If anyone observed the atmosphere in the Grand Temple is was an overwhelming sense of anger and dread. So much so that they were barely able to concentrate on their work and not much progress had been made since
Paul was concerned for his brother who was hospitalized, Rebecca was hysterical and Shaun was trying his best to comfort her though he too was visibly shaken and worried about Lucy and what the templars will to to one that had betrayed them. William was disturbed by this turn of events and aftereverything else had been going relatively smooth. Vincent and Jacob had similar feelings while Michael was more concerned about how Desmond would react to this. So he insisted that they let him sleep and tell him when he woke up.
When Desmond did wake up Michael was the one to tell him and just as he suspected, Desmond went into hysterics."
"WHERE IS SHE?" He yelled frantically at nobody in particular. "WHERE DID THEY TAKE HER? IS SHE DEAD? IS SHE HURT?"
"We don't know anything yet Desmond," Michael confessed. "But it more than likely that they are using her as a hostage."
Hearing this, Desmond slumped down on a stone and buried his hands in his hair. "I should have gone with her. I should never have let her go alone."
"Then you would have been captured too," William pointed out, "and the Templars would have it's prized guinea pig back."
"Then we need to find her, we need to do something" Desmond panicked
"Gavin told me that before going unconscious, Kenny said something, just a name. The one who attacked him and took Lucy."
"Who was it then?" William demanded.
Paul looked at William his eyes filled with dread before he replied, "Simon." William's face paled as he took a step back.
"Do you know this Simon, William?" Shaun asked.
Willian sat down and nodded. "Simon is Paul and Kenneth's big bad brother." Everyone's mouth's opened in shock as William continued. "Few people know this but Paul and Kenneth are the younger of four brothers. But while Paul and Kenneth joined the Brotherhood, their older brothers Simon and Eric joined the Templars."
"Their role in the Order is uncertain," Paul intervened. "But to put it in blunt terms, Simon is basically an assassin hunter. Or more specifically assassins of particular skill giving the order trouble, assassins like Altair and Ezio. Judging from certain patterns we know that Simon is responsible for wiping out half of our cells on the east coast and a dozen others worldwide."
"He's never faced assassin's like Altair and Ezio," Shaun pointed out.
Paul scoffed, "last I checked none of Altair or Ezio's opponents were grandmasters in Jeet Kune Do and Muay Thai."
"William, we just got an e-mail from an unknown source, It's heavily encrypted." Rebecca reported.
Everyone gathered around the computer screen, Rebecca opened the E-mail to reveal a video recording. On it was a slim brown-haired middle aged man in a white suit smirking at the camera.
"Greetings Mr. Miles. To be clear I'm speaking to the younger one, the elder Miles is irrelevant. Now you have something we want and we have something you want." He reached into his coat and pulled out the third power core. "Seeing as the clock is ticking for both of us I propose a temporary truce with a simple trade off. You hand over the Apple and we will give you the last artifact that you seem to desperately need." He pocketed the power core and his smirk widened. "But if obtaining the power core is not suitable motivation, then perhaps this is." He walked back and pulled the hood off a figure seated directly behind him. Revealing the bound and gagged form of Lucy, her eyes soaked with tears. Upon seeing her, Desmond leaned forward towards the screen, his eyes wide in horror and his breathing became ragged at seeing her in such a state.
Simon chuckled, "Don't worry, she's alive and unharmed for now. But if you want to keep it that way you will bring us the apple and in exchange we will give you the power core and to sweeten the deal, Ms. Stillman here."
Lucy shook her head frantically and tried to speak. but the gag only allowed her to mumble but Desmond got the jinx of it. 'Don't do it!'
"As for the location, meet me at the Riverside Hospital on North Brother Island by midnight. Anyone comes with you and I'm gone, betray the deal and you die. I suggest you make your decision wisely Mr. Miles as well as your choice of action."
With that the video ended leaving the assassins in stunned silence. After a moment William spoke. "It's most likely a trap, if we do this we risk Desmond getting captured." He turned to his son, I'm sorry Desmond, but we cannot and will not negotiate with the Templars they cannot be trusted."
"But they have Lucy dad," Desmond protested, "We can't just leave her, not again. Who knows what they will do to her if they keep her."
"We cannot let the Templars gain control of the apple, the world for the life of one person Desmond," William replied sternly. "Lucy is an assassin, she understands the sacrifice nessessary we all take to protect the freedom of the world from the Templars."
Michael chose this moment to voice his opinion, "what about the power core, Even without Lucy we still need it to unlock that final door otherwise finding the key is meaningless."
William sighed. "We will find a way to get it back, in the mean time we should focus on getting that key."
"But Dad-," Desmond wanted to argue further but William gave him a glare that told Desmond what he needed to know.
"I am the Mentor Desmond, and my decision is final."
Desmond stared at his father in disbelief, even after all these years it seems that he hadn't changed. Now Desmond was beginning to understand why Lucy became a Templar. He returned his father's glare and said coldly, "and you wonder why I left." Before William could reply, Desmond jammed his fists into his pockets and stormed off to be by himself.
William looked after him for a moment and walked over to where Desmond's messenger bag was. He unzipped it and took the Apple from and placing it in his own duffle bag.
Later that evening after dinner everyone decided to turn in for the night. Desmond however had only pretended to sleep and once the coast was clear he got up. Strangely William had ended up dozing off, so Desmond crept quietly towards him and took the Apple from his father's duffle bag and putting it in his messenger bag. Desmond then armed himself with dual hidden blades, a pistol, a baton and a torchlight.
With the Apple packed and himself equipped for the journey, Desmond made his way out of the temple only to find Michael leaning against the entrance. "I see you've made your decision," Michael said twirling his maglite.
Desmond stood up his hands ready to flick out his hidden blades. "Please don't try to stop me Michael." He said sternly. he didn't want to fight his friend but he will if he was forced.
Michael smirked. "Stop you?" he wondered mockingly, "Who do you think knocked your dad out with sleeping pills in his water bottle."
Desmond looked over to his dad, who looked to be sleeping like a baby. "I wondered why he left the Apple unguarded so carelessly." He sighed heavily, "I know what I'm doing is selfish by taking such a risk, but I won't let her die, not for this."
Michael raised his hand, "don't worry I get it, you love her. Fighting for those you love is worth more than fighting for any ideology." There was silence between them before Michael stood up, "well, we better hurry if we are to make it before the deadline."
Desmond cocked his eyebrow, "we?"
Michael chuckled, "you don't honestly epect me to let you do this alone?"
"But Simon said-"
"That nobody must come with you true. But somebody has to make sure you get to the island without encountering a mugger and I doubt you have access to a boat to get to said island." Desmond grumbled and nodded as Michael continued. "I'll only escort you as far as the mainland coast, then you can use Vincent's boat to get to the island on your own."
"What will you do when my father wakes up?" Desmond wondered.
"Don't worry about the old man," Michael reassured him, "I'll keep him busy."
Desmond nodded but before he could continue Michael stopped him. "You aren't seriously going in that are you?" He asked gesturing to Desmond's hoodie.
Desmond looked down at his attire, "what's wrong with it?"
Michael cocked an eyebrow, "you are aware that it's winter in Manhattan right now right? And where you're going won't be any warmer."
Desmond looked confused before understanding He only had his hoodie and black shirt. Hardly the right attire for being outside especially at night. Michael loaned him a a spare jacket with was considerably warmer before the two headed out.
The pair drove all the way to Baretto Point Park where Michael claimed one of Vincent's boats were waiting for them. The vessel turned out to be a Rigid Inflatable Boat. Being fast and stable, it was more that suited for the task. Next to it was a larger sailboat. Michael handed him the keys and Desmond boarded the vessel. The boat was part of a larger smuggling operation Vincent led where they ferried all sorts of contraband along the East River
"Do you have a plan for when something goes wrong," Michael asked.
"This time I actually do surprisingly," Desmond replied. "Holding the apple actually taught me something so I should be fine."
Michael nodded, "remember to remain vigilant and keep to the trees, We don't know if this Simon has set up an ambush. Also don't forget your eagle vision and mantis site. Both could mean the difference between life and death.
Desmond nodded in return, "don't worry, I won't forget." The two clasp hands.
"I'll join you shortly afterwards," Michael assured him.
"You can't," Desmond protested. "Simon said to come alone or-"
"He said 'if anyone comes (with) you', But he can't punish you if some was to happen to 'accidentally' follow you." Desmond wanted to protest further, but the idea of having Michael as back up eased the anxiety he was feeling.
After a moment he gave a sharp nod, "very well, stay sharp Michael."
"You too Angel Eyes," After separating, Desmond started the boat and began his journey to the island. Unaware the behind him Jacob, came out from the shadows having followed them to this location.
"We'll take that sailboat and follow him in a few minutes, Michael explained. "Though larger it will be quieter and less likely to draw attention from potential lookouts."
Jacob nodded before speaking. "Are you sure about this, letting Desmond risk his life for the girl?"
Michael turned to him his face stern, "Lucy is as essential to our goals as Desmond is. She must live or Trojan will be for nothing."
Desmond reach the island quickly and started looking for a suitable place to dock. Finding a place, he docked on a ruined pier and stepped ashore. He tucked his coat tighter to his body before pulling out his torch lite and silenced pistol and headed inland.
Winding his way through the maze of trees. Desmond was growing anxious. He heard foot steps in every crinkle of dead leaves and voices in every gust of wind. "I've been in the animus, I've hade visions in the present yet I would take all of those right now instead of this.' He did have every reason to feel this way. Riverside Hospital had a cursed reputation and was closed to the public. Some said it was haunted and others said that the plague was still here. Sure enough this island sent chills through every bone in his body. Desmond tried to think of a way to steady himself and immediately his mind turned to Lucy, the times he spent with her, the tender way they made love, her words of encouragement. It was all enough to motivate Desmond to continue.
He finally reached the entrance to the abandoned building and stepped inside. When he reached what Desmond guessed was the lobby, he heard that high pitched voice.
"Mr. Miles, Welcome, I was worried you wouldn't make it." The room lit up as a series of portable floodlights were switched on. Desmond found himself facing Simon who was standing over Lucy bound and gagged to a chair. One hand was resting on her shoulder while the other held a desert eagle. Upon seeing him her eyes widened before her face fell. In her hand was the third power source. Flanking them was a dozen Abstergo agents with their guns pointed at him.
Desmond kept his gun aimed at Simon's forehead. Simon's smile never left his face as he waved his own a little bit close to Lucy's temple. "Simon says drop the your piece and kick it over towards me. You can keep the light."
With no options available, Desmond complied, gently putting his gun down and kicking it over to where Simon was standing. Simon looked at the gun, then back at Desmond. "You have what I requested?"
Desmond nodded and pulled the apple from his messenger bag and held it up. Simon chuckled, "aww isn't that nice, you are a pleasant fellow. Now hand over the apple and I'll give back your honeycomb. " He bend down and sniffed her hair and she jerked her head away. "She is a sweet little thing, I understand why you would risk so much to save her."
Desmond's eyes narrowed, "I swear it you hurt her-"
Simon barked out a laugh, "hurt her? hardly, she's far too valuable for that. I just subjugated her to some light questioning, nothing serious."
"About what?" Desmond demanded.
"Why, the only topic that matters, You. But that's a tale for another time. Speaking of which how is little Kenny."
"In a hospital," Desmond replied, "I can't believe anyone would do that to their own brother.
Simon shrugged, "sibling rivalry is the oldest form of rivalry. But in all seriousness I'm glad he's alive, I was worried I might have killed him."
"How thoughtful of you?" Desmond said sarcastically
"Indeed, but enough chit-chat, I'll take that Apple now Mr. Miles."
Desmond's eyes narrowed, and held it up, "you want it? Fine, here it is." Then the apple started to glow."
"What are you doing?" Simon demanded as the guards around him began to aim their guns at him. Their eyes widened in horror and their bodies shook as they struggled to resist.
Simon looked to his left and right and his eyes narrowed, "so," he snarled, "that's how you want to do it." He kicked Lucy's chair down causing her to land roughly on the floor. Then with speed that would have stunned Wyatt Earp. Simon drew a second Desert Eagle crossed his armed and fired off to his sides. The shots hit each of the guards right between the eyes and within seconds all 12 of them lay dead. Two almost got him but Simon had grabbed the nearest guard and used him as a shield.
Simon then turned to Desmond who stared at him in shock. Simon chuckled, "an interesting attempt Mr. Miles. But did you honestly think I didn't anticipate that." He then holstered his guns started walking towards Desmond.
Desmond got over his shock and turned the apple on Simon, The apple glowed and Simon began to slow. but to Desmond's horror it didn't stop him like he wanted. Simon strained against the Apples influence but slowly he took another step, then another, then another until he started walking normally as if the Apple had lost it's effect on him.
"But, what, HOW?" Desmond wondered in horror stepping back.
"There is so much you fail to understand, Mr. Miles," Simon replied. "Prepare yourself, school's in session."
When he came within distance. Desmond dropped the apple, activated his hidden blades and drew his baton. But before he could even step forward Simon was on him, knocking the baton out of his hand before delivering two kicks to Desmond's chest sending him backwards and striking him with the back of his hand breaking his nose. Desmond was dazed for a moment as he struggled to regain his composure.
Simon aimed a chop to the neck, Desmond was able to deflect this blow with his right arm and thrust his left hidden blade towards Simon's face. Simon easily sidestepped it and struck Desmond's triceps with his right hand and his forearm with the left popping Desmond's elbow and over extending it before delivering a kick to Desmond's left knee. Lucy let out a sob watching Desmond scream in pain as he crumpled to the floor. He leaned against the wall and clutched his arm as it throbbed with pain.
Simon chuckled and picked up the apple and walked back to Lucy he sat her up. He looked at Desmond. "though you tried to break the agreement I will keep my word." he then drew a knife to cut her bindings. Once she was free, she rusked towards towards Desmond and dropped to her knees and cupped his cheek. "I'm sorry Desmond," she sobbed, "you shouldn't have come for me."
Desmond looked into her tear streaked eyes and shook his head, "I will not leave you." Lucy let out another sob and their foreheads touched.
"How touching," Simon sneered mockingly. "But there is still one more bit of business to take care of."
Lucy stood up and turned to him, confused and Simon's face turned deadpanned. "You have served our order well in the past Ms. Stillman and that service has not been forgotten. We have the Apple now thanks to you, But now there is one last task you must complete." He tossed Desmond's pistol to her and she caught it on instinct, "finish him."
Lucy looked between, Simon and the pistol in her hand her eyes became wide with horror. After a moment she turned back to Simon and shook her head, "no," she said firmly, "I won't do it."
Simon cocked his head and raised the apple, "Simon says 'Finish Him' Ms. Stillman." Then the Apple began to glow. Lucy froze and an invisible force took control of her entire body, She tried to move but it was as though her body was no longer her own. It turned to Desmond and raised the pistol towards him. Lucy panicked and really started to struggle her body shook as she tried to fight against the invisible force guiding her actions.
'Is this how Desmond felt when Juno took control over him.' She thought as she continued to fight. She felt like a doll in the hands of a child. She and Desmond locked gazes. Her look telling him that she didn't want to do this and his own simply showing signs of understanding.
Lucy's blood raced and her muscles strained, The barrel of the pistol was now at Desmond's forehead and was now cocked all that was needed now was for her finger to squeeze the trigger.
Suddenly Lucy felt it, a particular feeling like a crack in the wall that caused her trigger finger to freeze. Lucy started concentrating on this feeling as she felt herself gain control of her body little at a time. Finally with every ounce of strength and will she had, she let out a cry. "NOOOOOOOOO!" She aimed the pistol and fired again and again, straight at Simon.
Had she complete control she might very well have killed him, but her shots were off and they missed with one just grazing his arm. Simon grunted and dived for cover behind a nearby desk. the wound caused him to loose focus and release his control of Lucy.
With her body back under her control, Lucy sat beside Desmond and kept the gun aimed at where Simon was hiding.
Her opponent tsked, "What a waste, you threw away a promising future Miss Stillman."
"One I would sacrifice a hundred times over," Lucy sneered.
Simon hmphed "Give it up Ms. Stillman, you have one bullet left and no hope of getting out of here alive."
Lucy checked and realized in her recklessness she had accidentally spent most of her rounds. She and Desmond exchanged a look, he squeezed her hand and she closed her eyes knowing that this was likely the end but she wouldn't go down without a fight. "Then I'll have to make it count." She called out
"Allow me to even the odds!" A familiar voice rang out. One that filled the assassins with immense relief. Michael came in from an upper story window Firing his automag keeping Simon pined as he made his way to Desmond's location. Meanwhile Jacob tried to get up behind the Black Cross and take him out, but Simon spotted him and fired with both of his guns sending Jacob diving for a nearby wall for cover.
Simon laughed, "so many surprises tonight. No matter, I have what I came for." With that Simon threw a tear gas grenade at the assassins and a smoke grenade soon after. Michael and Jacob rush towards the smoke but Simon had disappeared.
Looking around and not finding him nearby. Michael rushed towards Desmond, kneeling down to check his state. "Looks like we missed the party," he quipped.
"Still you have a habit of showing up at the right time," Desmond wheezed through the pain with a small smile.
"The Apple?" Michael asked.
Desmond shook his head, "Simon got it."
Michael simply sighed, "I'll go see if I can find him."
Jacob came over to them, "I'll watch over them brother, go get that son of a bitch."
Michael nodded and rushed off, Jacob then picked Desmond up supporting him on his shoulder. "Come on Angel Eyes, let's get back to camp."
