Assassin's Creed: Winter's Falling

Chapter 36

Sol was following the music. She knew she had heard this song before. It felt like a dream she could just barely remember. It brought to mind images of the rolling sea, of water surrounding her, of a golden glow amongst the planks of a destroyed ship. The memory was vivid and fuzzy at the same time; like an artist's interpretation of a long-gone event. Its angelic melody pulled her down an empty hallway and around another corner. Before her was a vast, cylindrical chamber filled with four, large, humming computer monitors. In the center sat a raised dais covered in wires. Nestled amongst the equipment, throwing golden light on the walls, was the Apple of Eden. Without hesitation, Sol stepped into the room.

* * *

Lazerus turned the corner so fast he almost tripped. He knew Sol wasn't the type to abandon her team during a fight; not without good cause. The thought of her being held hostage again send him flying on wings of worry. At the end of the hall he caught sight of the back of Sol's shoe as she turned the other corner. Lazerus rounded the corner, Andy and Nerida close at his heels, and flew into the room beyond. The three of them skidded to a holt as they crossed the threshold of the doorway.

Standing across the room, lab coat ironed and tie pressed, was Dr. Stearns. With a cocky grin, he sauntered closer to the group. Nerida scowled at his presence, but the arrogant doctor failed to notice. Instead, he spoke with a tingle of excitement in his voice.

"Alice," There was a hint of surprise in the way he said her name. "Darling, you've finally returned to me."

"Fuck you, Dadatron," Nerida spat.

Dr. Stearns cocked his head in confusion, his voice losing its cheery tone, "Alice, you are not who you think you are. Come home, Alice. I can help you. I can bring you home."

"I am home, dad," Nerida's voice held no sign of doubt. "And I know exactly who I am. Now, I'm taking my family back and leaving. Give us Sol!"

"But, I did not take her."

All the computer screens in the room turned white. Nerida's eyes grew wide as she noticed the silhouette of Sol walking towards the center of the room. There was no one controlling her, or not anyone she could see.

"I will return you friend to you once she has granted my wish," spoke all the computers monitors at once.

"Who are you?" Andy called out, though he suspected he already knew the answer.

"I am the rightful queen of this world," The computers again spoke.

A face began to appear in the monitors. It was a face that Andy had seen before. A face painted on the walls of an abandoned factory, and plastered in Sol's memories. She looked out at the team with satisfaction.

"JUNO!" Andy hollered with distain.

"The Templars think they're so smart. Creating a chip to control the Assassins and end their opposition may have seemed like the perfect answer, but they failed to realize that biology and technology only mix in the few whose bodies were made for it. I have something that controls infinitely. That is why I have brought you here, my Cipher." Juno looked straight at Sol. "I know you feel it's call. Come, connect with it and fulfil your destiny."

Horror dawned in Andy's eyes. He cursed himself for not noticing the golden light coming from the center as he had first entered the room. Sol was inches from the center now. As the others watched, helpless, Sol reached out and grabbed the Apple.