{|ACIV:BF|} Over and Out {1-on-1 rp}

It was a damp night, snow still all over the ground. Still, it wasn’t nearly as cold as it had been in the area and for that Karissa was content enough. It wasn’t enough to actually change much in the routine, however, a routine she was very bored with though had no way of changing and still living in society well enough. So she pushed through with it without complaint.

Inside the store she was busy breaking down boxes and shoving them on the trolley to wheel out to the nearby dumpster. It was the last task she had for the night before she could go home and Mia was out in the storefront waiting for her. Karissa was her ride home, after all.

When that was all completed she made sure to grab her coat before wheeling the trolley out. Mia would meet her halfway and walk out to the dumpster with her as they chatted. Karissa nodded at her when this happened.

“Last thing, promise,” she said on their way out of the door. Other than returning the trolley and clocking out they’d be good to go.

Mia helped to get the trolley out the door, the pipes that needed tossing poking out farther than the doorjambs allowed to fit through. It wasn’t often anything other than trash bags and boxes got tossed but occasionally the store didn’t need to keep old set ups to hold merchandise with—tonight was one such night.

After many tries and a pipe continuing to fall off the trolley Karissa merely hoisted it up on her shoulder, wheeling the trolley one-handed. “There,” she said with a note of finality on their way out of the door. Properly, this time.

It wheeled loudly over the sidewalk though neither woman minded. This was a common occurrence when they both worked, at least when it was Karissa who worked later.

“You should see some of the stuff that pennied out and we gotta toss,” she noted, nodding towards the trash, “even torn up a lot of it’s pretty cool.”

Neither girl would take anything, there wasn’t a point to. They typically made enough between them to get what they wanted most times and so petty theft wasn’t something they indulged in. Still, seeing some of the stuff that just got thrown out was interesting at times.

The night was damp, snow still stubbornly clinging to the ground despite the warmer weather and the rain. Winter was finally melting into spring though it would still be another month or two before they could see a real change in the seasons. Mia was simply proud to have spotted a robin or two during the day.

Now, late in the evening, she stood at the store front waiting on Karissa to finish up her word. This was a routine they had settled into after deciding to move in with each other. The economy was not in a state where either could live on their own, especially on their jobs.

She spared a smile toward the other woman when she spoke, informing Mia of one last task. Mia pushed the door open, holding it for Karissa so she could get the large trolley out. The old trolley rattled loudly but it wasn't a grating sound and she ignored it.

Karissa only had to stop once to pick up a pipe, resting it on her shoulder. Mia scoffed in good humor at the look of her. Karissa always came off looking like the tougher of the two and the pipe certainly helped that now.

"You look like you're a part of a gang, holding that thing like that," she stated, shoving her hands into her hoodie pocket.

Mia spared a glance at the discarded items, shaking her head. "That's a shame," she answered. "People could still get some use out of them."

Both growing up in rather low income families, they knew how to make things stretch as long as they could. It wasn't always easy and they did wish for better things at times but for the most part neither could do much about it until they got jobs.

"What can ya do though?" she carried on.

For the most part, the topic was left as is when they started walking back. Thick fog clung around the area. She couldn't remember a time when it had been so thick. It seemed like a long while, winter mostly eliminating that much.

"Eerie night," she jested lightly. "Suppose we might have to worry about strange stuff happening, huh? Some Silent Hill nonsense, Pyramid Head, the like."

Mia spared a grin in Karissa's direction. They were game addicts at this point, Karissa more so. She watched as Karissa tapped that pipe onto her shoulder, offering a slight chuckle.

Karissa blinked, glancing at Mia for the comment. She hadn't thought of anything about her appearance toting the pipe to the dumpster like that. It had been the first thing that came to mind to stop it from falling off the trolley every few steps was all.

"A gang, huh?" she echoed, amused, "whatever you say. I'm too scrawny for that shit."

She'd turned forward then, careful about the two inches between the sidewalk top and the parking lot pavement at the end of the path. The last thing Karissa needed was for everything on the trolley to go falling off because she'd let it tip too far between sidewalk and parking lot. Mia was a big help here, steadying the trolley before Karissa made a beeline for the dumpster.

Mia was talking about the trash, or rather what merchandise had been torn apart so people couldn't loot them out of the garbage and sell them later. Karissa offered up a shrug to that. She could understand the logic on both sides, really.

"Yeah, but no one asks us our opinions on these things," she said simply and left it at that. A few moments later she'd stopped before the dumpster, tugging out the broken down boxes first after she'd propped up the pipe on the dumpster. She'd toss the heavier stuff in last.

It was an easy thing to start dropping everything in, the trash wasn't overflowing out of the dumpster like it sometimes was. This made it easier than other days when she had to try to toss everything in without it spilling back out. Between all of this Karissa caught Mia rooting through the merchandise, no doubt a little curious. It might've been hard to see what was inside some of the boxes with the nearest street light several yards away.

Not until Karissa had tossed in all the flattened boxes and moved on to the other thick pipes still lodged inside the trolley, did she speak up. "Find something that has you fascinated?" she wondered.

It was hard to tell in the darkness but Mia seemed focused on something. Was there something in there that she was particularly fond of? It was possible, Karissa recalled a few Assassin Creed-themed merchandise being tossed in there. That had left her a little sore, smitten with the series and having had it in mind to buy one of them. She hadn't been quick enough though.

Mia snorted lightly in response. She offered a shrug of her shoulders, glancing around them. It was a quiet night though many weren't going to brave the weather. It was too wet and still too cold for some people's view.

"I don't know," she jested in response. "I could always hook you up with my brother. He's got connections!"

She shifted her weight, her knee brace having done a marvelous job in keeping it from getting too sore. Once in a while it still complained and she would shift her weight to her left leg.

Her gaze fell onto the pile of trash when Karissa answered. It was true enough and Mia found it a little sad.

"There would be plenty different if we ran the world, I'm sure." she answered.

For a brief moment, there was silence. Conversation broke down and Mia took to studying what was left in the pile. She furrowed her eyebrows picking out one particular item and strode forward. Karissa noticed this right away.

Mia knelled down and dug out the round object. She twisted it in her hands slightly before holding it up to Karissa.

"Did they ever make replica's of the Piece's of Eden?" she interrogated. "I know people had made their own models but I've never actually seen a place like this sell them."

Mia watched the confusion on Karissa's face. She allowed Karissa to take the object into her hand. Mia pushed herself up to her feet, studying the object in the low light. She furrowed her eyebrows, glancing at the replica. There was a soft glow emitting from it.

"This is weird..."

Karissa chuckled, shaking her head. She'd yet to meet this brother of Mia's though Karissa had spoken to him over headsets while the three of them had played video games.

"I'm sure," she said, tossing Mia a look.

The conversation didn't get much further than that for the moment. There was a comment about running the world that left Karissa uncomfortable though she hid it well enough. It might have been a joke but one that she wasn't entirely comfortable going on about, it just didn't seem right. She wouldn't say anything though and cause a snit over something that small.

She could hear Mia shifting around in the garbage before she'd turned, studying something that'd been tossed out. It wasn't until Mia spoke up did Karissa have any idea of what she might be looking at. There was a lot of stuff in there that had' piled up in the back room, things that had no room for on the walls and bins and so they'd remained in the back until they'd pennied out in the system.

Karissa offered a shrug at the question, reaching for the pipe she'd left propped up against the dumpster to toss in next. "Yeah, I guess they had. They're selling those blood vials from Black Flag now, why not Piece of Eden replicas?"

It wasn't until a glow caught her eye did she pause in tossing that pipe away, turning back instead to peer at the thing Mia held with incredulousness. For a moment she could only study it, the glowing orb that was bright enough to cast shadows around them, while Mia muttered something or other. Karissa found herself hesitant to take her eyes off of it, the glow itself was alluring but she couldn't shake the unsettled feeling that coiled in her stomach at the sight of the thing.

"Maybe you shouldn't be holding that," Karissa started, reaching out to take it it and shove it somewhere they couldn't see it directly. As soon as her fingers brushed past the metal--warm as odd as it was--a brilliant light burst forth from the thing, blinding Karissa.

She jerked her head around, squeezing her eyes shut while she threw her free arm over her arms to help shield them. Her fingers felt glued to the warm metal of that orb no matter how hard she tried to pry them away in the ensuing few seconds. Gradually the light faded though her head pounded because of it. That was before she became all too aware of the humidity that assaulted her.

Brow furrowed, confusion swirling in her chest, she lowered her arm to peer around. Karissa kept a tight hold of the pipe she still had in her hand despite the confusion at the situation. Around them there was no snow only green and brown among the rather colorful houses. There were no street light posts or pavement in the way that Karissa and Mia would be used to. While this all seemed eerily familiar to Karissa she couldn't say that Mia would think the same.

"Oh my god…" she muttered, taking it all in. Her fingers finally fell away from the thing in Mia's hand allowing her to step a few paces down the little street. It was nowhere near the size of standard streets where Karissa was from.

Mia's words went unnoticed for the time being as she just took in the streets of what might have been Havana. She recognized this place. That alone was startling if only because it looked like it had the night before when she'd been playing that game… The eyes on them, the people all around dressed in those period-related clothes didn't help matters. Their entrance here must have been alarming with the way they stared. The fact that Karissa and Mia were dressed so oddly to them must not have helped matters either.

Karissa studied the fake Eden piece carefully before she offered a shrug. Mia couldn't recall a time when she had heard of these things being sold but who knew? These kind of things came up once in a while.

It was only when the thing started glowing in her hand did Karissa advise to put it down. Mia twisted it this way and that as if to try and find something to turn it off. It had to just be electronic.

"There's probably some kind of off switch to it," she tried to reason, more to herself than to Karissa. "My sister has something like it. It's sensitive to touch and will light up."

When Karissa reached out and tried to take hold of it, the Eden piece started to glow brighter, far more than any touch sensitive light.

Mia's heart hammered against her chest. She tried to move, wanted to throw the thing away but her body wouldn't react. All she could do was screw her eyes shut against the light, her stomach doing flip flops.

Humidity washed over her suddenly, making it difficult to breathe for a moment. She inhaled a deep breath, finally opening her eyes. Her gaze darted this way and that, panic already gripping her. It was hard to get her bearings or even take in the environment they were in.

"Karissa?" she called out, the other woman taking several steps away from Mia. She glanced at the people and then back to her friend. "Karissa, m-maybe we should get out of here..."

Indeed, all sorts of eyes were on them. The whispers were easy to pick up on as well. She took a few forward, getting a tad closer to Karissa. She seemed in awe of this place but Mia was completely clueless of what the fuss was about.

Was she missing something here? Karissa seemed to have a better idea of this place than Mia did.

Mia's gaze darted around them several times over. If anyone approached, she hoped to get her friend to bolt with her. Karissa had a better idea of how to defend herself but they were both out of their element and confused. She swallowed hard a lump forming in her throat.

The object was still tight in her hand. Mia's gaze drifted down to it briefly before she looked at Karissa again. Mia finally had her attention, if anything.

"Lets...find a quiet place and try to figure out what happened..." she finally suggested.

Karissa's heart hammered in her chest at the oddly familiar sights and clothes the peoples wore. They stuck out in their heavy coats and their khaki and jean pants. With the sudden spike in humidity and heat Karissa already felt as if she was overheating in her coat but she was far too baffled and shocked to tug it off just yet. With the way the people nearest her stumbled backwards away from her when Karissa had stepped forward they must have appeared out of thin air.

She could hear Mia behind her, calling to leave. But leave to where? They didn't know this place, not personally. Hell, the only way Karissa had gotten around the game was with the aid of the mini-map. She didn't know this place well enough to get them somewhere out of sight safely.

"This is Havana," Karissa said instead, pointing at the ground as she did so. When she was met with silence she spun around to again say "This is Havana."

Whether or not that registered for Mia yet was the question. She'd played multiplayer with Karissa before but she hadn't delved into the story of Black Flag. Had the Havana map in multiplayer been enough for her to recognize this place yet or not? From the looks of things it didn't seem as if Mia had put the pieces together yet.

"Well, what've we got here? Two lovely foreigners, huh?" a voice called out, cutting across the conversation before it could start.

Spinning around Karissa was met face to face with one she only saw briefly. Charlie Oliver or 'Charlie the Great' as he preferred stood there, a sword in one hand. Around him were a few others, probably Templars. Karissa swallowed the lump in her throat, shifting into a more battle ready stance. She'd have to swing with the pipe still clutched in her hand and hope for the best. At the very least it was heavy and could do some damage if she landed a hit…

"What do you want, pretty boy?" Karissa scoffed.

"Many things though for starters you and your friend could hand over that piece of gold you've got," Charlie said, gesturing for Mia to hand it over, "it's more important than you'll ever know, luvs."

"Fat chance!" Karissa told him without a second's thought.

"So be it," Charlie answered lightly, gesturing for his men to start forward.

Mia sounded startled though the words didn't reach Karissa as she the closet guy halfway, swinging wildly with the pipe in hand. If she had the chance she'd have tugged off her coat and thrown it but there was little time before hey'd descended on them. It would only be as host time that Karissa could hold them off, however, and she knew it. It'd just be a matter of finding an opening for her and Mia and bolting with the Piece of Eden.

Mia wasn't sure how long it took for Karissa to glance back at her. It seemed far too long, Mia's heart pounding so hard against her ribs that it hurt. What could they do here? Neither seemed to know what to do now, especially given where they were.

When she finally told Mia where they were, in Havana, she furrowed her eyebrows. A brief moment passed before realization dawned on her. She glanced down at the Eden piece again, her stomach churning. Was this thing the real thing?

"I don't..." she started struggling for words. "This thing is real?"

Their conversation didn't get too far before it was interrupted. She furrowed her eyebrows at the familiarity of the accent. It was a thick British one and it nagged at her until she lifted her head, finding the one who it belonged to.

Her heart leapt into her throat when she saw the familiar face. She'd been toying around on multiplayer the passed few days, mostly playing as him. Face to face with him now, it was a little bit of a strange thought.

Mia didn't get to intervene in the conversation. Charlie had said his part and Karissa had retaliated quickly. Mia felt conflicted as Karissa took to a fighting stance. The pipe she had picked up was going to serve as her only weapon but these people could have pistols tucked away. Mia knew for a fact that Charlie had two.

Mia glanced between Karissa and Charlie. He had already gestured for his men to step forward. A startled sound left her watching Karissa swing at one man. If things went on like this who knew what would happen.

"Wait, stop!" she shouted, holding up the Piece of Eden. "Just take it!"

If this would buy them any time at all, she would sacrifice the Eden piece to the Templar's. At this point, she would rather have it out of her hands. Mia was aware it was for selfish reasons but she tried not to think about that now.

Mia was a little glad that he relented and called his men off. It was only a moment before Karissa grabbed the Piece of Eden from Mia's hand and took hold of her arm. It wasn't a moment later she was tugging Mia along behind her, bolting from the area.

Mia felt herself stumble a little, trying to keep up with Karissa. She understood that Karissa sympathized heavily with the assassin's cause. Giving up the Eden piece wasn't worth it to her. Still, Mia could only assume how long they could simply run.

There hadn't been much of a scuffle though Karissa had expected things to get bad. She didn't quite care for the Templar side of things and if she could prevent them from getting a Piece of Eden, whether this be a dream, a hallucination or reality, then she'd do her best. Even if it was just to delay them it was better than nothing at all. Karissa's heart pounded in her chest even as she took a swing at the nearest guy, watching him duck around the thick pipe.

What if they pulled a gun on her? She didn't have anything for that. Karissa didn't get much time to think about it, ready to try and block a blow from the sword coming her way before Mia's voice had halted everything. For a moment it all seemed to still. Karissa was quick to recover however, straightening and darting forward to snatch Mia's wrist in her hand and tug her in the opposite direction.

Not a word was said, Karissa's jaw was clenched tightly even as she heard Charlie calling after them, shouting for his men to ring them and the Piece of Eden back. Karissa wasn't sure how long they'd be able to get away like this, she wasn't familiar with Havana nor knew where all the hiding spots were.

Two streets and her heart was already pounding, her breath coming in great gasps. She had a hard time breathing and it showed though she didn't slow because of it--she couldn't bring herself to. When she heard the sound of a pistol firing, echoing up into the air and causing both girls to flinch, Karissa halted long enough to release Mia's wrist.

"Give me this," she said, reaching for the Piece of Eden, "I'll take the hit for this! Just find a place to hide!"

With those directions Karissa pushed Mia down a nearby alley with her shoulder before darting off in the opposite direction. At least this way she could try and protect Mia better. Maybe someone might find her and shelter her, if she was lucky.

"If you want it come and catch me!" Karissa shouted loudly, to make sure she was heard. As she glanced over her shoulder she spotted one of them rounding the corner and she held up the Piece of Eden to show who had it. Like a charm they were calling for her to be focused on.

She wasn't sure how long she ran down this street and that. Occasionally she took a leaf out of the assassins book and hopped fences or crouched through thick underbrush. Just running without a plan like this, however, wasn't going to work forever. She could barely keep running by the time she spotted a body of water. It looked like it might be part of the bigger ocean…

Without much thought she tossed the Piece of Eden up into the air and swung the pipe hard at it. There was the loud clash of metal on metal before the Piece was sent sailing through the air to splash into the deepest part of the inlet. She'd have to pray that it didn't wash up so easily considering it was metal. It was light to the touch but maybe the waves wouldn't wash it up if it got lodged in seaweed or so she hoped.

That done she darted away, back towards the heart of Havana. Better not linger where she'd tossed the thing and give cause to search there first.

Mia didn't have a chance to argue with the decision to run off. She could hear Charlie's voice ordering the others to chase after. They would no doubt fight vehemently for the Piece of Eden. She worried about some of the other Templar's she could recall getting word.

Her lungs burned, never being used to running. Her knee started to complain as well, something she didn't need to be worrying about now. The short distance they had run left her breathless. Karissa had yet to slow and Mia had no idea when they would stop.

Mia flinched when she heard a pistol firing. No sound left her, too breathless to even yelp. That might have been for the best. It was hard to tell how far those other Templar's might have been.

Finally, Karissa halted and quickly took the Piece of Eden from Mia. Mia struggled for breath just to argue. The thought of her taking the fall terrified her. What if Karissa got hurt or worse?

Mia could feel herself trembling. Before she could even argue, Karissa was pushing her into an alley and started to run off. She shouted to make sure anyone pursuing would hear her. Mia pressed her back against a building when one Templar finally passed by.

She screwed her eyes shut, trying to catch her breath. Her heart sounded as if it pounded in her ears. She couldn't waste time here but it was hard to move. Trying to exhale a shaky breath, she started down the alleyway. She tried to go a little slower, her knee aching even with the brace wrapped tightly around it.

Mia spared an occasional glance around trying to listen to the noises around her. It was hard, picking out shouts and the startled chatter of people nearby. She could only hope and pray that Karissa would remain as safe as she could.

----[x]----

The ruckus among Havana had almost been instantaneous. There had been a bright light from what someone had reported and two young women, one apparently holding an Eden Piece. A few Templars in the area had quickly attacked the pair.

From what the informant had told Rhona, the two women had run off though, if they were still together, Daniel could only assume. If they were both together, that would be ideal. They couldn't afford to lose the Eden Piece to the Templars.

The sounds of pistol shots alerted his attention, shouts following quickly after. Danial quickened his pace, pushing through the crowds easily. A woman in strange clothing was rushing by. His heart leapt in his throat at that.

He tugged out a pistol of his own aiming and shooting a man who had tried to grab her. The Templar doubled back in pain. That would give them a little time to get moving.

"Come on girl," he said, keeping his voice low. "While they are distracted. I will get you some place safe."

Whether she protested or not wasn't in his interest. He simply took hold of her forearm and started forward. There would be others hidden about to defend them if need be. Given how quickly the Templar's had addressed these women, or at least the one now, let them know of their position.

He spared a brief glance down, studying her features. "I heard there was another with you," he brought up. "Where is she? Where is the Eden Piece?"

Even if one or the other didn't have it, either woman could still be used for information or bait. It would be best to find that other girl as well, if only to avoid giving the Templars any upper hand on the Brotherhood.

Charlie had followed after just in case they doubled back around in a bid to lose them. He would have preferred to be at the forefront of the chase but he was well aware of this little trick and would act to make sure it wasn't one they fell for. He'd rather not be thwarted by something so simple, not when he was making a name for himself.

His pace was still quick, keeping everything in earshot as best as he could. The pistol shots were alarming but so long as neither girl was killed that would be fine. They needed what information they had, after all.

At one point one off is men had doubled back around to inform him that the girls seemed to have split up. Charlie waved the man off, a smirk spreading over his lips. If that was the case maybe he'd try his luck in finding the more sensible one of the two. At least the one who'd offered to hand over the Piece of Eden might be easier to get information from, in any case.

Charlie wasn't sure how long he searched, splitting away from the way his men chased after the other girl. He'd leave her to his men, they would be more than capable of taking her in when she slowed. It was just a matter of tiring that one out.

He kept a wary eye out, seeking out any potential hiding spots. No need in letting this one slip by because he was lazy in looking about. Charlie had it in mind to act friendlier without the more reckless friend of hers nearby, it might sway her easier and put her at ease. Not his usual tactic but it would work here, he was sure.

It would continue in this vein, seeking out the sensible one of the two carefully. It wasn't until he spied movement ahead, the odd clothes noticeable despite the fact that she was ducking around someone's porch. Charlie smirked, striding forward quicker. She must have spotted him with the way she ducked under the porch, though it wouldn't do her much good now.

He came to a stop, pausing for a moment as if to give her hope that she'd not been spotted. Finally he leaned over to peer under that porch with the peeling paint to meet her gaze with his. Her face seemed to pale in the shadows she hid in at this.

"Well, well, what have we here?" he teased, holding out a hand for her to take. If she didn't accept it he'd just fish her out himself in a much less polite manner.

----[x]----

Karissa's throat and lung burned with the air she sucked in to keep running, her legs protesting immensely as she kept pushing onwards. She couldn't stop, even if she'd hidden the Piece of Eden however sloppily it was done. Giving up wasn't something she was good about even if it was an easier and maybe safer course of action.

She ignored the shouts and the occasional pistol shot after her. She was thankful, for once in this situation, that the guns were nowhere near as great at accuracy at long range as they would be in her original time. Still, it wouldn't be long before they caught up. She had to get rid of her heavy coat, she was overheating--

Before the worry could be fully thought about there was another gunshot from her left, causing her to jerk and blink wide-eyed at the man there. He paused only long enough to put his flintlock pistol away before he'd strode forward, his features obscured by a familiar hood, and took up her arm in his hand, urging her to follow. Breathlessly Karissa nodded, following as best she could.

A moment after he was asking questions as he lead the way. Karissa had to work to get the words out, still gasping for air, pipe clutched tightly in her other hand.

"Split up," she managed finally, "pitched that thing in the ocean!"

It was the most she could manage, overheating and needing to slow and catch her breath. That wasn't an option, however, not until they were safely away. Did this man know a nearby spot? If he didn't Karissa feared he might end up having to carry her more literally than he was now. She was seeing black spots gathering in her eyes and she felt dizzy.

Still, she pushed on. She couldn't let the Templars get her and if it meant being able to more ably look for Mia afterwards than she'd have to trust her friend to stay safe.

Mia wasn't sure how long she had been ducking and dodging into other alleys. The main focus was on Karissa that would leave Mia safe for a short time. Still, she felt a weight settle on her. She had to trust Karissa had some kind of plan in mind.

Eventually her breath calmed a little more but she became increasingly aware of how hot it was. Dressed for later winter the heat of Havana was getting to her. She wanted to tug her hoodie off but feared during attention.

She wiped sweat from her forehead, trying to ignore the sweltering heat. It wasn't easy to do. Even humid summers she'd experienced weren't this hot. Pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose, she exhaled a sigh.

Mia's gaze wandered carefully trying to pick out anyone familiar in the crowds. For a long moment, she felt safe enough. Still, she had little idea of where she was going also.

She spared another careful glance around, her heart leaping in her throat when she noticed Charlie nearby. She glanced around frantically before she darted toward porch. It was an easy thing to duck under it, praying she hadn't been spotted beforehand.

Footsteps drew her attention, her heart hammering in her chest. He halted for a short moment and a sense of relief had started to wash over her. That was until he ducked down easily meeting her gaze.

His words were friendly enough, a jest if anything, and he offered his hands. Mia debated taking hold of it for a long moment before she finally relented, letting her own slip into his. She didn't want to dig herself into a deeper hole at this point.

He made easy work of tugging her out. Mia tried not to cringe when her knee complained with the movements. On her feet again, she let her hand fall to her side, at a loss for words. It wasn't as if she was in a favorable position at the moment.

"I...suppose we can both agree that I'm not very good at this." she joked awkwardly, if only to make herself feel a little better.

----[x]----

The girl seemed to be having a difficult time. With all the running she did, Daniel wasn't surprised. Still, it seemed like it was something a little more as well. She was foreign, that much was true. She might have just not been used to this climate.

If that was the case, he tried not to push her too hard. He'd have to carry her if she collapsed or passed out. While that might speed things up for him, it wasn't exactly subtle. Her clothing was strange enough to draw public eye much less the Templars.

It took her a long moment to answer his questions. He didn't want to push for more until she was settled down. The answers she gave however were both a worry and relief.

"Your friend might be found," he informed. "But we will try to prevent that. I'll have someone search for her when we arrive. As for the Eden Piece, at least it is not in the hands of the Templars though I have to question how you know of such things."

Was she involved somehow through a land he was not aware of or did she simply get dragged into it by mistake. There was the matter of her clothing as well. She was certainly a strange on and there were many questions on his mind.

The walk seemed longer than it should have been. Pistol shots died out as they got further away. He paused at a familiar spot, a building the assassin's frequently used as a base. He couldn't afford to make Karissa walk any further.

He pushed her in first before he scanned the area to make sure it was safe. Only then did he follow after her.

"Please, sit down before you collapse," he informed. "We are safe here for the time being."

Daniel watched as she nearly collapsed into a chair anyways. She looked a mess, half there and gasping for breath. Daniel stopped someone to fetch her some water. It was becoming more evident that she wasn't doing well in this humidity, not like those who had lived here all their lives.

For a long moment it didn’t look like the girl was going to take his hand. Charlie was half-debating on just reaching further in and tugging her out by that odd coat of hers before she finally relented. He tugged her out effortlessly, keeping a firm hold of he hand when she was out. Charlie would avoid her having the opportunity to run off on him again.

“Clearly, luv,” Charlie scoffed, amused.

He took a minute to study her then, take in her odd clothes. The girl wasn’t a native around here, that was for sure, or any area that Charlie was aware of. These clothes weren’t something that seemed to fit the times at all when it got down to it.

“What might a little one like you be doing running amok with a piece of gold like earlier?” he prodded, eyebrow raised.

She was squirming then, clearly uncomfortable. ’She knows something.’ It was as plain as day with the way that she was acting. It would just be a matter of fishing it out of her. Perhaps she’d continue to be sensible.

With a charming smile Charlie gestured to himself, “before you wonder about the man standing before you, I am Charlie the Great.” The look on her face wasn’t one that deterred his confidence even if it was less than impressed. They’d all be proven wrong sooner rather than later.

He would wait for her to say something then. Dominating the conversation might make it easier to steer it into the direction that he wanted but it would do little to gain her trust. He still needed her name and the name of that friend of hers. They’d hunt the other down in time.

----[x]----

She couldn’t keep track of how long they had run only that this man was the one keeping her going now. She needed to stop soon and try to cool off. It wasn’t like they could just stop out in the open, though, not with pursuers.

He was speaking again, wondering how she knew what she did. Karissa shook her head, gasping out “not the time!” before conversation drew to a halt.

Buildings and people alike were a blur to her as they zipped past them. She couldn’t’ have spared them the time of day even if she wanted to considering the situation. There would be time later to observe and to see things first hand but now was not that time. The black gathering at the edges of her vision, the dizziness and her burning lungs were a reminder of that of themselves.

Eventually the man had slowed his pace, allowing for Karissa to try and catch her breath, swaying on her feet. Before she had time to tug off her coat she was urged inside a building, the shadows inside a marginal relief from the heat. Even when she tried to be careful she still all but collapsed into the nearest chair she could spot.

The pipe she’d clutched so desperately clattered to the ground as she took to finally peeling away the thick coat she’d been wearing. When that was tossed from her person she was leaning forward, elbows on her knees as she held her head in her hands, attempting to quell the dizziness. She could vaguely hear someone talking to another during that time.

It wasn’t until someone was pushing a glass of water into her hand, prying it away from her head first, did she glance back up. The woman was one that Karissa knew from Black Flag, her dark eyes filled with concern.

”Hey, there! Friendliest faces you’ve seen yet, eh?” she greeted, clasping Karissa’s shoulder before urging her to drink. It wasn’t necessary as before Karissa would even say anything in return she’d down the entire glass.

“What now?” she finally managed to wonder, glancing between the unfamiliar man and the woman, Rhona.

”Well, we need to figure out what to do with you!” Rhona said, glancing back to the other assassin, “we might need to pop you on over to Tulum to keep you safe though!”

For the most part he remained friendly. That wasn't much of a surprise to her, not in a way that she could explain. The situation wasn't favorable but she felt better knowing something. He wasn't out to do harm, that much was clear, just to gain information. She didn't have to worry about dying over that Eden Piece.

He seemed to take a long moment to size her up, study her. Mia knew she probably looked like quite a sight. He wouldn't find anyone dressed like this, at least not in his time. If he was aware of that fact, he didn't let on to it.

When he did speak up again, it was about the Piece of Eden. She fidgeted a little, unsure of how to answer that. At this point, it seemed unavoidable. She swallowed hard, unsure of where to start about it, if she should go into detail. She finally decided to leave things simple.

"We found it," she explained slowly. "We didn't think much of it...until it started glowing. The next thing we both know, we were here."

She didn't mention the time or where she was from. If there was a point when he prodded for items she had that would explain enough. It was difficult to explain and avoiding it now would be a comfort.

If he picked up on that, she was rather grateful. He motioned to himself, grinning as he spoke. She raised a brow, studying him briefly. She knew that this was a self moniker but meeting him face to face, he just came off as a bit of a dork to her. The thick accent only made that more so.

"Is that a...self proclaimed title?" she inquired, a bit of a jest. He acted as if he were insulted by the words, drawing a small smile out of her. "My name is Mia."

Mia would leave Karissa's name out of this for the time being. If she was safe, Mia wanted it to stay that way. Mia being caught was enough and she just hoped her situation wouldn't get any worse.

"Charlie..." she started carefully. "What happens next?"

She had an idea in mind but she didn't come off as if she did. In a way, she could only assume at this point. All she was aware of is that she wasn't going to be killed.

----[x]----

Daniel stood off to the side, giving the young woman some room. She peeled off the thick jacket and crashed down onto a chair. She certainly was an odd looking woman, nothing like he had been before. She drew an eye or two as well, even here.

He was quiet, allowing her time to think. Whatever was on her mind was a mystery. Daniel couldn't provide any solace if she didn't speak. She probably had quite a few worries on her mind.

It wasn't long before Rhona appeared, sliding a glass of water toward the other woman. He spared a brief nod in greeting, allowing her to speak. The concern was obviously there and why wouldn't there be? This young woman had a hard shell for all that had happened.

The suggestion to take her to Tulum was probably for the best. Daniel nodded in agreement, allowing the girl to mull over it briefly.

"I can escort her there when she has rested." he offered. "I...suppose we should be asking for your name."

They had rushed here so quickly he didn't get the chance to ask her much more. She still looked like she was having a hard time just trying to catch her breath. He felt a little sympathetic for the girl. It seemed like she and her friend had been pulled into this situation out of sheer bad luck.

He spared a glance Rhona's away. He hadn't heard anything about this girls friend. Perhaps she was safe, perhaps not. Neither had the Eden Piece now and that was enough.

"Her friend is still out there somewhere," he informed after a brief nod toward the young woman. "Best we start looking for her before the Templars do."

Rhona looked to be considering things. This was unlike any situation that they had encountered. This would be a situation they had to handle carefully. He could only imagine how something small might cause trouble.

"But if they put their main focus was on you, she may be fine for a short time." he reassured her.

It couldn’t have gone better if Charlie had wanted it to! Already she was spilling out the answers, however carefully she did so. He tried not to let his chest puff out, pleased at this news. He’d be able to send news to the Grand Master and to scour Havana more at ease now with this news to share. Still, it wasn’t exactly detailed. He’d have to remedy that later.

He waved away her quip about his moniker. Laugh she might he was destined for great things and he knew it! She, like others, would see in time.

“Well, little Mia, we start with you explaining everything else along our way,” Charlie said, tightening his hold on her hand briefly. A moment after he gestured down the street in the direction they’d go. “Let us be off.”

Whether or not she talked more along the way mattered little. She’d be protected from the assassins while he awaited news of her friend. Perhaps the assassins might have already meddled between her darting off and Charlie finding Mia here.

Charlie didn’t wait for long before he was steering them in the right direction, his hand releasing Mia’s and instead moving to the small of her back. If she tried to dart away he’d easily be able to grab hold of her odd clothing and keep her near. She didn’t look like she would be up to much trouble, however.

“No need for being so tense, luv!” Charlie crowed as they walked, “merely a friendly little walk home, is all!”

It didn’t quite look like he was believe though that didn’t matter much to him. She’d be watched over and taken care of, in any case. That seemed like a good deal to Charlie, if he was ever asked.

----[x]----

Karissa merely listened, still leaning forward, elbows on her knees. She was catching her breath but she was still hot and sweaty, her head still swimming. It would be a few minutes at best before she felt she could stand or move much again.

There were plans being made though Karissa didn’t spare much mind to them. It was probably best if she just let them at it, they knew more than she did at this point. Karissa was still disoriented and confused, after all.

She’d taken to tracing the assassin tattoo on her arm idly—too late to hide it, they could ask about it later if they wanted and they probably would. Or maybe they’d wait until they got her to Tulum first. This tattoo of hers would most likely be the one that would interest them most, that was for sure.

For a moment she didn’t realize she was being spoken to before Rhona nudged her knee. Karissa blinked, glancing between the two. A moment more passed before she answered, “I’m Karissa…”

”Karissa, I’m Rhona and Daniel will be taking you to Tulum later today. I hope you like ships and the ocean!” Rhona said with a reassuring smile. Karissa could only nod in return. She’d be more stoked about the ocean bit when she was rested and less worried.

She merely nodded even as Rhona took her arm in question, eyeing the tattoo Karissa had been tracing idly. She didn’t have it in her to look sheepish though she did offer a shrug at the curious look. Rhona must have had other things on her mind because she didn’t ask for elaboration just yet.

“I’d… I’d keep an eye on the shores,” Karissa murmured, “I tossed the Piece into the ocean as far as I could.”

”That we will,” Rhona promised, patting Karissa’s leg as she rose to her feet, “I’ll go see to getting you and Daniel safe passage on a ship this afternoon.”

With that Rhona was gone, presumably to do just that. This left Karissa with Daniel. She heaved a sigh, running a hand through her hair. There was still sweat on her forehead though she did her best to ignore the sticky feeling.

She ducked her head slightly, trying not to take note of pride there. Mia only told him what she had to keep herself and hopefully Karissa out of trouble. She knew they would be searching her out sooner or later however. Mia hoped Karrisa was in a safer place.

He tightened his grip on her hand briefly, drawing her attention again. It was clear that darting off wouldn't work. The motion seemed like a silent warning on that fact and one she would heed.

She didn't hesitate when he started forward, eventually releasing her hand in favor of placing it at her back. She swallowed hard, trying to quash the anxiousness still in her.

"Home?" she echoed when he spoke up again.

She wasn't sure where this 'home' of his was or if it was even safe. Mia tried not to argue or ask. Despite his easy going attitude, she knew better.

Whatever he said in return, she wasn't sure how she felt. All she figured was as long as Karissa was alright, Mia would endure whatever they did with her. She wouldn't be killed, that much was true, but who knew what decide to do with her.

Mia tried not to think about it. That much was difficult but it could have been worse, she figured. The days to come, she would find out that it was as bad as she could imagine.

----[x]----

Daniel watched Karissa trace that tattoo of hers. Now free to see, not covered by the odd coat she had worn, he couldn't help but furrow his eyebrows. So she did know of the assassin's and if that was the case, she knew of the Templars as well.

He didn't point this out for the time. Rhona didn't either even as she took Karissa's arm in hand and studied the tattoo. For the moment, they didn't ask questions. There would be plenty of time for that at a later time.

The Eden Piece was mentioned once more. At least Karissa thought ahead with these things. Someone would be keeping out for it if the object did wash up on shore.

With that said and done, Rhona dismissed herself, most likely to confirm a safe passage for the both of them. Daniel took a few steps forward before he sat down himself. Karissa didn't seem the talkative type and he didn't push conversation. She was stressed enough, there was no point in adding to it.

The most important thing was getting her away from here. If her friend was found, she would no doubt follow. That would at least provide her some solace eventually.

It didn't take as long as he expected to get a ship lined up. Daniel was able to escort Karissa to Tulum. It felt as if the days passed rather quickly after that, a strange anxiousness in everyone at some point.

In the very least, Karissa had been adjusting and talking a little more. For the moment, that was an improvement.

Charlie had grown amused by the way Mia was taken off guard by the term ‘home’. He’d given no explanation, merely lead them along the way. She’d grown quiet after that, perhaps unwilling to share more information with him. Charlie had to resist scoffing at that thought.

Bringing her to the building he called a home, at least in Havana, he’d explained the situation to her. He’d have an escort with her at all times and she was not to leave without his permission. Her expression had soured at that though Charlie hadn’t expected anything else.

“It’s for your own protection, I assure you, luv,” he noted simply, “or perhaps you’ve come to assumptions that are much more flattering than this.”

The days after had passed uneventfully, without word or sight about her friend. That had left Charlie’s mood souring a little. Her friend, this Karissa, had been the one to run off with the Piece of Eden and if he assassins had gotten to her…

Charlie scowled, pounding the side of his fist against the desk he sat at. They were scrambling against those hooded rats and now they were even more at a disadvantage! The Grand Master wouldn’t like this news and Charlie rather did not want to report to him empty handed. No, he’d rather wait until he had something more substantial to share…

Rising from his seat he made short work of heading towards the room he’d given to Mia. She wasn’t much of a talkative woman but he supposed that would be the case. For all intents and purposes he was in a gilded cage of sorts, she was clearly not pleased about it and often made that known in passive aggressive ways.

When he reached her room he rapped his knuckles loudly against it calling out “Mia? You’re not still sulking are you, luv?”

He chuckled at that, as if he expected anything more from her at this moment. They’d grow on her in time and she’d see their way was preferable. For the moment he’d deal with things as they came from her, however.

----[x]----

It seemed like a long time before Rhona had returned, flashing a brilliant smile and informing them both that a ship would take them towards Tulum. It wouldn’t go all the way, just to one of the nearer cities or towns for Daniel to procure a ship the assassins controlled to head the rest of the way. Karissa didn’t mind this plan, at least out on the ocean she’d have time to think.

The days seemed to pass slowly for her after that. She kept an eye on the ocean, the first time out at sea. It was a wonderful feeling, delighting in the sway of the ship beneath her feet—even if it took time to get her sea legs. The sight of the sun sparkling out on the waves was a beautiful thing, even more so when the ocean was painted the same colors as sunrise or sunset.

It was often that Daniel came to find her at the edge of the ship. Though she sympathized with the assassins a great deal when it was a game the whole thing being real made it difficult. What would happen to Mia back at Havana? Had she been found yet? In this time it took weeks if not months for information to pass hands and hat thought alone left her stomach clenching in worry and frustration.

When they’d changed ships, this one smaller than the last, the routine didn’t change. That day, having been told the night before that they’d arrive at Tulum today, she was eyeing the approaching landmass. It would only be a bit longer now…. Already the shore was coming in at an alarming rate.

At some point Daniel had joined her at the side, watching it come steadily closer. There were a few figures, most of them hooded if Karissa had to guess, already on the shore. She found herself a little nervous. Daniel had told her she’d be meeting the mentor, Ah Tabai, when they arrived. She’d had something of a fancrush on him when he was a game character—would that change now that he was someone very much real?

She shook her head, drawing the thoughts away. “Well,” she murmured, pushing her hair out of her face, “here we are.”

It would only be a matter of time before the ship was anchored and a gangplank lowered. She tried to steel herself for whatever might come during that time.

Mia didn't know what she had expected. The days were passing slowly, stuck in a room that had been provided for her. She did little here, talked even less. She tried not to worry about these things. Karissa hadn't been found and she was grateful for that.

Still, there was a bit of a hollowness in her. Up until this point, her solitude was always chosen by herself. Now, she was more or less forced into it. She saw Charlie once in a while though she didn't have much of a want to. He more or less just seemed amused by her disposition.

Charlie claimed this was all for her protection but she knew better. He didn't know that much however. He did this less for protection and more for insurance. He needed the information that she had.

Mia was exhausting the books within the room, at least the ones she took interest in. When those were done and she was left with little to do, she'd gaze out the window or just curl up in the bed provided for her and sleep.

This is where she was now, curled up in a ball. When she heard the rapping on the door, Charlie's voice following after, she lifted her head only briefly before she let it hit the pillow again. Whether she wanted it or not she knew he'd come in.

She puffed out a heavy sigh, closing her eyes again. Maybe he'd leave if he thought she was asleep. Something told her that wouldn't happen, Charlie certainly wasn't the kind of person to allow that to happen. Still, it was worth a shot, she figured.

----[x]----

The days had moved routinely for Ah Tabai. The assassin's under him trained, others went onto missions or worked around Tulum. He had fallen into this routine for a long while and it was rare it was broken.

It was when he received word of a woman arriving at some point that his routine had been changed. This woman, Karissa, had been found in Havana. What was more, there had been an Eden Piece had been in her hands.

Ah Tabai was intrigued by what he had read. This Karissa would arrive on ship with another assassin. He would have been lying to himself if he denied being a little anxious. He knew nothing about this girl but hoped to learn.

The day had finally arrived for her. He had been up and waiting, only briefly giving orders to assassin's in waiting. News had already spread about her as it was. Some were no doubt distracted by that alone.

He paused, glancing at Karissa and Daniel walking down the dock. He spared a nod in Daniel's direction knowing he wouldn't be lingering too long. He was stationed in Havana as it was and would be needed there.

"I hope your trip was safe," he called out, taking a few steps forward. "You look a little pale, mi'lady."

Indeed, Karissa didn't look too well. He could only assume that it might have been the ship or maybe it was worry. It would take some time to put her at ease, no doubt about that.

He tipped his head slightly, watching her expression. "You have no need to worry. You will be safe here."

Charlie waited for her to say something after he’d politely knocked. He could have just barged right in, after all. With that reasoning in mind he went about waiting for a half a minute or so. When he received no answer he pushed the door open easily, striding forward.

A shake of the head followed when he saw Mia still in bed. “Now, now, no need to waste a day like this!” he chided a little teasingly.

Still no answer, that left him a little huffy. What was he supposed to do about this? The least she could do was be thankful she had some creature comforts! Instead she was sulking some more like she did most days now.

“Come now,” Charlie said, clasping her shoulder and giving her a gentle shake, “let us go about Havana and see the sights! Pretty thing like you, luv? Be a shame to have you all to myself!”

It was a of teasing, nothing more, though it might be enough to get her up and moving for the day. If she was in a better mood things might go along smoother—that was if she wasn’t going to be stubborn. With her Charlie found he wasn’t sure what her plan of action was. Getting her out of the house for a bit might clear her head and make her want to cooperate better, or at least put her in a better mood. It wasn’t any fun teasing someone who ignored him.

All he could do was wait for Mia to answer him or not then. If she didn’t he would just leave and let her sulk in this room. She had her choice and she couldn’t say she didn’t. Charlie was leaving her with an option of getting out and about for awhile, after all.

----[x]----

Karissa must have stuck out like a sore thumb despite the change of clothes she’d originally been given by Rhona. It wasn’t anything dressy, just a spare pair of slacks, a button up and a belt and vest. Rhona had waved away Karissa’s thanks with a friendly smile and a reminder that if she hadn’t changed she’d be a beacon to anyone who saw her. Even still Karissa had kept a hold of her favorite ring, necklace and her coat, that latter of which she hugged to her loosely as she and Daniel exited the ship.

Daniel was close to her side, perhaps acting as a reassurance since he was the only one she knew here. Over the course of the travel to Tulum he’d expressed a lot of curiosity though hadn’t prodded too far when Karissa was reluctant to answer. Truthfully, she wasn’t even sure what to tell Ah Tabai without sounding crazy. That was another concern on her shoulders, even if it was more innocent than others—Karissa would rather not make a fool of her self in front of Ah Tabai.

On shore there were a few of the assassins milling about. Self-consciously Karissa shifted so that her coat better hid her assassin tattoo. Ah Tabai might already know about it but she’d rather avoid having to explain it until she had to or when she had a good answer.

Her feet hit sand, a strange feeling after all that time out on sea. Ah Tabai’s voice was calling out then, drawing attention towards him. At the mention of looking pale she flushed. She’d truthfully spent more of her time at the side of the ship later in the evening or at night so she hadn’t exactly tanned yet.

“Give me a few days,” she tried joke, “I’ll have a farmer’s tan before you know.”

He seemed to be studying her, and why wouldn’t he be? Whatever news had been sent ahead of her might have tipped him off to how strange she might be to everyone her, even if she did have a borrowed set of clothes to wear. She waited patiently, taking in Ah Tabai in person.

Karissa must have looked nervous, biting at her lip and shifting her weight to one leg and then the other, for Ah Tabai was quickly reassuring her.

Shaking her head she said “n-no, it’s not that. Just… a lot on my mind.”

Mia had hopes that Charlie would simply leave her be. He didn't walk into the room for a long time and she figured he might walk away from the door. That would have been a bit lucky for her however. She heard the door open and he walked into the room.

She didn't move despite the sigh he heaved or what he had said. Mia wasn't sure she wanted to be outside. She hated humidity, suffered headaches and knee aches from it, and burned rather easily.

Eventually, he clasp his hand on her shoulder giving a gentle shake. His words left her conflicted about it. She might not get a chance to go out and about for a while.

After a moment of inward arguing she pushed herself up, running her hand through her choppy hair. She still felt groggy not getting enough sleep at night now. Day and night didn't seem to have much an effect on her anymore given she didn't have to work like she did most days.

She peered up at him briefly. He looked a little proud of himself for getting her up. Honestly, she was doing it more out of benefit than to please him. Even if her knee was in pain, moving around helped it a little bit. Leaving it like it was now the pain would grow to be unbearable in this humidity, even with the brace.

"Where to?" she asked, letting her hand fall into her lap.

Mia was at least dressed the part now so eyes wouldn't be drawn on her so easily. The short hair and odd glasses didn't help but at least it was better than before. She didn't expect to be worried about it however.

She glanced away a moment later, rather not see him grin so cheerfully. It just felt odd when she felt so glum.

----[x]----

Karissa looked nervous, shuffling her weight on occasion. She was a pale thing, a little scrawny. Honestly, she was unlike anything he'd seen before. Ah Tabai had met all kinds but this one was different. Even the jewelry and tunic in her arms was foreign to him.

Daniel had remained close at her side. He reached out, clasping her shoulder and squeezed it. She seemed to take the reassurance positively.

It was hard not to feel some sympathy for the young woman. She looked lost despite having a few days to gather her thoughts. No doubt it would take weeks, even months, for her to settle into this place.

He spared her a good-natured smile when she spoke. Still appearing a little awkward, he found this to be a bit of an improvement.

"I am sure," he answered, motioning toward her. "Might we get you acquainted with Tulum, mi'lady?"

There was always a place to start, he figured. He would avoid questions for the time being. Karissa looked nervous enough as it was. Adding any more stress on her wouldn't be good for her.

He spared a brief nod in response. Of course she would have things on her mind. From the things that he had been informed of, her friend hadn't been found. There was no telling if she'd fallen into Templar hands.

"I see," he answered carefully. "That is understandable. Perhaps in time you will be able to clear it."

If she shared her worries, it would help. He didn't mention this however and started forward. He motioned to Daniel next before his hand fell to his side.

"I take it you will be around for some time?" he inquired the other young man.

"For a short time, yes." he replied. "To make sure Karissa has settled in well enough."

He nodded in response before he motioned for the two to follow him. There was not much to see but Karissa might take interest. A few other assassin's shot curious glances. He ignored them for the most part. In time, they would have their chance to see Karissa themselves.

Charlie had waited until Mia had responded. For a long moment it seemed as if she might not. Granted, this was becoming normal however boring it was for him. It seemed to him she had it in mind to spite him like this.

Eventually she’d shifted, pulling herself up. The clothes she’d been lent were rumpled from lazing about in them. She’d asked for little, only making sure she had a pair of pants rather than a dress. Charlie wouldn’t begrudge her of that if she was most comfortable that way.

He gestured for her to get up and at it a little quicker. They didn’t have all day, after all. While he did this he said “perhaps I was planning on letting you take the lead, luv, though with attitude like that perhaps I might reconsider…”

A chuckle passed his lips as he shook his head at her. The look on her face told him enough—she hadn’t been expecting that sort of a freedom, however little it was. It was the least that Charlie could give her given the circumstances. It might have been a little amusing to see her sulk at first but if the situation was reversed he wouldn’t have been pleased either.

“Come now, no need to look so shocked! I’m not entirely heartless,” he joked.

It would just be a matter of getting her up and out the door now, if she still agreed. She seemed to be mulling this new information over now, it wasn’t like Charlie had given her many choices like this in the weeks that had passed. As they’d sought her friend they couldn’t risk the two women getting into contact with one another and both of them slipping out of their reach.

With no sign of her friend it was a safe bet that the assassins might have gotten to her first, whisking her away from Havana. They would work with Mia instead then, try to gain leads from her.

----[x]----

For the most part her attempt at a joke was met in stride though little was said in return to it. Probably for the best, that, it hadn’t been a particularly good joke anyways. Really, she’d said it for her own benefit, to ease her nervousness a little. It didn’t really help though.

At the offer to see Tulum Karissa nodded, waiting for Ah Tabai to lead the way. She’d loved scouring the islands while playing the game, it would be another thing entirely to see places like this personally. At the very least there was that, even if she did end up coming across as a fool in front of Ah Tabai later.

“If you wouldn’t mind,” she said, “Daniel’s told me a bit about this place.”

It wasn’t a total lie though she’d known plenty for that other reason. Karissa was still debating with herself on coming clean about that part or not. It would be hard enough to swallow that she was from a time further ahead in the future, after all.

Ah Tabai’s attention had turned to Daniel then, asking him of his stay here. Karissa blinked, a little surprised when Daniel clasped a hand over her shoulder. She spared a small smile at him for that. The guy didn’t have to stay and yet he was.

“You don’t have to, you know,” she muttered though Daniel just waved her off.

Ah Tabai had motioned for them to follow after that and, with a nudge from Daniel, Karissa hurried to fall instep with Ah Tabai. For a minute Karissa listened to the sounds around them—the waves lapping up on the shore, the talk of the assassins around them and the wind in the trees. It was peaceful to listen to, in a way.

Occasionally Karissa met the gaze of other assassins, their faces all shrouded in shadow thanks to the ever present hoods. She felt a little out of place without one though tried to ignore it. She was the oddball all around, after all.

Mia rubbed one of her eyes, trying to get the sleep out and wake up a little more. Only then did she slip her glasses back onto her face. Getting out and about might helped, even if it was humid out. She hoped in time she would get used to it.

She tried to smooth out the clothing as best she could. They were simple, a cotton shirt and vest on top of that as well as pants. She wasn't going to wear a dress in heat like this, disliking those things as it was.

If anything, she looked a little more akin to a boy than a girl. She was often mistaken as such anyways. Maybe that would keep attention off of her. She'd rather prefer it that way rather than what he had said to rouse her.

Mia let her hand fall back into her lap. When he pushed for her to get to her feet, she did though she eased herself into doing that much. Her knee complained, aching more than she would like to admit.

"I'm not much of a leader," she responded, shuffling her weight to her left leg. "I-I feel more comfortable following."

She dipped her head slightly, keeping her gaze elsewhere. She didn't exactly forgive him for an offer to walk around. Being locked away in some building like some fairy tale princess wasn't exactly appealing. If he held any empathy for that fact, he didn't show it.

"Yes well, it's been rather difficult to tell," she chastised pausing a moment after. She ducked her head, feeling a little guilty for that statement. She'd taken to this passive aggressive behavior the last week or so and it wasn't as if it made her feel better. "That was mean spirited, I apologize."

She shuffled uncomfortably now, glancing at the open door. The sooner they got going the less she would have to think about how awkward she felt.

----[x]----

For the most part, the offer to walk around helped relax her. Perhaps Daniel being close by helped ease her. She didn't have many people she knew, as far as he was aware. No doubt she was feeling a little out of place.

She took a moment to address Daniel but for the most part, he waved her off. He offered a smile in return and nudged her forward. An amused sound left Daniel, Ah Tabai watching the two briefly. In the very least, she had a few people she could rely on if she needed it.

"How did you take the ride over, mi'lady?" he inquired as they went. "Some do not take well to the ships their first few days."

Ah Tabai had long since figured Karissa wasn't from anywhere near this area. The color of her skin was tipped him off alone. He had to wonder how she handled the heat and humidity. If she didn't do so well, he'd make sure to have someone keep an eye out for her.

"She certainly could have taken it worse," Daniel answered before she could. "Better than some who had first stepped foot on a ship."

Ah Tabai offered a soft chuckle as they continued on. Tulum wasn't far from them now, a few guards out and about keeping an eye out for trouble. He spared a brief nod before he continued on.

"Well that is good to hear," he answered his tone holding a little lightness to it. "You will gain sea legs in time, no doubt. It simply requires a little patience."

He spared a glance back before his gaze fell forward again. Inside Tulum now, those who had lingered grew curious. Regardless they kept to themselves for a time. He slowed his pace, allowing Karissa to take the area in.

"Welcome to Tulum, mi'lady," he finally said. "I do hope you will find a way to adjust here."

She was slow to get herself moving despite it being close to noon. Had she really been asleep all day? Charlie shook his head at that, he wished he could accomplish that but there was too much to do during the day. He waited patiently nonetheless and only when she’d sat up did he mention her ability to lead them through Havana.

Her eyes seemed to widen a fraction before she’d ducked her head, pushing her glasses up. A moment after and Charlie was enlightened as to her sudden bashful behavior at this news. Funny, he would have thought she’d be thrilled at this freedom of choice.

Charlie tsked, wagging a finger at her before he said “now, now, you can’t have it both ways, poppet!”

The look she shot his way was one he was familiar with now-a-days. Charlie merely smiled brilliantly at her, gesturing towards the opened doorway. Either they could go about that walk with her at the lead or she could remain here. Charlie wasn’t about to negotiate further when he was finally trying to meet her halfway. Give them an inch and they’ll take a mile and all that, no need to give Mia ideas.

He could only wait as she fidgeted. Eventually Mia did relent, shuffling towards the door. Charlie beamed at her again, following closely behind. As promised she was the leader and unless she strayed towards those pesky assassins then he would allow her to go unhindered.

Mia seemed to believe he’d steer her subtly as she glanced over her shoulder at him. Charlie merely said “carry on, no need for my input, luv!”

----[x]----

Ah Tabai was the one to start up a conversation again, probably aware that Karissa would not. There were a lot of things—little things—that caught her eye and kept her silent, after all. It might be a long while before the novelty of this place wore off on her but for now she wanted to see it all for herself.

Karissa blinked at him, ready to answer before Daniel beat her to it. Despite herself she huffed, shooting him a look. It was probably fair to assume someone of her appearance might not have ever been on a boat in her life, at least in this day and age. Women’s rights weren’t exactly a thing yet, after all, more akin to housewife in most white culture in this age.

“You don’t know me,” she told at him, jerking her chin at him as if that would help prove her point, “My dad was a fisherman!”

That was partly a lie, her father was a fisherman for the sport not for a job though she’d been out on boats plenty. True, it had been almost entirely different being out on the ocean, the sway of the ship far more noticeable than a boat on the river or a lake but she knew enough about how to walk about one because of that.

When she glanced back at Ah Tabai it seemed he was interested in that bit of information though Karissa couldn’t be sure, the expression was there and gone before she could get a good look. He was speaking then, promising that sea travel would get easier in time. Karissa nodded absently, wondering just how much traveling by sea they were expecting of her.

The path had been a short one as they talked, the dirt packed down from how many years of people trampling over it. Huts had come to litter the area as Karissa had expected and yet she couldn’t stop studying them. She’d never seen one in real life and it was something of an odd sight to her. Ah Tabai was already announcing that this was Tulum.

She nodded, almost absently again. A few new people were glancing her way though they left them be, perhaps out of respect for Ah Tabai or some other reason. Karissa could only guess.

“I’ll find a way to manage,” she said softly, sniffling afterwards. The humidity was hard to breath in for her though Karissa wouldn’t complain too much. Bad sinuses were the least of her concern for the moment, after all.

He only seemed to get giddier when she finally got to her feet and spoke, even if it was hesitant and quiet. It was probably the most she'd said to him in several weeks. Perhaps that was the only reason, she could only assume.

Regardless, she didn't care to feel so alone even if she was angry with the situation. Being bitter about all of it wasn't getting her anywhere. She hated to admit that she was relenting to the situation.

Eventually he spoke up again, chastising her. She shuffled nervously at that. Mia didn't like being pulled out of her comfort zone and he was doing just that. No doubt he found that amusing as well. She didn't reply however, simply moved toward the door.

She was quiet as they walked down the hall. Only once did she glance over her shoulder only to be met with a large grin again. His words didn't help settle her and she would have rather had some kind of direction. Charlie wasn't going to provide that, not here.

Outside, the heat was almost unbearable. It wasn't much better in the building but at least she was shaded. She paused, sparing a short glance around unsure of where to go. She eventually settled on some aimless direction and started forward.

"You seem pleased," she brought up carefully.

Mia wasn't often sure what to say, less so when her mood had soured so much. She wasn't sure what to make of his mood, whether he was proud to get her out and about or if this was just a general happy go lucky mood.

For the moment, a conversation would act as a distraction. She wasn't used to so many people in one place. It unnerved her especially knowing that a lot of them openly carried and used weapons when they saw fit.

----[x]----

Ah Tabai had heard Daniel laugh when she huffed and spoke up about her fisherman father. He spared a glance back to her, wondering a tad about that and her history. Ah Tabai wouldn't ask for the time. She probably had many other things on her mind as it was.

Ah Tabai offered a quiet chuckle. He was curious of the girl but for the moment, he'd remain quiet on those curiosities. The whole situation was a strange one for him and the others.

"Well now," Daniel answered her, a lightness in his tone. "It seems she aims to please!"

He gave wandered after that though he caught her smiling a little bit. That was a bit of an improvement from her thoughtful mood. Putting her a little bit at ease would do wonders.

Ah Tabai would keep an eye out for information about her friend. If she wasn't found or spotted within a few weeks, they would be left assuming the worst. He would ask about her later, if she had a thick shell or not. The Templars might not have the upper hand for the moment but that could sway easily.

He paused, sparing a few people a glance their way. Karissa's gaze wondered around before she spoke. Her words were slow and a sniffle followed afterward. He spared a glance figuring she might be having trouble with her emotions. She seemed to simply have difficulty with allergies.

"You will be quite the talk around here," he continued a moment after. "If it becomes a little too over bearing, you can always find me. No doubt, many have questions."

Ah Tabai had his own but he didn't want to over whelm her. She might have had enough of that already and maybe only wanted to rest at this point. Still her gaze wandered about, curiosity prominent on her features.

She was peering at him, studying him. Charlie didn’t pay any mind to this, instead intent to get them moving. No need to let her stall by striking up conversation. She was still looking as if she wanted guidance on where to go as they exited his Havana home though Charlie wouldn’t grant her that. Eventually she’d picked a way to go and started them off.

The silence seemed to be grating on her and more and more he saw Mia casting furtive glances his way. It seemed she wasn’t content with just walking—she didn’t seem content with much of anything when Charlie thought on it—for eventually she spoke up. It was an odd thing to bring up, however.

“Any man would be quite pleased when a passive aggressive poppet stops being so… passive aggressive, luv,” Charlie said.

It was a truth anyone could see. True, he liked to pick and prod but that didn’t mean he liked the attitude he got back from someone who was in his home twenty-four/seven. A little attitude was understandable but this was downright grating on the nerves at times. Not that Mia seemed to realize that and not that he’d ever explain all of that.

He gestured down the street at all the people milling about. There were always plenty of people wandering Havana’s streets that was for sure. “Ah, no need for that sour look, poppet! Just enjoy the day for what it is!” he said. Whether Mia did or not would be seen in the coming hours.

The sun beating down on them was something Charlie took solace in. Whether out on the open sea or in port the sun and weather were something he liked—unless of course, it messed with his being able to travel out to sea. It didn’t seem that Mia shared that like however.

----[x]----

As Ah Tabai had laughed, however subdued it was, Karissa felt butterflies erupt in her belly. It was a sound she liked though she hoped that wasn’t very apparent on her face though maybe she just looked intrigued. She really hoped that latter was the case. It helped to distract herself from these thoughts by focusing on Daniel instead—at least the butterflies in her stomach wouldn’t bother her when it was on him.

The walk was evenly paced, perhaps Ah Tabai had set the pace so that Karissa could get a good look at Tulum as thy passed through it. If that was the case she appreciated the gesture. Looking at all the plants and trees and homes and the like was interesting and helped to take her mind off of things. It had been the same way when she’d stared out at the expanse of ocean.

Daniel’s comment was enough to make her scoff in good humor. “You’d better believe it.”

There had been a lull in conversation the and Ah Tabai had eventually came to a halt. It was then that Karissa had stopped glancing around to instead pay more attention to him. She didn’t have to wait long before he was speaking again, sounding as if he was mulling over his own words.

Karissa offered a shrug, there wasn’t much she could do about that but try to ignore it if it grated on her nerves. No one could blame these people for their curiosity and from the looks of it they’d all expected her. She wondered how many days before she’d gotten her that news of her had reached them.

There was a moment in which she glanced around at the nearest people. Indeed one or two of them were shooting her a glance. Karissa wondered how long that curiosity of theirs might last.

“I don’t think it’ll be a problem,” she admitted, adding silently to herself ’I hope.’

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