Assassins's Creed : Slade's Return

Chapter Twenty : The Royal Ball

The very next night had come rather quickly as the Ball was about to begin the trio had arrived at the palace in the limo. to which as they exited Ashley had given everyone their invitations before remarking on their outfits. Gotta say Jade for old garments these are some really fancy ones should be no issue, for us to blend in with everyone else lest we blow our cover which we never do, She said before Jade replied to her. I agree keeping our true identities a secret is crucial, don't forget our story is that we are guests that ran late as our invitations show, she said to which Slade exited the car and straightened his bow tie before speaking. Alright this is it the time we've been waiting for, it happens tonight remember the plan everyone quick and clean we go in and out do not blow your cover, you all know your positions and tasks like we went over Germane doesn't leave the palace alive lets move,  Slade said before taking Jade to the entrance with John and Ashley following close behind. I hope these get us in lets just hope that they don't recognize who these really belong to, given that well they're sort of dead, Jade said wrapping her arm around Slade's to which he held tight before replying. I hope so too just act natural and we should be just fine, Slade said continuing to walk with her as they reached the main gate. Invitation please sir and madam, one of the guards said to which Slade handed him both as the guard examined carefully, before glancing back up at them and pausing for a moment before speaking. Well everything looks to be in order here enjoy your night sir, madam, the guard smiled before letting them pass, to which they uttered a simple but polite thank you before continuing. Inside the entire palace ballroom had been near full of patrons, to which Slade had trouble viewing John and Ashley in their positions as he then spoke into his wrist communicator. John, Ash we just entered the central ballroom, but I don't see you two are you in position? do you see us he said before John's voice had come through. Yeah we see you we're in the balcony above you, we took the stairs when you two entered look up here, he said to which Slade and Jade glanced up at the balcony to see Ashley waving at them as he continued. Okay good hold your position , me and Jade will blend in with the party keep an eye out for Germane and let us know if you see him Slade said before walking deeper into the party with Jade. As they walked they noticed people around them laughing, and overall having a good time to which Slade decided to lighten the air as he spoke. Well Jade what do you think? sure brings back those memories of old am I right?, of those fancy parties we attended when in service, he asked Jade to which she laughed before nudging him. Well reminds me of that time in Versailles remember Arthur?, at that rather boring dinner party we were invited to, she said to which Slade chuckled before speaking again. Oh yes I remember indeed you were at the table as my apprentice when I got in that fight, with the Magistrates son after he insulted me, Slade laughed to which Jade smirked. Yeah boy did you get a few hard hits and yet, you emerged victorious if I recall he didn't speak to us for the rest of that evening oh but that was a fun time for sure, Jade said kissing him to which Slade held her hand as the two continued talking to pass the time. Soon hours had went by with no sight of Germane, but as they were prepared to give up they had gotten their chance as Slade's communicator had started beeping. Slade come in over do you copy?, Ashley's voice said over the radio to which he soon responded. What is it Ash? do you have news?, Slade said to which static was heard before Ashley's voice once again came back on. Everyone is now starting to gather by the stage, I think something is happening you two better head there it could be the target, she replied to which Slade noted before signing off. Slade and Jade then made their way to the stage, to which a large group of people were gathering as he went to talk to one of the patrons. Excuse me madam perhaps you know what's going on?, and why everyone is gathering towards the stage, Slade said to the woman closest to him to which she then turned around to face him as she replied. Oh didn't you hear Germane Von Hoenheim is set to appear for his coronation, the woman said to which Slade thanked her before he then called John on the communicator. John this is it Germane will be coming out soon get ready to hit the lights, when he comes out we'll make our move Slade said to which John replied by nodding in his direction. They all knew the moment was at hand for after a calling from an announcer, Germane himself had took the center stage to which Slade then began to study him. Germane was of average build with a long beard and a crooked nose bridged with small rounded glasses, in addition to this he featured a brown top hat and cane with the figurehead of a raven, and wore a black party coat with a pocket watch branded with the Templar cross clearly visible though it paled in comparison to the ornate quality of Slade's own watch as Jade soon spoke up. That's Germane?, hmm he doesn't look like much in terms of Master Templars if anything he looks like, well just an ordinary old man to me who can barely stand without his cane this should be easy, she said puzzled to which Slade just as equally puzzled responded as he continued to examine Germane. Perhaps but looks can be deceiving who knows how crafty he can be even still he has eluded us for long enough, Slade said to which she looked back at him as the man had finally begun to speak. I am most delighted to accept the mantle of rank I have been given to the highest degree, Germane said in a grim but humble voice which for some reason started to infuriate Slade as Germane continued. I would like to thank you all and my associates for attending this most special evening, I'd also like to take the time to thank some rather special quests among you all, the Assassins who have come to humble me with their plans, he finished to which Jade and Slade's eyes both looked in shock. He knows that we are here how in the hell it can't be its impossible, Arthur what do we do? he knows we are here Jade whispered to a still shocked Slade who couldn't form words. The crowd then grew silent for a brief moment to Germane's words, before they started muttering and conversing to which he continued. Yes dear people of the evening there are in fact Assassins here among you all however for these individuals, I regrettably must say that I must make my time here rather brief as I have business elsewhere, however I do thank you all for attending feel free to help yourselves to the refreshments on me as apologies for my departure as Jade then cursed under her breath. The bastard he knew we were here, he knew all along Arthur we have to take him now Jade said quivering with anger, to which Slade looked at Germane. Slade became enraged at the fact that Germane knew they were there, however before he could act the lights all shut off as Slade shocked then contacted John. The lights John what happened I said to wait for my signal to cut the power, he said to which John replied back even more shocked. It wasn't me sir I just got to the breaker but someone was already here, its all been sabotaged he said to which Slade then cursed himself. He knew that Germane had this planned out to which Ashley soon contacted him over the communicator. Sir I have eyes on the stage but no visual on the target damn it I lost him. Soon the crowd began panicking and running with the loss of the lights as Germane began rushing to the exit, which Jade noticed as she then yelled over the crowd to Slade. Arthur! look over there Germane he's getting away by the south exit you have to hurry or we'll lose him, she said to which Slade the glanced at the exit. He then began running for Germane with Jade at his side through all the rushing crowds of people. Stop! right where you are Templar!,  Slade yelled to which Germane then halted and slowly turned to face him. Slade had finally come face to face with Germane and was determined to finish what he came to do what they all set out to do.