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Description
February 7, 2016; Indianapolis, Indiana

Ava mostly stayed in her room the next couple weeks. She came out every now and then to get a bite to eat or chat with her friends a bit, but she mostly just kept to herself. Ruby's little speech certainly helped her out, but she was still feeling terrible about that night. The impact it had on her still had her shaken up. So she kept to her room. Most of the time growing up, one of the best treatments she could give herself in times like these was to just give herself some alone time to think and reflect and reason her way out of these funks.

She had gathered up a stack of random books from the hideout library and took to reading them all. Most of them were about the Assassin-Templar War throughout human history. For some reason it felt soothing to her, learning this whole new layer to the world. She always did enjoy history class, even if she didn't do great on all the tests. She liked stories, and these books seemed to show her just what an adventurous story that the world around her really was.

Two books in particular peaked her interest. Not only did they give her mind something else to focus on other than… that night, they also gave her a bit of philosophy to ponder over. One was La Crociata Segreta by Niccolò Polo, father of Marco Polo himself, both of whom she was surprised to learn were lifelong members of the Assassins. As said before, a whole new layer of history was opening up to her. The book was essentially a biography of that one legendary Assassin that Ruby had mentioned, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad. It talked about how he lost his father and best friend, how he became an arrogant jerk, how he was sent on a mission of redemption and found his way while liberating the Holy Land from the Templars, and how he rose and fell and rose again as one of the greatest Mentors that the Brotherhood had ever seen. It was an interesting story about an interesting man, and she quite enjoyed it. Especially when coupled with the other book she picked up, a transcription of Altaïr’s Codex. It was essentially a compilation of the Mentor’s thoughts and philosophies on the nature of reality, mankind, and everything else. Good food for thought.

She started getting into other historical journals and accounts that she found in the library. She found stories about so many heroes from Assassin history. Ezio Auditore, Edward Kenway, Arno Dorian, Shao Jun, even good ol’ Connor. So many stories, from the Crusades to Victorian London, and she took them all in, making a hobby out of educating herself on every aspect this new layer of history. It was certainly great for keeping her mind off of other things.

She was actually right in the middle of finishing the journal of Élise de la Serre when someone knocked on her door.

“Come in,” she said, putting her book down. The door opened, and Ben walked in, looking worried as always despite his attempted smile.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey,” she said.

“Just thought… you know... I'd come check on you.”

Ava just nodded. “I'm okay,” she said, though not even enthusiastically enough to convince herself. Ben simply looked at her, clearly distressed about everything that transpired, and how it was affecting his friend. He came over and sat down next to her. “I'm sorry, Ava,” he said. “I really am…”

“For what?”

“Just… everything. I never should have dragged you into all of this in the first place…”

“You didn't drag me in, Ben.”

He half-laughed. “Sure I didn't,” he said.

“I'm serious.”

“Ava, I-”

“Those bastards at Abstergo were the ones that dragged me into all this. They were the ones that kidnapped me and violated my brainspace. You let me make a choice at least.”

“And look where that choice has gotten you.”

“Ben…”

“I'm sorry… I just… I just wish things could've gone differently…”

“It's not your fault, Ben.”

“No. But it feels like it.”

The two were silent for a good long while. They both just stared at the carpet. Now Ava felt even more terrible. She didn't want him to feel like this. She didn't want to be the one to make him feel like this. He was her best friend. How could she do this to him?

“If… if you want me out of your hair, I'll go,” he said. “I understand. Yeah, I'll… I'll go…”

He stood up to leave, but stopped when Ava's hand suddenly jerked forward and grabbed him by the arm.

“Please don't…” she said.

He looked at her and blinked. For a moment he was silent, and then he nodded and sat back down.

“We're both screw ups, how bout that?” Ava said, trying to joke. “Compromise?”

Ben half-heartedly laughed. “Sure,” he said. “Sure…”

“I guess what you said at Roanoke was right. It really isn't like the movies. It's a lot less fun.”

“Yeah. Unfortunately. But… at least we can do a little good I guess. I mean, protecting the world from evil and tyranny is a plus, right?”

Ava nodded. “I'd say so, yeah.”

They were quiet again.

“I'll be okay, right?” she asked him. “I mean, Gabriel wants me to go on this super important mission. And he's an angel, doesn't that mean he can see the future or something? Like… he wouldn't ask me to do this if I didn't come out okay, right?”

Ben looked at her, and she could see the gears in his head turn as he debated every answer he could give. Eventually, he settled on, “Yeah. Yeah, totally. That's… a good way of seeing it. Yeah. You'll be fine.”

Neither of them were convinced, but neither of them said anything. Neither really wanted to argue against that logic. After a while, Ava spoke up again. “I… I kinda wanna be alone again. It helps me a lot to just sit and think.”

Ben looked at her, and then nodded. “Alright,” he said, standing from the bed. “I'll leave you to it. You know you can always come to any of us if you change your mind.”

Ava nodded and thanked him, and with that, he left her alone again, closing the door behind him.

She sat there. She wanted to pick up her book again, but she didn't. She was too caught up in the bitter sadness that was swarming in her head.

Dammit Ava, she thought to herself. Why can't you be strong for him? For any of them? They're your friends and all you've done is let them down. Some Assassin you are. How are you supposed to save the world if you can't even get over some stupid visions? Why did they even stay at her side for this long? What did she ever give them in return?

She started crying softly. Tears burned her face. Why couldn't she be strong? Why couldn't she just-?

A knock came at the door. She snapped out of her depressing trance for a moment, and rapidly started to wipe the tears off of her face. “Come in,” she said, using up all her energy just to hide the croak in her voice.

The door opened, and in walked Carter. He gave her that same concerned look that Ben had.

“Hey,” she said to him.

“Hey…” he said. “You okay?”

“...No…”

“I'm really sorry…”

“It's not your fault…”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No… I just… I just need to be alone… I just need to think…”

He looked at her for a moment, and then nodded. “Alright. I understand. Just take care of yourself, okay?”

She nodded. “Thank you… I will…”

“No problem, Ava. And if you need to, you can come talk to any of us. You don’t have to, but just know you can.”

“Thanks Carter… I appreciate it…”

“No problem. I'll get out of your hair now.”

She nodded, and he left. She stared at the door for a moment, then at the floor. She stopped sniffling. Her friends all showed her such compassion and understanding. She didn't feel like she earned it, but they gave it to her nonetheless. Maybe she needed to start sucking it up. Maybe she needed to go out there and start earning it. Yeah, she thought. You know what, I'm sick of being cooped up in here. Mom didn't raise a cryer. Come on, Ava. Perk up just a little bit. For them. Let's get out of here already.

She nodded with determination and stood from her bed. She walked to her door, ready to head back out and get back into action. But she froze when she heard voices outside.

“Hey man,” she heard Carter say.

“Hey, Carter,” another voice said. “You heading out on another mission?”

“Um… Yeah. Yeah I am.”

There was an awkward pause. Ava slowly opened her door and peeked down the hall. Sure enough, Carter was standing there, talking with another Assassin. Ava recognized him as that Jacob guy that popped in and out of the hideout every now and then, the one that Chelsea said Carter had rescued from the Templars back in November. She never talked to him much. Ever since she arrived, he seemed… off. And he still seemed… off in this conversation here.

“Um… So what were you doin’ down there?” Carter asked, motioning towards the open door next to them. Ava thought back. They had brought back a Staff of Eden from the Corydon mission. That was the room they kept it locked up in.

“Oh. I…” Jacob said. He blinked, frowning. “I thought I heard a noise. Wanted to make sure everything was still secure down there.”

Carter looked at him for a moment. Ava didn't like his suspicious tone, and Carter clearly didn't either. He shrugged it off though.

“...Alright then,” he said. “Was everything secure down there?”

“Seemed like it. But I think Bill should check it out. Felt like there was a draft. A crack, maybe?”

“Bill?”

Jacob shook his head. “Wait…” he said. “Ben. Ben should check it out.” He let out a nervous laugh. “These last few days must be getting to me.”

Carter chuckled a bit. “Eh, they're getting to everyone, man. Don't worry about it. It's getting to Ava too.”

Ava felt bad about hearing that.

Jacob's expression turned concerned. “Oh yeah,” he said. “The new girl. How’s she hanging in there?”

“Eh… she’s tryin’. I just checked on her. She's a bit emotional right now but I'm sure she'll be okay soon.”

“Good. That’s good.”

Ava tightened her resolve. Don't give up now, she thought. They believe in you, don't give up now. She slipped out of her room and walked down the other hall towards the living room. She walked in and saw Ruby typing away at her laptop on the couch and Ben having a drink not far away. They both looked up and saw her walk in.

“Hey Champ!” Ruby said. “Good to see you out again.”

Ava smiled. “Hey guys,” she said.

“And she smiles too! Ben, get the cameras! It's a miracle!”

Ava laughed. “Yeah yeah, I know,” she said.

“What's up?” Ben asked.

“I uh… I wanted to say thanks first of all.”

“For what?”

“For staying by my side. I know I've been kind of a pain to work with, and it means a lot that you guys put up with all my bull. So… thank you.”

Ben smiled and Ruby grinned. “Course Champ!” she said. “We're always here for ya! That's what friends are for!”

“And I appreciate it. I feel like I haven't done enough to earn it though. So… I'm ready to do some more work.”

“...You mean…?”

“Yeah. I'm ready to hop back in the Animus.”

“You sure, Ava?” Ben asked. “You don't have to.”

“I want to. I feel like we're close to whatever Gabriel wants me to find. Figured it's best to just go ahead and get it done and out of the way, right?”

Ben and Ruby looked at each other. Ruby shrugged.

“Alright,” she said. “If that's want you want. Come right on over here.” She closed her laptop and hopped over the back of the couch. The three of them walked over to Ava's chair and got her situated. Ruby grabbed all the hardware she needed and got it all plugged in to the main computer. She brought the headset over to Ava.

“You sure?” she checked.

“I'm sure,” Ava said. “Promise.”

“Alright then. You're a brave chick, Ava. I like that.”

She put the headset over her eyes and went over to her computer. The inside of the visor lit up and Ava suddenly found herself in the teal void of the raw simulation. The familiar scene of digital molecules and DNA strands spun all around her. A sequence of glowing bars appeared in front of her, and one of them changed color, ready to be selected.

“You ready, Champ?” Ruby asked.

“Ready.”

“Alright. Here we go. Good luck. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

The selected bar started blinking, faster and faster and brighter and brighter, until eventually her vision was filled with a blast of white. The hum of the computers and machines was quickly joined then replaced by the sounds of the city around her. People and animals trudged past her on the crowded streets. She hardly noticed though. She kept focused on the taste in her mouth.

The depressing taste of a whole bottle of alcohol.

Description
February 7, 2016; Indianapolis, Indiana

Ava mostly stayed in her room the next couple weeks. She came out every now and then to get a bite to eat or chat with her friends a bit, but she mostly just kept to herself. Ruby's little speech certainly helped her out, but she was still feeling terrible about that night. The impact it had on her still had her shaken up. So she kept to her room. Most of the time growing up, one of the best treatments she could give herself in times like these was to just give herself some alone time to think and reflect and reason her way out of these funks.

She had gathered up a stack of random books from the hideout library and took to reading them all. Most of them were about the Assassin-Templar War throughout human history. For some reason it felt soothing to her, learning this whole new layer to the world. She always did enjoy history class, even if she didn't do great on all the tests. She liked stories, and these books seemed to show her just what an adventurous story that the world around her really was.

Two books in particular peaked her interest. Not only did they give her mind something else to focus on other than… that night, they also gave her a bit of philosophy to ponder over. One was La Crociata Segreta by Niccolò Polo, father of Marco Polo himself, both of whom she was surprised to learn were lifelong members of the Assassins. As said before, a whole new layer of history was opening up to her. The book was essentially a biography of that one legendary Assassin that Ruby had mentioned, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad. It talked about how he lost his father and best friend, how he became an arrogant jerk, how he was sent on a mission of redemption and found his way while liberating the Holy Land from the Templars, and how he rose and fell and rose again as one of the greatest Mentors that the Brotherhood had ever seen. It was an interesting story about an interesting man, and she quite enjoyed it. Especially when coupled with the other book she picked up, a transcription of Altaïr’s Codex. It was essentially a compilation of the Mentor’s thoughts and philosophies on the nature of reality, mankind, and everything else. Good food for thought.

She started getting into other historical journals and accounts that she found in the library. She found stories about so many heroes from Assassin history. Ezio Auditore, Edward Kenway, Arno Dorian, Shao Jun, even good ol’ Connor. So many stories, from the Crusades to Victorian London, and she took them all in, making a hobby out of educating herself on every aspect this new layer of history. It was certainly great for keeping her mind off of other things.

She was actually right in the middle of finishing the journal of Élise de la Serre when someone knocked on her door.

“Come in,” she said, putting her book down. The door opened, and Ben walked in, looking worried as always despite his attempted smile.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey,” she said.

“Just thought… you know... I'd come check on you.”

Ava just nodded. “I'm okay,” she said, though not even enthusiastically enough to convince herself. Ben simply looked at her, clearly distressed about everything that transpired, and how it was affecting his friend. He came over and sat down next to her. “I'm sorry, Ava,” he said. “I really am…”

“For what?”

“Just… everything. I never should have dragged you into all of this in the first place…”

“You didn't drag me in, Ben.”

He half-laughed. “Sure I didn't,” he said.

“I'm serious.”

“Ava, I-”

“Those bastards at Abstergo were the ones that dragged me into all this. They were the ones that kidnapped me and violated my brainspace. You let me make a choice at least.”

“And look where that choice has gotten you.”

“Ben…”

“I'm sorry… I just… I just wish things could've gone differently…”

“It's not your fault, Ben.”

“No. But it feels like it.”

The two were silent for a good long while. They both just stared at the carpet. Now Ava felt even more terrible. She didn't want him to feel like this. She didn't want to be the one to make him feel like this. He was her best friend. How could she do this to him?

“If… if you want me out of your hair, I'll go,” he said. “I understand. Yeah, I'll… I'll go…”

He stood up to leave, but stopped when Ava's hand suddenly jerked forward and grabbed him by the arm.

“Please don't…” she said.

He looked at her and blinked. For a moment he was silent, and then he nodded and sat back down.

“We're both screw ups, how bout that?” Ava said, trying to joke. “Compromise?”

Ben half-heartedly laughed. “Sure,” he said. “Sure…”

“I guess what you said at Roanoke was right. It really isn't like the movies. It's a lot less fun.”

“Yeah. Unfortunately. But… at least we can do a little good I guess. I mean, protecting the world from evil and tyranny is a plus, right?”

Ava nodded. “I'd say so, yeah.”

They were quiet again.

“I'll be okay, right?” she asked him. “I mean, Gabriel wants me to go on this super important mission. And he's an angel, doesn't that mean he can see the future or something? Like… he wouldn't ask me to do this if I didn't come out okay, right?”

Ben looked at her, and she could see the gears in his head turn as he debated every answer he could give. Eventually, he settled on, “Yeah. Yeah, totally. That's… a good way of seeing it. Yeah. You'll be fine.”

Neither of them were convinced, but neither of them said anything. Neither really wanted to argue against that logic. After a while, Ava spoke up again. “I… I kinda wanna be alone again. It helps me a lot to just sit and think.”

Ben looked at her, and then nodded. “Alright,” he said, standing from the bed. “I'll leave you to it. You know you can always come to any of us if you change your mind.”

Ava nodded and thanked him, and with that, he left her alone again, closing the door behind him.

She sat there. She wanted to pick up her book again, but she didn't. She was too caught up in the bitter sadness that was swarming in her head.

Dammit Ava, she thought to herself. Why can't you be strong for him? For any of them? They're your friends and all you've done is let them down. Some Assassin you are. How are you supposed to save the world if you can't even get over some stupid visions? Why did they even stay at her side for this long? What did she ever give them in return?

She started crying softly. Tears burned her face. Why couldn't she be strong? Why couldn't she just-?

A knock came at the door. She snapped out of her depressing trance for a moment, and rapidly started to wipe the tears off of her face. “Come in,” she said, using up all her energy just to hide the croak in her voice.

The door opened, and in walked Carter. He gave her that same concerned look that Ben had.

“Hey,” she said to him.

“Hey…” he said. “You okay?”

“...No…”

“I'm really sorry…”

“It's not your fault…”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No… I just… I just need to be alone… I just need to think…”

He looked at her for a moment, and then nodded. “Alright. I understand. Just take care of yourself, okay?”

She nodded. “Thank you… I will…”

“No problem, Ava. And if you need to, you can come talk to any of us. You don’t have to, but just know you can.”

“Thanks Carter… I appreciate it…”

“No problem. I'll get out of your hair now.”

She nodded, and he left. She stared at the door for a moment, then at the floor. She stopped sniffling. Her friends all showed her such compassion and understanding. She didn't feel like she earned it, but they gave it to her nonetheless. Maybe she needed to start sucking it up. Maybe she needed to go out there and start earning it. Yeah, she thought. You know what, I'm sick of being cooped up in here. Mom didn't raise a cryer. Come on, Ava. Perk up just a little bit. For them. Let's get out of here already.

She nodded with determination and stood from her bed. She walked to her door, ready to head back out and get back into action. But she froze when she heard voices outside.

“Hey man,” she heard Carter say.

“Hey, Carter,” another voice said. “You heading out on another mission?”

“Um… Yeah. Yeah I am.”

There was an awkward pause. Ava slowly opened her door and peeked down the hall. Sure enough, Carter was standing there, talking with another Assassin. Ava recognized him as that Jacob guy that popped in and out of the hideout every now and then, the one that Chelsea said Carter had rescued from the Templars back in November. She never talked to him much. Ever since she arrived, he seemed… off. And he still seemed… off in this conversation here.

“Um… So what were you doin’ down there?” Carter asked, motioning towards the open door next to them. Ava thought back. They had brought back a Staff of Eden from the Corydon mission. That was the room they kept it locked up in.

“Oh. I…” Jacob said. He blinked, frowning. “I thought I heard a noise. Wanted to make sure everything was still secure down there.”

Carter looked at him for a moment. Ava didn't like his suspicious tone, and Carter clearly didn't either. He shrugged it off though.

“...Alright then,” he said. “Was everything secure down there?”

“Seemed like it. But I think Bill should check it out. Felt like there was a draft. A crack, maybe?”

“Bill?”

Jacob shook his head. “Wait…” he said. “Ben. Ben should check it out.” He let out a nervous laugh. “These last few days must be getting to me.”

Carter chuckled a bit. “Eh, they're getting to everyone, man. Don't worry about it. It's getting to Ava too.”

Ava felt bad about hearing that.

Jacob's expression turned concerned. “Oh yeah,” he said. “The new girl. How’s she hanging in there?”

“Eh… she’s tryin’. I just checked on her. She's a bit emotional right now but I'm sure she'll be okay soon.”

“Good. That’s good.”

Ava tightened her resolve. Don't give up now, she thought. They believe in you, don't give up now. She slipped out of her room and walked down the other hall towards the living room. She walked in and saw Ruby typing away at her laptop on the couch and Ben having a drink not far away. They both looked up and saw her walk in.

“Hey Champ!” Ruby said. “Good to see you out again.”

Ava smiled. “Hey guys,” she said.

“And she smiles too! Ben, get the cameras! It's a miracle!”

Ava laughed. “Yeah yeah, I know,” she said.

“What's up?” Ben asked.

“I uh… I wanted to say thanks first of all.”

“For what?”

“For staying by my side. I know I've been kind of a pain to work with, and it means a lot that you guys put up with all my bull. So… thank you.”

Ben smiled and Ruby grinned. “Course Champ!” she said. “We're always here for ya! That's what friends are for!”

“And I appreciate it. I feel like I haven't done enough to earn it though. So… I'm ready to do some more work.”

“...You mean…?”

“Yeah. I'm ready to hop back in the Animus.”

“You sure, Ava?” Ben asked. “You don't have to.”

“I want to. I feel like we're close to whatever Gabriel wants me to find. Figured it's best to just go ahead and get it done and out of the way, right?”

Ben and Ruby looked at each other. Ruby shrugged.

“Alright,” she said. “If that's want you want. Come right on over here.” She closed her laptop and hopped over the back of the couch. The three of them walked over to Ava's chair and got her situated. Ruby grabbed all the hardware she needed and got it all plugged in to the main computer. She brought the headset over to Ava.

“You sure?” she checked.

“I'm sure,” Ava said. “Promise.”

“Alright then. You're a brave chick, Ava. I like that.”

She put the headset over her eyes and went over to her computer. The inside of the visor lit up and Ava suddenly found herself in the teal void of the raw simulation. The familiar scene of digital molecules and DNA strands spun all around her. A sequence of glowing bars appeared in front of her, and one of them changed color, ready to be selected.

“You ready, Champ?” Ruby asked.

“Ready.”

“Alright. Here we go. Good luck. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

The selected bar started blinking, faster and faster and brighter and brighter, until eventually her vision was filled with a blast of white. The hum of the computers and machines was quickly joined then replaced by the sounds of the city around her. People and animals trudged past her on the crowded streets. She hardly noticed though. She kept focused on the taste in her mouth.

The depressing taste of a whole bottle of alcohol.