Chapter 3: Secret History
At the Canterlot, Twilight, her friends and family had arrived at its location, explaining of the recent event of Tamir's death and Altair's appearance. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Golden Heart and Pinkamena showed their concern and worried look, hearing of what the young heroines and heroes had reported. They became worried and scared of what happen next... But they had to...
"Wind Assassins," Princess Celestia said calmly, but sighed, "They were the brotherhood, who fought for the freedom of ponity and other creatures to choose and create a better world. They also fought against any of dark enemies that threaten the peace, tranquility, justice and freedom of Equestria. They were the best and great assassins. And also, they were ours."
"Huh?!" Everyone gasped in surprise and shock.
"Mom... If they are your Assassins," asked Ben in concern, "Why did Altair killed Tamir?"
Princess Luna sighed, as she explained, "We are getting to there, Ben. As for Tamir, we did not order Altair to kill him." Everyone looked concern, confuse and dumbfounded, hearing of what she had said. She continued, "The reason is... Wind Assassins were killed and destroyed, a long time ago."
"WHAT?!" Everyone asked in shock.
"But - but how did the Assassins destroyed?" Twilight asked in concern.
"Not to mention," Flash added up, "How they are still exist, right here, right now?"
Princess Celestia sighed, "After both Grimmore and Demon Lords' banishment as well as Smaug the Great's Defeat, there was the tragic for Wind Assassins. I had never forgotten... of that."
Flashback:
Not Good!
Their allies and friends were under attacked. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and their Royal Guards galloped as quickly as they can. They had to get to the location before things had become worse... They had arrived at the gate of Masyaf, home of Wind Assassins. They gasped and looked in shock, fear and concern.
It... It can't be...
Watching the burning and blazing sights of Masyaf home, and hearing the screams of innocents and braves, Royal Sisters sobbed and cried in sadness and pain. They looked away, unable to see and feel the pain. There was nothing that they could do... Fail to save their friends in time... And... Wind Assassins were gone...
Flashback Ends:
"It is because of that," Princess Luna explained, "We thought they were destroyed and gone."
"We also never uncover of the one, who is responsible of bringing destruction on Wind Assassins," Princess Celestia explained, "We... we also don't know whether our old friends had survived or not... until today."
"For some strange reason," Princess Luna nodded her head while saying, "If the Wind Assassins had survived the attacks from before, then why they didn't inform us about their survival?"
"Not only that, Luna," Princess Celestia adding, "Why do they attacked our administrative staffs and military officers?"
Everyone looked concern and worry, hearing of what the Royal Sisters had said... It is impossible... They attacked Princesses' administrative staffs and military officers?!
Princess Celestia sighed and nodded her head, "I'm afraid so."
Everyone looked worry and scared. The door behind of Twilight and her friends, opened. They turned and seeing General Spanish Steel and his Royal Guards brought 10 to 20 patients bed-wheels to the front. General Spanish Steel nodded his head to Royal Guards in removing the sheets from the bed. Revealing the dead ponies, with the spills of the bloods and wounds from necks, bodies and heads.
Twilight, her friends and family gasped in shock and upset. Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash covered their little sisters' eyes. Spike and Nyx hugged tightly. Twilight looked worry and scared, looking at the dead bodies.
"They... really kill them?" Twilight asked in concern.
Golden Heart nodded his head, "Yes, my friends. After your discovery of your lost brother, we have recently receiving some... strange reports..."
Fluttershy gulped in concern, "What kind of strange report?"
"Trust us, you're not gonna like it," Pinkamena answered in concern.
"Attacked by unknown enemies," Princess Luna answered, "However, no one, and not even ponies themselves know who, what or why attacked the administrative staffs and military officers in the first place. Not even us can figure it out. All we heard is that 'white hooded pony' had been sighted on the crime scenes and disappeared."
Princess Celestia sighed, "I wish it could be coincidence that it could be vengeful pony, who wants revenge. Sending Royal Guards to deal with them would have solve it. But now..." She looked away in shame, sobbing in upset, "We now know who did it."
"I can't believe it..." Princess Cadance said in shock and fear.
"How could they?" Shining Armor said in upset.
"These ponies..." Pinkie said in upset, as her mane flattened, "They and Wind Assassins are the same, working for Princess Celestia and Luna together. They are BFFs."
"So, why would they do such a thing?" Applejack asked in concern.
"Tamir, yes, we understand," Flash admitted in concern, "But these ponies... Why?"
Princess Celestia sighed, "I wish I knew. I also knew their important rules that makes them different from the enemies. But so far, the clue we know of is the one who is responsible of bringing deaths upon both my administrative staffs and military officers. But we know nothing of what purpose they had."
Twilight Sparkle thought for the moment, she spoke up firmly, "If we're gonna find out of why Wind Assassins attacking and killing these ponies, we're gonna find one of them. Question them. Make them answer us of why. Then, we had the answer we're looking for."
Everyone muttered in concern, having some thoughts of what Twilight had said. They nodded their heads in agreeing with her. They knew that these Wind Assassins had some reasons in attacking the administrative staffs and military officers.
Princess Celestia nodded her head, "Very well, Twilight," She said calmly, "I entrusted the mission of finding out on why would Wind Assassins had attacked my staffs and officers. But remember, Twilight, do not kill them. I had entrusted my trust and mission to them for reasons: securing both peace and freedom for ponies."
"I understand, Princess," Twilight bowed.
"Another thing, Twilight, a warning. You must be cautious at all time. Wind Assassins are not only best in killing and battling their enemies, but hid and blended very well with their surroundings of environment - both living and non-living. Utmost important of all, do not underestimate them, as Smaug the Great had once before, Wind Assassins are known to be crafty and clever in battles and terrains, fighting against their enemies."
"I understand."
Princess Celestia nodded her head, "Good, then I suggest you start investigating now. But I do know where you can find the answer: Masyaf at Saddle Arabia."
"Home of Wind Assassins? I thought it was destroyed." Ben asked.
"Perhaps, dear nephew," Princess Luna nodded her head, agreeing with Ben's concern, "But now, we know Wind Assassins had survived the tragic of Masyaf. This could mean that their generations had been passed down from different areas. But Masyaf is the perfect place to investigate. Do you understand?"
Everyone nodded their heads in understanding.
Princess Celestia nodded her head, she said, "Before Masyaf, you must go to Damascus. Find the Arabia Unicorn pony named Abu'l Nuqoud the Merchant King. Questioned him of why he hasn't sent his bits for charity of Equestria."
"Sister," Princess Luna spoke, while showing her disgusted and hatred expression, "Sister, why must we and our ally Sultan chose him the first place? He is nothing but fat, lazy and obese pony we ever met in our life! He did nothing but make pleasure and luxury for himself than thinking of others."
Everyone but Golden Heart, Pinkamena and Princess Celestia looked confuse and worry.
Princess Celestia sighed, "As much as he and I disagreed and disliked him very much, the former Merchant King had passed away. So, we left no choice but to relay on him. His delays must be answered to us!"
Hearing of what Princess Celestia's reason of going to Damascus, Twilight nodded her head. Princess Celestia smiled, nodding her head, "Good. And be careful my friends."
Twilight, her friends and family nodded their heads, before heading out of the door. The door closed.
"Well, at least we know who we're dealing with," Scootaloo said calmly.
"Yeah. But..." Sweetie Belle said in concern and feared, "Why would Wind Assassins do such a thing? I mean they're Princesses' Assassins. And they should be friends."
"I know, Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom nodded their heads, "This is like a war with Lorcan and his Dragons again. No offense, Spike."
"None taken," Spike said calmly, "but for now, what are we gonna do? How do we start the investigation?"
"Yeah," Phobos nodded his head in concern, "Not like we could ask someone who tried to kill any bad ponies like Starlight's bad guy side so badly."
Hearing of what Phobos had said, Twilight and Applejack remembered the event of killing Starlight badly...
Flashback:
Starlight, as Equestrian Eliminator, held Romeo Stalkthief's hoof tightly, who wore the white robe with blue shirt within, with his angry eyes.
"Grandpa! Who's that?!" Applejack said angrily.
"Grandpa! What's going on?!" Apple Bloom asked in concern and worried.
"Big Mac! Get your sisters to the barn! Make sure they stayed there!" Romeo ordered.
"Eeyup!" Big Mac said.
Grabbing both of his sisters on his back, galloping and heading to the barn. Big Mac, Applejack and Apple Bloom took a peek on the fight between Romeo and Equestrian Eliminator.
Equestrian Eliminator narrowed his eyes on Romeo, making demands, "What is the meaning of this?!"
"Your blood, demon!" Romeo answered angrily, waved his left hoof down, activating his Hidden Blade out. "I'll make sure you are dead, and never harm my family ever again!"
Romeo yelled in anger, charging at Equestrian Eliminator. His enemy, creating his black shadowy form of a sword, preparing to fight against Romeo. Both Romeo and Equestrian Eliminator swung their blades against each other for few times.
Twilight and her friends galloped as quickly as they can to help Applejack, encountering Equestrian Eliminator battled against Romeo.
Flashback Ends.
Romeo Stalkthief... is their next clue since he had what Altair had - A wrist blade and a hooded uniform... Does Applejack's biological grandfather had connection to Wind Assassins?
Twilight thought for the moment, before turning to Applejack, questioning her very first best friend and sister-like, "Applejack, have you ever wonder of why your grandfather left your Apple Family in the first place?"
"Well... Now you mentioned it, I do wonder why." Applejack admitted in her curiosity, "Not to mention, he has the Hidden Blade. He's so obsessed in getting rid of Starlight. No offense, Twi. I thought he's just doing to protect the Apples."
"None taken, Applejack," Twilight said calmly, "But based of your story as well as my observation, your grandfather 'might' be the key of finding out on Wind Assassins' objective and purpose."
"Now wait a sec! You're not suggesting that my grandfather is Wind Assassin?!"
"No, Applejack. I just thought of it. I just want to know if he's one of them. If he is, then he can help us. Nothing more."
Applejack sighed, "I guess so. I hope my grandpa is telling the truth. I mean I can't be honesty if he's not."
"I hope so," Twilight said in concern.
Twilight and her friends had arrived at the Sweet Apple Acre, seeking Applejack's biological grandfather out about Wind Assassins. They found the Apple's Barn was still clean and perfect as before. Asking her older brother, Big Mac pointed at the chicken coop. They headed to the chicken coop, Romeo, dressed up with blue overall, feeding the corns to the chickens within it. He then turned and came out.
Applejack looked worry and concern, turning to her friends, nodded their heads. Both Applejack and Apple Bloom turned to their very biological grandfather. They had to do it, they need to know the truth. The truth about their grandfather's other side of his life, wondering of what he's been doing for 50 years, and whether he has the connection to Wind Assassins. It could him more than them.
"Applejack, Apple Bloom," Romeo said gently, "What can I do for my little granddaughters?"
Applejack gulped in concern. Scared and worried of what she's going to say to her grandfather. Can she really do it? Was she allow to do that to her own family? She loved her grandfather like a father she had. She truly does in her heart. But in her mind spoke that she must get the truth... Truth of his other life. She and her friends must know it. Thoughts of mind, and feelings and caring for family within her heart, had sent a shiver Applejack to her spine. She groaned in anger, unable to face her grandfather.
A touch on her face... like nuzzling... Like how parents nuzzled their children...
Applejack looked up and saw her grandfather nuzzling her face, like tickling her when she was a little foal. Applejack giggled lightly and happily, feeling comfortable and happy. Romeo smiled gently.
Seeing his smile, Applejack sniffed softly and lightly, knew she had to do it...
Applejack breathed, "Grandpappy, I need to ask you. Do... do you know about... Wind Assassins?"
Romeo let go of his basket of corns, dropping to the floor hard. Romeo wear the worry yet serious face in front of Applejack and her friends. Everyone looked worry and concern, seeing Applejack's grandfather's looks
"Where did you get that?" Romeo asked firmly, yet gently.
"Well," Applejack gulped in concern, hesitantly said, "You see... you - I mean - no I meant -!"
Applejack gulped, knowing she had to do it, or else that she and her friends won't find the answer they're looking for... yet... her heart was broken if she learn the truth...
Applejack sobbed in fear, "Please, grandpappy. Tell me it's not true. Tell me that you had no idea about Wind Assassins."
Hearing of how sad and pain Applejack is, Romeo sighed in shame, "Yes. I am one of Wind Assassins."
Everyone gasped in shock.
"Why?!" Apple Bloom asked in anger yet scared, "Why would your pals kill them?! Why would they do that?!"
"Apple Bloom!" Applejack scolded her sister.
"Applejack, it's okay," Romeo assured her, "Besides. You, Apples, deserve to know this. I - I'm sorry. For everything. Leaving you behind. Having no parents but Juliet. And worst of all: staying away from you is the worse impact in my live. I'm sorry."
"Please, grandpappy, tell me what you know about it." Applejack begged.
"Alright... Let's start with my father - your great grandfather," said Romeo before he sighed, "It started when he was young stallion. He accidentally stumble upon them when he helped them captured and killed a thief and traitor. He joined the Wind Assassins and met my mother. That's where I was born. My family and I moved to Ponyville for peace and quiet when I was a colt. But he left me to my mother, because of the mission he had. But my mother was killed by the thief. So, I was all alone. And I believe you know the story of how Juliet and I met."
"But came with the letter from your old home for the job before our mom is born," Apple Bloom explained the rest of how Romeo gets the letter, "It wasn't actually business. It's Wind Assassins' mission."
"Yes," Romeo answered, "Not only my father had died, I had to complete his mission. For 50 years, I had been serving and working under the Wind Assassins for years, finding and seeking out the evil that tried to destroy the freedom, as well as enslaving lives and making sure that order is perfect. Anyone who puts their personal and duty that involved the perfection than innocent and poor lives are not true ponies."
"In other words," Ben said in concern, "Tamir is the example?"
Romeo nodded his head, "Yes. From what I had heard, Tamir is the most cold-blooded and cruel horse from Saddle Arabia that Wind Assassins had learned of."
"But that doesn't explain about killing Princess Celestia's staffs and officers." Rainbow said angrily.
Romeo sighed in regrets, "That I do not know. My mission is to defeat Equestrian Eliminator. It's my final mission before I retired. I was told to kill him because he had killed both my comrades and innocents, no matter what happen or how much soul he has in him. I'm sorry, Twilight. I didn't know he was your brother."
"It's okay." Twilight said, "But here's another question I want to know. Do you have something else than just killing? I mean not everypony is cruel and selfish as Tamir."
"Yes, Twilight," Romeo nodded his head, "Three rules that make us Wind Assassins, and also making sure that we stay true to our ponity. First rule: stay your blade from the flesh of innocents. Tell me, do you think Tamir is innocent when he killed the old pony?"
"Well, no. He was very cruel," Fluttershy answered in concern.
"That is the reason of why you and your Assassins targeted him the most," Ben nodded his head, understanding Romeo's first rule.
"Good. Then, you know why Princess Celestia's staffs and officers were killed. They did something wrong." Romeo said while nodding his head.
"Like what?" Shining Armor questioned, "As far as I know of, we haven't heard a thing that these ponies did wrong."
"Shining Armor's right. How do we know they did something wrong? Princess Celestia would have noticed of it." Rainbow Dash said suspiciously.
"Perhaps. Or perhaps they're hiding something from you," Romeo spoke before continued his second rule, "Anyway. Second rule for Wind Assassins is hiding in plain sights, be one with the crowds."
"Well, that explains why Altair is so good in hiding from us." Pinkie said in amusement.
"And not to mention, very hard for us to find him," Rarity nodded her head.
"And don't forget," Sweetie Belle adding up, "Altair is good at climbing up and running away from us that quickly."
"Yeah. He's no pushover, even for a Pegasus," Scootaloo nodded her head.
"So, what's the last one?" Nyx asked.
"This ought to be interesting," Phobos scoffed.
Romeo sighed as he made final rule: "Never compromise the Brotherhood."
"In other words, don't let your family and friends down?" Applejack asked, "Yeah, I felt that too before."
Apple Bloom nodded her head, "Yeah. Or maybe don't let more lives down. Not to mention, the important mission to finish."
Romeo smiled, and nodded his head, "You're learning. Well done."
"But there is one thing puzzled me, Mr. Stalkthief," Princess Cadance said in concern, "What about Starlight? I mean he did bad things before, and you didn't finish him off. He's not an innocent. No offense, Twilight."
"None taken, Cadance. Yeah, why? Why did you chose to spare him when he was reborn?" Twilight asked in concern.
Romeo nodded his head as he explained, "I had my reason. I see his eyes. They are the eyes of innocents and lost soul. I'd finally understand him. I'd finally know what he wants. Home. Family. Just like what I want, but I also noticed something else. After learning of his dark past and mission, he wants the redemption and forgiveness. I doubt Ponyville will forgive and help him easily. Not only that, I noticed that his Shadow Magic had been weakened. To ask forgiveness and getting his Shadow Magic back, he has to do a favor: helping Wind Assassins and redeem his mistakes."
"Why?"
"That was his first mission. Kill anyone who tried to stop the work of Grimmore. We, Wind Assassins, did out best to save the lives and freedom of ponies. But I guess, he had enough of us."
"Wait. Are you the one, gave both map and cloth to him to journey to Saddle Arabia?"
"Yes. This is the only way for him to earn his redemption and Shadow Magic. I'm sorry."
Twilight sighed, "It's okay. Anyway. Since you are Wind Assassin, will you help us?"
"Certainly," Romeo smiled, "It's the least I can do to repay you for helping and taking care of my family."
"Starting with the location of where Wind Assassins lived now since Masyaf is nothing but ruins." Twilight smiled.
Receiving the answer from Romeo, Twilight, her friends and her family journeyed to the Damascus, one of Saddle Arabia's hometown for 10 days. Seeing its beautiful town, as well as looking at the Arabia's ponies who looked very happy. Damascus was known to be richest and beautiful city for luxury and rich of the proud Arabia Ponies.
Twilight and her friends continued their searching and looking for the Merchant King's location, preparing to question his reason of delays. For the moment, they were lost. They spotted some Arabia Ponies, looking pleased and happy, heading straight to the large Muslim Palace. Twilight and her friends knew the answer well, as they followed the Arabia Ponies to the palace.
Twilight and her friends entered the palace's entrance. They found couples of ponies have been gathered at palace courtyard for some reason. The ponies were discussing happily, while holding their cups and drinks. What is the meaning of this? Why there were so many ponies here in the Merchant King's Palace.
Twilight and her friends headed straight to the second gate, which were guarded by turbaned, well-dressed Arabia Guards, with theirs swords to hold.
Twilight explained to the guard of her reason in visiting the Merchant King. The Arabia Guards nodded his head, and allow Twilight and her friends entered the palace. The second Guard led Twilight and her friends all the way straight to the Abu'l Nuqoud's chamber.
"I wonder what is going on?" Spike asked in concern, after looking at thousands of ponies staying and waiting at the courtyard.
Twilight narrowed her suspicious eyes, saying suspiciously, "We're about to find out on what's going on. I had the feeling that the Merchant King had some explanation to do."
Upon arriving to the top of the palace, Twilight, her friends and family encountered and met the fat Unicorn Horse, dressed in crimson robe and wore the white turban head-wear, smiling to his guests. They suspected him on one pony they know of: Abu'l Nuqoud the Merchant King. They can tell and understand why both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have some problems with him, he could be lazy around or enjoy for himself, while not delivering bits for the charity.
"Ah! The Princesses, her maids and bodyguards," Abu'l smiled gently, "You had arrived, just in time for my party. Welcome, my dear friends,"
"Party? What party?" Twilight asked curiously.
"For my speech to Princess Celestia of how kind and generous she is about the world we are living. That's what. After all, we owe this to both her and our sultan."
"Really?"
"Really, my friends, come now, let us begin the party."
"Wait. What about the charity that you were supposed to deliver?"
"Do not worry. It will be done. I assured you."
Twilight turned to her friends, who shown both suspicious and concern looks, but they shrugged together, decided to wait and watch at Abu'l Nuqoud's reaction to his ponies. They followed him to the large balcony, before and above of all of Arabia Ponies, who were eating their foods and drinking their drinks.
Abu'l smiled, "My dear friends. Welcome. I'm truly happy to see you all here. Not only we're having our leisure times in the party, but also about me. I'm making a special speech for our beloved Princess Celestia and Sultan. We must be thankful to them for not only because of their unity and alliance, but also of their generosity and kindness they had given to us and our friends across the Equestria. So, a toast to our great leaders of Equestria!"
"A toast!" Arabia Ponies cheered happily as they made the toast on the wine drinks from the fountain of wine they took.
Arabia Ponies drank their wines. Abu'l smiled widely happily like he was expecting
"Well, perhaps Abu'l was too nice and hardworking, he maybe had forgotten about the charity." Rarity commented.
"Are you sure, Rarity? I don't like how the Merchant King smile." Sweetie Belle said in concern.
"Yeah, his smile is giving us creepy," Scootaloo said in agreement.
"Well, so what should we do?" Apple Bloom asked in concern.
"It's okay, Apple Bloom," Applejack reassured her sister, with a wink. "If that Merchant King is up to something fishy, I would hammer him down for good."
"So am I. No way that I'm gonna let my number one fan get hurt by him." Rainbow Dash said arrogantly.
Rolling her eyes, yet knowing what her friends getting at, Twilight nodded her head in agreement, "Lets see how it goes."
Abu'l smiled at the event, making his speech, "I'm glad that every one of you had accept this party of mine as well as my drinks. Now let us go back to our business, shall we?" Everyone nodded their heads in agreeing with the Merchant King. He smiled and continued, "While we are truly thankful of everything that Princess Celestia and our Sultan had done for us, for being both generous and kind to us. And they even taught us to believe in goodness, and so we shall. She and the Sultan had even asked me to do a great favor: giving a charity to the poor. Well, I'd say that is completely NONSENSE!"
Twilight and her friends gasped in shock, as well as Saddle Arabia Ponies. Abu'l Nuqoud was actually refused to sent the charity bits for the Equestria?! Was he willing to betray the alliance and his monarch?!
"Oh my goodness!" Fluttershy said in fear and worried, "That wasn't nice."
"Not to mention, he's actually a jerk!" Pinkie Pie said angrily.
"What's he up to?" Shining Armor asked suspiciously.
"Now that I had gain your attention. I would like to say that I'm not so foolish, for you all to think that I'm blind and deaf," Abu'l said angrily yet calmly, "Well, now you know that I am aware of it. But I'm not here to tell you about my hatred, but my pledge. I pledge myself to the new order. An order that bring forth peace and order to this world. I shall do what I can to bring it forth. A world that will not involved anything and especially this so-called 'poverty' and 'charity', but a great and better world. A world where the true ruler will rule. A pity that none of you will live to see."
What was he talking about?!
A brown horse stallion gasped in shock like something in his throat, coughing out loud in pain than just a sick pony who had some sick coughing. He wasn't alone, more had come due to them involving the drinking of the drinks. Everyone screamed in pain and fear.
Twilight and her friends gasped in shock and fear! Abu'l Nuqoud was actually killing his ponies!
"What- What did you do to them?!" Spike demanded angrily.
"You poisoned them! How dare you?!" Phobos said angrily.
"I can't believe it. Another pony to be selfish!" Princess Cadance said angrily, "You won't get away with it, Abu'l Nuqoud!"
Abu'l turned, smiled evilly, saying gently and calmly yet sinisterly, "They deserve the punishment for insulting and judging behind of my flank. Besides, do you truly think that I would give my bits away for this charity? What a joke."
"You, sneaky son of -!" Ben said angrily, "When my mother hear of this, you will know what it feels like to be punished by her!"
"You said, daddy! You're thinking of what I'm thinking?" Nyx asked slyly.
"Be my guess, Nyxie." Shining Armor smiled.
"In the name of our Royal Sisters," Flash spoke up, "You are under arrest for high treason against the Equstria and Mystic Realm, as well as bringing harm to these citizens!"
Abu'l chuckled calmly, "Sorry, my dearest friends, you won't be arresting anyone because as long as I am here, there's nothing you can do. You are at my domain. Bow before me."
Abu'l's Guards surrounded Twilight and her friends from behind of them. Outnumbered and overwhelmed by the enemies, Twilight and her friends remained still and firm, watching of how the event went. They were not afraid of small fries. They had beaten and dealt with such bigger treats than this...
Abu'l chuckled lightly, "I will have you executed at once. But I need one messenger to deliver the message to both Princess and Sultan that the reign of peace will be over. And the true ruler shall return."
Twilight groaned angrily before she demanded, "Who is this true ruler you talked about?! Tell us now!"
Abu'l chuckled lightly, explained calmly, "I'll tell you, as soon as -!"
The shadow loomed over Abu'l, intriguing him to look up. Upon looking up, Abu'l Nuqoud gasped in shock before he screamed out loud from his lungs. He is now in both fear and scared.
Abu'l screamed, "What the?! No! No! Somepony! Help me! Help me! HELP!"
Twilight, her friends and family looked in confuse. They looked up to the sky and right at the sun. They spotted the shadow figure. A pony form. They gasped in shock, seeing something or someone familiar. The white hooded pony falling and charging down. Aiming on Abu'l, white hooded pony activated his Hidden Blade. He thrust his blade on Abu'l's throat. Feeling his throat being pierced by the blade, Abu'l yelped in pain, fell to the ground of his back.
Twilight and her friend were in shock, seeing the familiar stranger, killing the selfish and cruel pony.
"Why have you done this..." Abu'l asked weakly.
"You not only refused to deliver the charity for the Equestria, but also stolen both goods and bits from both poor and rich ponies," said Altair, calmly, "You sent them away for someone or some group you are in alliance with. Therefore... the funds have been cut. Lives are saved."
"Curse you, Assassin. Do you even know what you had done?"
"I seek liberty for ponies while you'd only seek destruction. But I need to know something. What is it that you and your masters are seeking?"
"That... That's none of your concern... What you seek... is lost... The boy you took in... he will pay the price."
"We shall see."
With his last breath he gave, Abu'l fell to the ground. Altair gently closed his enemy's eyes down. He turned and saw Twilight, her friends and family, feeling and looking in great shock and concern.
"We meet again," Altair said calmly.
"Okay, enough of this!" Twilight said angrily, "I want some answers now! Starting with killing Princess Celestia's and Luna's administrative staffs and military officers. Why do you and your kind kill them?! Why do you killed the ponies, who are truly evil and selfish?! And more importantly, why do you want with my brother?!"
"I'm afraid I can't tell you of this. You understand nothing of what you and we are facing with. Your brother must face the punishment he had now."
"What punishment?! Where is he?! You'd better -!"
"He is one of us. You had nothing to worry."
BOMB!
The smoke emerged from the ground. Twilight and her friends coughed out in pain and sick, while watching Altair disappearing in the smoke. Twilight and her friends gasped in shock, finding that Altair is no longer in the area.
"He's gone again. Damn it!" Twilight groaned angrily
After the unfortunate incidence, Twilight, Mane Six, Princess Cadance and Cutie Mark Crusaders took the Arabia Ponies, who suffered the poisons from their drinks and foods, to the Arabia Hospital. Ben, Shining Armor, Flash, Spike and Phobos took Abu'l Nuqoud's Guards to the prison for treason against their sultan.
Finishing helping the innocents and dealing with enemies, Twilight's group and Ben's group gathered together at Abu'l's Palace for discussion. Knowing not only that Abu'l Nuqoud's betrayal, but they failed to capture Altair and question him about his Wind Assassins' reasons.
"Well, that takes care of the problem," Applejack said, with her head nodded.
"Saving ponies' lives in time, putting bad ponies in prison," Apple Bloom said, "And of course, we had dead pony at his own palace."
"It's so hard to believe that Abu'l is actually a cruel and selfish Unicorn. He's worse than Blueblood," Rarity commented.
"I did say that his smile gives me creepy and scary," Sweetie Belle said in concern.
"So, what's next?" Rainbow asked in concern.
"Yeah, it's not like we can do much in this work," Scootaloo said.
Turning to her adopted son, Twilight smiled, "Spike, take a note."
Spike took his quill and scroll out, preparing to write down. Twilight speaks calmly, Spike wrote everything down on her notes:
'Dear Princess Celestia,
I had most unfortunate news. It's Abu'l Nuqoud. He not only refused to deliver the charity to the poor, and even murdered his own ponies for insults and mockery against him, but also helping with someone or a group. I don't know of that because Altair had murdered him. I really wish I need to know more of what is going on between the administrative staffs and military officers of ours, and the Wind Assassins. But I can't help that they are hiding something. Whatever it is. The investigation of this mystery will continued per your instructed.
Your faithful friend and student,
Twilight Sparkle.'
Finishing her last sentence, Twilight turned to Spike, giving him a nod. Spike scrolled the scroll up. He lifted it up. He blew the small portion of greenish flame at the scroll. It burned to ashes yet disappeared from the sights, sending the message to their leaders and rulers of Equestria.
"Oh..." Fluttershy said in concern, "I can't shake the feeling that we are going to be in trouble."
"Tell me about it!" Pinkie Pie nodded in the agreement, continued, "I can feel my Pinkie Sense is about to go off sooner or later."
"So, what is next?" Princess Cadance asked. "Continued the investigation about Wind Assassins."
"Well, it's the only one we can do now," Shining Armor said, before sighed.
"So, where do we start the investigation at?" Ben asked in concern. "We can start with the place that Romeo had mentioned."
"But daddy, grandma said that it's gonna be difficult because Wind Assassins are good in hiding," Nyx reminded Ben, "Meaning that we won't have the chance in meeting them."
"Well, we were at the palace just now," Spike spoke up, "And so far the only clue we had is dead Merchant King."
Phobos sighed, "Well so much for investigation."
Twilight and her friends looked down and felt lost and upset, that they had lost due to the investigation didn't go well.
A wind blew on his ears, giving him a shiver or a shock, like something's trying to tell Flash something. Then, he heard voices through the wind. He turned back. He listened carefully. The noise became louder and louder. And his eyes widened in shock and surprise, like something had surprised him.
Noticing her uncle's behavior and eyes, Nyx shook Flash a bit, saying, "Uncle Flash? What is it?"
Flash shook his head, turning to his friends, "Guys. I know what to do next. Follow me."
Twilight and her friends looked at each other, knowing with Flash's 'wind kicking', they knew that they had found the lead...
Twilight and her friends followed Flash throughout the cities and streets of Saddle Arabia for few blocks away from Abu'l Nuqoud's Palace. They all arrived at the large rectangle-shaped building.
"What's... What's this?" Nyx asked.
"Our investigation," Flash answered, "I heard something from here. This has to be here."
"Instinct kicking in?" Ben asked.
Flash nodded his head in confirmation.
Twilight, Mane Six, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Ben, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Spike and Phobos were about to enter the building, interrupted their approaching, hearing a loud noise, chatting and arguing.
"I'm very aware of it, my friend," The voice spoke gently, before it became anger: "If you had learn the means of stealth, you murdering and killing Assassin!"
"Master Malik, please be gentle with him," The female voice spoke, "He's Altair's apprentice."
"Altair?" Twilight asked gently.
"I am aware of that, June," Malik said angrily, "But what he had done is most stupidest thing I ever heard of my life, and even of how the event goes!"
"But sir-" June spoke up.
"No! I do not want to hear this nonsense! This boy had failed the mission twice! We had told him to follow the creed's rule. And so far, he managed to fulfill two, but only one he had failed the most: hiding in plain sights. That is the most important to Wind Assassins! And he chose to expose himself to our enemies!"
"He has no choice. I was there, Malik. I saw it with my own eyes. The enemy slave knew we would be coming and set the traps for us."
"It's obviously that he had informed them, and misleading you to the mess!"
"He has not. That Talal even tried to persuade him to join that monster. But Starlight denied the request."
"Starlight?!" Twilight and her gang asked in shock and surprise.
"Malik..." The voice said gently and firmly, "I'm sure Starlight didn't mean to let us down quickly."
"Altair! Have you forgotten of what he has done to us?!" Malik said angrily. "He murdered everyone we know of! And you took him in like he's a child?!"
Twilight and her friends gasped in shock.
"Malik, I'm sure he wants redemption. And this is the place where he needs to begin with. After all, we were his victims." Altair explained.
"That is why he needs to be punished!" Malik insisted angrily.
"Malik. Have you forgotten of what Al-Mualim had ordered? And don't forget. I'm his master, and so as Ezio."
"I am aware of that, old friend. But whatever you need is yours. But advice of this is be weary of it."
"Hey!" The familiar voice, attracted Twilight and Shining Armor's attention, knowing whose voice is. They just couldn't believed of what they had heard. He continued, "I murdered both Talal and Bagnone because of they did is wrong. Talal kidnapped many stallions, mares, colts, fillies and foals; whether poor or rich. He's trying to sell them for slaves! Bagnone did the same thing but tricking the innocents, making them believe that he is a good father. The next thing, he's trying to manipulate them! Not only I had taken care of those monsters, but I took all of the innocents back to home. June and I had taken care of Jubair for destroying the books. They were meant for everypony to read and understand. He believed the books are curse. And it's not true. Whatever punishment is, I will take."
"But you can't, Malik," June spoke up, "Because the fate will be decided by both Altair and Ezio. And our Grandmaster will decide."
"Well, I can only hope he pay the price, should he ever fail the mission again," Malik said calmly yet angrily.
Unable to stop thinking and feel concern about her brother, Twilight kicked and charged into the building. Her friends and family followed her.
Upon entering the building, Twilight, her friends and family gasped in shock, seeing not only Altair, the short black maned pale Earth Pony, with his tail wore the black robe, June and the familiar character who wore the white hooded robe with silver armor and right shoulder plate, with brown boots, gasped in shock.
Twilight and her friends were in shock as well.
"Sister..." Starlight said in concern and fear.
"Starlight..." Twilight said in shock.
To be continued...
