Justin

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Justin was a Varangian guard to Emperor Leo VI the Wise in the 9th century.

Biography

In 867, Justin was assigned to be young Leo's head of security and grew to care for the boy. Feeling the tension between him and his father Emperor Basil, he began to teach Leo archery. However, one day, when Leo demonstrated his archery skill to Basil, Justin and his mother Empress Eudocia watched as Basil broke Leo's arm. Realizing any care shown to the boy results in abuse from his father, Justin decided to remain stalwart towards Leo, even spiteful.

After that day, Justin was removed from Leo's security and tasked to show Leo's new guard Hytham about his own duties and the emperor's palace. Angry, he became hostile with Hytham, who questioned him about the change in security. To blow off steam, Justin offered to spar with Hytham, who agreed. While sparring, Justin was questioned more about his thoughts on Leo before ending the match. Irritated, Justin showed Hytham the palace's children's wing and met with Leo, his tutor Theodore, and his nurse Anna. Justin left him to become accompanied with Leo's circle.

However that night, Justin came back once he heard noise from Leo's room and was met by Hytham. Wanting to check on Leo, he was told by Hytham to meet with the incoming soldiers while Hytham checked on Leo alone. Days after the viper incident, Justin accompanied Hytham and Leo to the boy's riding lesson. Justin kept outright insulting Leo reluctantly and was confronted by Hytham about it. He retorted that the boy needed to learn and that Hytham must stop protecting Leo.

The next morning, Justin saw that a fellow guard Steros was missing and asked Hytham about him, but Hytham avoided his questions and he left the palace angry. Justin went on his way to meet a representative of the Order of the Ancients, who was threatening him with his loved one's fate. Upon meeting the man, he was demanded to swear loyalty to the emperor's plan but instantly answers by killing the man. However, he later saw a man and a woman from Order face him but is quickly saved by the Hidden Ones Basim Ibn Ishaq and his Acolyte Hytham. Upon their reveal, Justin asked why they followed him. When they revealed their suspicions, he revealed that his callousness was a front to protect Leo from his father. However, all three realized that Leo was left alone. However, Justin was told to check on his friend while the Hidden Ones went back to the palace quickly.

After the failed assassination by the Order on the children's wing, Justin arrived back to the palace after checking on his friend. After a few days, he saw a bruised Hytham, who apologized for his early judgment. Justin also apologized for his cruel nature towards Leo. Hytham advised Justin to tell Leo the truth and Justin considered it. Justin was also offered a place to work with the Hidden Ones. Before leaving, Justin promised to spar with Hytham soon as the Hidden One agreed after he healed from his wounds.

While Hytham and Thyra, leader of Eagle Clan and Varangian guard to the Empress, prepared for the emperor's Hippodrome, Justin accompanied both Leo and Hytham to the stables as he was encouraged to tell Leo the truth and amend their relationship. While Hytham stood by, Justin helped Leo ride his horse and spend time together. The next day, Justin and the Varangian guards stood besides the emperor as they arrived at the Hippodrome. He later patrolled the Hippodrome for any possible attackers.

During the emperor's race, the Order struck again while Justin fought one of the attackers at the Hippodrome. Victorious, he followed his allies after a woman who successfully kidnapped Leo. Outside, they arrived at a closed alley away from the crowd. While Justin and his allies held ready, the Order and their leader Isaac stood their ground and attacked them. Altogether, they killed most of the Order but one warrior remained to chase and recapture Leo. Justin sped up and protected Leo from the man, ultimately killing him. Lauded as a hero, Justin went back to protecting and caring for Leo while the Hidden Ones left after their duty had been accomplished.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: The Golden City