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.

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