Epilogue:

Loud and terrified screams came to Altair's ears when the ground started to shake violently. Only with great effort, pulled the assassin his gaze away from the spot that Khasir – no, Altair reminded himself harshly, his name is Desmond – had vanished from mere moments ago and instead he focused on his surroundings. Large gaps and holes opened in the ground to their feet and the cliffs that surrounded the battlefield started to collapse.

Without wasting another thought on what exactly was happening or how something like this was even possible, he shouted, "Retreat! Bring yourself to safety!" Then and only then did Altair and Malik broke into a full run alongside their countless brothers and comrades.

The mentor of the assassins spared one last lingering glance over his shoulder, only to see nothing, and he silently prayed to Allah and everybody who was out there that Desmond was safe.

It felt like the whole temple was shaking as soon as the machine had sprung to life. Somewhere in the temple's depths sounded an angry female scream that was soon drowned out by the temple's awakening. Light appeared everywhere and in every little gap. It seemed to come from thin air, there was no light source, yet it was still present and illuminated the giant hall in a strange golden light.

Desmond allowed himself to take a look at his comrades to make sure they were alright and not too overwhelmed by what was happening. He himself barely knew what was going on and he was not sure how long his calm facade would hold.

Desmond's father was gripping the machine tightly, his knuckles white from the sheer force of his grip. Shaun and Rebecca were clutching each other and looked around wildly and with wide eyes. The sight would have been comically, hadn't it been for the current circumstances.

"Your planet and its inhabitants are saved, Desmond Miles. You and your companions should take a leave now, the temple will take care of the rest," Minerva's voice sounded hollow and distant, but her words were clear and good to understand. Desmond turned back to his fellow assassins, his family, his comrades, his brothers and sisters and they all regarded him with a look of determination and heartfelt trust. Humbled, Desmond straightened up almost unconsciously and stood proud and sure before his friends. Little did he know that Altair's spirit, Ezio's wit and quick thinking and Connor's braveness shone from within him, but it was palpable in his golden eyes. Without speaking, Rebecca, William and Shaun agreed that there finally truly was someone they could follow, someone they could call mentor.

"We have to leave," Desmond's voice broke through their silent thoughts and echoed in the large hall and they nodded in unison. Their mentor turned away from them, his robes swirling with the movement, making him appear mysterious, wise and almost out of this world.

"What are we to do with the pieces of Eden?" Desmond seemed to ask no one in particular, but before one of the assassins could answer, Minerva's voice echoed from the walls and she sounded exhausted and bone-tired. "Take the one you carried, leave the other one behind."

"What of Juno?" Shaun eventually joined the conversation a little hesitant and doubting, while Desmond stepped forward and pulled one of the golden objects out of their retainers. The temple's mechanics still worked, even when the second apple slowly vanished before the assassins' eyes.

"Juno will be of no threat anymore. But do not underestimate her influence on others. She undoubtedly will find allies who are weak-minded, yet useful to her."

Minerva's warning and her parting words remained in the forefront of the assassins' minds, yet they also tried to focus on what lay ahead of them. They had saved the world – actually Desmond had – but there was no guarantee that Minerva or her comrades would not arise anew. The assassins were victorious this time, but there could always be a next time, which meant that they had to prepare themselves, make improvements, win ground and followers and what else was on the agenda. One thing was absolutely certain for Shaun, Rebecca and William however. With Desmond's help, they could actually do this and win this cursed and wretched war.

Well that was certainly something and quite the abrupt end. To my defense, I had not planned for this chapter to be the epilogue, BUT it sounded like on so I took it.

This story might be over, but there will definitely be a sequel with the title 'Everything is permitted' in the future. I can't exactly say when it will appear, but it will certainly be this year and if everything goes according to plan, it will be uploaded this month (Oktober).

I wanted to thank all my readers and all those, who left a review. I would not have gotten so far without your support guys. I hope I can count on your support in the future as well.^^