Chapter 11

A/N : Sorry for the long delay, I had to watch some videos from Origin to understand what was Layla's motivations and others from Odyssey to include some of Layla's dialogue. Anyway, here's the last chapter, let me know what you think, it makes my day! Thank you for following me on this journey, I will miss these amazing women greatly.

Sam and Lara woke up with a start. Lara blinked a few times as she tried to find her bearing. She was tied up to a chair and people were fighting. They were back in the present.

"Lara?" Sam called.

"I'm here." Lara turned her head to her left to check on her wife and replied. "Are you alright?"

"Yes but…" Sam stared at the fight in front of them. "What's happened?"

"What's going on?" Katherine asked. "Are we back?"

"I don't know what's going on… But it's our chance to leave." The archaeologist tugged and pulled at the ties around her wrists while keeping an eye on the Asian man fighting Dr. Zuller's goons. It was pointless, the ties were too tight. The room finally went silent as the last guard fell to the ground. It was then that the man approached her. "Who are you?"

"It's okay, we are on your side." The man removed her ties before helping Sam and Katherine.

"Who are 'we'? How many of you are there?" Lara stood up quickly and reached for the gun on the floor, aiming at him. "And why should I believe you?"

"Because they are dead and you are not." The man stated.

"We are here to help, please lower your gun." A woman declared as she stepped inside the room.

"Wait," Sam moved closer to Lara. "I know that voice, Layla?"

The woman smiled. "Samantha Croft, I presume. And this must be your wife?" She looked at Lara. "In other circumstances, I would say it's a pleasure to meet you, Lara Croft, but…"

"Who are you?" Lara questioned, not lowering her gun.

"I am Layla Hassan and this is Kiyoshi Takakura, and right now, we are your best chance to leave this facility alive."

"It's okay, I think we can trust them." Sam put her hand on her wife's arm, lowering it gently. She pointed at Katherine. "This is Katherine Makris, she is Kassandra's descendant."

"Fascinating…" Layla studied the woman. "I have so many questions..." They heard shouts coming from the hallway. "But I guess it would have to wait. Let's go!" She motioned for them to follow her.

Lara grabbed another handgun on a guard's body and gave it to her wife. "Be careful and shoot if you have to." She then looked at Katherine. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, but…This is a bit too much…" Katherine took a shaky breath. "I mean, I knew you could pull some stunts but guns and dead bodies it's…"

"I know and I'm sorry but I need you to pull yourself together until we leave this facility, can you do that?" Lara said as softly as she could.

"Yes, I think so…" Katherine answered.

"Good." Lara smiled reassuringly. "Stay close to us."

Katherine nodded. "Like glue."

"No need to go to that extreme, like a puppy is enough." Sam joked, trying to lighten the mood for the woman's sake.

"You wish, Samantha." Katherine snorted but deep down, she was grateful for the woman's light comment.

"Do you have a plan?" Lara asked as they all followed Layla down the corridor, slaloming between the dead guards on the floor.

"The power should go down again in…" Layla looked at her watch. "3, 2, 1…" She turned her flashlight on as the place went dark. "Now, we take the stairs." She gave Lara another angle head flashlight.

Lara took it and clasped it to her belt to free her hand. "Aren't we 23 floors underground level? How are we going to get out of here?"

"There is a secret elevator powered by an emergency generator that should bring us to the ground floor, but it's on level sub 15," Layla informed her.

Sam sighed, she couldn't wait to get out of here. "Great, I skipped my last leg day."

"You're in for a treat then," Layla answered, amused, as she rushed toward the stairs, taking them 2 at a time.

"How did you manage to get in?" Lara inquired. "This place is full of armed guards."

"The security team is reduced at night," Kiyoshi replied, bringing up the rear.

"And we used explosives," Layla added with a smile.

"Wait, it's night time? How long have we been here?" Katherine questioned.

"I don't know but we can worry about that later," Layla whispered. "Now shush, we don't want to get spotted."

They kept going up the stairs until they reached level -15, slowing down only to get rid of the guards getting in the way. Kiyoshi walked past the women and stopped at the door leading to the floor, resting his hand on the doorknob. "We have to act quickly. I don't know how many people guard the floor but we need to stop them before they can call for reinforcement. I'll go first and once it's clear, you can join me. The elevator is down the hall to the left."

"I'm coming with you," Lara stated, moving forward.

Kiyoshi frowned. "I don't think..."

"It will go faster if I help you." The archaeologist cut him off.

The man nodded, glancing at Layla before cracking the door open. After making sure no one was in sight, he motioned for Lara to follow him.

As the door closed behind them, Sam turned to Layla. "Where should we go once we're out of here?"

"You can come with us," Layla answered. "We have a safe place where we can talk about everything."

"Good, because I have so many quest…" Sam was interrupted by the sound of gunshots. "Shit!" She reached out for the door, ready to go help her wife but Layla stopped her.

"Wait, Kiyoshi knows what he's doing," Layla let go of Sam's hand. "And I'm sure Lara can handle herself, or she wouldn't have offered her help."

Sam frowned, ready to tell her off when she noticed Katherine was shaking. "Are you okay?"

"I'm… I'm scared…" Katherine confessed.

Sam pulled her in a side hug. "It's okay, we won't let anything happen to you." She smiled reassuringly.

"Thank you." Katherine felt her shoulders relax. "I know I haven't always been nice to you and yet you're… Thank you…"

Sam nodded. "You're welcome." She squeezed Katherine's arm before pulling away.

"Lara was right, you know," Katherine blurted out. "I can see it now."

"Right about what?" The producer raised a questioning eyebrow.

"About you, you are a wonderful woman, you both are," Katherine admitted.

Sam grinned at her. "I know." She winked.

Katherine chuckled despite herself. "Don't make me regret what I just said."

"Shh." Layla shushed them as she brought her hand to her ear, activating her comm. "Okay, on our way." She looked at the two women in front. "The floor is clear, let's go." They quickly joined Lara and Kiyoshi and went inside the elevator. "Now, that was the easy part. The exit is going to be well guarded."

"How do you expect us to move past them without getting killed?" Lara questioned, reloading her gun with a new magazine.

"With these." Kiyoshi simply stated, opening his bag to reveal some grenades.

The Englishwoman glanced inside it. "Not really discreet."

Sam snorted. "Say the woman who blows up at least one door during her expeditions."

Lara glared at her. "Really?"

"We need to get out of here fast, we don't really have time for subtlety," Layla answered her.

Lara nodded. "Have you seen Dr. Zuller? He's the man running this place."

"We know who he is but we haven't seen him anywhere since we arrived," Layla replied.

"That prick is probably hiding," Sam said with disdain.

"Be ready," Kiyoshi ordered just before the elevator dinged.

As soon as the door opened, they heard yelling followed by gunshots. The group hurriedly kneeled down and hid behind the big u shaped reception counter.

"There's at least a dozen of them!" Lara exclaimed.

"I'm going to use a flash grenade, close your eyes and cover your ears." Kiyoshi waited for another round of fire to finish before pulling the pin of the grenade and throwing it.

Lara pulled Sam close to her and saw Layla do the same with Katherine before closing her eyes. After hearing the detonation, she waited a few more seconds before reopening them. Despite the ringing in her ears, she tried to focus on what Kiyoshi was telling her.

"Run toward the door!" The man yelled.

The archaeologist nodded and stood up, pulling her wife with her. She looked at the guards to make sure they were incapacitated before helping Katherine and Layla to stand. "Come on, let's get out of here!"

Lara took Sam's hand and quickly led her toward the exit door. As they rushed to leave, they heard someone scream behind them. When they turned around, they saw Dr. Zuller standing behind Katherine, holding a gun to her head.

"Now, now," The doctor tutted them. "Where are your manners, Mrs. Croft?" He sneered.

"Sod off you wanker." Lara snarled.

Dr. Zuller shook his head disapprovingly. "Such a crude language for a lady like yourself."

"Fuck off, you psycho," Sam barked, refusing to let him play some stupid mind games. "Let Katherine go!"

"Ah the faithful spouse, always ready to jump in and help." The doctor chuckled darkly. "In case you haven't noticed, my dear, you don't really have the upper hand right now." He nodded in direction of some of the guards that were slowly standing up.

Lara scanned the room for anything she could use as a weapon, since it would be too risky to use her gun. She spotted a vase on the coffee table next to her that was surprisingly still intact despite the commotion. It was worth a shot, hopefully, it would surprise him enough to get closer. "Alright, there is no need for any of us to die tonight." She threw her gun and gave Sam a reassuringly small smile. "Tell me what you want." She locked eyes with Kiyoshi, glancing at the vase, then back at him before looking at the few guards that were now standing, hoping he would understand the message.

"Finally." The doctor smiled proudly. "You're being reasonable."

"You are not really giving us a choice here…" Lara stared at him, watching for the slightest moment of inattention to act while being aware that each passing minute was giving a chance to another guard to stand. She looked at Katherine and nodded slightly, trying to warn her that she was going to move soon.

"Just tell us where the staff is and then we'll let you all go." Dr. Zuller announced.

Sam scoffed. "As if you would talk that risk."

Lara saw the man's focus shift to Sam and here was her chance. God, she loved her wife. She swiftly reached out for the vase and threw it at his face.

Thankfully, Katherine realized what Lara was going to do just in time to kick the doctor in the chin. She jumped to the side when a shot rang out. She fell on the floor and yelped, holding her arm in pain.

Lara didn't waste a second and surged toward Dr. Zuller, tackling him to the ground while the others were taking care of the guards. She violently slammed his hand on the floor, forcing him to let go of his gun before punching him square on the face. The doctor struggled before raising his head and head-butting Lara. The woman recoiled at the blow, grunting in pain. He took hold of Lara and rolled over, raising himself above her. He wrapped his hands around her neck and started choking her. Lara dug her nails into the flesh of his hands to try and ease the tension. Suddenly, she noticed the syringe in his coat pocket, it looked like the one he had tried to use on Sam. She spat at his face to distract him and rushed to grab it. She plunged the syringe into his neck and depressed the plunger, sending whatever liquid was inside into his veins.

"What have you done?" Dr. Zuller yelled.

Lara pushed him away and rolled to her side, coughing. "What was inside the syringe?"

"Poison, you…" The man cried out in pain as his body shook and his heart raced.

The Englishwoman glanced behind her, only one guard was still standing, fighting Kiyoshi. "Sam?"

Sam rushed at her side and helped her stand. "Lara, are you okay?" She reached out and wiped the blood away from her wife's nose, worriedly starring at the bruise that was starting to form on her neck.

"Yes." Lara ignored her sore throat to focus on her wife. "Are you?" That was when she noticed Sam's busted lip. She felt her anger rise.

"It's okay." Sam saw Lara's eyes fill with rage so she cupped her cheek gently to calm her. "I'm alright." She reassured. "What did you do to him?"

Lara glared at the doctor. "I used the syringe he wanted to use on you if I refused to help."

Sam sighed. "I guess he wasn't bluffing…"

"Please, help me…" The doctor bugged, coughing.

"Go to hell." Lara kicked him.

"Lara, Sam?" Katherine called weakly. She was lying on the floor, her back resting against the reception desk as she held her bleeding arm.

"Katherine!" The archaeologist rushed to her, kneeling down to check on her arm. She looked at the gun wound and thankfully, the bullet had just grazed her skin. "I know it hurts but you should be alright."

Layla approached them. "We got rid of the last one, we should get going." She removed her scarf and handed it to Katherine. "Use it as a sling until we can get you medical attention." She glanced at the doctor, whose body was convulsing with blood and foam coming out of his mouth. She nodded to herself, as if content with the man's fate.

"Here, let me help." Sam offered, tying a knot at the end of the scarf. She put it around the woman's neck and gently put her arm inside the makeshift sling.

"Thank you." Katherine murmured.

Sam and Lara helped her stand and led her toward the exit. Once outside, a black SUV stopped in front of them with a screeching stop.

"That's our ride, get in." Layla declared.

Sam and Lara finally sighed in relief when they reached Layla's flat, if they could call it that. They were welcomed by a blonde woman who introduced herself as Dr. Victoria Bibeau. When Victoria noticed the blood on Katherine's arm, she offered to help, leading her to the other room to clean the wound.

"Okay, I think we need answers now. Who are you? Why are you fighting the Templars?" Lara questioned.

"You should sit." Kiyoshi pulled out a few chairs for them but let Layla answer.

"I will tell you everything you want to know but then you need to tell us what you've learned about the staff," Layla stated.

"Does everything have to be a quid pro quo these days?" Sam tiredly plopped into the chair. She gratefully smiled at Kiyoshi when he handed her an ice pack for her lip. "Thank you."

The man nodded. "Tondemonai." Sam raised an eyebrow at his use of a Japanese word but didn't comment.

"Fine." Lara sighed, sitting down. "We're listening."

"We are members of a group called the Assassins brotherhood, we are fighting the Templars – who are hiding behind Abstergo Industries - for millennia to avoid tyranny on earth. Since you were in the simulation, you might have met the cult of Kosmos, they are the ancient version of the Templars Order." Layla explained.

Lara accepted the cold pad Kiyoshi gave her for her nose and asked. "What do they want exactly?"

"Order," Layla answered simply.

Sam frowned. "How is that a bad thing?"

"It is when it prevents people from choosing their own fate." Layla pointed out.

"And that's what you're fighting for, freedom?" The archaeologist winced as she removed the ice pack from her nose to put it on her neck.

"We prefer the term free will." Layla corrected.

"But don't we need both?" Lara questioned. "Both can lead to extreme measures, we need a balance."

Sam nodded in agreement. "Yes, like the yin and yang."

"Let's…" Layla frowned, looking at them. "We don't have time for a philosophic debate on the matter. Anyway, we are looking for artifacts that the ISU left behind when their civilization disappeared."

"Kassandra said they were the people who came before…" Lara remembered.

"Yes," Layla confirmed. "They were an advanced civilization who we believe created humanity."

"It's a bold take… So why do you need their technology?" Lara inquired.

"Because in the wrong hands, it could bring chaos," Layla stated.

Sam threw the ice pack, now warm, on the table next to her. "Like the staff of Hermes Trismegistus?"

"Exactly, like the staff." Layla smiled. "Which brings us to you, what do you know about it? Since we had to rescue you, I wasn't able to move forward in the simulation. You could really save us some time."

Lara stood up, dropping her ice pack on the chair. "How do we know we can trust you with the information?"

Layla instantly noticed the suspicion coming back in Lara's eyes. "Well, you're free to go back to the Abstergo facility to share your discovery with the Templars but I'm not sure they're going to welcome you with open arms after what happened."

"Are we in danger?" Sam asked, standing up to move next to her wife.

"I erased every trace of your stay, at least in their servers. For the rest, it depends on how much the Order knows about Dr. Zuller's experiments." Layla shrugged. "But honestly, I think they have more pressing issues than going after public figures."

Sam chuckled. "Thank you for the ego boost but we are far from being superstars."

"It doesn't matter." Layla shook her head. "Your name is known enough that your disappearance wouldn't go unnoticed."

"Damn, I never thought I would be grateful for the tabloids and their trashy covers of us." Sam joked.

"I promised Kassandra I would protect the staff, so I want to be sure you're going to use it for the greater good and not just for your personal vendetta," Lara stated.

"Yeah, we've had more than our fair share of encounters with cults," Sam added. "It's not our first rodeo so I think we deserve a clear answer here."

"Listen, I'm an engineer, not a soldier. I used to work for Abstergo, I didn't know who they were back then but I wanted to prove myself, that's why I created my own portable animus." Layla pointed at the device at the side of the room. "But the Order didn't really appreciate my initiative and tried to kill me. A member of the Assassins found me, offered me a position and I agreed, not because of some belief but because I wanted protection and an opportunity to continue my research. I just want answers and as an archaeologist, I'm sure you can understand that."

"I do but I also know that a quest for knowledge can lead you to a dark path." Lara looked at Sam, wordlessly asking what she thought about the whole deal.

"Well, they helped us escape and as shady as their organization seems to be, you know, it looks like they are the lesser of two evils." Sam shrugged.

Layla scoffed. "Thank you for the vote of confidence."

The Englishwoman crossed her arms and studied her suspiciously. "You are clearly hiding things from us…"

"Lara, please, just…" Layla practically begged.

"What are you going to do with it?" Lara cut her off.

Layla sighed in defeat. It was clear that her new allies weren't willing to share information until she gave them something truthful. "I have a mission, 'Break the code, break the node'."

Lara frowned. "Beg your pardon?"

"What is that supposed to mean?" Sam questioned.

"I…" Layla hesitated. "I need the staff to prevent doomsday."

Sam snorted. "Is that all?"

"I believe her," Katherine said, suddenly joining them in the room.

"Seriously?" Sam rolled her eyes. "No offense but you trusted Dr. Zuller to help you and look where it got us?"

"It's different this time," Katherine assured them. "While I was in the simulation as Kassandra, I was able to explore the gate to Atlantis. A voice mentioned something about the end of the world and some kind of chosen one who might be able to stop it."

"The Heir of memories, it's me," Layla confirmed.

Katherine looked at Layla. "I remember that name…"

"And we should believe a voice we know nothing about because…?" Sam arched an eyebrow.

Lara nodded. "Sam is right, we…"

"Lara, Sam, please," Katherine interrupted. "I feel like this is the right thing to do. I'm asking you to trust me, like you trusted Kassandra."

Lara pondered her options for a moment before sighing. "I will tell you what we know but on one condition." She took a step closer to Layla, locking eyes with her. "We're going with you."

Layla shook her head. "No, you can't, it's…"

"Take it or leave it, it's none negotiable," Lara said in a voice that brought no argument. "I'm planning on going anyway so if you don't like it, you can go back to your simulation."

"We could also follow you." Layla crossed her arms. "And what if it's not where you saw it for the last time?"

Lara shrugged. "It's a start and if I'm right, you'll be a step ahead of the Templars."

"Please, Layla." Katherine stepped closer to her and put a gentle hand on her arm. "Like you, I need answers. I want to know what happened to Kassandra."

Since Kiyoshi had left to keep watch, Layla turned to Victoria who had joined them when Katherine did. "I don't know…"

"Having an archaeologist who can handle guns can't hurt if the Templars find us," Victoria argued. "And if Katherine is really a direct descendant of Kassandra, she has a place in the brotherhood…"

Sam raised her hand. "And I can help with resources if anyone cares."

"Katherine, I don't think you should come," Lara said carefully. "You're hurt and it could be dangerous."

"I don't care. I started this, I need to see where it ends." Katherine stated.

"Gee, everyone is stubborn in this room." Victoria declared with a hint of amusement.

"Fine," Layla agreed. "You can come with us, now tell me where it is?"

"In Santorini, in a cave," Lara revealed. "I'll tell you more once we're there."

"You know, just in case you forget to bring us with you," Sam smirked.

Layla rolled her eyes. "Fine, we'll leave as soon as possible."

A few days later, Lara, Sam, and their companions were in Greece. Lara had told Layla everything she knew about the staff, Atlantis, and Pythagoras as they traveled and to her surprise, Layla had shared some information with them too, probably more for Katherine's sake than her own, but it meant they had reached a certain level of trust.

It was night time when their boat reached the coast of the island. They were at back, under the rain, getting ready to dive to find the entrance of the cave.

"Are you sure you should all go? It might not be safe in there." Victoria said worryingly.

"It was part of the deal," Lara stated, checking her scuba gear.

Layla felt Victoria's eyes on her. "Don't look at me, I tried but they are stubborn."

Victoria chuckled. "Pot calling the kettle black."

Lara looked at Katherine. "Are you sure you want to come with us?"

"Yes, I need closure," Katherine said resolutely.

The archaeologist nodded then turned to her wife. "I suppose I don't have to ask."

Sam winked and smiled. "Together, always."

"Alright, ladies." Layla stood up. "Let's find Atlantis!"

After swimming for more than 10 minutes, they finally reached the cave.

"Wow, it's more elaborate than I could have imagined. How did they build all this?" Layla marveled at the sight. "What I wouldn't pay for an Isu toolbox!"

Lara looked around, trying to spot the differences since they had visited the cave in the past. "It looks quite similar to what we saw in the simulation."

Sam saw the rubble on the floor and the fallen pillars. "Yeah, if you ignore the 'after storm' look it has."

"It's amazing…" Katherine breathed out.

"Is your arm okay?" Lara asked her friend.

Katherine smiled at her. "Yes, thank you."

"Good," Lara smiled back. "Let's keep going."

"I can't believe I'm here…" Layla let out a happy sigh before looking at the women behind her. "Do you know how to power up this place?"

"There used to be beams of light pointing at the pyramid above us. Maybe that's how it was powered." Lara suggested.

"We need to find the switch then." Sam declared.

"I think I remember where it is." Katherine stepped forward. "You should push the button on the pillar behind you."

Layla turned around and stared at the rock that looked like a barbecue fork. She nodded to herself before jumping across to reach it. "Everything in order, then… open sesame." She pushed the button and the pyramid came to life, projecting symbols and a holographic map of the earth. "So much power. The nodes are interconnected in ways I couldn't imagine…" Her radio crackled alive.

"I'm recording everything, Layla." Alannah Ryans said. "You're going to be a hero for discovering this."

"Do you see the staff anywhere?" Victoria asked right after.

"Not yet, but there's more to explore. We'll find it." Layla responded. She looked at the pyramid in confusion. "The mechanism should be open, what's wrong?"

"Only three sides are illuminated, there should be four." The archaeologist pointed out.

"So a beam of light is missing." Layla nodded in understanding. "We just need to find the source of the light."

Lara looked up and raised her hand toward the alcove on the right wall. "It should come from here."

"Do you think it's the same mechanism we used to get in with Kassandra?" Sam asked.

"Probably, yes," Lara confirmed before looking at Layla. "I can go if you'd like."

Layla tilted her head. "Well, if you're offering."

Lara smiled before grabbing her pickaxes. "I'll try to be quick."

"Be careful," Sam told her as Lara climbed on the wall.

A few minutes later, the light shone on the pyramid. "It worked," Layla shouted happily. She looked around, waiting for a change, for the staff to appear or a secret safe to open but there was nothing. "Where is it?" She sighed, downcast, sitting on a rock.

Lara joined them back and noticed Layla's mood. "What happened?"

Sam shrugged. "Nothing."

They stayed silent for a moment, until they heard a noise coming from the back of the cave, followed by a voice.

"True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing." A man appeared in front of them. "A good friend of my sister said once."

Layla stood up and stared at the man like she was seeing a ghost. "Impossible, Alexios?"

"Kassandra's brother?" It was the last thing Lara had expected when they arrived in the cave. Kassandra had mentioned her brother a few times but she hadn't pictured him like that. He shared some physical traits with his sister but without the goddess-like aura Kassandra always exuded.

"How can he be alive?" Sam whispered. She could see the staff in his hand and realized it was probably one of its powers that Kassandra had refused to mention. It made sense since Pythagoras was also supposed to be dead.

"I can't believe it…" Katherine breathed out.

"I've been searching for you! But you can't…" Layla kept talking to Alexios, ignoring the women's comments.

"You weren't really looking for me, were you?" Alexios chuckled.

Layla smiled. "It worked, the Isu artifact, the staff of Hermes. It kept you alive. But why isn't Kassandra here?"

Alexios nodded. "You must have so many questions."

"I have one, do you know who I am?" Katherine stepped in front of him, not letting Layla the time to talk. "My name is Katherine Makris, my parents… I mean, Kassandra is one of my ancestors, you… we are family…" She said, her voice breaking.

"Katherine…" Alexios smiled slowly. "My child, you have her eyes…" He raised his hand and softly touched her cheek.

"I've been looking for my heritage for so long, a purpose… How can you be here? What happened to Kassandra?" Katherine questioned.

"Kassandra saved me and to repay her, I decided to carry her burden. It would be too long to explain, be I can show you." Alexios lifted the staff toward the pyramid and suddenly, a holographic memory played in front of them.

XXXXX

'Kassandra and Alexios were in the same place as they were, clearly having a heated conversation about the staff.

"Are you sure about this?" Alexios questioned.

"No..." Kassandra sighed. "I feel torn between what I want and what I feel is my duty. I don't want to be like Pythagoras, I don't want to live forever and watch everyone I love die."

"I can protect the staff and you can live your life, you deserve it." Alexios declared. "I know you only let me live for mater's sake but I can be useful."

"It's not true, you are still my brother and I love you, Alexios. That's why I can't let you do this, I don't want that for you."

"What do you want then?" Alexios asked. "For yourself, I mean."

"I… I think I want to build a family, be happy. I feel like I have sacrificed enough already but it wouldn't be fair of me to put that burden on you. I'm your big sister, I'm supposed to protect you."

Alexios put his hand on his sister's shoulder and squeezed it. "You did so it's my turn now. I'll keep the staff for the Heir. You told me everything there is to know and we have the same blood, I don't see why it wouldn't work."

Kassandra pulled away. "It's not that simple, I have a destiny."

"Fuck destiny." Alexios barked. "The oracles lied, they made me believe my family abandoned me when you and mater tried to fight for me."

"Pythagoras said…" Kassandra started.

"Pythagoras has lost his mind!" Alexios cut her off.

"Alexios…"

"I want to pay for my sins. I want to be a better man, someone you and mater can be proud of. I can do it and you can carry on with your life." Alexios insisted.

"I am so tired…" Kassandra sighed again. "I used to think I would never settle down, but after so many years of running and so many lost friends, that's all I can think about. I still want to be a misthios but no more prophecies, no more secret groups. I just want a place to call home… But it's a silly thought, people like us don't live long enough to…."

"What is he doing here?" Pythagoras inquired, coming out of the shadow.

"I want to protect the staff, let me take Kassandra's place," Alexios stated.

Pythagoras shook his head. "You are not worthy, boy."

"I'm not as good as my sister, and never will be, but all I'm asking is a chance to prove my worth," Alexios argued.

"Alexios, I said no. This isn't your fight!" Kassandra jumped in. "Pythagoras, I'm here to seal Atlantis."

"You shouldn't have brought him here." Pythagoras stared at his daughter disapprovingly. "He's an enemy."

"Not anymore, he's redeemed himself and will continue to do so." Kassandra defended him.

"Let her find her own path, I can take care of the staff." Alexios insisted once again.

"Humanity's fate will be decided by the choices you make and I do not trust you to choose wisely." Pythagoras retorted.

"I understand what's at stake." Alexios looked at his sister. "Kassandra, do you trust me?"

"Of course," Kassandra answered right away. Since he had seen the light, her brother had been nothing but good. A good son, a good brother, a good friend to Phoibe and the others. Even when he was met by anger and distrust, he had tried to help the community, tried to be a better man.

Alexios nodded, grateful. "Do you believe I will make the right choices?"

"I… I think so yes, but it's not about you! It's about me and my destiny."

Alexios smiled at her. "Then I will make you proud, I promise…" In a swift motion, he pushed Pythagoras, catching the old man off guard and took the staff.

"What have you done?" Pythagoras cried. "It wasn't supposed to be this way…" He looked desperately at Kassandra before the light came out of his eyes.

"Pythagoras!" Kassandra rushed at his side.'

XXXXX

The hologram disappeared. "Kassandra was angry at first, she wanted more for me and felt guilty but in the end, she just embraced her freedom. She spent a lot of time with Phoibe and mater. I don't think she ever forgave Nikolaos for what happened, at least not completely, but he never questioned her… lifestyle, as you would call it nowadays, so it was good enough. We were a family again. Kassandra made sure I was alright and after a while, she asked Kyra for a second chance. They used Isu technology to have a child, which explains why you are here." Alexios proudly smiled at Katherine. "They settled in a remote place to be left alone. It wasn't always easy. My sister took good care of Kyra while she was pregnant. I loved that woman, she always kept Kassandra on her toes." He shook his head fondly. "But once their little girl could walk, Kassandra couldn't ignore the call of the sea anymore. Despite everything, my sister couldn't stay too long in one place but they compromised, and she always came home." He cleared his throat. "My niece was precious too, even my ass of stepbrother liked her and it says something. She was our hope, the new generation that would have a chance to grow up without the weight of our legacy, unlike my own child… Kassandra made sure of that, and you know her, she's stubborn." He laughed before smiling sadly. "I miss them so much…"

Katherine managed a watery laugh. "Was she happy?"

Alexios paused for a moment, thinking about his answer. "I think she was, yes."

"I'm glad to know she found peace," Sam said, leaning against Lara with a soft smile on her face.

Alexios turned toward the couple. "You must be Lara and Sam, right?"

Lara frowned. "How do you know?"

"My sister told me about her friends from the future. How they taught her there was more in life than just surviving. I think it helped her make peace with her choices. If she hadn't met you, there's a big chance she would be standing in front of you right now. So… thank you." He offered his hand.

"I'm sure it wasn't easy so thank you." Sam took his hand and pulled him closer for a hug, bringing Lara with her. "Too bad we couldn't say goodbye to her."

"I don't regret anything." Alexios broke the embrace. "I think I can help you with that. After more than 2000 years, I've discovered some tricks. See it as a parting gift." He tapped the Caduceus on the floor and suddenly, a light split the cave in two.

Once they were not blinded by the light anymore, they saw the water curtain in front of them. It was like a window between the past and the present. They looked more closely and noticed Kassandra talking to her brother who was mirroring the same posture as present Alexios.

"The Isu technology made it possible for her to remember you two, I don't know how but be grateful. The spell won't last long so hurry. Katherine, I'm sorry but she can't see you, she isn't with Kyra yet and I don't want to influence her choices…" Alexios apologized.

Katherine nodded. "I understand…"

"What is going on?" They heard Kassandra asked.

"Kassie, it's you!" Sam exclaimed gleefully.

Kassandra stared at her in surprise. "Prinkipissa?"

"Hi!" Lara waved.

Kassandra's eyes grew wider. "Lara!" Her hand hovered close to the water curtain. "You left so abruptly and I worried for so long."

"Sorry, we were able to leave the simulation, the… uh, the Heir of memories helped us. She was the voice Sam heard before entering the cave." Lara tried to explain.

"How can I talk to you right now then?" The misthios questioned.

"It's the staff. It's safe here in the future," Lara assured her. "You don't have to worry anymore."

"You did it." Kassandra laughed in relief.

"Well, it was a team effort." Lara glanced at Layla and Katherine. "But yes."

Kassandra smiled gratefully. "I'm glad to hear it. Thank you!"

"We don't have much time," Sam declared. "We just wanted to say goodbye and to wish you and your family the best."

"Thank you, you are good friends," Kassandra said wholeheartedly.

Sam smiled at her. "We'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too. May the fates be with you and may Artemis guide your bow." Kassandra put her hand on the invisible barrier. "Chaire."

Sam and Lara put their joined hands on the water curtain, just where Kassandra's was. "Chaire." Then, the curtain disappeared. Sam wiped her tears away and held her wife close.

Lara nodded at Alexios. "Thank you."

Alexios nodded back before joining Layla. "I think you want this." He handed the Caduceus to Layla, keeping his hand on it even after the woman had grabbed it. "Listen to me, Order, Chaos, if either triumphs alone, the world dies. I tried to bring an end to chaos and it has only led to ruin."

"I used to assist order, now I fight for choice, freedom, chaos," Layla assured him.

"Pythagoras and my sister were right, you are the key to the prophecy." Alexios declared. "You will restore the balance, Layla."

"If I am your collateral descendant, why can't I do it?" Katherine asked.

"I have fought in too many wars. I have seen too many people die. I have traveled from one end of the Earth to the other. I do not wish that fate for you, Kassandra wouldn't either." Alexios replied. "The staff belongs to Layla. But you, my child, you have your freedom, you can choose your fate, like my sister did. Live on for us and be happy."

Katherine sniffled. "I'll try." She hugged him.

Once Katherine stepped away, Alexios focused back on Layla. "Promise me one thing, when you're done, destroy it, destroy them all." He let go of the staff. "I hope two millennia of good actions were enough." His hair turned grey before he fell. Katherine quickly gathered him in her arms.

Alexios groaned as he felt life leave his body. "I am honored to have met you."

"Me too." Katherine kissed his forehead, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Alexios smiled. "Gea, Mater pandos, chaire…"

Lara, Sam, and Katherine were back on the boat while Layla was still exploring the cave.

"What are you going to do now?" Katherine asked the couple.

"We definitely need a few days off after this," Sam exclaimed, finally feeling the exhaustion of the past few days. "We're going to stay in Greece a bit longer."

"What about you?" Lara questioned.

"I talked to Layla and Kiyoshi, they said I could join the Assassins and help," Katherine told them with a hint of pride. "I've been looking for a purpose for so long, and I think this is it."

"Is it wise? I mean, it looks pretty dangerous." Sam answered.

Katherine smirked. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you care about me, Samantha."

"Shut up!" Sam snorted. "I guess, like an annoying distant relative, you've grown on me a bit."

"The feeling is mutual." Katherine chuckled.

"Sam is right, though, it could be dangerous." After seeing what the Templars could do, Lara couldn't help but worry about her friend.

"I appreciate your concern, really but I want to do it." Katherine smiled. "I won't go on the field. If I've learned anything from our journey, it's that I'm far from having your skills, Lara. I mean, you're amazing, but I can help them with their research."

"Okay, okay, back off, Makris, she's taken," Sam said as they all laughed.

Lara turned serious. "Come to see us when you're back in London."

"I will," Katherine promised.

"I can bring you back to the shore if you'd like." Kiyoshi offered.

"Yes!" Sam exclaimed. "Thank you."

Lara looked at her with amusement. "Someone seems eager."

"Sweetie, we have a room with a Jacuzzi waiting for us, who wouldn't be?" Sam smiled.

Lara laughed, kissing her wife's cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too."

********NOTES*******

- While visiting Mykonos last summer, I found a shop called Makris, and I thought it was a sign that I chose the name well for Kassandra's descendant!

- Regarding Odyssey, I didn't like the staff part. I know it was to connect the story with the franchise and the Assassins but yeah, not a fan of Kassandra sacrificing herself once again. And don't even get me started with the DLCs, if you have an animus that can access memories of people just with their DNA, why do you need to have a baby for the bloodline and a keeper that is immortal? The staff could have been hidden or given to someone else later one without the "Immortality" part. I don't know, I just didn't like it. I think what makes Kassandra's journey so great is that despite everything, she's human (with enhanced strength and coming from a long line of warriors, since Leonidas thought he was a descendant of Herakles, but still human). When she slowly turned into some half Isu goddess, it takes away the charm.

- The videos I watched of the Atlantis dlc also made me questioned Layla and the whole keeper and heir of memories concept. The whole story is full of simulation in a simulation like it's Inception or something. Layla kinda turned into a psycho and it looked like she was not so deserving of the staff after all, so I thought you know what, I'm gonna make my own ending, and let Alexios live so he can pay for his sins, since apparently, the staff can't fall into the "wrong hands" is a very large and lenient concept and give Kassandra all the love she deserves.