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Description
February 20, 1894; Mataram, Lombok

Apsarini felt quite different from when she began her journey. The most obvious was the medal and ribbon that bounced against her chest when she walked. A medal awarded by the royal family, a medal showing her new membership in the Order of Orange-Nassau, a token of gratitude from the Dutch royal family. But that was hardly the biggest thing. No, the biggest thing was what had been plaguing her mind ever since her confrontation at the palace.

It was… the knowledge.

It was the realization that there was something sinister out there, something more destructive and cunning than anything the Assassins have faced before. And… the thought that she was powerless to stop it. He said her descendant would be the one to fight him.

Her descendant… oh god… She was pregnant… How was she going to deal with that?! She wasn't fit to be a mother! She drinks and fights and never stays in one place! This child… this child wouldn't last a second in her life… There was no way. She… she'd have to give it up… She'd have to, for its own good. Hell, for the good of the world if what Lucifer said was right. She just hoped she'd have the strength when the time came…

For now though, she had immediate problems to deal with.

She stood by her brother once again, home after years of being away. They were walking in the dark, wet, stone walls that made up the tunnels underneath the city's large temple. The Pick of Eden still bounced around in her pocket. She could feel its energy through the cloth of her robes, her newly earned Master Assassin robes. She was mostly quiet as they walked. She was a bit slower than usual, her extended belly hindering her speed. Jaga could tell how distressed his little sister was. He put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“You're going to be okay, little sister,” he promised.

“It's not me I'm worried about…” she said.

“You worry too much. That's my job.”

She cracked the slightest smile at that.

“I just… I don't like having no options…” she said.

“I know, I know. But Apsarini, is this really the environment you'd want your child growing up in? Colonies constantly on the brink of war? Hell, the very soil we're walking under is being threatened, especially now that the Sasak have called for Dutch aid in their rebellion against the Balinese.”

“I know…”

Jaga hugged his sister. “They will be happier,” he insisted. “Isn't that what any good mother wants for their child?”

“Yes… I just wish I didn't have to give up my own happiness to make it so…”

“I'm certain you both will meet again some day. And it will be a glorious reunion.”

“I hope so. Thanks Jaga.”

“It's what I'm here for. Come now, we're almost there.”

The two wandered the tunnels with their gas lamps until they came to a sort of dead end rotunda. A large statue of a Hindu goddess sat at the other end, her arms outstretched. Apsarini took the Pick from her pouch and walked up to the statue, placing the Piece of Eden gently in its hands. The device glowed and pulsed for a moment more, and then finally dulled down, like a baby falling asleep after a tantrum. Apsarini stepped back and stood at her brother's side. He hugged her tight as the two of them left the room, closing its iron gate behind them. They slowly, silently, made their way back to the surface, with the only words being said the entire way there being from Jaga: “I am proud of you.”

And then the simulation began to break down for the final time. The sights and sounds of history vanished as it all collapsed into a sea of ones and zeroes darting around on a screen.

Morgenster sat there for a moment, taking it in. He locked his fingers and rested his head on them as he thought.

“Clever man, that Aren,” he mumbled to himself. “What better place to hide something than the first place it was looked for?”

“I take it that means we know where it is now?” Sheol asked as she barged back into his personal space without warning or permission.

“Yes. I know where it is.”

He stood from his chair and flicked off the monitor. He grabbed his cane and started walking out of the room. Shoel followed close behind, keeping with the rhythm of the click clack sound his snake-shaped cane made as it tip tapped along the cold metal floor.

“Should I call in Sigma Team to retrieve it?” Sheol asked, taking her phone out.

Morgenster paused as he thought about it. “No,” he eventually said. “I'll send my own men in. I don't want to risk Otso Berg coming in and sticking his nose where it doesn't belong.”

“You got it boss. You sure they won't find out anyway though?”

“If we do this right, then everything will have already been carried through before they even have the chance.”

“I hope so. I remember how Berg treated Natasha when that whole mess went down. He doesn't exactly care for Templars that don't follow the prime directive.”

“Well, we'll just have to take a page from the Assassins’ book. ‘Hide in plain sight’ as they say.”

“Ew.”

“Oh hush.”

He reached up and tapped the button on his earpiece, clicking in on the channel he wanted. “I've located the Pick of Eden. It's in the tunnels underneath the Mataram palaces on Lombok. Sending the coordinates now.”

He pulled out his phone and did just that.

“Don't mess this up,” he warned his agent. “You saw what happened to Lupe. The last thing we need is another careless idiot.”

“Understood sir,” said the man on the other line.

“Good.”

He clicked off the call. He and Shoel made their way towards the elevator. Morgenster pressed the down button and waited for the machine to work it's way up.

And then the sirens started blaring.

There was a electronic bang that reverberated through the walls as suddenly the building went into lockdown mode. The only lights left on were the emergency halogens and the bright flashing red sirens. Morgenster slumped his shoulders and groaned in annoyance.

“You've got to be kidding me,” he droned.

Sheol pressed her earpiece. She was immediately met with the sound of gunfire and weapons hitting flesh. “What the hell is going on down there?” she demanded to know.

“It's the Singer kid! He's-!” the voice was muffled out. The agent was hit by something hard and moments later Shoel heard the sound of his head hitting the floor. She looked at Morgenster, who just continued to look annoyed.

“Come on,” he grumbled. “Let's go see what this pest is trying to accomplish.”

The two of them made their way to the stairs and went down a few floors until the sound of gunfire was on the same level as them. They walked out onto the floor and followed further in. The gunshots seemed to slow and the screams died down as well. Soon, all Morgenster and Shoel heard were the muffled sounds of orders being given.

They were about to walk through the door to the next room over, but it suddenly burst open in front of them. A team of guards came walking in, each covered in some nasty scars and bruises. Two of them held another man, clad in a long brown coat and a hat to match, by the arms as they dragged him along the floor. He almost had as much damage on him as the guards. Almost.

Morgenster slowly walked over to him. He leaned down on his cane to look him in the eye. He grinned.

“So,” he said, his voice purposefully louder and stronger than usual. “What's this then? The stray dog’s come back to bite his owners? It's Jacob, right?”

He growled at Morgenster, narrowing his eyes. “I’m going by Dusk right now. As in you aren’t going to see the light of day. And no one owns me. Not you, not the Templars, and not the Assassins.”

“Ah, you're a rogue then!” Morgenster mocked. “A virus in the system, just like me.”

He smirked in response. “Nah. I’m better looking. You look like something that was dropped off by a novice.” He tugged his arms, still held by the guards. If he had been wounded badly, it didn’t show.

Morgenster smirked at the insult. “So tell me, ‘Dusk’, what was your plan exactly? Rush in and try to stab me? Come on, I figured the Assassins were better trained than that. Or was Natasha just that stupid?”

“Six of one, half dozen of the other. Anyone who would treat their kid like that had a few screws loose.” He was definitely full of himself. Even in bonds he kept on snarking. “And like I said. The Assassins don’t own me. Chelsea can rot for all I care.”

“Does that mean Carter as well?” It was small, but anyone looking would have noticed the slight twitch of a brow. Someone was still a little sore. Morgenster couldn't help but reveal a little bit more teeth in his grin. “I suppose it doesn't really matter,” he said. “You'll all be dead soon enough anyway.”

The boy scowled again. “I know you plan to wipe them out. But it’s not going to happen! I will take you down. Even if I have to get drastic.”

Morgenster chuckled in response. “What could be more drastic than trying to rewrite history? It wouldn’t have worked anyways. The Apples are the only Pieces capable of doing anything more than creating a crater. You just would have taken you and your friends out in a marvelous bang.”

Jacob’s face seemed to twist as he began to realize. “At least… You would have gone out with me. And your plan to destroy us all along with it.”

Morgenster pulled back a small bit, but his expression stayed the same. “Hmm, looks like somebody has been doing some research during their little hiatus, huh?” he said.

“I’ve been after you since you contacted Ava. I know all about your plans.” His voice took on an edge, and he began straining against his captors. “And I’ll die before I let you take us out!”

Morgenster noticed him getting riled up, and figured it was time to end this conversation. “My plan is larger than I’m sure you could comprehend. Although I am quite impressed with what you have found.” He tapped the end of his cane. “You’re just the kind of agent I strive to find. After you wake up, we should talk. Maybe I could bring you over to my side.”

His toothy smile became a grin as he raised his cane. “That is... if you wake up.” With the last syllable, he swung the cane across Jacob’s face. The man cried out, then fell forward, the sudden lax almost pulling the guards down with him. Morgenster turned to Sheol as he casually made his stroll towards the exit.

“Make sure this gets dealt with,” he told her. She nodded, and followed the guards as they dragged Jacob away to god knows where. Morgenster, meanwhile, made his way out of the building. He had a dig to supervise and a Pick to uncover. Things were finally beginning to go his way. After all these years of waiting, his plans were finally going at full speed.

And let anyone who stood against him be damned.

Description
February 20, 1894; Mataram, Lombok

Apsarini felt quite different from when she began her journey. The most obvious was the medal and ribbon that bounced against her chest when she walked. A medal awarded by the royal family, a medal showing her new membership in the Order of Orange-Nassau, a token of gratitude from the Dutch royal family. But that was hardly the biggest thing. No, the biggest thing was what had been plaguing her mind ever since her confrontation at the palace.

It was… the knowledge.

It was the realization that there was something sinister out there, something more destructive and cunning than anything the Assassins have faced before. And… the thought that she was powerless to stop it. He said her descendant would be the one to fight him.

Her descendant… oh god… She was pregnant… How was she going to deal with that?! She wasn't fit to be a mother! She drinks and fights and never stays in one place! This child… this child wouldn't last a second in her life… There was no way. She… she'd have to give it up… She'd have to, for its own good. Hell, for the good of the world if what Lucifer said was right. She just hoped she'd have the strength when the time came…

For now though, she had immediate problems to deal with.

She stood by her brother once again, home after years of being away. They were walking in the dark, wet, stone walls that made up the tunnels underneath the city's large temple. The Pick of Eden still bounced around in her pocket. She could feel its energy through the cloth of her robes, her newly earned Master Assassin robes. She was mostly quiet as they walked. She was a bit slower than usual, her extended belly hindering her speed. Jaga could tell how distressed his little sister was. He put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“You're going to be okay, little sister,” he promised.

“It's not me I'm worried about…” she said.

“You worry too much. That's my job.”

She cracked the slightest smile at that.

“I just… I don't like having no options…” she said.

“I know, I know. But Apsarini, is this really the environment you'd want your child growing up in? Colonies constantly on the brink of war? Hell, the very soil we're walking under is being threatened, especially now that the Sasak have called for Dutch aid in their rebellion against the Balinese.”

“I know…”

Jaga hugged his sister. “They will be happier,” he insisted. “Isn't that what any good mother wants for their child?”

“Yes… I just wish I didn't have to give up my own happiness to make it so…”

“I'm certain you both will meet again some day. And it will be a glorious reunion.”

“I hope so. Thanks Jaga.”

“It's what I'm here for. Come now, we're almost there.”

The two wandered the tunnels with their gas lamps until they came to a sort of dead end rotunda. A large statue of a Hindu goddess sat at the other end, her arms outstretched. Apsarini took the Pick from her pouch and walked up to the statue, placing the Piece of Eden gently in its hands. The device glowed and pulsed for a moment more, and then finally dulled down, like a baby falling asleep after a tantrum. Apsarini stepped back and stood at her brother's side. He hugged her tight as the two of them left the room, closing its iron gate behind them. They slowly, silently, made their way back to the surface, with the only words being said the entire way there being from Jaga: “I am proud of you.”

And then the simulation began to break down for the final time. The sights and sounds of history vanished as it all collapsed into a sea of ones and zeroes darting around on a screen.

Morgenster sat there for a moment, taking it in. He locked his fingers and rested his head on them as he thought.

“Clever man, that Aren,” he mumbled to himself. “What better place to hide something than the first place it was looked for?”

“I take it that means we know where it is now?” Sheol asked as she barged back into his personal space without warning or permission.

“Yes. I know where it is.”

He stood from his chair and flicked off the monitor. He grabbed his cane and started walking out of the room. Shoel followed close behind, keeping with the rhythm of the click clack sound his snake-shaped cane made as it tip tapped along the cold metal floor.

“Should I call in Sigma Team to retrieve it?” Sheol asked, taking her phone out.

Morgenster paused as he thought about it. “No,” he eventually said. “I'll send my own men in. I don't want to risk Otso Berg coming in and sticking his nose where it doesn't belong.”

“You got it boss. You sure they won't find out anyway though?”

“If we do this right, then everything will have already been carried through before they even have the chance.”

“I hope so. I remember how Berg treated Natasha when that whole mess went down. He doesn't exactly care for Templars that don't follow the prime directive.”

“Well, we'll just have to take a page from the Assassins’ book. ‘Hide in plain sight’ as they say.”

“Ew.”

“Oh hush.”

He reached up and tapped the button on his earpiece, clicking in on the channel he wanted. “I've located the Pick of Eden. It's in the tunnels underneath the Mataram palaces on Lombok. Sending the coordinates now.”

He pulled out his phone and did just that.

“Don't mess this up,” he warned his agent. “You saw what happened to Lupe. The last thing we need is another careless idiot.”

“Understood sir,” said the man on the other line.

“Good.”

He clicked off the call. He and Shoel made their way towards the elevator. Morgenster pressed the down button and waited for the machine to work it's way up.

And then the sirens started blaring.

There was a electronic bang that reverberated through the walls as suddenly the building went into lockdown mode. The only lights left on were the emergency halogens and the bright flashing red sirens. Morgenster slumped his shoulders and groaned in annoyance.

“You've got to be kidding me,” he droned.

Sheol pressed her earpiece. She was immediately met with the sound of gunfire and weapons hitting flesh. “What the hell is going on down there?” she demanded to know.

“It's the Singer kid! He's-!” the voice was muffled out. The agent was hit by something hard and moments later Shoel heard the sound of his head hitting the floor. She looked at Morgenster, who just continued to look annoyed.

“Come on,” he grumbled. “Let's go see what this pest is trying to accomplish.”

The two of them made their way to the stairs and went down a few floors until the sound of gunfire was on the same level as them. They walked out onto the floor and followed further in. The gunshots seemed to slow and the screams died down as well. Soon, all Morgenster and Shoel heard were the muffled sounds of orders being given.

They were about to walk through the door to the next room over, but it suddenly burst open in front of them. A team of guards came walking in, each covered in some nasty scars and bruises. Two of them held another man, clad in a long brown coat and a hat to match, by the arms as they dragged him along the floor. He almost had as much damage on him as the guards. Almost.

Morgenster slowly walked over to him. He leaned down on his cane to look him in the eye. He grinned.

“So,” he said, his voice purposefully louder and stronger than usual. “What's this then? The stray dog’s come back to bite his owners? It's Jacob, right?”

He growled at Morgenster, narrowing his eyes. “I’m going by Dusk right now. As in you aren’t going to see the light of day. And no one owns me. Not you, not the Templars, and not the Assassins.”

“Ah, you're a rogue then!” Morgenster mocked. “A virus in the system, just like me.”

He smirked in response. “Nah. I’m better looking. You look like something that was dropped off by a novice.” He tugged his arms, still held by the guards. If he had been wounded badly, it didn’t show.

Morgenster smirked at the insult. “So tell me, ‘Dusk’, what was your plan exactly? Rush in and try to stab me? Come on, I figured the Assassins were better trained than that. Or was Natasha just that stupid?”

“Six of one, half dozen of the other. Anyone who would treat their kid like that had a few screws loose.” He was definitely full of himself. Even in bonds he kept on snarking. “And like I said. The Assassins don’t own me. Chelsea can rot for all I care.”

“Does that mean Carter as well?” It was small, but anyone looking would have noticed the slight twitch of a brow. Someone was still a little sore. Morgenster couldn't help but reveal a little bit more teeth in his grin. “I suppose it doesn't really matter,” he said. “You'll all be dead soon enough anyway.”

The boy scowled again. “I know you plan to wipe them out. But it’s not going to happen! I will take you down. Even if I have to get drastic.”

Morgenster chuckled in response. “What could be more drastic than trying to rewrite history? It wouldn’t have worked anyways. The Apples are the only Pieces capable of doing anything more than creating a crater. You just would have taken you and your friends out in a marvelous bang.”

Jacob’s face seemed to twist as he began to realize. “At least… You would have gone out with me. And your plan to destroy us all along with it.”

Morgenster pulled back a small bit, but his expression stayed the same. “Hmm, looks like somebody has been doing some research during their little hiatus, huh?” he said.

“I’ve been after you since you contacted Ava. I know all about your plans.” His voice took on an edge, and he began straining against his captors. “And I’ll die before I let you take us out!”

Morgenster noticed him getting riled up, and figured it was time to end this conversation. “My plan is larger than I’m sure you could comprehend. Although I am quite impressed with what you have found.” He tapped the end of his cane. “You’re just the kind of agent I strive to find. After you wake up, we should talk. Maybe I could bring you over to my side.”

His toothy smile became a grin as he raised his cane. “That is... if you wake up.” With the last syllable, he swung the cane across Jacob’s face. The man cried out, then fell forward, the sudden lax almost pulling the guards down with him. Morgenster turned to Sheol as he casually made his stroll towards the exit.

“Make sure this gets dealt with,” he told her. She nodded, and followed the guards as they dragged Jacob away to god knows where. Morgenster, meanwhile, made his way out of the building. He had a dig to supervise and a Pick to uncover. Things were finally beginning to go his way. After all these years of waiting, his plans were finally going at full speed.

And let anyone who stood against him be damned.