Fun for the assassins ahoy!
Harry went to change into more suitable robes with Evie's help, wearing an outfit akin to hers with a few changes to fit better, and longer coat tail, she was surprised he had one. But he reminded her that he had known of Assassins, and therefore would have an outfit prepared to show unity, do jobs, and even a few gang uniforms if he ever needed to fit in. If ever required. But to further disguise his identity, he pained his lips a vibrant red, and used a bit of makeup to bring out his feminine features, with accents made a certain way, tighter in some places than others with slight frills at the collar, it would be hard to see he was in fact a male, and not a female. "Wow Harry, you look completely different! Where did you study it all?"
"I may seem young, but I've traveled far and wide Evie. I'll teach you some tricks later, right now we need to get to the train and explain this bit of fun to Jacob in order to set this up." Harry reminded her, she gained a more serious air and collected herself before they set off for the nearest Train station, where she knew the train would be at that time.
As soon as they made it aboard Jacob gave Harry a once over. "What, did George finally see where we ran off to and send a trainee to bring us back?"
"No Jacob, this George fellow did not send me. It is I, Harridan Peverell, jack of many trades." Harry exclaimed, showing off his face."
"Evie?"
"I watched him do it, otherwise I wouldn't have believed it. Anyways, Harry has a bit of fun to propose."
"Oh?" The man responded, clearly intrigued.
"Yes, you know how Henry and Evie infiltrated Kenway manor?"
"Yes, she was quite upset over all the lost assassin history that house holds."
"Yes well, I have a plan to recover all that, and to do it, we'll need you and the rooks. An explosives shipment is going out in a day's time, in a warehouse not too far from Kenway manor. We were hoping you could rally up some rooks to cause a massive explosion there, taking care not to hurt the child laborers there of course. Blow it sky high, I'll even give you fireworks to set off to draw attention before the big explosion. Then, rush over to the manor and help load everything we can see with the assassin claim into crates that will be waiting in the sewers. With other Rooks to cause distractions at the front?" Harry explained quickly.
The man seemed to think, but the smirk on his face spelled devious fun. "Well then, I'll rally the Rooks and we can begin then?"
"Master, you seem to be having fun." A familiar dull voice called. Sure enough, Death himself had come to visit.
"I've never felt more alive, well, not since I stopped feeling much of any excitement over in the origin world of mine. Am I causing too much trouble?"
"No, go wild."
"Yay! You have to go now though, big heist awaits. Oh the fun!"
"Yes master, I'll prepare the reapers for the influx tonight."
"If you want to."
The being left Harry alone, finally night fell, and every piece was put in place. Jacob split to start the carnage at the shipment, while Harry and Evie started to loot the house, taking out guards and anyone who bared the templar symbol in the process. Anyone who didn't was just knocked out. Eventually they mut up in the room with piano. They heard a ruckus outside before they were joined by Jacob. "So, what did you get?"
"Anything and everything, heck. We stole journals and papers and day planners off any guy in there to, better tracking of Templar movements. Let's get down into the vault." Harry suggested.
"Yes, the ruckus your rooks are causing will cover the piano notes and the grating sound of the vault opening." Evie conceded, quickly playing the correct notes and opening the vault again.
They carried their finds into it and sealed it shut. Finding everything untouched, as Evie confirmed. They began to organize everything into crates already there, with the other things to be packed into ones brought from the sewers. Evie opened the second exit, and the three began moving the crates through to the exit. Jacob went up to get the extra empty crates, and they were finished within the hour. Hurriedly, they sealed it all up and got the cargo moving, hoping that the chaos caused and the ransacking of the Kenway house would keep the Templars busy.
For once, everything went according to plan. They met up with the train in Whitechapel, away from Templar eyes, and started to sort through everything they'd seized. "We just pulled off a major crime." Henry sighed.
"It was assassin property in the first place, the Templar had no right to it. And knowing them, in order to protect their own secrets...they'll cover it all up. The warehouse can be pawned off as an accident, rogue fag (cigarette) or maybe even a spark just happened to appear and set on off, leading to all the others." Jacob talked the worried man down, seeing reason he actually calmed down.
"This place is a mess. Ever consider expansion? Shelves? Storage units? A desk, another bed?"
"How would that all fit without getting another train car?" Jacob asked wearily.
"Is it so bad to get another car?"
"Money is somewhat tight."
"Contact Ned Wynert, he'll probably send you on a few errands in the Thames, and in return he'll hook you up with a fancy new train." Harry suggested.
"Funny you mention Mister Wynert, we so happened to have met him a few days ago, he was admiring the train." Evie mused.
"Well, it's almost opening hours at Lux, I really should be getting back. See you around, if you ever need anymore help, please, I'm open for some fun. Stay alive!"
"Thanks Harry." The twins muttered amused, watching the slightly (if only they knew) eccentric man hurry off over the rooftops.
Harry had barely cleaned up and removed any traces of the night's fun from his person when opening time came about. He hurriedly opened the curtains and doors, allowing for a fresh breeze to sweep in before he felt the cold and decided the doors would be unlocked, but shut. He put out the open sign and started to prepare tea bags, honey set out for any weary throats. Low and behold, a tired and exhausted looking Lucy Thorne stumbled in. Harry immediately got up from his seat behind the bar and hurried over to her. "Miss Thorne! Whatever happened to you? Are you alright?"
"I appreciate your concern, Mister Peverell, but please, could I just have a strong drink?"
"Only if you have no injuries." Harry muttered, gently checking her over.
"No injuries, otherwise I wouldn't be out and about at the moment, Mister Starrick was furious, he would have kept me in bed. I was near the warehouse last night's explosion took place at. My shipment of leftover fireworks from New Years went up in smoke. And we were going to use those for a small festival, bring some fresh income to London." She sighed, Harry gave her a strong wine, not too strong, but enough to help her.
"That is unfortunate, I did hear about that on my stroll this morning. The Rooks and Blighters are quite chatty when jovial or enraged over something or another." Harry kept her mind busy, preparing some scones and tea for the woman now that she'd finished her drink. Plus, a biscuit (cookie). Even adults got a bit of joy from those.
"On the house, Miss Thorne, you need it."
"Thank Mister Peverell."
"Please, call me Harry, Harridan if you wish to be more formal."
"Then call me Lucy, Harridan."
"Will do."
A comfortable silence fell as Harry sipped on coffee, a new kind he'd gotten from the British East India Company, the fragrance was heavenly. "Quite a wonderful smell, what is it?"
"Coffee, in my travels I developed a liking to it. I am unsure where exactly the coffee beans are from, but I'm determined to try some growing of my own and see what I come up with."
"I've heard you are quite good at making recipes, this biscuit and scones may be testament to that."
"Yes, not all of them are my own. I had many chances to collect recipes from all over. If you haven't tried it but are willing, I may be able to produce something half decent."
"Like curry?"
"I've got many recipes for curry, swing by noon sometime and you'll probably get some fresh."
"Sounds delightful. Thank you for this, really. I'll recommend it."
"Thank you Lucy, that is generous of you. Stay safe, the streets aren't a good place to be anymore, not even in broad daylight."
"Thank you for your concern. Good day, Harry."
"You as well, Lucy."
Once she was well and far away Harry let a hidden tension sweep from his body and shivered. That was a close one. Harry hoped the twins stayed well and far from her.
Picking up his morning paper his attention was caught by the surprising assassination of Dr John Elliotson at Lambeth Asylum, apparently the assassin had hidden himself as a cadaver and had been wheeled right into the auditorium where Elliotson had been lecturing. Of course, further down it mentioned that Starrick's soothing syrup production was cut completely, as the distillery had been blown up when the toxic gas from the machines had spread out and caught flame. An unfortunate accident, as it was called. Reading further he noticed his place had been mentioned as one of the best in London, that made him swell with pride. But it was more of a footnote. Oh well.
He noticed that London lacked schools for children, but he knew not much would happen. So he took it upon himself to give lessons to the kids who came in, even going so far as to acquire children's books and chalk tablets to teach them literacy. Numeracy and history were the ones they hated, but they listened because it would only help them going further. Some adults walked in on one of his early morning lessons on a Saturday, his lessons were mostly in the hours where adults were least likely to wander in. But this one looked high and important. "Sorry kids, excuse me a moment. In the meantime, continue practicing the letters I've shown you. Clara can help you."
"Yes Sir!" They replied cheerfully.
Harry turned to the man who walked in, wiping the chalk dust from his hands and swiping his hair from his face. "Morning sir, what can I get you this fine day?"
"I'm here to talk about Lux."
Harry's face fell. "I see, ah, shall we adjourn to a far table?" Harry suggested, pointing at a table far from the kids.
The straight laced man nodded. "You are new to London, correct? Only been here about a month."
"Yes sir."
"Harridan James Peverell?"
"That is my name, sir."
"19 years of age?"
"Yes sir."
"You check out. Now, I want to buy this off you."
"Lux? Oh no, this isn't just my business this is my home. I'm perfectly legal. And where would the children go?"
"The rugrats would go work in factories where they belong."
"No, that is cruelty. I refuse to sell Lux. I pay my taxes, I keep it all legal, I have a set contract on this place, I own it. I ask that you leave. Now." Harry let fury seep into every bit of his soul, including his eyes.
A dangerous flash almost scared the man. "I'm planning on putting a high society club here and you can't stop me."
"I can good sir!" Harry denied, barely keeping himself from killing the man.
"Enough, Rockwell, leave Mister Peverell alone." A familiar smooth, charismatic voice drawled.
Surely enough, there was Mister Starrick. "Mister Starrick, oh my apologies, I did not notice you came in." Harry panicked, he was losing his touch.
Extra training on his senses today, he resolved. "No worries, this man is unpleasant as they get. He's tried many times to buy me out as well."
Some Blighters came in, the big brutish ones. Sure enough, the man was cowed so badly he left without a fight. Starrick sat down across from Harry. "I see what you are doing for the children, noble of you."
"Many of them are orphans, I know how it feels. So I do what I can, at least some education will help them get off the streets once they get to their teenage years. Things would only improve if they had a set standard for living and schooling, or even just better, larger orphanages not run by harsh, controlling, greedy people who take everything and leave nothing but scraps for the children." Harry sighed wistfully, looking at the small group in his shop.
Starrick seemed to be thinking deeply. "Would you be willing to teach?"
"I would, but I also wish to keep Lux open. I teach them in slow business hours, there is always some group or another coming through. Some come every day after they are done working in whatever poor family business or factory they are trapped in." Harry explained when he saw Starrick's eyes land on some of the more tired and injured ones. The older ones, mostly.
The man nodded. "This has opened some perspectives for me. Thank you, Harry, if I may call you that. You may call me Crawford."
"You may call me that, Crawford. It truly is no problem, anything to help those who just can't help themselves." Harry didn't take his eyes off the kids.
Maybe now the child labor will cut down. Harry happened to know that the semi-large building cluster across the street was worse for wear, and owned by an old couple who had no children. Maybe he could suggest they offer up the place?
Harry heard ruckus over at the monument of the 'Great Fire' as it was called, apparently the people of London were enraged that this woman was calling their homes unsafe. But he also heard something much more interesting, apparently some woman had managed to sneak past the security (police) and climb the monument. When the peculiar clothes were mentioned Harry immediately knew it was Evie. Must have been something she learned from the documents, and was just following the trail to the next possible clue. She had taken off in the direction of St. Paul's Cathedral. What fun. and what a close to the month of January.
The old couple had sold their house, and it was being renovated into a school by Starrick industries, with dormitories included. And he got extra business because Lux would provide the catering, plus, Harry would oversee the staff for the most part. To ensure the children were being treated well. Child laborers from factories would be brought in as soon as the home was done being converted. But the prospect would take quite a few months, he wished he'd been able to just set it up with magic. But no such luck. At least he helped design the new school layout and dorms. The Queen caught wind and even sent funds to speed up renovations and to get the children the best and safest.
He would be absolutely strict on the 'no priests or nuns shall enter the school premises except for Sundays, if the Children happen to be Catholic and willing to take service in the chapel being made'. He hated those religious nuts, just because of his eyes he'd been called a demon, a witch (he was male, thank you very much), and almost killed. And for his androgynous features, he'd been called a harlot, a seducer. That had his blood boiling. And so he was an avid hater of the Catholic Church, but given his experiences as an orphan, as his backstory went, anyone would understand upon hearing it. Except other religious nuts. Of which they'd wholeheartedly agree with the treatment he received as a child. Seeing as he truly had been abused and had scars to prove it, anyone who saw them shut up. Some children picked the short straw when it came to life, and not entirely by choice either.
He was kicked fro, his musings when a woman walked in, dressed in eye catching purple and definitely high society, but she held the air of a sly business associate. "Afternoon miss, what would you like?" Harry greeted jovially, she reminded him of Starrick, and not in a good way.
"Pearl Attaway, and you must be Harridan Potter. My cousin, Crawford, speaks highly of you. May I have a cup of that honey tea everyone seems to be so fond of?"
"Coming right up, Miss Attaway. And no offense met, what an enthusiastic name. Sounds like some is saying 'that's the way', as a praise." Harry commented, preparing the simple herb and honey tea for the woman.
She gave a slight giggle. You aren't the only one to think that, but by far you are the bravest because you are the first one to say it." She was actually amused by the comment.
Harry gave a grin, before turning to another customer that called his name, they were ready to pay the bill. Just a few pounds, nothing too heavy, money was worth so much more in these days, but Britain held so much more power in the 1800s. Before they lost most of their empire to a certain few wars and harsh realities. But what can you do, 1914 was sure to come and go to 1918 just as any other. And by that time Harry was planning to have skipped town, or fake such a grievous injury that he couldn't fight. A carriage accident would do nicely. He would try and get injured around the time conscription came out, or maybe he'd just join for the hell of it and hope he didn't 'die'. He needed to find someone to leave Lux to, it would be a shame to lose the business. Maybe he could disguise himself as his own descendants? But that would only last so long before the Blitz happened, what year was that again? Oh darn. He'd just leave once the first world war got underway.
The twins would be too old to do much else if they lived that long anyways. Being twenty now, they'd be dying or dead by the time the great wars came about. He'd be sad to see them go, but if he was being honest with himself. Joining the Assassin Brotherhood and being an agent or record keeper every few generations or so did not sound too shabby. But he'd already changed much, perhaps these conflicts would not happen due to the Butterfly effect? No such chance, some things were meant to happen.
He turned his attention away from his negative thoughts and back towards Pearl Attaway. She seemed...dangerous. Plotting something. If only he could figure out what. The woman left after paying for her tea, and catching a shadow flitting on the rooftops he noticed that Jacob was up to something. He'd have to ask about that later.
March 1st. Evie came in bearing the wounds of an awful fight. But he had a feeling this was a 'I may have lost but you should see the other guy' situation. "Here Evie, sit, I'll patch you up. I'd hazard a guess and say that Occult expert Lucy Thorne caught up to you?"
The woman merely groaned. Catching sight of a few Blighters across the street, but not yet looking his direction, he ushered Evie upstairs towards his rooms. Only giving a hurried warning of potential danger by gang members. Once she was situated Harry went back downstairs, the Blighters had crossed the streets and prepared to come inside. He prepared himself for a long night, because a few Rooks had also chosen Lux for the night's drinking. He caught sight of a child and asked them to wait around, he may have to send them to fetch the police if a fight broke out. Which he was sure one would.
He slipped calming draughts into all of their drinks to try and avoid a fight, but that would only work for so long. He asked Death to be on standby, in case he'd require some assistance quickly. The being stayed close by and hovered just behind Harry as he made his rounds. A few had passed out drunk, at least he didn't need to worry about those ones. He made sure they weren't going to suffer alcohol poisoning and moved them aside, in case a fight did break out. He knew Evie had realized what was going on down in the shop, because she remained absolutely silent upstairs.
Finally, it seems the two gang factions had gotten to each other's throats, Harry sent the child off, the young boy gladly complying. Harry tried to calmly diffuse the situation from a safe distance, but once a knife was pulled he stepped in and held the arm back, only for another Blighter to cut his side. That caused them to freeze, seems Starrick's warning was finally remembered. But the Rooks thought nothing of it, and attacked, drunk off their rockers. Harry would know, he'd been serving them. Finally, the police got there and the shop was worse for wear, broken glass and tables. Harry didn't look too well either, being cut and bruised in multiple places trying to keep people from being killed. He'd succeeded.
He knew Evie had tried to help, but he'd sent her right back upstairs, she was in no condition to fight enraged drunkards. The police rounded all of the gang members up, and sent someone for medical assistance. He shoved off that sub-par help, however, since the 'doctor' wouldn't arrive for a few hours. And cleaned himself up. Starrick and Lucy walked in, concerned when they saw him a bit bloodied, and the state of the shop. "Crawford, Lucy, pleasant surprise. Unfortunately Lux is closed until I can...rebuild the damage done...shouldn't be more than a few days..." Harry trailed off, they were looking at the stairwell.
Evie. Oh dear. "Harry, you know these two?"
"Yes, why? Something wrong?" Harry kept up the innocent act.
"No, nothing." But the woman stayed far away from the other two.
"Seems you know each other, but in case you don't. Evie, meet Lucy Thorne and Crawford Starrick. Crawford, Lucy, meet Evie Frye. She and her brother helped me settle in. Evie, Crawford helped me get the shop up and running, and the school that will be across the street."
Evie and Lucy were glaring at each other. "Maybe I can shed some light. Miss Frye and Miss Thorne are...rivals." Starrick explained hurriedly.
"Yes, they are trying to kill each other with their glares. Let's just hope Jacob doesn't wander in then, he'd definitely be...uncontrollable should he see the state of the place. Well, I'd offer a place to sit down here, but...how about we go upstairs. I'll just lock the...broken door."
Evie helped him avoid the glass, but kept her eyes on the two Templars. Upstairs, he forced them to sit together at the table, keeping the two woman apart, however. the two looked worse for wear. "Now, I believe you needed stitches, Evie?"
"I think I'll just get Henry to do it." Evie denied, going to leave.
She gave him a smile though, an honest one. At least she still liked him, understood his position. "What in the blazes happened here!" A familiar male voice exclaimed.
"Jacob? How much Evie, do you want to bet he brought Henry, who can conveniently stitch you up?"
The woman groaned. "Don't move please, and Crawford, try to keep them from killing each other. Please?" Harry asked the man, who nodded.
Harry went downstairs and explained to the two men what happened, and also who was upstairs and how to act. "And Evie hasn't leapt over the table yet? I'm impressed." Jacob spoke jovially, Henry merely sighed.
They entered upstairs, no one had moved. Well, Evie went back to glaring at Lucy, and Lucy glared at her. "Damn Evie, just kiss and make up already." Jacob teased, Eve immediately gained a blush, got up, and slapped her brother.
"Jacob you insufferable fool. Why in the blazes would I ever like that-" "Evie, it seems that Harry is taking extreme amusement in this." She was cut off by Henry.
Sure enough, Harry had a glint in his eyes. "Oh no. No you don't. Harry, I know you are eccentric and have to care for tradition or rules, but please. no way in hell." Evie tried, but the green eyed man was having none of it.
"I think this'll be fun. Bonding time! Let's get over this shall we. First name basis yes?" The three assassins and two templars looked at him as if he was crazy (though he really might be).
"Now that everyone is seated, will anyone explain to me why exactly the five of you want to leap over the table and kill each other?" Harry asked.
"That is a tale for another time, Harry." Evie sighed.
Harry merely smiled. "Alright, when you're ready then. Lux should be back in business in a few days, please, be careful of the glass. I did just patch you up. And try not to kill each other, truly. It would be tragic." Harry gave a warm look, telling all of them he didn't really care.
The three assassins left out the open window, the Templars left out the back door to avoid the glass. Closing the curtains Harry closed up shop and wrote a letter to get new windows and door, and new glassware. He'd have to wait for it all unfortunately. He did clean up the glass and take what little was left of the windows out. He took down his ruined curtains, and fixed them up with magic in the backroom. Next he wrote a letter for new tables.
The next day, it seemed he hadn't needed to worry at all, a delivery came midday just as he was about to send off the letters, a couple carriages with shipments of glassware, windows, and tables and chairs were all there. The Blighters that delivered it set everything up as per his instructions, and that night, people came to put in new windows and doors. A gift and apology from Starrick. how sweet. He cleaned up and reopened the next day, just to give lessons to the kids. They had much to catch up on.