Antidote - Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (Jacob Frye)

Antidote: Ch. 6

Jacob had had it with his sister's lectures. His annoyance was growing and he felt like slicing off his ears with his hidden blade to drown out Evie's voice. "Are you done?" He groaned, rolling his eyes.

"Did you even hear what I was saying, Jacob?" Evie replied through clenched teeth.

"Focus on the objective, don't get distracted, and some other bullshit that I've probably heard from father a thousand times."

His twin pulled her mouth into a thin line. "And maybe don't let the the culprit get away next time so you won't have to pay the victim back from your own purse?"

"At least I paid the thief a lesson as well." He thought back to the wicked curved blade. "A lesson that will last." His lips pulled into an arrogant smirk as he reminisced that afternoon's brawl.

"Humbleness was never your forte."

"Being dull was always yours."

Evie rolled her eyes. Jacob's cockiness was a trait that lasted through his childhood, and unfortunately for her, it was not one that he grew out of. Although they were born only four minutes apart, she felt years older than her sibling.

She pulled a delicate gold pocket watch out of her coat and flipped open the engraved lid. It was a present from Henry, but unusually feminine for her, yet she cherished it since she had a peace of him when they were apart. "Half past noon. I have to go. Much as I'd love to hear you talk about your failures, I've run out of time, Jacob." She pocketed the watch and looked up to the sight of her brother frantically running a hand through his hair and adjusting his coat.

His brown eyes widened at the mention of the time. "Fuck, I'm late for a meeting with Mercy."

"At least tardiness is strong suit of yours." Evie stifled a chuckle. "Don't tell me you fancy her already?"

But by then, Jacob had fled the train, leaving Evie's mocking question hanging in the air.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It was so stupid. So very stupid, getting in a fight with an Assassin. How could she have not known he was an Assassin? From the moment she saw the insignia on his belt, she should have stayed away.

Now she had a scar to pay for it. The irony of that the scar came from her own blade. Not her own hand, however. She couldn't afford a healing salve from the apothecary and she could only pray that it would heal quickly. She stared at the cash in her knapsack, feeling somewhat pleased. At least she had gotten something out of the fight.

In his boldness, the Assassin had left the purses in her possession. The weight of the money in her palm gave her a sense of comfort. Perhaps the funds were enough to rent a room at a hostel for a days, maybe even get a hot bath and meal. Either way, it was time for her to stop sleeping in an abandoned carriage where her only neighbors are a family of rats.

She had to remember to stay cautious, however. There was no doubt what the Assassin would do to her if they crossed paths again. He had spared her for saving his life. But she was sure he wouldn't be so merciful the next time.

The sound of footsteps echoing against the alley walls made her stiffen. She spun around, facing her offender. She was in trouble. It wasn't one person. It was three. "Hello, pretty. We were looking for you. You're quite hard to track," one of the men said. She kept her stance, not wavering one bit.