I know what we need to do

Indie Desmond Miles from Assassin's Creed

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

Maria crossed her leg over the other and leaned back on the desk. “It’s a strange concept.” 

“Not necessarily, it would be like losing someone you cared about. You grow accustom to them being there and when they aren’t, you sometimes see them there till you realize they aren’t or such as Desmond’s bracer, the design in new to us but you can tell that bracer has been well weathered. Which means, I can imagine it’s been used for countless years, perhaps.” Malik theorized. It was something he had experienced himself. Having returned to Masyaf to live here, he was surprised to realize just how many things reminded him of Kadar.

“Boys will be boys, and boys like to fight over ridiculous things.” Maria commented about Ezio liking to get into brawls.

“Perhaps the Templars did but not the Assassins. We are trained to keep our emotions in check or we would face consequences. The last time there was a legitimate fight here was almost twenty years ago.” Malik explained.

She hummed in doubt. “Do you wish to be shown around Masyaf or do you already know where everything is?” Maria asked.

Desmond was tired. Mentally tired. He imagined anyone would be in this situation. But he’d also been stuck in the Animus for nearly a week before this...adventure. So he was facing a different kind of mental fatigue. At least he hadn’t collapsed like when they found the Grand Temple. 

He tuned out a good portion of their conversation as he took in his surroundings with a bleariness that was creeping in. He tuned back in when Maria addressed him specifically. “I can assure you I do not know where everything is. I’ve only seen parts of his life, not every moment.” He answered with a slight laugh.

He knew where key places were, since they were more frequently visited by Altair, but he hadn’t explored every inch of Masyaf. “I don’t wish to trouble you more than I already have though. I am certain I can find my way around.”

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

“That would mean Ezio is under a simpler bewitchment to Altair sometime in the future?” Maria asked. “Altair mentioned Ezio said another artifact.”

“Painful to witness or experience? You said you were able to see Altair’s memories, does that not imply you are technically him in that moment when in the device?” Malik questioned.

“You must know or have seen a lot of different fighting styles? Normal bawls here or rather, with the Templars, were settled with fists and nothing more. I’ve yet to see the Assassin’s get into scraps unless it’s intentionally done in the training ring.” Maria added.

“As for the… concussion, is it normal for him to have experienced that for as long as he did? Why did the other Assassin’s recover quickly while he was still feeling the minor effect well after a week? We’ve all hit our heads for varies reasons, I don’t understand why that one was different.” Malik asked.

Desmond shook his head. “Not an enchantment, per say. What he saw was true just...not current. What they saw were not illusions, but more like...echoes.” He tried to explain. He barely understood it himself, and it was harder to explain without feeling like he sounded insane. 

“It’s like entering a room that has been sealed for a century, and seeing the footsteps and fingerprints of the last inhabitant in the dust. You’re not interacting with them, but you know they left those marks. It’s just stranger for Altair because he didn’t realize he was seeing the future, not the past.”

“The ‘other’ artifact was a second apple. Ezio found it and it was part of what led him...or will lead him here in the future. When I’m seeing Altair’s memories, it’s as if I’m watching them through his eyes. I can feel what he is feeling, but not with the same intensity. So I have his memory of the pain, even though it did not cause my body pain...if that makes sense.” 

Desmond glanced between the two. “Yes, I’ve experienced the fighting styles of several assassins, and a few of them were known to get into scraps. Ezio was one such example, although that was in his youth before he was inducted into the Creed.” He explained. “As for the concussion, I’m not a medical expert. I believe it was the location and impact that caused such a result. As much as I’d like to say that Altair has a thick skull, head injuries are hard to predict and hard to determine. But for a mild concussion like his, those side effects are fairly common unfortunately.”

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

“No, Malik has a point.” Maria said irritated. “There has been ample opportunities for his eyes to wonder and yet his sights are fixated on me… I’m just disappointed to learn he ends up with a child despite him claiming he doesn’t care to have one.” She pouted, now that she found someone she genuinely loved, it’s a shame it was a bit to late for them to start a family, if that was something they’d if fact want. After all, she had changed her mind on marriage, however she couldn’t help but wonder just how genuine he was when he said he was content with the idea of not having children.

“Your saying, through the Apple, that Altair was able to see Ezio, at the same time, Ezio was able to see him?” Malik asked, again, the apples complexity gave him a headache. “Altair mentioned he felt at times Ezio was looking straight at him but we determined it wasn’t possible because… how would Ezio’s be capable of seeing Altair without an apple of his own?”

“Perhaps Altair never leaves Masyaf when he passes on.” Maria joked.

“Ghosts? You jest, what a terrible way to spend eternity.” Malik Scoffed. “I’m not opposed to the idea of you teaching or rather, showing us Ezio’s fighting style, it might be easier for Altair to go up against someone that’s more versed in the style then trying to mirror it and hoping those he’s been training with start picking up the techniques and using it in the manner he intends.”

“The people Ezio seemed to have fought had mostly spar weapons, which we are not versed in but the branch of Assassin’s in Amulet is, however, at the time, we didn’t know they existed until after Al Mualim was killed. When they got no report from him, they were angry about not being informed and wanted to know why the Apple was never mentioned or brought to them. However, Altair was in Cyprus at the time, nor was I aware he took the Apple with him, so I had to lie to them and they wanted to cause a war with us. Upon Altair’s return, it was convenient that Altair happened to learn such a thing through the Apple and while it was useful in helping him counter attacks, we were at least able to make peace with them.” Malik explained.

“Also, if your going to help teach my husband those techniques, please reframe from teaching him how to use his head in physical combat. I’d like to say he learned his lesson from the last time but he can be a stubborn man.” Maria advised.

“Yes. We are no stranger to the occasional head injury but that training session was quiet worry some. After Altair knocked himself and the other out, they both woke up quite dazed. After that, both of them felt nauseous for about two days and while the other recovered rather quickly, it took Altair some time to return to normal. He has an uncanny ability to ignore his ailments, which tell me, if we were able to see him suffering, he was likely in far worse shape then he had been letting on.” Malik concluded. 

“Which was a ‘fun’ experience, just walking up the stairs had him losing his balance at first and reading would cause his head to hurt more, which left him felling a bit melancholy till he finally felt better. It’s not something I’ve seen happen to someone before.” Maria added.

That, Desmond had no answer for. He wasn’t privy to most of Altair’s private conversations that were not related to whatever mission they were pursuing. So whatever he and Maria talked about in their down time was, thankfully, left to just them. 

“I wouldn’t say that Ezio knew Altair was chasing him. It’s complicated, but from what I saw...Ezio seemed like an after image, almost like a ghost, to Altair. Altair appeared the same to Ezio.” 

He winced at the memory of Altair attempting Ezio’s fighting style. He’d almost come out of the Animus with a headache himself, and he was no stranger to a concussion. 

“Altair’s headbutt was...painful to witness. It’s not a standard fighting style either-more commonly seen in brawls. While it can be useful at times, it can cause a concussion-that’s the type of injury he had that caused the headaches and dizziness.’ He explained. 

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

“All that tell me is that he’s tempted by other woman for decades and I’m stupid enough to keep falling for his charm and take him back.” Maria said unamused.

“Maria… If you keep this up, your going to instill an unhealthy amount of doubt both in yourself and Altair. You’ve both only just got married a few weeks ago, after spending two years together and while his proposal might have been sudden, considering you were enemies only weeks prior to it. He’s thought about nothing but wanting you by his side, so much to the point it was getting on my nerves because of how unfocused he was, going back and forth with himself, knowing you’d say no.” Malik tried to reassure. 

“Now that he technically has you, for as long as your willing to have him, I highly doubt he’s going to look at other woman. I’ve never even seen him interested in a woman and he’s likely only interested in you because your not an ordinary woman and can keep with with him in both wit and strength.” Malik explained.

“We knew of Ezio when Altair used the apple and bewitched himself, he mistook the assassin for him and thought he was watching his future self be hung. He explain what he saw and then looked around the castle for Ezio when he dropped to a lower platform. Mind you, he looked completely insane doing this because he was chasing illusions only he could see. He found Ezio in the library, apparently escorting a woman who mentioned his name and then they walked through a solid stone wall and when he couldn’t kick his way through it, he used a bookcase.” Malik explained to Desmond unamused.

“It’s because of Ezio, we’ve started recording our own training methods as well as improve on a few others. We were once known for our public showmanship but with the changing times, we must rely more on discretion. In Altair’s enthusiasm to mimic the fighting style Ezio showed because it was apparently dramatically different then our own, he managed to knock himself and another out by headbutting him, which ended that training session for the day as well as irritated him because Ezio was apparently able to knock out a man in a helmet and didn’t understand why it knock him out too.” Malik continued with a sigh.

“I’ve been reminded him for months, that what he saw was an illusion and what he was doing was very dangerous to himself and possibly others but it’s hard to argue the fact that he did uncover a room we had no idea existed and now with you here… confirming there will be an Ezio. This is just going to reignite his passion in exploring the Apple more and failing to disclose more information to us, such as him hearing Ezio mentioning your name.” Malik finished. 

Desmond really didn’t know if he should keep trying or stop discussing the matter entirely. Neither decision provided a clear resolution. He wished he could show her, but even if he did, he wasn’t certain she would believe him. 

“I’m sorry, I really wish I had a way of showing you proof that you would believe.” 

The memories of Altair chasing the phantom Ezio through the fortress were still quite strong. “Ah, yes that I remember seeing. I’m sure it would surprise Ezio to learn that Altair was chasing after him just as hard as he was chasing Altair. As for his...attempt at learning Ezio’s style goes, I could probably help. As I said, I gained my skills from Ezio’s memories, so I should be able to teach them. Unfortunately, I haven’t been in much combat, as we’ve been doing mainly research.” 

It was as close to a disclaimer as he was willing to publicize. He was more or less confident in his footwork-he had demonstrated as much in Manhattan. But combat had always been small attacks, rather than full out combat. 

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

“I’m assuming you are speaking of Ezio?” Malik asked. “I can’t imagine what future training might have evolved in too, if it’s changed at all. We’ve just recently developed new training techniques ourselves, partly thanks to what Altair saw in the apple but also something that was long over due.” He added. “If you’re willing, perhaps you can show use what you already know?”

“Well, I’m Maria Thorpe, Altair’s current wife.” She said spitefully.

“Maria… your likely to be Altair’s only wife.” He tried to reassure, knowing full well what she was bitter over.

“Then I die at some point or he cheats on me because he clearly has an heir somewhere at some point.” She scoffed.

“He loves you and I can’t imagine him being unfaithful to you. He was certain you would have said no to his proposal, knowing full well your stance on it and asked anyway. He’ll do just about anything to keep you happy.” Malik scoffed, having found it amusing how much turmoil she had managed to put Altair in when he realized he had feelings for her. Defiantly not the cocky and arrogant person the Creed knew him by but he figured he was the few who would have seen it, seeing as he was one of Altair’s only confidents. “Are you sure you can’t bare his child?” He asked.

“Yes. Have you seen someone my age ever bare children? I’m thirty two, well past my years of having children. Plus I’ve been married once before, I was forced to bare children and thank goodness I couldn’t. So even if I wanted too, I couldn’t.” She said unamused, crossing her arms over her chest, still sitting on the desk. 

“… Sorry.” He apologized, that hadn’t been something she mentioned before. “I’m Malik Al Sayf. I was once the Dai of Jerusalem but now helping Altair run the creed till he doesn’t need assistance anymore.” He stated, trying to change the subject. Desmond abandoning the creed meant little to him, he hadn’t run straight to the enemy and leaving the creed was a bit unheard of seeing as you either believed in the creed enough to fight for it or you didn’t. Even if Desmond was a templar himself, he’s not be marked for death simply because he followed the order, only if he believed in it and was actively working towards their goal knowingly. 

Desmond could physically feel his stress levels rising. He didn’t have an answer that would make Maria happy. But he wanted to reassure her, or at least try.

“I don’t know what proof I can offer that would give you comfort, but there really is only you in Altair’s life. I haven’t seen all of his life, but I’ve seen decades into his current future, and he only ever chooses you. I didn’t mean to cause you such distress.” It wasn’t much of an apology, but it was the best he could offer before turning his attention to Malik. 

“Ah, right. I’m Desmond. Desmond Miles. Yes, I was referring to Ezio. I didn’t know you were aware of him, so I assume Altair told you. I don’t know if the training changed any, but I have no argument with having my skills assessed. I don’t know how I can contribute while I am here, but I don’t want to be a detriment.” He still hated the quips that Shaun and his father made about what all he “could do” to help with the mission.

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

“Aren’t you lucky…” Maria squinted at Desmond.

“A place to sleep can be easily arranged, as well as some clothing to change into.” Malik stated, looking at his cloths, assuming the seemed better suited for colder weather. “It will help you not stand out as much but will be different enough that your not mistaken for Altair.”

“I would say we should properly introduce ourselves but it feels strange to think that, given Altair knowns us, you should know exactly who we are… but we know little about you.” Maria commented.

“Right, I don’t like that he’s withholding information from us about the Apple.” Malik stated. “You also said you ran away from your training but also, seeing… as you where… living… seeing? Altair’s memories? Does that mean you’ve inherited Altair’s skills?” He added, the whole concept of this idea was headache inducing to him.

He was lucky. He could have been captured by Templar, killed on sight by any number of assassins, or a thousand other things. Honestly, he was still surprised that Malik hadn’t declared him a traitor after Desmond told them he initially left the order. Considering he spent years on the run, hiding from both Templar and Assassin, he technically had been a traitor.

Desmond glanced down at his clothing, the white hoodie no doubt drawing attention. It had been so long since he actually needed to blend into a crowd that he was used to wearing whatever he felt like. 

“I...for what it’s worth, I couldn’t read his thoughts. I have seen his interactions with you and others, but that doesn’t mean that I know you. The device that allowed me to see his memories made it feel like I was dreaming while awake.” He tried to explain. In truth, Desmond didn’t really know how the Animus worked, or to what extent it functioned. 

“Not Altair, but I learned through another ancestor. One from where the center of the Roman Empire currently is. I have not had much opportunity to practice, as I’m sure was evident.” He added, looking to Maria. He knew he hadn’t exactly given a stellar performance earlier when she’d snuck up on him. “My muscles have the memory of training, but not the steadiness that comes with experience.”

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

“Eight-hundred years and nothing changes.” Maria Commented. “How disgraceful.”

“The future is… something. To think they have the power to see memories from your descendants, how is that possible?” Malik asked, “Either way, all the more reason why you should discard that thing. If the Templars are so desperate to invent a way to look into the past to find the information they seek, the less you learn of the Apple, the better.”

“Changing the future can not be so easy. There are several philosophers that theorize, that one can not change ones fate while others determine you can. I believe things happen for a reason, even if we can’t always make sense of it.” Altair started. 

“If I humor the idea that yes, let’s destroy the Apple now, toss it into the sea. If all the Templars seek was the view the map, then that has already happened, twice. One by my doing now and once by Al Muslim’s doing and there is nothing that can be done.” Altair determined, deactivated the Apple and placing it back in his back pouch where he felt it was safest.

“The only real way to thoracically prevent the Templars from gaining this information would be to kill off or prevent my heir form being born and again, should I humor this idea, then what’s preventing the Templars in the future from finding Malik’s heir or the two others who saw the map? or even finding Al Muslim’s heir? If they have invented a way to see my descendants memories, what’s stopping them from finding another way to get this information? One that might not require an heir at all?” Altair added.

“Your only justifying your means to keep the Apple, one that’s proving to be far more dangerous then it’s worth.” Malik Argued.

“I’ve taken these thoughts into consideration but there is simply to many variables. What if there is something I’ve yet to learn that is detrimental for the future? What if I don’t learn it at all but knowing there are more of these Apples, it is someone else instead of me to learns what needs to be done? It changes history perhaps but fate still remains on the same course, only by someone else’s means. Which is why I prefer not to be aware of my future events.”

“Probably for the best… If we learn we are betrayed by someone, it would be tempting to kill that person before they betray us, only for us to still be betrayed by another… or worse, because we can’t simply justify killings someone on the grounds of ‘they planned on doing so in the future.’” Maria added. “We would be accused of having gone mad.”

“Why does Altair’s earliest memories start at the Chalice? Have you been in contacted with another artifact?” Malik questioned, looking at Altair, see his jaw lock and lips pressed thin. “You have… when was this?!” He asked in disbelief.

“Before Solomon’s Temple.” Was all Altair was willing to answer.

“Oh, I remember hearing about that. The Chalice was said to have the ability to unite the factions of war. The Templar’s said they had gotten possession of it but… I don’t know. I was a soldier at the time, rumors said it was a fake and they destroyed it but most of the people that were involved in retrieving it vanished or were killed.” Maria recalled.

“Enough!” Altair slammed his hand on the table and got up, causing Malik and Maria to jump slightly at his outburst. “The Chalice is no longer a concern. it’s dead thanks to the Templars.” He ended that conversation, glaring at Desmond to not say more and took his leave.

“Altair, where are you going?” Maria question and grew annoyed when she was ignored. “Altair!”

“Leave him… we likely put him in a bad mood by jumping to conclusions and blamed him for something he wasn’t at fault for.” Malik concluded, it being one of the rare times they’d have to seek Altair out later and apologize to him. “In the mean time, Desmond, What would you like to do? Altair has stated as much that your welcome here, we can try and get you settled.”

Desmond got Altair’s thinly veiled threat loud and clear. It wasn’t his story to tell anyway, and it would do him no good to gain any enemies while he was here. Especially that of his own ancestor. 

He watched Altair storm off, hoping it would not put him in the master assassin’s bad graces. He didn’t initially hear Malik speak to him, but caught the end of it as he finally looked away from where Altair had left. 

“Ah, sure. I don’t need much. Just a spot to sleep really.” He’d had his fair share of experience roughing it with less. Despite the numerous attacks Masyaf had endured, it was still one of the safest places in the world right now.

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

“It’s no worse then Maria Ibn-La’Ahad.” Malik smirked, still amused by that suggestion.

“I still think it has a nice ring to it!” Maria pouted.

“And I still think your name suits you better. Maria Son of None, does not translate well.” Altair commented.

“It’s tradition for the wife to take her husbands name upon marriage.” Maria countered.

“Perhaps but you are your own person. I’d much rather you be known for being you then be known for simply being my wife.” Altair matched.

Maria gave him an amused sneer in return. “You always were a charmer.”

With that debacle out of the way, they paid attention to what Desmond had to say about their questions. Maria was in awe of the map, Altair had told her their world might be in round but dismissed it, as it didn’t make sense. Just how vast was their world?

“That map still gives me a headache.” Malik commented. “What are the dots in relation too?”

“More artifacts? More temples? Both?” Maria added.

“I wanted to humor the idea of taking you back home but if this map is in fact  our world, your almost on the other side of it. Traveling that far would be a grand undertaking. A few years at best when you take into count the constant stopping we would have to do to earn money to resupply, not to mention the body of water, how would one even survive that trip?” Altair questioned. “Not that it would matter, given your apparently from a few centuries in the future.” He said a little discouraged.

“Nearly eight hundred years… your bloodline seems to be just as stubborn as you are.” Malik joked mildly regretted it, seeing as it annoyed Maria again. Her expression turning serious and her leg bounced again.

“You said the machine… device… was built by the Templars? Have we finally made peace with them? and why relive my memories specifically?” Altair asked. “How far does the memories go? Have you seen things that I don’t remember? Such as events from my childhood. Does these memories stop at my death?” He asked.

Watching the domestic scene unfolding before Desmond was....different. Perhaps that was simply due to the fact that he couldn’t apply such a scene to his own parents. Or perhaps it was due to rarely seeing such a side to Altair through his memories-the Templar were not interested in domestic scenes.

“I really wish that I knew what brought me here or why.” He said. “The device was built by the Templars, but they still seek to wipe us out and control the flow of the world through force. I was taken and held hostage because it provided them with access to your memories, along with the memories of other assassins in my bloodline.”

“Why you? I assume it’s so that they can locate this, actually.” He pointed towards the apple, and the map it portrayed. “At least, that was what they said to me, but they could have lied.” 

“I was only able to see the memories that they chose to access, but the earliest goes back to when you were searching for the Chalice. I do not know how far your memories go, but I’ve seen a bit into your future.” He looked away, knowing that his response would prompt more suspicion and likely more questions. It was an invasion of privacy, even if he wasn’t a willing participant for most of it. Then again, how many people expect to be held accountable by their distant ancestor?

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

“There is more of these things?” Malik said discouraged. 

“All the more reason it needs to be studied and understood.” Altair told and saw Malik roll his eyes, looking unamused. 

“Perhaps he’s here because he needs training?” Maria shrugged. 

“That’s assuming he wants to be trained by us, I’m sure he’d rather return to his time.” Malik assumed.

“Should anyone ask about you and why you look like me.” Altair sighed. “Claim to be the son of Umar. Desmond Ibn-La’Ahad.” He advised, the full name sounding strange on his tongue.

“You would disgrace your fathers name by claiming he had an illegitimate son?” Malik question, a bit surprised, knowing the creed thought highly of Altair’s father.

“It’s far more believable then claiming our looks are coincidental or that he is my grandson.” Altair shot back. “Desmond. You where raised in Alamut, upon learning I became Mentor here and being unaware of me, you decided to travel here to learn more about your family. Sounds reasonable?” He questioned.

“True with a lie. I suppose it doesn’t need to be mentioned but we’ve only just became aware of the Brotherhood in Alamut, they know much more about us then we do them.” Malik added.

“Should we not be trying to look for Altair’s illegitimate child?” Maria asked spitefully. 

Altair glared at her. “The one other person I’ve laid with was murdered before should could have had a child, if she was in fact with a child.” He said bitterly. “Unless you are somehow with child, I can’t possibly have an heir yet.” He concluded. 

“You know damn well I’m well past my years of baring a child.” Maria argued.

“Then there is nothing more I can say to convince you I’ve not slept with anyone else. By all mean, I give you permission to kill me if I for some reason become a lecherous man in the future.” He dismissed, growing annoyed and hearing her huff.

“I don’t need your permission to kill you.” Maria continued and looking away from him, her leg bouncing in annoyance.

“Maria, I love you. I married you because I never thought I could find someone I love as deeply as I love you. I’m content with the idea of us not having children, I am still content with the idea of us not having children. I was certain you would have refused my marriage proposal because I was well aware of your stance on both these topics but grew bold enough to still ask for your hand because I love you and want you by my side. I don’t know what more I could say or do to convince you of this. I would much rather welcome deaths embrace by your hand then entertain the idea I become a lecherous man.” Altair pleaded with her.

“Maria… let’s not jump a head of ourselves.” Malik cautiously tried to step in, seeing that this top was causing them both a great deal of stress, be it subtle or not.

“or does this machine… I don’t understand.” Altair, he sighed. rubbed his eyes with his right hand. This was getting too complicated and seeing Maria was upset with him for something he hasn’t done or hadn’t done yet had his mind unfocused. He would need time to refocus and properly think of the question he wanted to ask about the machine and settled on another question instead. 

Altair pulled out the Apple from his back pouch and summon the map he once say before. “Show me where you come from and how distance are you related to me?” He asked.

“How many more Brotherhoods are there?” Malik asked.

“And why would you leave your Creed to only return later? Did you join another branch?” Maria asked.

Desmond silently cursed whichever ancient one had sent him here. He knew that convincing anyone of the truth would be difficult, but he hadn’t expected it to bother Maria so much. He felt guilty over that, and wished he had a way to...fix things? But he didn’t even know where to begin.

“The accent might prove challenging, but I’ll do my best.” He answered. Desmond Ibn-La’Ahad. It sounded...odd. The name belonged solely to Altair in his mind. 

“The machine...the device is used to summon the memories of ancestors. I’m afraid I don’t understand it too well, but I’d be willing to explain what I know of it later.” He offered. 

Desmond’s gaze hardened at the sight of the apple. It was nearly identical to the one that Ezio had left for him to find. He was hesitant to touch it, but leaned forward to point towards the center of North America. “Here. Like I said; far away.” 

“As for how distantly related we are, my father did the math and it would be close to...thirty generations? Something like that. Nearly eight hundred years.” He crossed his arms at the last two questions. They were more difficult to answer.

“Currently there is one Brotherhood. At least that I’m aware of, but we have agents all over the world.”

He sighed. “I did not join another branch, no. I grew tired of living in secret and the harsh training regiment placed on us from a young age. It was selfish of me, I know, and I paid dearly for it.”

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

Altair raised his brow and looked to the others, Malik seemed slightly concerned by his expression and Maria seemed rather interested. “That is… impressive.”

“You talk to your targets as they die? Does your arrogance know no limit?” Malik accused.

“Not arrogance. No matter what someone has done, everyone deserves to be shown some kindness before they pass from this world.” Altair stated, seeing Malik was a bit taken back by his answer.

“Is this something the Apple can do? Do you have an apple? or was it the Temple that allowed you to know such a thing?” Altair asked in succession, having been a bit surprised by Desmond’s accuracy of that memory.

“He is really form the future then? How do we know he is an Assassin?” Maria asked.

“He has the hidden blade.” Malik pointed out.

“Would any of our Assassin’s really allow me to hold them as a hostage? He seems clumsy for an Assassin. He could have killed one of our men and took his blade.” Maria countered. 

“She has a point. The new blades don’t require the finger to be taken, anyone could not wield the blade if they wished too.” Malik eyed Desmond.

Altair who wasn’t afraid of Desmond but was aware of how close he was to him, gave him a hard stare for a moment before blinking and looking away, not moving from his spot. “I don’t believe he is our enemy.” He stated.

“You can’t be sure of that!” Maria argued. 

“You can’t claim him to be clumsy yet skilled enough to kill one of our Assassins. The new hidden blades are that, they are new but his is weathered. In his own strange way, he is wearing the Assassin’s colors plus he looks like me, if he was a templar or another enemy, he is an unconvincing one.” He explained however that wasn’t why he knew, he used his eagle vision, a skill he didn’t overly relay on but one that confirm his suspicions. 

“If he is to stay with us, how do we explain this to the Creed? No one’s going to believe he is from the future and everyone knows you have no siblings.” Malik pointed out.

“Let’s have a seat and start discussing that. How do we explain this?” Altair stated, returning to his seat. Maria took a seat on the edge of the solid desk Altair would often write at and Malik pulling up a separate chair for Desmond to use, preferring to stand in front of them and on the side of Desmond.

“I have no idea if that’s something the apple could do. I am able to see your memories through a machine built by the Templar. We do have an apple, but it’s a different apple. Ezio’s actually.” Desmond answered, choosing to leave out the fact that Altair’s apple was destroyed.

He sat down in the offered chair and tried to ignore the embarrassment that came with the comment on his skills. He knew he was nowhere near his ancestors’ skill, any of them. But he’d only been doing it for a few months now, and spent most of his time trapped in that damn Animus. So he was limited in his free time. 

“I am...still learning. The situation is complicated. The brotherhood is small, and poorly led. I left it as a child and lived on the run for many years. I’ve only recently rejoined and am trying to catch up with my training.” He explained, regret coloring his words.

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

“Really…” Altair said skeptically.

“So you have bedded whores.” Maria crossed her arms and leaned forward spitefully.

Altair locked his jaw and glared at his new wife for a moment. “Yes, in my youth, like every other man has.” He crossed his arm over his chest. “Whores… don’t normally bare children… I don’t like the idea anymore then you do that I might have an heir running around.” He thought, he only had sex with one other person and he knew she was dead. Could she have had his child and not told him? What happened to them? Why would she not have mentioned it?

“That is if he want to believe what he says is true.” Malik intervened.

“Malik has a point…” Altair agreed, losing sight that this was a ridiculous claim but since they there dealing with items of legend, the Apple itself did thing “If you claim what you say to be true, tell me something only I know.” 

Desmond thought about it. Something that only Altair would know, that Desmond would have witnessed. His mind raced as he tried to remember the lifetime’s worth of memories he had seen. Betrayal, loss, a concerning incident with a catapult. None of those were quite convincing.

After a moment he looked Altair in the eyes. “When you killed the Merchant King, Abu'l Nuqoud, you asked him if he had committed such acts out of vengence. He said ‘No, not vengeance, but my conscience. How could I finance a war in service to the same God that calls me an abomination?’” He knew that the final words of any of his targets would not be something broadcast to anyone else. Nor could they be overheard, as the interrogation before death was usually quick and quiet.

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

“He who increases knowledge, increases sorrow… Damn that old man.” Altair commented, Desmond statement was giving him a headache. 

Related distantly in time meant Desmond was his son? or grandson of sorts? Which he was skeptical of, he was skeptical of everything he heard. Truth, lies? The only reason he was honestly humoring this idea is because Desmond seemed to know about the Apple and what was keeping him alive was the fact he once heard his name in the Apple. Something he hadn’t revealed to either of them till now because he wasn’t sure of it’s legitimacy.  

“We’ve only just married and you’ve already bedded whores?!” Maria yelled enraged, men really were all the same and marched up to Altair to strike him.

“I have not!” He argued, catching her hands and placing his foot on her stomach to keep her at a distancing, knowing she would try kicking him next, awkwardly pinning him to the table he was leaning against.

Malik sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment before looking back at Desmond. There was never a dull moment with these two, both being prone to brash, impulsive behaviors and similar temperaments but often worked hand in hand and never against one another, the other often able to make the other see reason. This was a bit of an interesting exchange between the two but one he wasn’t going to step in-between while they sorted themselves out.

“Yes, to do with you. You are a stranger to Masyaf, unsure how you got here. Do we help you? Do we set you free? Do we imprison you? These are all things our Glorious Mentor, has to decide.” Malik explained sarcastically, emphasizing his words to draw back their attention. “Not to mention, several people saw Maria holding who they likely also assumed was Altair at sword point… We also need to explain that.” He added.

“You know damn well I’m not having children!” She argued, struggling against him, waiting for the perfect moment to kick him where it would hurt and make him think twice to ever consider sleeping with another woman while she still breaths.

“You’ve been skeptical of everything he’s said and this is what you choose to believe?!” He argued, trying to make her see reason and to that, she ripped her hands back out of his grip, taking a step back. He was able to straight himself again and gave a long huff at her reaction before returning to the problem at hand, keeping an eye on her.

“When I attempted to use the Apple in search of knowledge, I asked how I could improve my Creed. Perhaps the question itself was too vague but I was shown, if I wish to believe it was a prediction of the future… a vision of something that could transpire later in Masyaf. I saw illusions of armored men I did not recognize and spoke a language I did not understand… fearing… despite my inability to kill or touch these men… I had created an event every could see, I confronted Malik and Maria, asking if they could see them, which they could not. In my attempt to explain what I had done, suddenly I was able to understand their speech and saw a man, who I thought was me at first, using weapons and skills I did not possess.” Altair started to explain.

“I believe… the apple was only showing my things related to my question because some of the conversations seemed lacking. I attempted to follow The Assassin around but he would disappear suddenly. I found him again in our library, speaking to someone and walked through a wall. I could still faintly hear the conversation and knocked over a bookcase to break through the wall, revealing a room we were unaware was there. He spoke of me being a profound man and a prolific writer… That I had seen and learned things that would drive lesser men to despair. The woman called him Ezio and he appeared elsewhere in the tomb I had uncovered.” Altair stated, crossing his arms and walked closer to Desmond.

“Ezio… Spoke of you, that he heard your name once before, unsure of were you are or by what means you could be hearing him speak. That he discovered a strange truth, that he is only a conduit for a message that eludes his understanding. That maybe you would be the one to makes all this suffering worth something in the end…” Altair paused.  

“You failed to mention that part of your vision to us.” Malik stated unamused.

“I’m sure you can see why I was skeptical too but now we have a man of that name who kneels before us. It seems… to convenient to be a mere coincidence.” Altair stated before looking back down at Desmond, offering his right hand to pull Desmond to his feet. 

“I still have questions I want answered and I’m unsure if the information I told you has any meaning to you but if you are in fact the same person, as strange as it may be… I believe you must be here for a reason. That perhaps you need our help to some degree? Perhaps you are here to help me? Fate seems strange in that regard but ultimately, that is for you to decide, on what you wish to do.” Altair offered.

That was...a lot to take in. Desmond had moved to stand up and intervene between Maria and Altair, but Malik seemed to once again draw the situation back under control. 

“That was not what I meant!” He said, watching the couple grapple. It was completely understandable as to how Maria had misunderstood his words. It certainly didn’t sound good on Altair’s part, and Desmond mentally cursed himself for not thinking over his words more carefully.

There was a chill down his spine when Altair revealed his end of the bleeding effect. Desmond knew the story, quite well, but to hear it in the assassin’s own words made it feel more real. He didn’t fight the older assassin as he was pulled to his feet. Geez they even shared the same height. It was the first time he truly got to look Altair in the eye. It was surprising. They had the same face, but their expressions were completely different. Probably for the best.

“I know the man you speak of. Ezio was one of the greatest assassin’s in history. Or, he will be. I know the event you’re speaking of. I...” This was going to sound crazy, even to him. But there likely wasn’t any other way. “I am your descendant, albeit a very distant one. I witnessed the same event because I was able to view your memories. I have no idea why or how I ended up here, but if I am able to help, I will do what I can.”

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

“Do not test me. I’ve seen and encountered things that you couldn’t possibly imagine.” He rose from his seat again making his away back around the table. It was a true statement, feeling there was very little he could be told that would shock him since the discovery of the apple and the things he’s read in the books while researching.

Only Maria and Malik knew that he fought the nine dead people he was tasked with killing, again and then several copies of his former Mentor. The only thing the Creed was mostly aware of with that apple was its promise to paradise and whatever they saw when Abbas obtained control of it, which was only described as pain and something he wasn’t effected by at the time. 

“You will tell me what I want to know or I’ll make you tell me what I want to know.” Altair threatened.

Malik had side stepped in his way and grabbed Altair’s collar and hood to hold him in place, knowing exactly what he was planning to do but would attempt to make him see reason before he made such a brash decision. “Stay your blade Altair.” Malik warned locking eyes with him.

“I don’t need to kill him to beat the information out of him.” He practically hissed through his teeth, grabbing the wrist that held his collar. 

“Is that knowledge that important to you?” Malik asked, matching Altair’s intimidating nature. “Something that only benefits you and your curiosities.” He reminded. 

This was something Altair and he didn’t see eye to eye on. Altair thirst for knowledge was almost blinding at times. He felt it was safer for all of them if Altair forsaken the Apple all together but Maria was willing to humor Altair’s quest to see if it could be of any good, so long as Altair would relent to their concerns. It took a moment but Altair’s expression calmed. Altair was the first be break eye contact with him and release Malik’s wrist, not in intimidation of him but in agreement. “Do not let your ambitions blind you.” He added, before letting Altair go and letting him lean back against his desk with his arms folded.

In the meantime, the information Desmond spoke held no interest to Maria, instead, she pulled down his hood to get a better at his features, seeing just how uncanny he was to Altair. “We have a more pressing matter.” Maria added, drawing their attention. “What do we do with him?” She asked.

Desmond answer didn’t hold much interest to Malik either, it didn’t answer his question, only gave him more that he didn’t care to learn about at this very moment. Having his attention drawn to Desmond he was taken aback just how much he did look like Altair, having only assumed he was originally him by his lip scar. “She’s right.” Malik agreed.

Altair was confused, turning the palms of his hand up at them. “What’s there to be done? Has he done something wrong?” Altair asked, sure, Desmond was a stranger to Masyaf but they had strangers come and go from the village all the time, not seeing their concern.

“He looks just like you.” Maria told. 

“Does every man with a scar on his lip look like me?” Altair dismissed, finding her claim ridiculous. He wasn’t one to admire his refection often.

“With the exception of his eyes and ring finger, put him in your Master Assassins’ robes and he’d be your reflection.” Malik told.

Altair rolled his eyes, unsheathing his short blade and pulling down his hood. The blade was the only closest reflective surface he could think of and looked at himself before back at Desmond, now seeing their concern and giving him a clear questioning look. “Are we related?”

Well that was not the correct answer. Desmond could feel his life shortening, although he wasn’t sure if stress or Altair would be the cause. 

It took everything in him not to flinch as Altair moved. Of course, he didn’t want to die, but being threatened with it wasn’t exactly a new concept. He sat statue still as he watched them all argue back and forth. 

He only took his eyes off of Altair and Malik as Maria pulled his hood down, turning his gaze to her questioningly. Of course, he knew how striking the resemeblence to Altair was. People never seemed to shut up about it, and expected him to be as beneficial to the order as his ancestor. To be as useful. 

“Do with me?” He muttered, frustrated. This situation refused to get under control. He sighed and spoke loudly enough that the others could hear. “Yes, we’re related. Just...distantly. In...time.” 

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

“And why not.” Altair demanded, dissatisfied with the idea that knowledge was being kept from him. 

“And who created the Apple?” Malik asked eyeing Altair, seeing the shift in his mood.

“We are just going to believe this? Am I the only sane one among you two?” Maria asked in disbelief. 

“You’ve seen what the Apple can do. Is it so hard to believe that these temples or another artifact isn’t responsible for this?” Altair interjected Maria.

“If the vaults are connected, maybe that is why he is here? That it sent him here to retrieve the Apple.” Malik theorized.

“I’m not giving him the Apple.” Altair dismissed.

Malik pressed his lips think and glared at Altair. “That wasn’t what I was suggesting, only offering a plausible explanation as why he was magically here.”

“Is it possible there is a vault in Masyaf? Altair’s put a hole in the library wall in his fit of madness and found the supposed missing door.” Maria asked.

“If there is one, we’ve yet to find it.” Malik answered. 

“That was not a fit of madness.” Altair countered.

“That was a fit of madness.” Malik argued. “You were chasing phantoms all around the fortress in the middle of the night because you couldn’t break the Apple’s illusion it had on you.” Malik reminded him.

“And that same illusion led us to discover the sealed burial chamber were the man spoke of me and by the time I got through that wall, he spoke of a man named Desmond.” Altair balled his fists on the table, silently growing angry. 

“Now we have a man of that name that keels before us. This is no mere coincidence, this proves that Apple is capable of more then just illusions, that it is capable of predicting the future.” Altair justified, the three of them had countless arguments about the Apple and his wishes to study and understand it but relented to waiting and thinking of a possible, safer alternative to avoid what happened to him, from happening again. 

“It proves nothing, it-” Malik started but Maria interrupted him.

“Enough. Let Desmond speak.” Maria interjected, having grown far tired of that argument were no one won because neither side would relent. 

Well ‘the time-space continuum’ was not the best answer. “Well, I don’t honestly think you’d believe me if I was completely honest.” Desmond tried. “I don’t even have all of the answers.” 

“As far as I know, there isn’t a vault in Masyaf, but this is generally considered the foundational location among the brotherhood. At least, to my sect.” He threw in the last part as the idea hit him. It was an easier explanation. “After all, there has been significant innovations and expansion from Masyaf.” Which was not a lie, Desmond just wasn’t sure how accurate that statement was yet.

He straightened up slightly, still fighting the urge to vault out the window. “I’m not here for the Apple. In fact, I’d prefer to stay far away from it.” He answered. “The ones that created it went by many names over time. The ones who came before, the First Civilization, and the Isu. Some people even called them gods, like Minerva and Juno.” He was trying to be careful with his words. It would be easier if he knew what all Altair had figured out, so he watched their reactions carefully. 

“They’re the ones who speak through the Apple, although it’s a memory of them, not an actual living being.”

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

The three of them looked amongst themselves, trying to take in that information, wondering what questions to really ask first.

“We can assume I’m not to blame, I’ve not touched the Apple in months. Being pre-occupied with implementing that we learned and developed from the last time I studied it… plus with the wedding of course.” Altair reminded them, unamused at there earlier behavior.

“Grand Temple? Like that of the Jerusalem Vault?” Malik questioned calmly, unsure if he should be revealing that type of information but he knew that was where the Apple came from.

“You’re expecting us to believe something happened in this Temple that caused you to magically appear in Masyaf of all places.” Maria said skeptical.

“While I appreciate your answer, that was not the question I asked. I do not place your clothing or accent. Where do you come from.” Altair repeated. returning to his seat and closing what would be a the familiar book. 

Well at least they aren’t yelling. Desmond thought, sarcasm creeping in now that the room was a bit calmer. As much as he’d like to just tell them everything he knew, he doubted that would come without bigger consequences. 

He decided to answer Malik’s question first, since it was the easiest. “Like I said, from what I’ve learned, the Grand Temple and the Jerusalem Vault were both made by the same people who created the Apple. It wouldn’t surprise me if they were connected, although I’m not sure how I ended up here.” And by ‘I’ he meant his team. However, adding more people he couldn’t produce would probably just cause more issues. 

Altair’s question was more...difficult. “I come from...a great distance away.” He started. How exactly was he supposed to explain that he was from a continent that wouldn’t be discovered for another three centuries? “I understand that doesn’t make it easier to trust that I mean no harm, but there are questions that I won’t be able to answer to your satisfaction.”

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

“Desmond?” Altair said confused, but clearly recognized his name. 

“You know who he is?” Malik questioned, being able to read Altair’s subtle demeanors.

“Of sorts… perhaps.” Altair questioned. “I’ve once heard the name mentioned from the Apple.” He said honestly.

“So he lied! He said he was a real person.” Maria hissed.

“You toy with something that far beyond your control! We agreed, if we were to humor your idea, you’d make us aware of when you wished to study it.” Malik argued with Maria.

“Maria, sheathe you’re sword.” Altair ordered, it being one of the rare times he’d demand anything from her but she looked about ready to kill this man and he was still trying to understand the situation at hand.

Maria was furious with him at that demand. “So he can attack us?! He’s an Assassin!” 

“We are Assassins!” Altair, getting up from his chair and leaning over the desk, matching her fury. However, he took a breath and calmed his anger, returning to a more neutral one. He watched Maria reluctantly sheathe her sword as requested, watching her folded her arms over her chest. Then he turn his attention to Malik.

“This is not my fault.” Altair stated adamantly “I don’t think…” He added reconsidering, maybe this was his doing? He didn’t know everything the Apple was capable of. 

“Exactly, you don’t think! you act.” Malik argued. “Have you learned nothing? You can never know. Only suspect, and suspect to be wrong.” Malik lectured.

“For the Apple to work, one must be wielding the Apple. Do you see me wielding it.” Altair sassed. 

“So you suspect.” Malik counted to Altair rolling his eyes.

There was only one way to settle this Altair thought, walking around the table and up to Desmond. He firmly grabbed Desmond’s left bracer, turning his wrist over to inspect the hidden blade. It looked to be their new design, one that didn’t require the sacrifice of the finger but it being new, it looked well weathered, which he found strange. Turning Desmond’s wrist back, the action was quick. He took out of his throwing knifes and nicked the top edge of Desmond’s hand. It being no worse then a scratch but when he saw blood was drawn, he let go of Desmond’s bracer and looked to the others.

“He is no tangible Apple illusion, they do not bleed.” Altair confirmed, placing his throwing knife back on his belt.

“So you suspect, Novice!” Malik argued again.

“So I know! I’ve fought them.” Altair argued back and walked back front of the table to lean against it, crossing his arms over his chest. He took a moment to think and tame his temperament. It was hard to keep a calm demeanor when two other people seemed set to want to place blame on him for something he was fairly sure wasn’t his fault. He breathed and looked at Desmond unamused.

“Desmond. How long have you been here and where did you come from?” Altair asked calmly, those being the only two questions that immediately came to his mind.

If Desmond could melt into the floor he would have. He wished he was an illusion created by the Apple. He knew that all three of them had tempers, especially around each other. But he realized that he hated being at the center of them.

He was so caught up in the argument that he was surprised at how quickly Altair grabbed him, barely recognizing the movement a half second before it happened. A startled “H-Hey!” escaped him before he realized what was happening. He watched Altair examine his blade nervously, wishing that he had cleaned and polished it. It had been on his docket until he had ended up in the past.

It surprised Desmond that he hadn’t reacted when Altair drew blood from the back of his hand. Although, he thought, it shouldn’t be a surprise. That was basic training when I was a kid. He shook those memories away before they’d fully formed, and forced himself to focus on the conversation instead. 

“How long? Umm about...20 minutes? I think. It’s all a bit blurry. I was in the Grand Temple and...I think there was some sort of electrical storm.” He answered. He tried to explain in a way that didn’t involve the Animus since he couldn’t really explain what that was. “The Grand Temple was built by the same people who created the Apple.”

[resting-soldier-blog]

beforenothing​:

Good, he seemed keen to listen. This was going to be interesting… she might have only been with the Assassins officially for two years but it was clear he wasn’t from here. If he wasn’t an apple copy of sorts then he had to be a spy? A pretty lousy one at that, which gave her doubt but with someone looking this close to the Assassin Mentor, her husband, there were very few logical scenarios to go by.

She instructed him where to go, still having her sword at the ready, she kind of wished she had something to bind his hands with but she’ll have to make do with him valuing his life. This was naturally drawing everyone’s attention and for good reason, not only was she aware she looked like she was holding her new husband hostage but the only thing likely keeping her, herself alive was probably the fact that, had this been Altair, he’d never allow himself to be held hostage. Which probably left most people in a state of confusion and entering the fortress, she knew Malik and Altair would be upset with her. It’s expressly forbidden to have your weapon dawn unless your in the training ring, she could only hope they would forgive her transgression given the circumstance.

She directed him to go up the stair of the library, ordering the guards to not touch them, hoping Altair was still where she had left him but instead, the commotion had drawn Malik’s attention, getting up from the table he was working at, unamused. “Maria? that in Allah’s name are you doing?” He ordered, she knew the rules and turn his attention to Altair, wondering what stupid game they where playing at now but was more distracted by Altair’s attire. “What are you wearing?” He asked, those where not his Master Assassin robes, something he was still refusing to part with.

“This is not Altair! You know exactly what this is, now where is my husband.” She ordered, her voice laced with venom. Malik confusion quickly turned to anger, his lips pressed thin at the realization of what she meant. Clearly Altair had toyed with the Apple again, without forewarning them, again.

“He went to the study to write.” Malik answered. “Good,” She stated and directed Desmond where to go and what doors to open. Altair, his hood on as usual, had been focused on writing his discoveries. Normally, one would knock before entering but he heard Maria instruct someone open the door. Altair gave a question look to the man that entered and was made to kneel before the desk. He was slightly taken aback by how angry both Malik and Maria were, especially confused and concerned that she had her sword drawn at the man.

“Explain this!” Maria ordered Altair. “Do you know how dangerous this is.” Malik accused. “Explain what? Who is this!?” Altair asked, visibly confused, unsure what he was being accused of and gesturing to the man.

“Go on, tell him what you are.” She ordered Desmond to speak.

Desmond would have been fascinated at getting the chance to see the place where his ancestors spent their time...were it not for the situation. He knew where they were going as soon as he set eyes on it, feet instinctively leading him down the paths that were familiar in his memory. He tried not to gape at seeing it. Of course, he knew what it looked like, but there was a difference between seeing it in the Animus and seeing it in person.

That awe even extended to seeing Malik in person...until he started talking. Then Desmond remembered exactly where he was and that he was, in fact, in his own body. The only thing he had going for him at the moment was that he had mastered a neutral expression, rather than the nervous one that reflected his current state. One of the few good things that came out of Abstergo’s kidnapping.

He followed Maria’s orders, now with Malik hot on their heels, until he was brought before him. It was just as impressive as when Ezio had met him in the vault. Although that wouldn’t happen for many years. He tried not to think too hard on it, or he’d add a migraine to his problems.

“Umm...” Desmond started, mentally cursing himself already. “I don’t really...know how I’m here, but umm...well I am. I’m Desmond.” He knew that Altair had seen a lot from the Apple, but he wasn’t completely certain what he had thought of what he’d seen.