A/N: Don't own anyone in AC verse except for my OC who is overworked but thrives on the reviews, alerts, and adds

Yeah yeah I know another one right? But those of you who know me on here know that I get an idea when I hit a bump with my other stories and I run with it. Besides there are NOT enough stories with Cross in here!

"I can't believe you're actually this calm."

Desmond earned a sharp jab of an elbow in between his ribs for his crack. Alex watched her friend and brother grimace at the abrupt hit but he would survive.

"It's nothing special Des; just another assault against our good friends at Abstergo. Besides we have to maintain calm minds and bodies."

"She's right son," William added to the conversation. "We cannot afford to be weak or show weakness."

"Yeah yeah I get it; I've heard it a million times before." The younger Miles rolled his eyes.

"And you haven't listened a million times before. This is why I send you with Alex."

"Someone has to babysit your ass," she snickered from beneath the lid of her navy blue Braves ball cap. While Desmond preferred his white hoodie, Alex chose an unorthodox method to conceal her face. It served the same purpose. "I mean really, back in Phoenix-"

"Hey I was perfectly able to take on Daniel Cross alone!"

"Right," his partner grinned wider. "And you were so well adept that you let him corner you in that office building."

"Alright that's enough!" William shot up, his voice sharp demanding their attention. This wasn't the time for childish games! Their cavalier attitudes was grating on his nerves. "Shaun," the de facto Mentor raised an eyebrow at the ginger Brit who straightened up from the chair he had been anchored at for the last several hours.

"Yes alright well we received confirmation from our reconnaissance that Abstergo is housing a Piece of Eden inside a vault located here," his finger tapped on the center of the screen. "What it is we don't precisely know. But what we do know is that there are guards positioned at each entrance and the security system was recently upgraded. I can't imagine why," his eyes narrowed at the Americans who traded innocent looks and shrugs.

"Hey it wasn't us," Desmond couldn't suppress his smirk.

"Damn it Desmond this is serious!" William growled irritably. "They know it was us."

"Too bad Cross didn't eat it either." Desmond caught the feminine hands angrily curling and uncurling at mention of the former Assassin turned Templar. Her demeanor went from bubbly to rage at mention of the Templar. "I still owe him for that little parting gift he gave me in Quebec."

William saw the glint of rage scream the fall silent in the icy rings. No one argued that she had the right to the Master Templar's hide and Desmond was more than willing to be an accomplice in achieving that goal. It had taken her two months to recover from Quebec: A gunshot wound that pierced her right lung and came to rest millimeters from her heart. The bullet had been intended for Desmond but Alex had pivoted around, shielding his body with her smaller form allowing the hollow point to rip into her chest.

The ugly jagged ribbon stood out on her pale but smooth skin, between the breasts before vanishing under the right one.

"We leave here for Arkhangelsk, Russia at 0600. Harlan has a flight chartered for us."

Alex blinked and focused on William who was looking point blank at her. Steel met ice as the other hardened his or her glance.

"So who's going on this expedition?" It wasn't necessary for Desmond to ask but with William and Harlan at the helm it never hurt to ask.

"You and Alex will lead the strike team through the ventilation system and into the main atrium which is located on the other side of the door separating the chamber from the rest of the building."

"And what about you William? I can't imagine you sitting along the sideline while the rest of the team is on the field."

"Harlan and I will be positioned in an adjacent location monitoring everything."

"You mean making sure we don't fuck things up," Desmond snorted.

"Don't speak to me in that tone Desmond," William angrily shook a finger in his son's direction. Alex Rebecca and Shaun could feel the tension thickening in the room; it was so thick that a blade could cut clean through it.

"Well it's the truth! Ever since the day I was born it was 'Desmond do this or Desmond do it again! Desmond it's not good enough!' You were more worried about the fucking Order than you were about me! You're more concerned about that goddamn artifact than you are us!"

"Des-" Alex squeezed his arm but the younger Miles refused to back off. He abruptly jerked his arm loosening her grip. "Desmond come on don't do this."

"I was never good enough! No matter what I did!"

Alex was pushing her body against Desmond's, feeling her feet plant against the stone slabs. She was not about to referee between the Miles men. Her eyes looked pleadingly to Rebecca and Shaun for help.

"All my life I was treated like I didn't exist! Never once did you say one good thing to me! Always negative when it came out of your mouth!"

"Perhaps we should turn in it's getting late," Shaun lightheartedly injected but his feeble attempt was too little too late.

"What is your problem Desmond?! Alex seems to get it so why don't you?"

"What's wrong with me? How about the fact we're outnumbered! How about the fact that our numbers have been depleted; you said that yourself! Alex has a scar where a bullet meant for ME nearly KILLED her! And you have the gall to ask what's my problem!?"

"Desmond," William took another step towards him. His teeth were grinding against one another clenching the muscles in his jaw. "Before all of this you wasted away in a shitty apartment with a pointless job! A bartender! Seriously! You behavior was that of a six year old's. While you were sulking all of us were fighting to change things for the better!"

"We're just another Templar plot twist! When you came back you never once said a civil thing to me! And while you were 'nice' to us you wanted us to blindly jump in and possibly get killed for some magical gadget! And you didn't say one thing about Alex nearly having her lung blasted from her chest but when she gets better you needed her to get right back up and do it all over again! Be the good little soldier! Don't question orders!"

William blinked, feeling his anger rising higher until it simmered beneath the surface. Desmond shoved Alex to the side and closed the space between him and his father.

"I thought things would be different with you because you're my FATHER! But I was wrong! You didn't care what happened to Clay! It was all about what the Order wanted! Did you even apologize to Alex?! Did you ever once console her as she grieved? You weren't there in Rome for the funeral! Rebecca Shaun and I were there for her! She was slipping from us but YOU DIDN'T CARE!"

"Desmond it's alright," Alex shook her head and continued tugging on his arm. The mention of the former Abstergo subject sliced across her soul like a dull knife. Jesus how she missed him even now! He wouldn't want to see this.

"No Alex it's not! Clay was a pawn! I'm just a goddamn pawn! We're all fucking pawns! It turns out you're no better than the FUCKING TEMPLARS!"

Time and motion seemed to slow as William's arm pulled back then shot forward, slamming front and top of his fist into the bottom right of Desmond's jaw. The impact of the strike sent Desmond off balance with Rebecca and Alex steadying him.

"What the fuck William!?" Alex stood up while Desmond pressed the back of his wrist to his bottom lip. Her lips were contorted into an anguished snarl. Like angry jackal she lunged for William. "What the HELL is YOUR problem!?"

"Don't you EVER equate me to those bastards again! Do you hear me!?"

"Well sometimes we can't tell the difference between the two William!"

"How dare you say that to me Alexandra," His index finger jabbed the air around her face.

"How dare you! My family did not sacrifice themselves just so you can bully us around and hit people!" Alex's voice strained as she waged battle with the rage within. Her throat was aching, turning raw from the shouting match.

"Everything I have done has been for HIM! Maybe I pushed you all a little too hard; asked for too much. But DO NOT forget what is at stake here! You of all people should be painfully aware of that Alexandra."

"Alex don't," Rebecca hurried around Desmond as the former approached their leader. Traces of red webbing mapped the whites of her eyes as the tears started well along the edges.

"Fuck you William; take your holier than thou attitude and shove it up your self-righteous ass! You wanna take a swing at me too like you did Desmond!? Go right ahead but guess what: I DO hit back!"

"Stand down and get back to work Alexandra." William's tone and posture wavered. He was growing tired of these regular spats with his son; especially when Alexandra was involved. The young woman was one of their best operatives and now he could feel his control slipping. He placed the cause upon her lineage, knowing she sometimes had reservations regarding the Assassins and Templars.

"I've had enough of your bullshit William. .HELL!"

No one dared to stop Alex, instead allowing for her to have room to cool off. It had been hard on her these last two years.

"You're such an asshole," Desmond spat at his father before turning his back and leaving. Rebecca stood with mouth agape while Shaun fidgeted nervously.

"That was awkward. I'm going to pretend I didn't see anything," Shaun put his nose to grindstone and resumed tiptoeing around Abstergo's databases.

Desmond paused at the door, lifting his hand but hesitated.

Dad really rubbed the salt in the wound this time. I'm surprised she didn't hit him. I wouldn't have blamed her. He was such a dick.

"Alex," he shortly rapped on the door. "It's Desmond. Can I come in?"

Silence saturated his ears; moments passed before he received his answer.

"Yeah."

The door creaked at first then hushed the further it was pushed. Desmond could see the light on the stand was the only source illuminating the modest room. A single chair rested in a corner as the stand was perched left of the bed. His footsteps were even, announcing his presence but Alex didn't lift her head. Desmond's heart sank at the state of his friend. Alex was slumped against the headboard with her knees trapped between the circle of her arms and chest while her chin was nestled atop her arms. She had been crying. A light glaze of pink coated her eyes with a complimentary ring of darker rose lining the outer edges.

"I'm sorry about what he said."

Alex's eyes gravitated up to his. She sniffled and wiped her nose with the back of her hand.

"Don't even apologize for that bastard Desmond. We're the ones who put our asses on the line yet he treats us like work horses. Never a thank you or any word of encouragement comes from his mouth. I used to do what he said without questioning why. But now, now I wonder if we aren't losing this war. Is it worth risking more and more?"

"Why are you saying this? Alex you never doubted the Order."

"Not until after Clay was killed. I-I didn't know what was up or what was down or hell what was right or wrong anymore. I just functioned like a robot; I went through the motions but felt nothing. It was then I began to think about what it was we are really fighting for."

"You sound like me." Desmond let out a humorless laugh. "It's why I ran away. I was sick of being bossed around, training, training, and more training until I couldn't move. I wanted to see what was out there. I HATED being trapped on The Farm knowing what was out there."

"Did you find what it was you were looking for?"

"Not exactly," Desmond rubbed the back of his neck. "But it was better than South Dakota."

"I think anywhere's better than South Dakota," a brief smile cracked the dour lips. Desmond lightly chuckled. "You didn't have to stick up for me back there. I would've taken a bullet for Rebecca and even Shaun despite him being a stiff ass Brit."

"You nearly died in Quebec," Desmond began to argue but Alex sharply cut him off with a finger to his mouth.

"I would've loathed myself if I didn't do something back there."

Desmond felt the pang of guilt despite himself. He should've been the one hit not her.

"I know I can be a pain in the ass but you Rebecca and Shaun have done so much for me. You trained and worked with me for countless hours; patient and accommodating. You pointed out my strengths and even showed me how to work on my weaknesses. My dad didn't even give me that."

"It's what I do Desmond. I even taught self defense to Shaun and let me tell ya he was no picnic."

Desmond snickered at the image of the Brit's scrawny legs poking through workout shorts while learning grappling moves and getting thrown around by her. He wished he could've been there to see that.

"So are you going to give up? Walk away from everything you fought for?" Desmond chose his words carefully as to not ignite another anger fueled tirade. "I don't want to see you walk away."

And leave me…

Alex allowed his arms to slide her across the comforter until she was seated against him. She allowed herself to rest her head on his shoulder. Her arm slipped across his waist with hand linking into the other. To her surprise she felt the callous warmth of his hand lay to rest over hers. The gentle brushing of his fingers made her stomach knot. The weight of her body shifted further into his side until he was nearly leaning against the mattress. He responded with a tighter hold, as if she would be lost if allowed to be released.

"I won't leave." Perfect rings of sapphire gazed up to uncertain mocha depths. "I mean who's gonna keep Shaun in line?" The pouty lips cracked into a wicked grin.

Both broke out into laughter at this. If it was one person Shaun seemed to harbor any sliver of unease about it was the petite brunette.

"Good," Desmond felt the fear expelling from his mind. "Because I don't want you to go."

Alex snuggled into the white hoodie, burying her face in soft worn material. Desmond felt his heart racing at the tight proximity between them. The heat of her body penetrated hoodie and shirt, creating a delicious burning that fanned across his skin. He was hesitant to move, unsure of her response.

"Thanks for being there for me. I mean staying in my room after I was shot. I was out of it but I could still sense you, beside my bed. Thank you."

Desmond felt her shift and maneuver in his embrace until she was shoulder to shoulder. She straightened up placing her hands tenderly on his face with her thumbs absently stroked his cheeks, drawing Desmond further in. The space between them narrowed until their mouths were pressed firmly against one another. It wasn't hard, rough, or demanding unlike a few of the encounter they had shared.

Neither one was willing to break the connection; not just yet. This war with the Templars has shredded their minds bodies and very souls, reducing both to battle weary frames of scars and angst. Clay had been her best friend and confidant but when he had committed suicide by tearing his throat apart with a pen, Alex had been lost. For months she had been in the suffocating sway of depression, spending days and weeks at a time in her room. She wouldn't eat or could sleep for when she dared to close her eyes Clay would be there waiting for her in the darkness.

But then Desmond arrived; hesitant, withdrawn Desmond. With him she found a kindred spirit, one who had been reluctant to be pulled into the War until the War found them; collecting more bodies to be thrown into the bloodshed. Knowing they were trapped in the centuries long struggle, they realized there was no alternative; no exit or running away as it would only find them again and again.

"I know it's been rough for you," Desmond pulled away but continued the soft caresses. "I would've cracked a long time ago."

"No, no you wouldn't have cracked. You underestimate yourself Desmond. When Clay died I thought my world had ended. Every day was a literal struggle; every movement I took was a battle. Then you came."

"I wouldn't say I'm anything great. I was a bartender for chrissakes."

Alex snorted and sadly shook her head. Did he think that low of himself?

"Can I tell you something?"

"Yeah sure." He caught sight of the ragged breath and biting of the lower lip. Whatever she had to confide in him it wasn't a simple statement.

"You saved me. I had been contemplating…..things; unpleasant things that no one should ever entertain."

"Oh Jesus Alex! Why?!" Alex grimaced at his panicked tone but he deserved to know.

"Pain," she whispered. "Pain of watching my family die and then losing Clay; I was so alone. No one understood or could begin to comprehend the depths of what was happening to me. I was lost."

"Alex," Desmond tilted her head upward revealing the parade of tears that marched down her face. "Hey, hey you're not alone anymore."

"I-I'm sorry for being so depressing." Her legs propelled her off the edge of the bed and towards the center of the room. "That fight with William ripped some old wounds open."

"Hey my dad isn't Father of the Year. I mean he has about as much emotion as a dead fish."

His lips stretched into a smile as he watched her stumble through the tears. Alex couldn't but help to laugh which came out as a pathetic snort.

"I think you're being too kind Desmond. I'm sure Rebecca told you about the Great Brawl."

"Yeah," he found himself rubbing the back of his neck. "I could only imagine."

"Anyways, I suppose we should crash even though sleeping on the plane is a viable option. I learned to sleep when and where I could; even if it meant listening to Shaun snore. The boy can saw logs."

"I've heard."

"Well if you wanna stay you can."

Before he could answer, the charcoal hued short sleeve shirt was on the floor. She didn't have inhibitions as those went out the window the second she joined the merry band of Assassins. For Desmond it was still taking some getting used to but it was beautiful view. The only exception was the ugly raised trail of light rose that would cause anyone to grimace.

Alex pulled the sweats around her hips, drawing the string tighter around her waist. She peered up to see her companion still in his clothes.

"I suppose that's a yes you'll be staying?"

Patience was her ally, keeping her in place while the novice hurried to peel away the layers of denim and cotton. She secretly admired his form, suspecting some physical activity contributed to the lean legs, arms and torso. She could care less that he wasn't a wall of muscle like some of the other Assassins; that wasn't what drew her to him.

"Here," she tossed pants and shirt across the room. "You left these here last time."

Desmond grinned sheepishly while tugging the light grey pants up and pulling the drab white shirt overhead. He slipped between the crisp pale sheets, conforming to the smaller frame settled beneath. Alex felt his lanky arms latch around her waist, keeping a secure hold. Sleep would evade them both until the wee hours of the morning.

No one spoke during the 10 hour flight to Arkhangelsk.

Alex and Desmond refused to grant William so much a look. Her attention was focused on the window, watching cloud and sky dancing together upon the kiss of the sun; innocent and beautiful in the same breath but deceptive in another. The drums of war steadily beating in the guise of the engines of the plane, ferrying soldiers into war.

William lifted his head from the iPad perched in his hands, observing his son and partner. He knew they had grown closer, strengthening their bond. But his son had to get it through his thick skull this war held everything at stake! The Templars held bottomless coffers of cash, resources, and personnel. The Order was literally scraping the bottom of the barrel in those areas. Alex was a highly valuable member; greater than she could even fathom. But at that moment she wasn't exactly being receptive to his words. Then again she too needed to understand this was NOT the time to doubt this fight.

There was no time for mourning or feeling; such emotions would cloud their judgment. Clay would be missed but there was no time to stop, to mourn, to cry, to slip, or let go. Both would come to see this eventually.

Rubber screeched against tarmac announcing their arrival. It was summer which meant less clothing and higher mobility.

"Does it really get hot up here?" Shaun was whining and they weren't even off the aircraft.

"It's been known to reach the 90s from time to time. But please Shaun, don't wear shorts or you'll scare the locals with your pasty legs." Rebecca snickered because the Brit had set himself up for that.

"Shut it you tart," he fired back.

"Ouch," she feigned insult and jutted her bottom lip. "I'm insulted."

Alex grabbed her bag from the overhead compartment, taking aim at the back of Shaun's head.

"OW!" He cried out at the sharp thud.

"Sorry." Shaun glared as the American sauntered by, showing off the tiny smirk. "Your big head was in the way."

The Brit continued to rub the back of his head, smarting over this display of immaturity. It was no wonder she and Desmond got along so well.

"You ready for this?" Desmond cornered Alex once they reached the safe house. He watched her bite down on her bottom lip before nodding her head. Her gaze was distant and detached.

"Have to be," she sighed and slung the bag across her shoulders. "We're the first line and we can't let them keep that Piece of Eden."

"Do you think he'll be there?"

"Don't think so, know so. Cross knows I want him dead and he won't pass the chance to finish what he started in Quebec."

By now the summer sun was still overhead which was a disadvantage for them. Already Alex could hear Shaun bitching about the sun being out. Sometimes she mused if Shaun really wasn't a woman.

The van stopped several blocks from the building, depositing Alex and Desmond in the bushes.

"Can you two hear me?"

"Read you loud and clear Rebecca." Desmond answered back.

"Okay now this building and the buildings north of here should provide you enough cover to get to Abstergo's facility. You two can use the rooftops and access the ventilation system."

Desmond looked to Alex who was surveying the best way to get to the top. He was about to question her but stopped his tongue. The front door was covered with a guard or doorman. Using his Eagle Vision, Desmond discovered the red aura highlighting the man's stocky frame.

Definitely NOT going in that way!

His eyes scoured the side of the building and landed on the rusting fire escape and beams.

"We found our way in," Alex muttered.

"Ladies first," Desmond extended his arms to his right with a slight bow.

"Gee thanks," she sarcastically groaned. "Give me a boost."

Desmond linked his fingers into a cuff then with his partner in position, launched her up and towards the bottom beam. His eyes followed every swing of leg torso and arm, comparing the coordinated dance to a gymnast's routine. Then again Alex spent hours practicing the very moves that got her on the beam then to the second one five feet diagonal. He could feel the muscle memory of Ezio as he leapt onto the beam and mimicked the Italian Assassin's movements. Fortunately there were no canals beneath him like Venice. Alex reached the bottom rung of the fire escape with Desmond right behind her. The clatter of her hands on narrow rods worried the younger Miles but no one was around to notice the Americans scaling the building.

She was flat on the ledge of the first building with binoculars out and plastered to her face when Desmond appeared by her side.

"Next building over is our target. I count no guards; arrogant bastards."

Lexi remained crouched but turned to Desmond with a smile.

"Boys first."

Desmond snorted softly but took lead. A good running start and his feet carried him through the air, crunching gravel and loose pitch upon landing. A quiet grunt completed the jump with a second thud just feet behind his landing. Alex was coming out of the tuck roll and brushing off the specks of dirt and rock.

"Aim for the top unit," she passed the collapsible crossbow over. Desmond open and locked the joints, placing the bolt then taking aim. Alex trailed the unraveling zip line until both heard the faint puncture of steel.

"Next stop, Abstergo…..Again," Desmond heavily sighed.

"This time you'll be returning the favor," Alex gripped his shoulder. "Come on."

"You two are on the right floor. Just go down three more doors and it's the last one on the right."

Rebecca's voice guided them towards the vault room.

"They don't have any alarms but there is a punch code for the vault."

"And there's a punch code here," Desmond took a deep breath and turned on his Eagle Vision. Alex always loved when his eyes flashed that seductive golden amber. It was hot on him.

The light switched from red to green with a preceding click of the lock. With his extra perception, Desmond did a search of the room, finding no concealed trap or trick.

"Alright," he pushed the door open wider.

She went in first, using the flashlight instead of the office light.

"Go for it," she whispered after locating the keypad.

Desmond started for it, letting his sight highlight the four digits stained with fingerprints. His heart was sprinting pumping blood into his fingertips. Alex maintained watch, preventing any Abstergo agents from surprising them.

"Got it," he stood back taking the door handle in his hands. Alex shined her light into the chamber and felt her heart stop.

"No," she shook her head. "No, that can't be!"

"Well well well," the craggy voice chilled both their bodies. "Look what we have here."

Cross stood in the doorway with several Abstergo agents. Each had a semi automatic weapon pointed at their skull or chest.

"Did you really think we didn't know you wouldn't be coming?" The Master Templar took a few more steps closer. "Let's not draw this out. Neither one of you have nowhere to go. You're outnumbered and probably using that pathetic little knife."

"Desmond get behind me," Alex muttered low enough for him to hear. He obeyed and slipped behind her.

"Now isn't this touching? Letting a woman fight for you Desmond?" Cross cruelly taunted the younger Miles then jerked his head at them. "Kill them."

The guards opened fire before the last syllable passed his lips. The hail of hollow points cut through the air but deflected from their targets.

"What the-" Cross could only watch as an invisible shield protected the Assassins. The team scattered, avoiding the ricocheting projectiles. Some tore into walls as others tore into furnishings or shattered the windows.

"You really didn't think we didn't come prepared now did you?" Desmond threw his words back. Alex kept the Shard hidden in her curled fingers away from Templar eyes.

"DAMN IT GET THEM OUT OF THERE!"

William was screaming at the top of his lungs. Harlan was frantically calling the reinforcements to get Desmond and Alex out. The goddamn Templars had laid a trap! Why didn't they foresee it?!

"Alpha team go go!"

Rebecca and Shaun continued working on an emergency exit. They could hear the sounds of gunfire and men screaming in agony through their earpieces. They refused to let their minds wander into that dark zone and focused on getting their friends out.

"Awwww, it sounds like Daddy's sending in the grownups."

Desmond wanted to rip the blonde apart but the Beretta in his right hand discouraged the desire.

"This is Bravo Team; threats have been neutralized."

"So much for the rescue party," Cross curled his lips upright into a sinister smile. "Guess it's just us now."

Alex snatched the gun hidden in her pants as Desmond flicked the hidden blade. They weren't going down without a fight; preferably taking Cross with them.

"One gun and a little pathetic knife- Game over."

"I don't think so," Alex held the gun level to Cross and pulled the trigger. Cross anticipated her action and flung his body to the floor. The bullet struck the unfortunate agent to his right with a trickle of blood that originated between his eyes.

"Run!"

Desmond and Alex charged the door and into the blinding light of the corridor.

"Guys take the second door on the left! Those are the stairs that will get you to the roof!"

Cross snarled and started for the pair, knowing exactly where they were going.

"Block the exits!"

The masked men scrambled to obey him with one radioing others to position themselves on the roof and at all exits. They weren't going anywhere!

Alex and Desmond spotted the window several yards ahead and hastened their speed. Muscles ached and screamed for oxygen as lungs burned with the hunger for calm. Salvation was so close, so so close now. Both hoped there would be something soft under the window as they prepared to break free.

"Ngh," Desmond halted and spun around to see his partner crumple to the ground. Wait, the Shard was supposed to protect her! But it was missing from her left finger!

"NO," he dropped to the ground, picking her slender form up. The olive green was quickly turning tainted with dark crimson as the bullet had embedded in layers of muscle and tendon.

"The Shard, it's gone. It fell off my finger!"

"That's not important right now! We need to get you outta here now!"

"I'm keeping you back."

"I AM NOT LEAVING YOU HERE!" Desmond refused to listen.

"Fine then get to the window," his partner snarled and hissed at the short jerky movements. She could feel the bullet tearing deeper into her shoulder. Thankfully her feet were able to assist in carrying her.

"Where's your little rock now?" Cross calmly stepped out from behind one of the doors with gun trained at Desmond's head. A look of contemplation crossed the dark eyes before his wrist changed direction and finger pulled the trigger. The pop masked the gasp of pain but Desmond felt his partner going limp in his hold. In the center of her abdomen, blood flowed from the spring of warm iron and copper, spreading out in random directions.

"Alex," Desmond laid her down. His fingers slick with her blood which rapidly dried and painted his fingers with pale red but he didn't care.

"Leave….me…." she attempted to speak but blood choked her throat. Jesus she was losing blood and fast! Her skin grew sickly pale and light was slowly fading from her eyes.

"I'm not abandoning you."

"This is disgustingly sweet and nauseating," Cross cocked the gun with the muzzle pressed to the back of Desmond's head.

Before he could finish what he started, the building violently rocked and shook throwing Cross against the wall. Smoke billowed from the stairwells flooding the hall with thick choking curtains of black. Glass shattered behind him but he couldn't see who or what caused it. Confusion filled the air as agents battled to get the fires under control and staff fled the building in panic. He couldn't spot Cross as the plumes clouded his sight. Suddenly, strong arms and hands curled around and under Desmond's arm pits, dragging him from Alex. All around them bits of concrete, sheet rock, steel, glass, and other materials rained down around them. A few smaller pieces struck the young Assassin but his hoodie protected his arms and torso though a fragment of concrete the size of a baseball struck him across the crown of his head, ripping a gash across the scalp.

"NO!" He shrieked and screamed kicking at whomever it was that pried him away. Adrenaline silenced the throbbing ache pulsing at the top of his head. At that point he could've been beamed with a baseball bat and not even flinch. He couldn't see Alex any longer as he was pulled through the continued darkness and closer to the brisk warm air. His vision was going blurry thanks to the inhalation of smoke and laceration across his head.

"The building is going to go!"

"Alex!" Desmond fought harder and angrier but he was simply wearing his body and mind down. The sharp prick of a needle invaded his nerves which preceded a hurried heaviness that overwhelmed every cell in his body. Desmond swung a fist but it was futile in effort and strength. His eyes drooped, losing the struggle to stay open. His final thought before succumbing to the will of the drug was the petite brunette with sharp icy rings.

The Templar stronghold gave way to the weakened foundation, collapsing in a hellish rage of fire, smoke, and debris.