The Crocodile's Jaws

The Crocodile's Jaws was a virtual representation of one of Bayek's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan through the Portable Animus HR-8.

Description

Faiyum's populace is enthralled by the Gladiatorial ring, but the stars of the Arena are busy in the shadows, and Bayek must dive head first into the world of warriors and corruption alongside an old friend from Siwa, Kensa.

Dialogue

Bayek approached the Krokodilopolis Arena. He talked with the locals to gather intelligence.

• Bayek: The gladiatorial arena. So the Crocodile recruits from this place for his personal army. I need to find out more about it.
  Excuse me, what can you tell me about this place?
• Woman: Can't you see? It's an arena for Roman blood sport. Barbaric if you ask me but it's found favour with those desperate to forget their troubles. It used to be a temple. It should have been left that way.
• Bayek: Neb, what can you tell me about the men who fight here?
• Man: Men? These are not men, they're gods! You've never seen such savage warriors. They could break you in half with one strike.
• Bayek: Do any of them have red hair?
• Man: Gods among gods, have you never heard of the brothers from Gaul? Can't you feel their eyes on you? Their statues are beside me!

Bayek inspected the statues, reading the accompanying inscriptions.

• Bayek: "Diovicos, the living embodiment of War. His fists are deadlier than any weapon."
  "Veridovix, the loyal servant of Death. His scythe will ever reap the unworthy."
• Man 2: (to another man) Sir, we need more fighters. They're dying at an alarming rate.
• Felix: Then find me fighters that can actually fight!
• Bayek: Are you the owner here?
• Felix: Yes I am the owner, Felix Martialus. Who are you? Another rough knuckle no-name seeking fame?
• Bayek: I only want entry to the Arena. I heard you've got a fighter worth watching. With red hair.
• Felix: You mean the Gallic brothers. You heard right. But let me save you some time, camel boy. You cannot afford it. Now piss off before you scare away someone who can.
• Man 2: Sir, this man wears a Medjay badge!
• Felix: A med what? I do not even care. Can you fight? You look the part, like a vicious... mangy dog. Nah, nah I have already got an Egyptian. A huntress from Siwa who's worth three of you. She frequents the obelisk in the east end if you want an impromptu beating.
• Man 2: It is the only way inside this arena. Fight in the streets and a gladiator can bring you in.

Bayek departed the Arena, lost in thought.

• Bayek: So the Gallic brothers are involved in Shadya's murder. But why are they doing the Crocodile's bidding? I need to get inside, and learn more. The Arena owner mentioned a Siwan gladiator to the East at an Obelisk. I wonder if I know her. Siwa is a small place. I should go and see.

Bayek made his way to the obelisk and approached the kneeling figure.

• Bayek: There's the Siwan. Wait. That looks like...

He knelt next to her, drawing her attention.

• Kensa: Bayek? My friend! My brother! Oh! Shit, it's good to see you. What are you doing in Faiyum?
• Bayek: I heard this was a good place to... to prosper. But I never expected to find you here, Kensa.
• Kensa: What can I say? I heard the call of the arena. Can you believe it? I am a gladiator now! But come, come. Let us talk... and drink! Ha ha ha!

They walked away from the obelisk.

• Kensa: I'm telling you, Bayek, I am so close to my dream. If only I was given the chance, I know I could become champion. I mean, wealth, luxury, fame! What more could a woman want?
• Bayek: That's why I came to Faiyum. To make a new life for myself and bury the past. But I was turned away from the Arena doors.
• Kensa: So you have finally given up on trying to put the world to rights? Good. Such things are impossible. Felix is slow to trust outsiders. But do not worry. With my backing, we'll soon be fighting side by side. First we drink. And in the morning we can go to the Arena for the proper introductions. It's good to have you here, old friend.

The following morning, Kensa and Bayek returned to the Arena.

• Kensa: I want this man to be my partner.
• Felix: As it happens, the Iberian was torn apart by lions yesterday. I may have an opening. And if Kensa vouches for you... You will need a title if you are going to team up, though. How about the Siwan Warriors?
• Kensa: I think "The Guardians of Siwa" would be more fitting.
• Bayek: Is that memorable enough for you?
• Felix: I have heard worse. Come inside.

Inside, Felix guided Bayek around.

• Felix: This is where combatants wait their turn on the sand. What you smell is sweat, blood, and not a little offal. If you are predisposed to shitting your armor, this is where to do it. There is no Pharaoh or god in the arena to protect you, Medjay. This is where you will probably die. Try to do it with drama, it pleases the crowd. On the off-chance you live, you will be rewarded with glory and fame. And another chance to die. Such is the short but luminous life of a gladiator. All right... who do we have? Ah, there is Kallistos.
  Kallistos, a former soldier of Ptolemy who claims to know how to handle a sword.
  Horus. He was my best fighter once, but age ruins us all. He is not much more than a bedpan now. He trains the novices.
• Bayek: Is that armor from Ptolemy's army?
• Felix: Most of the fighters cannot afford their own armor. In any case it is soon ruined. The army does not miss a few suits here and there. And it adds to the authenticity. Speaking of authenticity, in the arena you use the weapons I give you. There are no exceptions.
  You already know Kensa, whose glowing but suspect recommendation brought you here.
• Kensa: Bayek! Krokodilopolis welcomes another champion!
• Felix: Or another bag of blood and shit. I want to see if he can fight. And who better to test him than the one who recommended him?
• Kensa: What do you say? Ready to draw sword old Medjay?
• Bayek: Let's see if you have improved.

Kensa and Bayek fought.

• Kensa: Not bad old man!
• Bayek: How is that for old!
• Kensa: Nek! I thought I had you.
• Felix: You need more style and flash. But you have got a pleasing vicious streak for a sand dog. Okay, Kensa. You have got a new partner. We open the doors soon. Be ready.

Upon ending their sparring, the pair are approached by a red-haired gladiator.

• Veridovix: These are the scraps that Felix wants to throw our way? Ha ha ha! They make a poor meal, my brother!

His brother, Diovicos, is chained atop a wall, consumed by rage. Bayek made a move to Veridovix, but Kensa intervened.

• Kensa: I'm going to slice off your balls... and feed them to you.

She walked away with Bayek.

• Kensa: Our main obstacle to glory. The Gallic brothers.
• Bayek: I know who they are

Much later, the fighting started in the Arena. Bayek made his way there.

• Kallistos: Ah, the new Siwan fighter. I look forward to humiliating you in battle many times. Eh. I joke, of course. We might be pitted against each other out there, but that's all the more reason to stand together in here.
• Bayek: I'm glad to hear it. But why does one of Ptolemy's soldiers risk his like in the Arena?
• Kallistos: I have trouble obeying orders, and the army frowns on that. But I have a family to support, so here I am.
• Bayek: Have you ever challenged the brothers?
• Kallistos: Veridovix and Diovicos? I haven't been thought worthy yet. In that, I consider myself fortunate.

Bayek approached Kensa.

• Kensa: Are you well, my friend? You seem distracted. Don't worry, you will lose your nerves after the first fight.
• Bayek: I'm fine. But you have not yet told me how you came to be here.
• Kensa: Now that is a story! I was taken as a slave during Ptolemy's time in Siwa. A sick beast named Septimius and his clan were going to use me. But I managed to get a sword and make my escape. I travelled here, where Felix took me in and trained me. But enough about the past! I can't tell you how happy I am to share this good fortune with you. Soon the crowds will worship you almost as much as they worship me.
• Bayek: Yes, yes. Let us split the sun in two with our swords.
• Kensa: Ha ha! You are primed indeed! Let Felix know when you are ready for our first match. The sooner we start, the sooner we're champions!

Finally, Bayek talked with Horus by the arena's interior doors.

• Bayek: You are Horus, are you not? Felix told me you're the trainer here.
• Horus: Not by choice. Gallic brothers... hurt me. My head. Would have killed me if Felix did not stop them.
• Bayek: What can you tell me about them?
• Horus: You don't want to fight them. They are strong and fast, and they like killing. For them, it's fun... sport.

Bayek made his way to Felix.

• Bayek: We are ready.
• Felix: Are you? Everyone thinks they are ready till they get a fist in the face. I am starting you against a few novices. If you survive we will talk about more. Two warriors against the odds! The crowds love unfair fights. Do not disappoint them... or me.

Bayek and Kensa stepped into the Arena, soon engaging in combat with the gladiators.

• Bayek: Are they screaming for our blood or for theirs?
• Kensa: Any blood will do! No such thing as innocent here. Do not stay your blade, brother. They certainly will not! Every man here knows the risks!
• Bayek: You have taken to this new life easily.
• Kensa: Can you see the look on their faces? They adore me, Bayek! The men. The women. I have everything I could want.
• Felix: They are off to a good start! These two sand-bandits are tougher than they look!
• Kensa: Keep fighting like this, old friend, and we'll catch the eye of a wealthy patron!
• Bayek: And what then?
• Kensa: Then a whole new world of opportunity my friend. The best gladiators are sent on special missions, and earn more coin than you can imagine.
• Bayek: Then let us make sure they notice us!
• Felix: Victory for the Guardians of Siwa! The new darlings of the Arena! Who knows how far they can go?

After the fight, the two met with Felix.

• Felix: Pairing you two toe stubbers was one of my best ideas. The crowd loves you!
• Kensa: I told you we were destined for greatness, Felix.
• Felix: Greatness? Easy easy, damsel dust mite. You have a long way to go. It is a good start but you are not contenders. You do not get to the Gallic brothers by beating a few shit stain novices. Though to be honest I hope you make it. I am weary of you nagging me.
• Bayek: What do we need to do to face them?
• Felix: God's and piss, not you too! Just concentrate on the next round. For annoying me, I am adding lions this time. They have not eaten for days. You are their dinner. Find me when you are ready.

Bayek was left to himself.

• Bayek: If what Kensa says is true, any of the gladiators could be working for The Crocodile. There might be evidence here of jobs the Gallic brothers did. Maybe even the identity of their patron.

Bayek began his investigation.

• Horus: So, you are feeling good. Planning your ride to the top. Trust me, what we do... it's not noble. We are mercenaries, that's all.
• Bayek: Mercenaries? Swords for hire by the wealthy?
• Horus: Yes. So you heard. My advice - refuse the offers. It's a slippery dune. I have seen... good men die. Just fight and go home. Don't do the contracts.

Bayek found Kallistos.

• Kallistos: An impressive first outing, Siwan. I'm a little jealous.
• Bayek: I need a faster way to make coin. I've heard fighters are offered work outside the arena.
• Kallistos: You're quick to learn secrets, my friend. We are not supposed to talk about it. But opportunities come along from time to time. I think I might have just proven myself worthy.
• Bayek: Do you know who the contracts come from?
• Kallistos: There is a reason these people operate in shadow. No one knows their identity. Take my advice. If you're lucky enough to be chosen, do what you're asked to, and be thankful for the money.

Bayek found his way back to Kensa.

• Kensa: We are on our way, old friend! After all this time! I might finally get my shot at the Gallic brothers. And it's thanks to you.
• Bayek: I would like nothing more. What about these other contracts you mentioned earlier?
• Kensa: Oh the righteous Bayek, is willing to dirty his hands? Times have changed, seni. I suppose it is hard to be a Medjay, all the time. You will have to ask Felix about those... quietly.

Bayek made his way to Felix.

• Bayek: (to himself) The best way to reach the Crocodile is to beat the Gallic brothers. As if I needed more reason to slit the throats of Shadya's killers.
  Felix, I've heard some gladiators are chosen for... extra work.
• Felix: You heard wrong. And if there was an arrangement, you would have much more to do to earn your way in. Your job, you upstart dog nobble, is to fight. That is it. You earn your gold in the pit, or you do not earn it.
• Bayek: Then that is what I will do. We are ready.
• Felix: Finally. They are asking about you two at the Arena in Cyrene. Put on a good show and we all profit.

Bayek and Kensa entered the arena, this time to fight starved lions and gladiators.

• Bayek: How often do you fight lions?
• Kensa: Only when Felix can get them! They are much more expensive than men volunteering for a beating!
• Bayek: There seems little honour in killing animals.
• Kensa: Kill or be eaten, Bayek! Besides, it's caged. We will be fine as long as we don't free it.
• Felix: The Medjay and the slave girl are unstoppable! More ferocious than wild beasts!
• Bayek: I thought the lions were caged?
• Kensa: There are no rules in the Arena, seni!
• Felix: The Guardians of Siwa are victorious once again! Could the Gallic brothers be next?

The next day, Bayek encountered Horus kneeling at the side of a deceased Kallistos.

• Bayek: Is that Kallistos? What happened?
• Horus: I warned him. He took a bad job. Just another blunt instrument for them to break against their enemies.
• Bayek: Do you know who hired him?
• Horus: No. And Felix won't tell you. That's how this works. Some die. Some get rich. And everyone keeps quiet.

Bayek found Felix.

• Bayek: Where's Kensa?
• Felix: Her talents were required elsewhere today. You are going to have to win this one alone. You will be fine.
• Bayek: Another errand? Like the one that killed Kallistos?
• Felix: Watch your tone, sword meat. What happened to Kallistos was... unfortunate. But he knew the risks. Fighters who ask too many questions do not survive. It is a dangerous job. Accidents happen.
• Bayek: I'm only keen to prove myself.
• Felix: Then win this match. You will get your chance against the brothers. Beat them, and you will be noticed.

Bayek made his way to the fighting grounds and began the fight.

• Bayek: Is Kensa okay? Holy Anubis. I have to win this!
• Felix: The Medjay is not missing his partner! What a warrior! Are you watching, Krokodilopolis? Is this the rise of a new challenger? Will the Gallic brothers keep their crown?

Sometime after Bayek won the fight, Kensa returned to the Arena and found him.

• Kensa: I am sorry I left you to fight alone, but I hear you did me proud?
• Bayek: Felix sent you out on a job? Who was it for?
• Kensa: I'll tell you everything in good time, brother. Just know that our future has never looked brighter! Bayek. This is the moment we've longed for. Our chance to sieze the mantle of champions. Felix awaits!

Prior to the fight, Bayek ran into Horus near the doors. The old man offered his advice on how to handle the brothers.

• Horus: So... you turn to fight the brothers. I won't say good luck. You won't get any. But listen to me. They are too strong together. That's how they beat me. Separate them. Fight one at a time and... maybe you live.
• Bayek: Thank you, Horus. But don't worry. I am not dying today.
• Horus: There are worse things than dying. Be careful.

Now ready, Bayek sought Felix.

• Felix: You have done well for a country corn rat. Your time has come. The crowd is bored with Viridovix and Diovicos destroying opponents with ease. I am counting on you to make this entertaining. One more thing. Do not kill anyone! I want my top four fighters alive for rematches. I have given the Gauls the same order.
• Kensa: All right. We will not kill them. But no promises about pain and humiliation. This is it, Bayek! Our big moment. They will build monuments and scrawl our names across temples after this. We will be adored! Rich! And champions.

Bayek and Kensa entered the Arena for the fight against the Gallic brothers.

• Felix: Here are the contenders to the crown! The Guardians of Siwa!
  Undefeated! Unmatched! It's the Gallic Brothers!

The pair defeat the brothers, who attempted to limp their way off the field of battle. Bayek approached them, enraged.

• Bayek: Crocodile!
• Felix: The Gallic brothers are defeated!

Bayek put Veridovix's scythe to Diovicos's throat.

• Bayek: You killed a child called Shadya. Death is the least you deserve.
• Diovicos: The girl by the lighthouse? We didn't kill her, I swear!
• Veridovix: We have done many terrible things, Siwan. But the murder of the child is not one of them.
• Felix: All hail the new champions! The Guardians of Siwa!
• Diovicos: We were there, it's true. We saw the soldiers capture the girl and take her to Berenike. To... to the Crocodile.
• Veridovix: It was she who drowned the child. Took a book from her, ordered a stone tied to her ankles and pushed her into the water. There was nothing we could do.

In the stands, an old woman approached Felix and whispered something in his ear.

• Kensa: This is the real reason you came to me, isn't it? To uncover this patron. This "Crocodile." Bayek, why didn't you confide in me, huh? I would have helped you.
• Bayek: You're a mercenary, just like them. I couldn't take the chance!
• Felix: What fate awaits the fallen? Will it be life... or death?
• Kensa: No, Bayek. You know me better than...
• Felix: Death.
• Kensa: Bayek, you have to know!

Bayek departed the Arena.

Reference

• Assassin's Creed: Origins