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.

Reference

• Assassin's Creed: Origins