A/N: Another chapter with JNPR! I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 7: Memory Block 3 (Part 1-2): Second Target: Garnier

After a couple of hours of having lunch out in a café, the team came back to their room, much more relaxed than before with there stomachs full.

"Well, that was a good meal," Jaune commented as he first entered their rented room.

"I know! I couldn't eat another bite!" Nora happily chirped.

"Nora, all you had for lunch was the pancake special they offered," Ren added.

"Yup! It was totally worth it!"

Pyrrha giggled. "Yes, I'm glad we all had our fair share of a meal."

"You sure, Pyr?" Jaune asked his partner. "All you had was mostly salad."

"I'm fine, Jaune, thanks." The Invincible Girl said, waving her hands. "I'm just used to having a strict diet is all."

"C'mon! Let's all get back to playing Assassin's Creed!" The hammer wielder shouts.

"Right, right." The team leader says as he and the others get back to their sitting position while they wait for the game to start up.

As they waited, Jaune received a text message from his Scroll.

"Huh? Who could this be?" The blondie wondered as he reads the message. To his surprise, it belongs to someone he and the others are familiar with.

'Hello, everyone!'

"Triscythe?!" They all shouted in surprise.

'Yes! It is I! Your mysterious friend that magically gives you paper messages from thin air!'

JNPR chuckles at the comment their messenger said.

"Why are you starting to give us text messages now?" Ren curiously asks.

'First, my friend, who showed me the method to do this now, showed me the alternative to send you this form of communication instead.'

"That's nice of him," Pyrrha commented.

'Second, I doubt you want to keep having piles of papers in your hands now, would we?'

"I was actually going to the point that out," Jaune confessed.

"Well, I'm glad we don't have to throw paper in the bin all the time continuously," Ren added.

"Oh! It looks like the game is about to start." Pyrrha said, noticing the television.

"So whose turn is to play next?" Jaune asks.

"How about you have a go, Renny?" Nora asks as she hands the controller to him.

Ren chuckles. "I suppose there's no harm in it." He takes the controller and begins to play the game.

The game starts by showing a black view on the screen.

'The following morning…'

Desmond lies on his bed, sleeping.

"Another day in Abstergo." Jaune dryly comments.

The automatic doors make an unlocking noise opening by themselves, making Vidic enter the room. "Let's go, Mr. Miles! Time's wasting!" The older man said as he left the room.

"And I see Vidic is just as energetic as always." Pyrrha makes her dry comment.

Desmond wakes up from his sleep and gets up from his bed and walks out of the room, ready for the next trip to the Animus. He looks around the room and notices that Lucy is not around.

"Hm… it seems Lucy isn't around," Ren comments as he controls Desmond.

"You think she's just late?" His partner asks.

"Maybe…"

"Where's Lucy?"

"Oh, don't worry, she'll be with us soon enough," Vidic said as he continues to walk to his personal desk in the room.

"So why are you doing this, Doc? What're you hoping to accomplish?" Desmond asks as he follows Vidic.

Everyone leans a bit closer, hoping they would know the answer themselves.

"You turn the television on lately? Read the newspaper?"

"I sometimes do," Jaune said.

"So do I," Ren added. "But what does that have to do with Desmond's question?"

"Never cared much for that stuff." The young man shrugged.

"Then let me sum it up for you: The world's a mess!" The scientist bluntly answers. "It's pathetic, really. You've seen it first-hand yourself. A thousand years between you and your ancestor and society remains just as barbaric, just as stupid."

The young students blinked at his answer; they all looked at one another if they understood what the mad scientist meant.

"I… won't deny that there is some truth to what Vidic said," Ren said, gaining a look from his friends.

"You agree with him," Jaune asks with a raised eyebrow.

"No, that's not what I meant." Ren shakes his head. "Though we may not know what's happening on the modern times of Earth, I can't help but compare what he said with how our world is like."

"Huh?" The team leader said in confusion. "But the Kingdoms are in the time of peace."

"True. But that doesn't change what is currently happening in Remnant."

Before anyone could ask what he meant, they all realized what he said. Roman Torchwick, the White Fang, and the Grimm. Despite being in peace, it doesn't change the fact there are too many things that most people just ignore.

"I… suppose you have a point." Pyrrha slowly agrees. "But what does Vidic meant by all this?"

"And your point is..."

"Order, Mr. Miles. The world needs order." Vidic simply answers. "That is what we are working towards, and that is what you are helping us to achieve."

JNPR did not expect that kind of answer.

"Order?" Nora said confusingly. "Does that mean Abstergo wants peace?"

"Is he being serious?" Jaune said, being skeptical of how the Abstergo scientist meant by the word.

Desmond laughed. "You expect me to believe you're building a better tomorrow?!"

"Showing how Vidic is treating Desmond, I find that hard to believe as well." Pyrrha comments.

"That's exactly what we're doing!" The scientist lightly exasperatedly said. "The human race calls out for direction. They want to know why they're here, what they're meant to do. Well... we're going to tell them. And once they understand how to live their lives, everything will be better."

"Better how?"

"An end to all conflicts, large and small. Isn't that what you Assassins strive for? 'Peace in all things?'"

"I told you, I'm not an Assassin," Desmond replied harshly.

"Right, right." Vivid shrugged off as he sat on his chair.

"He's still not convinced that Desmond isn't an Assassin." Ren comments.

"I still don't know where I fit into this." Desmond sighs.

"In time, Mr. Miles. In time, you'll understand... or you won't! I don't care either way, just as long as you show us where it is."

"He's really getting on my nerves." Nora growled while the others agreed with her.

"And what is Vidic talking about? Find what? Does he mean the treasure that Al Mualim has?" Jaune asks, asking the questions.

"Perhaps… only through Altaïr, we can find out." Ren simply said.

"Where WHAT is?!" Before he received a reply, the sound of an automatic door opens, making Lucy enter the room.

"Sorry I'm late. Ready to go?"

"Yes, we are," Vidic answers, ending the conversation between Desmond and him.

"Ugh… bad timing, Lucy." Nora said.

"Well, it's not like we're going to get the answers from him soon." Pyrrha shrugged.

"I suppose not," Ren said as he controls Desmond.

Having no choice, Desmond walks up to the Animus.

'\PRESS ANY BUTTON TO INTERACT'

He lies down, getting ready. Lucy activates the machine showing the Animus screen with it; he then continues where he last stops with Altaïr.

"Where did we last stop with Altaïr?" Jaune asks.

"We last stop after assassinating Tamir," Ren said, reminding everyone.

Animus start as the machine begins to construct the Assassin's latest memory. Altaïr is now in Masyaf, and he is inside Al Mualim's studies as the Mentor sat on a seat after listening to the young Assassin's report.

"Looks like we're back in Al Mualim's study room." The Invincible Girl comment.

"You've done well, Altaïr, and I'm confident this is but the first of many successes." The Mentor praised to the student.

"Tamir spoke as if he knew you well. He implied my work had a larger meaning."

This made the other perked up.

"Right… the way he spoked to Altaïr sounded like he knew the Assassins." Jaune said, recalling the words from Tamir.

"Tamir did work for Roberto, so I don't think it's strange for him to know who Al Mualim is." Ren deduced.

"Significance comes not from a single act, but the context within which it is performed. The consequences born of it." The Mentor explains.

"Hmm… that's an excellent quote." Ren said with interest as he places the controller down and rights the quote down a small notebook.

"What does that mean?" Nora asks as she tilted her head.

"It means that the actions we take do not come from one activity, but how we do it, is what matters. And how the result comes from it in the end." Ren answers as he finishes writing down the quote.

"Oooooooh."

"That's really a wonderful saying." Pyrrha smiles.

"Yeah… he's not the leader of the Assassin for nothing." Jaune added.

"Then is there more I need to know?" Altaïr asks.

"Altaïr, your greatest failure was born of knowing too much." Al Mualim lectures Altaïr. "If I choose to withhold information, it is only to ensure you do not make the same mistake a second time."

"I see."

"No, you don't!" Al Mualim snaps (making JNPR flinch) at the young Assassin as he stood up from his desk. "And it will remain this way until you've learned your lesson. Still, you have performed competently, and as such, I restore a rank and will return a piece of your equipment. Go now, either to Acre or Jerusalem." The Mentor said as he released two pigeons to inform the other Assassins for Altaïr. "There are men in both cities who require your attention. The Bureau leaders can tell you more about what needs to be done."

"Yeash… now that was harsh." Nora whispers.

"But with good reason," Pyrrha said. "After the mistake Altaïr did, it wouldn't be strange for Al Mualim to snap at him like that."

'DNA Synchronization Augmented'

With that, the screen turns white, and then it slowly fades now, showing Altaïr expecting a dagger and sheaving it on his back.

'Synchronizing Rank 2 Memory

New Weapon Gained -

Short Blade

New Ability Gained -

Counter Kill

You can practice in the courtyard.'

"Looks like Altaïr can now use a short blade again." Ren comments.

"Nice," Jaune said. "Better head to the next mission, Ren." Ren nodded as he begins to control Altaïr.

As Altaïr finished expecting his weapon, he leaves Al Mualim's study and heads out to the training ground there an instructor comes to him.

"Altaïr, it seems my students do not fully understand what it is to wield a blade. Perhaps you can show them what you know."

"Another training session," Jaune said with interest, hoping to learn a bit more from the Assassin's fighting style.

The screen turns white then quickly fades back Altaïr standing on the ring with an Assassin trainee.

'COUNTER ATTACK

Press and hold (Button) and press (Button)

when you see an enemy start an attack

to perform a Counter Attack.'

"So, he's going to learn how to counter-attack?" Pyrrha said.

"It would seem," Ren said.

Altaïr readies himself along with the trainee he's facing against.

The trainee attacks, but Altaïr easily blocks with his sword as he held it with his right hand. He twirls the sword around, forcing the other sword away. He then uses this opportunity to use his left hand to punch the trainee in the gut forcing him on the ground.

"Oooh! Ouch…" Nora cringed at that blow as well Jaune did while Pyrrha and Ren are impressed by that counter.

"Perfect." The trainer praised.

The trainee got back on his feet and attempted to strike Altaïr again. However, the disgraced Assassin blocks still by holding his sword with both hands. With his strength, he raised his sword upwards, forcing the trainee to lose his balance giving Altaïr the chance to counter by using his left elbow to jab him again, forcing his foe on the ground.

"Right on the chest…" Jaune hissed at how painful that looked.

"Yes, even with Aura, if you strike in a certain area on the chest, you can temporarily stun them since they would be out of breath at that moment," Pyrrha explained to her partner.

"Right…" Jaune said as he took his own notebook and took note of what he learned just like Ren did.

"The work of a master!" The instructor praise again.

The trainee got up again and attacked once more but once again blocks and repeats his counter, making the trainee kiss the ground again.

"And that's, my students, is how we all should fight!" The instructor said, ending the training session. The screen turns white then fades back again, showing Altaïr standing outside of the training ring.

"Well, that was interesting." Ren comments.

"Right time to get to work." The team leader said.

"Adventure!" Nora cheered.

After the training, Altaïr immediately heads to the village gates and takes a horse and leaves Masyaf the same way he did during his previous mission. The screen turns white as the games save itself.

"Where should we go first? Acre or Jerusalem?" The redhead girl asks. Then her Scrolls beeped.

'The game will automatically guide you to Acre just follow the map.'

"Oh, thank you, Triscythe." Pyrrha thanked their mysterious messenger friend.

The screen fades back again to Altaïr riding his horse as he takes a different route to Acre for this next mission.

"Right. Better follow the map now." Ren muttered as he controls Altaïr while mounting a horse.

As he travels with his horse at full speed, he notices a few Templar Knights but chooses to ignore them.

'Checkpoint Reached.'

"Uh-oh! Templar Knights!" Nora shouts.

"Don't worry, Nora, it doesn't look like they noticed Altaïr. I can easily pass them." Ren assures his childhood friend.

He continues onward. Up ahead, he notices another group of Templars marching down the path he's on.

"Again?" Jaune said, slightly surprised. "Should Altaïr fight?"

"No need. I see another route to pass them." Ren said.

Altaïr passes them by taking a different route from them and continued on his path.

'Checkpoint Reached.'

He then enters a small settlement, but without his knowledge, there where a couple of Templar Knights stationed there. They recognized Altaïr as an Assassin and immediately considered him as a threat.

"Seriously?! More of them!" Nora shouts.

"Ren!" Pyrrha shouts in concern.

"Don't worry! I don't need to fight them." The duel wielder said as he controls the Assassin.

Altaïr chose to ignore them; instead, he charges through with his horse. He notices a path on a cliff facing him but was cut off from his way. Fortunately, he was on the same level of the cliff, and there were two houses coincidently lined up so that anyone could jump roof to roof to reach that cliff.

Ren sees this and guides Altaïr

Using that opportunity, he charges forward with his horse making it jump from roof to roof until he reaches the cliff losing the knights.

"Now, that was cool!" Jaune shouts in awe.

"Super cool!" Nora joins in.

"That was impressive, Ren!" Pyrrha compliments him.

"Thanks, everyone," Ren said with a small smile.

As the Assassin continues onward, he passes by more Templar Knights but manages to avoid them without fighting, yet he keeps seeing more and more knights heck there were even four knights forming a line to block his path.

"Oh, c'mon!" Nora shouts as she brings her arms out.

"Why are there so many of them?!" Jaune shouts.

Fortunately, there was an opening large enough for him to slip past them.

"Thank goodness that's over…" Pyrrha muttered.

"Don't jinx in Pyr!" Nora shouts.

"Oh!" The Invincible Girl quickly covers her mouth.

'Checkpoint reached.'

As he storms past them, he continues his path, but up ahead, he sees a small campsite filled with Templar Knights.

JNPR was shocked to see the reason why there are so many Templars in the area.

"That would explain the alarming number of Templar Knights." Ren calmly said even though his eyes were wide open.

"So, where should Altaïr go now?" Pyrrha worriedly asked.

"The map shows that he has to go straight." Jaune points out.

"Perhaps we can find another solution?" Ren said a bit nervously.

"Awe, Ren, don't be like that!" Nora cheered as she hugs her partner. "What's life without a few risks? Besides, Ice King totally got this." Then she points towards the screen with her lone finger. "Forward march!"

Ren could only sigh but smiled, being appreciated with the support he's having from Nora and did what she suggested. Jaune and Pyrrha laugh at the scene.

Having nowhere to go, Altaïr had no choice but to charge thought campsite. His horse jumps through the fence alerting all of the Templar Knights. Altaïr ignored them and powered through. He manages to avoid all of the knight's thanks to his horse as he escapes the camp.

'Checkpoint reached.'

"Good Job, Renny!"

"It's not over yet, Nora!" Jaune shouts.

He did not stop making his horse rush through the path. He avoids more knights as he passes them. But finally, he manages to reach his destination as the screen turns white.

'Checkpoint reached.'

Everyone let out a deep breath, finally being glad that all that is over and done with.

"Well, that was a thing…" Jaune chuckled.

"Indeed…" Ren agreed.

"You did great, Ren." The redhead girl compliments him.

"Yeah! This is Ren we're talking about! Nothing phases through this guy!" The bubbly girl happily comments.

"Thanks, everyone." Ren thanked them as they waited for the game to load.

The screen now fades back to the Assassin mounting his horse. The surrounding area was dramatically different during Altaïr's time in Damascus. The climate of the area was mostly misty and foggy while the sky was cloudy, primarily showing very little light during the day.

"Cheery atmosphere." Jaune sarcastically said.

"Why does it all look like that?" Pyrrha said with concern.

A message came from their Scroll.

'You are now in Acre, the coastal city located to the east of the Mediterranean Sea, giving a misty and foggy effect to the area and streets.'

"That does make sense." Ren nods in understanding.

As Altaïr's horse climbs uphill on the path with a steady pace, as he traveled on the road, he passes many civilians and guards who hold the Templar symbol on their chest. These guards are nearly identical to the Knights Templar bearing their emblem at the center. The soldiers typically donned black gambesons with a white cross over their chainmail. These are the Knights Hospitalier.

"Templar Knights!" The hammer wielder shouts but then looks confusingly at the screen. "Why do they look different?"

Another message came from their Scroll.

'They are of another knightly order related to the Templar Knights. These are the Knights Hospitalier or the Knights of the Hospital.'

The young Huntsmen-in-training were both shocked and curious to learn that there is a Knight Order that is formed to provide care to the sick and injured.

"That's actually pretty cool!" The blond leader said in awe.

"It actually is." The redhead agreed.

"Indeed." Ren nodded.

"But why are they, knights? Why not a, I don't know, Doctor Order?" Nora curiously asks, making the others also wonder the same.

'They soon became more of an aggressive organization with the onset of the Crusades. Though a distinct entity, the Hospitallers were close allies of the Knights Templar from their formation, cooperating as two of the principal factions of the Crusaders, and later providing assistance to the Templars from several bases in the Mediterranean Sea.'

"I see… so at first they where merely doctors at the beginning but soon became more of a militant group." Ren deduced.

"Should we be careful of them?" Pyrrha asks.

"It doesn't look like they consider Altaïr as a threat." Jaune points out.

"Then whats Ice King waiting for? Off to Acre, he goes!" Nora cheers.

Altaïr knows that they are keeping an eye for trouble, but thankfully they do not see him as a threat as long as he continues to himself.

As he reaches uphill, he sees the city wall Acre like Damascus the wall is made of stone while showing the gate. But the difference is that there it was a rather gloomy place. There are barely any people around the gate only guards, crows circle around by the enterest of the gate and the most disturbing part was there are piles of dead bodies found outside

Team JNPR gasped at the scene. They were not expecting any of this in there the first arrival in Acre. They could only watch in shock and horror at the few piles of dead bodies. Plus, the atmosphere was not helping at all with the scene.

"Wh-What happened here?!" Pyrrha gasps as she covers her mouth with her hands.

"All those people…" Jaune mutters with his eyes wide open.

The message came fro their Scrolls.

'Sorry, forgot to mention this part, like Damascus, Acre as its own three districts. Altaïr is currently out of the main entrance of the Poor District. In 1191, due to the recent siege from the Crusaders, the Poor District was still recovering from the numerous casualties. The people also fought off disease, despair, oppression, corruption, and the memories of those lost, while the haunting stench of death filled the air. King Richard placed the entire district under the jurisdiction of the Knights Hospitalier, who governed from their fortress located at the north end of the district.'

"That's horrible!" Nora gasps in sadness, while the others felt the same way.

"So there still recovering from an attack…" Ren's eyes soften in sadness as he recalled his final moments from his old home wondering if, by chance, it did survive, would it go through these conditions as well?

After a few moments of calming down, they continued playing the game.

Choosing to ignore the scenery, Altaïr mounts off his horse and walks up to the gate but only to see guards blocking the way.

"Looks like the guards are blocking the way." Jaune points out.

"I see a group of Scholars to blend with," Ren said as he guides Altaïr to the group.

Fortunately, he sees a group of Scholars and blends with them then he slowly walks up to the entrance while the Knights Hospitaliers moved away for them to pass.

After arriving in the city, he breaks apart from Scholars and heads to the Assassin Berou in the town he sees that the town is mostly foggy, the people around seemed to be troubled there are even inside the entrance there are also piles of dead bodies.

"Oh, Oum… there are even corpses in the inside…." The team leader grimaced at the site.

"Even the scenery of the inside of the district isn't helping…" Nora cringed.

"Let's just do our best to ignore all this," Pyrrha suggested making the others nod in agreement.

Even as he traveled to the Berou, he would bump into a few poor people begging him for money.

"I need food! I'm so hungry! Just a little money, I beg of you!"

"My family's sick and dying! Could you spare a few coins?"

The young hunters could only watch in sadness. They know this is only a fictional game based on real places in another world, but they couldn't help and feel bad they can't do anything to help them.

A message came from there Scrolls.

'Remember, this has already happened in the past. These events may have been one of humanity's darkest moments, but it's all in the past now.'

"Even so… it's hard to ignore this…" Jaune muttered while the other sadly agreed.

'True, but at the end of it all humanity learns from this mistake and makes sure to never allows this to repeat.'

"At least that's good to hear." The redhead said with a sad smile.

"What should we do about the poor people?" Nora asks.

'Just ignore them and continue with the game. As hard as it sounds, there isn't much to achieve in helping them.'

"Ignoring them…" Ren mutters, feeling hurt in doing so before shaking his head and taking a breath. "Right, time to head to the Bureau."

The Assassin felt terrible for these people, but he had a mission to do, so he ignored these people and headed to the Bureau.

Upon arrival at his destination, he climbed up to the roof and entered the same way he did in Damascus. As he comes, the chamber had a similar design to the previous one as he exits the chamber room he enters the place where the Rafiq is. Unlike the last Rafiq's shop filled with pots and vases, this one was filled with books and scrolls. There the Rafiq, Jabal was behind his counter.

"Just like the previous except this one is a bookstore." Pyrrha comments.

"Interesting," Ren said, feeling slightly better at the change of scenery.

"Ah, Altaïr. A little bird told me you'd be paying a visit." The elderly Rafiq greeted the fellow Assassin expecting his arrival.

JNPR groans at the pun the Rafiq said.

"We've been hanging around with Yang too much." The blond points out while the others agreed with him.

"Al Mualim has ordered the execution of Garnier de Naplouse, and so here I am," Altaïr said, getting straight to the point. "What can you tell me about him?"

"He is the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitalier." The Rafiq began to describe the next target. "And surely keeps his quarters in their District. Beyond that, I cannot say. I suggest you search the city, see what you can learn from the people."

"What? He's the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitalier?" Pyrrha said with surprise.

"How can the head of a group of people dedicated to helping the ill and injured be his target?" Jaune questioned.

"Perhaps being a doctor is what makes him dangerous." Ren theorized.

"How do you mean?" Nora asks her partner.

"I'm not sure. we can only find out through investigating."

"Tell me where they gather, and I'll see what I can find."

"The public gardens north of here -or what's left of them- are as good a place as any to begin. There's an abandoned market northwest as well that merits watching. And Maria of Jehoshaphat's Church to the west remains a popular meeting place. These three locations should be sufficient for your needs."

"I appreciate the information, Rafiq. It will be put to good use." Altaïr thanked.

"See that it is."

After getting what he needs, Altaïr leaves the room and climbs out of the chamber and heads to one of the sources to learn more about his target.

"Alright, Ren, you ready to find out the truth?" Jaune asks his teammate.

"Ready," Ren answers with a nod as he controls Altaïr by following the map on the screen.

In his investigation, he encounters two Knight Hospitaliers having a private conversation. Taking this opportunity, Altaïr blends himself as he sat down on a nearby bench as he begins to eavesdrops.

"Alright! Let's see what these guys have to say." Nora said with interest.

"You hear about Alan?" The first guard asked.

"The archer who guards the eastern wing?" The second guard answered.

"Poor bastard's brother caught an arrow in the throat. Doubt he'll last the night."

"That's so sad…" Pyrrha gas in sadness.

"And painful." The hammer-wielder cringed.

"How can he continue to work, knowing what's to come?"

"He visits his brother often, so I cover for him when I can."

"That's nice of him," Jaune said with a smile.

"But why is he here then?" ren said, raising a brow.

"You aren't there now."

"No. I've family business of my own to attend to."

"Is he allowed to do that?" Nora asks curiously.

"Then he'd best hope the doctor doesn't learn of his desertion."

"He won't, long as you stay silent."

"Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me."

"This was actually a nice conversation well aside from the poor guy being shot in the throat but still nice." Jaune shrugged.

"Although we did learn that there will be fewer guards where Garnier will be." Ren points out.

After learning what he can, he left the area. Altaïr learned that a couple of the fortress' rooftop guards were absent from patrol duty.

'Memory Block 3'

'Investigation Complete'

'There are some fortress roof guards absent from patrol duty.'

"Right, on to the next one," Pyrrha said.

In one of his investigations around the District, he hears a Herald who spokes highly of Garnier and decided to listen among the crowed.

"Okay, let's see what this Herald has to say," Jaune says as he and the others listen to what he says.

"People of Acre! Listen well! Garnier de Naplouse is a good man! He means only to help! He swore an oath to serve and save, a promise he won't betray! Garnier hears your cries. Your complaints. You say he turns away from your suffering, but this is unfair! Untrue! He is but one man, gifted as he is, and can only help so many. None a nearly so gifted as the good sergeant who needs the Hospitaliers. Garnier de Naplouse is without peer! Soon, my friends, soon the good doctor will attend to your needs! Be patient, hold hope close! There are many in need of aid and only one of him! He works tirelessly to serve and save, but these things take time!"

"It sounds like he holds great respect for the man." Pyrrha comments.

"Lets not ahead of ourselves Pyr, people would say anything just for their own gain." Her partner reminds her as they recall the previous Heralds and the lies they spat out.

"Yup! Alright, Renny, get Ice King ready to beat the living pulp out that lier!" Nora cheered with a sinister smirk.

"Yay…" Ren sarcastically said as he controls Altaïr.

Once the Herald was finished speaking, Altaïr slowly followed him before they reached an area with no guards but with little people in the area. At that moment, the Assassin begins beating him. The Herald fights back but was quickly overpowered by Altaïr up until he gave up the information.

"Wow! Was that you or Altaïr?" The knight asks with awe at how quickly the Assassin finished the job.

"Mostly, Altaïr." Ren shrugged. "All I did was take the helm."

"Mercy, mercy! Don't kill me; I'll do anything you want!" The Herald begged as he was on his knees.

"You serve Garnier?" Altaïr questions.

"He... He makes me say these things." The Herald confesses. "To keep the people from revolting. To give them hope and make them eager for his touch."

"That's… somewhat selfishly nice…" Pyrrha comments, trying to say the right words.

"If he is nice." Nora snarked.

"Tell me everything you can about the man."

"Y-yes, of course. I-I know what happens within, what he really does."

"Go on."

"Not sick, not wounded when they enter. But once he's got his hands on them, then the pain begins."

JNPR gasp in disgust.

"So, he's not a doctor," Jaune growled.

"Your right Nora, he's not nice. At all." Pyrrha narrowed her eyes.

"Point one for Nora." The orange-haired girl said, raising a finger.

"He's no healer then. Just a sick, cruel man."

"After seeing what kind of person Tamir was, I think that just saying it nicely." Ren comments

"I-I don't know what it is he does to make them cry so loud, but it must be stopped before more are made to suffer. Will you stop him?"

"It's why you still live."

"He is cautious. You must pick the proper time. Go to him, when he attends to the patients. He forgets the world around him, becomes lost in his work. Yes! Strike then!"

"I thank you for the information."

"Then you'll let me go?"

"Would that I could." Altaïr then stabbed the Herald in the stomach with his Hidden Blade, killing him.

"Of course, he'd kill him." Pyrrha rolled her eyes, already getting used to what the Assassin does along with the others.

"Better walk away before attracting attention." Ren sighed as he controlled the Assassin.

Walking away, Altaïr discovered that Garnier was not actually treating patients in the hospital, but subjecting them to cruel experiments. He also learned that his query would be wholly absorbed in his work while tending to the patients, presenting an opportune time to strike.

'Memory Block 3'

'Investigation Complete'

'Garnier removes himself from the world around him while tending to his patients.'

"That does sound like the perfect time to strike." Jaune nods at the idea.

"Agreed." Ren nodded in agreement.

After interrogating the Herald, Altaïr searches the area for more information until he stumbled upon two civilians talking about an important letter they've stolen from someone. Interested, he listens to their conversation.

"Last one!" Nora chirped.

"So what you got there?" The first civilian asked.

"Rubbish!" The second civilian frustratedly said. "The man had no coin to speak of. Just some damn tube! All's I found was a bit of paper with these nonsense scratchings."

"Them's not nonsense, but words and letters."

"That could even be more valuable than pocket money, you know." Pyrrha deadpanned.

"Why's a man putting words and letters in a tube? A waste of tube if you ask me."

"Because of it important?" Jaune raised a brow, not even he's dumb not to know the importance of that letter.

"Must be important. Give it here, and I'll have a look."

"Like you helped last time! I ain't letting you steal this!"

"Well, ain't you clever. Have fun with it then."

"Love the comradery…" Surprisingly Ren was the one who sarcastically said that as he gets ready to still the letter.

Once the two men went their separate ways, Altaïr followed the carrier, carefully making sure he does not notice him. As soon as he was close enough, he snatched the letter at the right moment.

The team chuckled at the end after the Assassin successfully stole the letter.

'Memory Block 3'

'Investigation Complete'

'Acquired letter which shows the connection of Garnier and two other men.'

"Right, let's find out what that letter says," Jaune says.

"On it," Ren answers as he pauses the game and looks through the memory files of the Animus.

Taking a moment, Altaïr opens the letter to read it.

'Master:

Progress is slow. We should endeavor to reclaim what's been taken from us, or I fear we'll be discovered before we have a chance to act. My work on substitutes shows some promise as certain local flora can be used to induce a similar state. Be warned, however: the effects are only temporary, and subjects tend to develop a resistance, requiring increased dosage.

Unfortunately, they can only take so much before exhaustion claims them. I've lost far too many in this manner, and it breaks my heart.

Your man in Jerusalem should be commended for his diligence. My supplies remain sufficient, and I am no longer forced to use locals, helping to defray suspicion. I do worry about our loss in Damascus, though I have sufficient arms and armor to continue for a while longer. He will need to be replaced within the month, however, or our soldiers will be forced to wield table knives. Which brings to my next concern...

What do you intend to do about our enemy? I fear that the losses we've suffered are but the start. I feel secure enough within the hospital's walls, but it would be best if we dealt with this trouble before it has a chance to bloom. My men are yours for the task if it's required. Merely make your desires known to me.

Your brother in peace,

-G'

The Team was shocked, disgusted, and angered at what they learned in the letter. Garnier's letter mentioned regarding about drugging his patience, and what worse he doesn't just use Acre's people for whatever he's doing but also using outsiders from Acre. Despite his concern for his people, it doesn't change the fact of how he is doing it in exchange for it.

"He's a monster…" Pyrrha growled at Garnier's words.

"And he's saying it breaks his heart that he loses them? He's sick!" Jaune narrowed her eyes.

"We got a reason for Ice King to kill him now." Nora gritted her teeth.

"But first, we need to get this information to the Rafiq," Ren said, making everyone nod in agreement.

After learning everything he needs, Altaïr returns to the Bureau. There he meets up with the Rafiq.

A message came from their Scrolls.

'The Rafiq's name in Acre is Jabal, by the way.'

"Oh, that's cool," Jaune said.

"Altaïr? How fares your search for Garnier?" Jabal asked as Altaïr entered.

"I know when and how to strike," Altaïr answered.

"Share your knowledge with me, then."

"He lives and works within the Order's hospital, northwest of here. Rumors speak of atrocities committed within its walls. It seems the good doctor enjoys experimenting on innocent citizens, most of them kidnapped and brought here from Jerusalem."

"That's what the letter mentioned." Pyrrha narrowed her eyes.

"Clever," Jabal said as he reaches down under his counter and gets a journal to write down the information. "By stealing his subjects from another city, he avoids arousing too much suspicion here. But back to the matter at hand. What is your plan?"

"That actually is clever." Ren comments. "That eliminates any suspicion."

"Garnier keeps mainly to his quarters inside the hospital, though he leaves occasionally to inspect his patients. It's when he makes his rounds that I will strike."

"Like a good doctor does." Nora sarcastically said.

"It's clear you've given this some thought. I give you leave to go." Jabal said as he finished writing his journal, then he reached down again to counter and placed a feather on the counter, which Altaïr retrieved. "Remove this stain from Acre, Altaïr. Perhaps it will help cleanse your own. Rest here until you're ready to begin your mission." After that, the screen fades to white, and the usual robotic voice is heard.

'Fast-forwarding memory to a more recent one…'

The screen fades from white, and Altaïr is seen getting up from a mat inside the Bureau he was resting on.

'Memory Block 3'

'Investigation Complete'

'Strike Garnier while he is tending his patients for he removes himself from the world around him.'

"Alright, time to get this bastard," Jaune said.

"Right." Ren nodded as he controls Altaïr.

After resting, Altaïr exits the Burau and heads towards the souk to eliminate Garnier. He journeys through the District, freerunning on top of the buildings jumping from building to building while making sure to avoid the guards stationed on one of the roofs until he reaches his destination. The Hospitalier Fortress.

"Wow… this place is huge…" Jaune says with awe.

A message came from their Scrolls.

'The Hospitalier Fortress, a stronghold of the Crusader Knights Hospitalier, found in Acre during the Third Crusade. The structure is functioned as both a hospital and military quarters and in the poor district.'

"It's honestly impressive," Ren says, impressed with the structure and historical value.

"How do we get in? I don't see any Scholars to get in." Pyrrha points out.

"How about looking around?" Nora suggested, which Ren complied too.

Seeing that guards are blocking the entrance and there where no Scholars to blend with, seeing no other choice Altaïr looks around the building to find an alternative route.

He sees and old abanded shopping stand attached to the wall of the building, using it Altaïr climbs up then climbs against he wall fo the building to reach the roof.

"Hmm, I could use that to climb up to the roof," Ren said as he did what he said.

"Careful, there might be guards up there." Jaune points out.

"Right."

A few archers are guarding the area, but the Assassin stealthily avoids a few while using his Hidden Blade to silently killing the guards. As soon as he reaches the entrance, he carefully climbs down whiles avoiding the guards' notice. He sees a few wandering, partially unstable patients and the guards.

"Good job Ren." Prryha compliments him.

"This place gives me the creeps." Nora shivered as he leaned a bit closer to her partner.

"Your right…" Jaune says as he takes a look at the patients. "This looks more like an Asylum then a Hospital."

"There's certainly more to what place shows." Pyrrha comments.

"Indeed." Ren agrees.

'Ancestor's memory synchronized.'

'Now recording…'

The Assassin entered the Hospitalier fortress, when suddenly one of Garnier's patients came running through the halls, pursued by two guards.

"No, help! Help me! Help me! Please! You must help me!" Eventually, they subdued him near the main entrance, as soon as they caught him, the two guards started to beat him. This gathers a crowd watching the scene. Altaïr being one of them.

"What's happening?!" Jaune gasps in horror while the others watch the poor man being beaten the guards.

The doors opened, revealing an older man accompanied by two other guards coming out to investigate the commotion. The man wore black robes with an apron that was stained from the blood of the patients who had been involved in his experiments. He had a small leather belt around his waist, which held up a small pouch, and he usually carried his sword around with him for protection. He was of average height and weight, with signs of aging, such as wrinkles and balding being prominent in his appearance. This is the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitalier, Garnier de Naplouse.

"That must be Garnier…" Pyrrha says as she narrows her eyes at the older man.

"Enough, my child!" The Grand Master snaps at the guard. "I asked you to retrieve the patient, not to kill him!" He then looks at the frightened patient with a kind look. "There, there. Everything will be alright."

"He sounds… oddly nice," Jaune slowly comments.

"No!" The patient shouted in fear as he tried to struggle free from the guards.

"Give me your hand." The older man said as he handed his hand to him.

"No, don't touch me! Not again!"

"Cast out this fear, else I cannot help you."

"Help me, like you helped the others?! You took their souls! I saw! I saw! But not mine! No! You'll not have mine!"

Garnier then slapped the patient to silence him. "Take hold of yourself! Do you think this gives me pleasure? Do you think I want to hurt you? But you leave me no choice."

JNPR could only watch in stun silence, not sure how to react to this appropriately.

The patient was able to break free from one of the guards momentarily and addressed the crowd around him. "Every kind word, matched by the back of his hand! All lies and deception! He won't be content until all bow before him!" The guards got full-grip of him again and pinned him back to Garnier.

"You should not have done that…" The Grand Master growled towards the patient but kept himself composed. "Return him to his quarters! I'll be along once I've tended to the others."

"You can't keep me here! I'll escape again!"

"No. You won't." He then looks to the one guards that accompanied him. "Break his legs, both of them."

The guard came up to the patient and forcefully stepped on his knees, breaking both of his legs. The unpleasant sound of bones breaking could be heard, along with painful screaming from the patient. Even the crowd cringed at the scene.

JNPR gasped at the brutality.

The patient was then dragged back into the fortress.

"I am so sorry, my child," Garnier whispered as the patient was then dragged back into the fortress. Then he looked up to the crowd. "Have you people nothing better to do?"

With that, the crowd dispersed while Garnier entered back into the fortress, the gates closing, and the two guards that accompanied him were left outside to guard the gates.

"That's… I-I don't know what to say…" Pyrrha covers her mouth in horror. Even Nora was the same.

"At least he didn't get him killed… but that was still too cruel to watch." Jaune angrily says.

"Indeed. Its as we learned, this man is no doctor, just a tyrant." Ren calmly says, but his eyes narrowed dangerously at the screen.

"Right." Jaune calms himself. "You ready, Ren?"

"Ready," Ren says as he finds his method in targeting Garnier.

'Checkpoint Reached.'

Altaïr searched another route to reach the Hospitalier. He then sees a group of Scholars and decides to blend with them. Fortunately, Scholars were allowed to roam about in specific areas in the fort.

"Lucky! There are Scholar in the fortress." Nora says, giving Ren an advantage.

In the main room, he sees guards in certain areas watching other the area and other Hospitaliers doing their jobs watching other patients. Inside he also sees patients lie in beds all over, some wandering around talking gibberish and walking around looking distorted there even scream and wailing heard all around from time to time.

"Oh, Oum, this place is a horror show!" The pancake-lover shivered as she held on to her partner.

"Let's just find Garnier and get out of this crazy place," Jaune said, suppressing a shiver.

"Found him." Ren sad.

"Finally…" The Invincible Girl mutters in relief.

He slowly looks around among the Scholars until he finally found Garnier, who was tending among the patients, walking from one bed to another. What was even surprising was that he overheard the patients being grateful for the man for helping them.

Again, the team was shocked by this. A few of the patience thanked Garnier and praised him for being a good man.

"That's right… he's still technically a doctor." Pyrrha said.

"But that doesn't change the fact that he's still a cruel person." Jaune states. "Ren, you ready?"

"Just waiting for the right moment."

This doesn't stop the Assassin from doing his mission. He notices Garnier walking into a more open space in the main room, granted there were a few patients and Hospitallers close by, but the guards were too far to reach him.

"There, Renny!" Nora shouts as she points in the direction of the screen.

Taking this chance, Altaïr broke off from the group and quickly walked up to the Grand Master from behind before anyone, or he can react the Assassin used his Hidden Blade and swiftly stabbed him from behind as he covered his mouth preventing him from screaming.

"Mission accomplished." Ren sighs in relief in his accomplishment.

"Good job Ren." Pyrrha congratulates him.

"Nice Job!" Jaune did the same.

"You got him, Renny!" Nora said.

The screen quickly fades to white as Altaïr carefully lays him to the ground. The Memory Corridor was commencing.

"Another Memory Corridor." Jaune comments.

"Let's see what Garnier has to say," Ren said as he and the others listen.

"Let go your burden." Altaïr whispers to the dying man.

"Ah… I'll rest now, yes. The endless dream calls to me." Garnier says, accepting his death. "But before I close my eyes, I must know - what will become of my children?"

"Children?" Jaune says in disbelief in anger. "You can seriously believe that?"

"You mean the people made to suffer your cruel experiments!?" The Assassin nearly shouts in disbelief in what he heard. "They'll be free now to return to their homes!"

"Homes!? What homes!? The sewers? The brothels? The prisons that we dragged them from?" The older man rebuked.

"You took them against there will!" Pyrrha shouts in anger.

"You took these people against their will!" The Assassin countered.

"Yes, what little will there was for them to have." The dying Hospitalier confessed. "Are you really so naive? Do you appease a crying child, simply because he wails? 'But I want to play with fire, father.' What would you say? 'As you wish?' Ah, but then you'd answer for his burns."

"Is he seriously treating them as children?" Nora also says in disbelief.

"These are not children, but men and women, full-grown." Altaïr snapped.

"In body, perhaps, but not in mind, which is the very damage I sought to repair. I admit, without the Piece of Eden, which you stole from us, my progress was slowed. But there are herbs, mixtures, and extracts. My guards are proof of this. They were madmen before I found and freed them from the prisons of their own minds. Ahh, and with my death, madmen, they will be again."

JNPR couldn't believe what they are hearing. Was this man really helping them?

"I… don't know what to say… despite what he's done, it doesn't sound like he's doing anything wrong." Jaune comments, growing more confused.

"At first, it sounds like he's brainwashing them with drugs," Ren suggested. "But now, I'm not sure at all."

"So… he was really helping them? And whats this Piece of Eden he's talking about?" Nora ask.

"I'm not sure, Nora. But whatever it is, we can only find out through the game." Pyrrha says, giving the others a thoughtful look.

"You truly believe you were helping them?" The Assassin questioned not believing in what he's hearing from a dying man

"It's not what I believe, it's what I know." Garnier answers with full conviction in his voice before dying in Altaïr's hands. With that, the Assassin takes his out the feather and wipes the Garnier's blood with it.

The screen quickly fades into white again and out rapidly, showing Altaïr is back at the fort, but since after what he's done, all of the guards are now targeting him.

"Time to run, Ren!" The team leader warns his friend.

"Right!"

'Checkpoint Reached.'

The Assassin sees a ladder next to him and quickly climbs up. Taking the ground to his advantage, he immediately jumps up at the support platform and runs to the nearest open window.

"Nice escape!" Nora cheered.

"It's not over yet! Altaïr still needs to hide." Pyrrha said.

He got out of the fort, but he's still not out of the woods yet. He quickly runs up to the nearest building and climbs to the top of the roof then he runs roof to roof until he manages to find a small hut. Taking the chance, he hid inside.

"Glad I found this place." Ren sighs in relief.

After waiting patiently, the guards gave up in chasing him. He comes out from his hiding spot then quickly rushes back to the Bureau while avoiding guards anymore.

"Careful Ren, there still looking for Altaïr." Jaune reminded him, while he simply nodded in response.

After a while, he successfully manages to enter the Bureau. There he meets with the Rafiq to report his accomplishment.

Everyone sighs in relief that the Assassin is now back in the Bureau.

"What news, Altaïr?" Jabal asks Altaïr.

In response, Altaïr shows the blood-covered feather. "Garnier is dead."

"Then you should return to Masyaf with news of your victory." The Rafiq said as he reached for his journal to write down the information.

"There is something else." The disgraced Assassin added.

"Speak it, then! Or would you have me read your mind?"

"What do you think he wanted from these people, that he would keep them and experiment on them as he did?"

JNPR perked up, also wondering why Garnier did all this before his recent death.

"Yours is not to ask, but act, Altaïr! It doesn't matter what he did or why. Only that he's dead."

"That's… sound very irresponsible." Pyrrha comments.

"But Garnier seemed to believe he was helping these people," Altaïr answered back.

"Yeah, it did, didn't?" Nora says, not so sure with herself.

"Is that what you saw?" The Rafiq questioned.

"No." JNPR chorused together, knowing full well that it wasn't the case.

"No." The young Assassin immediately answered. "What I saw was not a place of healing, but of pain."

"Then why are we having this conversation?" The Rafiq asked with a slight tone of annoyance.

"I... I don't know. Forget I spoke of it." Altaïr said, not entirely sure with the answer himself.

"It seems that Altaïr is beginning to question his task." Ren points out.

"Is that a good thing?" Nora innocently asks.

"Not sure. All we can do is find out as we play." Jaune answers.

"I already have."

After that, the screen fades to white, and the usual robotic voice is heard.

'Fast-forwarding memory to a more recent one…'

The screen fades out from the white, and Altaïr is seen getting up from a mat inside the Bureau he was resting on.

'Memory Block 3'

'Assassination Complete'

'Target has been eliminated.'

'Return to Al Mualim.'

Again, the screen fades back to white while the screen shows that the game is being saved.

"That was a lot to take in." Jaune comments.

"Indeed." Ren agrees.

"Do you think we can find out what's going on?" Nora asks.

"I'm sure we can," Pyrrha says with a smile. "I'm getting really interested in finding out the whole story myself."

"Yeah." Jaune answers. "Let's keep playing to find out more." With that, they continued with the game to find out more with Altaïr.

To be continued…

Next update: Railgun Girls watches STAR WARS The Force Eternal Act 2 (Chapter x3)