HOME | DD

Description
November 21, 74984 BCE; Purgatory

Cain found himself back at the settlement the next morning. As he suspected, no one even noticed he was gone. He really was just a shadow to these people. No matter. Soon he'd embrace that shadow, let it empower him in ways he had only ever fantasized about. He was about to claim his destiny, and he had the tool to do it tucked safely away in his robes. He felt it, the warm glow of Lucifer's knife tucked against his leg, hidden from sight. There was a brief moment where he considered turning away, that dying part of his brain that told him “Abel is your brother”. But it died fast, just as Abel would. He was going to fix the world, with his own power, on his own terms. And his place as ruler would begin with his brother's blood.

He made his way straight to Abel’s little abode, wanting to get this done swiftly. He found his younger brother sitting outside with a couple of his sheep, grooming them. Cain put on a smile, as much of a brotherly face as he could muster, and he approached Abel.

His brother smiled brightly at him. “Cain! Brother!” he exclaimed happily, rushing up to offer a hug but getting denied it. Still, Abel was unphased by the rejection. He knew his brother was never one to embrace him very often. “It's good to see you as always!” he said.
Cain nodded. “You too,” he said.

“Where’ve you been, brother? I haven't seen you since yesterday.”

That almost caught Cain off guard. Abel noticed he was gone, even though no one else did. He actually gave Cain’s existence thought…

But he couldn't let sentiments like that keep him from his goal. This one kid was standing in the way of his destiny of fixing the entire world. Soon everyone would notice him anyway.

“I was just out for a long walk trying to think for once,” Cain said.

“Oh? Some soul-searching?”

“Something like that.”

Abel chuckled. “Well I hope you found the answers you were looking for,” he said.

Cain nodded. “I think I did.”

“So what can I do for you, brother? I have some leftover food from today’s rations if you'd like them!”

But Cain waved him off. “No, thank you, but it's fine. I was hoping actually you and I could just talk for a little bit. You know, have a little stroll. Let's go out to the field.”

Abel seemed to nod in approval. “Sure! I'd be glad for a chance to get out and stretch my legs!”

“Great! Let's not waste time, then!”
Abel nodded and immediately started making his way to the field with his older brother in tow.

“So, word on the grapevine is that mother's trusted you with something very special,” Cain said, striking up a conversation as they walked further and further away from the settlement, further away from any witnesses.

“Oh yes! Yes she has! I'm honored that she would pick me for something like this!”

“I can tell. But what exactly is ‘this’?”

“Her Apple of Eden! She entrusted me with safeguarding her Apple of Eden from any evil-doers who would use it to enslave us again as the isu of old did!”

Cain pretended to look surprised.

“Really! That… that really is quite the honor. Congratulations, Abel!”

“Thank you, brother! It's my honor to serve the people and the Brotherhood.”

“So do you have the Apple on you now?”
“I do!” He patted his pouch. “It never leaves my side. I refuse to risk it falling into the hands of any scoundrels who wish to use it.”

“I see.”

Cain fell behind a couple paces. His hand silently reached into the black depths his robes and grabbed the handle of his dagger. He slid it out slowly and kept that hand behind his back.
“You're gonna have to be on your guard quite a bit carrying something like that around,” he told Abel.

Abel chuckled and shrugged. “True,” he said. “But for now I'm in the company of my brother, my friend, my fellow Assassin. I don't have much cause for worry right now.”

Cain’s brotherly smile turned into a dark frown. He stepped up to Abel as his little brother turned to observe some birds that were flying overhead. Cain’s dirty knuckles turned white as he gripped the knife handle tight. “And that, little brother, is the exact optimism that has caused your downfall,” he said.
And before Abel could respond, Cain grabbed him tight by the shoulder, ignored the look of shock in his Abel’s bright eyes, whipped his blade out from behind his back, and in one swift movement, he raised it high and…

“Wow! That was faster than before!”

“You’re kidding me. What’s happening?”

“The memory is falling apart again. You sure the Animus is working okay?”

“It’s going to be fine, Jacob. We’ll fix this.”

Dusk’s head pulsed again and he grimaced. He looked to Abel, still holding the knife. His face had changed. It was that guy again. The guy from before. Carter was looking at him, but the surprise was gone. He seemed… Annoyed, if anything.
He snarled, urging the blade down, but it wouldn’t move. How dare he give him that look.

“We can fix this. You just need to come back.”

“Fix what? I’m fine. I’m a Templar now. Going to be one of the strongest you have ever seen.”

“You are not a Templar. You’re one of us. We want to help you. All of us do.”

“What about the witch that thought she knew best!”

“You were using a Staff of Eden to try and force your will on others. What the Assassins are here to stop.”

“I was right! I was using the Staff to better you all. We could have done so much more!”

“At what cost? You knew it was wrong. You were against your own plan from the beginning.”

“You were in my way! I would have killed you. I wanted you dead, Carter.”

“No you didn’t. You were fighting your own battle. And you’re stubborn as hell. You could have killed us at any point. And you didn’t.”

Dusk yelled and shoved Carter away, gripping the Staff of Eden tightly.

“Shut up shut up!” Jess shouted. In a blind fury, she clicked on the electricity in her baton and charged directly at Dusk.

“Jess no!” He heard Carter shout, but he wasn’t loud enough. She dashed right at Dusk, and swung her baton towards his head. He smiled and grabbed her wrist, holding her back. Her expression immediately shifted to terror. She knew right then and there how badly she had messed up.

“And just what were you planning on doing, hmm?” His grip tightened on her wrist. “You should have gotten more training before taking on someone capable.” He looked at her face, her expression faltering. He could feel the energy coursing through him. He could also feel her energy as well. “Aha. That works.” He held his staff near her, the Marbles seeming to darken in hue. Her mouth opened, like she was choking on something. Her eyes dimmed and her body seemed to loosen its fight. He wanted to laugh. Life did have its own energy to it. Why couldn’t it be used to fix itself? Irony in that.

He felt his body start to lax, the storm growing more and more fierce. It was tiring. He didn’t want to fight, but it was necessary. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Carter move towards him. With a snap of his arm, he tossed Jess at Carter, the force knocking them to the edge of the roof. The almost went over, which would have been fun to watch, but the optimist held on. As usual.

“So that’s what it meant by Power…” he said, turning towards the two. He smiled, eyes wide. He could feel his energy returning. “Not just from electronics… I can use Life energy as well… the power in your nerves… in everything...” He walked towards them. It was building. He was so close. And the only ones who thought they could stop him continued to look smaller. He could just easily end it. One strong gust would do it.

“Looks like you helped me after all, Carter,” he said. “Don’t worry. I promise when everything is redone, you’ll be happier.” He lifted his Staff and aimed at him. Just do it. Take them out. Rewrite everything. His hand shook. Carter wouldn’t be under his mother anymore. Jess would be free. The Templars wouldn’t have this power anymore. And he would be useful for once. He would have succeeded at something.

The light from the Staff glowed brighter and brighter. Do it. Finish them off. He squinted, then stepped back. No way.
The emotion returned to his face for just a moment, the Marbles returning to their normal color. “What the hell is-” His eyes widened. It was her. Carter’s rage inducing cousin. He turned to stop her but wasn’t fast enough. She hit the roof with a roll, pushing herself directly between Carter and him. She stood up tall, her eyes shining from beneath her hood. She grabbed her baton and extended it out.

“Chelsea!” he heard Carter cheer.
“Nobody messes with my little cousin,” she said to Jacob, her voice cold and strong, “except for me.”

She lurched forward quicker than he could react. Just as she connected, his head began to pound. He could feel each blow, but couldn’t focus on it. His head was screaming again. So many thoughts. So many memories. And nothing was still. He needed to think. He felt like he was about to fall apart. His hand tightened on the Staff, and he flung himself back, away from Chelsea.

He didn’t have long to rest. He saw Chelsea rush towards him again, but it didn’t seem real. Just more stress. Why were they all in his way! Why wouldn’t they listen to him! He just wanted not to hurt anymore! He didn’t want others to hurt anymore! And he was so close to-!
Chelsea struck his hand, knocking the Staff away from him. He turned to watch it skitter away in shock and horror. No! He was so close. He could have-

The pounding stopped and he felt like he was going to cry. This always happens! Chelsea gave a light smile, and in one fluid spin, she smacked him with her weapon and sent him sprawling onto the ground. He hit the ground, silently cursing and looked up. She stood over him, flicking out her hidden blade.
“Requiescat in pace, you son of a-”
He stared up at Chelsea. She was going to kill him. He probably deserved it but come on. Why did it have to be Chelsea that did it?!

“Chelsea! Stop!” he heard Carter scream. Carter and Jess were still on the roof. He began to calm, and continued to feel worse. What had he tried to do. He wanted to help, but how many would have been killed? He could hear the others talking for him. Well, Carter talking for him.

“What? Why?” Chelsea called back, irritated.

“Yeah, I agree,” said Jess. “Why?”

“The Staff doesn't have a hold on him anymore!” I said.

“Hmm, bull,” said Chelsea, who spun back around, blade barred. Jacob braced himself, his thoughts coming back together. Carter sprinted forward and grabbed Chelsea's arm.

“Carter! It's over!” she said. “I won’t let this keep going because of your old sentiments!”

“Jacob!” he said, ignoring her. “Come on man! Prove her wrong! I know you're still in there! There's still time to make a difference!”

“What do you think I’m trying to do!?” he yelled. Morgenster. Morgenster was the reason for this. He needed to get rid of Morgenster to save Ava and the others. That was what needed to change. “We can’t let him win! This is our only chance!”
“What?” Carter said, confused. Chelsea tried to wriggle her arm free. Jess limped over to them.

“You really think I would willingly destroy the city? You really think that little of me?!” His head began pounding again. They wanted him dead. They never listened to what he wanted. As usual. He looked up to Chelsea. No. She wanted him dead. She never listened. If he took Chelsea out, he could talk to the others. He could fix everything now instead of then.
With blistering speed, he grabbed her wrist and twisted his body hard, sweeping her legs out from under her. As she fell, he sprung to his feet, released her wrist, elbowed her in the face, and shoved Carter away. He didn’t need to hurt him. Carter cared. Carter was the only one that wanted him here. Even if he was a little dense.

“Ow! You bastard!” Chelsea said, holding her nose. The witch can bleed. Good to know.

“You are so bent on stopping me. All because you don’t trust me!” He stepped back, smiling, waggling his fingers. “Fine. If that’s what you want to think, I’m happy to oblige!”

Chelsea clenched her fists and tucked her baton away. She reached into her coat pocket and slowly started getting up.
“Is this really who you want to become, Jacob?” Carter said, a bitter sadness overtaking his voice. “Is this really what you want?”

“Carter, my fight isn’t with you. I’m going to take Chelsea out, and we can get to work.” His head was pulsing again, but at least this time he could think straight. He laughed, giddy at the chance to fight her one on one. The Staff seemed to react to the sound, flashing brightly. The storm regained its terrible violence, cheering him on.

Chelsea stood tall, slipping something over her fingers. “Carter,” she said. “At this point, I really don't think it matters what he wants.”

She stepped forward, addressing him, eyes stone cold. “But here's what I want, you traitor...”

“There’s that word again.” He continued to smile, a childish glee in his eyes. “You love to brand people, don’t you, Chels?”

She ignored him, and he frowned in disappointment. Oh come on. No banter? “I want this city to survive another day,” she said. “I want every innocent life on the streets below to walk home safe. And quite frankly, I just want to get this over with so that I can just go home and sleep.” She held up her fists, showing her brass knuckles. “And I get what I want…” She clicked a button on each weapon. “...so don't bother…” Her knuckles lit up with crackling electricity. “...And just watch me burn.”

He laughed. “Finally! I’ve waited so long for a good fight!”

She pounced. She swung hard at him, but he dodged. With a cry of fury, she tried to uppercut him. Her weapons made his hair stand up on end crackling, but he leaned back, her strike missing completely. He clamped his hand onto her wrist and ducked down, attempting to fling her over him. But she used that against him. She used her momentum to swing herself around, twisting his arm as she did. As he winced, she swung again, landing a blow to his chest, and landed another before he swatted her away.
This was perfect! He puts the leader into a coma, finally gets a chance to talk to the others and work things out, and they take out Morgenster before he does whatever it is he wants.

She lunged at him again, but this time he was more prepared. He felt amazing. Part of him wanted the Staff. It gave him so much power. But it wanted him to kill his friends. He didn’t need some magic stick. He was fine with his two fists. He heard the crack of a gun and flinched, before realizing he wasn’t in pain.

Chelsea flinched, blood dripping from the fresh wound in her arm, and his eyes flashed. He pressed the advantage. Only a matter of time now. Chelsea managed to block a few strikes, but her one arm quickly became a hindrance. He would have enjoyed a full fight, but thanks to one of the two on the ground, he wouldn’t need to use so much energy. With one final blow, Jacob sent Carter's cousin to the ground. She was alive. Good. She can wake up knowing he kicked her ass. He cracked his neck and laughed, walking over to the Staff. He would only use it to take out Morgenster. He just needed to remember where Morgenster’s base was.

“Look, guys. I told you before I’m trying to help. Can you let me use it for a little longer? We’re so close. He reached down, the Staff almost jumping to his hand. Woah. Jedi powers. He held it up, a second to wonder how he knew this would work. The storm clouds began spinning faster and faster, and a funnel began to quickly lower itself. Okay. Absorb the power. Nuke the Templars. He felt his mouth twitch. Be a bunch of fireworks, and he’d be a hero.
He didn’t even notice Carter’s blade stab into his guts. He stopped laughing, then the pain began to register. He stabbed him. Carter actually stabbed him. He started to panic. He dropped the Staff, hoping it would be a sign of submission. He looked to Carter, right into his eyes. Carter would let him go just as soon as he saw that he was giving up. But Carter was serious. No. Carter’s his friend. They were bros!

“You…” he whispered, strength fading. He couldn’t hold himself up. The Staff rolled away and took his strength with him. “You were the one to finish me,” he said. “I was sure… that Jess would have taken another… another potshot…”

“I'm sorry, Jacob…” Carter said. “I really am… But this has to stop…”

He chuckled quietly. This was his fault. Carter was just doing his job. “Look at me… A little power and I… I go rogue. Maybe… if I just…”

“We?” Carter asked.

He coughed and blinked his eyes. He looked over at the Staff, which seemed to have lost some of it’s shine. “Doesn’t… Doesn’t matter now.” He shook his head and continued, sadness in his voice. “Please… keep… keep my...” He struggled for words. He had to get her across. His nana would need someone.

“We will,” Carter said. “We'll keep her safe, and everyone else. I'm just sorry you had to be the thing we protected them from…”

He huffed, a weak smile cracking his lips. “People… would have gotten hurt… even if I had…” His eyes lost focus for a second. He felt cold. He was so tired. He wanted to keep talking. He had so much to say. “You… do believe I… wanted to help… right?”

“I believe it,” Carter said.

He sighed, relaxing, years of pain finally leaving. He was going to sleep. He was finally going to get some real rest. He closed his eyes. “Keep… Keep your spirit, Carter… You’ll need it… You all will...”

With a final breath, he let go.

“Laa shay'a waqi'un moutlaq bale kouloun moumkine…” he heard Carter say. “Requiescat in pace…”
The storm was leaving. He thought he could hear footsteps, then heard Chelsea’s voice. He’s in hell. He must have really messed up.

“You've lost your touch, kid,” she said, and he was about to retort, but then Jess began to speak.

“I didn't mean to shoot you… At least this time…” Jess said. “Sorry…”

“Ah, forget it.” Why could he hear them? He let go, damn it. He should be going to Heaven. Or Hell. That’s how this works, right?

“What?” he heard Chelsea, “you didn't save it for me?”

He could hear another voice. Or at least, he thought he did. It almost sounded like his own voice, telling him to get up. He wasn’t done yet. They needed help. His friends needed help. He still had his job as an aide. He hurt. While part of him got angry, another part wanted to cry. It was a storm of emotions that he just laid there and felt, as his friend went to find a key. And Dusk layed there on the cold cement, waiting for them to all leave, then forced himself up. He had work to do as well. And it started with finding out Morgenster. He’d show Chelsea he was good for something. And he’d show Carter that he was right. Jacob was still here. He was still a good person. And hopefully Carter would be humble about it.

With a sharp intake of breath, Cain stepped away. This was his brother. His brother didn’t deserve to die, no matter how stupid he seemed. It was the older brother’s job to take care of the younger one. He swallowed, and watched Abel’s confused expression, then threw the knife away.

“What the hell just happened!? Get him out of there!

------------

June 12, 2016; Indianapolis, Indiana

The Animus disconnected, and Dusk couldn’t help but smile. He woke up, and saw them. Lucifer, standing over the chair in a rage, guards positioned around his chair, and Sheol… wasn’t in the room.

Lucifer snarled, pointing his finger at Jacob. “I should have killed you. I don’t know what it is that you have done to my machine, but whatever you did has caused you more trouble than not. I was there. I remember. And you just made a mockery of one of my greatest acts!”

Dusk tilted his head, the guards uneasy. “How? I made it family friendly. Got to stay PG-13, Lucy. A kill like that would not have been appropriate for any children watching those tapes.”

Lucifer’s face reddened further. “How dare you? That was one of the most important murders in history! Without that, the Assassins would have continued with their little projects and you would not have the world you have today!”

“Aah yes. Strippers and coke. A lovely city we have here! And you say it’s all thanks to you? Thank you for our free will, my friend. We have done wonderful things with it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to use my free will to kick your ass.”

Lucifer was ready to give the signal to fire, the men cocked their guns and prepared to fire.

But then Sheol suddenly walked through the door, giddy as can be. “Hey everyone! I bought bagels and the biggest tub of cream cheese ev- aah!” She tripped, dropping the bag of bagels and cream cheese, the former rolling along the floor to bump into the guards. She turned to try and grab the door, hitting the light switch, plunging the room into darkness. Dusk moved as soon as she entered, and guns fired. Over the noise, Lucifer could be heard shouting in pain, his cry of “Get him!” being cut short. A few short seconds later, Sheol turned the lights on, looking around at the scene. The guards had shredded each other with bullets, and Lucifer laid on the ground, eyes wide with rage. He wasn’t in pain. He just seemed very confused.

Sheol leaned against the wall. “Boss? What just happened?”

Lucifer laid there for just a second, before speaking up, still quite confused. “He punched me in the dick,” he said, clutching his crotch with a bewildered look on his face. “He punched me… in the dick!” he said, almost lamenting. “I’m Satan. Lucifer. Father of Lies. And he just punched me in the dick!”

“Hah,” Sheol said, pointing like a mildly amused school kid.

“Don't just stand there, you idiot! Go after him!"

Sheol saluted Lucifer. “Aye Aye, Captain!” She turned and rushed out the door, kicking a bagel into the hall ahead of her while her boss writhed in annoyed pain.

-----------

Dusk hurried through the halls, his adrenaline pumping till he felt faint. It was just now clicking that he had not only attacked his captor, but Lucifer, the Devil himself. And he had no weapons, nowhere to go, and the alarms have already begun to sound. He swallowed, trying to think, as he heard guards run down the hall. He ducked into an office, catching his breath.

“You really messed up this time, idiot.” He said to himself. His head hurt, as usual, trying to figure out what his next step was. A flash of brown went through his mind. His duster. Lucifer held onto it. Maybe the rest of his weapons, too. He needed to find it. And fast. He opened the door, looking out into the hall. He didn’t see anyone, but he still had to be careful. He inched to the corner. If he was lucky, it would just be in storage.

As he made his way around the hallways towards storage, the intercom crackled overhead. The voice of Lucifer echoed throughout the hallway.

“That was a low blow, Singer,” he snarled. “But all it did was delay the inevitable. You won't get out of here alive!”
He snarled to himself. If Lucy thought he would just give up, he had another thing coming. Although right now it looked like he’d go down fighting. He shook his head, pushing those thoughts away.

“Where would you even run to? Your friends?” Lucy taunted. “They'll all be dead soon too! I'm going to make sure that precious hideout if yours is blown to smithereens with all of you in it! I've worked 75000 years to carry out this plan and I won't have it all undone by a bunch of teenagers!”

His hands shook at that and his headache worsened. His friends were going to die if he didn’t get out of here. While that should have made him push forward, he felt himself tighten. He could see the storage room, but his body wouldn’t go. His throat got tight. Damn it, Jacob! They need you! He’s going to destroy everything if you don’t get moving. He shook his head and ran to the storage room, the last few months going through his head.

There were cabinets lining the walls, lockers, chests, cases, holding all manor of weapons and armor. He laughed to himself. It was like a video game in here. He felt his eye twitch, the headache fading. That’s it. He’ll just treat this like a video game. One of his iron-man runs. A smile broke his lips and he started laughing. Yeah. It’s a video game. And he’s the hero. He started looking around. He found a nice looking pistol, reminiscent of Dresden’s Smith and Wesson. There was a set of body armor, the Templar crest on one shoulder. The thought of wearing it made him cringe, but he had to admit it looked cool. There was a small steel rod in the same case. Picking it up, he thought it was a baton of sorts. He swung it, trying to get a feel, when he heard a click and the thing extended into a 6 foot bo staff. His eyes widened and he rolled it around in his hands, finding his grip. After feeling around, he found the pressure point, shrinking it back down.

He slipped it into a pocket on the armor, then turned in place, till he saw it. His hat and Duster, put on their own little pedestal at the back of the room. Lucy must have thought “highly” of him. Or at least wanted to put it on display as proof of Dusk’s defeat. He went over to it, seeing his assassin gear as well. His hidden blade and knife laying there, his old baton and pistol as well. He frowned, picking up the two blades. He still needed to get in close to use these. But would complete his ensemble. He slipped the knife into his buckle on the other side, pulled on the hidden blade, and reached for his outfit.

Lucifer’s guards didn’t stand a chance.

Description
November 21, 74984 BCE; Purgatory

Cain found himself back at the settlement the next morning. As he suspected, no one even noticed he was gone. He really was just a shadow to these people. No matter. Soon he'd embrace that shadow, let it empower him in ways he had only ever fantasized about. He was about to claim his destiny, and he had the tool to do it tucked safely away in his robes. He felt it, the warm glow of Lucifer's knife tucked against his leg, hidden from sight. There was a brief moment where he considered turning away, that dying part of his brain that told him “Abel is your brother”. But it died fast, just as Abel would. He was going to fix the world, with his own power, on his own terms. And his place as ruler would begin with his brother's blood.

He made his way straight to Abel’s little abode, wanting to get this done swiftly. He found his younger brother sitting outside with a couple of his sheep, grooming them. Cain put on a smile, as much of a brotherly face as he could muster, and he approached Abel.

His brother smiled brightly at him. “Cain! Brother!” he exclaimed happily, rushing up to offer a hug but getting denied it. Still, Abel was unphased by the rejection. He knew his brother was never one to embrace him very often. “It's good to see you as always!” he said.
Cain nodded. “You too,” he said.

“Where’ve you been, brother? I haven't seen you since yesterday.”

That almost caught Cain off guard. Abel noticed he was gone, even though no one else did. He actually gave Cain’s existence thought…

But he couldn't let sentiments like that keep him from his goal. This one kid was standing in the way of his destiny of fixing the entire world. Soon everyone would notice him anyway.

“I was just out for a long walk trying to think for once,” Cain said.

“Oh? Some soul-searching?”

“Something like that.”

Abel chuckled. “Well I hope you found the answers you were looking for,” he said.

Cain nodded. “I think I did.”

“So what can I do for you, brother? I have some leftover food from today’s rations if you'd like them!”

But Cain waved him off. “No, thank you, but it's fine. I was hoping actually you and I could just talk for a little bit. You know, have a little stroll. Let's go out to the field.”

Abel seemed to nod in approval. “Sure! I'd be glad for a chance to get out and stretch my legs!”

“Great! Let's not waste time, then!”
Abel nodded and immediately started making his way to the field with his older brother in tow.

“So, word on the grapevine is that mother's trusted you with something very special,” Cain said, striking up a conversation as they walked further and further away from the settlement, further away from any witnesses.

“Oh yes! Yes she has! I'm honored that she would pick me for something like this!”

“I can tell. But what exactly is ‘this’?”

“Her Apple of Eden! She entrusted me with safeguarding her Apple of Eden from any evil-doers who would use it to enslave us again as the isu of old did!”

Cain pretended to look surprised.

“Really! That… that really is quite the honor. Congratulations, Abel!”

“Thank you, brother! It's my honor to serve the people and the Brotherhood.”

“So do you have the Apple on you now?”
“I do!” He patted his pouch. “It never leaves my side. I refuse to risk it falling into the hands of any scoundrels who wish to use it.”

“I see.”

Cain fell behind a couple paces. His hand silently reached into the black depths his robes and grabbed the handle of his dagger. He slid it out slowly and kept that hand behind his back.
“You're gonna have to be on your guard quite a bit carrying something like that around,” he told Abel.

Abel chuckled and shrugged. “True,” he said. “But for now I'm in the company of my brother, my friend, my fellow Assassin. I don't have much cause for worry right now.”

Cain’s brotherly smile turned into a dark frown. He stepped up to Abel as his little brother turned to observe some birds that were flying overhead. Cain’s dirty knuckles turned white as he gripped the knife handle tight. “And that, little brother, is the exact optimism that has caused your downfall,” he said.
And before Abel could respond, Cain grabbed him tight by the shoulder, ignored the look of shock in his Abel’s bright eyes, whipped his blade out from behind his back, and in one swift movement, he raised it high and…

“Wow! That was faster than before!”

“You’re kidding me. What’s happening?”

“The memory is falling apart again. You sure the Animus is working okay?”

“It’s going to be fine, Jacob. We’ll fix this.”

Dusk’s head pulsed again and he grimaced. He looked to Abel, still holding the knife. His face had changed. It was that guy again. The guy from before. Carter was looking at him, but the surprise was gone. He seemed… Annoyed, if anything.
He snarled, urging the blade down, but it wouldn’t move. How dare he give him that look.

“We can fix this. You just need to come back.”

“Fix what? I’m fine. I’m a Templar now. Going to be one of the strongest you have ever seen.”

“You are not a Templar. You’re one of us. We want to help you. All of us do.”

“What about the witch that thought she knew best!”

“You were using a Staff of Eden to try and force your will on others. What the Assassins are here to stop.”

“I was right! I was using the Staff to better you all. We could have done so much more!”

“At what cost? You knew it was wrong. You were against your own plan from the beginning.”

“You were in my way! I would have killed you. I wanted you dead, Carter.”

“No you didn’t. You were fighting your own battle. And you’re stubborn as hell. You could have killed us at any point. And you didn’t.”

Dusk yelled and shoved Carter away, gripping the Staff of Eden tightly.

“Shut up shut up!” Jess shouted. In a blind fury, she clicked on the electricity in her baton and charged directly at Dusk.

“Jess no!” He heard Carter shout, but he wasn’t loud enough. She dashed right at Dusk, and swung her baton towards his head. He smiled and grabbed her wrist, holding her back. Her expression immediately shifted to terror. She knew right then and there how badly she had messed up.

“And just what were you planning on doing, hmm?” His grip tightened on her wrist. “You should have gotten more training before taking on someone capable.” He looked at her face, her expression faltering. He could feel the energy coursing through him. He could also feel her energy as well. “Aha. That works.” He held his staff near her, the Marbles seeming to darken in hue. Her mouth opened, like she was choking on something. Her eyes dimmed and her body seemed to loosen its fight. He wanted to laugh. Life did have its own energy to it. Why couldn’t it be used to fix itself? Irony in that.

He felt his body start to lax, the storm growing more and more fierce. It was tiring. He didn’t want to fight, but it was necessary. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Carter move towards him. With a snap of his arm, he tossed Jess at Carter, the force knocking them to the edge of the roof. The almost went over, which would have been fun to watch, but the optimist held on. As usual.

“So that’s what it meant by Power…” he said, turning towards the two. He smiled, eyes wide. He could feel his energy returning. “Not just from electronics… I can use Life energy as well… the power in your nerves… in everything...” He walked towards them. It was building. He was so close. And the only ones who thought they could stop him continued to look smaller. He could just easily end it. One strong gust would do it.

“Looks like you helped me after all, Carter,” he said. “Don’t worry. I promise when everything is redone, you’ll be happier.” He lifted his Staff and aimed at him. Just do it. Take them out. Rewrite everything. His hand shook. Carter wouldn’t be under his mother anymore. Jess would be free. The Templars wouldn’t have this power anymore. And he would be useful for once. He would have succeeded at something.

The light from the Staff glowed brighter and brighter. Do it. Finish them off. He squinted, then stepped back. No way.
The emotion returned to his face for just a moment, the Marbles returning to their normal color. “What the hell is-” His eyes widened. It was her. Carter’s rage inducing cousin. He turned to stop her but wasn’t fast enough. She hit the roof with a roll, pushing herself directly between Carter and him. She stood up tall, her eyes shining from beneath her hood. She grabbed her baton and extended it out.

“Chelsea!” he heard Carter cheer.
“Nobody messes with my little cousin,” she said to Jacob, her voice cold and strong, “except for me.”

She lurched forward quicker than he could react. Just as she connected, his head began to pound. He could feel each blow, but couldn’t focus on it. His head was screaming again. So many thoughts. So many memories. And nothing was still. He needed to think. He felt like he was about to fall apart. His hand tightened on the Staff, and he flung himself back, away from Chelsea.

He didn’t have long to rest. He saw Chelsea rush towards him again, but it didn’t seem real. Just more stress. Why were they all in his way! Why wouldn’t they listen to him! He just wanted not to hurt anymore! He didn’t want others to hurt anymore! And he was so close to-!
Chelsea struck his hand, knocking the Staff away from him. He turned to watch it skitter away in shock and horror. No! He was so close. He could have-

The pounding stopped and he felt like he was going to cry. This always happens! Chelsea gave a light smile, and in one fluid spin, she smacked him with her weapon and sent him sprawling onto the ground. He hit the ground, silently cursing and looked up. She stood over him, flicking out her hidden blade.
“Requiescat in pace, you son of a-”
He stared up at Chelsea. She was going to kill him. He probably deserved it but come on. Why did it have to be Chelsea that did it?!

“Chelsea! Stop!” he heard Carter scream. Carter and Jess were still on the roof. He began to calm, and continued to feel worse. What had he tried to do. He wanted to help, but how many would have been killed? He could hear the others talking for him. Well, Carter talking for him.

“What? Why?” Chelsea called back, irritated.

“Yeah, I agree,” said Jess. “Why?”

“The Staff doesn't have a hold on him anymore!” I said.

“Hmm, bull,” said Chelsea, who spun back around, blade barred. Jacob braced himself, his thoughts coming back together. Carter sprinted forward and grabbed Chelsea's arm.

“Carter! It's over!” she said. “I won’t let this keep going because of your old sentiments!”

“Jacob!” he said, ignoring her. “Come on man! Prove her wrong! I know you're still in there! There's still time to make a difference!”

“What do you think I’m trying to do!?” he yelled. Morgenster. Morgenster was the reason for this. He needed to get rid of Morgenster to save Ava and the others. That was what needed to change. “We can’t let him win! This is our only chance!”
“What?” Carter said, confused. Chelsea tried to wriggle her arm free. Jess limped over to them.

“You really think I would willingly destroy the city? You really think that little of me?!” His head began pounding again. They wanted him dead. They never listened to what he wanted. As usual. He looked up to Chelsea. No. She wanted him dead. She never listened. If he took Chelsea out, he could talk to the others. He could fix everything now instead of then.
With blistering speed, he grabbed her wrist and twisted his body hard, sweeping her legs out from under her. As she fell, he sprung to his feet, released her wrist, elbowed her in the face, and shoved Carter away. He didn’t need to hurt him. Carter cared. Carter was the only one that wanted him here. Even if he was a little dense.

“Ow! You bastard!” Chelsea said, holding her nose. The witch can bleed. Good to know.

“You are so bent on stopping me. All because you don’t trust me!” He stepped back, smiling, waggling his fingers. “Fine. If that’s what you want to think, I’m happy to oblige!”

Chelsea clenched her fists and tucked her baton away. She reached into her coat pocket and slowly started getting up.
“Is this really who you want to become, Jacob?” Carter said, a bitter sadness overtaking his voice. “Is this really what you want?”

“Carter, my fight isn’t with you. I’m going to take Chelsea out, and we can get to work.” His head was pulsing again, but at least this time he could think straight. He laughed, giddy at the chance to fight her one on one. The Staff seemed to react to the sound, flashing brightly. The storm regained its terrible violence, cheering him on.

Chelsea stood tall, slipping something over her fingers. “Carter,” she said. “At this point, I really don't think it matters what he wants.”

She stepped forward, addressing him, eyes stone cold. “But here's what I want, you traitor...”

“There’s that word again.” He continued to smile, a childish glee in his eyes. “You love to brand people, don’t you, Chels?”

She ignored him, and he frowned in disappointment. Oh come on. No banter? “I want this city to survive another day,” she said. “I want every innocent life on the streets below to walk home safe. And quite frankly, I just want to get this over with so that I can just go home and sleep.” She held up her fists, showing her brass knuckles. “And I get what I want…” She clicked a button on each weapon. “...so don't bother…” Her knuckles lit up with crackling electricity. “...And just watch me burn.”

He laughed. “Finally! I’ve waited so long for a good fight!”

She pounced. She swung hard at him, but he dodged. With a cry of fury, she tried to uppercut him. Her weapons made his hair stand up on end crackling, but he leaned back, her strike missing completely. He clamped his hand onto her wrist and ducked down, attempting to fling her over him. But she used that against him. She used her momentum to swing herself around, twisting his arm as she did. As he winced, she swung again, landing a blow to his chest, and landed another before he swatted her away.
This was perfect! He puts the leader into a coma, finally gets a chance to talk to the others and work things out, and they take out Morgenster before he does whatever it is he wants.

She lunged at him again, but this time he was more prepared. He felt amazing. Part of him wanted the Staff. It gave him so much power. But it wanted him to kill his friends. He didn’t need some magic stick. He was fine with his two fists. He heard the crack of a gun and flinched, before realizing he wasn’t in pain.

Chelsea flinched, blood dripping from the fresh wound in her arm, and his eyes flashed. He pressed the advantage. Only a matter of time now. Chelsea managed to block a few strikes, but her one arm quickly became a hindrance. He would have enjoyed a full fight, but thanks to one of the two on the ground, he wouldn’t need to use so much energy. With one final blow, Jacob sent Carter's cousin to the ground. She was alive. Good. She can wake up knowing he kicked her ass. He cracked his neck and laughed, walking over to the Staff. He would only use it to take out Morgenster. He just needed to remember where Morgenster’s base was.

“Look, guys. I told you before I’m trying to help. Can you let me use it for a little longer? We’re so close. He reached down, the Staff almost jumping to his hand. Woah. Jedi powers. He held it up, a second to wonder how he knew this would work. The storm clouds began spinning faster and faster, and a funnel began to quickly lower itself. Okay. Absorb the power. Nuke the Templars. He felt his mouth twitch. Be a bunch of fireworks, and he’d be a hero.
He didn’t even notice Carter’s blade stab into his guts. He stopped laughing, then the pain began to register. He stabbed him. Carter actually stabbed him. He started to panic. He dropped the Staff, hoping it would be a sign of submission. He looked to Carter, right into his eyes. Carter would let him go just as soon as he saw that he was giving up. But Carter was serious. No. Carter’s his friend. They were bros!

“You…” he whispered, strength fading. He couldn’t hold himself up. The Staff rolled away and took his strength with him. “You were the one to finish me,” he said. “I was sure… that Jess would have taken another… another potshot…”

“I'm sorry, Jacob…” Carter said. “I really am… But this has to stop…”

He chuckled quietly. This was his fault. Carter was just doing his job. “Look at me… A little power and I… I go rogue. Maybe… if I just…”

“We?” Carter asked.

He coughed and blinked his eyes. He looked over at the Staff, which seemed to have lost some of it’s shine. “Doesn’t… Doesn’t matter now.” He shook his head and continued, sadness in his voice. “Please… keep… keep my...” He struggled for words. He had to get her across. His nana would need someone.

“We will,” Carter said. “We'll keep her safe, and everyone else. I'm just sorry you had to be the thing we protected them from…”

He huffed, a weak smile cracking his lips. “People… would have gotten hurt… even if I had…” His eyes lost focus for a second. He felt cold. He was so tired. He wanted to keep talking. He had so much to say. “You… do believe I… wanted to help… right?”

“I believe it,” Carter said.

He sighed, relaxing, years of pain finally leaving. He was going to sleep. He was finally going to get some real rest. He closed his eyes. “Keep… Keep your spirit, Carter… You’ll need it… You all will...”

With a final breath, he let go.

“Laa shay'a waqi'un moutlaq bale kouloun moumkine…” he heard Carter say. “Requiescat in pace…”
The storm was leaving. He thought he could hear footsteps, then heard Chelsea’s voice. He’s in hell. He must have really messed up.

“You've lost your touch, kid,” she said, and he was about to retort, but then Jess began to speak.

“I didn't mean to shoot you… At least this time…” Jess said. “Sorry…”

“Ah, forget it.” Why could he hear them? He let go, damn it. He should be going to Heaven. Or Hell. That’s how this works, right?

“What?” he heard Chelsea, “you didn't save it for me?”

He could hear another voice. Or at least, he thought he did. It almost sounded like his own voice, telling him to get up. He wasn’t done yet. They needed help. His friends needed help. He still had his job as an aide. He hurt. While part of him got angry, another part wanted to cry. It was a storm of emotions that he just laid there and felt, as his friend went to find a key. And Dusk layed there on the cold cement, waiting for them to all leave, then forced himself up. He had work to do as well. And it started with finding out Morgenster. He’d show Chelsea he was good for something. And he’d show Carter that he was right. Jacob was still here. He was still a good person. And hopefully Carter would be humble about it.

With a sharp intake of breath, Cain stepped away. This was his brother. His brother didn’t deserve to die, no matter how stupid he seemed. It was the older brother’s job to take care of the younger one. He swallowed, and watched Abel’s confused expression, then threw the knife away.

“What the hell just happened!? Get him out of there!

------------

June 12, 2016; Indianapolis, Indiana

The Animus disconnected, and Dusk couldn’t help but smile. He woke up, and saw them. Lucifer, standing over the chair in a rage, guards positioned around his chair, and Sheol… wasn’t in the room.

Lucifer snarled, pointing his finger at Jacob. “I should have killed you. I don’t know what it is that you have done to my machine, but whatever you did has caused you more trouble than not. I was there. I remember. And you just made a mockery of one of my greatest acts!”

Dusk tilted his head, the guards uneasy. “How? I made it family friendly. Got to stay PG-13, Lucy. A kill like that would not have been appropriate for any children watching those tapes.”

Lucifer’s face reddened further. “How dare you? That was one of the most important murders in history! Without that, the Assassins would have continued with their little projects and you would not have the world you have today!”

“Aah yes. Strippers and coke. A lovely city we have here! And you say it’s all thanks to you? Thank you for our free will, my friend. We have done wonderful things with it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to use my free will to kick your ass.”

Lucifer was ready to give the signal to fire, the men cocked their guns and prepared to fire.

But then Sheol suddenly walked through the door, giddy as can be. “Hey everyone! I bought bagels and the biggest tub of cream cheese ev- aah!” She tripped, dropping the bag of bagels and cream cheese, the former rolling along the floor to bump into the guards. She turned to try and grab the door, hitting the light switch, plunging the room into darkness. Dusk moved as soon as she entered, and guns fired. Over the noise, Lucifer could be heard shouting in pain, his cry of “Get him!” being cut short. A few short seconds later, Sheol turned the lights on, looking around at the scene. The guards had shredded each other with bullets, and Lucifer laid on the ground, eyes wide with rage. He wasn’t in pain. He just seemed very confused.

Sheol leaned against the wall. “Boss? What just happened?”

Lucifer laid there for just a second, before speaking up, still quite confused. “He punched me in the dick,” he said, clutching his crotch with a bewildered look on his face. “He punched me… in the dick!” he said, almost lamenting. “I’m Satan. Lucifer. Father of Lies. And he just punched me in the dick!”

“Hah,” Sheol said, pointing like a mildly amused school kid.

“Don't just stand there, you idiot! Go after him!"

Sheol saluted Lucifer. “Aye Aye, Captain!” She turned and rushed out the door, kicking a bagel into the hall ahead of her while her boss writhed in annoyed pain.

-----------

Dusk hurried through the halls, his adrenaline pumping till he felt faint. It was just now clicking that he had not only attacked his captor, but Lucifer, the Devil himself. And he had no weapons, nowhere to go, and the alarms have already begun to sound. He swallowed, trying to think, as he heard guards run down the hall. He ducked into an office, catching his breath.

“You really messed up this time, idiot.” He said to himself. His head hurt, as usual, trying to figure out what his next step was. A flash of brown went through his mind. His duster. Lucifer held onto it. Maybe the rest of his weapons, too. He needed to find it. And fast. He opened the door, looking out into the hall. He didn’t see anyone, but he still had to be careful. He inched to the corner. If he was lucky, it would just be in storage.

As he made his way around the hallways towards storage, the intercom crackled overhead. The voice of Lucifer echoed throughout the hallway.

“That was a low blow, Singer,” he snarled. “But all it did was delay the inevitable. You won't get out of here alive!”
He snarled to himself. If Lucy thought he would just give up, he had another thing coming. Although right now it looked like he’d go down fighting. He shook his head, pushing those thoughts away.

“Where would you even run to? Your friends?” Lucy taunted. “They'll all be dead soon too! I'm going to make sure that precious hideout if yours is blown to smithereens with all of you in it! I've worked 75000 years to carry out this plan and I won't have it all undone by a bunch of teenagers!”

His hands shook at that and his headache worsened. His friends were going to die if he didn’t get out of here. While that should have made him push forward, he felt himself tighten. He could see the storage room, but his body wouldn’t go. His throat got tight. Damn it, Jacob! They need you! He’s going to destroy everything if you don’t get moving. He shook his head and ran to the storage room, the last few months going through his head.

There were cabinets lining the walls, lockers, chests, cases, holding all manor of weapons and armor. He laughed to himself. It was like a video game in here. He felt his eye twitch, the headache fading. That’s it. He’ll just treat this like a video game. One of his iron-man runs. A smile broke his lips and he started laughing. Yeah. It’s a video game. And he’s the hero. He started looking around. He found a nice looking pistol, reminiscent of Dresden’s Smith and Wesson. There was a set of body armor, the Templar crest on one shoulder. The thought of wearing it made him cringe, but he had to admit it looked cool. There was a small steel rod in the same case. Picking it up, he thought it was a baton of sorts. He swung it, trying to get a feel, when he heard a click and the thing extended into a 6 foot bo staff. His eyes widened and he rolled it around in his hands, finding his grip. After feeling around, he found the pressure point, shrinking it back down.

He slipped it into a pocket on the armor, then turned in place, till he saw it. His hat and Duster, put on their own little pedestal at the back of the room. Lucy must have thought “highly” of him. Or at least wanted to put it on display as proof of Dusk’s defeat. He went over to it, seeing his assassin gear as well. His hidden blade and knife laying there, his old baton and pistol as well. He frowned, picking up the two blades. He still needed to get in close to use these. But would complete his ensemble. He slipped the knife into his buckle on the other side, pulled on the hidden blade, and reached for his outfit.

Lucifer’s guards didn’t stand a chance.