Assassin’s Creed: Friendship is Sacred
Chapter 6: One with the Order
Prisoner escape at the Bastille fortress…
This was what Gabriel Robert was informed of this morning during reports from the local guards. He didn’t believe that it was possible. The Bastille was possibly one of the most heavily-defended fortresses in the French Empire, guarded by dozens of soldiers. The massive height and stone bricks certainly made it impossible to escape. Prisoner escapes weren’t at all common. Those that attempted it wouldn’t get far before being captured or killed. It truly lived up to its global reputation as an impenetrable fortress.
He asked who it was that managed to pull it off. His reaction was a mix of shock and disbelief after discovering that it was that young Assassin girl he captured yesterday; the same that he was planning to execute this very afternoon.
He wasn’t sure the Assassins would go for something as dangerous as this. It was a fact now that he underestimated them and their willingness to oppose him and his Templar brothers’ influence over France and its territories. With the help of informants and spies, he knew the locations of every Assassin camp in the country. After the damage they suffered over the years, one well-coordinated attack would be more than enough to eliminate their presence in the country. It was an operation he planned for three years, but now he could not see an opportunity—not as long as they had possession of an Element of Eden.
As much he disliked it, he’d have to let them roam free—at least for now until he could find a way to separate them from the Element. Right now, he needed focus on another task at hand. King Francis was tipped off about a potential dissidence that he wanted Gabriel to take care of. As the personal advisor, it was his duty to obey the Crown on any orders given. After all, keeping the royal family in power and out of harm’s way was much more important to the Templars if they wanted to keep influence over France. A Templar-controlled King meant they had unlimited access to everything in the Empire.
“Sir!” Daniel approached him, handing him an envelope. It had the familiar seal wrapped around it. “It’s from the Order.”
Gabriel opened it and read the contents of the letter. It seems the Templar Grand Master had finally received his notice on the Element.
We were very surprised by your report.
The Elements of Eden were thought to be an old rumour started out of context; nothing more than a mere legend. It’s an amazing opportunity that you’ve found it, and in Paris of all places! As one of our top Master Templar, we trust that you’ll be capable enough to retrieve it as you’ve done so many times before.
This could be our only absolute way of being rid of the Assassins for good. Do not let us down.
May the Father of Understanding Guide Us
“Things may have just gotten a bit more difficult for me,” said Gabriel, though he knew it was just business as usual. Aside from being King Francis’ personal adviser, he was in charge of the French Templars, so it was his job to monitor and oversee everything that went on within the country—both concerning important civil matters as well his high membership within the Templar Order.
“What should we do?” asked Daniel.
“The only thing we’re able to do: Wait until the Assassins leave themselves open, and then strike. And after we have the first Element of Eden, locating the other five should be no problem at all.” He motioned Daniel to follow, “Right now, I’ve more important matters the King wants me to see to. I am leaving you in charge of the city guards while I’m gone. Keep tabs on the Assassins, and mark every single move they decide to make. I want detailed reports when I return.”
“As you wish, sir.”
Everything had been quiet since the prison break. The Parisian city guards were back to their usual posts, making sure nothing horrible happened to the people of France. Benoit and Volodya, as well as a few others from the Bureau, had gone out to try and lower the girls’ notoriety, and they noticed the patrols were tightened as they were on the lookout for the six Bastille escapees. The prison break wasn't revealed to the public as to keep prestige of the fortress intact, but this also served to make the French people a bit suspicious of their behavior.
Twilight and her friends couldn’t leave the Bureau under any circumstances the under risk of being recognised by an informant. They were virtually forced into hiding temporarily, though it would not be for nothing. However, the former unicorn saw an opportunity to try and learn more on the Assassins and Templars, becoming more curious about their origins as time passed.
She scanned carefully through the shelves in the Bureau’s library, trying to find one book that would help her. She was sure they had one in here; she just needed to figure out which one it would be.
“Is there anything I can help you find, Miss Twilight?” She turned to see Adeline standing in the doorway. The apprentice had been promoted following her actions in making sure the girls weren’t captured by the Templars. “I never had the chance to properly thank you for rescuing me from the Bastille.”
“It’s the least we could do after what you did for us,” said Twilight, “We couldn’t leave you alone in here. And to answer your question, I’m searching for anything that could give me a history on the Assassins. But there seems to be just one problem I’m facing.”
“And that would be…?”
“I can’t read a single word on any of these.” It was true. Much of the books that graced the library were written in French, with some from Spain and Portugal, to those as far as east as China, Mongolia, and Vietnam. What intrigued Twilight was the large variety of languages the human world seemed to possess. The girls could only read Equestrian, which in this world was called English.
Adeline took a book from the shelf and opened it. “This one might be enough to help you with your search.”
“Thanks so much!” Twilight smiled. She could finally get a better clue on the war between the Assassins and Templars; and as an added bonus, maybe she’d find a good section that would tell her about the Pieces of Eden. Out of excitement, she grabbed the book from Adeline—right before handing it back. “Could you read some of it, please?”
Adeline took the book in her hands and started flipping backwards through the pages. “This book dates back as far as the Third Crusades—over four hundred years ago.” She stopped at a page that showed an Assassin insignia, but this one having a tiny cube placed at the center. “The first recorded branch that we know of so far is the Levantine Assassins, a group that operated in Syria from a fortress called Masyaf.”
On the page, Twilight noticed a particular Assassin standing above the insignia. She had trouble pronouncing the name underneath the picture, but she figured this man must have been important in some way. “Who’s that?”
“That is Altair Ibn-La’Ahad,” said Adeline, “He used to be the Mentor of the Levantine Assassins before Masyaf fell to the Mongols. But before that happened, he made sure to spread the Order to other countries to oppose the Templars in every way possible. Every branch of the Brotherhood, and every skill we’ve ever learned, originated from them.”
This information she received was fascinating, especially learning about the very man that basically made the Order what it was today. This Altair guy must have been legendary to the Assassins. “Is there anything else you could tell me? Maybe on these Pieces of Eden?”
“I don’t know much about the artifacts, I apologise,” said Adeline, “All I know is that they have unimaginable powers that the Templars want. Gabriel Robert has possession of an Apple, and it’s proven difficult us since he has it; but when we retrieve the Ring, things will change. I’m sure of it.”
Meanwhile, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie were somewhat patiently waiting in the main cavern, virtually stuck hiding underground until the Assassins finally returned. They could not go outside under the risk of being spotted by a civilian informant. They still had the events of last night’s rescue mission fresh on their minds, along with the fact that they’d outright attacked French soldiers in the process.
Another Assassin walked into the cavern. His torso was heavily bandaged, and he was staggering with each step he took. He was still experiencing some pain from where the sword had stabbed him. The moment that Pinkie Pie saw him, she hurried over and wrapped her arms around his waist. “It’s about time you woke up, Sleepy-Head!”
A surge of pain shot through Francois from Pinkie’s hug, causing him to pry her from his waist. “Thank you for the kind gesture, Miss.” He noticed that she, as well as Fluttershy and Rarity, were donned in white robes, much too similar to his. “This is new. The girls we were assigned to protect have been welcomed into the Creed.”
“It happened after we rescued Adeline,” said Fluttershy.
Francois made his way over to her and Rarity. “At least now I know she’s safe. The Templars have a way with making sure escape is impossible for Assassins. The Bastille fortress is one such place. I’m surprised you weren’t caught.”
“We were,” Rarity explained, “until Rainbow and Pinkie knocked the guards unconscious. But that was only after we managed to free Adeline.” Her explanation drew up a small chuckle from the Assassin.
“Where are Miss Rainbow and Miss Applejack, anyway?”
“They said they were getting some fresh air. I hope they get back inside before they’re spotted.”
“You’re all safe now,” said Francois, “I doubt the Templars or King Francis will attack any time soon—not as long as we have the Element of Eden with us. But I have to ask: how did Equestria come across the artifacts? They’ve been lost since God knows how long, and every attempt to try and locate them has been futile. We’ve since regarded them as common myths.”
“Equestria’s had them for a while,” said Pinkie Pie, “I don’t know how long, but I can say we’ve had the Elements of Harmony for ages, even before Princesses Celestia and Luna.”
“They must be your leaders. People from Equestria have strange names.”
“You could say they’re nicknames,” said Fluttershy. Francois seemed to buy it. It did seem like a legitimate answer, after all. “And we have to ask, while we’re all here, why did you join the Assassins?”
Francois only shrugged. He never thought over why he really joined. “Desire for a cause greater than myself, I guess. Living life under King Francis’ reign isn’t an ideal one, especially when your ruler has been influenced by the Templars. I used to be nothing more than a thief, alongside Adeline. We were orphaned from the war between France and Italy and grew up on the streets, so most of what we did during our childhood was learning how to steal without getting caught.
“One day, we were cornered by guards when a heist went wrong. The only things we had to defend ourselves were tiny knives, while they had swords and spears at us. Just when we thought we were dead, out of the blue an Assassin comes along and rescues us. She told us about liberating France of the injustice the Templars were bringing and asked if we wanted to join. We’ve been fighting alongside the French branch for two years and we don’t plan on stopping until we’ve freed the country from the Templar Order.”
His story provided some positive mood for the girls. Francois was determined in making sure the Templars were defeated. “That’s incredible,” said Rainbow, “It makes me wonder how Benoit and Volodya were recruited.”
Francois shook his head lightly at that. He knew where the two Master Assassins really came from. “For them, it’s a whole different story,” he stated. The girls listened to what he had to say. “Unlike you and I, they weren’t given the luxury of choice. They were born into this. Their parents were Assassins, and as followed by the Creed, they were initiated upon birth and trained from an early age to fight Templars without hesitation.
“I don’t know how different things would have been if they weren’t born into the Creed. It’s no doubt they’ve been wondering this at times, as well. All they know is that they have a mission, and it’s to prevent the Templars from taking over. They don’t let personal matters get in their way.”
“They’re Assassins from birth?” Rarity thought he wasn’t being serious, but his expression told her otherwise. It was an unbelievable reality, but now she saw why Volodya considered her and her friends outsiders the first time.
“The same rule applies for Templars, as well,” Francois added, “Even though the two of us have been at each other’s throats for centuries, realities of the Pieces of Eden and what has happened throughout history can never go public. Nevertheless, both sides work in the dark, shaping the future of the world under everyone’s noses. History won’t know that we exist, but we have no real desire to be remembered. We think it’s better that way.”
The sun was beginning to go down, causing the sky to glow orange. Benoit and Volodya returned to the Bureau. Tearing away wanted posters and bribing and killing informants, they managed to ensure the girls wouldn't be noticed by the city guards. However, this still left the fact that the Templars knew where they were headquartered. They had to be on alert twenty-four seven due to the fact that there could be an attack when they least expected.
When they returned, they saw Applejack waiting outside the Bureau, leaning against the wall. “Welcome back, you two,” she greeted them.
“What are you doing out here?” asked Benoit.
“Me and R.D. just needed some fresh air. We ain’t used to staying underground like y’all.”
Volodya eyed her. “R.D.?”
“Rainbow Dash,” Applejack told him, “She’s over there.” She pointed towards her friend who was sitting on a bench, just relaxing in the sunset.
“Well, we did manage to lower your notoriety enough, but the guards are still on high alert from the prison break last night. I recommend not doing anything outrageous around them.”
“That should be easy,” said Benoit, “There isn’t anything we can do, aside from waiting for the others to return with the Ring.”
“I hope they can retrieve it this time. It’s been over a week since we sent them out.”
“They will. We’ve trained them well, after all. The only thing we can possibly do is await their return.” Benoit patted the Russian’s shoulder and headed back inside, followed by Applejack. Volodya, on the other hand, turned his attention to Rainbow Dash.
She seemed a bit upset. He went over and sat beside her. For a moment there was silence between them, until he finally broke it: “Homesick?”
“Kind of,” she replied, “I hate the fact that we’re stuck here. But as long as the Element of Magic’s in danger, we have no choice.” She knew they couldn’t just leave Paris while the Templars were waiting for the Element to present itself. It was too dangerous to outright leave with it. “I just miss everypony.”
“Everypony…?”
“Everybody,” Rainbow corrected herself.
“It’s a price,” said Volodya, “though once we have an opening, we’ll get you six out. And maybe then you’ll reach Italy so they can help you.”
“Can’t you guys escort us?”
“We can’t leave the country, especially in the state the French Assassins are in. I left Russia by order of our Mentor to help until they could get back on their feet. The Templars here have many Pieces of Eden with them so it would not be wise to let them operate unchecked. It’s the why we’d originally planned on getting you to Reims and then smuggling you east.”
“I guess I understand,” said Rainbow Dash.
Volodya thought about something for a moment before standing. He stretched his arms out and looked over at Rainbow. “What was one of the things you did back in Equestria?”
Rainbow Dash answered, “I did like to race a lot.”
The Russian nodded. “Da, then let’s have race.”
Rainbow Dash nearly broke into a fit of laughter upon hearing his suggestion. Had he really just challenged her to a race? “You can’t be serious, right? There’s no way you can beat me. I’m one of the fastest alive back home.”
“If so, then prove it,” replied Volodya; “unless you are coward.”
A smile appeared on Rainbow Dash’s face. She agreed. After spending nearly two weeks away from Equestria, it would be nice to have an old fashioned race to help get her mind off of things. She’d defeated countless ponies back home, and beating a human, as she saw, wouldn’t be any different.
Volodya pointed in one direction. “We’ll head for the town square. Just keep going that way until you reach a large fountain.”
Rainbow nodded. “Got it.” They got in the starting position. Dash glanced over at the Russian. He seemed determined. It wouldn’t make much of a difference. “On your mark; get set; GO!”
At that, they took off. Rainbow had the advantage; she was naturally fast, even when in a human body. Her endurance helped keep her from lagging, keeping her a large distance from her Russian competition. Volodya saw he was quickly falling behind, but he didn’t see it as much of a hassle. Assassins were trained to use anything they could to their advantage, including the rooftops.
Rainbow could see a fountain further down the street. That must’ve have been the town square where the end was. It wouldn’t be long now. She took a quick glance behind her to see how Volodya was doing, except when she did, he was no longer there. Where had he gone to?
She then noticed, out of the corner of her eye, something, or someone moving along the rooftops. She could barely believe her own eyes. It was Volodya; she recognised him from his robes, but she tried to decipher how he managed to get up there in the first place. He jumped and leapt through the air with ease as he headed for the fountain.
Rainbow shifted her attention back to the front in time to see herself running into a crowd. It was quite troublesome trying to get through with the amount of people going the opposite direction. She nearly tripped several times as she shoved her way through the crowd before she was finally free, though she was exhausted as she staggered over to the end.
She saw that Volodya had made it there, first; he was sitting on the edge of the fountain. Rainbow paid him no mind as she went over and dumped her head in the water, taking a huge gulp before reemerging. Volodya stood and gave her a pat on the back. He had to admit, she was fast. He never would have won if he hadn’t used the rooftops.
After a few minutes, the two began making their way back for the Bureau. The race had taken a lot out of Rainbow. She wasn’t a pegasus, anymore, so there was no way her endurance and stamina would last very long, especially when she had no wings. She looked up at the rooftops again in curiosity. “How’d you manage to get up there so quick?” she asked Volodya.
“It’s a skill I learned when I was young. They’re easier to access and provide a more efficient mode of travel, so while the guards are busy pushing their way through a busy crowd, I make a clean getaway. Sometimes they follow me, but their armour always slows them down." He laughed for a bit. "Now that you and your friends are part of the Brotherhood, you’ll have a chance to learn it, as well as many other vital techniques.”
Rainbow Dash acknowledged what he said. Going up on the buildings did seem like a better way to avoid someone chasing you. She realised how truly useful it was to the Assassins. Volodya noticed two more Assassins running down the street towards him and Rainbow. One was holding a small jewelry chest in his hand. Upon approaching, one said, with excitement: “Master, we have it!”