Ian dropped him into the nearest town where Michael started making his way south. Brendan wanted to see if Michael could survive on his own on a mission from beginning to end. Michael then got a train from Glasgow to Liverpool and then several more before he arrived in Colwyn Bay in Northern Wales. Michael rested in a hostel before travelling on the next morning, several buses, one of which sent Michael in the wrong direction he found himself in the small village of Llangerernyw.
'I need to learn how to drive.' Michael muttered to himself stepping off the final bus into the village.
He stretched and felt everything crack and pop from sitting still for so long. Michael hefted his bag, full of weapons and tools onto his back and walked through the village. People gave him funny looks and hurried along as he walked by. The place reminded Michael a lot of small towns back home and he smiled at the memories. Michael remembered his training and Finns experiences from the Animus and went into the nearest pub in hopes of hearing something of use.
The pub was typical of a small rural town, two or three old men and women and a suspicious looking publican behind the bar. Michael gave them his best harmless tourist smile as he sat down at the counter.
'Pint please.' Michael asked politely.
The barman grunted and poured the liquid into a glass which was shoved ungraciously in front of Michael who smiled became strained as he paid.
'Did you see those new lads driving around in that black car.' Michael heard one elderly woman ask her friend in the corner.
'Aye I did, rude fella's, striding around. What they're up to I've no idea. Three or four of them staying together in that old house near the church out beyond.' Her friend replied.
'Bit strange three or four men staying together in that one small house.' The first woman said.
'Sure you never know with those funny looking people.' The second replied.
Michael smiled now knowing where his targets were, he took a map from his bag and searched it for a church, there was two, one right in the town but he couldn't see another.
Michael's brow furrowed and considered calling Sarah for help before a thought struck him. Michael nodded at the barman for attention.
'Hi, I'm an archaeology student and I'm looking old ruins or old buildings in the area to have a look at.' Michael smiled simperingly.
'Oh yeah?' The barman asked suspiciously.
'Is there anything like that nearby to look at?' Michael asked, his patience straining.
'There's the ruined church about five miles outside the town. I don't know how you'll get out there.' The barman said slowly.
'That's fine, I'll figure it out thanks.' Michael said happily draining his pint and leaving. Michael hefted his bag higher and took off walking out the road opposite to the one he had arrived in from on the bus. He thought of the mission, Emma, Finn and his own family as he walked. Michael's training ensured he reached the ruins of the church very quickly, like most holy places it was situated on a hill which overlooked the surrounding countryside. Michael spotted a small house in a valley below, what it set apart from a few others scattered about were the antennas and dishes sticking out from the roof.
'Talk about making yourself a target.' Michael muttered to himself taking a pair of binoculars from his bag and inspecting the area carefully. Michael spotted a black B.M.W. partially hidden by hedges and trees that ringed the house. Two men patrolled the surrounding area each in suits, each wearing sunglasses and each, Michael had no doubt, well armed.
'So cliché.' Michael muttered to himself again.
Michael walked straight towards the house going over small walls which divided abandoned fields. Michael crouched low as he got closer to the house Finn's training taking over. Michael took s series of items from his bag and began assembling them into a rifle. Michael smiled as he felt the heavy weight of the weapon in his arms. He took two flash bang grenades and a pistol and attached them to his belt also. He attached and adjusted the scope of the rifle and smiled. Michael waited as one guard walked along the back end of the house and the second covered the front. Michael waited for the second guard to turn his back, Michael aimed at the first guard and fired a soft thump and the first guard dropped silently. Michael smirked, thankful for the suppressor. He took careful aim at the head of the second guard who was still unaware of his fallen comrade. Michael squeezed the trigger and watched a rainbow of blood erupt from the guard's skull. Michael giggled and packed away the rifle pulling a grenade from his belt and checked his pistol. Michael padded softly towards the house ducking behind the wall.
'Here, where the fuck are you?' Michael heard a strongly accented English voice call as a man emerged from the house.
Michael strode slowly from behind the wall, and took position behind the Templar. Michael pulled the trigger blasting the Templar at point blank range in the head.
'Too easy.' Michael smiled.
Keeping his gun raised Michael entered the house. The first room to the left, a small living room, was empty. The second, a kitchen, was also deserted. A hallway to the left at the back of the house led off to a bunch of bedrooms. The last door at the back of the house was locked. Michael smiled and kicked it open feeling the lock crunch as it broke. Michael dived and rolled into the room raising his weapon expecting another Templar.
'Please don't shoot!' A voice yelled panicked.
Amid a mass of wires, files and computer equipment, a young man about Michaels age sat with his hands up and a terrified look on his face.
'Vinny Cheung I assume?' Michael asked.
Vinny nodded alarmed. Michael smiled, the man wasn't exactly what he expected for a computer expert. Michael expected a skinny bespeckled kid with glasses; Vinny had a shaven head which sat on a large muscular frame. His arms were tattooed in beautifully designed dragons.
'Ready to go?' Michael asked.
'Go where?' Vinny asked perplexed.
'I'm the rescue party.' Michael answered annoyed that it wasn't obvious.
'Have the key for this?' Vinny inquired indicating a chain that held him to the desk he was sitting at.
'Templars aren't ones for subtlety.' Michael muttered partially disgusted, 'Oh well.' Michael sighed aiming at the chain.
'Wait...' Vinny yelled.
Michael fired blowing the chain apart.
'Jesus fuck.' Vinny yelled.
'Look at that you're free.' Michael smiled happily.
'You're insane.' Vinny breathed shocked.
'Yeah I know.' Michael answered casually.
They exited the house; Vinny made to run up the driveway.
'Hang on.' Michael said searching the body of the closest Templar and finding a set of keys.
'Do you know how to drive?' Michael asked.
Vinny, still looking shaken, nodded.
'Fantastic I don't feel like walking.' Michael said throwing him the keys and getting in the car.
Vinny looked confused before following him.