Hey guys!

Almost two months away until Assassin's Creed: Unity! Is it just me or is time flying? I think it might be the fact that I have so many ideas for this story, but little time to write it all down.

Anyway, thank you guys so much for the support! Your reviews are always greatly appreciated, and I don't know about you guys, but I'm super excited for what I'm about to write in the upcoming chapters.

Enjoy.

Chapter 12: Acceptance

Four days of torture lead up to this moment. After the weapon arena, we were moved on to testing our climbing skills before being thrust into a scenario that required stealth to pass. Each of our overseers were impressed, but not easily bought by my abilities. It is their judgment that helps determine the final verdict, and so far I feel as though I've only managed to persuade one of them.

The other novices and I wait patiently in the courtyard of the castle as the military-like Master Assassin enters onto the ramparts above us like he did my first day here. We all stand straighter, but unlike the others, I am more relaxed.

"Today is the last time you will be able to prove that you are ready to become a full-fledged assassin," he announces while eyeing us carefully. "As soon as you receive your target's information, you will go to his last known location and eliminate him by any means necessary."

Sounds like a normal assignment. Was this really the test? I glance at the crowd around me and notice the worry on each of the boys' faces. There are nearly a hundred of us here, but only a select few of us will leave with a new rank.

"Each target will have multiple contracts on him," the man adds. "This is not only about your skill against the enemy, but the speed to take him out. Safety and peace to all of you."

With a salute, we exit the courtyard and head back into the shade of the forteresse. The Master Assassins whom supervised our tests search us out one by one, handing a folded coat and a letter with our name on it as they pass. The man who caused me so much trouble at the weapon arena approaches with my cloak while a grin shows off his yellowed teeth. He offers a wink as I take the clothing and gaze at my name scribbled nicely onto the parchment.

"I hope only the best for ya, child," he says. "Alphonse may have been a traitor, but he trained a damn good assassin."

I return the smile. "Thank you."

Without another word, he tips his brown hood and continues down the hall. I take a deep breath as my eyes fall back onto the black fabric in my hands. A new coat for a new beginning. It all feels surreal as I pull the cloak over my shoulders while heading towards the barracks. Supposedly, we each have a week to finish off our target, and if the contract is not complete, you might as well stay gone.

As I enter my shared room, the boys do not even spare a glance as they continue to read about their targets. I merely shake my head as I move towards my bed and grab my things from the chest. If they are giving us this amount of time to finish off one target then I can only assume a few of us are going to take longer than others. Just to stay on the safe side, I grab my entire bag and head towards the door.

"You are leaving already?" a voice calls causing me to turn towards the voice. The snake-eyed boy sits on the edge of his bed with his information lying next to him and his tools unpacked.

"When you've been in the field, you learn that you must always be ready to move at a moments notice," I reply while everyone's attention lands on me. "You should have been packed yesterday."

He stands from the bed, and just when I think he is about to start a fight, he instead extends his arm out. "I was wrong to judge you the way I did. Even if the council does not give you a second chance, I'm glad we met."

I grip my hand with his and we shake. "Safety and peace."

"To you as well."

We let go at the same time before I turn to leave the room. As I march down the nearly vacant corridors, I pry the envelope open with my hidden blade and pull the documents from their container. The first page is a welcoming letter to the final test followed shortly by rules and expectations. I immediately skip the pre-face while exiting the castle and go straight to my target's name.

I do not mean to stop in the middle of my stride, but nothing could prepare me for the information I am reading.

Last Known Location: Versailles.

Occupation: Templar associate

Mission Objective: Find and kill Lady Élise de la Serre.

X

Without the aid of a horse or passing wagons, it takes me several hours to reach the countryside châteaus that surround the outskirts of Versailles. Just the air alone in this city screamed of nobility as I pass the gardens and orchids to my location. This place reminds me of my family's palais back when I was a child, but these homes were far more elegant compared to the modesty of the one I used to live in.

Élise's manor is significantly larger than what I expected, but it does not even compare to her neighbor's. I stare at the enormous structure and feel the overwhelming dread hit my stomach like a bâton. What was I going to do? Although I am not fond of her heritage and her choice to accept it, she is still someone whom, like me, does not tolerate corruption and wants to help the people. Am I really willing to go through with this?

Examining the compound, my eyes direct a route through the jardin, up the side of the bâtiment, and through the double doors of the balcony. I've never actually been inside the château before, so once inside, I would have to move quickly if I wanted to stay out of sight. Following the pre-meditated path, I quickly enter the building and take cover behind a statue right as a servant passes. The hour may be late, but the house still seems bustling with activity.

As soon as the coast is clear, I immediately maneuver quietly down the hall until I believe I've found the master bedroom. I enter without a sound before locking the door behind me. My stomach leaps at the sound of movement in the bathroom causing me to slide in between the wall and a towering cabinet as someone exits into the chambre.

Slowly peeking at the person, I notice the damp red hair of Élise; however, she has yet to dress from her bath, leaving her in the nude. Although embarrassing, it is the best opportunity to kill her while she is still vulnerable, but I can not help the hesitance I feel about the situation. This feels all too easy, and that is not how I want this to end.

"Must be nice to bathe after a nice, long day," I say as I exit my hiding spot. The woman jumps out of fright, wraps herself with the blanket from her bed before pivoting on her heel to glare at me.

"What the hell are you doing here, assassin?" she questions as her eyes shift to the dagger on her nightstand.

I hold my hands up as a sign of peace, but she is still tense. "We need to talk," I reply.

"Now?" she asks before ushering at her barely covered form. "If you haven't noticed, I am a bit underdressed."

"Then get dressed," I retort as I find a seat in a lush chair next to the window. "I can wait."

Her glare intensifies, but she eventually huffs while grabbing an evening gown and storming back into the bathroom. I do not wait long before she re-enters the bedroom and signals for me to follow her into the corridors. We remain silent as we pass maids and servants on our way down the main staircase and into the large study that awaits on the left wing of the building.

A bookcase covers the entire right wall while a window shows the garden on the left. Scruff marks on the floor indicate a former desk at the end of the room, but now a small circular table takes its place with two chairs at each side. I follow Élise's example and sit in one of the chaise as she calls a maid to bring us tea.

"Seems a little late for so many servants to be running around, don't you think?" I inquire, but the red-head gives me a glare.

"Why are you here?" she asks.

I sigh as I slightly slouch in the chair. "There is a contract for your blood."

"So you are here to kill me?" she questions with a light voice. I know she has a blade tucked beneath her gown just in case I were to strike, or if she decides to do it first.

I shake my head before tucking my bangs behind my ear. "Although I would not consider our positions agreeable, you are only a Templar by association. That is not a crime."

She presses her lips together into a thin line while observing me closely. "If you let me live, what does that make you in the eyes of your masters?"

I shrug. "I'm not even grand enough to be called dirt. What is lower than that?"

The tension in her shoulders relax, but she still seems wary. "If these so called leaders of yours treat you so badly, why not leave them? I'm sure your skills would be better elsewhere."

"If you are referring to the Templars, then you are wasting your breath," I say as our eyes meet. "I may not rightfully be an assassin, but my values hold no place in your order."

The door to the study slowly opens as a maid carries a silver platter into the room with a porcelain teapot and matching cups on top. Before the woman could begin to pour our tea, Élise ushers her out of the chambre, leaving us alone once again. We both remain quiet as we both fill our own cup and sip on the hot liquid. It really is refreshing after such a long day's travel.

"So what do you plan on doing now?" Élise questions.

I spent the entire journey here deep in thought about this entire scenario. I did not want to kill her, but not doing so and running away from the Brotherhood would have me killed by the end of the week. There were also my brothers I have left behind in Paris that were waiting for my return. Leaving them would be like losing what is left of my family.

"I'm not sure," I reply truthfully. "I may not like the Templars, but I am not wanted by the assassin council either. I question if an order is truly needed to keep the peace or if we are just kidding ourselves."

Our eyes meet and she smiles lightly. "Remember when we first met? When you ran out in front of my horse while chasing a dog?"

I smile as I lower my attention to the teacup in my hands. "You fell off and broke your leg while I was trampled and broke an arm."

"We spent an entire summer in my uncle's maison playing cards and tying objects to the cat's tail," the red-head reminiscences. "There were no ideals to live by nor a creed we had to follow. It was just us getting into trouble together."

I chuckle at the memories. "Did you ever tell your adoptive "brother" how you felt about him?"

A dark red hue spreads across her cheeks as she chokes on her drink. I laugh even louder as she wipes the tea from her mouth while sending me a glare. "I can not believe you remember that conversation," she remarks.

"The way you spoke about him, it sounded like you were in love," I retort.

She does not have the courage to look me in the eye, but instead finds interest in the fabric of her gown's sleeve. "Although we felt the same for each other, nothing ever flourished. Father was too worried about my studies that I never had time to spend it here with my family."

"At least you still have your brother," I say with a sad smile.

She nods lightly. "If only I knew where he ran off to."

It must feel terrible to have family that you love, but they never come home to visit. In a sense, I would prefer that life compared to the one I have lived. To know that my father was alive but a few miles away would make each day just a bit more enduring; however, I was not so lucky.

Sighing heavily, I place the cup back on the silver platter before standing from the chair. "I do no mean to be rude, but I think it is time I take my leave. I have much to think about and little time to do so."

Élise stands and follows me to the palais entrance. "If this situation of yours does not work out like you plan, you are always welcome here. I'm sure that despite our…objectives, we can find a mutual respect for one another. Just like when we were younger."

As a servant hurries to open the door, I glance back at the red-head and smile. "Thank you…and stay safe. There will be others coming to claim that contract."

She merely smirks. "I think you forget who you are talking to." I offer one last grin as I turn to leave, but a tug on my sleeve stops me. "Before you go, I found that information on Sauveterre."

I glance back at her with wide eyes. "I thought you were going to give that to me upon our deal."

She scoffs. "Even if I did not make the offer, you would have had those corrupted Templars silenced eventually. Nonetheless, Monsieur Sauveterre was indeed killed by an outside source. There are a few records within the new order that say a couple of men were paid to stir a riot that eventually lead to the chaos that destroyed the palais."

"Is there any information on who wanted him dead?" I ask with a light tremble in my voice.

Élise shakes her head. "No, but the name of the faction for hire was listed: the Jacobins."

My eyes narrow as I grit my teeth together. "Why does that not surprise me?"

"Don't do anything stupid," the red-head pleads before offering me a smile. "If you really want revenge for your father's death, do so strategically."

Our eyes lock and I know she has it all figured out. Piecing together the puzzle must have been easy as soon as she got her hands on the information, but how much of the situation was she leaving out?

"Is that all?" I ask.

She nods. "There was not much to be found. The order was furious about his decline to rejoin, especially since they could not use his daughter, Nicole, against him."

I shake my head. "Do tell me you rid of the documents?"

"Burnt to ashes."

"Good. I do not want that name appearing anywhere else," I say as I take a few steps out into the night air before turning back to look at Élise. "Safety and peace."

She salutes with her fist over her heart. "May the Father of Understanding guide you."

X

Although I had a dreadful feeling at the bottom of my gut, I still made the six hour trip back to the Brotherhood's main headquarters outside of Paris. Some of the boys whom still had yet to leave were stuck in confusion as I pass them by on my way directly to the council's chamber. Without so much of a care on their view of this matter, I slam open the doors and march up to the four chairs that rise above me. They each appear shocked, but as soon as their eyes land on me, they immediately begin seething.

"What is the meaning of this?" the farthest to the left calls as they all sit upright. "You have not been summoned!"

"I want to know why my target is an innocent woman," I demand as I glare at each one of them. They glance between one another as though communicating telepathically before turning back to me.

"None of the people listed are innocent," the next council man explains. "Each were chosen because of their sins."

"What sin?" I question. "Being an associate because her father was a Templar? She holds no blood on her hands, and who is to say that she will in the future?"

"Stay your tongue, girl!" the man on the far right cries.

"Why? Because my logic is correct?"

"Because you do not understand!" he retorts

I scoff. "Understand what? That you can not let any Templars live so long as they are a potential threat to your power?"

They each are now on the verge of vaulting over the balcony and striking me where I stand, but I do not show the fear that courses through my veins. If I was going to die today, I might as well do it bravely while standing against the meager minds of the Brotherhood leaders.

"Baudin! Lavoie! Escort the girl out of here and cut out her tongue! Make sure she can never speak again before you throw her back onto the streets!"

The two assassins that always await at the entrance to the chambre move towards me as I take a step back. Adrenaline is now pumping through my system as I glance back and forth between the men. They are both considered Masters, which means I will not last long in a fight. I'm going to have to think quickly if I wanted to get out of here with my ability to speak.

"You will not harm the woman!" a mysterious voice announces causing everyone in the room to stop and stare at the new face to enter. With his white hood already lowered, I gaze at the dark-skinned newcomer as his deep brown eyes lock onto my own. His face is weather beaten, but his smile is warm and welcoming despite his tall, muscular stature.

"Monsieur Kenway," the elders each call as they bow respectively. "We did not expect you so soon."

His attention turns towards the council men with anger evident on his features. "What is the meaning of this? She brings forth logic and you dismiss it?"

"You must forgive our rash decisions," one of the men replies in broken English. "But she is-"

"There are no excuses for this behavior!" the man, Kenway, retorts. It has been so long since I've practiced the English language that I have to concentrate on the words individually to understand what they are saying.

"Mais, Monsieur-"

"When you tear out a man's tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you're only telling the world that you fear what he might say." With that said, the council immediately becomes silent while exchanging glances between one another. Whomever this guy is, they initially fear him; which means I should as well.

The man slowly approaches my location until I can clearly see the light freckles that dot his cheek bones. "My name is Conner," he introduces while extending his large arm out. "If you would come with me, your assistance will be graciously needed elsewhere."