Chapter Eighty: This Isn't Time for Games

True to his word, Desmond did know the way to Masyaf. The journey to the place had been rather straightforward. Familiar hills, landmarks, and trees came into view, and Connie felt a sense of calm as the journey continued. While in the beginning this time period had scared her, it now brought a sense of familiarity she couldn't ignore.

Traveling these familiar roads without Altair left a pang in her heart however.

They had decided they would not make camp and instead take breaks as they headed straight to the Assassin's castle. They didn't know where Vidic and his men were, and they didn't want to find out or take any risks. Vidic was definitely out for blood now.

They had discussed his possible moves, and they all agreed that he would be coming after them.

They had to assume the worst after all, that they would be followed and captured. Vidic did out number them, and Connie wasn't confident they could take them on. Perhaps only in an ambush…?

At this point the sun had finished rising and they had been riding for a few hours. Desmond had guessed that they'd be at Masyaf by midday, so she guessed he meant in a couple more hours.

Both Lucy and Desmond seemed to be doing much better now that the sedative left their system. Connie was really glad she was able to avoid that, as their situation would have been much worse when trying to escape.

Abstergo didn't hold back, that was for sure.

The trio had been bouncing ideas off each other the past couple hours of what Vidic may do. Lucy knew him the best, so Connie took all of what she suggested into consideration. They would have to wait and see what he'd do in the end though; they could only plan on their end.

Connie had tried to talk to her necklace, but it did not answer. She supposed it either had nothing to say, or was resting. She was sure it had taken a lot to bring them all to the past. And while Connie may have had questions, especially as to why it changed its mind about coming to the past. She would have to wait for those answers it seemed.

From what it had told her in her dream like state, there was an enemy in the future that was much worse than the past. She had never seen the necklace act so nervous… or maybe it had been scared? Either way, she hoped it woke up soon so she could find out some answers.

It wasn't long until they were before their destination. Masyaf castle looked ominous in the distance, and Connie could feel herself gulp. This place was filled with many memories for her now, some good and some bad. She had experienced death here after all, and to be back without Altair at her side made her feel anxious.

Her memories of Altair telling her he would never leave her side resurfaced like a distant memory. Those words to her had made her feel so safe and secure, it was hard to be back here without him. She had to remind herself that she had come here in the hopes of finding him once more.

Time didn't separate them anymore, they just had to find each other.

They made their way into the market and village section before leaving their horses at the stable nearby. They did so quickly before heading to a street with no one around.

They were still in their modern clothes, and though they had only received odd looks so far, they knew they shouldn't stick around in plain view. They would stick to the shadows as they headed through the city.

"So how are we gonna pull this off without being seen?" questioned Connie as they took cover in an empty street. It was times like this Connie was glad Masyaf wasn't a busy place like many of the other cities she had gone to.

Desmond only gave her a look, before focusing on their surroundings once more.

"I know of a hidden path that could get us in unseen," answered Desmond, smirking back at her with narrowed eyes for her lack of faith.

"Well that's a little convenient," joked Connie. There's no way it would be that easy. She was almost sure she'd have to kill a few people to get to Altair's Master. Did assassins not think they could also get assassinated?

"It's not known to many, but since I have Altair's memories I know of it." Desmond replied, moving along through the city still. He was leading the way for both Lucy and Connie.

"I don't think that will be enough to get us through the castle safely." Said Lucy, bringing her hand to her lips in thought.

"We should change into assassin's robes as well, we'll hide in plain sight after all." Finished Lucy, turning to Desmond.

"Right, let me knock out a few fellow assassins then," he said with a laugh. There was a sparkle in his eyes as he said so, smiling brightly at Lucy.

They were close to the main gate entrance of the castle then. It was the gate that led into the training area of their headquarters, which in turn lead to the actual castle's entrance. Both had assassins guarding them.

"So should we just wait here?" asked Connie in wonder, it felt like she was in a classic spy movie with this talk.

Desmond only nodded. There was no need for them all to go with him, he could move much easier by himself. In fact, stunts like this were nothing to him now. Ezio had taught him quite a bit after all.

As Connie watched Desmond sneak off to do his objective, her attention was drawn to the main gate entrance again.

She couldn't see much past the gate, but she could hear the loud noises of men training in the rink. There was probably quite a few men in there, would everything really work out?

Connie readjusted the rifle she had on her back as the strap became uncomfortable. While it was heavy after so long, it was a welcome weight. It was a weapon she could actually use well after all.

Lucy and Connie were hiding in the shadows of a tree behind a cart of hay as they waited for Desmond. While they were not completely hidden, someone passing by would have to really pay attention to notice them.

"Do you think this will work?" asked Connie suddenly. She couldn't keep her worry to herself after all.

"With the three of us, there shouldn't be any problems." Said Lucy, turning to Connie with a serious look. She seemed so calm and sure, Connie felt she had been worrying for nothing.

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It felt like forever waiting for Desmond. While they were in the shade of a tree, the hot weather continued to assault them. Connie could feel her sweat trickle down her back and she couldn't help but shudder. This was indeed an uncomfortable problem for a modern person accustomed to AC.

Connie wasn't sure how long they had waited, but by the time Desmond came back it felt like it had been a while and she felt gross.

Wiping the sweat from her brow again, Connie and Lucy got up to meet Desmond. He had already changed himself into a pair of robes, and he was carrying similar robes with him.

"It took a bit longer than I thought, but I found robes that should fit you ladies." He said, walking confidently over to the two.

Connie guessed he didn't feel the need to be sneaky since he fit right in.

"Did anything happen?" asked Lucy, taking the robes offered to her.

"Nothing I couldn't handle of course," he replied, smirking at the look she gave him.

"Desmond this is serious, there's no do overs here." She said sternly, but Connie could recognize the twinkle in her eyes. She was just worried for him.

"I know, I know." Responded Desmond, handing Connie the other robes now.

They decided they needed to find a more secluded spot so they could change, and they quickly made their way to do so. They made their way to an alley with a dead end, and Desmond stood at the entrance waiting for them to finish with his back turned.

He had joked that he wouldn't look, and Connie and Lucy just shook their head at him as they quickly changed.

Connie was adjusting her belts to make it more comfortable, before putting her rifle back on her shoulder. She also put her supply bag back on quickly, hiding it under the layers of her robes.

The robes she was wearing were all white with grey accents. She also had a red sash, which was customary of most of the assassin's robes. All three of them had similar robes, but Desmond had more belts, much like Altair did she realized.

When Connie was finished, she looked up and noticed that Lucy had already finished and was walking over to Desmond. Following after her, Connie picked up her pace. It was time for their operation to begin, and the thought made her laugh.

"Here, it goes like this," said Desmond suddenly, reaching for Lucy's robes. Connie didn't notice at first, but Lucy had tied some of her robe and sash wrong, and Desmond quickly got to fixing it. Bringing his hands to her waist as he bent to fix it.

Tilting her head, she noticed the light blush on Lucys face as Desmond bent to fix her robes. Hmmm, so it's like that huh? Thought Connie, smiling to herself as she walked over. By the time Desmond finished, Lucy had regained her composure and Desmond was none the wiser.

"Alright follow me." Said Desmond, waving with his hand to follow him as he left the alley.

Soon it would be dusk, so the trio made their way to the castle as quickly as they could.

While it was good to be cautious, they also needed to pick up their pace. There was no way to know what would happen from now on. They were on a mission they couldn't turn back on, and it was one with a future unknown.

They were going to change the past, and while Desmond and Lucy had assured Connie that there shouldn't be any issues, she wasn't so sure.

According to what they said, Altair's master would betray him, and Altair would kill him then. But that should not occur yet. Their logic was that they would speed up the timeline with his death, since it was going to happen soon either way. The only difference would be that Altair wouldn't be the one doing it.

How could something like this not have future repercussions?

They weren't going to change their plan now, it was too late, but that didn't mean it wouldn't worry her. But at the same time, she couldn't help the satisfied feeling she felt knowing she was helping Altair.

She didn't like how Altair was used in such a way, according to Lucy and Desmond, and that was one of her main driving forces for this plan.

Whatever fate had in store for them after the fact, Connie would face it with all her strength.

It was true that Desmond knew of a secret way in. Before long, they were in the main castle. While it didn't led them right to Altair's master, it still brought them close enough to get there themselves.

The halls of the castle were mostly empty. And Connie had no idea where they were inside, so she left Desmond to lead the way. She couldn't even remember how many times she had gotten lost in this place. It all looked the same to her.

Suddenly the trio heard a noise down the hall, and Connie stiffened. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she followed after Desmond when he began to walk again. They were in disguise after all, so they just had to act calmly and naturally. They had their hoods up, so their faces were mostly covered as well.

Thankfully it was only one man, and he paid them no mind whatsoever. It was almost comical how easily they blended in.

As they made their way forward, they passed many people, and none questioned them or even paid them mind besides the odd nod in greeting. To which they would simply nod back in respect.

Soon Connie began to notice that they were close to the main library where Al Mualim usually stayed.

She could feel her heart begin to pump faster as the plan was coming to fruition. Was the sweat on her brow from nervousness? Or was it the heat?

Suddenly Desmond stopped and brought them to a corner of the library. He had a serious look in his eyes and casually picked up a book and motioned to them.

Even though he was looking at the book, his words had nothing to do with it.

"There's two scholars, and two guards at the entrance. Should we take them out?" he asked simply, flipping a page in the book. It was incredible how easily he scoped the place, was it his eagle vision? He did it so nonchalant.

No one seemed to be paying them any mind too.

"We probably won't be able to do so discreetly," continued Lucy, bringing her hand to her chin in thought.

Connie took a brief look around the room, eyes being drawn to Al Mualim on the upper floor. He was alone up there, and while there were assassins here for his assistance, they weren't by his side.

"What if we just walk up there and threaten him?" Connie asked simply, pointing out the fact he was alone up there.

Desmond shook his head.

"No, he could easily call people to his side."

"Not to mention, if we plan to threaten him with the rifle, he won't know what it is right away. He'll brush us off." Added Lucy, eyes on the gun Connie had. She didn't hide it, and they had thought there was no need since no one could possibly know what it actually was.

"Okay what if we threaten him, and if he calls for his men, I can shoot one of them… he'd know then right?" asked Connie with a laugh. She was sure the men who came would be too shocked to do much.

Lucy and Desmond stared at her for a moment as she spoke her straight forward and blunt plan. 'Well that's one way to do it'.

"…That could work," thought Lucy. "However that's going to attract a lot of attention."

"We'll just have to be quick then," said Desmond pulling out a few daggers he had on his belt.

"Alright… let's do this," Said Connie.

With quick nod between them, they casually started walking towards the stair before making their way up. Connie could feel her body burning, whether that was adrenaline or not, she tried not to think of it.

There footsteps up the stairs had caught the attention of Al Mualim, who looked up from his book with narrowed eyes.

"Is there an issue?" he asked coldly, shutting his book from behind his desk.

The trio were at the top of the stairs then, and none of them had removed their hood yet. Connie could clearly see how annoyed he was at that. It was a sign of disrespect after all.

Connie could see him trying to gauge who they were, and with a small laugh Connie answered him. All her nervousness gone.

"There will be," she said simply, before she pulled her hood back. She didn't mean for it to be dramatic, but the hard look he gave her as he recognized her made it so.

"You…" he said slowly, a frown coming to his lips. "This is unexpected."

His eyes that had been focused on Connie quickly looked to the two behind her, both of which still had their hood up. But Al Mualim's eyes landed on Desmond.

"Altair? I thought she disappeared?" he asked Desmond, eyes narrowed at his insolence for allowing Connie to speak to him in such a way. Desmond only chuckled at his misidentification, deciding not to answer him.

Connie walked forward suddenly to grab his attention before he could spout more nonsense.

"Where is Altair?" she asked simply, pulling the rifle from her back. His eyes only narrowed further.

"What nonsense are you saying, step aside." He spoke, the authority in his voice sending shivers. Connie would not be dissuaded however.

"Do you know what this does?" she asked, smirking for she already knew he didn't.

"No, care to enlighten me with your useless batter once more?" he said with a sneer.

He knew of her origins, so he decided to listen to her for a moment. The object in her hands was interesting. He couldn't understand why she would be asking about Altair, when he was just behind her.

"Of course you wouldn't know, you ignorant fool." She said, before she brought it to her shoulder and flicked the safety off. She didn't realise it would feel so good to talk back to Altair's master, especially since she had once agonized with meeting him.

He realised that she had taken a threatening pose, and he narrowed his eyes before he called for the assassins below. Connie allowed him.

"You will regret your insolence." He spoke simply, crossing his arms from his safe distance behind his desk.

He didn't know that distance was not an issue.

Connie turned quickly to the sound of footsteps running to the stairs and she quickly took aim at one of them before shooting him. The loud shot shocked some of them, and they froze as they watched their comrade fall to the floor, blood oozing from his neck as he struggled on the floor.

She couldn't say she was used to the sight.

In the moment of shock, Desmond quickly threw a few daggers as he descended the stairs before finishing off the few men. Lucy had stayed at Connie's side, watching her back.

The room feel into silence as Connie slowly turned back to Al Mualim, a smirk on her face as she saw his shock. She used the bolt action on the rifle to bring the next bullet into the chamber. The sound reverberated through the silent room.

He cringed at the sound and sneered at her, quickly coming to understand his situation.

"Impressive, but unwise. Men will be coming to find out what happened." Al Mualim simply said, determined to not show any fear.

"You think I care?" she said as she stalked forward, gun pointing right at him.

"If you or they try anything I will shoot you through your head. And you will be no more," as she said so, she aimed the barrel in the direction of his head.

"….They will not know that." He said slowly, eyes focused solely on Connie. He felt he couldn't even blink.

"I'll demonstrate on you if they try," she retorted.

"Confident words for someone in your predicament..."

"Stop with the useless talk and answer me, I won't ask again."

He was silent. Whether he was waiting for more men to come, Connie wasn't sure, but she wouldn't wait for that.

Taking aim to the left of his head she took a shot. The books on the shelf flew from the force of the shot, and landed on the floor, papers flying. When Al Mualim flinched from the sound, he took a look and his eyes widened as he realized the power of her weapon up close. He gulped, watching as she moved the bolt action to reload.

"He went to Jerusalem..." he said in a weak voice, eyes dark as he looked at Connie. He should have killed her when he first saw her, he realized his mistake now.

"When they hear of this, they will come for you." He said afterwards, words cryptic. Connie realized he must think they were going to let him live…

They weren't going to leave any loose ends though. They had decided that from the start.

"Thank you, and I'll keep that in mind," was all she said as she slowly brought her fingers to the trigger. When he saw her readjust her aim, he seemed to understand she wasn't going to let him go. His eyes were wide in shock as she pulled the trigger, and she watched as the light left them.

Taking a deep breath, she turned to her party and pulled her hood back up.

"I hope we don't regret this." She said suddenly, watching as Desmond quickly ran up the stairs. He had been waiting on the ground floor in case anyone had come.

"We'll have to wait and see," stated Lucy, following after Desmond as he went to one of the bookshelves.

"Should we?" asked Desmond when he saw Lucy follow him. He had a strange look in his eyes.

"Yes, we better," was Lucy's quick reply.

Connie cocked her head at the two who were rifling through Al Mualim's possessions, completely ignoring his dead body.

"What are you guys…?" Connie asked simply, watching them open a few boxes and clear shelves.

"Found it!" said Desmond suddenly, and he pulled a golden orb out of a small ornate box.

"What?" Connie couldn't help but ask once more, they had to get out of here now. Her eyes were glued to the orb however, she had a strange feeling.

"No time for explanations, we gotta move, I'll explain latter." As Desmond was speaking, he tucked the orb into his robes before quickly running to the stairs.

Connie and Lucy quickly followed after him.

For some reason luck was on their side, and by the time they had left the library, more assassins had still not come. Was Al Mualim bluffing? That couldn't be, surly people would be curious about the noise?

Even so, Connie focused on their current mission, and that was to get to a safe spot. They took the way they came back, and soon they were out and finding cover.

It wasn't until they were almost out of the castle that they had heard loud shouting and the sound of bells in warning. But they wouldn't find them at this point. They were too far gone.

Hadn't this gone a little too smoothly?

AN: Hello, thank you for reading.

Write me if you liked the chapter! Comments are adored and much appreciated! :)