Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Assassin's Creed games. Period.

ATTENTTION: For those that want, you can read 'One Last Time' as it shows how Shay ended up with the twins. You don't need to really do so as that story and this one can stand alone from each other.

Also, a little later in the chapter there is a part where Merci greets Haytham and Lee with a cheek kiss to both side, for those that don't know its call a social kiss or part of a greeting etiquette. You don't really kiss the cheek but the air while both cheeks are pressed together. In some places it's one, others can go up to four cheek kisses. For this story, it'll very from one to sometimes two as it was a norm during that time that is still done in some places.

Lastly, it doesn't give an exact date as to when Church is in jail or when he gets out. (If it does let me know so I can fix it. I've search for that information and couldn't find much about that time) This starts during the time Church defects the Order and ends up in jail before following into Haytham and Connor bit of AC.

"Italian speaking"

When speaking select Italian words and Names

June 29th, 1777

Dear Brother,

Today we set out for the Colonies. The water is calm, and Uncle hopes that it stays that way for most of the journey. Our nineteenth birthday is coming soon and so within this letter I give you yours. It is something I found while in the markets and when I saw the pages I knew you would have loved them. The diagrams are remarkable brother, with such detail to it. I later found it was the works of a man named Leonardo da Vinci who was a well-known painter in Venice.

Knowing you, I will be excited to see models of them. Maybe Master Franklin will help you build some of them in scale size. It would take much of your coin that you have saved up just as my coin is being saved for my dream of owning a ship. One that I want to be a sister ship to the Morrigan. Uncle still finds that funny that I would want to give the Morrigan a twin but this ship is one I know best.

I would write some more but I write this in hast. Uncle is getting the crew ready for sailing, so I do not have much time. I hope this letter and your present find you well.

With love,

Your sister Merci

October 24th, 1777

"Land HO!" Came the cry from the crow's nest as several heads looked around in hopes of finding the glimpse of land. A cheer went up as the sight of land drew in from the distance. After nearly three months of sailing over the Atlantic they were finally reaching the Colonies.

"Mamma mia!" came from the only female aboard the ship as she scurried down the main mast with ease from years of climbing up and down it. "Zio! We reach for Boston." She called once her feet landed solidly on the wood planks of the ship. Shay gave the woman a nod in understanding from the wheel watching as she went to help a nearby crew member. Another member took to climbing up to the crow's nest as it was time for someone else to take over being lookout.

Once she felt the rope was good and tightly knotted, she made her way to stand at the right of her uncle. "It will be nice to see Master Kenway again." She stated keeping her eyes trained to the growing stipe of land. "Aye it will be. Though I doubt we will be staying long, Merci."

Eyebrows drew together at his words. "Why do you say that, zio? Master Kenway may have some missions for you in the Colonies."

He glanced to her with a side smile. "Aye, you may be right lass. Here, take the wheel for a moment, I need to get something to eat." He ordered as Merci took over the steering of the ship. Gist having been at the bow during the hand off made his way to take the spot Marci held moments before. "Master Gist." She greeted with a grin that was returned from the older man.

Having been raised knowing the ship inside and out she knew what the Morrigan can do and was familiar with how she steered. Many times, when Shay needed a break Merci was always willing to take over for the Captain. She even dreamed of one day owning her own ship, but for now, was content to be the stand in steersman. Seagulls gave their cries as the Morrigan neared the harbor but Merci stayed focused on maneuvering the ship around other vessels that were in the bay.

Orders were shouted out between her and Gist until they had fully docked the Morrigan. "Well done, Miss O'Brien, you'll make a fine captain one day." Marci gave the First Mate a grin walking down the steps towards the Captains quarters. "I will once I have my own ship to captain over." Shay gave them a greeting when they entered as he moved around collecting the box. He then wrapped it up in a white cloth to hide what it was from prying eyes.

"Lass, go ahead to the Green Dragon, I will meet up with you once I have things settled on the ship. Master Kenway should already be there waiting." He stated glancing to her. With a gesture of her hand to head in a salute, she left the two men in the cabin.

Stepping outside she made her way to the deck below of the ship giving farewells to the members of the ship. Once she reached the area she claimed as hers Marci began to strap her sabre sword to her left hip with her kukri held along the back of her hip, just above her butt with the handle sticking out a little on the same side as her sabre. Last to be set right was her pistol that took the right side of her hip opposite of her sabre. Other than her throwing knifes and the stiletto dagger that was hidden in her right boot Marci was finished putting her weapons on.

A dark blue tricorn was the next thing to be place on her person after she tied a piece of fabric around her neck that at times would be used to cover the lower half of her face. It had been something she picked up from Shay as he used one himself. Though, she did admit that it helped to hide her well from being recognized during stealth missions. Once that was finished, she gathered all of her tossed around articles of clothing in a large leather bag that had aged in the years she's used it. For the last item, Merci picked up a weathered violin case that had once belonged to her mother.

"Lass!" she half turned to the voice finding it to be Thaddeus. "Don't forget you owe us a round." She smiled at that. "Oie! Don't remind me amico. Just don't think I'll buy more than the two rounds I owe." He gave a laugh as he placed a hand to her right shoulder. "Sure, sure lass. Listen, when you see the Captain, let him know we'll need more cannons. I'm heading below to see what else needs restocking other than the low count of cannons."

Marci agreed for the elder sailor as he returned with a smile and nod. A pat to her shoulder and the man was walking past her as she made way to the surface of the ship. By this time, she found Shay had rejoined with the crew outside. "Captain!" she called making him glance her way. "Thaddeus wanted me to let you know we'll need a restock of cannons. He's working to see what else needs restocking now."

"Thank you, lass." He replied taking in her readied form before a smile appeared. "Don't get into any trouble now." She gave him a pointed look as she moved to the plank. "Zio, please, when have I ever went in search of trouble?" She replied walking down the angled plank to step on the docks. "See you later! Ciao." By the time she reached the end of the docks she took notice of the volume of redcoats. They were everywhere she looked.

Her tricorn helped to hide her eyes as she took her time to see the denizens restless near the redcoats. Those on the Morrigan had heard of the unrest of the colonies for years, then the start of the war on these very lands. It was the reason she made sure to strap on all her weapons with the other reasoning being for the Assassin. Already she made sure to use her vision several times in a sort of pulsing wave that lasted only a few seconds but those that glowed remained colored a little longer for her.

Red was what manly showed up where ever her eyes moved towards with spots of white. The only difference about her vision to her uncle's vision was that allies were marked in a green aura than in a blue. It had been a confusing part for her when Shay had begun teaching them about the Eagle Vision after he could see signs of her using it. The pulse was her first use of the vision until she mastered it for longer intervals, then being able to target those she was after with his teachings.

There had been times she wished for her brother to have had it. For years, both Uncle and she tried to help Philo use it, but it wasn't to be. With her thoughts turning to her twin Merci found herself glancing at her left forearm that was wrapped in a leather bracer. Its twin stayed with Philo being the closes thing that connect her to him and both to their mother. The top had engravings of ivy vines as a border and in the center, was of an eagle in a stance of it striking down on prey. The wings held upwards in a V fashion with the talons held down, ready to take ahold of its prey. If she were hold her arm up against her chest the V of the eagle's wings would change into that of the assassin symbol. The hidden blade on the underside held the same etching of ivy vines. The bracer was the only thing she wore that held the symbol of her mother's order.

Soon she could see the tavern of the Green Dragon appear after coming around the corner of the slightly crowded streets. Her feet picked up in their pace as she pushed past any who found themselves in her way. She would have given apologies as she went if it weren't for the fact she was excited to see the Grandmaster after a year at sea and in Paris. Both siblings had fond memories of the Templar Master having spent many times within his home studying that they considered him as a father.

Entering the tavern, she found it wasn't full of patrons and so was met by the inn keeper. "Good day, miss. What can I do for you?" She gave the lady a smile. "I need a room for a few days. Or long enough to know when I leave next." She answered taking several coins out to pay for her room. "Also, is Master Kenway upstairs?"

"Oh, yes. Along with Master Lee." Merci nodded then preceded to order a tankard of spirits as she made her way up to the room she would stay in. Once done leaving her bag and violin case on the bed she went over to greet Lee and Haytham. "Salve Maestro Kenway. Maestro Lee."

Haytham stood up as she reached the table they sat at. Her hands gripped his forearms lightly as they leaned in to give each cheek a kiss. Once done she greeted Lee the same way as he stood for her before the three of them took a seat. "It is good to see the two of you again. Master Cormac will be with us later."

"I heard your brother had decided to stay in Paris with Master Franklin." Haytham stated. "Yes, he felt the need to learn more that Mister Franklin was willing to teach him. There are times I wish him here, but I know that is something he wants to pursue. Ah, thank you." She said taking the tankard from a barmaid. "I thought the Templars took care of the Assassini?"

"We did." Haytham answered. "But it seems Achilles was able to train one. That one assassin is now a thorn in our sides. Already three of our brother's have fallen with one turned traitor." He informed the woman with the latter causing his tone to become bitter.

"Benjamin Church." Lee spat out then took a long drink of his mug.

"Ahh, the greedy bastardo." Merci said. "The brits probably bribed him with coin knowing the man."

"What ever the reason for his turning he must be dealt with." Haytham interjected. "Though, getting into a jail to give him his dues will be a little tricky."

"I could search for your Assassino." Merci said taking a drink. "I can see to making a trip to the Homestead of Achilles. Find out who it is."

"No, we already know who that assassin is." Lee replied with a shake of his head. "His name in Connor and the boy's a Native."

"Native?" Merci asked interested having visited a couple of tribes in the area when she was younger. "Than he should be easy to spot."

Lee snorted. "He's a slippery bastard. We nearly had him hung last year but he escaped with help. That's when Hickey was killed."

Merci lifted her tankard to her lips in thought. "Well, I was taught by Master Cormac, the Assassin Hunter. Might I hunt this one? I'm sure he does not have the years of experience as I do."

"My dear, you may have more knowledge in a fight, but you have nothing to withstand his brute might." Haytham stated evenly before narrowing his eyes as Merci started to argue. "That is final Miss O'Brien."

"Then what of Achilles? Surely taking him out of the equation would benefit the Templar cause here. He would be without a mentor to guide him." She replied setting the mug down giving her mentor her full attention.

Haytham stared down at the woman. "It is far too late to do so. The assassin has enough knowledge that he would be fine without Achilles guiding him where he would need to strike next. For now, we as the Order have priority to deal with a traitor."

At this she stood up, both hands flat against the table angerly looking at Haytham. "So, I am to watch as this bastardo Assassino kills off what is left of la mia famiglia?! NO!" At this Haytham stood up quickly. "Merci that is enough! This is not up for debate."

Merci glared down at her drink as he dismissed her argument. "I will not stand by! He needs to be dealt with and I intend to end him. I will not lose any more of my brothers to this man!" she glanced between Lee and Haytham. Lee not uttering a word as the two worked things out only took this as a form of entertainment.

Footsteps brought all heads to turn to find Shay and Gist walking over with Shay holding a small leather bag. The Irish man stopped short, taking in the angry stances of Haytham and Merci before sighing. "Lass, do you always have to pick fights with Master Kenway?"

Merci moved her view down to glower at her mug that was only half finished before moving her chair suddenly backwards that it fell over. "I will see you gentlemen later." She stated sharply pushing past Shay and Gist. She did not look up when she took the stairs down.

"You should not have told her about them." She heard Haytham state. "The lass has a right to kno-" The rest of the conversation was lost to her when she stepped outside. The cool air of fall hit her helping to get her anger to simmer down. Though she had no coat on, the air didn't bother her as she had grown use to the colder air of what came off the water.

It was Johnson and Pitcairn that held her anger towards the assassin for killing them. Hickey she could care less about having had to deal with his womanizing ways towards her too many times to count. At one point she had cared for the man much like a big brother, but that had been before she grew into her womanly frame.

It hurt to know those that she grew up around, that took care of her and her brother at times, were killed. Now, there was only them left of the Colonial Rite. How could one assassin do all of this? Did he not understand they were trying to help the Colonist? To help them be free of a pompous king?

Merci clinched her hands into fists as she took to walking down the street. She needed to get her head cleared before she ended up doing something that would get her into trouble. It wasn't the first time that had happened, and she knew it wouldn't be that last. Soon Merci found she was out of the city coming into land that had buildings spreading out more. Just how long had she been within her own mind?

Quickly she sent out a pulse, finding no one near her that gave off a glow only those few people milling around that were greyed out. Suddenly at the edge of her pulse someone flare up red. It caught her by surprise that the person would flare red after being greyed. So, she found herself following the person and as she drew closer she was able to make out the man was holding something small in his arms with her normal sight.

Once the man reached the surrounding woods Merci found the small thing was in fact a puppy. A still very wet and new puppy as she could see its wet fur the more she drew closer. The wailings came next making her curious as to why the man was taking such a newborn puppy into the woods. Her answer came when he kneeled and set the wailing newborn puppy on the ground before getting up to leave.

Rage filled Merci and soon she found herself gripping the man's shirt collar with her hidden blade out, ready to deliver the killing blow into his neck. "Why would you leave a newborn out in the woods? Where is the mother?" she demanded.

The man held up his hands in fear. "I-I, the mother passed in the birthing process along with the other pups. And I have no business caring for a wolf mutt." He stated glaring at the pup heatedly. "The bitch got herself pregnant by a rogue wolf. My prized wolfhound bitch gave me mutts."

"So, you would leave this newborn die just as its mother?" Merci snarled. "You're the kind of people that disgust me. Go, before I change my mind and just slit your throat now." She growled out shoving the man away as he stumbled onto his feet. With a quick glance back, he took off.

Merci swiftly kneeled to pick up the wet pup, feeling its tiny body not nearly as warm as it should be. Without care she gently put the pup inside her shirt making sure to keep her hands around its body to enclose it in her own heat. The wails that had once begun to lower in the cold soon grew again.

"Ah, bambino, it'll be alright. Just wait a little bit longer and I'll get you some milk. I know someone that owns dog's piccolo," Taking care not to jostle the pup she jogged to the tavern. "Master Lee!" she yelled walking fast up the stairs. The man looked over to her form as it drew closer. "Do any of your females nurse still?"

"Only one, but her pups have nearly outgrown nursing. Why?" Suddenly the pup she held gave out a wail making all four men look to her hands that remained cupped. "Well, I seem to have found a newborn in need of a mother." Haytham shook his head at her as he spoke. "Please do not tell me you stole the pup."

"What'd I tell you. She ends up with trouble of any form." Shay stated with a smile.

"I didn't steal the pup, the owner decided to leave it out in the cold woods. So, I decided to bring it home with me." She stated not looking at anyone as she said this feeling much like a child again. The men were familiar with Merci bringing animals home with her. The last one she brought home had been an injured rabbit.

"Then it is a good thing I was finished. Lee if you would." Haytham ordered. Lee gave a chuckle as he stood to walk with Merci. "Come along girl. Be glad Brienne is a very motherly dog. The others would have neglected the newborn." He stated glancing over to the woman as she returned a smile towards him. "Is the pup a male or female?"

Merci looked down finding she didn't know. To remedy that she took a quick look and found the pup to be male. "Male."

"Since you found him, what is his name to be?" Lee asked glancing over to get a look at the pup.

"Well, seeing as he was abandoned in the woods, what about Cedar?" she asked giving a small tilt of her head as she gave it a few more test on her tongue. "I like it. Cedar he shall be."

Well, let me know how you reader think about it. I wanted to bring the Twins in for a story to give them more than that little bit from the one-shot.