Again, I'm sorry for the late update. Same reason. I think I'll only be able to update on weekends. Well, enjoy.
Layala was not expecting to wake up inside a hay stack or to the sound of merchants shouting too-well known lines. She slowly moved her fingers, then her arms. While doing so, she felt her hand brush against something warm. Leaving the stack, she looked around, and froze. Around her stood old-looking, sandy buildings, people glanced at her, chatting between them and disappearing around the corner.
Right then, Afya emerged from the hay and had the exact same reaction as her twin. The girls shared a look. They were both covered in hay, which they quickly brushed off. They slowly retrieved their bags and intertwined their hands. Bravely, they left the alley they were currently in.
The sun beat down on their heads as they incredulously climbed a ladder. Turning around on the rooftop, the Poor District of Acre lay before their eyes. It was not their parkour terrain, it was bustling with activity, and the crowd's clothes were certainly more… antiquated than the twin's. Still stunned, they whistled. Not from amazement, God no, but to call their ravens. Half-expecting the birds not to appear, they were met with the flapping of wings and Cas and Gabe's claws on their padded shoulders. Eyes-wide, Afya spoke up:
- I think someone might have heard us last night…
- Are you sure we're not...- Layala started.
-Nope, it's real. - retorted her sister, cutting the word "dreaming".
-Do you think Altair will be here?
-I hope so.
Out of excitement, they grinned. Not knowing where to start, they searched the rooftops, trying to localize themselves. When they had packed the essential, it had included anything that might be helpful in Assassin's Creed I. Nothing out of the ordinary, just a map of the cities, a time line, a list of all of Altair's targets… No, that just came with their home made encyclopedia.
It was a red binder with various sections, containing all there was to know about Altair, his targets, the timeline, the cities… etc. All written in old Arab, as their Foreign Languages teacher had insisted in helping them write and speak Arab. It was, after all, their home language.
The twins grabbed Acre's map and looked around, then at the map. The Bureau should be a hundred meters southeast. Moving quickly, they made their way through the roofs and stopped at the entrance, unsure of their next step. The girls didn't see Altair outside, and they didn't hear any voices inside either. So the next step was searching the entire city for a white hooded man with an anomalous quantity of blades with him.
They started at the Port area, but found nothing there. They avoided streets and guards alike, not wanting to attract special attention. Afya had suggested they find normal clothes, but Layala had categorically refused. There was no way in hell she was wearing a skirt and tunic. They decided to check the Hospital in the poor district. Halfway there, they heard a woman shouting for help. They knew the cries all too well. Layala immediately jumped off the building and her blade cut through the first guard it met. She was not letting that woman be abused by some drunken soldiers. Her fury fuelled her fight and, alongside her sister, who had come to help, they finished the guards. They did not even blink at all the blood. They had seen too many times to care.
The woman they had saved spoke to them in Arab:
-Such young children, you have my many thanks. If you hadn't come along... – she shook her head- The city will know of your good deed. But you should be at home sewing and cleaning, what of your parents? - Both girls cringed.
-We're looking for them, could you help us? - Afya readily said.
-Of course, but let us move away before the guard see you. –As they did, the sisters saw the woman looking sideways at them. Of course, she had never seen oddly dressed girls fighting like that. - Who are you searching for?
- Humm… We're looking for a man… he's kind of very tall and well built.
- He always has his head covered with a white hood. Maybe you heard the tales of saved citizens?
-My friends have heard that tale. They say he is like a white shadow that looms over the town, waiting to strike. Rumors from travelling men say he has killed in other cities. Is he the one you're searching?
-Yep, that's the guy. - Layala said.
-You should go to the Hospital; I hear he does not appreciate Templars. The Naplouse is surely one man he will not stand alive.
-You mean Garnier de Naplouse?
-Correct. - The woman gazed at them.
-We will go there. Thank you for your help.
-Good luck, and thank you for yours.
The trio departed. But just as the twins climbed the hospital walls, the bells from the tower sounded. It was the emergency sound, and they knew what it meant. Knowing that the Assassin had to run, hide and wait, Layala and Afya made their way to the Bureau as quickly as their legs carried them. Right outside, they heard someone shouting across the rooftops.
They gulped as they saw guards surround and attack Altair. He was looking bad, and was severely beaten up. The twins were scared out of their wits. They didn't know if they should help or let Altair handle it. They shooed away Cas and Gabe and Afya took out her blade and jumped across the roofs. Layala followed her, hoping this was not a bad move.
The Assassin was not doing so well, as the guards number was increasing continuously. He froze as two shadows passed from behind, on each of his sides, and threw themselves at the guards. His pause was only momentary, and he quickly slashed a guard that was coming at him. With the backup, the battle ended and he had the time to turn around and see who had helped him. He was not expecting to see two identical young girls yielding blades, and wearing trousers (remember this is Israel), looking back at him. Their expressions were a mix of relief, fear and awe.
They stayed in silence for a long time, before speaking at the same time:
-Who are you?
-Are you alright?
Altair straightened up, looking down at both girls, and repeated:
-Who are you? - The girls shared a glance.
-My name is Layala, and this is my sister Afya.
Moon and shadows… Altair thought. The one who had spoken had white bands around her wrists, while her sister had black ones. That was the only difference between them as far as he could tell. He was about to ask some more questions when he remembered his mission. Glancing at the girls and signaling them to follow, he made his way to the Bureau. He wasn't sure it was a good idea to lead them there but he couldn't think of anywhere else.
Upon entering the Bureau, the Rafiq immediately looked up from his work. The man's eyes visibly widened when he saw the two girls with Altair:
-Altair, who is that? – He asked, clearly puzzled.
-This is Layala and Afya. - The Assassin motioned them to come forward. - They… came to my aid when I was in difficulty.
-You two… umm, have our thanks. But tell us what your goals are. It is not normal to see two young girls yielding blades.
The twins looked between themselves. Should they tell the Assassins? No, they probably wouldn't believe them. But, helping Altair did sound like a good idea, but they had to prove their usefulness. Indicating where the targets were and how to strike was a possibility, but that would arouse too much suspicion. Nonetheless they should try:
-We are here to help you on the Hunt for the Nine.
Tell me what do you think, what is wrong, should I go on…etc. Bye for now!