Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted
Title: Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted
Pairing: ChanSoo, side!SeHo, side!XiuSoo
Rating: Currently PG-13+ but will be NC-17+
Genre: Angst, Fluff
Length: Currently 2.5K (completed fic will be 15K+)
Summary: In a place where Templars dictate, Assassins will cleanse them from the world.
Warnings: Assassin's Creed!AU, character death, rape, murder, graphic depictions of fight scenes.
The midday sun hung high in the sky, sending harsh rays of light on the people bustling about under its heat. It burned skin, evaporated water, dried out the crops but the people were used to it, they had survived that long under it, it wasn't going to change then. The city was built over water, channels and rivers of seawater flowing through the area like the network of a spider's web. Men on gondolas expertly steered the little boats under bridges and around anchor spots as they transported goods and people through the winding streams. Women in puffed dresses glided through the streets, keeping the heat away with silk fans while men dashed about trying to impress them. The clock struck 12 noon, the large bell in the tower ringing loudly, sending a flock of nearby pigeons fluttering into the air in a panic. A group of young boys dashed through the back alleys, laughing and yelling playfully as they made their way to the large villa that sat on the hill, overlooking the whole city. One of the boys was tall and tanned, looking exotic and out of place in the streets, attracting more attention than he needed in the bustling streets. The second tallest had a permanent sleepy smile, the most friendliest of the three was always lost and confused, making him an easy target for con-artists. The last boy was the smallest, a round face framing owl-like eyes and pink heart-shaped lips. He was the richest of the three, clad in silk clothing and fine robes despite the heat. He lived in the villa on the hill with his uncle's family for as long as any of the boys could remember.
Do Kyungsoo didn't know his parents, he had grown up in the villa with his uncle and aunt, they were the closest thing he had to a mother and a father. According to his oldest cousin, Kyungsoo's parents had turned up at the villa's doorstep, leaving a little bundle in their care as they ran off in a hurry. A few hours later, a horde of soldiers galloped past, a small group breaking off to question the household about the fleeing couple. They were never heard from again, there was no letter, no messenger, no pigeon, no encoded message as they would have usually sent after going into hiding. Kyungsoo's uncle took the boy in as his own, his children accepting and treating the boy as their own brethren. Jongin was the poor boy in their trio, only able to hang out with Kyungsoo after defending him against other mean boys. Yixing was almost a lost cause but as he was born to a musical family, he quickly became Kyungsoo's friend after meeting at a party Kyungsoo's uncle had held at the villa, Yixing's family featured as the band.
It's been 3 years since they became the best of friends, Kyungsoo had just turned 9, Jongin turning 7 a few days after and Yixing turning 10 just a few months prior. The boys ran back towards Kyungsoo's uncle's villa, Yixing and Kyungsoo dashing ahead when Jongin slowed down to stare up at the sky with a frown. A large plume of black smoke rose into the clear sky, a foreboding feeling tugging at his body before he dashed forward to pull his two friends back.
"Wait! Something's wrong."
Experience on the streets told him that usually black clouds of smoke meant something bad has happened. Under Jongin's guidance, the three crept towards the villa in the shade of the buildings. What Kyungsoo saw made him freeze. The house was on fire, the servants running back and forth trying to put out the flames as soldiers stood in a line out at the front of the house, as if they were waiting for something. Soon the three found out just what was in store as Kyungsoo's uncle, aunt and cousins ran out coughing and wheezing from the smoke gathering in their house. The soldiers came forward, capturing them one by one in metal cuffs before leading them away towards the city square. Kyungsoo caught a glimpse of what looked like a red cross against a white background, the image burned into the back of his eyelids as Jongin and Yixing hurriedly pulled him towards the rooftop of one of the surrounding buildings at the open square, it was a place they frequented often, to hide from angry stall owners or just to escape their families. Crowds of people started to gather around the little wooden stage set up in the middle, curious as to what the soldiers were up to. Kyungsoo stayed low on the roof, enough to see but not enough to be noticed. His family was led onto the platform, their faces grim and the youngest was crying with fear. Kyungsoo wanted to go to them, to comfort them, to tell them that everything would be okay but soon he found out that there was no going back for them. Five nooses were dropped from a wooden structure, each person led up to them and the thick rope was fitted around their neck. The stage was too far away for Kyungsoo to hear clearly what was happening but soon there were loud cries of the crowd, egging the soldiers on.
"Today, a family of assassins will fall. Their reign shall fall and the Templars will rule!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd as the family was pushed forward, the three children crying as their mother tried to comfort them as best as she could. The main Templar commander raised his hand, the soldier standing to the side readied his hand on the lever. In that split second before the life faded from his eyes, Kyungsoo's uncle looked up at the rooftop, catching his eyes and smiled sadly. Abruptly, the figures were dropped, the sickening crack of breaking necks echoed in the square, bodies twitching as their hearts slowed to a stop. The people in the square cheered loudly, drowning out Kyungsoo's screams as he was dragged away by his best friends from the sickening scene. With nowhere else to go, Kyungsoo was taken back to the half-burnt villa with dried tear tracks on his cheeks and a hoarse voice from screaming. The remaining servants barred the gates, leaving only the small entrance off to the side for access by the servants when going to market. The men that was still under the household slowly began to repair as much of the building as they could with what supplies were left on the property. Many of the people assumed that the servants were just there because they couldn't move away from serving the household and that Kyungsoo had actually died in the fire. Yixing came around a few days a week, sneaking in through a wheelbarrow, so that he could keep Kyungsoo company. Jongin was more efficient, no one would miss the 'street rat' anyway so he decided to move into the villa completely, living by Kyungsoo to stop the older doing something reckless.
One day, Yixing came to them in tears, his drowsy eyes wide with panic as he flailed his arms trying to explain something that his parents had told him before they were arrested and taken away just like Kyungsoo's family. Yixing had managed to escape through the 'secret entrance' he had found in his room, it was a little passage that led to an alley behind the butcher's house and he had quickly ran to Kyungsoo's place. Without hesitating, Kyungsoo and Jongin invited him to stay with them in the villa, hiding away until they were old enough to understand what was happening around them. Yixing had thanked them, claiming he had to go back to get some essential things from home and he would join them in their safe haven. He sneaked back into town that night, Kyungsoo staying up to wait by the door for Yixing's return but he never came back. According to the servants, the Templars were still looking for the missing boy, Kyungsoo breaking down for the second time as he mourned for his best friend. It was at that point in time something clicked in his head. From that point, using the stealth of the night and the cover of shadows in the day, Kyungsoo followed the Templars, trying to discover their plans and thwarted their plans by drilling holes in ships, setting horses free and even shooting down messenger pigeons that were carrying encrypted notes for the Templar captain. He was only 12 when Jongin disappeared without a trace, almost like Yixing, leaving Kyungsoo alone to fend for himself. Many nights he laid in bed, wishing and hoping that they were still alive and well somewhere safe. Many nights he cried silently to sleep, contempt in his heart as he wondered why his friends didn't try to contact him to let him know that they were still alive. For three years Kyungsoo lived alone. For three years he continued his solo vendetta against the Templars. For three years, he left the city behind and followed the Templars, sneaking and destroying their plans. For three years, he remained uncaught.
It was in Florence when Kyungsoo was on the rooftop spying down on a Templar meeting when a shadow fell over him. There was a shout and a scuffle below and before he knew it, he was hauled down from the roof and into the meeting area where the other Templars waited with a sinister grin. Flashes of knives, cracking of knuckles and snapping of whips were the haunting indications of what punishment that was about to befall him. Unceremoniously, he was thrown on the ground, the men laughing and soon the assault of fists and thick shoes landed on his small body as if it was a rain of boulders. Suddenly there was a crack and a yell, Templars started falling and an explosion sounded in the closed off area, a plume of black smoke billowing from a spot on the ground. 'Smoke bomb?' Kyungsoo was barely able to question it when a firm hand grabbed his wrist, tugging him through the blinded and stumbling Templars. The figure was hooded, his face hidden as he pushed through the throng of guards. Once out of the area, he turned around and Kyungsoo caught a glimpse of soft lips and round cheeks. The man threw another little bag, a crack resounding as it made contact with the ground before a different mist filled the area, the Templars starting to cough, drawing their swords and for a second, Kyungsoo thought they were going to chase after them. But to his surprise, they started swinging it haphazardly, occasionally hitting each other instead.
He was brought out of his reverie when the man pulled him along again, the pain of his bruises making him stumble and wince. A man carrying a crate of fruit was walking past and the hooded man dodged to the side, pulling Kyungsoo with him and the corner of the box hit a spot on the left side of his chest, the man carrying it dropped the box and Kyungsoo fell over in a heap, groaning at the stinging pain in his side. 'Pezzo di merda! (Piece of shit!) They must have broken my ribs...' He groaned, the pain too much to bear and soon his eyes rolled back, everything going black.
When he came around again, Kyungsoo was resting in a soft bed, something he hadn't had the leisure of for years. He sat up, whimpering slightly at the pain, looking around at his surroundings and looking down at the bandages that wrapped his torso. Poking at the area, he yelped when a searing pain jabbed his side, stopping his movement when the door clicked open. Kyungsoo reached for his knife only to realize that he was unarmed, his belt and knives were sitting on a chair on the other side of the room. A man entered the room, face covered by his hood and he stopped in his tracks when he saw that Kyungsoo was awake. He was not tall but had wide-set shoulders, dressed in a dark hooded robe that stretched over firm biceps. A thick leather belt held the robe tight around his waist, filled with hidden throwing knives and had straps that held a long sword and a small dagger, hanging on his side next to the bomb pouches under the leather cape that hung around his shoulders and covered his right arm and his right side. Underneath, loose pants were held around the ankles with thick leather shoes and straps that made it more sturdy than normal shoes. The man's head turned towards him on the bed, Kyungsoo could feel the eyes piercing him until he managed to utter a small 'thank you'. A deep chuckle resounded and the figure stepped further into the room, his arms carrying a small pile of clothes and a tray of food.
"You're finally up. I thought you had died of a simple beating. I've been watching you for awhile now, Kyungsoo."
He placed the tray on Kyungsoo's lap, the smell of fresh bread and fruits coming off the plates made his stomach grumble. Picking up a slice of bread and dipping it into the olive oil, Kyungsoo chewed on it as he watched the man's movements carefully.
"Who are you? How do you know my name? Why are you dressed like that?"
"Calm down." The man chuckled and placed the clothes on the edge of the bed. "My name is Kim Minseok, you may call me Xiumin. I was there when they hung your family and I knew your parents personally, I do not know where they are now after they disappeared 15 years ago. So you could say I have been following you. I've seen how you work and how you've been getting back at the Templars since that incident, you're perfect for our cause. I am an Assassin. The head of the Creed where we find ways to stop the Templars from attempting whatever they were doing. I think you've proven your hatred for them and that you will be a valuable asset to our missions."
Kyungsoo blinked, bread falling from his mouth as the man held out his hand. Leather-bound wrist extending his open palm to him, Xiumin finally tilted his head up, letting Kyungsoo look him completely in the eyes. With hesitation, Kyungsoo looked at the hand before placing his hand on the older man's, eyes hardening with a raging fire as he pledged his life to take his revenge.
"I'm joining because I want to rid the world of them. They took everything I love and now I am just returning the favor."
"I expected nothing less. When you're well enough, put on your robes and I will teach you everything about the Creed."
Xiumin nodded, turning away from the bed and walking out the door, shutting the door gently with a click. Kyungsoo reached to take the folded robes into his lap, fingertips dancing over the coarse fabric as he took in the information that had just been thrown at him. He knew there was no going back, there was only the path forward and he was determined to dedicate his life to wiping the Templars from the face of the Earth.
Pairing: ChanSoo, side!SeHo, side!XiuSoo
Rating: Currently PG-13+ but will be NC-17+
Genre: Angst, Fluff
Length: Currently 2.5K (completed fic will be 15K+)
Summary: In a place where Templars dictate, Assassins will cleanse them from the world.
Warnings: Assassin's Creed!AU, character death, rape, murder, graphic depictions of fight scenes.
The midday sun hung high in the sky, sending harsh rays of light on the people bustling about under its heat. It burned skin, evaporated water, dried out the crops but the people were used to it, they had survived that long under it, it wasn't going to change then. The city was built over water, channels and rivers of seawater flowing through the area like the network of a spider's web. Men on gondolas expertly steered the little boats under bridges and around anchor spots as they transported goods and people through the winding streams. Women in puffed dresses glided through the streets, keeping the heat away with silk fans while men dashed about trying to impress them. The clock struck 12 noon, the large bell in the tower ringing loudly, sending a flock of nearby pigeons fluttering into the air in a panic. A group of young boys dashed through the back alleys, laughing and yelling playfully as they made their way to the large villa that sat on the hill, overlooking the whole city. One of the boys was tall and tanned, looking exotic and out of place in the streets, attracting more attention than he needed in the bustling streets. The second tallest had a permanent sleepy smile, the most friendliest of the three was always lost and confused, making him an easy target for con-artists. The last boy was the smallest, a round face framing owl-like eyes and pink heart-shaped lips. He was the richest of the three, clad in silk clothing and fine robes despite the heat. He lived in the villa on the hill with his uncle's family for as long as any of the boys could remember.
Do Kyungsoo didn't know his parents, he had grown up in the villa with his uncle and aunt, they were the closest thing he had to a mother and a father. According to his oldest cousin, Kyungsoo's parents had turned up at the villa's doorstep, leaving a little bundle in their care as they ran off in a hurry. A few hours later, a horde of soldiers galloped past, a small group breaking off to question the household about the fleeing couple. They were never heard from again, there was no letter, no messenger, no pigeon, no encoded message as they would have usually sent after going into hiding. Kyungsoo's uncle took the boy in as his own, his children accepting and treating the boy as their own brethren. Jongin was the poor boy in their trio, only able to hang out with Kyungsoo after defending him against other mean boys. Yixing was almost a lost cause but as he was born to a musical family, he quickly became Kyungsoo's friend after meeting at a party Kyungsoo's uncle had held at the villa, Yixing's family featured as the band.
It's been 3 years since they became the best of friends, Kyungsoo had just turned 9, Jongin turning 7 a few days after and Yixing turning 10 just a few months prior. The boys ran back towards Kyungsoo's uncle's villa, Yixing and Kyungsoo dashing ahead when Jongin slowed down to stare up at the sky with a frown. A large plume of black smoke rose into the clear sky, a foreboding feeling tugging at his body before he dashed forward to pull his two friends back.
"Wait! Something's wrong."
Experience on the streets told him that usually black clouds of smoke meant something bad has happened. Under Jongin's guidance, the three crept towards the villa in the shade of the buildings. What Kyungsoo saw made him freeze. The house was on fire, the servants running back and forth trying to put out the flames as soldiers stood in a line out at the front of the house, as if they were waiting for something. Soon the three found out just what was in store as Kyungsoo's uncle, aunt and cousins ran out coughing and wheezing from the smoke gathering in their house. The soldiers came forward, capturing them one by one in metal cuffs before leading them away towards the city square. Kyungsoo caught a glimpse of what looked like a red cross against a white background, the image burned into the back of his eyelids as Jongin and Yixing hurriedly pulled him towards the rooftop of one of the surrounding buildings at the open square, it was a place they frequented often, to hide from angry stall owners or just to escape their families. Crowds of people started to gather around the little wooden stage set up in the middle, curious as to what the soldiers were up to. Kyungsoo stayed low on the roof, enough to see but not enough to be noticed. His family was led onto the platform, their faces grim and the youngest was crying with fear. Kyungsoo wanted to go to them, to comfort them, to tell them that everything would be okay but soon he found out that there was no going back for them. Five nooses were dropped from a wooden structure, each person led up to them and the thick rope was fitted around their neck. The stage was too far away for Kyungsoo to hear clearly what was happening but soon there were loud cries of the crowd, egging the soldiers on.
"Today, a family of assassins will fall. Their reign shall fall and the Templars will rule!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd as the family was pushed forward, the three children crying as their mother tried to comfort them as best as she could. The main Templar commander raised his hand, the soldier standing to the side readied his hand on the lever. In that split second before the life faded from his eyes, Kyungsoo's uncle looked up at the rooftop, catching his eyes and smiled sadly. Abruptly, the figures were dropped, the sickening crack of breaking necks echoed in the square, bodies twitching as their hearts slowed to a stop. The people in the square cheered loudly, drowning out Kyungsoo's screams as he was dragged away by his best friends from the sickening scene. With nowhere else to go, Kyungsoo was taken back to the half-burnt villa with dried tear tracks on his cheeks and a hoarse voice from screaming. The remaining servants barred the gates, leaving only the small entrance off to the side for access by the servants when going to market. The men that was still under the household slowly began to repair as much of the building as they could with what supplies were left on the property. Many of the people assumed that the servants were just there because they couldn't move away from serving the household and that Kyungsoo had actually died in the fire. Yixing came around a few days a week, sneaking in through a wheelbarrow, so that he could keep Kyungsoo company. Jongin was more efficient, no one would miss the 'street rat' anyway so he decided to move into the villa completely, living by Kyungsoo to stop the older doing something reckless.
One day, Yixing came to them in tears, his drowsy eyes wide with panic as he flailed his arms trying to explain something that his parents had told him before they were arrested and taken away just like Kyungsoo's family. Yixing had managed to escape through the 'secret entrance' he had found in his room, it was a little passage that led to an alley behind the butcher's house and he had quickly ran to Kyungsoo's place. Without hesitating, Kyungsoo and Jongin invited him to stay with them in the villa, hiding away until they were old enough to understand what was happening around them. Yixing had thanked them, claiming he had to go back to get some essential things from home and he would join them in their safe haven. He sneaked back into town that night, Kyungsoo staying up to wait by the door for Yixing's return but he never came back. According to the servants, the Templars were still looking for the missing boy, Kyungsoo breaking down for the second time as he mourned for his best friend. It was at that point in time something clicked in his head. From that point, using the stealth of the night and the cover of shadows in the day, Kyungsoo followed the Templars, trying to discover their plans and thwarted their plans by drilling holes in ships, setting horses free and even shooting down messenger pigeons that were carrying encrypted notes for the Templar captain. He was only 12 when Jongin disappeared without a trace, almost like Yixing, leaving Kyungsoo alone to fend for himself. Many nights he laid in bed, wishing and hoping that they were still alive and well somewhere safe. Many nights he cried silently to sleep, contempt in his heart as he wondered why his friends didn't try to contact him to let him know that they were still alive. For three years Kyungsoo lived alone. For three years he continued his solo vendetta against the Templars. For three years, he left the city behind and followed the Templars, sneaking and destroying their plans. For three years, he remained uncaught.
It was in Florence when Kyungsoo was on the rooftop spying down on a Templar meeting when a shadow fell over him. There was a shout and a scuffle below and before he knew it, he was hauled down from the roof and into the meeting area where the other Templars waited with a sinister grin. Flashes of knives, cracking of knuckles and snapping of whips were the haunting indications of what punishment that was about to befall him. Unceremoniously, he was thrown on the ground, the men laughing and soon the assault of fists and thick shoes landed on his small body as if it was a rain of boulders. Suddenly there was a crack and a yell, Templars started falling and an explosion sounded in the closed off area, a plume of black smoke billowing from a spot on the ground. 'Smoke bomb?' Kyungsoo was barely able to question it when a firm hand grabbed his wrist, tugging him through the blinded and stumbling Templars. The figure was hooded, his face hidden as he pushed through the throng of guards. Once out of the area, he turned around and Kyungsoo caught a glimpse of soft lips and round cheeks. The man threw another little bag, a crack resounding as it made contact with the ground before a different mist filled the area, the Templars starting to cough, drawing their swords and for a second, Kyungsoo thought they were going to chase after them. But to his surprise, they started swinging it haphazardly, occasionally hitting each other instead.
He was brought out of his reverie when the man pulled him along again, the pain of his bruises making him stumble and wince. A man carrying a crate of fruit was walking past and the hooded man dodged to the side, pulling Kyungsoo with him and the corner of the box hit a spot on the left side of his chest, the man carrying it dropped the box and Kyungsoo fell over in a heap, groaning at the stinging pain in his side. 'Pezzo di merda! (Piece of shit!) They must have broken my ribs...' He groaned, the pain too much to bear and soon his eyes rolled back, everything going black.
When he came around again, Kyungsoo was resting in a soft bed, something he hadn't had the leisure of for years. He sat up, whimpering slightly at the pain, looking around at his surroundings and looking down at the bandages that wrapped his torso. Poking at the area, he yelped when a searing pain jabbed his side, stopping his movement when the door clicked open. Kyungsoo reached for his knife only to realize that he was unarmed, his belt and knives were sitting on a chair on the other side of the room. A man entered the room, face covered by his hood and he stopped in his tracks when he saw that Kyungsoo was awake. He was not tall but had wide-set shoulders, dressed in a dark hooded robe that stretched over firm biceps. A thick leather belt held the robe tight around his waist, filled with hidden throwing knives and had straps that held a long sword and a small dagger, hanging on his side next to the bomb pouches under the leather cape that hung around his shoulders and covered his right arm and his right side. Underneath, loose pants were held around the ankles with thick leather shoes and straps that made it more sturdy than normal shoes. The man's head turned towards him on the bed, Kyungsoo could feel the eyes piercing him until he managed to utter a small 'thank you'. A deep chuckle resounded and the figure stepped further into the room, his arms carrying a small pile of clothes and a tray of food.
"You're finally up. I thought you had died of a simple beating. I've been watching you for awhile now, Kyungsoo."
He placed the tray on Kyungsoo's lap, the smell of fresh bread and fruits coming off the plates made his stomach grumble. Picking up a slice of bread and dipping it into the olive oil, Kyungsoo chewed on it as he watched the man's movements carefully.
"Who are you? How do you know my name? Why are you dressed like that?"
"Calm down." The man chuckled and placed the clothes on the edge of the bed. "My name is Kim Minseok, you may call me Xiumin. I was there when they hung your family and I knew your parents personally, I do not know where they are now after they disappeared 15 years ago. So you could say I have been following you. I've seen how you work and how you've been getting back at the Templars since that incident, you're perfect for our cause. I am an Assassin. The head of the Creed where we find ways to stop the Templars from attempting whatever they were doing. I think you've proven your hatred for them and that you will be a valuable asset to our missions."
Kyungsoo blinked, bread falling from his mouth as the man held out his hand. Leather-bound wrist extending his open palm to him, Xiumin finally tilted his head up, letting Kyungsoo look him completely in the eyes. With hesitation, Kyungsoo looked at the hand before placing his hand on the older man's, eyes hardening with a raging fire as he pledged his life to take his revenge.
"I'm joining because I want to rid the world of them. They took everything I love and now I am just returning the favor."
"I expected nothing less. When you're well enough, put on your robes and I will teach you everything about the Creed."
Xiumin nodded, turning away from the bed and walking out the door, shutting the door gently with a click. Kyungsoo reached to take the folded robes into his lap, fingertips dancing over the coarse fabric as he took in the information that had just been thrown at him. He knew there was no going back, there was only the path forward and he was determined to dedicate his life to wiping the Templars from the face of the Earth.