Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants

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Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants, or simply Last Descendants, is a young adult novel written by Matthew J. Kirby. The first installment in a series of novels, that released in August 2016, having its sequel released in December 2016. The novel is, in English, titled Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants - The New York Draft Riots in foreign translations.

The first novel focuses on Owen, a teenager who attempts to prove his late father's innocence of a crime he did not commit. With the help of his school's IT expert Monroe, he explores the memories of his ancestors in an Animus, and discovers the existence of an ancient artifact called the Trident of Eden. Having caught the attention of the Assassins and Templars, Owen tries to find the artifact before they can. To that extent, Owen and several other teenagers dive into a simulation of memories they all share in their DNA, set during the 1863 draft riots in New York City, with their experiences in the past having consequences on the present.

Blurb

Nothing in Owen's life has been right since his father died in prison, accused of a crime Owen is certain he didn't commit. Monroe, the IT guy at school, might finally bring Owen the means to clear his father's name by letting him use an Animus — a device that lets users explore the genetic memories buried within their own DNA. The experience brings Owen more than he bargained for. During a simulation, Owen uncovers the existence of an ancient and powerful relic long considered legend — the Trident of Eden. Now two secret organizations will stop at nothing to take possession of this artifact — the Brotherhood of Assassins and the Templar Order. It soon becomes clear to Owen that the only way to save himself is to find the Trident first.

Under the guidance of Monroe, Owen and a group of other teenagers enter a simulation of memories they all share within their DNA: the 1863 draft riots in New York City. Owen and his companions will find themselves tested on the gritty streets of New York, and their experiences in the past will have far-reaching consequences in the present.

Summary

Prologue

In New York City, 1863, Templar William M. Tweed is talking to his informant about an Assassin being in the city. Despite his influence over Tammany Hall, Tweed learned about the Assassin's presence while worrying about the Bowery Boys' cooperation in their plans. Tweed orders his informant to seek the Assassin's name. After going to the Bowery Boys' gang clubhouse, the informant is unaware of being tracked. In an alleyway, the Assassin strikes and kills the informant. The next day, his body is found.

Chapter One

In present times, teenage Owen goes on a mission to clear his father's name posthumuously for a crime he did not commit. He asks his old but estranged friend Javier to help him but Javier tells him that he will think on it. While Javier goes back to hang with his other friends, Owen wonders how his father's conviction broke up his relationship with Javier as well as with his mom. Nevertheless, Owen is committed to enact his plan.

Arriving at his grandparents' home, Owen talks with his grandma but hears her judgment over his grades and how he must not end up like his deadbeat father. Not wanting to argue, he asks his grandma about his grandpa. She tells him that he is out back with the mower. However, he knows his grandpa never needed help thus he wants to talk with Owen privately. In the yard filled with orange and avocado trees, Owen meets his grandpa in his "shop." His grandpa asks him about his grades but changes the topic to his concern about his old friend Javier's possible association with gang members. He later tells Owen to be mindful about what path he takes.

Heading inside, Owen talks with his grandma, who relays grandpa's message and keeps insulting his father. Upstairs, he knows that his father may not have been perfect but that he was truly innocent. Not relying on Javier, he begins to research about Abstergo Industries, their products, and the rumors he heard. Soon, his mother arrives home and tries to talk with him, however it sours after they talk about his dad. Later that night, Owen leaves his home quietly as he goes to meet someone named Monroe at a secluded location. There, he finds a bus parked in the shadows with tinted glass. Soon, Javier meets with Owen, much to his surprise, and they both go towards the bus.

Chapter Two

Owen and Javier enter the bus where Monroe showcases his own Animus setup, which Javier begins to doubt. Monroe explains that his device is the same as the other Animus products without any manipulation of events by the parent company. Javier questions why Monroe is doing this, to which he explains he owes someone like Javier does for Owen. Getting ready, Owen states that he wants to see his father's memories five years ago. However, Monroe explains that the genetic memories can only stem before his conception. Monroe explains that they need his father's DNA and a different type of Animus. Monroe then asks Owen on why this answer is important to him, to which Owen responded that it was for his father's freedom.

Monroe soon asks Javier if he is interested, due to his scientific curiousity. Initially reluctant, Javier is convinced and allows Monroe to have him put into the Animus. While being setup, Javier asks Owen if this is okay but Owen is ambivalent to his choice. Monroe soon offers Owen to join, in order to gauge if their ancestors crossed paths thus they can share a simulation. A bit elated, Owen agrees. After the analysis, Monroe determines that their ancestors have crossed paths multiple times at different periods in time. Setting up Owen next, Monroe then puts on the Animus helmets on both friends. He then informs both boys about loading the Memory Corridor, which he explains it is a simulation setup of their ancestors.

Owen begins his simulation in the corridor as Alfonso del Castillo, as he begins to feel Castillo's skills as a swordsman. Monroe explains that the simulation works when you let the ancestor act in accordance to have full synchronization. If they act out of memory, they may experience desynchronization, an unpleasant feeling. Monroe asks Owen if he understands and if he is ready. He reaffirms that although they share a simulation, they must not force an interaction and let it play out. Both friends agree as Javier tells Monroe to pull the switch.

Chapter Three

While Owen enters his simulation of Castillo, Javier experiences his ancestral simulation of being Chimalpopoca, a Tlaxcaltec warrior and commander. Plunging in, Javier begins his simulation at an open field, where he finds his ancestor leading a battalion of fellow warriors. Confused, Javier wonders what they are saying. However, Monroe calms him down and states to let the memory ride. He understands his ancestor's background and then realizes the setting where they see invaders of a different land incoming. Chimalpopoca speaks to his fellow warrior about their plans against the invaders, to which he wants to fight rather than seek peace. The conch call of war bellows and he sets up his men to defend. Soon, they soon see cannons and he feels fear, which relays back to Javier experiencing it.

Although Javier wants his ancestor to leave the battlefield, Monroe keeps him in line with the memory. Back to the battle, Chimalpopoca rallies his men and shouts that the gods are with them. Shooting their arrows at the Spaniards, some hit but their cannons riddled them into disarray. Chimalpopoca leads the men against the incoming riders and opposing arrows. However, their swords and spears broke upon impact the conquistadors' armor. His men's numbers dwindle as they retreat. Looking at one of the riders, Chimalpopoca pushes his way towards the horse and broke its neck. Before he could fight the rider, he sees the invaders save their man.

Taking his macuahuitl, Chimalpopoca attacks the enemy again only for his weapon to fully break its teeth. Staggering through the enemy lines, the warrior is soon taken down and bound. He begins to cry as he feels powerless being held captive. Soon, the battle ends with Chimalpopoca's men retreating and the warrior taken to a temple taken over by the invaders. Soon, Chimalpopoca is brought to Castillo but Javier struggles not to say anything, due to not wanting to desynchronize. Castillo takes the warrior to a house privately and throws him to the floor. He sees another imprisioned warrior, who states that the invader seek peace. The warrior looks young and the commander dismisses the notion of peace. He knows that his fate deems him to die as a warrior.

Chapter Four

While watching Castillo, Owen is able to feel and sense his past misdeeds. Castillo believes in Hernán Cortés' vision and goals of taking over Tenochtitlan and the location of its treasure. While on guard duty, he sees the younger prisoner takes their food but the older captive refuses any kind of advance. A day passes as both sides bury their dead. The next day, former slave-turned translator Doña Marina and priest Gerónimo de Aguilar arrive to speak for the captain, with Castillo blushing at Marina's appearance. After translating between them and Chimalpopoca, the two translators loosened the commander's chains.

After a tense conversation, Aguilar states that Chimalpopoca rather die as a sacrifice to the Spanish's god. Aguilar explains that a sacrifice is a necessary one for them to keep the Sun rising and to keep the world alive. Meanwhile, Owen wishes to speak with Javier due to his own disgust of his ancestor being interwined with his DNA. Marina speaks with Aguilar and they admit that they will bring the captain while Castillo keeps an eye on Chimalpopoca. While Castillo keeps watch on the prisoners, Owen feels uneasy with watching this memory unfold.

Soon, the next morning, Hernán Cortés enters the house, with Marina and Aguilar following behind him. Cortés asks for his people to tell Chimalpopoca that they seek peace. Chimalpopoca responds to when he will be sacrificed but the captain states that he will be spared. He asks Chimalpopoca to be a messenger to his king for peace. In doing so, they will receive protection from Moctezuma and the Aztecs. With this translation, Chimalpopoca agrees. However, during this moment, he also notices a dagger Cortés is gripping while he agrees. The dagger happens to be a gift, carried down from kings and popes. After the commander agrees, Cortés releases his grip on the dagger.

Monroe takes notice of the dagger and ends the simulation. Javier and Owen go back to the memory corridor where they discuss their ancestors' actions, with Owen still being disgust. Monroe takes them out of the Animus. Javier questions why he ended the simulation, to which Monroe replies that two people inside is unprecedented and dangerous. Fed up, Javier tries to leave but Owen interrogates Monroe more as he notices him acting different. Monroe explains that he got them in time before he shuts the bus door on them. Agreeing the moment was weird, the boys part ways. When Owen arrives home, he hopes that he could sneak inside with the dark sky left. However, the lights are still on inside his home.

Chapter Five

Owen arrives home to find his mom and grandparents waiting for him. While his mom hugs him and tells him to go to sleep, his grandpa stops him and demands him to tell them where they have been. The argument soon turns hostile when they bring up his father, whom his grandparents believe is responsible for the death of a guard from a botched robbery. Owen soon gives them half of the truth by stating he met with Javier to discuss his dad with him. His grandpa states that next time, he must tell them that he will be out late.

Later that day, Owen meets with Javier at school, where they go to find Monroe. However, they learn that he quit without any message. Bewildered, Javier questions where he has gone with theirs and other kids' DNA. Once bell rings, they go their separate ways, which leads Owen to think not much has changed for the better between them. Owen goes back home to a calm welcome from his grandparents. They mention that they will visit his great-aunt Susan, who is undergoing a procedure, while he is at home alone with his mom. However, he feels that much has changed for the better at home too.

The next day, Owen sees Javier still avoiding him until the school day ends. They both agree that something is wrong and mention they were possibly stalked. Together, they head back to the abandoned warehouse where the bus was. However, nothing is there and Javier becomes disappointed at finding out what happened with Chimalpopoca in the end. Owen, being unempathetic, sees Javier leave him while he heads home. However, he sees the bank where his father committed the crime and investigates it himself. He looks around for any evidence but finds nothing more. Walking home before his mom arrives, Owen is soon approached by a silhouetted figure.

Chapter Six

Moving fast, Owen tries to outpace the tracker by going to the bus stop quickly. However, the man confronts Owen and divulges what he knows about Monroe, the Animus, and his father's predicament. Before he can convince Owen, he falls to a dart. Soon, Monroe comes on his motorcycle and takes Owen away from the scene. Putting on a visor, Owen is on the motorcycle while Monroe shouts out command for the visor. Owen soon sees another figure following them through the rooftops quickly. Soon, the figure is ahead of them until Owen and Monroe find a passage to lose them. Owen demands to know who was chasing them and Monroes explains that it was an Assassin. Monroe states they will head to a safer location and how he already has Javier.

Within a small structure, Monroe and Owen make sure that they are safe. Soon, Monroe walks with Owen to meet with the other people in Monroe's group. In a wide and lit room, Owen meets Javier again while Monroe introduces the siblings Grace Collins and David Collins, Natalya Aliyev, and Sean Molloy. After brief introductions, Owen questions Monroe about the Assassin. Monroe tries to explain but Owen worries about his mother. Monroe explains the Assassins' creed does not allow them to harm innocents. Explaining their presences, Monroe divulges his own work and how they are all connected, despite having no relationship with one another. Showcasing his own research, Monroe begins to explain the secret war between two oldest factions, the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order.

While Owen questions if his father was part of it, Monroe starts to showcase points in history, such as Ezio Auditore da Firenze's work in sixteenth century Italy or the American Revolutionary War. Natalya asks what they are fighting over, to which Monroe explains that Templars view to control the chaos and the people in their own view while the Assassins want the people to decide what society they make. Grace asks what they all have to do with the war. Monroe explains they are the descendants of either Assassins or Templars. He looks to Javier, of which Monroe states he is one of both faction.

Chapter Seven

Sean is still wrapping his head around this war and likes using the Animus due to using his legs instead of the wheelchair. Grace asks why they are here while Monroe explains that both factions are wrong and that he wants to stop them. While Sean observes his fellow subjects, they asked why he brought them all here. Monroe admits that during Javier and Owen's session, he saw a Piece of Eden used during the simulation. He explains that is from a civilization predating humanity and Javier deduces it was Cortes' dagger. Monroe explains that every piece has their own properties but he has his eye on this dagger most of all.

Grace asks why the rest are here if he needs just Javier and Owen. However, Monroe states that he needs all of them while he states that the Dagger did not stay in Mexico. He later shows the Astor Club in nineteenth century New York City, where he states that the Aztec Club met. He explains that the dagger remained in Mexico until the Mexican-American War, when someone stole from the government's treasury. He later dictates that the Aztec Club consisted of presidential nominees, including Ulysses S. Grant, and other high-ranking officials.

David asks which side is good but Monroe states it depends on your view. He informs that both have good intentions but are capable of evil acts. Grace still asks where they fit into the conversation. Monroe says their DNA showcase matching points and with this Piece of Eden, they all appear at one event, Draft Riots of 1863. The riots occurred due to drafting men to fight the South but wealthy men and families bought their ways out, thus it led mobs and gangs attacking all the black people in the city. Sean asks if they are going back to that time.

Monroe states it will be up to them but he wants to retrieve the Piece before the Assassins and Templars. Natalya asks what he will do and Monroe states that he wants to hide it from the factions again. Monroe asks all of them if they want to go back into Animus and to trust him. He apologizes for the circumstances but tells them time is different and promises they will be back before morning. Sean, Owen, Natalya, and Javier agree. When David agrees, Grace reprimands him for not realizing the era and time for them. Monroe states the faster they find the Piece, the factions will leave them all alone. Grace finally agrees. They all head towards the Animus with Sean maneuvering slowly behind them.

While they ready themselves, Javier asks if Abstergo will track them again. Monroe explains that he has put into isolation and firewalled them better. Sean pulls himself up onto the Animus with ease, impressing Javier at his strength. They all receive their helmets while Monroe puts them into the Memory Corridor. Sean realizes that his ancestor happens to be part of the Metro police, while he sees Owen becoming an Assassin and Javier an Irish bartender and Templar. David simulates an older man with Grace simulating as the man's daughter. However, Monroe explains that David has a complication, which is that his ancestor's genes passed on to his daughter. Thus, he will need to be in the right place or it could break the simulation.

Sean soon assumes his new identity, which is Tommy Greyling, patrolman with the Broadway Squad for the last eight months, after a battle run at Bull Run in Virginia. Natalya finally states that she is an opera singer while Monroe begins to initiate the simulation. Preparing themselves, they all enter and begin the hell that were the riots.

Chapter Eight

Natalya looks into the mirror and sees her ancestor Adelina Patti, who was twenty years old and toured around the United States, Europe, and Russia. While receiving her fee, Patti notices that her advance in gold from the Niblo's Garden was low. However, the manager William tries to convince her to make an exception but Patti admits that she will take cash for the remainder of her fee. Monroe notes that Patti had no children on record and may have a secret affair with a kid out of them. With eight hundred in cash in hand and the house full, Patti accepts to have one shoe on and the other will go on when she receives the full payment. Natalya is in awe and respect of her ancestor. When William returns with the remaining money, he is honored to escort her out while she waits for her cue on stage.

Natalya is mezmerized by her ancestor's life and performance in comparison of living with her family and their harsh history of Kazakhstan under the Soviet Union. After Patti has done her arias and performances, Natalya begins to lean into Patti's life as she bowed. However, pain hits Natalya, who feels unease, and the Animus glitches. Monroe keeps an eye on her while she falls back again and gives control to Adelina. However, after being escorted back to a sitting room, Natalya sees Patti feel alone despite her success. Later, she finds herself eavesdropping a conversation between a man named Cornelius and another man talking about the war's turn of events with Lee's loss at Vicksburg.

Adelina soon engages two women, who were talking about the drafts and how President Abraham Lincoln is conscripting able-bodied men for the war. However, the women explain they are not worried due to the three hundred commutation fee to be exempt from service. Although she is rich, Patti understands that those of the working class have to work at least a year to garner such a fee. William comes by and tries to escort her again but Patti rejects him politely. William orders the driver to take her to her hotel room at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. While being driven up Broadway, she notices gang members rushing up and down the street. However, at one moment, her driver stops and someone opens her carriage door. Adelina looks and sees a robber trying to take her bag. After kicking him in the face, the robber becomes enraged and both Adelina and Natalya become quickly afraid.

Chapter Nine

Grace sits at a table with four other men, one being David simulating her ancestor's father Abraham. Grace simulates Eliza, a servant to Mr. William M. Tweed, who hates being his servant. However, Grace struggles being his servant and almost causes a desynchronization. However, she manages to let Eliza take ahold of the memory. Eliza apologizes for her state while Tweed asks for more duck. At his dinner table, his guests are Richard B. Connolly, A. Oakey Hall, and Peter B. Sweeny and they all dine on their meal for the next hour, most of which is consumed by Mr. Tweed. After the meal, they all move to the library and close the doors on Eliza and Abraham. While Abraham begins to clean the room, Eliza desires for being more than a servant.

However, Abraham states that they are lucky as the German and Irish immigrants were competing with freed slaves and blacks for jobs here. It is not any better that the Democratic Copperheads were sympathetic to the Confederacy and wanted the Union defeated. Grace herself begins to feel frustrated over this inequality and servitude she has to experience. However, Abraham tells her that they are fortunate that they are free and working for a kind employer. Realizing the current situation, Eliza proceeds with her work while Grace also sees that she cannot fix the past herself either. After Mr. Tweed declined the lamb, the employees there enjoy a feast themselves.

After some time, Tweed's guests leave while Eliza and Abraham watch them go. Soon, Mr. Tweed calls Abraham into his office. Uneased, Eliza holds her ear to overhear Mr. Tweed and her father's conversation. Abraham agrees to be a messenger and help Mr. Tweed with the Tammany Hall. He is told to go to the Hole-in-the Wall to meet a bartender Cudgel Cormac tonight. Mr. Tweed soon asks him to meet with his daughter. Readying and acting she was not eavesdropping, Eliza meets Mr. Tweed about the issue of Lincoln's draft and the incoming drafts. He explains that people may blame the African-Americans as the reason for these drafts and implores her to stay at this residence. Mr. Tweed apologizes for his candor and thanks her for staying put at his house.

After Mr. Tweed leaves, Eliza begs her father not to leave but Abraham promises that he will be back and that he has survived worse. He tells her to lock the doors and that he will back in a few hours. After he leaves, Eliza goes back to work cleaning and then heads to the library to find a book to read. However, she later finds the remnants of the letter Mr. Tweed wrote for Cudgel Cormac. After reading the letter, Eliza is astounded and lost but knew there was more danger than the current events. Realizing her father is danger, Eliza leaves and goes to search for her father.

Chapter Ten

TBC

Gallery

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