----An hour later------------

All the assassins were in attendance at the hideout. Everyone was still sore from the training the day before, however the ponies and the eagle quit complaining when they saw the serious expression sprawled on my face.

I took a deep breath and began.

“Assassins. I and Dr. Mareio had found us a target, corrupted by greed; blind ambition and vanity… believe me when I say we aren’t ready to go after him.” I strongly said.

“Then why bother telling us?” confused Rainbow Dash.

“Here let me rephrase that. We aren’t ready to after him…yet.”

“The ponies we hunt today are the ones I failed to get in my past life.” I admitted.

Everyone looked shocked.

“So what? We’re just here to clean up your mess?” said an annoyed Rainbow Dash.

“Quiet Rainbow!” Applejack shouted.

“Now I know Rainbow was rude, but she’s also right. Are we all here just to help you for your quest of revenge?” Applejack asked me.

Revenge… It’s been such a while since I’ve felt it. Ponyville may have softened the blow, but my heart is still filled with guilt and hate. Maybe Applejack is right?

No…

I looked back at Applejack then to everyone and said, “Even though I want vengeance for the slaughter of my family, I do this to also protect other families from the Templar’s reach. I said that when I first told you I was an assassin.”

“But how is killing individuals going to help us?” Twilight asked me.

“You see, the Templars have main components to each other. Take those pieces out and their machine won’t work. However…” I said.

“What is it?” asked Fluttershy.

“The Templars stole a very important device from the Assassins. We wanted to destroy it but we couldn’t and we weren’t able to hide it.”

“The next day Ponitaly and the Assassins were wiped from existence.” I simply stated.

“The Templars did THAT!?” exclaimed Rainbow Dash.

“What could they have wanted so badly to destroy fair Ponitaly?” asked Rarity.

“*Sigh* The Templars wanted… stole from us a Piece of Harmony, called the Apple.” I admitted at last.

“A PIECE OF HARMONY!?” shouted an astonished Pinkie.

“What’s a piece of harmony?” she asked.

“A Piece of Harmony is just like the Elements of Harmony. However there’s a huge difference between the two. While the Elements of Harmony are non-physical forms that reside within ponies such as us, a Piece of Harmony is a physical object that can demonstrate the same or different powers.” Stated Twilight.

“Well I can see why you’ll want them Pieces of Harmony but why in tarnation is this…Apple so important?” asked Applejack.

“As Twilight explained the Pieces of Harmony can be freely wielded by anyone. Unlike the Elements of Harmony which uses friendship to harmonize Equestria, these Pieces can be used to give ponies what they harmonize the most.
Put it in the hands of a corrupt lunatic and then his harmony would be a living hell.”

“As Twilight also mentioned these Pieces of Harmony can have different powers involved. With the case of the Apple it can control ponies’ minds and make them bend to their will.” I said.

“You think the Templars would want to brainwash all these ponies and get them to serve them?” asked Twilight.

I nodded.

“Well that’s just awful. I wouldn’t like to be brainwashed.” Commented Fluttershy.

“And we won’t let them!” I said confidently.

“Luckily Mareio has found us a target, who if we took him out and his operation would be a death blow to the Templars. Now the target is in Maris so-“

Rarity cut in, “MARIS! As in THE French capital of Equestria!?”

“Um… that’s correct Rarity. We’re going after a stallion by the name of Je Suis-“

“JE SUIS!?” Rarity cut in once again.

“Why who is he?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Well if you must know, he’s the head of Purifier Industries. They’re the leading company in technology and medical science.
Everything they make is extremely expensive and high-tech. Their main office is at Maris as well as their armory.
I hear that Je Suis always visits the various company stations once a year.” Said Rarity.

“Yes, but as you all heard from Rarity, our target would be heavily protected and if we mess this up we can lose a whole year waiting for him to show again, or worse…get one of you killed.” I said.

“Well we can’t just sit here doing nothing. I say we attack their headquarters!” confidently said Rainbow Dash.

“Of course, by train it would take us 3 days to get to Maris and if Dr. Mareio’s sources are correct-“

“THEY ARE ALWAYS CORRECT!” shouted Mareio.

“Then we can strike Je Suis when he makes a press conference at the front of the headquarters.” I finished.

“Ok everyone, get your essentials ready for tomorrow and meet me at the train station. Also Pinkie and Twilight can I speak with you two?” I asked as the other ponies and Ace left to prepare their things

“Yes Shadow, what is it?” they asked.

“Before we kill Je Suis we need to have a distraction to draw away his guards and the crowd.”

“OH! You want to use my FUN NUKES!” excited Pinkie.

“Yes, and also Twilight are you still working on your bat thing?” I said turning my head to Twilight.

“Umm… yes but’s it’s not ready yet.” She apologetically said.

“Can you bring the bat with you to Maris? We can all work on it and our plans when we get to Maris in 3 days.” I asked.

“Well… ok then, but we need a big cabin and those things are expensive. Also Spike should stay here and keep an eye on the place. He’s a baby dragon after all.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll think of a way.” I winked.

-----------The Next Day-------------------

After getting Twilight’s “Science Project” into the train we were all seated comfortably in the train as it was getting ready to depart.

“Hey sugarcube! Isn’t Dr. Mareio coming with us?” asked Applejack pointing to the waving Mareio outside our window.

“He said he will drive there and that he has some contacts he needs to speak with.” I told her.

“Wow this train cart is simply large and divine, how did you afford all of this Shadow?” asked Rarity admiring the built in carpet.

Everyone looked at me as I began to explain.

“Well….”

-----3 hours before boarding the train-------------

“Hello! Can I get the Super-Deluxe Cabin please?” I asked the train clerk.

“Sorry sir, but I sold the last ticket to that pony over there.” She said pointing to a bright yellow pony heading towards a washroom.

“Would you like to get a ticket for a later time?” she asked me.

“No thank you. But thanks for the wonderful service you do here.” I charmly said.

I headed for the washroom, opened the door and closed it behind me.

“…”

*KER-KICK*

A few moments later I came out of the washroom tucking the ticket into my sleeve.

--------------------------------------------------------

“Dr. Mareio knows many ponies in high places and I got this ticket on….sale.” I lied.

The group bought it and we began to work on Twilight’s bat as the train departed the station.

“Ok, this part goes here and this… PINKIE!”
“GIVE ME BACK THE GLUE!”
“THAT DOESN’T GO OVER THERE!”
“WE NEED TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS! MY INSTRUCTIONS!”

“Oops sorry Twilight.” Said Pinkie handing back the glue which was attached to a book, a tuba, her own hidden blade, and a confused Fluttershy.

“Did I do something wrong?” asked Fluttershy.

After ungluing everything and getting back to work I needed to ask Pinkie something.

“Uh Pinkie?” I started.

“Yes Shadow?”

“Can you get me a laptop with internet connection?” I asked knowing she can break the fourth wall.

“Here you go!” she said handing me a laptop she was hiding behind her back.

Pinkie. If I never knew how crazy the Observer was, then I would freak out every single time you broke the fourth-wall.

Ah space-time physics… how you mean so little in this world.

I sat down in a chair and actually took a glimpse at the train cabin I “purchased”.
A plush carpet lined the floors, we had 2 windows and there were 8 beds, one for each of us.

If you forgot that Ace was still with us going on this trip then… SHAME!

Really the cabin looked like something the Princess would ride in all the time.

I’m sure she doesn’t “actually” purchase the tickets. Damn us lesser ponies.

I relaxed in my chair and opened the laptop. Immediately I looked for as information as I can find on Je Suis, his company, and the conference we’re planning to crash.

I scrolled through the information; cutting and pasting anything I could find that can be some use to us. I then came across a map of his headquarters layout.

It showed the area in front of a mansion sized building where the conference would take place and behind it was the armory for their technology and I assumed their weapons as well. Two office buildings lined that area so there was a bit of room between the armory and the field everything was built on.

If I can’t get him in the mansion I can lure him into the armory, interesting.

I looked at a clock and saw there was still a lot of time left and everyone was either helping Twilight with the bat or lazing around.

Why not?

I surfed the web and explored everything it had to offer.

------------------------------

No! Moonlight! You can’t leave her, you just can’t!

I was reading a romance fan-fic of a popular kids TV show that I saw a few times when I was younger.

I was trying my best to hide my tears and to stop hyperventilating.

After my emotional breakdown, I went to a different story and I read all of it. I wish I didn’t.
The story was about a pastry-chef making gourmet dishes out of her best friends and wearing their skin and bones.

I looked over at Pinkie.
She turned her head and had a great big smile stretched across her face.

I got up from my seat and closed my computer screen which was still on. Ace was sleeping peacefully on his bed.

“Excuse me.” I simply said to everyone as I went to the bathroom stall at the other end of the train.

*ARRRRRRHHHHHHHHHHHH!!*

Pinkie…no…evil smile… bagel… bagel… bagel bagel. ARH! Why did I make her the PYRO!

I knew I would be haunted from that story for a few days, I just hope that it didn’t distract me from my task at hand.

I came back to the other ponies that all had shocked expressions on their faces including Ace who slapped me with his wing and flew back to his warm bed.

“What in tarnation was that?” asked Applejack.

“Oh, uhhh…… when I opened the door I saw 2 ponies in the washroom fighting over a...a…. Toilet, TOILET PAPER! AND THEY WERE ALL OUT OF IT AND THEY YELLED THEN I DID!”

The ponies didn’t look convinced, so instead I went to help Twilight with her project. A few hours later and we all went to sleep.

------Morning----------------------------

I had very bad dreams, very, very bad dreams. I’m going to pretend I never slept in the first place.

I got up from my bed and went over to the computer I left lying on the chair. I opened it and realised I forgot to close it the night before.

But there was something strange on the computer…. It looked like someone made changes to the stuff I copied down. I scrolled down the page of information and came across the map.

The map was covered in red dots and below it said “Guards”. I went down to the bottom of the page and I saw some text I didn’t add.

“GOOD LUCK……..”

Good Luck? Did someone hack the computer? Why would they help us by giving the guard locations? Very strange indeed.

I closed the computer, properly this time and went over to Twilight’s bat project. The bat was brown coloured and was covered in thin sheets of leather and paper. Only a wing remained unfinished.

Another day and we’ll be done, and when the bat dries for day 3 then I can tell the others about my plan.

I started working on the bat’s wing and eventually the others woke up and helped too. After many hours of stitching, gluing and drying the bat was complete. Even if it was a little… moist.
We packed up for the night and went back to sleep.

--------------------------------------------------

On the 3rd and final day, the last day of the trip and the night when Je Suis will die I talked to the group and explained the plan.

“Ok Rainbow, when you’re done scouting the area with Ace report back to us.” I said to Rainbow.

“Then we’ll split into 2 groups while Pinkie is in the crowd with her… nuke. I’ll be on the Tower of Iron, Maris's tallest landmark with the bat helping Pinkie cause the distraction.”

“Wait? You’re going to jump off the Tower of Iron? Isn’t that suicide? We need to test it first!” said Rarity not wanting to see me plunge down from the tower towards my death.

“Do not worry, that is the test!” I boldly said.

While Rarity shook her head I continued, “I will drop smoke bombs down below to cover you from the guards who I think will be carrying guns… or worse.”

"I’m sure with that commotion Je Suis will run to the safety of the mansion. But if I should fail to kill him in there I need you all to get the guards on the roof of these office buildings here.” I said pointing to my map.

“We’ll then lure him into the armory if necessary where he’ll be trapped and I can finish him.” I finished.

“Um... I have a question Shadow… that is if you don’t mind.” Said Fluttershy.

“Not at all, go ahead.”

“How will we get the scary bat on the tower in the first place? Also how can Pinkie hide a nuke in the crowd?
I mean I’m not judging your vision but I’m sure they’ll all see Pinkie’s warhead and go absolutely ballistic and I don’t want them to do that too soon.” Said Fluttershy.

Crap. Nuke in a crowd, nuke in a crowd…. I GOT IT!

“Pinkie will bring in a “war monument”, activate it by “mistake” and get out before it blows.” I cleverly said.

“Well, it can’t be an accident when I “push” the button.” Pinkie joked.

“Ah Pinkie…” I shook my head.

I regained my focus and continued.

“For the bat let me handle it from here.” I said to everyone who looked unsure.

“Don’t worry, it will work… I hope.” I said as the train reached its destination, Maris.

----------------------------------------------------------

I hauled the bat which was about 2 sizes bigger than me from the train station towards the Tower of Iron.

Shit this thing is heavy! Only a few more blocks. I hope the city ponies don’t notice.

“Mommy? Why is that pony carrying a giant bat on his back?”
“DON’T LOOK AT HIM!”

Eventually I made it to the entrance of the Tower of Iron. Luckily the ponies weren’t fixed on my giant bat but were watching something more interesting.

A fight.

*OOF* *POW* *KICK*

An old lime-green stallion wearing a curator’s uniform was being beaten by guard ponies with high-tech equipment, body armor and guns.

“Why do you do this to me? I just work the tower, I`ve done nothing wrong!” shouted the old stallion.

“Shad-up vous!” said a guard as he kneed the old stallion in the chest.

“We know you work for Le Red Fox! Un traitor!” a second guard shouted as he started beating up the old stallion with his gun.

I couldn’t watch any longer, I dropped the bat glider and ran straight for the guard beating up the stallion and threw him up towards a wall while grabbing his gun. I shot the other two guard’s guns and broke the third one in half with my knee.

“Guns are so boring!” I provoked them as I threw the gun pieces to the ground.

“GET LE BASTARD!” shouted the closest guard as he ran towards me.

I stopped him from running by grabbing his waist and threw him down behind me on his head breaking his neck.

As the guard that was beating up the old pony got to his feet I ran towards the other guard and grabbed his leg.

*CRACK*

I didn’t leave him time to yell in pain as I pulled him towards a wall and began punching his body multiple times in the head then in the chest. I finished by disemboweling him and he slumped down the wall and lay there with his head down.

The last guard was enraged and pulled out a military knife and rushed towards me.

“At least now we can play fair,” I said pulling out my hidden blade and ran towards him.

*STAB*

Blood fell down to the floor... as well as the military knife.

I had stabbed him in his arm. As he looked at me in shock through his blast shades, I flipped him over to his back and stabbed him in the neck.

I went over to the old stallion who was recovering and I helped him to his feet.

“Wow, thank you kind sir. No one had ever stood up for me before.” He said shaking my hand.

“Why were they attacking you?” I asked.

“These dogs are always pushing businesses like us around. Because we don’t want to join Je Suis company. He’s trying to take over Maris!”

“Who is this Red Fox they spoke of?” I asked.

“He is a shadowy character that helps the poor and helpless all over Equestria. Don’t tell the guards but I think he does good work. If you ever need help don’t be afraid to ask.” He said.

“Well, I was wondering if I bring my “kite” to the highest point of the tower.” I said gesturing to my giant bat.

“Ahh, a “kite” I’m sure the winds are faring this night… You may go, friend.” He said opening the express elevator with his master control key.

“Ah thank you or should I say merci?” I said to him as I picked up my bat and went into the elevator.

I brought the bat to the highest point of the tower and looked towards the Purifier headquarters. I jumped off the building and glided my way down to the meeting spot for Rainbow’s report.

I saw everyone together including Rainbow Dash and Ace. I also saw Pinkie pulling a FUN nuke standing on a stone pedestal marked, “War of the 3rd Crusade”.

“Ok I put the bat in the tower what about you girls?” I asked them.

“I made the FUN DOUGH! Now everyone’s sure to stick around!” cheered Pinkie.

“The engraving was my idea.” Said Rarity.

“Great, Rainbow Dash what do we have?”

“The good news, the guards are shifting to the front where Je Suis will do his speech.” She said.

“The bad news?” I was afraid to ask.

“They still got a ton of guards everywhere. Getting in might not be the problem, but getting out. You got me there Shadow.” Said Rainbow Dash.

“Don’t worry when the time comes… improvise.” I simply said.

“OK! LET’S DO THIS!” I shouted a bit too loud.

“Mommy? Why is he-“
“DON”T LOOK AT HIM!”

-----Nightfall-------------------------------------------------------------

I was stationed at the tower looking towards the conference.
I closed my eyes and focused my hearing on the meeting.

“Attention ladies and gentlecolts! Now introducing our beloved chairman of Purifier Industries, JE SUIS!”

*Cheers*

“Merci merci mes amies! Je suis Je Suis. And I thankez vous for attending this conference.” Said Je Suis.

*Ponies shouting*

“Ah yes! We at Purifier Industries are working on a secret nous projet. In time ve will show everyone this product of our labor and hope you might enjoy it as much as ve do.” Je Suis said.

A project? Could it have to do something with the apple? Maybe I can find out… after I kill him.

“Yes! And we also have a new line of le military attack heli- …. What is a nuke doing here? NON! NE PUSHEZ LE BUTTON SI VOUS PLAIT!”

*BOOOOOOOM*

“AHH THERES CAKE EVERYWHERE!”
“I’M STUCK! I CAN’T MOVE!”

Guess it’s my turn to fly. I just hope Twilight’s calculations were correct.

I grabbed the bat and ran off the tower as fast as I could as I performed one last jump before I started falling to the ground. I pulled the bat upwards and sure enough I was gliding.

I grabbed the smoke bombs from my pouch and dropped them over the crowd.

I just had to let out a hearty, “YAHOO!”

As smoke engulfed the crowd I saw some guards trying to escape. I swooped down on my prey as I saw Ace do many times before and knocked them out with my hind-hoofs.

“AHHH! WHAT IS THAT THING!”

“I CAN’T SEE A THING!”

“I’M STILL COVERED IN CAKE!"

I went straight to the roof of the mansion and jumped off with the glider crashing into a rooftop guard sending him over the ledge and to his death. I opened a window on the roof and by open I shattered it with my elbow and fell inside.

No one noticed my crash as they were too distracted by what was going on outside. I sneaked to the first floor while dispatching 2 patrolling guards and saw Je Suis talking with some other pony. I thrust myself against a pillar and peered my head over to get a better look.

“Vous don’t understand Dave! There are les assassins trying to kill me!” Je Suis said while talking to an icy-white unicorn wearing glasses, a plaid shirt, and jeans. An accountant.

Wait an accountant? That must mean…

“Je Suis you need to learn to relax. The assassins know who you are and they will get you. It’s only a matter of time.” He said looking towards a clock.

“Dave. Tu etes un morte?” Je Suis said to the accountant giving him a death stare.

“As much as you want to kill me, you need to realise something. The assassin has come for you.” He said pointing to my hiding place.

Crap! How?

“MERDE MERDE MERDE!” shouted Je Suis as he raced towards the back exit.

I immediately gave chase and as soon as I was past Dave he said, “Good Luck….Shadow.”

Damn! He knows who I am and how did he see me in my hiding place? I can’t focus on him right now I need to kill Je Suis.

I opened the door after Je Suis and chased him out to a courtyard. He kept running on the path towards the armory. I began chase, but then…

*BOOM*

An explosion appeared at my side, followed by another and another. I looked up and saw the roof guards of the office buildings had RPGs.

RPGS!? HOW MUCH SHIT DID THIS GUY MAKE!?

I had to keep running through the explosions and hope none of them would hit me.

*Boom* *Boom* *ARRGHH*

Then about halfway through the courtyard everything stopped. I looked up to the roofs still running and I saw the 2 assassin groups clearing the roof of guards. I pursued Je Suis with confidence strengthening my speed.

He was almost at the door when Applejack the Assassin jumped from the roof and stabbed him in the arm. The height made her stumble and gave Je Suis a little extra push sending him into the armory.

“ARG!” shouted Je Suis as he entered the door and tried to close it behind him.

I got enough speed and jumped through the crack between the door and landed inside with the blast-door closing shut behind me.

I looked around the only room of the armory. A large room with a large computer and a large map of Equestia was displayed on its screen.

This isn’t an armory!? What’s with the giant computer? Is that the world of Equestria?

Je Suis was crawling towards the machine with his stabbed arm. I took a throwing knife and chucked it at his leg.

*Ching*

“ARRG! MY LEG!” he said falling down, now crawling on his side towards the computer.

I rushed towards him at lightning speed but I was too late. Je Suis got to the machine controls and pushed a big red button.

“SELF-DESTRUCT WILL BE ACTIVATED IN 5 MINUTES.” Said an automated voice.

I reached over to Je Suis and I stabbed him in the chest.

“*Cough* Do not think that vous winnez assassin. Our plan is already in motion. Neither you nor Celestia can stop us now! *Cough* *Cough*” said the nearly dead Je Suis with broken monocle, and ripped suit.

“What plan? Is that the project? Tell me!” I grabbed Je Suis’ neck collar.

“Project Purify has begun. Now before I die, I have something to say to you... assassin…”

“Vous gaspillée deux minutes de traduire cela.” He said in French.

“Huh?” I asked.

“Here use my Phony,” he said giving me his high tech phone.

After inputting the message I got, “You wasted 2 minutes translating this.”

“You DI…” I started to shout at him, but saw he was already dead.

I only have 1 minute to escape this armory. I try the doors but they’re locked down.

Wow I never thought I would die in a place like this. Ah Maris you can never be Ponitaly…

Suddenly the roof exploded open and I saw an attack helicopter. It hovered near me and I saw everyone except of Ace riding inside it.

“I STOLE A HELICOPTER SHADOW! GET IN BEFORE YOU DIE!” shouted Pinkie who was driving the helicopter.

I jumped inside and got pulled in my the other ponies as Pinkie flew out of the supercomputer room. A few seconds later.

*BOOM*

The armory exploded and so did the entire headquarters. I breathed a sigh of relief until I noticed something.

“Ok Pinkie one where did you get this and two YOUR DRIVING!?” I asked her.

“Oh there were 2 of them outside the office building and YUP!” she replied.

As soon as she finished I spotted the other helicopter flying behind us with military guards firing RPGs.

“Pinkie fly higher! I’m going to do something I might regret!” I said lowing myself to the helicopter’s skiffs until I was hanging down about a few hundred metres from the ground.

“OOKIE DOKIE!” she replied increasing the helicopter’s height.

When the height was perfect I jumped from the helicopter and landed on the windshield of the other one. The driver was completely shocked. I stabbed my blade through the glass and killed the pilot. I jumped off and glided towards the ground as the helicopter behind me fell and burst into flames. I came in too fast and landed on the ground HARD. I felt like I broke a leg.

I looked up and saw that Pinkie was losing control of the helicopter and they had to abandon it and jump. They all landed pretty hard but not as bad as me. They helped me stand up and we limped towards a road.

2 unmarked vans showed up. The 1st opened up bringing a bunch of angry ponies outside as well as the old stallion in charge of the Tower of Iron.

He went over to me and urgently said, “Don’t worry, the Red Fox’s men will stall the guards and police just get to the other van and run!”

We went to the 2nd van as fast as we could and the door opened revealing a happy doctor.

“HELLO! IT’SA ME! GET IN EVERYBODY!” shouted Dr. Mareio with Ace on his shoulder.

Without saying anything we got in the back of the van and drove off back to Ponyville. Back to home.

------------------------------------------

As everypony was chatting with each other, Applejack noticed my grim expression.

“Hey sugercube, why so glum? You did kill Je Suis after all.” She comforted me.

“Yes, but before he died he told me of a project the Templars are making calling it, “Project Purity”. And Dave damn…. Wasn’t expecting him.”

“Project? Dave? Who’s Dave?” she asked me.

“Later Applejack, I need to rest and think a while.” I said closing my eyes.

Project Purity, even the name sounds ominous. I know they plan to use the Apple but how?

Red Fox is also strange. He fights for the people, could he be… no.

Dave… The way he said “Good Luck” as if he wanted us to kill Je Suis.
But isn’t he a Templar as well?

Damn it Dave…what game are you playing? Are you just as bad or worse than Balthazar?

No. No one is worse than him.