Avenger's Creed: The Crimson Assassin

Athena's mission

Author's Note: In this chapter, Athena gathers information from Alma's adopted father Saladin and Altair arrives in the holy city to report to Malik...oh, boy. Also, 2ArchAngels's Cory is going to be a ginny pig for the proto-type time travel device. Enjoy!

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Cameron Hall,

Cory looked at the small device ever since she returned Sarah and Brandy had completed the prototype time travel device that would ultimately replace the Animus that Athena currently returned to "See you guys in a few hours." Athena said before looking at her, "And I am sure I will be seeing you soon." 

Cory held the inspected the small watch-like device "Fury is gonna kick my ass for this, but who gives a shit, I wanna slap Robert de Saber on his bald head." she said

"Just be careful if you damage that thing in any way you're stuck in 1191," Tony warned

"Gotcha," she said as the timer counted down, "So why is it counting down?"

"It has a 30-minute relay to charge, then which will allow you to prepare, which once in  1191, you will have to find a place to hunker down for at least 2 days there as it recharges, we are still making improvements," Sarah replied

Why not contact Hank Pym? she thought to herself.

Brandy looked at her "Also, it has built-in cloaking meaning it will blend in with the era you are in," Brandy added

Cory nodded "I guess I will go get changed then." she stated and left the room.

***************

Athena met up with Kadar and the pair walked to the bureau where Malik had been stationed. Well they would have been there sooner if it wasn't the fact that several Templars had them surrounded "You are coming with us girl," one of them said

"Really?" she asked looking at Kadar before looking back at the Templar, "Last I checked I do as I damn well please," 

Athena throat punched the first Templar as she round housed the second before parle kicking the third. Athena dusted her hands as the bells rang "Well, that's our cue to get the hell to Malik." she said.

When they reached the bureau Athena and Kadar dropped in right as Malik was closing the gate to the roof. Malik looked at the pair with an arched brow "Sorry to drop in, but we need to hide." she said

"Indeed brother," Kadar said.

Malik sighed "And here I thought it was Altair." Malik remarked 

"Ah, yes, King Novice," she replied getting some water, "Speaking of the King Novice he  should be around here in the next day or so." 

"You find something?" Malik asked

"No, but I know you and Kadar were there the night Alma was murdered, so I figure I would start with the both of you," she said.

Malik nodded "What is it that you wish to know?" Malik asked

"For starters other than Richard the Lionheart and Saladin who else was there?" she asked.

Athena paid close attention "There were many guests, but other than de Saber, and the two you mentioned as well as Kadar and I, there were nine others." Malik said

"Well, I need names if I am to figure out what the hell is going on and who is fueling this war, maybe I can stop them before they get going," she said.

It was Kadar who spoke: "Tamir, Garnier de Naplouse, Talal, Abu'l Nuqoud, William of Montferrat, Majd Addin, Sibrand,  and Jubair al-Hakim." 

"Eight men who witnessed Alma's death, 9 if you include Robert de Saber all of the men are Templars." she mused

"When I first arrived Saladin and I roamed the grounds especially were the attack took place. I was able to recover a poison pouch one that was small enough to fit into one's mouth and release the poison," she said

"What kind?" Malik asked

"Cyanide," she replied

"Assassins nor Templars use that poison," Malik said

"There is one group that does and I pray that I am wrong," she said, "They murdered not only thousands of Assassins in my time but Templars also. To the point of extinction." 

"Allah! Who are these bastards?" Malik asked

"They call themselves HYDRA, and they are as old as the foundations of which both orders were built upon." she replied, "If they are involved they would want all sides weakened to the point they can't protect themselves." 

"Then find these men question them and return to us, we will inform the master," Kadar said

"No!" she said, "This stays between us for now, I don't want anyone to know other than us. HYDRA is known for its espionage tactics and you never know who could be one." 

Malik nodded "I agree, if this HYDRA is in fact pulling the strings then it is up to us to keep it to ourselves, and hopefully stop them before they can trigger any more events." Malik said

Athena agreed "I also have a friend coming by within the next hour or so," she said.

Just then the bells began to ring again, and Athena sighed "If that is novice he is not coming in." Malik said.

There were sounds of swords connecting followed by men shouting and a familiar voice "Comment osez-vous mettre la main sur moi, vous fils de pute templier!" (How dare you lay your hands on me, you Templar son of a bitch!)

Athena chuckled amused "Unless there is an artifact to change one's gender I do believe that is the friend I spoke of." she replied

"Votre père aura une fille au moment où j'aurai fini avec vous!" Cory's voice sounded through the walls causing Kadar and Malik to pale (Your father will have a daughter by the time I am through with you!)

"You two stay here I am going to go help her out," she said.

*************

Malik watched as The Crimson Assassin, ran to the exit at the back of his establishment "HEY DIDN'T YOUR MOTHER TEACH YOU, BOYS, THAT ISN'T HOW YOU TREAT A LADY!" The Crimson Assassin said

"You and I both know I am anything but." a female voice said.

Kadar and Malik cringed as they heard fists connecting to skin yelps of pain and the sounds of electrical discharge and people laughing "AND STAY OUT!" The Crimson Assassin said.

The people in the square cheered and before Malik could blink Athena and one other were in the bureau "Not even here 5 minutes Cory and you are already picking fights." The Crimson Assassin said

"Kiss my ass, oh Crimson one," 'Cory' replied

"As much as Kadar and I wish to hear you two argue, mind introducing us to your friend?" Malik asked

"My name is Corentin Elise Alabaster, of the Unified Order." 'Cory' said, "But I am called Cory for short." 

"A pleasure to meet you," Kadar said

"Likewise," Cory said

"Cory and I will be leaving for Damascus, that way we can meet up with the first witness." The Crimson Assassin said

"I believe that would be wise." Malik agreed, "May fortune smile upon your blades." 

"Until we meet again," Cory said

"Kadar stay here and help your brother and make sure he changes those bandages every three hours." The Crimson Assassin said

"I will," Kadar said.

Malik didn't mind it being him and his brother...he just needed to make sure Altair didn't try to get the both of them killed...again...