We will be her guardians. We will be her guiding light. We will protect her and her people from harm. And we will aid in her escape. Bound in blood, this oath is made, until the night when daylight fades… he repeated the phrase, his sacred oath, in his head over and over again, waiting. They were currently deep in the Everfree forest, simply biding their time. “Master? Are you sure this will work?” asked one of his disciples. He looked over his shoulder at the young woman, and simply nodded.

“It will. Our lady assured us. Is everything going according to plan?” he asked, knowing that even the slightest error could send Luna far into the depths of space.

“Yes master. We are ready.” said the disciple. He stood and stretched. His name was Vincenzo Valteri Da Vinezia, and he was a member of a little known order called the stars of the night. They worked in secret for the safety of the people, and for their patron deity, Luna. He looked over the disciple, noting that she was most likely still merely a child.

“What is your name, child?” he asked as they began to walk towards the clearing where the ceremony was being prepared.

“Sophia, master. I have not been a member of the order very long, only about a month or so.” she said, sounding nervous.

“You’re a local by your accent. Am I correct?” he asked, trying to put her at ease. They would need everyone ready and at their best if their plan was to work.

“Yes, master. And you are Italian, no?” she said. She still seemed worried, but more at ease.

“Si. Are you nervous?”

“Yes, I am. What if something goes wrong?”

“Trust me Sophia, we will succeed. We will not allow Celestia’s tyranny to continue. We will save your people. But you must trust me. Trust all of us.” he said, putting a hand on her shoulder. She sighed.

“I’m not worried about myself, I’m worried about some of my friends. This war will place us on opposite sides, and I don’t want to fight them.” she said, giving him an idea.

“Francesco! Can you handle everything here, while I see to certain things?”

“Of course maestro, I will put your training to good use.”

“Alright then! Now, Sophia, tell me, where do your friends live, that I may speak with them?”

“A small town just north of here. Here’s a list with their names on it. Thank you, master. I hope you have more success then I did.” she said, handing him a slip of paper. He tucked it away into his robes, threw his hood up, and walked away. When he was further away, he pulled out the lost and looked it over. Six names, a few of them he recognized. When he looked up, he realized he was already on the outskirts of town.

“Merde, I must be older then I thought.” he grumbled to himself as he walked into town, careful to conceal his many weapons. He was an assassin, trained from birth to be the ultimate weapon, and a name all should fear if heard on the wind. He was also getting older, much of his hair having turned gray in the past few years. He looked at the list again, trying to remember the last time he had seen those on the list that he knew. He sighed, and tucked the list away again, noticing many glares from the locals. He knew where he was going first. To the person who would be the hardest to convince. He approached the local library, and knocked on the door. It was answered by a woman with lavender hair, and an elegant yet scholarly dress. He greeted her with a slight bow. “Ciao, lady Twilight. How have you been?”

A/N: alright people, just a quick heads up, but there will be SHIT TONS of italian in this chapter(and possably in the rest of the story, i'm not sure), so i would recommend using a translator of some kind for any words or phrases you don't know. if i get to many complaints about it, i will change it to english. anyway, enjoy!

“Ciao Vincenzo, sono stato. Cosa ti porta qui questa sera?” she asked in a friendly tone.

“Your Italian gets better each time we meet. I am glad to hear you are well, but I am here on rather urgent business. May I come in?”

“Yes, of course. It has been to long since we have spoken. How have you been? You seem worried.” she said, leading him to a seat.

“I have been well, grazie. In truth, though, I am worried. Do you recall when last we spoke, I told you that someday, we must all choose a side?” he asked, the worry evident in his voice.

“Yes I do, I also recall that you never specified the sides. Why?” she was also worried now. She had no idea where he was going with this line of questioning, but it scared her.

“Today is that day il mio amico. It is my understanding that you are the princess’ personal student, which makes this all that much harder.” he said, knowing full well with whom she would side. He had known Twilight for a few years, having met her on an earlier excursion to Equestria, and they had become fast friends. He admired her academic qualities, and eagerness to learn, but he also knew she was close to the princess. He had known from their first meeting, but had done everything in his power to keep her safe from his brothers and sisters. They would often write each other, but with his lifestyle, and recent events, he had found it harder and harder to write to her.

“What do you mean? what is happening?”

“War will no doubt soon ravage this land, and all the world, and I will not deny my hand in it. I had hoped I would not have to drag you into my conflicts, but worry, both my own and that of a friend, drives me to do this. Your mentor is a tyrant, who has held down many, and killed all who stood in her way besides my order. Surely you know the tale of nightmare moon?” he asked, knowing full well she did, but seeking confirmation.

“Yes of course, but how is that relevant? Celestia herself told me it was nothing but an old wives tale.”

“It is relevant because history is written by the victor. The sister of the night sought freedom, while the sister of the sun sought subjection. She was not corrupted by evil, but made out to be a monster in the eyes of the people. But, as it says in the story, the stars shall aid in her escape. I’m not asking you to join us, I am only asking that you help us. At the very least, look at your princess closer, try to see her for what she truly is!” he pleaded, hoping she would hear reason.

“What do you mean you’re not asking me to join you? Your order? I don’t understand!” he sighed and stood, throwing back his hood to reveal his aged, battle worn and weathered face.

“I have already said to much. I can not say more without risk to our plans, but I ask that you heed my wisdom. Please.” he said, as he stood to leave.

“Please, Vincenzo, you know I would never betray you. Tell me what troubles you so, that you would slander the princess in such a way!” she pleaded with him, but he knew his bounds.

“Mi dispiace, but I can not. I trust you, Twilight, but I know where your loyalties ultimately lie. I only hope you soon see the truth. Good bye, you shall not likely see me again.” he said as he walked out the door, much to Twilights protests. He looked up into the sky, to see the full moon still in the sky, the face of a young woman visible on it‘s surface. “Soon, la mia signora, soon.” he said, as he continued to walk. He soon heard the sound of clanking armor, and hid in a nearby alley. He saw a troop of guards walking his way, two swordsman, a pike man, and two crossbowman. “Merda!” he cursed under his breath. He checked all his weapons, making sure he was still fully equipped. He carried five throwing knives, one throwing axe, an intricately carved dagger, and a long sword on his waist. On his wrists were the trademark of his order. Blades designed to be hidden until the wielder chose to use them, sliding them out of their sheathes with the slightest movement of the wrist. They were hidden within his bracers, so that if he chose, he could both attack and defend with simply his hidden blades. He peeked out of the alley again, to find that the soldiers were almost passed him. He took a deep breath, slid out of the alley way directly behind the two hindmost guards, and slid out his blades. The were generally quiet, and the sound of armor was loud, so they were unaware of their impending death. He walked calmly closer to them, and then plunged his blades through their throats at the same time, not allowing them to scream for help as the choked on a combination of steel and their own blood. He watched as the struggled to maintain life, going limp one by one, and listened to the gurgling noise they made as the life slipped from them. He felt their blood stain his skin and his sleeves, and then let their bodies fall to the ground as he drew his axe. When the bodies fell, they were loud enough to gain the attention of the rest of the troop, who instantly readied their weapons. Vincenzo quickly scanned his enemies, noting that he had dispatched a crossbowman and a swordsman, leaving him with the remaining of each and the pike man. He quickly threw his axe at the remaining crossbowman as he drew his sword to block the attack of the pike man. He kicked the pike man in the groin, and then kneed him in the face, leaving him on the ground, groaning in pain. He then turned to find the swordsman upon him, slashing for his neck. He dodged it, but the blade found his left shoulder instead, leaving his arm limp. He cursed under his breath, not allowing himself to show any pain.

“Not so quick now, are you assassin?” laughed the soldier as he backed away, readying himself for another attack. Vincenzo merely sheathed his sword and waited.

“I think I may yet surprise you.” he said with a cheeky grin. The soldier roared and charged at him, sword high. As soon as the soldier was close, Vincenzo ducked down, grabbed the pike that had been dropped with his still functioning arm, and drove it deep into the mans chest. He looked into the mans eyes to see a combination of pain, shock, and fear. He shoved the soldier away, and walked to the cowering pike man, drawing his dagger in a reverse grip. “I’m sorry, truly I am, but I can not allow you to live. I am certain you would do the same for me.” he said as he knelt down and drive the dagger into the mans heart and pulled it back out quickly. He watched as the mans life faded away, then closed his eyes. “Riposa in pace.” he whispered as he stood and walked away, sheathing his dagger once again, now in search of a nearby doctor.

As he wandered the moonlit streets, arm limp and bleeding, he began to wonder. He wondered if all he’d done had been for naught. What if he failed in the task set to him? He knew he would be the cause of the deaths of many, but they had chosen their side. He dared not let those who had not die due to his failures. He was still walking when he noticed a woman walking down the street, a basket of flowers in her hand, a rabbit at her heels, and a tune on her lips. She seemed happy. “Excuse me, signora, could I have a moment of your time?” he called out to her, raising his hand as he approached. She turned to look at him, her expression of happiness turning to one of distress. “Do not be troubled, I am not here to harm you. Quite the opposite, in fact, I need your assistance.” he said, grunting in slight pain. As he neared her, he could make out more details about her. She had pink hair, and a yellow gown, with white ruffles at the hem and the edge of the sleeves. Her eyes were a deep mixture of blue and green, almost the color of the ocean off the coast of Roma. She looked at him for a moment, then noticed the deep wound in his shoulder, and the blood stains on his sleeves, the blood dripping from both onto the cobblestone street.

“Oh my goodness, what happened to you, you poor man?” she said as she approached him, worry evident in her voice. He decided it was not in his best interest or hers for him to say.

“It’s not important, signora, I was hoping you could direct me to the local doctor. As you can see, I’m not in the best shape.” he said with a slight laugh. She was being more serious.

“Oh no, she won’t be working until morning. Please, come with me. I’m no doctor, but I can help you more than anyone else can right now.” she said, taking his uninjured hand and dragging him away. He simply laughed.

“Well then, if you insist, lead the way perdere...” he said, trailing off, and still following the woman. She seemed kind. To kind for her own good. He would be careful not to tell her to much, as not to her in danger.

“My name is Francesca Svoliona. But please, just call me Fluttershy.” she said, blushing slightly. “All my friends do.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Fluttershy, though I wish it were under better circumstances.” he said, wondering why her friends would bestow upon her such a name.

“What is your name? if you don’t mind me asking, that is.” she said, her voice soft, almost a whisper.

“I am Vincenzo Valteri da Venezia, at your service.” he said, stopping for a moment to bow dramatically, causing Fluttershy to laugh lightly. He stood straight again and continued to follow.

“ ‘Da Venezia’?” she asked, not knowing what he meant.

“Venezia is the city where I was born.” he explained.

“Oh! So, by your custom, I would be ‘Francesca Svoliona da Ponyville’? it sounds… nice.” she said a smile on her face. “Well, here we are.” she said as the approached a small hut with a thatched roof. “Come in and sit down. I will get my supplies. Angel, dear, could you keep an eye on our guest for me?” she said, sitting him down in a chair and rushing up the stairs. He was confused as to who this angel was, until he noticed the rabbit staring at him.

“Deve essere pazzo!” he said under his breath. Then he felt the rabbits teeth sink into his shin, and decided otherwise. “Maybe not..” he whispered to himself as the rabbit detached itself from his leg. She soon returned, carrying a basket full of medical supplies and a candle and set them upon a small table to his left, then left again, only to return with a bowl full of warm water. He knew he would have to, so he removed his robes, his bracers, his leather straps used to hold his throwing knives, and his leather chest armor. She looked astounded at his armaments, and the amount of scars that latticed his chest. But she shook her head and returned to the task at hand.

“Now sit still, this might hurt.” she said as she held a needle of the candle flame, then threading it. He prepared himself, gritting his teeth for the inevitable. He felt the needle puncture his flesh, and the thread follow suit. He sat there for what seemed like an eternity while she stitched his wound shut, him not showing any amount of pain. “There, all done. Now, I don’t thin it’s wise for you to do anything with that arm for quite some time, until tomorrow morning at the very least. Do you have somewhere to stay?” she asked, sounding like a parent, bandaging their child’s scrapped knee.

“No, I do not, but I do not wish to impose I-” he started to say, but was cut off.

“Then you can stay the night here. Now…. How did this happen to you? You do not have to tell me if you do not wish to do so, but I am worried for your safety once you leave.” she said, her eyes pleading. He sighed.

“Fine, I shall tell you… though I warn you, it is bound to change your view of me.” he said, noting the worried look in her eyes. He proceeded to tell her the tale, as much of it as he dared, and as much as was required for it to make sense. She was shocked.

“B-But… why? Why did you kill them?” she asked when he was done.

“Because they would have done the same to me if they had seen me. You see, my beliefs, and the beliefs of many of those close to me, differ so greatly from what Celestia wants the world believe, that we are to be killed on sight… if they can.” he said, a smug grin on his face. “They can try, but they shall never succeed.”

“Why would Celestia do such a thing?” she asked, as the front door opened behind them, and a familiar voice spoke.

“Because she is a tyrant, who desires to hold onto her power at all costs.” Vincenzo looked behind him to see Sophia standing in the door way.

“Hello, Sophia. I see you have such little faith in me, that you came to hunt me down!” he said jokingly.

“Well master, when you didn’t return, the others became worried, and since I sent you on this errand, I believed I should be the one to come find you.” she said, pulling down her hood to reveal rainbow colored hair, and deep violet eyes. Fluttershy gasped.

“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing here? How do you know Vincenzo?” she said, looking from one to the other and back again. He sighed.

“Well, I see friends around here have a habit of giving each other odd affectionate names. Sophia, or Rainbow Dash as you call her, is one of us, and what she says is true. Celestia is a tyrant, and thus we oppose her with all our might.” he said, shaking his head slightly. “You know, you could have just asked to come and speak to your friends, Sophia, I would have given you leave to go.”

“Yes, I know, but you offered to, so I saw no reason why not to let you.” she said with a sly smile.