beats of her wings, a limb extended as she bulleted towards her target. The woman she was about to kick suddenly swayed sideways and grabbed the extended limb before rotating on the back of her heel. She used the power of Rainbow’s assault and a little of her own energy to swing the pegasus around and launch her back in the direction she came from. A few seconds later the mare reappeared and landed beside the woman.

“Wow! That is so cool. Where did you learn to do that?” Rainbow Dash asked inquisitively.

“Well I kinda already knew how to do it when I arrived here but I got better from teaching ponies how to do it.”Aurora answered.

“Do you know any other cool fighting moves?”

Aurora laughed for a moment before answering. “I know a few things. But I can’t just teach them to anyone.”

“But I’m Rainbow Dash, the coolest pony in Equestria. You have to teach me!” The mare brashly demanded.

“Look Rainbow Dash.” Aurora started, staring down the pegasus with an intense look in her eyes. “There are some things I can teach you but everything else I have to keep secret. For the sake of the brotherhood.”

Rainbow Dash backed down from Aurora’s forceful words. “Oh, okay. I’m sorry Aurora.” She stammered before asking. “So, wha- what is the brotherhood?”

Aurora kept up her intense gaze as she considered her answer. “If I tell you this you can tell no one. Not even your own family.”

Hmm, I wonder if she actually has a family. I saw Fluttershy’s before leaving but no one is really sure if Rainbow Dash actually has one.

Rainbow Dash stood up straight and raised a hoof to her head in a salute. “I swear by the Element of Loyalty that I will not tell another soul what you say here.”

“Okay good.” The woman started, letting down the intensity of her eyes. “Well Ashur and I. We belong to a group called the Assassins. We fight against the corrupt to protect the innocent. To do that we must train in many arts, from combat to stealth.”

“But aren’t the assassins murderers for hire? That’s what I was told in flight school.” Rainbow Dash asked.

“That’s a common misconception.” Aurora sighed. “We do kill yes, but not for money or the thrill of killing. We strike down the evil and corrupt so that good ponies can live better lives.

The two stood in silence. Rainbow Dash was thinking about everything she had been told in comparison to the rumours she had heard over the years and Aurora was calmly watching her.

Rainbow looked down at her hooves while she was deep in thought. After a few minutes she looked up to the woman she was starting to enjoy talking to. “So… If I wanted to learn everything you can teach me I would have to…” She gulped. “Become an assassin?”

Aurora smiled down gently at the pony. “Yes, there are many techniques that we cannot teach to anyone that is not one of us.”

Rainbow Dash lowered her head again. She stayed like that for a long time but eventually she raised her head again. This time a resolute look was in her eyes. “I want to join. If I can protect the innocent then I will do anything to make that happen.”

“Well that was unexpected.” I said.

Applejack laughed for a moment. “Yeah, you never know what to expect with Dash.” Her gaze hardened as she looked up to me. “Y’all are going to recruit her aren’t ya?”

“Only if she wants to join. We would never try to manipulate her or anyone else to join us.” I explained.

Applejack’s hardened glare softened slightly. “Ah hope not.” She sighed. “Sorry Ashur, there has jus been a lot goin on lately an applebuck season is coming up so ah’m running myself ragged.”

“I understand.” I said with a comforting look. “I’m sorry for coming and taking up so much of your precious time.”

“It’s no problem. Ah’m jus worried about what’s going to happen now.” Applejack explained. “We’ve only just become friends with Twilight but it’s like there is already this big gap formin between us because of all this assassin business. Y’all can’t see it because going into town is too risky, but Twilight has been spreading all this stuff about Order ever since Celestia told her to stay in Ponyville.”

I stood there, my hand rubbing my chin as I was deep in thought over Applejack’s information.

If Celestia is trying to bring Twilight into the Order this has become infinitely more complicated. Can we risk recruiting the rest of the Elements now? I ruminated.

“What will you do if Twilight continues like this?”

“Honestly ah’m not sure. It’s a bit creepy the way she’s actin.”

“If she goes too far are you willing to confront her?” I asked.

The mare sighed and dropped to her haunches. “Ah want to say no but ah’m thinking we might have to. It’s only been a couple days but she is already causin trouble.”

“Maybe you should consider joining us then. That way you have support.”

Applejack’s sigh increased. “That might be mah only option, but not yet. I want to see if ah can help her myself first.”

I looked into the sky and watched as it lowered slowly. I looked over to Applejack and the deep frown on her face. “I’m sorry but I should be going. You take care of yourself, okay?”

“Will do Ashur, y’all take care of that friend o’ yours.” Applejack said as she turned back to her home and walked off.

I walked in the direction I had seen Aurora and Rainbow move off in and soon found then. Rainbow was staring up at Aurora intensely and as I walked up Rainbow Dash spoke. “I want to join. If I can protect the innocent then I will do anything to make that happen.”

I learnt against a nearby tree and watched as Aurora gave a big smile to Rainbow Dash. “Then welcome Initiate, to the Assassin Brotherhood.”
“It looks like we have a new recruit.” I said, startling Rainbow Dash who stumbled and fell over.

“Not cool.” She groaned while trying to pick herself up from her sudden trip to the ground.

I laughed for a moment. “Well it looks like situational awareness will have to be the first thing we teach you.”

“Ignore him Rainbow, would you like to come meet the rest of the Brotherhood?” Aurora asked, causing me to glare at her which she promptly ignored.

“Yeah!” She cried.

“Well follow us.” Aurora said before turning her back and walking off in the direction of the Everfree forest. A few strides and I joined her as Rainbow Dash trailed behind. We walked in silence with Rainbow Dash’s soft wingbeats behind us. When we reached the edge of the treeline she stopped, suddenly looking nervous.

“You live in the Everfree forest?” She asked nervously.

“Well yeah. We needed somewhere nopony would come looking.” I answered her simply.

“But aren’t you afraid of all the dangerous monsters?”

“Not really. We are all trained assassins. It’s not like we have anything to worry about.” Aurora responded. “Don’t worry, we will keep you safe.” She added with a warm smile.

“Oh, okay.” Rainbow Dash stammered before slowly drifting into the treeline to join us.

Within a few minutes we reached our small camp and looked around at the differences that had already been made.

Every hut was now outfitted with glass windows and a large fire pit had been added to the centre of the area. Each house had been expanded to two stories and were much longer in shape. I was excited to take a look inside and see what other changes our ponies had made but was stopped by the presence of Rainbow Dash next to me.

“So what do you think?” I asked her, gesturing around our little haven. “Not bad for two days labor.”

Author's Notes:

Hopefully this is better than the last chapter.
I'm not really all that experienced with combat descriptions but I hope I had Aurora flinging Rainbow sound realistic and yes I know I repeated the same move twice but that seems like her usual opening move and showing it being so easily deflected would raise her respect for Aurora's skills.

Anyway, hope y'all enjoy this chapter. :)