Assassin's Creep

Part XIV

Altair groaned in pain as someone’s fist delivered a blow to his gut.

“Tell me where Connor is!” The man yelled.

The room was pitch-black, the interrogator’s silhouette only just visible in the dark. Distant music sent vibrations through the confined space as Altair kneeled with his hands tied behind his back. The same man had been interrogating him for what seemed like hours, but endless abuse made it hard to judge. Altair’s head throbbed as he struggled to stay conscious.

“I...I can’t remember.” Altair managed, his voice wavering.

“Don’t give me lies, I want answers! If you don’t reveal where that boy went, your beloved Maria will be expecting a nasty visit from me!” The man scolded.

He slapped Altair across the face, his cheek stinging from the blow. Panic engulfed his thoughts. Maria was dragged into this by him. Guilt wracked Altair’s body as he breathed shakily.

“No, please,” He pleaded, “She doesn’t deserve this!”

A soft chuckle was followed by a fist to Altair’s head. Eyes rolling back, he slipped from consciousness. His last lingering thoughts of guilt and desperation were too agonising to endure. Maria, what have I done?

***

Arno and Connor were sitting on the curb opposite Garden of Eden. Connor continued to ramble about this amazing girl he kissed.

“And then she kissed me, and it was like nothing I’ve done before. It was so good, and I felt all warm inside. She had the most beautiful eyes, it was just…” Connor said dreamily.

“That’s great.” Arno replied smugly.

Thoughts of Elise flooded his mind. He could almost feel his heart going cold in his chest. Shay wouldn’t love her like he did. He wouldn’t make her crepes and serve them to her in bed on a cold Sunday morning. He wouldn’t break into someone’s house on the way home just to steal some red roses for her. Shay was a heartless traitor, for all Arno knew. The doors of the night club abruptly burst open and a very depressed Ruin stepped out into the cold night. Safe from sight, Connor and Arno watched as she began to cry, kicking a trash can over in rage before falling to her knees in tears. Theiof rushed outside to meet her, carrying a box of rubber gloves with him.

“Wait, you forgot to put your gloves back on!” Theiof called after her.

Ruin turned to face him, thankfully pulling a pair from the box.

“Thanks.” She replied with a sniffle, “I just can’t believe he’s done it again; another night, another girl. That’s how it goes.” Ruin muttered bitterly.

Theiof sat down next to her on the pathway. He went to put a hand on her shoulder, but recoiled at the last minute. Ah, his unpredictable powers mean he can’t even touch the poor girl. Arno concluded.

“Maybe if my mother was still alive,” Ruin began, “He might be a more responsible father.”

“It’s hard, yeah? I would know. I didn't know my mother, either. But without her my father fell to pieces. I think that’s what drove him to end his life.” Theiof replied softly.

Arno and Connor looked at each other sceptically.

“Theiof’s an orphan?” Connor whispered in astonishment to Arno.

The two were interrupted as Ruin began to cry again.

“Shay Patrick Cormac. He’s the irresponsible dad who brings strangers into our home.” She sobbed, “’Hi, you must be Ruin! I’m Casey…Eliza…Sandra…Elise.’ So many women who don’t love him enough for him to finally settle down.” Ruin said.

“I think Elise is just using him.” Theiof commented.

More tears poured down the girl’s face.

“Why would you say that, you jerk?” She said miserably.

“No, I don’t mean to hurt you,” Theiof pleaded, “But she was talking to her girlfriends inside about how she thought Arno didn’t love her anymore because he kept choosing the Assassins over her. She might just be trying to make him angry.” He explained.

Arno felt a pang of guilt at the comment. Connor put a hand on his shoulder as they continued to eavesdrop.

“Well, whatever the case, I’m sorry. I just get a little emotional about it sometimes.” Ruin sighed.

Theiof smiled and rattled the box of gloves, “Well, don’t forget that you can just decorate Shay in some Ketchup or Mustard when you feel like it.”

Ruin laughed, “Yeah, well I can’t let him find out, you know that.”

“Yeah, but if anything, your powers are pretty handy. You’d be great at a hotdog stand.” He teased.

Ruin jabbed him with her elbow, “Hey, at least I can touch people without turning their arms and legs into dicks!”

A/N: Hey Creeps! Well, well, well! Altair's in a bit of a pickle, Connor's wanted and Arno has some serious issues to resolve with Elise. Theiof's an orphan and Ruin regrets her irresponsible dad. Where on earth could Ezio and Edward be? Hmmm, Where's the Rum Gone is my best guess! So much drama, so little time! The mood will be lightened, don't worry. More funny stuff on the way! FI-FI TO THE RESCUE! Due to multiple requests, the new alternate cover will be up today. Sorry for anyone who missed the Arno one!