Chapter 4: Purpose and Enemies

Shock, concern yet surprise... Twilight and her friends had found their suspects and assassins at the Bureau, where Altair, Malik and June were hiding. Not only that they had found, they met up with the younger brother that Twilight didn't expect to meet him.

"Starlight," Twilight asked in shock yet surprise.

Nervous and cold shivered, Starlight gulped in concern and fear that he has some explaining to do. Before he and his friends could do anything, Twilight galloped towards him. He gulped in concern, knowing that his sister was going to kill him! But instead, she hugged him?!

"Oh Celestia! Thank goodness! It is you! Oh Celestia! I thought I'd never seen you here-!" Twilight paused, noticing something. She looked at her brother's uniform, dressing like Wind Assassin. She gasped in shock yet concern, seeing her brother... was with the Wind Assassins?! She groaned angrily, making Starlight gulped in concern. Twilight questioned angrily, that made everyone scared and worried, "Starlight Sparkle! What is going on?! Why are you wearing this?! Why are you with the Assassins?!"

Hearing of what Twilight had questioned, Ben, Flash, Mane Five, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Spike and Phobos narrowed their glaring eyes at Starlight. He gulped in concern. He turned to his back, looking at angry Malik from his table, and two concerned looking Wind Assassins, looking at him. Starlight is in big trouble... He knew this could happened. He has to explain it before things could get any ugly!

Starlight turned to his sister, exclaimed frantically, "Twilight! I can explain!"

Malik turned to Altair, exclaimed in concern, "Altair! Starlight had betrayed us! Our hideout has been compromised! We must escape at once! We can't be killed now!"

Altair nodded his head.

Before any of Wind Assassins could do, Twilight's horn glowed in lavender. She blasted it right on three Wind Assassins, in frozen states, leaving Starlight looked worry and scared. He gulped in concern.

"ENOUGH!" Twilight exclaimed in anger and frustration. Everyone, but Wind Assassins, in the building shown their scared looks, hearing of her angry voice and looking at her angry looks. They really hate to see it. Twilight continued, "I want answers now! The Royal Sisters did not send us to kill you, but to question and discuss with you about the assassination on our administrative staffs and military officers!" She turned and glared at Starlight, who looked worry and scared, she said angrily, "And you! You had some explaining to do, Starlight Sparkle!"

Starlight gulped in concern, before he chuckled lightly. Wind Assassins looked at each other, having the same look of concern and wondering. They nodded their heads. They knew that... it is pointless of running away since Royal Sisters wish to know of what really is going on with the Assassins. They turned to Twilight and her friends, nodded their heads, agreeing not to do something stupid.

Twilight's horn stopped glowing, freeing three Assassins from freezing stasis. Altair turned to Twilight, he prepared to answer her question.

"Why?" Twilight asked.

"We didn't betray our Princesses," Altair answered firmly and calmly, "We do what we must to protect our home and freedom from our enemies."

Malik turned to Twilight, asked: "How did you know we are here?"

Flas moved to the front, answered, "I had some kind of instinct kicking in. It told me who, what and where to find and look at. Like how Altair is trying to escape, then it kicked in and told me where he'd planned to escape. And then today, we found your hideout."

"Just like before," Starlight said in surprise, "You somehow knew I was there. And even knew how my Shadow can't touch the air. Wow... Impressive."

"Hmm... Just as I suspected," Altair said suspiciously and calmly, "He did possessed 'hidden ability'."

Malik nodded his head, agreed, "Indeed. It is very rare to have a Canterlot Pegasus to have 'Wind Instinct' because most of the ponies that had such ability, born and exist among the Assassins, not outside."

"Yet, we found two."

"One, actually, Altair. While Flash may have possessed 'Wind Instinct', but Starlight does not because his ability is 'Shadow Instinct'."

Twilight and her friends looked confuse and surprise. 'Wind Instinct' and 'Shadow Instinct'? What is these all about?!

"What is this all about?" Ben asked curiously, "What are 'Wind Instinct' and 'Shadow Instinct'?"

Altair sighed. He headed to the Bureau's entrance. He looked on right and then left. He quickly closed the door quickly, before he turned to his friends.

Altair answered calmly, "We'll tell you about it later. But we must leave."

"Leave? Wait! Go where?!" Shining Armor demanded angrily, "I don't know what's really going on, but you are not going anywhere or taking our bother away from us! And I want to know why and what!"

"I agree with Shining Armor! You're keeping secrets from us too long! I demand an answer now!" Twilight demanded angrily.

"I will explain everything. But not here." Altair explained calmly, "We all are going to Tirorenze."

"Tirorenze?" Rainbow asked in confusion and concern.

"Isn't that the place Romeo had mention?" Fluttershy asked curiously.

Twilight nodded her head, said: "It's certainly is, since Masyaf was in ruined."

Rarity nodded her head, saying "Why that is the place where the era of Renaissance begins." She sighed in happiness, continued, "And not to mention, the famous artists..."

"Who?" Pinkie asked curiously.

Rarity sighed and smiled happily, having a dream of love (as usual like how she reacted to Blueblood and Trenderhoof), explained, "The most famous yet marvelous and handsome pony you ever met: Leonardo Da Vinci."

"Huh? You mean the artist that Twist talked about?" Spike asked curiously.

"That's him, alright." Rarity smiled and sighed happily.

Applejack had her eyes rolled over, reminded her friend, "Rarity. A Little reminder. We are not going there to meet the famous artist."

Rarity sighed, "I know. But I can't help it."

"So, you're taking us to there?" Princess Cadance asked curiously.

"Yes." Altair said calmly, "Let us head to Tirorenzo. Everything you seek and look for, can be answered at there. And I assure you that your brother's reason will be explained as well. Are we clear?"

Thinking of what Altair had said, Twilight sighed in defeat, nodding her head. Whatever their reasons are, she and her friends have to follow the Wind Assassins.

"Come now. We must make haste." Altair said, "We do not want the enemies know we are here."

Both Twilight's group and Altair's group headed out from the Bureau. They all walked and headed straight to the train station. They took the train, heading straight to Tirorenze. They both sat together on the train's large room, where not many ponies could bother or listened to them. Twilight's group are freely to ask questions.

"Why were you so worry about leaving Damascus so badly," Apple Bloom asked curiously.

Sweetie Belle nodded her head, "Why are you worry about that? I mean, you evaded and avoided us from catching up with you both quickly and further away from us."

"Yeah. You guys are the ninjas like no one can find and seek you out easily." Scootaloo said excitedly and happily. "And of course, you are twice awesome as Rainbow Dash when trying to get her Daring Doo Book back. How awesome of that?"

"Yeah." Rainbow squeaked happily, "I know. I really wish Daring Do here to work with Wind Assassins."

Malik chuckled lightly, "That is true, little ones. We are indeed 'awesome'." He said calmly before in his serious tone, "However, we are not 'ninjas' you spoke of."

"Well, aren't they the same?" Phobos asked curiously.

"No, they are not, little dragon," June said, explaining the difference, "Ninjas came from the eastern land and work for the darkness, while we, the Assassins, may lived in shadows but fight for the light. As Assassins, we kill the enemies while ninjas hidden from shadows for not only killing but also gathering the information."

"True. But there is similarity as well." Malik said calmly, "We do not fear death, and hidden from our enemies very well."

"Well, it doesn't sound different," Spike said while shrugging.

"I think we should have some introduction first." Nyx suggested, "Besides, we only know of my uncle Starlight and Altair bin Al-Lahad."

Twilight nodded her head, making introduction: "My name is Twilight Sparkle. My Earth Pony friends are Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Apple Bloom. Unicorn Ponies are Rarity and Sweetie Belle. Pegasi are Flash Sentry, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and Fluttershy. My daughter, Nyx. My adopted son, Spike. Our little friend, Phobos. My coltfriend, Ben. My brother, Shining Armor. And my sister-in-law, Princess Cadance."

Altair smiled gently, before he, Malik and June bowed gently. He spoke up: "It is our pleasure, Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess Cadance, Prince Shining Armor and Prince Ben Mare, and their great family and friends. We know you very well. June is my Assassin Apprentice, whom your little brother stumbled upon. Malik is my oldest and trusted ally."

"It is our pleasure, your highnesses," Malik bowed.

"Zhè shì wo men de róngxìng (It is our pleasure)." June bowed, "My name is Xiao Fa June. I am honored to meet you all. As for your brother, I hate to admit it. When it comes for the duty, he did take matter serious. But when it comes for lessons, he got himself lazy and fool himself."

"Hey!" Starlight shouted, feeling offended by June's words.

Twilight giggled, "Yeah. That's my brother. Smart and clever, and even having gentle heart. But serious part is definitely not part of him."

"Yes. He's indeed nothing different than Equestrian Eliminator," Malik scowled.

"Will you drop it? Seriously..." Starlight complained.

Twilight, her friends and family looked confuse and shock.

Altair sighed in annoyance, "Never mind. Come now. Rest now. We'll be there soon"

Everyone nodded their heads. They took a long nap and sleep on both couches and beds, taking some time to restore their energies and strengths.


Tirorenze is the city known for ponies' interests in harmony, peaceful, arts and science of love. And it is the beginning of Renaissance Era on 6th Century, built and designed for harmony and peace in business, arts and science. Princess Celestia often visits to the city for paintings, arts and festivals for her subjects and citizens.

Twilight, her friends, her family and the Wind Assassins had arrived at the location. They dropped down from the train station. Altair guided and led Twilight and her friends across the streets and city of Renaissance old yet beauty buildings and towns.

Arriving at the workshop-like, Altair knocked the door hard yet gently, hoping for the respond from someone he knew of.

The door was opened, by the light yellow Unicorn with blond mane and shot tail, dressed in Italian brown clothes with red cape and had his mane covered by red painting hat, and his Cutie Mark is Brushes, Paintings and Frames, appeared before Twilight, her friends, family and Wind Assassins.

He gasped in surprise, "Altair bin Al-Lahad!"

"Leonardo Da Vinci," Altair smiled gently.

Both Altair and Leonardo gave the stallionly hug.

"Leonardo Da Vinci?!" Everyone but Wind Assassins cried in shock and surprise.

"Seriously?" Spike asked in surprise, "The painter is actually Altair's friend? How come we didn't know of it?"

Phobos shrugged, "Secrets, I guess."

Leonardo turned and noticed the familiar faces he had seen before. He gasped in surprise, smiling, "Ah! Princess Twilight Sparkle! Prince Benjamin Mare! Princess Mi Amore Cadenza! Prince Shining Armor! The heroines and heroes of Equestria! It is an honor to see you all here!"

He hugged each and everyone gently, and even little ones like Spike, Phobos and Cutie Mark Crusaders.

Princess Cadance giggled lightly, "It's so good to see you too, Leonardo. And, I already said it's Cadance. Cadance is fine, Leonardo."

Leonardo chuckled gently, "With all due respect, your highness, it is not my place to use your nickname."

"It's fine. As princess, I allow you to use my name."

"I understand, Princess Mi Am -!" Seeing Princess Cadance's annoyance expression, Leonardo shook his head, changing his words. The last thing he wants is to get into a trouble. He said calmly, "I mean Princess Cadance."

Turning to Ben, Twilight and Shining Armor, Leonardo smiled gently, "My, my, my. My dear friends, Princess Twilight. You've grown more radiant and beautiful than any pony I had met."

Twilight giggled, "Thank you, Mr. Da Vinci. I haven't seen you since you gave me the portrait of my whole family."

"Yeah. Not to mention, you even gave my Koga a special toy. Wow, giving him a fake but soft bone, he must be very happy." Ben commented.

"Not to mention, you even made the best small action figures-like to Crystal Ponies foals, colts and fillies." Shining Armor commented.

Leonardo smiled gently, "Painting and inventing are my hobbies and interests. But it's the least I can do for the Princesses and Princes, especially the heroes and heroines."

"Boy, he'd sure know how to talk," Rainbow commented in bored state.

"Rainbow Dash!" Rarity argued, turning to Leonardo Da Vinci, "I'm sorry, Mr. Da Vinci. I hope my friend didn't mean to insult you."

Leonardo shrugged, "Nah. I don't mind. Not everyone can be appreciated as you are, Ms. Rarity."

"My. my, you certainly know a lot of ladies." Rarity commented.

Leonardo chuckled, "Of course. If you are the friend of Princess Twilight Sparkle, then you are friend of mine as well."

Rarity giggled, approaching to Leonardo, giving him a charming and beauty looks. Leonardo looked surprise and concern, moving backwards.

She asked slyly, "And you sir, are certainly a gentlecolt. Maybe you and I... I don't know... date?"

Spike, rolled his eyes in annoyance, showing frown expression.

Leonardo chuckled uneasily, saying, "Well. How about we stick friends for now? I'm sure that I do not wish to break your heart, should I have an interest for another mare."

Hearing of what Leonardo had said, Rarity sighed, reminded by the harsh memory of being rejected twice. She knew and realized that both Prince Blueblood and Trenderhoof had no interest in her. She nodded her head, "I guess so."

"Shall we go?" Malik asked impatiently. "I do not wish us to get noticed by other ponies."

"Hey, chill out, Malik," Rainbow said calmly, "It's not like anything could have gone wrong."

"Rainbow's right, nothing could have gone wrong," Scootaloo said, agreeing with Rainbow's words.

Malik huffed, "If you met the enemies of ours coming here, our hideout and fortress would have been lost."

Apple Bloom huffed in annoyance, "Is he always that serious?"

"By the look of it," Sweetie Belle said gently, looking at Malik's serious face, "He is."

Leonardo shook his head, explaining, "I'm afraid Malik's right. If we stay out too long, some of the enemies will be suspecting of our hideout is. They've been looking and finding ours for days, months and years. And of course, the worst of all, they know who we are because we killed most of the enemies of ours. They determined to do anything to get to us and eliminated us for good..."

"Oh my," Fluttershy meekly said, "That wasn't nice..."

Spike gulped in concern, "Seriously?"

"That doesn't sounds good..." Nyx said in concern.

"Does this involved with Starlight?" Shining asked in concern, "If it is, we are here to help him. He's our family. We'll do anything to help."

"Do as you please in assisting your brother, but," Malik said, "When his target is in sighted, you must not interfered his focus and work. Do you understand?"

"Which brings one question, Malik," Twilight spoke, "Why do you ponies attacked ours? It doesn't add up well? And more importantly, why is my baby brother got involved into this?"

"Hey!" Starlight cried, feeling offended that Twilight thinks of him as a kid.

"Princess Twilight's right," Flash said in agreement, "Unless there is the reason behind of it, you will be placed under arrest."

"All will be explained, my dear boy," Malik said calmly. "In times, let us go in. Al Mualim expected some results from not only Altair, but also Starlight."

"Come now. Let's get in." Altair said.

Altair led his Wind Assassins, and Starlight's friends and family, into Leonardo's workshop. Within the artist's workshop, the place was filled with rich yet messy stuffs, consisting the book shelf on the right, art materials such as paintings and brushes on left, and on the back is the kitchen and store.

"Oh my," Rarity gasped in surprise, "What a mess..."

"Well, what do you expect, Ms. Rarity," Leonardo chuckled lightly, "After all, a genius and painter like me needs some inspiration, and sometimes try to get rid of frustration. So, it's very hard for somepony like me to keep it up well."

"Can I make a party here?" Pinkie asked excitedly.

"No," Leonardo said sternly. He approached before the kitchen and storeroom. He moved the carpet aside, found the trapdoor with a ring-like. He opened it up. Hatch revealed the staircase to the cold and dark underground. "Here we are."

"This is..." Twilight asked curiously.

"To the underground," Altair answered, "The answer you had been looking for is right here. Don't worry. There will be no dangers. Come. Let's go."

Altair headed down the stairs, followed by his Wind Assassins, Mane Six, Ben, Flash, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. Seeing they went down, Leonardo quickly closed the trapdoor down. He puts the carpet back. He whistled happily like nothing bad happen.


Twilight, her friends and family, followed their mysterious allies: Wind Assassins, all the way through tunnels and roads of underground for 2 hours. They entered the large yet messy and bit of filthy hall-like that consisted of several rectangle tables-like, small and big stools, bars and crates of supplies: foods, drinks, weapons and more. The heroes and heroines watched several ponies; mares and stallions; Unicorns, Earth Ponies and Pegasi; chatting, drinking, eating, training, studying, dancing, playing and fooling around in the area.

Rainbow whistled, "Wow. There's a lot of Assassins..."

Applejack nodded her head, "I'll say, partner..."

"My friends," Altair said gently, greeting his new friends and allies to the new place, "Welcome to the Hideout. Best and safest place for all of Assassins."

"Pretty cool place?" Starlight asked gently.

Shining Armor chuckled, "No kidding. You've gotta love this place than the stupid Tartarus."

Twilight smiled in joy, before turning her expression into stern, sighing, "But... It doesn't mean that you could get out of what you're doing as the Wind Assassin. You had some explaining to do."

Starlight, rolled his eyes up, sighed, "Really? Do you had to be stingy?" He groaned a bit, "Seriously, I can't remember of how much you can be this when we both having fun." June giggled, causing Starlight, turned to her, with his annoying glare, "Seriously? Do you had to laugh at this?"

June giggled, "Sorry. I can't help it. After all, Starlight, you are funny for being Assassin and troublemaker."

"June..." Starlight groaned.

"There is no time to talk," Malik interrupted, "We must move. The answer you seek for will be answered."

"Of course," Twilight said calmly.

Wind Assassins led Starlight's family and friends, into the large hall. Exploring, walking and crossing to the hall, watching and observing their surroundings. Seeing ponies chatting, feasting on their foods, having their drinks, studying, playing their board games like chess, air battle, dancing around and more.

Applejack noticed on her left, seeing there was a fight between couple of stallions among, near to the black market. Applejack gulped in concern.

"You okay, AJ?" Apple Bloom asked.

Applejack shook her head quickly, "Yeah, I'm fine. Not wanted to know what happen from before, seeing that," Applejack shivered her body, "Reminds me of some bad stuffs."

Shining Armor nodded his head, commented, "I hear ya. Another total disaster to remember."

Altair shrugged at what Applejack's concerns.

"This is the cafeteria or known as dining chamber," Altair introduced the room to his new fond allies. Pointing to his left entrance, showing a room filled with Unicorns, Pegasi and Earth Ponies training and sparring with each other. "That hall is the Training Hall. It is where we trained ourselves of our skills, battles, stealth and abilities."

"Trained to become an Assassin?" Rarity asked curiously.

"That's nice..." Sweetie Belle commented

Altair nodded his head, turning to his right entrance, revealing the lab where Unicorns and Earth Ponies, experimenting, working and studying on potions and chemicals, "That hall is the Laboratory. It is where we're building the potions of poison, cure and more for our uses."

"Like Party?" Pinkie asked happily. Wind Assassins gave Pinkie a glare. Embarrassed, she giggled lightly, "My bad..."

"Honestly, Pinkie," Twilight said in unamused, "Science is for studying the magic and potions, and even to discover the unexpected that make Equestria exists, or making a bettwe world."

"On the second left entrance," Altair continued, pointing at another left entrance, revealing a library where most of ponies studying and writing on as well as seeing the ancient portraits, paintings, artifacts, statues and more, he explained, "It's our Library for the ponies to understand history, journals and even the lives of our ancestors, of what it means to become the Assassins."

"Does it have comics?" Rainbow asked impatiently yet excitedly.

"It would be awesome to see the action," Scootaloo said excitedly.

"Hopefully, the Enchanted Comics again," Spike smiled, "It would be wicked awesome and cool to be an Assassin."

Malik chuckled, before saying seriously, "I doubt of that. We don't create comics for fun, little one. We create and wrote books for young ponies to understand and learn of what it means to become an Assassin. In our brotherhood, we're not only trained the young ponies to be brave and courageous warriors, but to disciplined themselves, be more wise, humble, honorable and heart in the soul."

"Lame..." Rainbow said dryly.

"Anyway," Ignoring Rainbow's uninterested mood, Altair pointed at the right entrance, revealing dozens of weapons: swords, spears, pikes, Hidden Blades, guns, Hidden Guns, blades and more, he explained, "That would be armory. It is where we kept our weapons, built them, create them and even upgraded them."

Flash whistled, "Gotta like that place. Maybe even, this place can upgrade any of Ben's weapons to combat Boris or Shadow Dragon."

Ben nodded his head, "Yeah, that would be awesome."

"Indeed..." Princess Cadance nodded her head, commented, "I can see why Aunt Celestia and Luna wanted you ponies to be spared. Not only because of your skills and wisdom, but how resourceful you can be."

Altair smiled, "Thank you."

"So, tell me, uncle Starlight," Nyx asked, nudging her uncle Starlight's leg, "So, how's you and Aunt June getting along?"

"Aunt June?" June asked curiously.

Hearing of what his niece had said, giving Starlight a shock and surprise, asking, "What?! Where in the world did you get that idea?!"

What was Nyx's thinking?! Who had given her the idea in the first place?!

Nyx giggled, "Well, you and June seemed to be so... close?"

"Nyx," Starlight exclaimed in embarrassment.

June giggled gently, "You know. I really like your family. All of you are so funny."

Phobos rolled his eyes in annoyance, said, "You had no idea."

Altair and his Wind Assassins continued leading Starlight's family and friends, through the hallway. They headed up of the stairways, all the way to the top.


Climbing and walking on the stairs, all to the top floor or 3rd floor, Wind Assassins opened the door, and led Twilight, her family and friends to enter. Upon entering the office, they closed the door gently. Approached to the front, they, including Starlight, bowed before to the old gray and silver Unicorn with short and small mustache and beard, dressed in red and black hooded Muslim's robes, with white shirt within, nodded his head.

"Al-Mualim," Altair said humbly, "Our mentor."

Most of heroes and heroines bowed their heads down.

Rainbow waved to Al-Mualim, with a smile, "Hey there!"

Wind Assassins, and even Twilight, her friends and family gasped in shock and worry, glared at Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Dash," Malik scolded, "Show some respect!"

Al-Mualim waved his hooves at his Wind Assassins, calming them down. Al-Mualim turned to Twilight, her friends and family, asked humbly, wisely and gently, "So, you must be Princess Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Prince Ben Mare, Flash Sentry, Prince Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Nyx, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Spike and Phobos. It is my pleasure and honor to meet you."

Twilight, her friends and family, looked surprise yet shocking, hearing of how Al-Mualim know about them.

"Wow, he's good..." Apple Bloom whispered in impressed.

Both Sweetie Belle and Nyx nodded their head, agreed with Apple Bloom's comments.

"I wonder he's a psychic?" Scootaloo asked curiously.

Twilight smiled, asked at once, "Al-Mualim, may I asked you something? Something that involved my brother and your brotherhood." Al-Mualim nodded his head, listening to her question: "Why do your brotherhood killed many of princesses' administrative staffs and military officers? How did your ancestors survived the tragic from Masyaf? And more importantly, why is my brother in yours?"

Al-Mualim nodded his head in understanding of what Twilight's going through about murdering case on administrative staffs and officers of princesses especially her brother.


History Flashback:

"Let us begin with of how our brotherhood survived," Al-Mualim narrated, "it begins with our ancestors' time. The time where Grimmore and Demon Lords' banishment, and the defeat of Smaug the Great, it was peaceful, harmony and great time."

At Masyaf, most of Arabia Horses smiled happily in the time of peace and harmony, and having their own time and fun: studying books and environment, joking, singing, dancing, painting, drawing, farming animals and farms, building towns and houses, eating, drinking, loving, and even colts and fillies playing around and singing.

Swoosh!

An arrow struck on the village's house. Its blade ignited the fire, spreading across the hays of the villages, one to another, burning and blazing in flames. Mares, colts and fillies cried and screamed in fear, seeing their homes on fire. They ran away from the fear.

"Our home was under attacked."

While running away, mares, colts and fillies, and even mere stallions, who could not fight, stopped their advanced, encountering the mysterious and scary ponies, wearing helmets and armors, and their chests bear the symbol of darkness with demonic wings and elf symbol.

"By the Knights..."

The mysterious Knights charged and attacked the innocent stallions, mares, colts, fillies and foals. Seeing and feeling pressured, feared and worried, they all running away from their mysterious enemies.

The Knights swung their swords, spears, pikes and shooting arrows at the innocents in running and hiding from them.

The white hooded ponies fought back hard and quick against the mysterious knights at Masyaf. The burning and blazing fire continued spread across the villages and even the fortress itself while two sides fought and battled at each other until one or more to be wounded, killed or death.

"Our enemies have proven themselves to be strongest and quickest as we are, like we were facing against the Demons. For long we had forgotten that Grimmore was sealed means there is peace and harmony, but... we were wrong. Our ancestors' home was lost and gone. They left one choice."

Within the Masyaf fortress, the survivors of Wind Assassin, about 1,000, at the chambers, quickly headed to the stairs of its underground, feeling for lives and survivals. As soon as the Wind Assassins escaped, they closed the door of the chamber's trapdoor quickly. The knight burst themselves into the chamber, searching and seeking out of their enemies. Nothing. Empty of the fortress.

Outside of the Masyaf, and its behind, the mountain's stones opened into halves, revealing the door-like. Wind Assassins quickly headed out and escaped. Splitting into four sides: some headed to north, south, west and east, avoiding being captured or killed by their enemies.

"Our ancestors have to escape from our enemies. It is painful to leave their homes. They split their families and friends up, finding a new place to begin and restore the brotherhood. But it is the only way for our order to live on, until we reborn to fight and get our lost honor."

History Flashback ends.


"And so," Al-Mualim continued, "We suffered greatly from separation. But the generations of Wind Assassins continued live on. And thus, from we, descendants of our ancestors, reunited and united as one. Returning to serve our righteous leaders: Princess Celestia and Princess Luna."

Twilight, her friends and family looked shock, hearing of the history on how Wind Assassins destroyed, yet lived on, like a phoenix rising from its ashes.

"Wow..." Rainbow said in concern, "So who are your enemies that tried to destroy your ancestors?"

"And why?" Applejack asked in concern.

"Does this involved with murdering case?" Spike asked curiously.

Twilight, her friends and family looked at Al-Mualim, hoping for answer they are looking for, about the murdering case and their mysterious enemies.

Al-Mualim nodded his head, "You are right about the murdering case. The administrative staffs and military officers, including the names you had heard and met of: Tamir, Abu'l Nuqoud, Talal, Jurbair and Bagnone, they were the descendants and allies of our enemies, including your administrative staffs and military officers. An organization and order which desired for not one but three. They are Knights of Terrors. They bring fears, manipulations, greed, lusts and chaos upon our world. They are... Demon Knights."

"Demon Knights?!" Twilight and her friends asked in shock.

"Who are the Demon Knights?" asked Fluttershy, in concern and worry.

"Yeah," Pinkie nodded her head gently, "By the sounds of it, it doesn't sound good."

"Indeed. They are more like terrifying beasts." Rarity commented in concern.

Al-Mualim nodded his head, explained calmly, "The Demon Knights are the order and organization, desired of three: Destruction of Wind Assassins Brotherhood, World Domination and Conquest, and worst of all: one thing no one dared to make the devil's deal than just Dark Mystic Ponies: freeing Grimmore himself from prison."

"GRIMMORE?!" Twilight, her friends and family shouted in concern.

"The Demon God, himself?!" Apple Bloom asked in concern.

"You mean the Demon Knights are working for Grimmore?!" Sweetie Belle asked in fear.

"Aw man! That's the worst!" Scootaloo exclaimed in fear.

"Why would they do that? That's very stupid for them," Spike exclaimed.

"No kidding," Phobos commented.

"Yes. I know what you mean, my dear children and dragons," Al-Mualim said, "These ponies, who gave not only their souls to the Demon God, but to serve him as his servants to bring and restore the order, believing that freedom is the cause and plague to the realms. They believed that with an iron fist, they will control the land and making sure that no one, and not even pony gods themselves can be freed or defy them. And the worst of all, Demon Knights believed in Grimmore as both God and King."

"In other words," Shining Armor said in concern, "They're mad ponies, believing that Grimmore is their savior."

Princess Cadance huffed, "Well that explains why administrative staffs and military officers were killed!"

Altair nodded his head, confirming with Princess Cadance's story.

Twilight nodded her head in understanding, looking at Al-Mualim, asking, "But if what you said is true, then why didn't you killed the enemies, or warned Princess Celestia and Princess Luna about them earlier?"

Al-Mualim sighed, "We would, but we couldn't." Everyone but Wind Assassins looked confuse and worry, Al-Mualim pointed at Starlight, saying: "Because of your brother being Grimmore's agent, it had proven to be difficult for us to kill and getting rid of Demon Knights. And so, one-by-one, our comrades had fallen."


"Including me," Malik narrated angrily, "During our mission to kill suspicious enemy at Trottingham, Altair, my brother and I were there, preparing to kill him after finding out what happened. That's where the Demon attacked us! Murdered my brother! And I lost my left hoof, because of him!"

Altair, the white hooded Malik and another hooded pony, stood behind the stones, readied themselves, with their Hidden Blades.

Sensing danger, Altair grabbed both of his comrades up, and over their back. They encountered the Equestrian Eliminator. Malik and his comrade charged, and thrust their blades at their enemies' throats. He quickly took his sword out, readied to strike his enemy down. With the slashing sounded, Equestrian Eliminator appeared behind of Malik and his comrade.

Malik's left hoof cut off, bleeding out of his blood while his comrade fell to the ground, with his head cut and fell to the ground. He screamed in pain and despair.

Equestrian Eliminator, prepared to attack Malik, but instead, blown by Altair's Tornado Raid hard, pushing his enemy to the wall.

Malik screamed and cried in despair and anger, covering his brother's body gently. Malik quickly took his sword out, preparing to attack his enemy. Altair grabbed his ally tight, throwing the smoke bomb on the ground hard.

The smoke emerged. Both Altair and Malik disappeared from sights.

Flashback Ends.


Everyone but Wind Assassins gasped in shock, turning to Starlight, who nodded his head, confirming that his mission and Malik's story were true.

"So, does this mean..." Nyx asked in concern, "Romeo Stalkthief was sent to Ponyville to kill him?"

"Yes. That is true. After I ceased my Assassins from continuing their assassination on our suspects, I've received news that Starlight was found at Ponyville. I suspect that's his hideout. Romeo was the oldest yet veteran as any of my Assassins. He is the only one who can sense Starlight's shadows, as Altair had," Al-Mualim explained, "But what I did not expect is that he requested me, via a scroll, to help, train and guide him to redemption after Starlight's restored and freed from Grimmore's. I was very reluctant, yet it was opportunity for me to use it. Without Starlight's help, Grimmore cannot protect his Knights."

"Giving you guys the chance to finish Demon Knights off before they could do something evil," Ben explained Al-Mualim's explanation. The mentor of Wind Assassins nodded his head. "Then, what about 'Wind Instinct' and 'Shadow Instinct'? What are they?"

"Both of them are nearly the same, sensing the dangers ahead of them, eavesdropping on the enemies, and seeing the future ahead of them." Malik explained, "But difference is that Wind Assassins relied on our Wind Instinct while the very rare of them had and relied on Shadow Instinct. Wind can easily beats the Shadow because it is on air. But on the ground, Shadow had great advantage."

"So you think that Starlight and I had this kind of abilities?" Flash asked in shock. "But how?

"Yes," Al-Mualim nodded his head, "From what Malik had told me, I'm impressed to find another yet different ponies from here. And I believed that... you and Starlight had the deep blood connection to one of Wind Assassins"

"Seriously?!" Everyone asked in surprise and shock.

"If that is true," Twilight said, "How come most of our family don't have same ability as Starlight? I certainly didn't feel that power."

"Me too. You don't think Starlight had most of the ability of Shadow Instinct from our ancestor while we don't?" Shining Armor asked curiously.

"But... I don't know mine. My dad and I don't even know it," Flash said.

"It is possible that two of you possessed the ability through one of your ancestor's blood, from being part of Wind Assassins. I did explained that most of our ancestors had separated and rebuilt their losses." Al-Mualim said, "But one thing, I'm sure of, Starlight had the connection to either Element of Shadow."

"Do you think so?" Starlight asked.

"Yes. But we do not have the location of it yet," Al-Mualim said, "As for Element of Wind, it is with Altair. It chose his ancestor because he is chosen by it."

"Wow..." Everyone said in impressed.

"Yes," Altair nodded his head, "As long the Element of Wind stays with me, it will be safe. But should it need to pass, I will chant the ritual and chose my successor."

"Cool." Flash said in amazement.

Nyx asked curiously, "Excuse me, Al-Mualim. I was wondering. How did my uncle get in here? Like how he met June, and became the Assassin?"


"Temporary Assassin, little one," Al-Mualim chuckled lightly and explained, "Romeo told me that he'd chose to redeem all the mistakes and things he had done. As for how he gets here, I sent June to find and retrieve him here. But I wish to test his knowledge and purpose, and thus, it did."

A month ago, June brought Starlight before Al-Mualim and Altair at his office and study. Starlight explained to Al-Mualim about his purpose and choice. Al-Mualim and Altair nodded their heads in understanding.

"Not only that, most of the Assassins hate me after what I had done as Equestrian Eliminator," Starlight explained, "But Al-Mualim and Altair forgave me and let me become his temporary Assassin until I pay all the redemption."

Starlight and June, turned to each other, smiled happily, knowing that both work together under Altair bin Al-Lahad.

Flashback Ends.


"Starlight and June actually like each other," Nyx squeaked lightly, "They would've made the best couple like my mom and dad, uncle Shining and Aunt Cadance."

"Nyx!" Starlight and June protested.

Al-Mualim chuckled lightly, "Well, if it happened, I would be proud of it. After all, Wind and Shadow don't always mix together that quickly." He cleared his throat, before showing his firm and serious expression, turning to Twilight Sparkle and said, "I hope the explanation and history are cleared to you."

Twilight nodded her head, "Yes, it does. But what I don't understand is," She said in concern, "What are Demon Knights are looking for? What are they doing? We already know about their three main objective."

Al-Mualim nodded his head in understanding, said, "We do not know, Twilight. But we do know of what we can do. We learned our enemies' purpose and killed them before they could achieve what they want. So far, we know Tamir and Abu'l Nuqoud are trying to fund both resources and bits to their allies. The ones that Starlight and June had killed are delivering their slaves to them for soldiers. But we are determined to find it, and get the Element of Shadow."

"I understand. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna need to know this."

"Good. But make sure that it is private message. You had to make sure that no Demon Knights with them. I feared that the enemies will assassinate the."

"Very well. I'll have Spike to take a note," Twilight said calmly, "But... I wish to stay with Starlight, if he needs help. He's my brother."

Al-Mualim nodded his head, "Very well. You may help him if you needed. As you can see, I planned to sent him to Ezio for assistance in assassinating on someone or a family called Pazzi. They worked for Demon Knights. But remember, do not interfere his work on assassinating."

Twilight nodded her head, "I understand."

"Good, you all must leave and be prepared. Whatever Demon Knights are doing and planning to free their master, we must prevent it. Starlight, can I entrust you to make sure that Element of Shadow must not be fall to wrong hands?" Al-Mualim questioned.

Starlight nodded his head, "Yes."

"Good, go and seek Ezio."

Wind Assassins, Twilight, her friends and family bowed before Al-Mualim. They turned to the entrance and headed out.

To be continued...

Author's Note:

Review and Suggest.

Reference:

1) Malik's loss of his hoof and brother is referenced from Assassin's Creed, except the part he blamed on Starlight than Altair.