Oh hey, remember me?! *derp face* long time no read. It took a while to think of something I'd be proud to post and continue writing, then this 'rising phoenix thing floated around tumblr, gave me a heart attack and inspired this.
December 31, 2012
Entry: #4
Project "Rising Phoenix" in full funding. 2.5 Billion dollars successfully collected to reach goal in reviving valuable assets; Subject 17. Also known as Desmond Miles.
Body was retrieved December 22, 2012 inside 'Grand Temple' without absolute damage. Colleagues nowhere within the area. No further information given.
Brought into Abstergo industries to begin project of reanimating deceased subject, beginning with blood flow of vitals, replenishing of skin, including manipulating the brain to eliminate all memories of Assassin affiliation.
Retraining program is under hand and awaiting its student.
Changing of name and physical appearance is in consideration due to father-William Miles' status in Assassins order.
All requirements for beginning of project are a go. Date to complete project 'Rising Phoenix' is
3-13-13.
"All quotas have been met; seventeens' brain activity is at its top level and all his vitals are responding to the pump treatment. His hand has been repaired. Color to his skin has returned and his breathing cycle is in the norm."
"And the…'improvements'?"
"Successful. His brain patterns have not only been amplified, but all memories of the Assassins have been blacked out." Rikken smiled in satisfaction, eyes gleaming with a glee that was unsettling. The industry have defied the impossible and brought a deceased man back into the world. Not just any man, someone of high use. He examined one of the many doctors' face, noting the pride the medical scholar held for their revolution. Yet, there was something ill-content in his tired eyes as well.
"Is a time set for his awakening? Our deadline is deathly close." The doctor nodded, raising a clipboard into the chat screen.
"We have scheduled his full revival tomorrow, Mr. Rikkin." Perfection. Rikkins' face grew into a smile, slender fingers entwining in pride and excitement.
"That's news I like to hear. Get your preparations done. I'll be in town by tonight to welcome our new 'recruit' into Abstergo arms. See you then Doctor Swartz."
"Yes. Of course." The professor turned away from the camera clad laptop to study his fellow colleagues, all pattering and hovering over Desmond' Miles newly live body, his chest rising and falling on-thank the gods- its own. The machines around and connected to him purred in low hums that gave an eerie aura to what was commencing in the hidden lab. Doctor Swartz moved to the young man's side, watching his eyes flick under long closed eyelids, hands twitching unconsciously along with the pattern.
It is somewhat endearing, like watching a child sleep. It fit in too many ways to name. Even though they were giving him a chance at life once again, there was something terribly sad about his situation. Doctor Swartz pats the former assassin on the side, turning to an assistant as he did so.
"Get Cross. Tell him the phoenix is rising."
Yes, Desmond Miles was indeed alive-soon to be lucid.
But he wouldn't be Desmond Miles anymore when he woke up.
oOo
Daniel Cross stood to the side of the lab, watching the medical experts rush about in anticipation. One pulled a lever here or pushed a button there, releasing noises from the machines hooked to their experiment. Cross bared his teeth in distaste at the young Miles' body; his knife wound throbbing with the memory. 'The little bastard barely missed my liver.' The former-druggie growled menacingly at a hovering assistant as he offered him a bottle of water.
The not so pleasant meeting of the polar opposites has Cross wondering why Rikkin chose him for this project.
"You are best with our recruits, Daniel. Besides- in a way Mr. Miles will be a whole new person. He'll be absolutely oblivious to the Rome incident. That leaves you room to convince our investment even farther into loyalty."
That was no excuse; in Cross' eyes whoever this new being would be, they'd still be the little prick Desmond Miles that blindly jumped into a fight. They'd still be the obstacle that defied his every skill. That's all he would ever see when he encountered the reanimated human. Still an Assassin one way or another. He turned his head as two voices appeared behind a revolving door-Rikkin and the head of the operation, Doctor Swartz.
"-brain is fully able, but his body is still too weak to keep up, so we're going to 'jolt' him awake in a way. We have decided to send a low electronic purge through his spine, which will not only complete the revival, but will increase the speed of his recovery and- Mr. Cross!" The doctors rambling ended with a surprise call of Daniels' name, the elder patting his shoulder as he passed, Rikkin behind him with a pleased smirk on his face and still in his business attire.
The Templar nodded towards his boss, watching him pass with a sour twitch of his eye. This concept was not going to end well, as far as he was concerned. But he'd be lying if he said the project didn't get him curious; the thought of completely turning around an individual's mind and beliefs after death, making them a whole new person without going as far as totally altering their bodies. With that said, it could back fire a million and one ways. Daniel was quite sure he was prepared for half of them.
"-had to make a few slight changes to separate him from his father, or features that identified him as Desmond Miles. Such as that tattoo; we laser removed it. We managed to upturn his nose a tad just for percussion without utterly butchering his face. We changed his eye color and heightened his voice a tone. We couldn't do anything besides shorten his scar, strangely." Swartz explained as he toggled with the major controls, readying the machine that would finally awaken Desmond and bring him back to the world.
"This is acceptable. What I'm truly concerned over are his memories."
"As I told you, all past association with the assassins was blacked out so strongly not even the most advanced physiatrist could reach them- including his father, mother, and any friends he possibly had." Swartz patiently explained as he finalized the machines settings.
"Good." Rikken concluded, studying Desmonds' form in pride. "Then let's complete this project…after all," He turned to the scientist with a composed grin. "It's our boys' birthday." Daniel glanced at the fellow Templar in surprise, his gaze having been on the still young man a bit too long. Swartz curtly nodded, shooing the inferior visitors back. The others either moved in coordinated patterns hooking pads and wires to Desmond or moved completely out of the way. Daniel soon understood why as Swartz eagerly activated the machine hooked to Desmond, a dangerous growl coming from the futuristic technology.
He wanted to object, saying the thing looked too dangerous to simply wake up the valuable subject. But before he could open his mouth, an awful shriek barraged through the secluded lab as Desmonds' body arched into absolute life-trickles of light secreting from his exposed skin due to the intensity. Daniel wasn't sure if it was awful or fascinating to watch, Rikkin completely still next to him. Swartz face was totally focused on the ex-assassins body squirming and writhing into cooperation with his lively brain. The shriek continued until Swartz yanked a switch that made the current of lightening, stopping the noise and Desmonds' body cold. It was hard to accept this all happened within only a few seconds.
It was deathly silent in the pristine lab, not a soul making a move as they all searched for a sign of consciousness. Daniel grew impatient, pushing past his stunned superior to climb over the barriers surrounding the young man. Those who objected quickly back tracked when he snarled a wanring. Daniel studied his face; brows downward in discomfort. He was alert, and apparently uncomfortable. But even so, the dark blond slowly, cautiously sets two fingers against the moving specimen's neck. Not only does Daniel feel a strong and steady beat, but the skin under his digits is warm…healthy. He recoils when Desmond moves away from his touch-a noise coming from the living project that made Daniel blanch.
Doctor Swartz gives a holler of joy, leaping down from his place above the ex- assassin to rush by his side. Daniel watches in a twist of fascination and disgust as the grey haired scientist coaxes Desmond out of permanent sleep, using a name that is not the novices. Rikkin still stands by the sidelines, staying perfectly still even as the rest of the lab prepares for Desmonds' welcome.
"Come now son, time to get up. You should feel much better. Yes, yes I know it hurts." Desmond released more noises, the tone pained and seeking relief. But he did indeed listen, tentively opening his new eyes to the blinding white of the laboratory. He squinted, weakly fighting Swartz hands probing at his sides and arms as he surveyed what was around him. Daniel was content watching the lucid younger suffer in whatever the scientist was doing. Whether it be beneficial or not.
Then Desmond's foreign eyes locked onto him; the dark brown was gone and replaced a pale green-perhaps just a shade lighter than a green apple- that yanked you into his focus. The contrast to his tan skin just made them pop out even more so, the pupils massive. That was possibly the cause of his issue with the lights. Daniel didn't move, daring the soon to be Templar to do anything, say anything. But the gaze was broken when the darker male clenched his eyes shut as a needled carefully penetrated his skin.
"Calm, mein sohn. It's alright. This is going to help with the pain. Yes…relax." Daniel backed away when Swartz began to help Desmond up, the specialist letting him use his shoulders as support.
"ungh…" Desmond tried to speak, the tone of his voice only different to those familiar with the old him. Whatever Swartz had injected worked on his pain, but not his discomfort or fright in the situation.
"One thing at a time, mein Sohn. Now to your feet… yes, good." Swartz rested his hands on Desmonds' shaking arms, the entire facility watching the once able enemy try to comprehend the mechanics of his legs. Daniel contemplated pointing out that the quivering man was in no shape to be a Templar. Hell he was hardly in any shape to walk!
"Who…" Desmond had gained control of his vocal chords, his voice coming out graveled and scratchy from neglect.
"No, no, mein Sohn-"
"Where…" He was starting to panic, his strength coming back in a steady stream. He had enough power to remove Swartz' hands from his arms, stumbling without the support. He scrambled for leverage, trying his damned hardest not to rely on the medical expert.
"All questions will be answered. Just calm ones' self and come wit' me." It was obvious he wasn't going to put up much of fight, practically slumping into the Doctor when he motioned for the tanned one to come towards him. The duo struggled for footing, the bare chested experiment having absolute no control of his legs. Daniel threw a glance towards Rikkin, who now held a smirk on his cleanly shaven face. All this must be according to plan, otherwise the master Templar wouldn't hold such a pleased expression. "Cross. Would you please join me?" Daniel obeyed, following the doctor into a small checkup room, standing over the calming subject as Doctor Swartz gathered him some fresh clothing.
Daniel avoided eye contact with his confused 'co-worker,' holding no desire to get lured into the pale green gaze that was still haunted with gold specks of his previous life. At the moment he was harmless, almost pathetic in nothing but chalky blue hospital slacks with the rest of him exposed to the nippy air. He also made a mental note to find out the meaning of 'mein sohn.'
Swartz appeared with a pair of dark washed jeans, sneakers, a white long sleeve and a black jacket/ vest of sorts. Boxers buried within the pants for the sake of modesty. He set a hand on the master Templars shoulder, meaning 'give him privacy.' "Come, Mr. Cross. We have some things to discuss with Rikkin." "Mein Sohn, when you are ready find us in the meeting lounge." Desmond perked up in surprise, struggling to get his shaky legs into cooperation long enough to dress.
"Oh. O-okay."
OoO
"His physical abilities should be back to normal by the end of this week. With the help of our trainers of course." Swartz stated, tapping at the lap top in front of him. Rikkin ran a finger across the rim of his water glass in a thoughtful manner. "Even though we gave his brain and body a head start, they still struggle. Right now his brain is trying to reconnect with natural habits; this is the cause of his issues with walking and speaking." Daniel stood at the far end of the table, ice blue eyes flipping between the two elders. He felt anxious for some odd reason, unable to sit down due to his body thrumming in anticipation for what was ahead.
"Will he be able to…'participate?'" It's a loaded question; one that makes Doctor Swartz stop to think.
"Well, yes as far as I can tell. But you will first have to wait for his memory and body to accept what we-ah, Mein Sohn! There you are." Daniel raised his eyes in the direction of Swartz voice, and there stood Desmond fully dressed and looking collected with himself. But wait, he wasn't Desmond anymore. The Templar let his eyes grace across Desmond, the younger looking the same but completely different in strange ways.
His skin seemed darker, perhaps because of the contrast in his eyes now; pale, bright green defining his face and catching your attention. It seems Abstergo refused to go subtle. The scar that slashed vertically across his lip is now less prominent-smaller- only cutting through his top lip. How they managed that, Daniel would rather not know. The change in his nose was barely noticeable-but when it came to identification, he would pass off as another person. His hair now harbored licks of light brown against the near black, body leaner as well. Though that could be due to the fact he was dead for three months-only truly breathing the last month of his time in the lab.
Daniel drops his inspection when Swartz comes into his focus, gingerly placing a hand on the currently timid subject.
"Nice to see you, young man. We were worried we lost you." Rikkin lies, not missing a beat including a hint of relief in his coy act. The concern throws off the freshly live man.
"Wha-"Desmond tries to speak, but Swartz stops him with a gentle pat on the chest.
"We will explain everything in a moment mein sohn. Right now, you need water." He takes the glass without arguing, letting Swartz settle him into a chair.
"That's enough coddling, Doctor. Time to tell him what happened." Rikkin commented, leaning on the meeting table in front of him, placing his eyes on his investment. Daniel clenched his jaw, looking anywhere but his counterpart. Or was he still that?
"You see, son; you are a member of a secret and ancient legacy known as the Templars. They've been around for centuries and are continuing on just as our opponent is. Do you think you remember them?"
Desmond shakes his head, his expression looking as if it pains him to try to remember. Rikkin plays a crest fallen face and shakes his head in artificial dismay. "Ah, we feared this when they brought you in…"
"Who? What happened?" Being in the dark seemed to itch and bother the novice, looking to Swartz for answers. Daniel sensed something between the two. Rikkin threw a warning glance towards Daniel before he let the sadness leak into his eyes and begin speaking.
"You and Mr. Cross here were on an assignment; you were to infiltrate an assassin's base in Rome and retrieve data for an important artifact. We lost contact with the both of you about three floors up. They overwhelmed your enforcements-killed them all without a bat of an eyelash. They stabbed Daniel, and imprisoned you. Most likely for information." Daniel could feel the weight of eyes on his skull, making effort to not meet green with blue. "We found Daniel bleeding on the floor-and he told us what happened to you. When we found you, you were near death and…totally oblivious to where you were." Daniel let himself focus on the awestruck subject, watching him flex the hand that been burnt-nearly charred-flesh.
"I…remember Rome, and Cross being there but…nothing else." Rikkin nodded sympathetically.
"That's perfectly understandable. They exposed you to one of the pieces of Eden-does the name bring up anything?" Daniel couldn't help but feel Rikkin was pushing his luck with the memory manipulation. He seemed to have forgotten the renewed male had handled the apple-he harbored Assassin DNA. But Desmond shook his head, a frown now etched into his brow like he was trying to reach the artificial memories.
"Well, we're glad to see you lucid. And piecing together your I.D."
"But my name! My life! I can't…" Desmond fitfully ran a hand through his newly colored hair, the distress and confusion of his awakening leaving him horribly vulnerable. It took all of Daniels' might not to smirk. Or toy with him even more so than planned.
"That is an easily answered question, Mein Sohn." Swartz interjected with eagerness, pulling the 'Templars' profile onto the screen of his laptop. His photo was edited into what they believed would be the outcome of the project-all his new features included and all other information had been re-written to completely oppose his past life.
He was no longer a run away.
He was no longer a bartender from New York.
And he was most certainly no longer an Assassin or had any docile interactions with Assassins.
Desmond Miles was dead as far as the world new it. Someone else was reborn in his place with new promise.
"You're name is Damon Colt, and you are a Templar."
Well hot damn, that came out okay. If you like where this could go, review yeah? I could use the encouragement in this. Anyway, hope you like.
