Animus Vox: Lessons

by ChaosMadnessHavocCoffee

At Abstergo, Desmond was entering the Animus again when something goes wrong. How can Altair know he has control over him if the Syrian is only a genetic memory? What happens when Altair tries to push him away? Rated M for violence, crude language, and mature/sexual themes. Is a little slash. Desmond/M!OC. All other pairings are canon. Prequel to Animus Vox: Reborn.

1. Pax et Securitas

Chapter One: Pax et Securitas

"All right, Desmond." Dr. Vidic motioned for Desmond to enter the Animus. "Just like yesterday. Let's try to keep you moving."

"Whatever you say, doc." Desmond sighed as he slid into the Animus, trying to relax as the machine powered up.

A few flashing lights and loading moments found Desmond in ancient Jerusalem as Altair, master assassin sent to kill Robert de Sable finally. After so many days in the Animus, he had gotten quite accustomed to moving through it, so he knew immediately something was wrong when he went to take a step and couldn't. Panic erupted in his chest like a flurry of butterflies. He froze, ears straining to hear and eyes wide. The words to follow his reaction made his skin prickle.

"You will command my body no more, demon."

Desmond's throat felt dry and his skin felt as if a million flies were crawling over it. He flinched, but Altair struggled against him.

"No, demon!" Altair snarled. "I will not let you command me any longer."

"W-wait." Desmond spoke out, finally realizing what was going on. "This is impossible! You're only a memory."

"What?" Altair seethed, anger flaring up inside his body enough to send a cold sweat down Desmond's spine. "I am not a memory, demon! Not yet! I will not permit you control over my body any longer! Leave!"

Pain erupted across Desmond's body, scorching like fire licking at his flesh from the inside. He screamed, every muscle growing taut before he was overtaken by random spasms.

His back arched up before crashing back down upon the Animus. Despite his mind being lost in Jerusalem, he could still feel the table upon which he lay. A pulse throbbed painfully inside his skull as if his brain was trying to break loose. He screamed again, agonized and at a loss for what to do.

---

"Abort!" Vidic yelled at his assistant. "Abort!"

"I can't!" Lucy shouted back, flabbergast and bewildered. "He...he's not in control! The Animus refuses to abort him! He'd die!"

"HELP ME!" Desmond screamed. "STOP! STOP! ALTAIR! STOP! I CAN'T! YOU'RE KILLING ME!"

Lucy was trying everything she knew, every passcode and bypass she could remember in a vain attempt to abort from the machine, but the Animus refused her at every turn. She let out a growl of irritation, eyes flicking over to the squirming body of Desmond as Vidic stared on helplessly.

"NO!" Desmond continued to shriek. "ALTAIR! I AM YOUR DESCENDANT!"

Abruptly, he fell still upon the table and Lucy gazed at him in disbelief, making sure first he was breathing, before her eyes focused upon the screen once more.

"You are my what?" Altair hissed as Desmond fought to get his breathing under control.

"Your...descendant. You...are...my...ancestor."

"This is madness."

"No." Desmond gasped. "No. Believe me...at first, I thought...I thought it was, but it isn't. It's true. You have to help me...please."

"Help you?" Altair's voice contained suspicion.

"I...Templars. There are Templars keeping me hostage. They're...they want one of your memories. They want it really bad. I...wait...you can understand me?"

"You are speaking my tongue, are you not?"

"Well..." Desmond frowned. "Never mind. Look. I don't know what to do, but I have to do this. If I don't, they'll kill me. Just...let me stay here...a little longer...and then I'll go and I won't...I won't bother you again."

"You say Templars are keeping you and they are making you...search for one of my memories?"

"Y-yes."

"Then I cannot assist you."

"Wait!" Desmond yelped, afraid of the immense pain again. "I...just...just a little help. Please. I won't let them win, but I need this. If I don't, I die and...everyone else will be in jeopardy too."

Altair did not respond immediately, contemplating what he had just been told.

"What is your name?"

The answer came after a moment of hesitation. "Desmond Miles."

Altair waited another moment in contemplation before relaxing a fraction. "I will...assist you...Dezmund for the sake of you and...everyone else. However, should you try to go against the Creed or fully assist the Templars, I will destroy you."

"Of course." Desmond wasn't going to refuse any offer Altair gave him. "All right, off to kill Robert de Sable then."

Altair's eyes narrowed. "Yes."

---

"Full synchronization." Lucy mumbled in awe. "But...how?"

"His ancestor accepted his existence within his memories and is permitting him to accompany him." Vidic couldn't believe his luck. "Full synchronization means...Lucy. Send him to the memory we require."

"But, sir."

"Do it now, Lucy."

"But..."

"Now or I will and you can see yourself out...for good."

Not wanting to jeopardize her own mission, Lucy obeyed and fast forward to the memory they needed.

---

Desmond wasn't expecting a to fast forward and felt a bit disoriented as he shifted back into Altair, a spray of blood erupted into his face as a shout of words, incoherent in Desmond's dazed state, erupted through his ears.

"Dezmund?" Altair's voice made the ex-bartender flinch. "You return?"

"Sorry." Desmond mumbled. "I didn't mean to leave."

Desmond realized suddenly whom they were staring at.

"Holy crap! What happened?" He gasped out upon seeing the dying face of Al Mualim.

Altair ignored him as he knelt beside his old master. "You held fire in your hand, old man. It should have been destroyed."

"Destroy the only thing capable of ending the Crusades and creating true peace? Never."

"Then I will."

"We'll see about that."

Altair stood up and turned towards a glowing gold orb as Desmond watched on, confused.

"Is that...a bad thing?" Desmond asked as Altair continued to stare at the object without moving.

"Yes." Altair whispered. "I...must destroy it."

"So destroy it." Desmond encouraged.

"I...can't." Altair continued to stare, beginning to approach the object.

"No." Desmond mumbled. "Altair, destroy it."

"No."

"It's what they're after." Desmond insisted. "Stop. Destroy it."

"Destroy it..." Altair replied, eyes transfixed as the object abruptly glowed brighter before a form appeared above it.

Immediately, Desmond recognized the shape of the earth, upon which bright lights glowed in various spots. "No. Altair, this is bad."

"Dezmund?" Altair replied.

"We've got it!" Vidic's voice interrupted them, startling Altair.

"HELP ME!" Desmond struggled against the bright light overtaking them. "ALTAIR!"

Then he was consumed.

---

Desmond sat up, shaking and skin clammy. Sweat glued his shirt to his back and he had an infuriating urge to undress and take a long shower. His eyes flicked up to the conference room where three suited men stood. Beside him, Dr. Vidic was talking to the men, but Desmond couldn't quite make out what they were saying, mind too foggy and head still spinning.

"And the Assassin?"

Desmond's face jerked up to stare at Vidic.

"We have what we need." One of the suited men said. "Kill him."

His muscles tightened, but he had an unsettling feeling it had not been him who had caused this reaction.

"Wait." Lucy stepped forward.

Desmond relaxed as Lucy convinced the three men in the adjoining room to let Desmond live, much to his relief and Vidic's aggravation.

Abruptly, Vidic started to leave, Lucy in tow, and Desmond stood, partially in panic, knowing his current situation had not improved much, despite Lucy being on his side.

"Dezmund?"

The young man physically jumped.

"Altair?" Desmond whispered, not wanting Vidic, who was still in the room to hear him. "Can you...help me leave? I don't have any weapons, but...maybe..."

"Leave this place?" Altair responded and Desmond couldn't tell if he was hearing the voice inside or outside of his head. "Yes."

"They have powerful weapons." Desmond mumbled turning towards the exit, which was opening. "Ranged. They could kill us if even one hits us."

"Nothing will touch us."

"They're fast."

"Nothing will touch us." Altair replied and Desmond was shocked to see himself switch into Eagle Vision. He wasn't as surprised to see Vidic was in red and Lucy in blue, but he was horrified by the red markings all around the room. "Blood?"

"Is it?" Desmond mumbled in awe and disgust.

"Let us leave." Altair moved Desmond's body and the ex-bartender immediately decided he did not like this feeling, resisting it unintentionally. "Dezmund, I cannot help you if you do not let me."

"Right." Desmond tried to relax and a cold feeling slipped over him as Altair possessed his body. As if shoved to the side, Desmond watched as Altair abruptly dashed forward, past Lucy and Vidic.

"Desmond, no!" Lucy shouted, but it was too late.

Altair had already turned the corner and was rushing towards the glass doors. If it wasn't for Desmond's warning, he would have collided with them, but instead he leaped upwards, latching onto the top, and heaving himself over.

A loud wailing filled the air, but Altair was able to ignore it when the information came to him through Desmond.

"It's only an alarm!" Desmond shouted. "Run!"

Altair didn't need any further encouragement.

A maze of hallways and hand-to-hand combat brought Desmond to an elevator, which took some convincing to get Altair into.

"I do not see how a tiny room is the best place to be right now." Altair argued, blanching away from the sliding doors.

"Just get in it, Altair!"

"STOP!" The shouts of guards filled the air.

The Assassin rushed into the elevator before a flurry of bullets could catch them.

Quickly, Desmond worked the elevator and they were on their way down.

"I don't know how you know where to go." Desmond muttered.

"Down, yes?" Altair responded. "I could see through the windows we were high from the ground, so it is logical we need to go down. If you do not believe me..."

"I believe you." Desmond laughed nervously. "Just don't get us killed."

"I will not let us die here."

The elevator opened and they exited it, quickly finding themselves in a room full of glass cubicles containing more animus machines.

"Whoa." Desmond gazed on in disbelief. "Um...there's another elevator over there, I think...across the room. That's what the sign says."

"If you say so." Altair replied before rushing forward and deciding to take a shortcut across the vast chamber by leaping from cubicle to cubicle instead of winding through the maze.

This new elevator, however, required a code, but this did not hinder Altair. Once Desmond explained the concept to the Assassin, he made short work of the keypad using his eagle vision.

"You are incredible." Desmond shook his head in awe.

"I could not do this if you did not possess the skill as well, Dezmund." Altair told him as they entered the elevator.

"The Eagle Vision?"

"You are indeed my descendant." Altair sighed. "Well, at the least, you are related to me. This trait is rare, even amongst Assassins. I simply hope my body has not been left unattended."

"No." Desmond wasn't sure how to explain. "You're just...it's just your memory here with me. Your body is...sorry, but it's probably been dead for eight...nine hundred years. I don't know, but you had at least one kid, clearly."

He was surprised when Altair chuckled. "Yes...clearly."

The elevator opened up into a parking garage and they were immediately surrounded by twenty guards. Altair didn't struggle in the least when dispatching them.

"Your body is unaccustomed to this work." Altair stated, gasping for breath. "You are not an Assassin?"

"I was born into an Assassin family." Desmond informed him. "But I ran away when I was sixteen. It's been years since I was apart of the Creed in any way."

"Why did you run away?" Altair moved towards the exit, quickly erasing another two guards from existence.

"I thought..." Desmond gave a weak laugh. "I thought my family was crazy. I thought the idea of being an Assassin and opposing the Templars was a bunch of made-up paranoia or something. I didn't realize...if I had known...I would have never left home, believe you me."

"I believe you."

Sunshine ignited across Desmond's vision, blinding him temporarily. Once he could see again, he began to explain away the technology roaring around them as vehicles zoomed past and crowds of people chatted upon their cellular phones.

"Just keep moving." Desmond instructed as he sent images of where he wanted to go in hope Altair could see them. He was relieved when the Assassin was able to process the information and began to hide them in the crowds. "We can't go home, so let's get on a bus out of town. We need money. Can you pickpocket a wallet? They'll be in guy's pockets and women's purses."

Altair made short work of collecting enough money for their journey and they soon found themselves on a bus heading out of the city. As they took their seat, Desmond began to sense Altair's rising anxiety and tried to calm the Assassin from another time.

"Let me take over for now." Desmond whispered, trying not to be heard by those around him. "If you don't mind coming back when I need you."

"As long as it does not interfere with my work in Masyaf."

Desmond sighed, attempting to hide his exasperation. How was he going to explain to Altair so the Syrian could understand?

"All right." Desmond nodded. "Thanks. I'll call you when or if I need you."

"Stay safe, my friend."

"You as well."

Desmond felt warm again the moment Altair disappeared into the back of his mind and he fell limp against the seat. His body was exhausted, shaking and covered in sweat. All he wanted to do was sleep, but he fought the fatigue, not trusting those around him or any stops they would make. Hunching over, he rested his head on his hands, trying to stay ducked beneath the window for fear of snipers.

Groaning, he realized he was in for a long weary trip.

---

Desmond's eyes opened against his will and he had stood and was rushing off of the bus before he had even oriented himself. The chill which had taken over his body registered finally and he realized Altair was in control of him again.

"What's going on"? Desmond gasped as his legs took him far from where the bus had stopped as he tried to figure out when he had fallen asleep.

"We're being followed." Altair responded and again Desmond wondered if the voice was inside or outside of his head. "You foolishly slept."

"I'm exhausted." Desmond muttered, trying to glance backwards, but Altair's control over him did not permit even this small of movement on Desmond's command. "Please, Altair. I need food and sleep."

"We will eat and rest once we are safe."

"That could be never."

"Do you want my assistance or not?"

Desmond groaned, consenting to Altair's wishes. They found themselves several blocks away from the bus and hidden amongst the crowds where Altair activated their eagle vision to check for their pursuers. Two blue forms were moving amongst the people, doing their best not to look conspicuous, but clearly looking for someone, of whom Desmond was sure was himself.

The eagle vision disintegrated and Desmond gasped at the sight of Lucy standing beside a blond man in glasses.

"She's a friend." Desmond insisted. "She can help us."

"Was she not working for the Templars?"

"She's an undercover Assassin." Desmond explained, body flinching between Altair control and Desmond's. "She's a friend."

"You are sure?"

"Yes."

"I will bring you to her." Altair stated. "But I will be prepared to run. Understood?"

Desmond didn't argue. "Yeah. Sounds good, but you've got to let me talk."

"I believe you've always held control of this function."

"Right."

They started towards the two, weaving between the mass of people like a snake through grass. They slid up beside Lucy and hooked a hand upon her arm. She inhaled sharply, but did not fight as Desmond began to walk her through the crowd.

"Are you here to help?" Desmond asked, eyes narrowing thanks to Altair's suspicion.

"Yes." Lucy replied, glancing back at the blond, whom was now following them. "Desmond, I can't believe you took off like that! You could have gotten yourself killed! I can't believe you escaped!"

"Yes." The sarcastic British accent made Altair tense and flick golden eyes back at the bespectacled man. "Clearly, he's had more training then anyone gave him credit for, unless the Bleeding Effect has somehow increased, which is more likely."

"Shaun." Lucy hissed and the man fell silent. She focused upon Desmond. "We have to get you out of here before Abstergo finds you, which they will if you keep moving around. You are not discreet."

"Hey, all I've learned about being an Assassin, I've learned from 1191. I don't know if you've noticed, but a lot has changed since then. Guns, cars, cameras."

"I did notice, yes, Desmond." Lucy's tone showed she did not appreciate his hostile voice. "Let's go."

Altair stopped when Lucy moved towards the alleyway.

"Desmond." Lucy turned back to him. "Come on. It's not safe."

Desmond hesitated to encourage Altair, not wanting the two with him to label him as crazy. He had no intentions whatsoever of telling them Altair was assisting him.

"H-how am I sure I can trust you?" Desmond asked for Altair.

"We've already established this." Lucy pressed her left hand flat to her chest, displaying the missing ring finger. "Come on, Desmond."

Still, Altair was reluctant.

"And him?" Desmond nodded to Shaun.

"He's one of us." Lucy insisted, urgency in her voice. "We have to go, Desmond. Now!"

Altair's eyes narrowed at her, but began to follow her anyways. Lucy was flabbergast, confused by Desmond's sudden distrust. She didn't have time to dwell on it as she popped the trunk of the car Shaun had parked.

"In." She motioned to it.

"No."

Desmond was shocked by Altair's sudden control over his voice.

"It's for your own protection." Lucy explained. "Please, Desmond."

"No." Altair remained firmly planted in spot.

"Desmond." Lucy glanced around anxiously. "Come on! We don't have time for this!"

"I do not trust you."

Lucy gazed at the young man, mouth open in shock. "How many times do I have to prove to you I am a friend?"

Altair's eyes became slits as he stared at her. "Why must I get in there?"

"We have to hide you." Lucy quickly told him. "And this is the easiest way. Please, trust me!"

Desmond urged with his emotions for Altair to trust the woman, sending images of her attempts to help him throughout the Animus ordeal. Altair reviewed them, cautious, but finally agreed to cram himself into the trunk of the car. As soon as it closed, Desmond gave an annoyed sigh.

"I thought you were going to let me have control over the talking." He hissed as quietly as he could.

"I do not trust them."

"She's an Assassin."

"I have never met a woman Assassin."

"Times have changed."

"Clearly."

Desmond felt like rolling his eyes, but Altair did not permit him.

"Just try not to breath to hard." Desmond implored. "I have no idea how much air we have in here."

Altair growled, but relaxed his breathing.

---

The trunk opened and Desmond slipped out to follow Lucy.

"Where are we?" He asked, rubbing a hand over his face and realizing how warm his body felt. Altair was not here with him.

"It's a hidden base of operations." Lucy told him as they made their way up a long flight of stairs. "I have a huge favor to ask of you."

"A favor?"

"Yes." Lucy reached the top of the stairs and faced him. "We need to train you to become an Assassin."

Desmond gave an incredulous laugh. "Lucy, are you nuts? It'd take months…years even! I can't learn to become an Assassin! We don't have time for it!"

"But we can with the Animus." Lucy stated. "You could learn through the Bleeding Effect to become an Assassin with the Animus. Instead of years of training, it'd be only days."

"Yes, spoon-fed what true Assassins have spent years, even generations, perfecting." Shaun scoffed, glaring at Desmond as if it was the young man's fault. "Sounds fantastic."

"I don't know, Lucy." Desmond ignored the British man. "Why me?"

"It's complicated, Desmond." Lucy brushed off his question. "But it's important. If you can learn to become an assassin, you have no idea how much it would help us."

"Do it."

Altair's voice made Desmond flinch.

"Learn to become an Assassin, Dezmund." Altair whispered in his ear. "If you can, you will not have to rely on me anymore."

Desmond frowned, wanting to talk to Altair about this without getting looks of concern for his mental health.

"Can I have a minute to think about it?" Desmond asked. "Like while I shower or something?"

Lucy sighed, but nodded. "Yes. Shaun?"

"I guess I can show him the way." Shaun rolled his eyes before motioning Desmond to follow him.

They arrived at a cramped bathroom and Shaun faced the young man.

"Try not to dilly dally too long." Shaun snarled. "Time is of the essence."

"Yeah, sure thing." Desmond attempted to slip past the man, but nearly overreacted when the blond hooked his arm. "Whoa…"

"You know, I'm only agreeing to this because of Lucy." Shaun stated sternly. "Don't disappoint."

"Okay." Desmond nodded hastily, pulling his arm away and rushing into the bathroom with its comforting solitude.

After checking for cameras and starting up the water, Desmond looked into the mirror and the image he had become oddly accustomed to.

"You look just like me." Altair gawked in amazement. "We could be brothers."

Desmond frowned inwardly. The face he stared at could be his own or Altair's. As a chill settled over him the line between them seemed to vanish.

"Altair." Desmond said, watching his lips move with the formation of the name. "Do you really think this is a good idea?"

"I do not see how it is a bad idea." Altair's sureness unsettled Desmond for an unknown reason. "If the Templars are indeed after you and seek either to use or destroy you, it is in your benefit and best interest to learn the skills of an assassin in order to protect yourself and fight them."

"You have a point, but it's not the learning that bothers me." Desmond admitted. "Just the means they want me to learn it by."

"How do you mean?"

"Let me show you the Animus."

Desmond began to shove his memories of the Animus across Altair's vision until he had nothing left to show.

"It lets me see your memories. If they put me in it again, I will be revisiting your memories again. It'd probably be early in your life while in training. I don't know what will happen to you in the meantime, but you may accompany me and… I'm not sure it'd be good for you to see...well, I mean…Adha…"

Altair stiffened. "If it is what is best for you, but I do not see how this Animus is supposed to help you."

"The Bleeding Effect means some of your skills will be passed to me as I relive your memories. What you learn, I will learn. It's how I can use eagle vision. I got it from you."

The Syrian was frowning. "And by reliving my early life during training, you too will train."

"Yes."

"But only your mind will be disciplined, not your body." Altair argued. "I ran your body out of the Templars' reach. You are not untrained, but your body is not disciplined for my work. It has no memory of the work I do. I do not see how you will naturally fight or run."

Desmond grimaced. "You're right. I don't know how I will be able to properly do it, but maybe…the mind is a powerful tool, Altair. Maybe, it will work somehow."

Altair sighed, slumping. "I hope so. In the meantime, I will go until you are prepared for this Animus."

"All right." Desmond quickly agreed, not entirely comfortable with the idea of bathing while Altair looked on.

Once warmth returned to his body, Desmond took a quick shower and returned to Shaun, who had been waiting outside for him.

"Talking to yourself?" Shaun asked, one brow popped high on his face. "That isn't a good sign for those using the Animus."

"Yeah?" Desmond motioned for Shaun to lead the way. "I'm ready to begin."

"Oh, joy." Shaun rolled his eyes and started towards the workshop they would be working in.

"Hi, I'm Rebecca."

He was introduced to the Animus' caretaker and then found himself seated in the machine he had hoped he'd never visit again.

"Dezmond." Altair whispered in his ear, causing him to jump slightly.

"Relax." Rebecca told him, approaching with the needle needed to access the Animus. "This will hurt."

"Great." Desmond swallowed as she stuck it in him. "OW!"

"Dezmond." Altair tried again to get his attention. "I don't think this is a good idea."

"This was your idea to begin with." Desmond growled lowly.

"What was that?" Rebecca leaned towards him.

"Oh." Desmond panicked momentarily. "N-nothing."

"Just try to relax."

"No."

Desmond was suddenly standing, yanking the needle out of his arm before the Animus had fully activated.

"No." Altair spoke, heart pounding rapidly with fear Desmond thought the Master Assassin could never feel. Then again, Altair was trapped in an incredibly alien world. "No. No. No. I will not go in there."

"Des…" Lucy started at the young man skeptically. "There is no other way."

"I'm sorry." Desmond took over his voice and attempted to push Altair's control away. "I'm just…it's hard. After Abstergo and Vidic…"

Lucy's brows pinched. "I understand, but we have to do this."

"He's just being a big baby." Shaun muttered.

"You can remain silent!" Altair snarled at Shaun, causing the blond man to gape at him in momentary surprise. "It is impossible. I will not go in there. I will train on my own. No!"

Desmond managed to regain control.

"I'm sorry." He put a hand to his head, wanting to suppress the roaring headache there, but not being capable. "I'm sorry. I'm…really tired."

"Desmond." Lucy was grimacing. "I don't want to push you, but we really don't have much time."

"I know." Desmond nodded. "It's just…it's complicated."

"If you need to talk about it…"

"No!" Desmond put up his hands. "No I don't. I just…I'm having a hard time…it's…I don't think synchronizing with Altair went well."

Altair began to curse at him for such a rude comment and Desmond made a mental note to apologize to him later.

"Well, you won't be synchronizing with Altair." Lucy told him.

"Wait, what?" He gawked at her. "Then who?"

"Ezio Auditore da Firenze." She informed him. "An Italian in the 15th Century."

"Really?" Desmond blinked at her. "Huh."

"Time is still running, Mr. Miles." Shaun stated and Desmond had an unsettling reminder or Dr. Vidic.

Altair pointed to the blond. "I do not like you."

"Funny." Shaun shot back. "I don't really care for you either."

"Into the Animus, please, Desmond." Lucy began to push Desmond back towards the chair. "Please."

"All right." Desmond agreed, retaking control of his body. He'd have to tell Altair not to randomly switch with him again, especially without permission or any logical reason to.

Seated once more, he let Rebecca put in the needle again and his vision began to blur until the Animus sucked him in.

He was shocked to hear Altair's anxiety-ridden voice.

"Dezmund?"

"Altair." He responded without even thinking. "Don't worry…it's going to be okay."

"We're going to Ezio." Lucy's voice came over the mic. "And stop stressing. Your vitals are getting to be too high."

"Sorry." He mumbled as around him white filled the space.

His jaw fell open at who stood before him and he missed the gasps of those outside.

"Altair?"

---

Altair didn't know what to think when he found himself in the glowing white room without walls or ceiling or floor. He stood there, paralyzed with fear, and then his eyes found those of Desmond. It bothered him how much they mirrored one another, down to the scar upon their lips. He wondered how Desmond had gotten his scar, if it had been a reflection of Altair's own acquirement of it.

"Altair?" Desmond gasped, gazing at the assassin.

"You can see me?" Altair asked as his gaze flitted over the form of Desmond. "Is this the Animus? How is it you live through memories from here?"

"It's complicated." Desmond replied.

"How does Altair know about the Animus?" Lucy's voice made Desmond cringe.

He hadn't anticipated seeing Altair within the Animus. He had hoped the Assassin would return to his own memories when Desmond attempted to access Ezio's, but he had been sorely mistaken. Instead, he now stood only a few feet from the Assassin who, despite displaying calm, had absolute terror in his golden eyes.

Deciding to ignore Lucy's question, Desmond focused on moving on to Ezio.

"Hey! Can we hurry it up? I thought we were on a time limit? I honestly don't want to spend any more time in here than I need to."

"Just one moment, Desmond." Rebecca replied. "I have to get rid of Altair first. Let's see…if I reroute the Altair mainstream memory, he should go away…"

"Wait." Desmond began and then he was screaming, his shrieks accompanied by the agonized ones of Altair. "STOP! REBECCA! NO!"

"That's not right." Rebecca gasped, her voice frantic. "Wait. That should have worked!"

"Stop!" Lucy yelled. "Stop the process! Desmond's vitals are haywire!"

The pain abruptly vanished and Desmond found himself on his knees, gripping for his head and gasping for air. Across from him, Altair was doing the same.

"What sorcery is this?" Altair gaped at his descendant. "Dezmund. Don't…let…them…do that…again."

"Stop." Desmond called to the others. "It's okay. Altair…he can be here."

"Desmond." Lucy's voice came over, but it sounded as if she ignored him. "We're going to reroute the memories, throw you into Altair's for a second, and see if we can't get rid of him."

"No." Desmond groaned.

"It'll be okay." Lucy told him. "Just a moment."

"No…" Altair tried to stand, but a bright light overtook them.

They found themselves in Masyaf, standing before a glowing piece of Eden with Malik beside them. For a moment, Desmond thought he stood next to Altair, but then realized he was the Master Assassin.

"We're sending you to Ezio." Lucy informed him over the microphone.

Another bright light brought him to a bedroom where a woman was giving birth. At first, he stood beside her, watching in confusion and then he felt himself become absorbed into the tiny form being taken up by the midwife. A man entered and took the baby from the midwife. After some struggling, Desmond began to breath and, of course being a baby, he cried.

Light consumed him again and he awoke once more, this time as a much older Ezio.

Ezio's body felt icy, like when Altair tool over Desmond's body, and Desmond wondered where the Syrian Assassin had gone during the transfer to Ezio.

At first, it took some getting used to moving like Ezio. Unlike Altair, whom was well-trained and had known the Assassin life for years, it seemed Ezio had no idea about the Assassin ways and, though he was adept at free-running and fighting, he moved with much less grace than the Syrian had. Despite this, Desmond found himself growing much more quickly attached to the Italian that he had to his more ancient ancestor. Ezio had a flamboyant and vibrant personality with excellent humor, making him a contrasting opposite to the serious and mirthless Altair Ibn La'Ahad.

Initially, everything seemed to be going smoothly. As Desmond moved Ezio around the city of Florence, he grew more adept at controlling the youth's body. Unlike with Altair, the switch between being Desmond and being Ezio seemed much easier and Desmond wondered if it was because of Ezio's age and inexperience or because this was Desmond's second time reliving someone's life within the Animus.

It wasn't until after the death of Ezio's father and brothers and Ezio arrived in Monteriggioni with his mother and sister something went wrong. It began with a momentary glitch where Desmond swore he saw Altair in the mirror instead of Ezio then all hell seemed to break loose when Ezio seemed to have noticed the glitch.

"There is a demon controlling me." Ezio suddenly stated. "I saw just now in the mirror a face similar to mine, but not."

"Ezio!" He gulped down his anxiety. "It's fine! I'm not a demon! It's hard to explain! I'm your descendant."

"Desmond, what are you doing?" Lucy's voice spoke out to him.

"My name is Desmond Miles." He chose to ignore her. "I'm your descendant. I'm here to learn alongside you!"

Ezio was listening, but Desmond wasn't sure if the young assassin was enraged or confused by this knowledge.

"Please." Desmond continued. "I'm not going to hurt you. I can help you and you can help me."

"You are an idiot."

Altair's voice made Desmond's eyes widen. The Syrian had come with him?

"Do you truly believe it is easy for us to hear we are being possessed by our descendant?"

"Altair?" Desmond gasped out.

"It's Ezio, Desmond." Lucy stated. "Rebecca. Pull him out. I don't think he's doing well."

"No." Desmond argued. "Ezio! I had to do the same with Altair and he let me! If you let me, it will be so much easier! I promise! I won't hurt you."

"Altair?"

"How did you learn this name?" Mario suddenly asked, entering the room.

Ezio spun around, eyes resting upon his Uncle's. "M-my father may have mentioned it once or twice."

Mario nodded, accepting the answer. "He was a Master Assassin, the greatest of his time and, perhaps, ever. He made improvements to the Brotherhood like no other before him. His armor rests in a vault beneath this villa, but it is a great puzzle to remove it. One day, when I feel your fighting is up to par, I will show it to you and perhaps you can solve the riddle to it."

Ezio nodded. "I will, Uncle."

"Good." Mario smiled and left the room without further word.

Frowning, Ezio turned back to the mirror.

"Altair. Desmond." Ezio closed his eyes. "Are you friend or foe?"

"Friend." Desmond insisted. "I am a friend, Ezio."

"Pull him out, Rebecca." Lucy commanded.

"Just a moment." Rebecca responded. "I have to make sure his vitals are fine first."

"Hurry."

"It's fine!" Desmond shouted at them, hoping they could hear him. "Ezio! You have to accept me or they'll try to pull me out and I'm not sure what will happen!"

"Abort, Rebecca."

"Aborting now."

"Ezio!" Desmond hollered as white began to blotch out his vision. "Please!"

---

He awoke with a start, nearly flying from his seat. At the back of his head, something was scratching insistently and he rubbed at it in aggravation.

"What was that for?" Desmond growled as Lucy approached the Animus.

"Desmond." She stated. "I don't know why you were talking to Ezio as if he can hear you, but he's just a memory. I think you've been in the Animus too long. You need a break."

"We can't afford any breaks!" Desmond hissed at her.

"I hate to agree with him," Shaun interrupted as he walked over to them. "But Desmond is right. We either do this now, or we don't do this at all."

"Lucy," Rebecca crossed her arms. "It's your call, but we are putting a lot on the line here for you to be uncertain."

Lucy sighed, clearly bothered by Desmond's reaction.

"Sorry." An Italian accent flitted across Desmond's ears. "I didn't mean to cause you so much trouble, amico."

Desmond swallowed, sweat beginning to form on his arm.

"But look at her." Ezio's voice was excited. "She is your love, Desmond? She's quite beautiful."

Desmond closed his eyes briefly before reopening them to the sound of Altair.

"She is an Assassin like us." Altair stated. "Or so she claims. I have as of yet seen anything to clarify this claim to me."

"Let's get back in." Desmond turned to Rebecca. "I'm ready whenever you are."

"Let's not have anymore…problems." Lucy looked pointed at Desmond. "Good luck."

"Thank you."

His vision blurred and he did his best not to hold his breath as he entered the Animus once more.

"What is this?" Ezio yelped upon seeing the white world of the loading screen. It took a moment for Desmond to realize he was possessing the Italian's body rather than standing beside him as he had the first time he and Altair entered the Animus. "I haven't died, have I?"

"Desmond, stop fooling around." Lucy spoke and Ezio jumped at her voice.

"By God." Ezio cursed. "She can speak to us?"

Desmond gave a quick explanation, blocking out Lucy's voice.

"I see." Ezio nodded. "This will be fun."

"Wait." Rebecca's tone was baffled. "They're conversing?"

"Please tell me I'm not the only one finding this worrisome." Shaun interjected.

"We have full synchronization." Lucy's voice was astonished. "But how? This happened with Altair as well. He talked to Altair and they suddenly synchronized completely."

"This will make the Bleeding Effect greater." Shaun warned. "We can't keep him in as long as we were intending."

"It will take forever for him to learn everything Ezio learned then." Lucy groaned.

"I'm fine!" Desmond shouted at them. "Ezio is helping me."

"Desmond." Lucy's tone was serious. "You cannot be 'helped' by your ancestors. They're dead. They shouldn't be talking to you. They shouldn't realize you are there. You shouldn't be fully synchronizing with them within only a couple hours of being in the Animus."

"It's fine."

"It isn't fine." Lucy snapped. "I'm pulling you out of the Animus. We need to have a talk."

"He's fine, amica." Ezio grinned up at the ceiling. "No worries. I'll take good care of him while he's in here with me."

"He's talking to me." Lucy gasped. "This isn't normal. Pull him out, Rebecca."

"Aborting."

"No!" Desmond shouted. "Wait! Ezio! Altair!"

"We are with you, brother."

Desmond couldn't believe how easily he trusted Altair's words and he relaxed as he was pulled from the Animus.

"Desmond!" Lucy shook the young man a little as he tried to orient himself from leaving the Animus. "You are not supposed to be talking to your ancestors! And why are they talking back? And Altair isn't in the picture!"

The ex-bartender stood stretching and then he gave her a flirtatious grin.

"Oh, Desmond, she is quite the looker." Ezio laughed. "I hope you don't mind me…getting to know her on a pet name basis."

Rebecca, Lucy, and Shaun gazed at Desmond wordlessly, all their eyes wide and their mouths open.

"Um…Ezio?" Lucy managed to say.

"Yes?" Ezio took a step towards her, reaching out a hand to brush it down her arm. "Did you need something, amore? I could tend to you…lovingly."

He dodged a slap aimed towards his face.

"Oh, she's feisty, Desmond." Ezio flashed a smile at her. "I like that in a woman."

"He's gone crazy." Lucy covered her mouth with her hand. "I made Desmond go crazy."

"Is this what happened with Subject 16?" Shaun asked with concern?

"No." Lucy shook her head. "That was more…straightjacket crazy. This is not as…well, maybe it is."

"Lo non sono pazzo." Ezio scowled at the three. "Desmond has given me permission to assist him and so I am. Altair is also helping him, or so I have been told."

"How are you able to speak English?" Lucy asked, scowling at the young man.

"I know what Desmond calls Middle English." Ezio explained. "I am simply following his instructions, though he is trying right now to take over again. It is good that Altair keeps distracting him or we would not be having this lovely conversation, bella."

Lucy pursed her lips. "You mean, you are getting information from Desmond?"

"I am…as he keeps calling it…downloading information he has." Ezio elaborated with a wave of his hands. "He is teaching me as we speak. With, as you call in, the genetic memory, it is possible for Desmond to know Italiano and English of the Fifteenth Century and it is this genetic memory we are using to translate to this much newer English, which he speaks."

"Sounds time-consuming." Rebecca commented skeptically.

"Not necessarily." Shaun cut in, sounding intrigued for the first time since he had met Desmond. "The brain is fast. We can process 20 million billion bits of information every second. If there are three, let's say consciences having control, even if only a little, over Desmond's mind, it might actually be possible for the subdued consciences to send information faster that the conscience in control. This means, Desmond may be able to send complete translations, images and information on our technology, and other various bits of important knowledge to the current conscience commandeering his body in a matter of seconds, making it possible for Ezio to hold conversations with us without us even realizing they're interacting.

"Exactly." Ezio smiled at the look of awe on Lucy's features. "What? Desmond was explaining while this…Shaun, is it? Altair doesn't like you and Desmond says you remind him of…oh, wait. Sorry. I'm not supposed to say."

Shaun scoffed.

"So what you're saying is Desmond has accepted the consciences of memories or whatever of his ancestors and they are currently able to possess his body?" Lucy asked, eyes disbelieving.

"Why do you doubt, amica?" Ezio purred, his eyes taunting her and inviting her closer. "Perhaps a little bit more…private time spent with me will convince you?"

"No need." Lucy turned to Shaun. "We need to fix this. If Desmond keeps this up, we could lose him."

"We will not permit Desmond to be destroyed."

They all returned their faces to Desmond at the change of tone. Ezio's smile had vanished and been replaced by a far more serious and sinister look.

"Altair?" Lucy guessed.

The Master Assassin narrowed his eyes at her. "If you are truly on Desmond's side, you would not resist our aid. We are knowledge…I am knowledgeable. I cannot vouch for this Etiseo."

"Ezio." Shaun corrected and received a silencing glare.

"As I was saying," Altair continued, unperturbed by being interrupted. "We can help Desmond. We can train his body as you train his mind. It is the best way."

"All right."

Lucy did not see any way around their predicament. If they tried to force the memories of Altair and Ezio away against the three, as Shaun put is, consciences' wills, they risked the chance of shattering Desmond's mind and having another Subject Sixteen case on their hands. She never wanted to see someone ruined like he had been and for this reason was willing to bypass all the abnormality for the sake of keeping Desmond's mind stable.

"We'll get started then."

She motioned to the waiting Animus and Altair turned to look at it. There was a moment where she realized Desmond had taken control and then he was running from the room towards the bathroom.

"Desmond, wait!" She shouted, chasing after him, but she stopped at the door when she heard him emptying his stomach into the toilet. "Are you all right?"

"Not…really." Desmond gagged out. "I'm starving…and I'm so tired."

Lucy nodded. "All right, Desmond. You win. Rest up and eat something. We'll try in a few hours."

He nodded, but took his time getting up from the toilet. Though he knew it was impossible, he was almost sure he felt two hands on either side of his back, one patting him and one resting reassuring and firm.

"It's all right, Desmond." Ezio whispered into his ear. "Hang on. We'll get you through this, fratello."

"Let's get to a bed." Altair instructed and Desmond swore the Syrian and Italian hooked him from underneath his arms and began to assist him towards the bed in the room containing the Animus. "You need rest, brother."

"Yeah." Desmond rested against the Syrian for support. "Yeah. I'm so tired."

He collapsed into the bed, eyes closing before his body even met the mattress.

Desmond couldn't remember the last time he had fallen asleep so easily.

---

Altair reached out his hand to touch the face of the woman waiting for him, not sure why his body was moving on its own without his consent. It didn't feel like when Desmond controlled him, but it unnerved him regardless. This was not Adha, but the woman Maria Thorpe, whom had worked for Robert de Sable, his past enemy. It made no sense for his hand to touch her in such a loving way. His face leaned towards hers and he begged his mind to stop this madness. Had he grown this lonely to wish for this woman? Had the loss of Adha and then the only father figure he'd had since losing his blood family left him this helpless and needy?

His lips pressed against hers and his eyes closed as he breathed her in scent. For a moment, he caught the emotions in his body was feeling and his chest tightened at the love and adoration cascading over him.

"Fine woman, amico."

Altair's eyes opened and he turned to stare at Ezio for a moment before focusing ahead of him. He blanched upon realizing he was now watching himself lower Maria into the hay.

"Ooo la la." Ezio laughed and Altair scowled at him.

"Stop watching." Altair grabbed the Assassin-in-training and spun him away from the scene. "Sick b***."

Ezio snickered, patting the Master Assassin on the back. "You do not seem pleased to know you were with such a bella giovane donna."

Altair's features gave away nothing, but Ezio was perceptive, catching the change in the Syrian's eyes.

"You do not know her as a lover?" Ezio asked, astonished. "Then this is the future for you?"

Altair ran a hand over his face. "I do not know. Perhaps. Perhaps not."

Ezio's brows rose. "Well, be happy. You found yourself a beautiful woman who is willing to be with you, quite literally, anywhere. I admit some jealousy, but it is only some. The ladies love me. If I had met this woman before you, my friend, I assure you she would have chosen me."

The Master's eyes narrowed upon realizing the insult aimed at his direction, but he chose logic over name-calling and self-comparisons.

"Considering Desmond is our descendant, I believe it is obvious we were both successful in producing heirs. Nothing else needs to be said."

Ezio rolled his eyes. "You know, it is a good thing I wasn't born into your 'Creed'."

Altair agreed without hesitation.

"You would have either learned your lesson early on or died, my flamboyant friend. Such unnecessary decorations and outward behavior is unfitting on an Assassin of my Creed."

The Italian scoffed.

"Different time. Different place. The needs of my generation are vastly different from yours. We require etiquette, fashion, chivalry, and virility.

At the last word, he cupped his groin and laughed at Altair's snarl.

"I will teach you the ways of Italia." Ezio reassured the other Assassin. "By the time Desmond is a proper Assassin, you will be a proper Italiano, fratello."

Altair had many crude retaliating words, but chose to hold his tongue. While he did not know what kind of temper Ezio had, he held no desire to begin a battle between them. He was here for the purpose of training Desmond and helping his descendant to become adept at his own self-defense. He only hoped he was successful.

"I believe he is about to awake." Altair informed his companion.

"And it seems you're done." Ezio snorted and Altair let out a growl of anger. "Well, you are."

"I'm not going to like spending these lone conversations with you." Altair admitted before the world grew bright around them.

Ezio's curses were lost amid Desmond's awaking.

---

Desmond opened his eyes, his dream still flitting across his vision. Altair had chosen Maria Thorpe? He admitted some shock over this, but decided not to dwell on the thought since he was sure Altair himself would be quite surprised given he'd last seen the woman as an enemy.

"How are you feeling, Desmond?" Lucy asked as she walked up to the young man carrying a tray of food and coffee.

"Better." He admitted.

"Well, it's about time." Shaun griped from where he sat at his desk.

"Eat up." Lucy set the tray down beside Desmond. "You have a long day ahead of you."

Desmond began to eat while Altair and Ezio waited inside his mind. It felt odd, knowing they were there, watching through his eyes and hearing through his ears. They knew what was going on around him as well as he did. Altair remained silent and patient, but a fidgeting anxiety nagged at the back of Desmond's skull where Ezio did his best to remain as stoic and calm as the Syrian.

He failed.

Ezio stood abruptly, commanding Desmond's body without warning.

"Ah, today is a beautiful day, but I confess I have business in this Animus, which must be fulfilled. I am sure my presence is required."

"Let the boy eat." Altair argued, tugging on Ezio in an attempt to take control.

"Boy?" Desmond scoffed. "I'm twenty-five!"

Ezio froze and Desmond was able to retake control over his body.

"There is no way you are older than me, fratello."

"I am."

"And you are the same age as me." Altair sounded baffled at this.

"Desmond." Lucy interrupted their conversation. "You're talking to yourself."

"Sorry." He muttered. "I don't know how to talk to just them when I'm in control."

"It isn't like thinking?" Lucy questioned.

"No." Desmond shrugged. "I tried that several times, but they couldn't hear me. It only works if I talk out loud.

"It might be the mind's way of clarifying who is in charge of the body." Shaun offered up as a possible explanation.

"Yeah but sometimes they can control my body while I remain in control of my voice." Desmond elaborated. "Except, it seems easier then for them to take over the talking."

Shaun shrugged helplessly.

"Finish eating." Lucy instructed. "We can figure out how this is working later."

"Ezio, stop it." Desmond cut across her words. "I don't need to know what you think about her!"

Lucy felt a hint of blush on her cheeks, bewildered by what kind of conversation the young Italian was attempting to have with Desmond.

"Sorry." Desmond apologized before finishing his breakfast and making his way to the Animus.

"Come on, Altair." Desmond encourage, trying to take control over his body again. "We have to do this."

"Desmond?" Lucy stared at him in worry.

"Altair doesn't like the Animus." Desmond informed her with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Come on, Altair. It's going to be okay. I spent almost a whole week in the Animus before. It's not so bad."

"Some great Master Assassin." Shaun muttered from his corner.

Lucy was glad Shaun's back was turned for the look Desmond gave the man would have killed on impact.

Sitting down in the chair, Desmond tried to relax as Rebecca hooked him up.

"Good luck." She smiled at him as the room blotched out of existence.

---

Desmond had thought full synchronization with Ezio would have made his journey through the Animus easier, but he had been wrong. Ezio did not give Desmond control as often as Desmond felt he needed and the Italian's emotions seemed to reach all the way to the bone. He could feel the roller coaster ride of feelings the younger Assassin felt and the frequent dips into depression thanks to the loss of his father. Rage boiled up with each vengeful act of violence and Desmond wasn't sure if he was solving Ezio's problem or making it worse.

"Maybe revenge isn't the answer, Ezio." He commented as they made their way towards the villa. "Maybe, it's what's making you so angry all of the time."

"Stai zitto." Ezio hissed, stepping quicker. "You do not know what you're talking about, Desmond. You did not watch your father and brothers be hanged."

"I understand your feelings." Altair cut into the conversation. "I understand the loss you feel, but Desmond is right. You should not see this as revenge. Revenge should not be your goal, but to bring peace and protect your people."

"Stai zitto!" Ezio snapped. "I don't need to be told how to feel!"

Desmond and Altair gave up on reasoning with the young Assassin, but by morning Ezio apologized.

"You are right." He confessed reluctantly. "Revenge should not be what I seek, but...it is so hard..."

"I know. Revenge is a honeyed poison. It tastes sweet, but it will always destroy you."

Altair's words always made Desmond's chest tighten. Ever since running from Abstergo, Desmond swore his connection with Altair was far closer than best friends. It felt more like they were brothers and Desmond secretly wished he never had to say good-bye.

"We're pulling you out, Desmond." Lucy informed him over the microphone.

White blocked out all sight and then he was pushing himself out of the Animus.

"Ugh..." He groaned. "I don't feel so good."

"Come on." Lucy waved him to follow her. "Let's see how you've improved."

"All right." He stood, trying to get blood flow back into his fingers and toes. "Wait. Altair? Ezio? You there?"

The three others in the room looked up from their work to stare at him.

"Okay." He nodded. "I'm ready."

"Desmond." Lucy walked up to him. "You can't use them to do this. They need to go back to their memories."

"They're just going to help me get used to it in real life."

She nodded, but she didn't trust him, making a mental note to check for any changes in personality while he was training.

"This way."

They found themselves in the garage and she asked him to set up their defense system.

Following Altair's instructions Desmond began to move around the facility, turning on switches and trying not to fall to his death.

"You are doing much better, fratello." Ezio commended him. "I can still feel how your body finds this unnatural. This isn't good."

"I'm not built for this." Desmond said, not sure if he was talking to Ezio or Lucy.

"You don't need to worry about it, Desmond." Lucy said. "As long as your mind knows what to do, your body will follow."

"You could pull something." Altair told him. "You could break bones or cause serious damage to your body if it is unaccustomed to our work."

"Altair is right." Desmond stated.

"Desmond." Lucy gave him a worried look. "I don't know if you haven't figured this out yet or not, but I can't actually hear Altair. If he's talking to you, chances are I have no idea."

"Oh." Desmond rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Um, well. He said I could hurt myself if my body isn't trained right."

Lucy exhaled heavily. "Yes, that is always a possibility, but there isn't many options."

"Let us train him." Altair said, but Desmond knew Lucy couldn't hear the Syrian. "We can teach him properly."

"There isn't enough time, Altair." Desmond informed the Master Assassin. "This is the quickest way."

"You cannot cut short proper training." Altair argued. "You will damage yourself and it will all be for naught."

"I agree with Altair." Ezio put in. "You should be training here with your body, not just your mind."

"I want to, honestly, brothers." Desmond told them. "But I just don't have enough time. I'm sorry. Let me just keep training like this. I will train physically when the opportunity presents itself."

"Sorry to interrupt the conversation," Lucy stepped forward, giving Desmond a pinched-brow look. "But we should probably return to the Animus."

"Right." Desmond wished he could melt into the floor for how embarrassed he was. "Sorry."

"Yeah, try to hold those conversations in private. It's a little creepy."

"Yeah...I can imagine."

"She's rude." Altair grumbled.

"She's feisty." Ezio corrected. "There is a difference."

"I don't like this 'feisty'."

"That only means you don't know how to handle a woman."

Desmond was sure if the two had been tangible, Ezio would have been punched.

"You are a foul vulgar degenerate." Altair snapped at the other Assassin. "I swear by the Creed, you do not deserve the title of Assassin."

"Easy, Altair." Desmond quickly tried to get between the two. "He's just poking fun. He doesn't mean anything by it."

Ezio was already insulted though and Desmond was too late.

"I think our caro fratello is lacking as a man." Ezio seethed. "Clearly he has no confidence in his verile."

"Ezio!" Desmond grabbed hold of the younger Assassin's shirt. "Shut up! You're going to piss..."

"You are a pretentious, conceited, and gaudy waste of the Creed." Altair shot back, anger flaring up after so many hours putting up with Ezio's extravagant personality, which was the complete opposite of himself. "Why anyone would think to give you a blade is beyond me."

"Altair!" Desmond shoved his hand against the Syrian's chest. "S-stop!"

"This coming from you?" Ezio laughed mirthlessly. "I've seen Desmond's memories of you. Your head was so full of yourself I'm sure it was your own image you used to get off to!"

"Ezio!"

"I've never held the arrogance you hold!" Altair roared. "You think every woman kisses your feet and every man holds jealousy for the very breath you breathe. You are wrong! It is only your imagination that makes you believe woman crave you and men envy you! All women see in you are the coins in your pocket!"

"Why you piccolo bastardo!"

"Stop!" Desmond shouted, shoving them away from each other and hoping they didn't draw blades.

Abruptly, he realized what he was doing and released them, stepping back as he did. His shock prevented him from seeing the two Assassins falling unceremoniously forward to the ground.

"Where are we?" He asked as the two Assassins groaned, picking themselves up and scowling at each other before glancing around.

"This is where we go when you sleep." Altair informed the young man playing host to them.

"You don't go back to Masyaf and the villa?" Desmond asked in disbelief.

"No." Ezio shrugged. "We get to put up with each other and Altair's memories of women, which I'm sure he threatened in order to bed."

"I swear by the Creed I'm going to kill you." Altair reached for the Italian, but Desmond stopped him.

"But why am I here?" Desmond asked, trying to keep them from arguing again.

"I don't know." Ezio shrugged. "You weren't here last night. Lucky you."

Desmond frowned. "If I'm sleeping, that means I passed out without even making it up the stairs. Great. Like I needed to be worried over by the others any more."

"Wake up then." Altair waved him to do so, clearly wanting the outside world to draw their focus away from each other.

Desmond hesitated before closing his eyes and trying to wake up. When his eyes opened, however, he found he hadn't awakened.

"What the?" He gazed at the two perplexed Assassins. "Wait. Why can't I wake up?"

He tried again, but still failure.

"Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!"

Another attempt was met with the same result.

"No!" His hands flew to his head, gripping it in horror. "I can't wake up!"

---

Altair sat still enough to be a statue. Ezio was pacing around in front of him, face pinched in thought and worry. Desmond was sitting beside Altair, sweating and exhausted.

What felt like an hour had passed and the Assassin-in-training had yet to get himself out of the world they'd found themselves trapped in. Though Ezio and Altair were sure Desmond was merely sleeping, they were constantly worried they were wrong. What if something worse had happened? Altair knew of people who'd received serious damage to their head. They'd fall asleep and never wake up. Desmond explained this was called a coma and could happen to anyone. Sometimes people could wake up from it, but sometimes they never would. The mentioning of this possibility had caused Desmond quite some distress and he had fallen silent soon after.

He had yet to speak again.

Ezio muttered a curse and spun on his heel to pace away from them. Altair glanced at his descendant, concerned and at a loss for what to do.

"Perhaps, you will wake soon." Altair suggested.

"What if I never do?" Desmond mumbled. "The Templars could win. I mean, I'm sure I'm not going to be a huge help, but every little bit helps. What if they win? What if they..."

"The world is full of questions." Altair told him. "And possibilities. There is still some time."

"There isn't enough of it."

"Stand, Desmond." Ezio commanded, strutting towards them. "I've managed to replicate Monteriggioni."

Desmond's eyes focused ahead and his mouth dropped at the sight. "How did you do that?"

"I figured out how to access your genetic memory." Ezio shrugged. "The same way you send us information about your world, I guess. I simply got it to exist here. While I can't help you out, I can teach you to be an Assassin."

Desmond gaped at the Italian in shock. "That's...amazing, Ezio."

"Of course, caro fratello." Ezio grinned proudly.

"You will need weapons as well for your training in fighting." Altair sighed as he stood and reached down a hand to help his descendant stand. "I'll see if I can't acquire some for you. Ezio, brother, if you would."

"Certo." Ezio placed a hand upon Desmond's back and began to move the man towards the city sprawled out before them. "Try to keep up, va bene?"

"Okay."

Desmond nodded and waited for Ezio to start before beginning to follow him. He wasn't nearly as good at free-running as Ezio was, but found he was picking up on the skill much quicker than he had anticipated. For some reason, after a few minutes of lagging and causing Ezio to mock him in laughter, he began to figure out the flow. He couldn't get hurt here. His several falls had proven this much to him. He could practice working on his own without relying on Ezio's guidance and skill to carry him through. Each leap and bound carried him closer to becoming a true Assassin and his confidence boosted as they ran the city.

After a while, Ezio paused and pointed to Altair, who was waving them to the training ring.

"I believe he's gotten the weapons you need." Ezio commented, waving back at the Master Assassin. "This will be good training for the both of us."

"Learning from the Great Altair." Desmond shrugged. "I never thought I'd find myself here."

Ezio grinned, putting an arm around the other. "Well, here you are. Let us go train, amico."

"Lead the way."

The Italian took off towards the training grounds and Desmond followed, keeping up better than he had ever hoped to.

"You are looking better." Altair informed Desmond when they arrived at the ring. "Let us now work on your fighting skills."

The hours began to roll by, Desmond astounded by how much he could learn in this world where none of them could get hurt. He was able to, as they found, perform a full kill without harming either of the Assassins, much to their amazement. The assassinations began to pile as he learned how to do aerial kills, kills from a hiding spot, and kills from below. He studied the art of the blade, downloading information from the two Assassins' training and putting it into use. They ran the cities of Monteriggioni, Jerusalem, Florence, Masyaf, Venice, and Damascus. He felt stronger than he had ever felt. He was more confident in his skills now than he had ever been while Altair or Ezio hosted him. For the first time since this madness had begun, he felt sure of himself.

"You are waking." Altair grabbed onto Desmond's arm, giving him a sure nod. "I can tell. You awake."

"I'll put this into good use." Desmond informed the two Assassins. "I won't let you down."

"We believe in you." Ezio grinned profusely.

"Safety and peace, brother." Altair pressed his right hand to his chest.

"To you as well." Desmond replied, mimicking the Master Assassin's actions.

Then his eyes opened.

---

Desmond wasn't too surprised to see Lucy gazing down at him in worry. This changed when she told him he'd suddenly fallen only a few moments ago rather than the hours it had seemed.

"You hit your head pretty hard." Lucy told him. "Do you want to go lie down?"

He shook his head, feeling the ache from where his head had slammed against the wall.

"I'm good." He said, standing. "I think I'm going to practice a little longer though. I don't think the Animus is good for me."

"Desmond, we're running out of time." Lucy stated. "You can't be wasting it by..."

"I need the exercise, Lucy." Desmond insisted. "Or all this training is for nothing."

"You have a half hour." Her eyes told him she was serious.

Sighing, he turned and began to practice what he had learned while 'sleeping'.

"Strange." Altair's voice whispered across his ear as Desmond balanced on a beam. "I swore you were sleeping."

"I was, sort of." Desmond replied. "But Shaun says the brain works really fast. Maybe, we were just moving faster than my body. It could be. None of us were in control of me right then because we were all in my head...damn, that sounds weird."

"It is weird, amico." Ezio chuckled. "But we're getting used to it. You shouldn't return to this Animus, Desmond. You should train with us. You will do much better, my friend."

"I think they want us to find something." Desmond admitted. "That's why they're having me link up with you Ezio, not Altair. They want me to find something that happened in your early life. I don't know what, but it's clearly important."

Altair gave a growl. "They are using you like the Templars did then?"

"It's not the same." Desmond argued. "They asked me."

"In a way, I suppose." Desmond imagined the Master Assassin shrugging. "But it'd be more accurate to say they forced you. They used guilt and tricks to get you to follow their instructions."

"You're too paranoid, Altair." Desmond argued.

"They made you?" Ezio put in, surprised. "Desmond! This isn't good! This Bleeding Affect sounds bad! It doesn't seem good for you."

"It isn't, technically." Desmond informed him. "But it's the quickest way to become an Assassin."

"This is not how one becomes an Assassin." Altair snapped and Desmond didn't miss the anger. "This is an insult to our Creed."

"Sorry." Desmond whispered.

"I am not angry at you, brother, but at those putting you through this." Altair grumbled, trying to conceal his fury. "They call themselves our brothers and sisters, yet they perform such heresy to the Creed. It is an insult to all we stand for. Regardless, I will assist you, though I recommend we abandon this Animus and continue your training outside with your true body. If it is possible to reach you while you sleep, we can train you in this state and you can practice while awake."

"Sounds good to me." Desmond nodded. "But I don't think the others will agree."

"Scopare loro." Ezio spat the words. "We don't need them, Desmond."

"Like I said," Desmond sighed, exasperated. "They're looking for something. I'm sure of it and I bet it's important."

"Probably." Ezio shrugged. "But who cares, amico? We should focus on what is good for you instead. The rest will fall into place."

"We'll see."

Desmond wasn't going to hold his breath. Though he knew Lucy was on his side and he had a good feeling about Rebecca as well (he couldn't say the same for Shaun), he knew the three were more interested in stopping the Templars than helping Desmond. Helping him was merely a perk to their true goal. If he became an Assassin then they had one more person to fight the Templars.

There wasn't really anything else to it.

---

Desmond sat in the Animus while Rebecca loaded him up. In his head he could hear the complaints of both of his ancestors, neither happy with his decision to merely go with the flow.

"If what you've said is true," Rebecca was saying. "Then we should be able to fast forward you to a later memory."

"The one you need." Desmond stated and noticed the nervousness Rebecca displayed. "I already know you're looking for something. If we can skip to it then let's. I don't like the idea of being in the Animus. Neither does Altair nor Ezio."

"Desmond, you could fall out of sync with Ezio." Lucy explained. "We need to be careful."

"Let's get this over with." He told Rebecca and the woman gave a nod a moment before his vision blurred.

---

Desmond opened his eyes to a grand alien-looking vault with technology surpassing any he had witnessed first hand.

"What is this?" Desmond asked, mouth open wide.

"Desmond?" Ezio's voice sounded faint when the Italian spoke. "Is that really you?"

"It's me. Where are we?"

"Desmond." Ezio choked and Desmond felt a sting of pain in the back of his mind. "You...were gone...so long. I thought...perhaps you had died."

"Ezio." Desmond tried to reach for the back of his head, but the Italian remained in control of movement. "Ouch. Altair. Can you feel that?"

"I don't think you're synched fully." Rebecca cut in. "Yup. Seems you did fall out of synch. We can't access this memory without causing too much damage. I'm pulling you to an earlier memory."

Desmond began to cough as he waited for the transfer. "Ezio, what happened?"

"So much." Ezio said, but he sounded distant. "They wish to speak to you."

"Speak to me?" Desmond frowned. "Who? Who wants to speak to me?"

"Minerva." Ezio mouthed, but Desmond couldn't understand him anymore. The Italian's lips continued to move, but no sound came out.

"I can't hear you!" Desmond shouted at the other Assassin. "Wait! I can't understand you!"

"Dezmund."

"Altair?"

"Something is wrong."

"I have to pull you out of the Animus." Rebecca stated. "Something is wrong."

"What's wrong, Altair?" Desmond asked the voice echoing through his head.

"I cannot tell you." Altair whispered.

"What do you mean, you can't tell me?"

Desmond felt a flair of panic in his chest and he spun around, finally realizing he was in the loading area of the Animus. Across from Altair stood, staring at him silently with his stern features.

"Dezmund." Altair's cold tone chilled the ex-bartender. "I will show you."

"Show me what?"

"The truth."

"We're aborting again, Desmond." Rebecca informed him.

"Yes, because clearly Rebecca is not as good an engineer as she claims she is." Shaun snapped.

"Shut up, asshole." Rebecca growled.

"Dezmund."

"Altair?"

The ex-bartender stared at his ancestor with growing worry, knowing Altair had something important to share with him, which the others couldn't see.

"Trust me." Altair mumbled and the Assassin-in-training's stomach lurched as he was forced from the Animus.

"Oh, god..." Desmond leaned over his lap, feeling sick. "Let's not do that again. I don't think I can be in the Animus any longer."

"We don't have much time, Desmond." Lucy said impatiently. "We have to access that memory of Ezio's."

"Trust me." Altair's voice sounded in Desmond's head. "You must trust me, Dezmund."

"I do."

"What?" Lucy's brow pricked up as she stared at Desmond.

"I mean, I know." Desmond corrected hastily. "Sorry. I don't feel good right now."

"You should rest." Rebecca suggested.

"Rest?" Shaun scoffed. "Rebecca, we don't have time for him to be resting every two minutes! We need to locate that memory! It's important and imperative that we do and quickly!"

"And at what cost?" Rebecca stood. "Huh? I don't think you realize the kind of damage extensive use of the Animus can do to one's mind. We could kill him. We could make him go crazy. We could make him a comatose vegetable drooling over his pillow and fed through an IV."

"Thanks for the heads-up." Desmond grumbled.

"Trust me."

Desmond frowned and wished he could speak to Altair privately.

"Use your Eagle Vision." Altair instructed and the young Assassin reluctantly complied, confused and anxious.

All around him, three blue lights flickered over the ghostly figures of his comrades.

"Let go all thoughts." Altair advised him. "You must clear your mind. You must become neutral. See everyone as a potential enemy, Dezmund."

"I don't know." He unconsciously spoke aloud. "I don't know, Altair."

"Desmond?" Lucy approached him. "Why is your Eagle Vision activated?"

He closed his eyes, blocking her and the others out as he tried to obey Altair's commands.

When his eyes opened, he jumped back at the red flaring up in front of him.

"Lucy." He mumbled, staring at her in bewilderment. He couldn't move. His entire body felt stiff and tight. All of his muscles were tense and his heart was beating faster than when he had escaped Abstergo. "Lucy?"

Then he blacked out.

---

"What's wrong, Desmond?" Lucy asked, putting a hand on the man's shoulder.

His gaze dropped for a moment before lifting again and she knew Desmond no longer controlled his body. He stood, shoving her away from him, and glared at her as if she was the greatest evil he had ever witnessed.

"Des..." She hesitated, before guessing, "Altair?"

"How long have you served the Templars?" Altair asked, accusation on his tongue.

"I was a mole for years." Lucy explained hastily, baffled by the Assassin's glare. "About twelve now."

Altair's eyes were livid. "You have betrayed the Assassins for how many years now?"

"Betrayed?" She gaped at him, aware he'd seen through her, but she couldn't see how he was able to while Desmond had failed to. "I don't think you understand the term 'mole', Altair. I'm a spy inside of Abstergo, that place you escaped from with Desmond. Well, I was, but I'm not anymore."

"You're right." Altair nodded. "You are no longer a spy for the Assassins within Abstergo, but a spy for the Templars within the Brotherhood."

"This is crazy." Shaun argued, stepping forward, but a scowl from Altair gave him pause. "You have no proof."

"I see with my eyes what you fail to." Altair stated as if this was enough proof. "She is a traitor to our kind."

"That's a serious allegation." Rebecca put in. "We'd need more proof than...what you say you see."

Altair's eyes narrowed and he took a step back from the three. "You are hurting Dezmund. You do not care how much you hurt him. You see him only as a means to an end. You do not realize how badly you are ruining him. She does not care."

He pointed at Lucy with a fierce glare on his features.

"I will not permit you to harm him any further." Altair stated. "I will not let my line die with him."

"Wait." Lucy took a step towards him. "Altair! You don't realize how important this is! We have to find this memory before the Templars do! If we don't..."

"If we do, you will successfully bring the information to the Templars." Altair interrupted. "And they will be one step closer than we are."

"You're wrong, Altair." She argued. "We..."

"You are a traitor." Altair snapped. "I do not trust you. Your words mean nothing to me."

"Hold on." Shaun tried to get the Assassin see reason. "What are you planning on doing?"

Altair inhaled and then turned to bolt from the room, figuring this would be answer enough.

"Ezio." He called as he rushed from the building with Lucy screaming after him. "You know this Italia. You can take us someplace safe?"

"Monteriggioni." Ezio answered. "I will show you the way."

"Lead on, brother."

As Ezio took over, the Italian asked, "What of Desmond? Do you believe he is all right?"

Altair hesitated in answer. "He has taken Lucy's betrayal terribly. I am not sure."

"Take care of him." Ezio ordered. "And, if you can, give me information about his world."

"I will do what I can."

The Syrian made no promises, well aware they had little hope of survival without the assistance of the other Assassins and Desmond.

---

It had only been a few hours since Altair and Ezio's escape from the Brotherhood headquarters and already they had slowed to a walk. Altair was constantly digging through Desmond's stored knowledge of the world, eventually figuring out they needed money and a train ticket. After acquiring both and finding themselves aboard a night train to a city near Monteriggioni, Ezio finally voiced a particular concern.

"I need to relieve myself." He whispered to Altair after ensuring no passengers were close enough to hear him.

"I believe I saw a sign for what Desmond calls a restroom." Altair said simply. "It was near the entrance."

"That is not the problem." Ezio informed the Syrian as he made his way towards the indicated compartment. "This is not my body and, to be honest, I do not feel comfortable...t-touching it."

Altair scoffed. "How old are you again?"

"A lot older than we last met, Altair." Ezio snarled. "Twenty years older to be exact."

Altair snorted his amusement. "I honestly couldn't tell."

"Stronzo." Ezio hissed as he slid into the restroom. "Wake Desmond."

"He will not wake." Altair informed the Italian. "You will have to perform the necessary duty without him."

Ezio cursed. "It is not so easy."

"I do not see your problem."

"Well, if you have no problem with it, you do it." Ezio snapped irritably.

"I am not in control."

"Thaen be in control." Ezio offered. "I am more than willing to let you."

Altair immediately changed tactics. "You should stay in control since you are the one who knows your way around Italy."

"And not a man's body." Ezio shot back. "You are the older of us."

"I believe you just admitted you were twenty years my senior."

"I thought you beat me by three hundred." Ezio countered.

"Would you finish your business quickly?" Altair encouraged. "If you are over and done with it as quickly as possible, we can return to our seats and forget this ever happened."

Ezio grumbled, but proceeded to undo Desmond's pants since indeed there was no other way around this situation they were in.

"I swear when Desmond wakes I am giving him a talking to." Ezio muttered as he exited the restroom. "This has been nearly traumatizing."

"Are you sure you want to inform him of your molestation of his body?" Altair inquired sardonically, causing Ezio's face to burn with embarrassment.

"I swear I'm going to kill you if I can just figure out how." Ezio huffed as he took his seat.

"I'm sure you would if you could."

"Dannatamente ragione vorrei."

---

Ezio exited the train station and hailed a cab. It took some convincing and a lot of money waving, but he was able to ensure a ride to Monteriggioni. Once there, he made little work at all of reaching Villa Auditore.

"What..." He stared at the damaged property in surprise. "What happened here?"

"It's been six hundred years since you were here last." Altair informed the Italian. "I can only imagine."

Sighing, Ezio attempted to get inside the Sanctuary, but upon failure realized he needed to enter through the underground.

"This is a maze of traps." Altair gazed over their predicament. "Ezio. I do not think we can do this alone."

"What other options do we have?" Ezio asked in irritation. "There are not a lot of other safe places I can think of. I don't know if you realize this yet, but I haven't lived through my entire life yet through the Animus. I'm sure I'm missing information."

"If we were not so far away from Masyaf I would suggest we go there." Altair sighed.

"Last I heard the fortress stood unoccupied." Ezio informed the Syrian. "And that was six hundred years ago. You believe the villa looks bad? I can only imagine Masyaf."

Altair frowned. "As can I."

They continued to stare at the puzzle before them before Altair prodded Ezio to begin.

"We will not learn if it is impossible or not unless we try."

"To luck then." Ezio held up his hand as if in toast.

"To luck, brother."

---

"We are stuck." Altair grumbled as he leaped once more from the water towards the ledge, only to fail again. "We are stuck, Ezio!"

"Questo è il peggiore." Ezio regained control and swam towards the other side of the basin they'd landed themselves in. "Of all the places to get stuck in, we're in the fogna dannate."

"The what?" Altair snapped irritably.

"The sewers."

"We're in the what?"

"I already told you, grullo." Ezio wiped a hand over his face after pulling himself from the water. "Dannazione. I don't know how we're getting out of here, fratello."

Altair involuntarily shuddered and Ezio winced at the abrupt take-over.

"Ugh..." Altair complained. "It's getting more and more difficult for this body to differentiate between who is in control."

Ezio grimaced. "Yes. I noticed. It is also becoming easier and easier for us to switch between control. It used to be a bit of a struggle."

"Without Desmond to mediate between us, perhaps..." Altair wasn't sure he wanted to finish the thought, but it seemed Ezio understood.

"We have to wake him up."

"We have to get somewhere safe first."

"We cannot." Ezio argued, motioning towards the black water. "Unless we manage to become two people, it is impossible."

Altair peered around, gears in his mind turning rapidly in an attempt to figure out what to do.

"This is impossible."

"It can't be." Ezio rubbed his arms, feeling the chill of the underground wrap around him. "Come. We must try again."

"I hate the water." Altair muttered as he moved towards the edge.

Ezio frowned again. "Altair...we have to be more careful. You cannot simply take control whenever you see fit. I have a bad feeling about this becoming too easy. It could wipe Desmond...it could erase...and maybe we'll become stuck here with him, unable to return to our lives."

"They're just memories." Altair tried to explain as Desmond had for him. "They're memories of a life already complete."

"I don't care." Ezio shot back. "When they pushed him to the later memory, I lost you both. I returned to my life. I lived through it. When he returned, I was...I was shocked and...admittedly, happy. I thought he had gone for good. I thought I would never hear from him or experience his life again. We are meant to help him. Minerva was proof enough."

"Explain this Minerva." Altair suggested.

"In due time, Altair." Ezio agreed. "But we must get Desmond to safety first."

"Very well." Altair nodded. "Lead on."

Ezio thought about commenting over Altair's take-over, but decided against it. It was only natural to move with one's speech and the ease for which they were swapping places was inevitable. He simply hoped they made it to the Sanctuary and awakened Desmond in time before the three of them were lost.

"Let's try again."

---

Ezio lied down on the stone floor of the Sanctuary, out of breath and exhausted. Their journey through the underground had been tasking by all means of the word, leaving the young Assassin unsure of his own training. They had surpassed what they had thought feasibly possible with a body unaccustomed to their work and two minds floundering through the dark. Without light, it had been a challenging and stressful experience the Italian was reluctant to relive.

"We should...open the Sanctuary." Altair gasped out, taking control over Ezio's voice.

"Too tired." Ezio breathed. "So tired."

"Then I will move us."

Altair grasped control over Desmond's body, but rethought his initial intentions.

"Never mind." He slouched against the floor. "Desmond's body is not prepared for this."

"We will train him." Ezio stated factually. "We will train his body until we can awaken him."

"Ezio." Altair's tone sent worry fluttering through the Italian's stomach. "What if he never wakes?"

The Italian grimaced. "We will protect him even if he doesn't. It is our duty."

Altair sighed. "I am not so sure. I believe one's duty to their descendants ends once they have died and you and I have been dead for many years. It is not exactly...fair or right of us to interfere in his life."

"Shame on you, Altair." Ezio scowled, sitting up. "Desmond is our descendant. He asked for our help. We gave it to him. We cannot abandon him because of some sudden moral change of heart. He needs us. More than ever now that he is asleep. We must provide him with the aid he requires. Come. Let me try to speak to you of this Minerva. Perhaps you can make sense of her words."

---

"She seems to be a prophet." Altair mumbled, rubbing at the back of his head.

"Yet she called me the prophet." Ezio elaborated. "It was through me a message was to be delivered to Desmond. It was the purpose of my life."

"I do not believe in a life predestined." Altair argued. "We make our own destinies."

"Perhaps." Ezio shrugged. "I have come to terms with my experience. If it can save mankind from this calamity to befall us here then I am more than pleased with the life I had lived, even if it was merely for the purpose of delivering a message."

Altair grimaced. "I would not be satisfied with such an existence. I would want my own life to hold more purpose."

"Mine did." Ezio argued. "It held a lot more purpose. It stopped the Templars and then it served to stop the Templars in the future, long past my life's end. It will also serve to save this world. I can find no fault with how my life was spent."

Altair felt a jab of guilt. "And mine was ultimately used to assist the Templars. Through my memories, they learned of the locations of more Apples. Was this the purpose of my life? To assist the Templars in the end? To be the demise of this world?"

Ezio reached out a hand as if to comfort the other Assassin before remembering he was not there.

"Perhaps it is merely fate letting us all stand on equal footing."

"It is not fair to the whole for those wishing ill-will to possess the power of the Apple." Altair snarled. "It puts us all on uneven footing."

"True." Ezio mumbled. "Perhaps it is for the sake of Desmond."

"For his sake?" Altair scoffed. "How so?"

"This is his life." Ezio explained. "This is his journey. His life and journey require conflict in order for him to grow as a man and as an Assassin. Perhaps it is for his sake the Templars now possess the ability to access more Apples."

"I see." Altair shrugged. "Perhaps. Regardless, it does not leave me satisfied with my life."

Ezio made no comment as he finally stood. "Let us get something to eat."

"I agree with this plan." Altair nodded. "I am starving."

"Let me do the talking." Ezio insisted. "The last thing we need is for you to mess up your Italiano and draw suspicion."

"We are buying the food?" Altair sounded shocked. "I believe to keep from drawing suspicion, we should not interact with the town's people. Monterigioni is not a big city."

Ezio grimaced. "Perhaps you are right."

"I am."

Scowling, the Italian slipped out of the Sanctuary and into the ruined office which had once been Mario's study.

"Oh, my poor villa." He swept saddened eyes over the degraded interior before checking the sky. "It is still dark. We should hurry."

"Lead the way, brother."

An alarm and a mad dash back to the villa later found the Italian pressed against a wall of the Sanctuary, panting and laughing.

"Who knew they had such obnoxious parrots guarding their stores?" He chuckled, wiping the tears from his eyes.

"I do not believe that terrible noise came from a parrot." Altair grumbled, reaching for the small pile of food they'd managed to snag before rushing back to safety. "What on earth kind of food is this?"

"I have no idea." Ezio read the instructions to one of the packages. "What is this microwave?"

"I do not know."

"This needs hot water only." Ezio opened the package. "We should build a fire."

"Let us build it in the tunnels." Altair suggested. "To keep the Sanctuary free of smoke."

"Good advice."

"What shall we boil the water in?" Altair asked as he peered around the room for a pot he knew he would not find.

"Good point." Ezio frowned. "And what water?"

"Not from the sewers." Altair snarled.

"I wouldn't dream it."

"Good." Altair hesitated before looking at the package. "Can we eat it without the water?"

"It appears to be only dry noodles with seasoning and...dried vegetables." Ezio shrugged. "I do not see why we cannot."

"Then let's." Altair urged the other. "My stomach aches."

"Your stomach?" Ezio snorted and the two shared an anxious laugh. "Here's to good eating."

"Let us hope."

"This tastes terrible." Ezio wrinkled his nose. "Too much salt or...it is awful."

"We have bread at least." Altair motioned to the loaf they had snatched. "But we cannot waste any of this food."

"When in famine, waste not." Ezio sighed. "We are not in famine, Altair. Let's get something different."

"No." Altair argued. "We do not have the time to waste."

"You sound like..."

"Don't you even dare finish that sentence."

Ezio decided he was best not upsetting the Syrian.

"You eat it, Altair." Ezio insisted. "I cannot. I am accustomed to much better taste."

"Spoiled pompous brat." Altair muttered as he lifted the dried noodles to his lips.

"Well?"

"It is amazing!" Altair gaped at the food. "But how? There is so much salt, but it tastes incredible."

"Well, considering the desert food you grew up on, I am not surprised."

Altair muttered several curses in Arabic while Ezio laughed at him.

"Still," Altair began to eat the noodles quickly, ravenous from their long journey. "This is quite good. I do not understand your dislike for it."

Ezio shrugged helplessly. "We clearly have different tastes."

Once Altair had finished the noodles, he insisted they sleep.

"This body is exhausted." Altair explained to a nervous Ezio. "While our minds may not grow so, this body does. It is not healthy for Desmond to work without sleep. We must let his body rest or it will weaken rather than strengthen."

Ezio consented. "But we must wake often. I do not trust this place."

Altair agreed and took a seat between the statue of himself and the wall where he could keep an eye on both exits to the Sanctuary.

"Sleep well." Ezio yawned.

"You as well, brother."

---

This is the first ten chapters combined of the original Animus Vox. I hope you enjoy. :)