Chapter Seven: Silentio Seconds

Desmond was glad they returned to Masyaf a few days later, though mostly eager to get another mission and be on his way again. Karim parted ways with Desmond at the stables and Desmond took the time then to speak with Shezan.

"What do you think of Karim?" Desmond asked as he and the young man removed the tack from their horses.

Shezan instantly tensed, but answered regardless. "He is looked upon highly by most of the other Assassins."

Desmond smiled a little. "Your opinion, Shezan, not the opinions of others."

Shezan set aside the saddle and pad and reached for a rag to wipe the sweat from his horse's back. "Karim is an exceptional Assassin. Of this there is no doubt, but...he pushes strong against our Mentor's command and he is arrogant."

Desmond nodded slowly. "I had gathered as much."

"He is not a bad person, I don't believe." Shezan mumbled. "But It would make sense to worry about him. He...can be dangerous since so many look up to him."

"Do you believe he would join Abbas should Abbas take a stand against Altair?"

Shezan pursed his lips. "Probably."

"I see."

Desmond finished with his horse and left to seek out the Mentor, only to find Karim had reached him first. staying at the bottom of the stairs, he listened to their argument grow more and more heated.

"He is inept." Karim was snarling. "How he is a Master is beyond me!"

"He is a Master for a reason, I assure you." Altair replied back, his voice revealing how hard it was for him not to snap at the other Assassin. "And you will respect him as such."

"His whole purpose of being there was to humiliate me."

"No. It was to help you, Karim."

The Assassin let out a scoff. "I do not need help from an idiot and a fool!"

"You may take guard duty tonight on the first and second watch at the top of the tower." Altair demanded abruptly, finishing the conversation. "You are dismissed."

"As you wish, Mentor."

Desmond ascended the stairs, running into Karim on the way. Karim's head rose and his eyes were wide upon realizing Desmond had heard the conversation. He passed by without a word and ignored Desmond clear attempt to make conversation.

"I warned you to be wary of his pride." Altair grumbled when Desmond reached the top of the stairs.

"He is not proud, but arrogant." Desmond related their conversation during the night and Shezan's own words concerning the matter. "I believe Shezan. If Abbas were to rise against you, he has a faithful follower."

Altair ran a hand over his tired face and rested in his chair. "I have another task for you, Desmond, but I assure you it will not be as entertaining as the last."

"Anything I can do to help is a reward."

"You may not think so by the end of this.

"This is ridiculous." Karim complained as the two men wandered out on foot into the wilderness surrounding Masyaf. "Why are we doing this again?"

"We are inspecting the various safe houses we have scattered around us in case of an attack." Desmond replied. "We will need these safe houses ready for civilians should they need a place to hide."

"Masyaf is not entirely built for escaping, but defending." Karim argued.

"Look, Karim." Desmond sighed, tugging his hood over his eyes further. "We are going to be stuck together for the next couple of weeks without contact with anyone else. We may as well get along."

"And this is why the Master insisted we go together?" Karim snapped.

"It was my idea." Desmond lied. "He wished me to inspect the houses and I chose to have you come along with me instead of leaving you to him."

Karim didn't respond immediately. "Why?"

"I figured we could get to know each other and we have no deep wounds with one another as you do with Altair."

"You want to be friends?" Karim scoffed.

"Yes."

Karim fell instantly into silence and did not try to make further conversation for several hours as they traveled to the first safe house.

The safe house was a large building hidden in a small valley between the steep mountains. Desmond first ensured the road was still accessible to man and beast alike before heading towards the building itself.

"Are you not afraid of attack?" Karim asked as they approached the building.

"I am confident enough in my skills." Desmond replied.

"And you call me arrogant."

"There is a difference between arrogance and confidence." Desmond told the man. "You simply forgot where the line was."

They entered the deserted building and began to inspect it, checking for weakness in the framework and that the few supplies left at the house were well-stocked and not ruined.

"Plenty of blankets and some clothes." Desmond finished his inspection. "It seems well provided for."

"Then we are off to our next objective?"

Desmond glanced out the window at the sun already dipping low in the sky.

"We wouldn't make it before nightfall."

"Afraid of the dark, are we?"

"Not comfortable traversing steep perilous mountainsides in the middle of the night." Desmond corrected. "We'll spend the rest of the day here."

"It'll take a month to finish this mission." Karim grumbled as he exited the house to seek out some firewood.

They ate salted lamb jerky, bread, and walnuts for dinner before discussing what they would do about food once their supplies ran out, which was inevitable.

"We can always stop by the watch tower." Karim suggested. "But I advise not doing so often. We will need to provide for ourselves."

"I am not a good hunter, Karim." Desmond admitted.

"I can handle the hunting then." Karim sighed, slightly annoyed. "What do they teach you in your time?"

"Not how to hunt." Desmond assured the man. "Though I did learn as a kid. I just forgot from lack of use as an adult."

Karim's brow rose slowly, but then he shook his head. "I don't want to know."

Desmond laughed. "So, tell me more about yourself, Karim."

The man hesitated, but then consented. "What would you like to know?"

Desmond awoke to movement around him and lifted his groggy head to see Karim was already up and ready to go.

"You sleep like a baby." Karim grumbled as Desmond slowly got up. "If we don't start moving we may as well stay here."

"Uh-huh..." Desmond stretched and then began to pack up his supplies. "You could have just woke me."

"I was afraid of disturbing your sleep, Master." Karim said and then under his breath added, "For fear it would make you more cranky."

Desmond laughed. "I'm cranky? Speak for yourself."

Karim scowled and swung his pack onto his back. "Ready, Master?"

"Whenever you are."

They headed out into the wilderness for the second day in a row, Karim insistent the keep quiet for the sake of any game they may come across, though Desmond was sure it was because the man didn't want to converse with him. It didn't take long however for the silence to annoy them both enough to begin conversation. This time it was Kairm asking Desmond the questions, wanting to know where Desmond came from, what his life was like, and how he had trained to become a Master Assassin. It was clear Karim wanted to avoid any questions directed at him. He in particular seemed to want to know about Luca, much to Desmond's dismay, though he figured it was good for him to talk about it.

"Did you two love one another?" Karim asked finally.

"It wasn't a long relationship." Desmond admitted. "I'm not really sure. I cared deeply for him and had for a long time. It would have ruined me had I not been so desperate to find Ezio and Leonardo."

"You are so weak?" Karim's question made Desmond think for a little while.

"No." Desmond shook his head. "Just...easily devastated, I guess. Love is tricky. Finding it and enduring it and not letting it destroy you when it's over. It's hard."

Karim nodded slowly.

"Did you ever fall in love?" Desmond asked. "Get married...all of that?"

"No." Karim replied. "I have not been married..."

"Why?"

Karim sighed heavily. "The one I loved died during an attack on Masyaf...the one led by Haras. It was the same battle that earned Altair the title of Master."

"I am sorry." Desmond felt a surge of emotion, knowing a bit about how Karim felt to have someone they cared about killed by a traitor. "Who?"

Karim gave a sort of chuckle. "One of the men, Vahid Ahmedi, whom Haras shot with his crossbow before Altair managed to kill him."

Desmond was silenced by temporary shock and then he turned to face Karim to see if he was serious. He was surprised when he saw Karim was.

"I am sorry." Desmond repeated.

"I felt it was a sign from God." Karim admitted. "That to seek after men was a sin and I had been punished for it."

Desmond shook his head. "It's not a sin..."

"You can say this though you too lost your love?" Karim's brow rose.

Desmond frowned. "You have a point, but I'm not really religious, Karim."

"I figured as much."

They fell silent as they continued their descent to the next safe house, but Karim stopped them at the foot of the cliff.

"Someone is here." He motioned to the windows, one of which had been pried open. "Master?"

Desmond narrowed his eyes and then motioned a command to sneak up to the window and peek inside. Karim obeyed while Desmond pulled out and readied his crossbow. Abruptly a hand reached out and grabbed Karim dragging him inside, causing Desmond to shout in surprise and lose a bolt into the room. There was another yell as Desmond rushed to the window and leaped inside drawing his sword only to find Karim had his sword blade pressed to the wounded intruder's throat.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Karim snarled. "Speak quickly!"

"Cazzo." The man replied and Desmond's mouth dropped. "I don't speak this Holy Land gibberish!"

"Ezio?" Desmond asked and saw the intruder's face turn to him quickly.

"Desmond?"

Karim's eyes flicked between the two and he removed his blade from the intruder's throat slowly.

"DESMOND!" Ezio rushed to his feet and threw his arms around Desmond in a tight embrace. "By all that is holy, I am so glad to see you! I thought I was going to die out here!"

Desmond returned the embrace, nearly in tears. "My good friend! I've been wondering where you were!"

"You should have come looking for me sooner, stronzo!" Ezio laughed, pulling away to look at Desmond.

The Italian had aged some since last Desmond had seen him and there was no mistaking the gray beginning to spread through his dark hair nor the wrinkles creasing the corners of his eyes.

"You look so old!"

"Shut up, stronzo!" Ezio chuckled. "I can't believe you just shot me!"

"Oh, god..." Desmond turned his attention to the bolt sticking into Ezio's shoulder. "We...uh...we need to remove this."

"No, really?" Ezio laughed again, clearly overjoyed to not be alone any longer. "Are we near Masyaf?"

Karim tensed and turned to Desmond. "What are you two talking about?"

"Oh." Desmond had forgotten Karim was there with them, too tunnel-visioned by Ezio's arrival. "Karim, this is Ezio Auditore da Firenze, Mentor of the Italian Assassins in Roma from the future as you know." He switched to Italian. "Ezio, this is my good friend Karim Al-Nadeem."

Karim stepped forward to give a proper bow, his left hand flat to his chest to show off the missing finger and his head stooping in respect. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mentor."

Ezio returned the bow, showing off his full set of fingers which caused Karim some distress that Desmond had to explain.

"They don't have to?" Karim gaped at the men. "Then why are you missing your finger, Master?"

"Because the blade I took up was from Altair." Desmond explained. "I had no choice in the matter."

"I...see..." Karim reached for Ezio. "I'll care to his wound, but we'll have to go to Masyaf after this. He will be in need of rest and proper food."

"Yes."

Desmond pulled out some water and their other supplies.

"How long have you been out here?" Desmond asked of Ezio.

"A couple of days." Ezio replied and then frowned. "Hey...wait...I see how it is. You are anywhere and Altair and I dream of you, but me...pfft...who gives a damn?"

Desmond laughed lightly. "I had no dreams of you, but I did worry a lot."

"Bastardo."

"At least you weren't out here for too long."

"It felt like forever in this heat." Ezio grumbled. "What year am I?"

"Coming up on 1215." Desmond told the man. "What were you doing on your way here?"

"I was on a boat to the Holy Land." Ezio informed him. "I had planned on going to Masyaf to look for Altair's library, but apparently someone else had different plans."

"The library hasn't been built yet." Desmond gave Ezio an apologetic look. "Sorry, brother."

"It's fine." Ezio patted Desmond's shoulder.

"I can only do so much." Karim told Desmond as he stood. "He can receive better care in Masyaf."

"Very good. Thank you." Desmond passed Ezio a bottle of painkiller he had managed to keep from his travels in Italy. "Here."

"Thank you." Ezio sipped from it, scowling at the nasty taste. "What have you been up to?"

"Training novices and making friends." Desmond motioned to Karim. "Oh, and learning Arabic, which you'll get to do as well."

"Fantastic." Ezio grumbled, relaxing back on the ground. "Are you having fun meeting all the people from the Animus finally?"

Desmond laughed. "Malik is pretty awesome. I miss Italy though."

Karim leaned against a post, crossing his arms, and listened to them, clearly not understanding a word.

"Me too." Ezio laughed. "This place is miserable."

"It's not so bad." Desmond told him. "You'll like Masyaf."

They caught up on adventures while Karim inspected the building and its supplies before they called it a night. Ezio fell asleep quickly, exhaustion beating him into submission to sleep. Karim on the other hand had much to discuss with Desmond.

"How did he get here? Where did he come from? Why is he here? What does he want? Is he really Ezio?"

Desmond smiled at the man's barrage of questions. "You'll just have to trust me on this, Karim."

Karim sighed heavily. "Masyaf puts too much trust in foreigners claiming to be Assassins as it is."

Rolling over, Desmond faced the other man. "Ezio is a good person foremost. You can trust him to never betray our order or our secrets."

Karim stared at Desmond in silence before finally consenting to simply trust Desmond on the matter.

They gazed at one another, though they were both lost in thought, still thinking over what felt like a million things at once.

"Do you think you'll be able to love again?" Karim suddenly asked and Desmond's eyes reached the man's.

"I don't know." Desmond replied. "You?"

"I have no idea."

"Yeah..."

They ended any further attempts at conversation and tried their best to fall asleep amid those million thoughts.

The following day found the trio of Assassins on their way to Masyaf, Ezio needing several breaks along the way. The journey was fairly quick however, despite this, and they arrived around noon. They were met with suspicion, as Desmond expected, but Abbas reached them before Altair could.

"Another foreigner is given such easy access to our walls." Abbas glared at Ezio, whom was holding his wounded shoulder. "How are we to know he isn't an enemy come to steal the Apple?"

"What is he saying?" Ezio asked, causing Abbas even further alarm.

"And he cannot even speak our tongue!" Abbas shouted for all to hear.

"He's being a stronzo." Desmond muttered to Ezio, helping the Italian take a seat on a bench before turning to Abbas. "With all due respect, Abbas, will you take your drivel elsewhere? No one here cares to hear such nonsense."

"Nonsense, is it?" Abbas scoffed, glaring at Desmond. "Well, you're nothing but an outsider as well. Perhaps even a Templar spy. You're bound to think such a thing is nonsense, wishing to stay here!"

Desmond scowled. "You'll come up with any excuse to oppose Altair, even if it means resorting to lies and foolishness."

Abbas' nostrils flared as rage filled his eyes.

"What insults you toss our way!" Abbas seethed. "We have been more than hospitable to your stay here and you bring among us a stranger!"

"This is no stranger." Altair's voice rang over Abbas' as the Levantine Mentor came rushing into the courtyard. "Ezio!"

"Altair!" Ezio stood to embrace the Syrian. "It's been far too long."

"Agreed, brother." Altair quickly introduced Ezio as the Mentor of the Italian Assassins to come and then ordered for a healer. "You must be exhausted. Come. I will have a room prepared for you in the fortress."

"And we are simply supposed to accept this tale?" Abbas stopped Altair and Ezio from going any further. "We are simply supposed to obey you blindly?"

"Not blindly, Abbas." Altair argued, seriousness turning his features cold. "Not like you follow your hatred so blindly."

Abbas stepped aside at Altair's motion, but the fury in his eyes was equal to the fire of hell. Desmond instantly felt worried for their safety.

"We will set out tomorrow." He said, turning to Karim. "And finish our mission."

"This I doubt." Karim sighed. "I am sure the two Mentors will request your presence for conversation and rejoicing over your reunion once more."

Desmond stared after Ezio and Altair, a cold feeling settling over him. They looked so friendly, like long lost friends, and he wondered if others saw the same thing when they witnessed his reunion with either of the Masters.

"Then I will inform you one way or the other." Desmond stated. "Until tomorrow."

"As you wish, Master."

"Safety and peace, Karim." Desmond placed his left hand over his heart.

Karim hesitated before mimicking the gesture. "Safety and peace to you as well...Master."

Desmond awoke early the following morning to inform Karim of a change in their plans, only to discover the man had already left with a couple of younger Assassins under the guise of teaching them. He returned to the fortress to seek out Altair, hoping to share some of his concerns.

"I don't think his feelings..." Desmond deliberated over his words. "His memories of growing up and being always beneath your shadow will ever really go away."

"This case with Vahid Ahmedi isn't going to help either." Altair ran a hand over his exhausted features. "We will never gain Karim's trust like this."

"I don't think it is hopeless."

"If Abbas managed to rally some beneath him, do you believe Karim would follow him?"

Desmond groaned. "Yes."

"Than it is nearly hopeless."

Altair began to pace the length of the study, reminding Desmond of Al Mualim suddenly.

"Have you put aside the Apple lately?" Desmond asked and watched as the Mentor stiffened at the mention of the artifact. "Your sons are growing older as is your wife. I heard from some of the others how they secretly complain about not seeing you."

Altair ran another hand over his face, looking even more worn than just moments before.

"It is not your place to give me advice, Desmond."

"Yes, it is." Desmond corrected. "I may be your subordinate, but I am a fellow Assassin and foremost your friend."

"He won't listen to his wife or me, so don't think he'll listen to you." Malik said as he entered the area carrying a couple of books in his hand. "Your friend, Ezio, is it? He learns quickly."

"Like me, he knows some Arabic." Desmond commented.

"Some is correct." Malik smiled. "You too should hit the books, Desmond."

"I'll pass, but thank you, great teacher."

Malik snorted amusement. "Don't mock me, great Master."

"As you mock me." Desmond laughed lightly before returning his attention to Altair in all seriousness. "You should consider setting the artifact aside for a couple of days and enjoy the company of your family and friends."

"It is something to consider." Altair agreed, though did not make any commitment.

Malik gave Desmond an "I told you so" look, to which Desmond shrugged, silently saying, "I tried at least."

They left Altair alone to begin their studies in the garden.

"He worries me." Malik sighed. "Constantly. I fear he cannot pull his eyes from that damnable atrocity."

"He showed little to no interest in the Apple Ezio got hold of." Desmond mused, glancing up at the study windows, through which he could see Altair inspecting the Apple once more. "I wonder what it is about this one?"

"Perhaps because he had to kill the Mentor for it?" Malik guessed. "Or because he spent so much time away from it, returning to it has increased his interest in the weapon? Or perhaps he worries Abbas will take it from him and he wishes to know all of its secrets beforehand? I do not know, but it worries me greatly."

"As it does me."

Time was rushing by again, but this time Desmond was determined to make it slow down. He tried to take breaks during his days to meditate and enjoy these moments of quiet and deep thinking. He paused frequently during lessons to chat idly with Malik and Ezio. His visits with Altair became more and more frequent and desperate. Nothing was working though. It was as if a hole had been punched through the bottom of the hourglass and no matter how much sand he kept tossing into it the rest kept draining out. His worries didn't seem to bother Ezio.

"Of course time flies." Ezio shrugged as they left the room they had been studying in. "But consider yourself lucky you're among friends."

"I do feel lucky." Desmond couldn't emphasis how blessed he felt to enjoy the company of the other Assassins. "And that's why I want to enjoy it all the more."

Malik always told him he simply needed to stop worrying about it so much.

"If you stop thinking about how much time is going by," Malik advised. "You will be able to enjoy what time you have been given all the more."

Desmond wanted to follow his advice, but couldn't. Months were slipping by like minutes. Hours were mere seconds. In these days, he truly understood the theory of relativity. He enjoyed Masyaf. It was his haven of rest from the troubles of the world outside. Though he would have liked more missions and fewer lessons in Arabic, he wouldn't trade these days for anything...except for Luca.

As he finally reached the year mark of being in Masyaf, Desmond realized how terribly he missed Luca and the shock of how he was actually alone hit him. It took a whole month for him to recover again, during which time Altair quit his study of the Apple to spend more time with him. While he savored Altair's company, a part of him had hoped to spend his recovery alone, lost in his hopeless feelings and loneliness. He realized only later how good it had been for him to have company through that month.

Once himself again, he plunged into training, honing his own skills and finishing up his lessons on Arabic. His focus on his work caused time to slide on by like a greased snake and he nearly missed Karim's sudden attentiveness. They had grown rather close over the past few months, the older Assassin giving Desmond advice on his training and showing a much cooler head than Desmond recalled during their initial interactions. Despite paying attention to Karim, Desmond didn't show any explicit interest back, partially because he feared doing so and partially because he wasn't sure what Karim was truly after. Thus, he focused most on training and progressing as an Assassin. By the time he looked up from what he was doing, 1217 was just around the corner. Word of the Mongols spreading throughout Asia had reached the Levantine Assassins and Altair made plans to stop Genghis Khan, whom they were all sure had a Piece of Eden, from further advancing into the Holy Land.

"I can stay here and look over Masyaf for you." Malik encouraged Altair to go. "Take your sons and do what you were meant to do."

"I would actually prefer to remain behind." Sef commented. "I can train the recruits and maintain order in your absence, father."

"If that is what you wish..." Altair looked to his other son.

"I would be more than willing to accompany you, father." Darim bowed respectfully.

"And I'm not missing the chance to kill Khan." Ezio grinned at the annoyed looks he received. "What?"

"I will also accompany you, love." Maria gave her husband a gentle touch on the shoulder to which he smiled fondly.

"And, Desmond, you should stay..." Altair's eyes met the young Master's and he stopped speaking mid-sentence at the look he received.

"I am not staying behind on another adventure." Desmond ground out. "You can't make me."

"But..."

"Let him come along." Ezio elbowed Altair lightly.

"Oh, I see how it is." Altair scoffed at the Italian. "If we're in Italy, it's: no, no...let him stay behind because he's too much a boy still and I'll worry over him. But now we're in the Holy Land and it's: let him come along and make Altair look like the 'bad guy' like leaving him behind was all Altair's doing from beginning to end."

Darim and Sef exchanged surprised looks, having never seen their father act like this before with sarcasm dripping like poisoned honey from his lips. Ezio laughed heartily.

"There's the Altair I knew once before!" Ezio gave the Syrian a mock embrace. "I've missed you so much."

"Stronzo." Altair snapped, pushing Ezio away. "I've been here this entire time. I've merely been...busy."

"Gawking over your latest love interest like a virgin boy in a brothel."

This comment earned Ezio an elbow in his gut.

"Cazzo..." Ezio wheezed for air, reminding Desmond of how old the man had gotten since they had been in Rome together.

"You may accompany us, Desmond." Altair stated, trying to ignore how everyone in the room had their mouths covered by a hand in order to hide the smiles he knew they all wore. "We leave in a few weeks, so finish any business you wish to attend to."

The pointed look Desmond received left him wondering what subtle message Altair was trying to convey until he saw the smile on Ezio's face.

"For the forty millionth time!" Desmond hissed in Italian, so their more conservative-minded Syrian brothers couldn't understand. "There is nothing going on between Karim and I!"

"Yet." Ezio and Altair added together.

"Fuck you both."

Desmond marched out of the room, slightly red.

In the past year, even Altair had attempted to play matchmaker, fairing as badly as Ezio had when trying to hitch Desmond with Leonardo. Neither men knew much about what they were doing in their own relationships, Altair least of all. Ezio had, up until recently, sought after only the physical satisfaction of a steady relationship, keeping any emotional benefits as a bonus, while Altair was simply awkward around women in general. They didn't know what to call Desmond, though Ezio usually preferred 'dibatte idiota che non sa se preferisce tette e cazzi', much to Altair's amusement and Desmond's disgust.

Karim, whom unluckily got mixed up in this, usually ignored both Mentors simultaneously. Desmond was grateful the two older Assassins often conversed in Italian in order to keep their conversations more of a secret from their brothers. The few bits they did discuss in front of Karim in Arabic often made the Assassin furious to the point of leaving the fortress to seek refuge in the village below. On one occasion, he had left the city altogether, though had apparently only gone to the watchtower for the remainder of the day in order to cool off his head.

Desmond understood the frustration. They had so much going for them when they flirted with women, though Desmond had only seen such charisma from Altair when he looked upon his own wife, but they failed miserably when they decided they would do the flirting for their friend. Desmond had a feeling part of their failings came from trying to hook up a man with a man. They didn't understand the attraction, so they couldn't figure out the appropriate way to approach the topic.

Desmond just wished they'd stop trying as it would make being around Karim a little easier. The way they tried so hard, reminded him more about how alone he was, which in turn brought his thoughts back to Luca. Even after all of this time, he wasn't sure he wanted to move on yet or at all. In a way, it felt like a betrayal to Luca's memory as if seeking comfort from another was insulting to the one he had loved before.

It was a topic he brought up with Karim only a couple of nights after the plans had been made to oppose the Mongols.

Karim thought on the question hard, brows furrowed deeply as his brilliant green eyes studied the mountain range around them. They were atop one of the towers' roofs, enjoying the night air and the relief it provided from the harsh sun of the day.

"I don't know." Karim finally answered. "Yes, probably."

"So then it isn't right?"

Karim frowned. "They're dead, Desmond. He is dead. He can't tell you what to do with your life."

This did not comfort Desmond. "But...it'd be wrong...then, right?"

"I suppose." Karim didn't seem like he liked this line of thinking. "If it feels wrong than it probably is."

"Ugh...not what I wanted to hear."

Karim almost smiled at this. "Did you want me to tell you what you wanted to hear?"

"No..." Desmond grumbled, though he wasn't sure if he was lying or not.

"Look, Master." Karim shifted so he faced the younger man better. "It is probably wrong to seek comfort from another if you so strongly cared for the first, not because it is an insult, which it probably is, to the one who has passed, but because you insult the one who you are now seeking comfort from. If your memories are too deeply embedded still in a past interest than you cannot dedicate all of you to the one you now hold. This is most unfair to the new love."

"Than there is a lot of unfair love out there."

"Yes, there is." Karim nodded. "But we survive it. We trek through it. It is in our nature to seek comfort. We as a whole cannot stand the thought of being alone. Love is a name for these feelings or perhaps it is more carnal than that. Regardless, we seek it. Even if it is a ruined and fragmented comfort we receive, we will accept it openly and freely and bare through the consequences."

Desmond stared at the other man with a slight hint of admiration. "So then it would probably be best for two ruined people to find another and let the unbroken..."

"Break each other?" Karim joked and they laughed though they both knew the seriousness of his statement.

"Karim," Desmond finally said to break the following lull in the conversation. "If we..."

"I do not think it wise for us to comfort one another."

"I don't necessarily think it wise either." Desmond tossed in, hoping he hid his disappointment well enough beneath his quick jest. "But perhaps we can lick each other's wounds for a short while. It wouldn't be unpleasant."

Karim's eyes found Desmond's, piercing the gold with lush green. "Are you suggesting we keep it mutual, no emotions attached?"

"I don't honestly know if I can feel for anyone the way I felt for Luca." Desmond admitted. "And I think you feel the same about Vahid."

Karim's gaze dropping proved Desmond's words true.

"We are broken and we almost want to stay that way." Desmond sort of laughed. "But we also don't want to be alone. If we were to...comfort one another without expectations then perhaps we can mend ourselves."

Green met gold again.

"This is a horrible idea." Karim muttered, but he pulled down the cloth cover his scarred mouth anyways.

Desmond spent the next few weeks in foolish bitter bliss and most of it was in Karim's presence. As they had planned, their relationship was nothing more than a release of tension and a mending of old wounds, but with these good perks came a lot of bad. Forgotten memories resurfaced. For Desmond it was worse. Karim had never been physical with Vahid, so no ghostly touches and sweet Italian whispers made phantom appearances during their time together in the dark of night. As for Desmond, he found he took some of his pent frustrations out in those moments when he could bare them no longer. Like a true soldier, Karim bore through it, even fought back. The bite mark swelling on Desmond's shoulder and the bruises lining his rib cage was proof enough of Karim's own vicious tendencies. There was definitely something more carnal about these nights than the one Desmond could recall spent with Luca. There had been sweetness and pleasant warmth shared between him and the Italian. With Karim, there was passion and fire, but it all tasted of blood and sweat. At some point, all Desmond had seen was red before realizing he needed to stop this madness. Words shared with Karim resulted in further embraces as neither was ready to let the other go just yet.

The interaction did not go unnoticed by Altair, whom, despite nearly always being too absorbed in studying the Apple, took great concern in their abuse of one another. He ordered them to stop after finding scratches clawed into Karim's neck. They didn't. They were simply more careful of one another, trying to keep the wounds to a minimum. This drew the attention of Ezio, not liking their sneaking off to even more secluded spots.

"One of you is going to kill the other and I'm afraid Karim will win, Desmond."

"It's really none of your business."

"It is when you're getting hurt."

"I'm fine."

"This is wrong."

"Stop trying to tell me how to lead my life! And this is personal. Stay out of it!"

They did tone it down, the tensions finally gone and the memories beginning to fade. After this many years and so many new embraces with Karim, Desmond couldn't even recall what Luca's touch felt like anymore. As he held Karim more, he realized how easy it was to forget such short exchanges of love. The fragility of it all made him more cautious around Karim, for which the older Assassin was grateful.

"You are more deeply scarred than I." Karim told Desmond as they lay together in a hay stack staring up at the fortress above. "Your healing is many tiered. Mine? Not so much."

Desmond was surprised by how understanding Karim was about the whole ordeal and relaxed considerably.

"I'm sorry." He mumbled.

"You don't have to apologize. We knew it would be rough and there are no expectations."

By this point, Desmond had begun to wish for expectations. Though his feelings for Luca were still there, Karim's offered comfort and warmth was fresh in his mind and enticing. He was glad he would be leaving soon, hoping the journey would clear his mind and help him focus on what he truly wanted.

"Will you stay here?" Desmond asked, though he already knew the answer.

"It is my place." Karim replied as expected. "I will remain and assist Malik and Sef in anyway I can."

"Do you think...Abbas..."

"He would be a fool to try anything."

"Well..."

"You're such an ass."

Desmond smiled, always amused when Karim cursed since he did it so rarely.

"I think I might actually miss you while I'm away."

Karim snorted, unbelieving. "If you return alive, you can tell me if that is true."

"I will." Desmond buried his face into the man's hair and breathed in the scent of it. "Mmm...Karim..."

"Don't." Karim seemed to always know when Desmond was going to say something he shouldn't. "You'll ruin everything we've done up until this point. Just leave tomorrow with the others and heal from the wounds I just gave you. I know I'm going to be on the mend for what you've done to me."

"I didn't mean to be so vi..."

"It isn't anything physical, which plagues me."

Desmond pulled away to look at the green eyes staring up at him, trying to read the unspoken words hidden within them.

"Karim..."

"I said to not." Karim's tone had grown chilly and Desmond knew now was the time to quit while he was ahead.

"I'm not going to go back to the fortress tonight." Desmond rested back into the hay. "Will you stay with me?"

"If it is what you wish."

"What is it you wish?"

"I don't want to think about that right now."

Desmond pulled Karim close and hid his frown in the other man's hair.

"I will leave in the morning." Desmond mumbled. "Don't see me off."

"I won't."

"Okay. Good. Thank you."

"Of course, Master."

Desmond didn't sleep that night.

A bit short. A bit violent. Couldn't think of any other way to end this chapter, so we'll leave it at that. I don't think I'll have time to get another update out, but I'll at least start on it, so I can post earlier than tonight. Hope you continue to enjoy the series.

Desmond was happy and excited to be on the road again. Ezio and Altair were arguing within only minutes. Darim and Maria discussed life while Desmond watched the interactions with a smile on his face. It felt so normal all of a sudden as if this was what his life was supposed to be like.

"You seem better." Ezio commented as they set up camp that night.

"I am."

Ezio pulled Desmond aside. "I think getting away from...Karim...was a good thing."

"Probably." Desmond didn't feel like arguing. He faced an approaching Altair. "Hey, what is our plan anyways?"

"We will ideally make contact with the Mongolian Assassins." Altair informed them. "And then work on defeating Khan before his power grows any stronger. It is a long harsh journey into Asia. It will be years, no doubt, before we return."

"I assumed as much."

Desmond hadn't and instantly wondered if maybe he should have stayed behind.

"Don't dwell on it too long." Altair patted Desmond's back reassuringly. "Tomorrow is a long day. Rest while you can."

The days of travel ticked by and flowed into weeks then months as they traveled through what would later become Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China. The trek was slow. Harsh deserts, rugged mountains, unexplored jungles and forests, untamed wilderness, and hostile natives stood between them and their destination. Over three thousand miles was flattened beneath their feet before one cold night after a year of travel and getting lost they awoke to find themselves surrounded by a group of men in white with fur-lined hoods. They nearly blended with the snow and black rocks of their surroundings, but the keen eyes of the two Mentors and Desmond latched onto their faces instantly.

They had been discovered by the Mongolian Assassins.

Thankfully, they were able to identify one another as allies, but there was a large wall standing between them and communicating further: they didn't speak the same language. This barrier didn't hinder the Mongolians from accepting the group and leading them to the safety of their Order, hidden deep in the mountains. Over the next few months, the group learned from the Mongolians their style of fighting and free-running while also searching for a translator and attempting to learn the Mongolian language. It took time for someone to be found, during which Desmond felt he improved immensely and found one of the young women living among the Assassins calling herself Enkhtuyaa seemed to take a fancy to him. Though he knew it was wrong, he began to spend time with her, ignoring the customs of the time and place he was living in. It turned badly when Qulan Gal, the Assassin overseeing them, decided the best way to teach Desmond a lesson about courtesy to their customs was to get in a fist fight with him and win. Slightly humiliated, Desmond gave up pursuing Enkhtuyaa, not that he needed too since she left along with several of the other women come spring, by which time a translator had been found.

Altair explained their purpose for being in Mongolia and Qulan Gal explained the difficulty in keeping up with the Mongol Army without getting caught. Khan was constantly moving his troops and conquering lands as quickly as a cheetah hunting prey. They would have to stalk him, discover his plans, and hopefully catch him before his reach spread too far.

The following years felt like a blur. Most of the days were spent in the wilds, learning to hunt and fish and live off of the land while tracking their main prey: Genghis Khan. Altair fared far better learning these skills than either Ezio or Desmond, the latter of whom felt like he would never master the art. During this time, Altair and Ezio bickered more, causing Desmond to begin referring to them as the 'Old Married Couple', much to both Mentors' chagrin and Maria and Darim's amusement. Though they joked about age constantly, Desmond was beginning to get nervous. Ezio already looked old and Altair was clearly aging. His hair skipped gray and went straight to white. Wrinkles formed around his features. His hands shook in the morning when he went to draw his bow. Meanwhile, Desmond remained the same, youthful despite the years he had seen and endured with both Mentors. He felt like he should be climbing up the age ladder along with them, but nothing about him changed. Ezio made frequent comments about how old Desmond's eyes looked, but he tried to ignore these words, not liking the idea of aging any more than his fellow Assassins.

Finally, they managed to track down Genghis Khan to one of his encampments in the year 1227, ten years after setting off from Masyaf. Their plan was not a particularly good one, but they would have to make it work as they could not waste any more years trying to kill the man. Desmond crossed his fingers and prayed the night before they would attack.

Altair let out a shout as the arrow drove into his leg and he gripped the wound in momentary shock and pain before collecting himself and hollering to his comrades. It was too late. Across the encampment he could see Genghis rush from his tent and mount his horse, preparing to flee.

"Hurry!" Altair shouted at Ezio, whom had already took off running towards where they had stationed Darim and Qulan Gal in case of trouble.

Desmond released an arrow, killing one of the approaching Mongolian soldiers, before drawing his blade. Within only minutes he had killed off the attacking soldiers descending upon Altair.

"Thank you, brother." Altair reached for the hand Desmond offered, but then clung to Desmond for support.

"What happened?" Desmond asked as he pulled Altair's arm around him to better support the man's weight.

"Age." Altair muttered.

Desmond wasn't surprised. Altair hadn't aged as gracefully as Ezio. In a weird way, it was almost as if one day Altair had woken up and he was suddenly old. They exited the camp, deciding to worry about their companions after getting themselves to safety. They reached the top of the hill overlooking the camp with its now panicked residents and Desmond slowly helped Altair to sit.

"I can remove the arrow." Desmond stated.

"No." Altair held out a hand. "Leave it in. We can have it removed later...ugh...when we are in a better spot."

"Altair!" Maria rushed up to them to kneel beside her husband. "What happened?"

"It's fine." Altair smiled at her. "I will be fine...but I am now seriously considering retiring active duty."

"It's about time." Darim said as he, Qulan Gal, and Ezio reached them. "It is done."

"And you should have seen the arrows these two men let loose!" Ezio laughed, patting Darim on the back as pride filled his features. "Qulan shot the horse. Darim shot the man. You have an incredible son, Altair, not unlike his father."

"Are you actually complimenting me?" Altair asked in awe.

"Well, it can happen." Ezio replied dryly. "But I was more complimenting your son. I think he takes most after your wife."

"I hate you."

"We go." Qulan Gal said in his fragmented Arabic. "Now."

"Right."

Altair stood, this time taking the aid of Ezio as well, and the group abandoned the chaos below, overjoyed at their success after all of these years.

"It'll be good to return home." Darim commented. "I wonder how Sef fares and Malik as well."

Desmond's mind turned to Karim and he realized he hadn't been worrying himself over the man in the least during his absence. He wondered if Karim had similarly forgotten him, but then he let his mind wander back to the conversation at hand.

"I'm sure they're well." Ezio snorted. "At least, Sef has been getting it regularly."

"You are such a lech." Altair grumbled, hitting Ezio over the head with his hand.

"Are you sure Darim and Sef came from Altair's loins?" Ezio called to Maria. "Because he sure acts like a virgin sometimes."

"You stronzo!" Altair snarled, removing his arm from around Ezio's shoulders to shove the man away. "I don't need your help! Go pester someone else!"

"You should be sweeter to your husband, honey." Maria joked, causing everyone else, including Qulan Gal who rarely understood what they were saying, to laugh.

"You can all rot..." Altair chuckled despite his anger. "Every single one of you."

For Desmond, it wasn't where he was, but who he was with that told him he was home and right now he was.

Desmond rushed forward to help Altair bring Malik into the old house of Sef a year after the death of Genghis Khan.

"What happened?" Desmond asked.

"We've been betrayed." Altair snarled and Desmond's eyes searched those of the Mentor at hearing such venom. "Tend to him. I am sending a letter to Darim and Ezio in Alamut."

"Why?" Desmond asked as he reached for a jug containing water to pour into a bowl.

"Sef is dead." Altair's words caused Maria, whom had just entered the room, to freeze. "Killed by order of Abbas and Malik was framed for it."

"What?" Maria whispered, resting a hand on the wall. "How can this be?"

Altair didn't answer as he quickly finished writing his letter and left the home to find a courier.

"Maria." Desmond called to the woman. "Bring me bandages."

It took a moment for her to respond and do as she was told. When she returned to his side, tears were streaming down her cheeks, though she did not outright cry.

Altair returned. "Desmond. When you can, get Malik to Alamut. Maria and I will confront Abbas about this treachery."

"If you are sure..."

"I am." Altair encouraged before facing his wife. "Dawn has already come. We should hurry."

"Good luck." Desmond told them. "And...safety and peace, brother."

"To you as well." Altair bowed to Desmond before leaving the house with his wife.

"Desmond..." Malik croaked after a few minutes. "We...should...accompany...them..."

"No." Desmond shook his head. "I am going to carry you. I have a bad feeling about this."

"Do you?"

Desmond turned to the voice, flicking out his hidden blade in the process.

Swami, one of Abbas' loyal followers, stood in the entrance, sword drawn.

"Come to kill us?" Desmond asked, mostly to stall while he worked out a plan.

"Yes."

Swami didn't give him much time before striking and the dual quickly led outside.

"And they call you a Master?" Swami taunted, clashing blade against blade. "You can barely stand against me."

"I am merely giving you a chance to rethink your actions and change your mind." Desmond replied coolly. "But if you would prefer to end this quickly..."

"You're as worthless as the man you follow so blindly!" Swami snapped.

"This coming from the blind following Abbas!" Desmond blocked another blow and ducked away from a second. "Surrender, Swami!"

"I hear Sef was your favorite of the two brothers." Swami snorted, a smile on his face. "That worthless little coward. I told him when I killed him Altair himself had given the Order and he died believing his father had betrayed him!"

Desmond saw red in the next instant before rushing inside to collect Malik.

"I do not know who heard that." He said as he gingerly picked up the man, whom was gaunt and frail in Desmond's arms. It was like carrying a small child instead of a full grown man. "But I am sure we will meet enemies if we stay for too much longer."

"Desmond..." Malik's eyes lolled around and found the corpse of Swami in the street. "Oh...no..."

"Worry not of it, brother." Desmond hissed. "He has met his justice by his own choice. He killed Sef and no doubt carried out framing you as well."

"Revenge is never the answer..." Malik whispered weakly. "Desmond...I don't think...I'll make it...to Alamut."

"Don't be so cynical." Desmond argued. "Sarcasm is good though."

Malik chuckled and then coughed into Desmond's chest. "I am glad to be with you...brother...in these final hours."

He didn't speak again as Desmond carried the man towards Alamut. By noon on the road he was met by Ezio and Darim, whom had received Altair's letter.

"I will meet with my father." Darim insisted. "Ezio, you should assist Desmond and Malik."

"Please." Desmond sighed as he lay Malik on the ground. He checked for a pulse and was relieved the man still had one.

Ezio said nothing as he took up the charge of carrying the man. There was no doubt in Desmond's mind that Ezio was having a hard time dealing with this sudden turn of events. They finished their journey to Alamut in silence.

Arrival in Alamut was met with healers and Karim, whom gave Desmond an update of what had been going on. Abbas had taken control, setting up a new Order under his command, and he had imprisoned Malik under the guise of being the murderer of Sef.

"Many of us did not believe him and we stood against him." Karim informed him. "But not wanting to shed innocent blood we had no other choice except to retreat to Alamut. We've been planning a way to seize the fortress from Abbas, but it is a difficult city to take by force."

"Altair should have killed him all those years ago." Desmond snarled, wanting to strangle something.

"It is because he granted Abbas mercy so many were willing to follow him as Mentor." Karim explained.

"An innocent has died at the hands of Abbas!" Desmond argued. "Or at his command. How many more must die before Abbas is stopped? We are Assassins. We should not stand idly by even if one of our own is the traitor."

"Do you then think we stood idly by to Al Mualim's betrayal?" Karim asked, crossing his arms. "Did not Altair and Malik and those loyal to them and the Order stand against him?"

Desmond sighed, irritated, but not beyond reason. "But he was a Templar. It was easier to accept him as an enemy. Perhaps, because Abbas still claims to be an Assassin and stand by the Creed..."

"He does not follow the Creed." Karim scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Not any longer...not if he is willing to kill an innocent and have another innocent imprisoned."

"Well, that at least is good to hear from you." Desmond groaned as he took a seat. "I had thought perhaps you were still siding with the man."

"How lowly you think of me." Karim growled.

Desmond stood again, too antsy to rest for long. "I wonder how Altair fairs...I wonder if Abbas has been removed from power."

"I am sure these answers will come soon. There is no point in getting yourself worked up over it. Idiot."

Desmond paused in front of Karim and finally gave in to the tension he had been feeling since laying eyes on the man. His hands came up around Karim's head and pulled him into a kiss, grateful the man had given up wearing the mouth covering. He was also grateful when the caress was returned and soon he found himself pinned against the wall with a hip pressing into his groin.

The passion ended too quickly as Karim pulled away, covering his mouth and looking immensely ashamed.

"I am sorry, Master." Karim apologized while Desmond tried to reorient himself. "I shouldn't have."

"Why?" Desmond managed to rasp, still in a daze.

"I am married."

Desmond's chest ached instantly.

"With a daughter and a son."

Slowly, Desmond nodded, but he refused to meet the gaze of the other man.

"It has been eleven years." He said, trying to act as if he had been unaffected by this news, though he knew he failed miserably. "It makes sense. My thoughts weren't exactly faithful while in Mongolia."

"Faithful?" Karim choked. "We had no expectations. We made this clear from the beginning."

"Yes..." Desmond didn't feel like it had really been all that clear, but there was no point in arguing now. "You're right. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have assumed."

"All is forgiven." Karim responded, accepting the apology quickly. "The gates...are opening. I believe our Mentor has arrived. We should greet him."

Desmond nodded, but said nothing as he let Karim lead him out of the room they had been in.

He blacked out shortly afterwards.

It was the wind which woke Desmond and he gasped for air once he realized how cold it was all around him. Sitting up, he glanced around and recognized to his wonder the cold stone of a Masyaf prison cell. He stood, shaking uncontrollably from the chill encasing him. He knew it had to be winter, but it had been late summer when he had last been in Alamut with Karim. Wandering to the window, he glanced out and saw white as if he was in the loading screen of the Animus when it was changing to a new destination.

Shouting echoed down the halls and he rushed to the gate.

"Hey!" He shouted into the fortress. "Can anyone hear me? Is anyone there?"

Footsteps rushed towards him and he was surprised to see Ezio, but not nearly as surprised as the Italian was to see him.

"Desmond?" Ezio gawked at him. "What are you doing here?"

"I don't know." Desmond shrugged. "What's going on? Where's Altair?"

"I don't know where he is." Ezio corrected. "You're back in the Sixteenth Century."

"What?" Desmond gaped at the man, suddenly realizing the Italian's shock. "W-where's the key? Get me out of this cell and you can explain."

Ezio rushed around the prison until he found the key and then quickly bailed Desmond out of the cell.

"Explain!" Desmond said as he followed Ezio out into the blizzard.

"Altair returned to Alamut, but before I could reach him, I blacked out." Ezio replied.

"Same here."

"After that I awoke on the ship I had been sailing to Masyaf on." Ezio continued, killing a few men Desmond assumed were Templars while Desmond, unarmed, merely took their weapons to use for himself. "I came to Masyaf only to find it overrun with Templars as you can see."

"Fantastic." Desmond grumbled. "Then what?"

"I was outnumbered and I'm fucking old." Ezio laughed, but the mirth Desmond had known while they spent their time across Asia with Altair had left the man's voice, which was now as biting and cold as the wind tugging mercilessly at their clothes. "They managed to defeat me and were going to hang me, but I escaped...am escaping. You?"

"I just woke up!"

"Why is that always happening to you?"

"I keep wondering that myself."

They made their way out of the fortress, using a couple of Ezio's parachutes in the process, and then found themselves on a crazy carriage ride after the leading Templar whom they had learned possessed the book containing information on keys needed to get into the library.

"Could really use Altair's help right now." Ezio muttered as he and Desmond made their way into the village the Templars were hiding in.

It didn't take long to defeat the man, whom gave Desmond a strong impression of Robert de Sable, and then they set off for Constantinople.

"You're really going to have to fill me in on the details, Ezio." Desmond groaned, rolling his shoulder to ease the ache there. "I'm lost."

"What else is new?" Ezio grinned, but he seemed like he wanted to just pass out. Considering how old Ezio looked, it was amazing to Desmond the amount of physical activity he could push himself through.

"Let's just get to Constantinople already." Desmond sighed, ready to crash as well.

He really wished his life would keep jumping around.

Desmond stood in awe at the bow of the boat as Constantinople came into view. He was amazed at how much his journeys let him see, though he rarely got the chance to relish the beauty and wonder of his surroundings. Had he never been kidnapped by Abstergo, he knew he would have never seen such amazing constructs nor even really appreciated them until he had lived through the eyes of Ezio Auditore trying so hard to rebuild Monteriggioni and then Rome. As he watched the approaching walls, Ezio made conversation with a young scholar. Typical of Desmond, he paid little attention to their conversation and instead wondered what sort of adventures would await him on the journey ahead.

He turned to get ready to disembark and found himself instead running straight into a woman with dark auburn hair and wearing a green dress. What she was holding fell to the deck and he instantly bent to pick it up for her as apologies fell from his lips and Ezio tried not to laugh at him.

"It's quite all right." She smiled pleasantly at him as she took her belongings. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He mumbled sheepishly before excusing himself and heading below decks to gather up the few belongings he and Ezio had brought with them from Masyaf.

Once beside Ezio again, he muttered Italian curses into his friend's ear, causing Ezio to snicker.

"You and her had some...what did you call it...chemistry going on there." Ezio whispered back teasingly. "She's a fine woman."

"You should go for her, Mr. I'm-Old-And-Still-Single."

"Ouch." Ezio laughed outright. "Maybe...but...no. We have a mission and the last thing I need to do is involve some innocent and beautiful young woman."

Desmond's brow rose. "Beautiful? I think you're the one interested, Ezio."

Ezio grinned at Desmond. "I keep forgetting you have different interests in people."

Desmond scowled. "Keep that more a secret than you've been, will you? The Ottoman Empire is in power here. They don't even permit prostitution here. How do you think they view that?"

"Good point."

"The ship is nearly secure!" The Captain called to his waiting passengers. "When the ramp is down you may disembark!"

"Finally." Desmond sighed. "I don't like boats."

"A few weeks of seasickness is good for a man." Ezio patted his back roughly. "Shapes him into something better, stronger!"

"Faster...harder..." Desmond's low response caused Ezio to snort out a laugh. "God, I missed picking on you. With Altair around, you two were able to keep up the banter on your own. Any insertion from me seemed lame in comparison."

"I am glad we are together on this quest, brother." Ezio's hand found Desmond's shoulder again.

"Ah, he is your brother." The scholar said, approaching them again. "I was wondering at the familiarity between your faces. If you were younger, my friend, you could almost pass as him!"

Ezio glanced at Desmond and they both refrained from laughing at the inside joke they shared. Desmond had passed as Ezio before.

"You may disembark!" The Captain informed them as the ramp was set in place.

"Here goes nothing." Desmond said and the passengers began to file off of the ship while he crossed his fingers again for luck.

Ezio spun around at the hand to roughly grab his shoulder and Desmond subconsciously flicked out his hidden blade. The vibrant personality to greet them caused Desmond instantly to smile.

"Come Mentor da Firenze and Master Miles." Yusuf encouraged them. "I will show you around."

They followed him, letting him explain the city and the troubles it faced as they took in the sights and culture. Desmond felt like he was back in Masyaf, only everyone seemed more colorful, even the guards. For once, the guards actually turned out to be worth something as they took off after the Byzantine Templars when said Templars tried to attack the three Assassins, leaving the Assassins to carry on their journey to the Ottoman Assassin headquarters.

Both the Italian and Desmond coughed the moment they entered the headquarters at the heavy incense and smoke from multiple hookahs which polluted the air.

"Oh, god..." Desmond rubbed at the tears coming from his eyes. "This is new..."

Yusuf laughed at them as he encouraged them forward. "Come, brothers. You are not so delicate, are you?"

"I am." Desmond argued with a laugh as he recalled his trips to the brothels, which he swore would have led to his death from the aroma. This was a completely different feeling as the smoke burned his eyes and nostrils and tickled the inside of his throat. "But carry on."

Yusuf patted his back. "Perhaps you should wait outside, Master, if you are too fragile for our prestigious headquarters."

Ezio stifled a chuckle as Desmond again encouraged the Ottoman to carry on.

"As you wish."

Yusuf led them along the short bridge to the main room of the headquarters where several Assassins were seated at a table, reading or drinking.

"Such mild behavior comparative to Roma." Desmond mumbled into Ezio's ear and the Italian nodded as they both recalled how loud and obnoxious their Italian brothers could be.

"Mentor and Master," Yusuf said as he approached the table. "Say hello to your extended family."

A brief introduction later and Yusuf had already ordered his men away to investigate the ambush. Desmond's respect for the man seemed to keep increasing.

"You both are armed pitifully." Yusuf said, inspecting them. Desmond imagined he seemed the least armed since he was wearing the limited arms of the Levantine Assassins while Ezio still wore his Italian robes and accompanying armor. "Get some money and I will point you towards a blacksmith...he's a friend."

Ezio grinned at Desmond. "Pickpocketing: your favorite."

"Wonderful." Desmond sighed as they left the headquarters to meander the streets in search of heavy purses easy to snag.

The Master quickly found he was still a poor pickpocket after several attempts resulting in long runs around the city, during which he accidentally ran into one of the Assassins.

"Causing us trouble, Master?" The man joked from behind his mask. "Did you need help?"

"I'm a poor pickpocket." Desmond admitted, pulling himself up onto the roof where the Turkish Assassin stood. "The Thieves used to make fun of me."

"They still do, I'm sure."

Desmond scowled slightly as he took his seat on the edge of the building with his legs dangling over. He was slightly surprised when the other Assassin joined him.

"What is your name?" Desmond asked, glancing at the other Assassin.

"Kasim."

Desmond resisted frowning at how close the name was to Karim.

"Just Kasim?"

"Just Kasim." The man nodded. "You will find many of the Assassins are single-named as many of us are orphans with only the headquarters to call home."

"I am sorry."

"Do not feel sorry." Kasim corrected. "Your pity will only insult us. It means we have not risen above the troubles we have faced in the past."

"I understand."

"Did you need help?"

"Probably." Desmond laughed bitterly.

"Dogan and I will help you."

Desmond looked up, surprised to see another masked Assassin was standing not too far away.

"We will make this quick." Kasim rose from his seat. "Remain here."

"I have no where else to be." Desmond told them and watched as they left the rooftop to swiftly disappear into the crowds.

It wasn't long before they returned with far more money than he needed. He imparted the extra to them and thanked them for their help.

"We have our own business to attend to." Kasim informed him. "It is an honor to have you here with us, Master, and we look forward to working with you further."

"Hopefully I'll actually be of use in the future." Desmond replied and he wondered if they found him even a little amusing. Their masks made it impossible to tell.

They dismissed themselves with bows and he watched them leave again before setting out in search of Ezio.

"And here I thought I would have to get your share as well." Ezio snickered.

"Don't praise me yet." Desmond groaned. "I got help."

Ezio laughed outright. "You are such a pathetic thief."

"Don't rub it in."

They finished their business at the blacksmith before returning to the headquarters only to find Yusuf and a group of Assassins gathered outside of it.

"Praise the heavens!" Yusuf said mockingly as he approached. "We feared we had lost our Mentor and new Master to the vices of the big city."

Desmond flushed slightly, wondering if Yusuf had already received word of his terrible pickpocketing skills.

As Ezio and Yusuf discussed the Templar rule, Desmond glanced around at the group of Assassins, his experience as a trainer to both the Italian and Levantine Assassins guiding him in his search for the more remarkable individuals. Most were definitely capable with only a couple bringing worry to him at the sight of the heavier weapons they seemed to prefer. He wondered if this was normal now within the Assassin Orders as restrictions were less and less applied to the way they chose to fight and kill.

"Ezio?" Yusuf's tone caused Desmond to face the two men again. "Where is your hookblade?"

"My hookblade?" Ezio asked in confusion to which Yusuf's response was to flick out the blade on his right arm, which was exactly as it sounded like: a blade ending in a hook.

"You've never seen one?" Yusuf was looking at the two Assassins as if they were idiots. "I grew up using this."

A motion to the surrounding Assassins and Yusuf had procured two of the devices to pass to the curious men.

"Hmmm..." Ezio said as he put the weapon on in place of his ruined second blade. "Show me how it works."

Yusuf quickly led the two men away. "Watch and learn. We call this a hook and run."

Rushing one of the Assassins whom had already gotten herself into place, Yusuf hooked onto the her person and rolled over the top of her.

Desmond instantly laughed, though he hadn't meant to.

"This is funny?" Yusuf asked with a smile, but his eyes were uncertain.

"No." Desmond shook his head quickly. "This is incredible. What is funny is you expect me to learn it."

Yusuf laughed, ease returning to his features.

"If we can teach it to Ezio, we can teach it to you." Yusuf guaranteed.

"Ezio is amazing." Desmond argued. "He can learn anything."

Rolling his eyes, Ezio also reassured the Master. "Desmond, you have received far more training than any Assassin I have had the privilege of meeting and you have also learned and excelled at everything...with perhaps the exception of pickpocketing."

"You are not a good pickpocket?" Yusuf's brow rose and his eyes lit up at the challenge. "Fear not any longer, Master Miles, we will teach you."

"Oh, no...I'm really all right..." Desmond held up his hands.

"A good Assassin cannot become great until he learns the fundamentals and being a pickpocket is one of those fundamentals." Yusuf's words hit home and Desmond consented without further argument. "Good. I will have Dogan, Azize, and Kasim teach you...not all at once, but over time. They will be the best of the teachers in this area."

"I have met Dogan and Kasim." Desmond tried to ignore Ezio's quirked brow at hearing the almost familiar name. "They helped me earlier."

"These three are Masters, like you." Yusuf informed Desmond. "But they still have much to learn. Perhaps, you can teach each other."

"It would be an honor." Desmond bowed in respect. "Now...let's see about this hookblade business."

It didn't take long for the foreign Assassins to decide they quite liked the new addition to their armory, in particular during free-running.

"Fantastic." Desmond said once they reached the top of the Galata Tower. "I love this thing!"

Yusuf laughed. "I knew you would, brother."

They stared out at the city for a few moments and Desmond smiled as he recalled he would have never gotten to experience this had he remained a bartender in New York. Though being abducted by Abstergo and forced onto this wild adventure had many downfalls, he certainly saw a lot of perks as well.

"I'm home again." Desmond mumbled to himself, though he didn't miss Ezio's smile in response to the words.

It was true though. He was home again.

"I am impressed, Yusuf." Ezio said as soon as they were on the ground again. "My brothers in Roma would like this."

Desmond snorted. "And would get themselves in sooo much trouble."

Ezio chuckled.

"Just give credit where it is due." Yusuf stated.

Abruptly a masked Assassin wearing a light aqua-colored sash around his waist approached, shouting to them.

"An attack on two fronts!" The Assassin said quickly. "Galata and the Grand Bazaar!"

Yusuf instantly looked irritated. "Everyday the same bad news."

The masked Assassin straightened and Desmond wondered if he took note of the foreigners as well.

"How is your appetite for sword play?" Yusuf asked, turning towards them.

"I do what I must." Ezio replied.

"I would love to." Desmond answered, trying to keep his excitement down.

"Good."

Yusuf followed the masked Assassin up onto a roof and the others tailed them only to discover a zipline awaiting them. The masked Assassin immediately took to it with his hookblade and Desmond turned to Ezio. They were both grinning.

A couple of practice uses and a new style of assassination and they both openly admitted their love for ziplines.

"You have to pay to do this where I come from." Desmond told Ezio. "This is ridiculously awesome."

"It's good you believe so." Ezio nodded, smiling at Desmond.

Yusuf informed them of what happens when the Templars do take over a den and Desmond agreed it was almost exactly like retaking a tower the Borgia had under control.

"Less explosives." Ezio stated.

"True."

"Yusuf," Ezio turned to the man. "You create a distraction and we will take the tower."

Three Assassins joined them, two masked and one a woman. It didn't take long for them to annihilate the guards on the rooftops. It took Desmond and Ezio just as little time to finish off the Templar Captain and some of his men before lighting the tower.

As Desmond stood at the top of the tower waiting for Ezio to leap down to the streets again, he felt a headache coming on.

Abruptly, what felt like a shock wave went off in his head, rattling his bones and causing him to grip onto the railing as well as his forehead. Voices echoed ethereal and loudly around him.

"Is he going to be all right?" The voice shattered his eardrums, leaving them ringing.

"We don't know." Came the deafening response, but he couldn't block it out.

"We're seeing a lot of brain activity, but...we're not sure..." The words shredded into him, ripping at his brain.

"What's the plan?"

"We're chartering a private jet or at least that's what we're hoping to do. Abstergo can't block off everything, but they may be able to pay to get what they want."

"Bloody hell." The harshness in the voice snapped all the way to his bones, breaking them, he was sure.

"Hey, it could be worse, Shaun."

"And how's that, Rebecca? We're trapped with Abstergo all around us and our only escape is to get up into the air and leave the country, but they might block that out too. How could it be worse, huh? How?"

By the end of the spiel, Desmond was positive not a bone in his body wasn't broken and not a single one of his muscles hadn't been torn apart.

"Calm down, Mr. Hastings. We'll get out of this yet. I have faith in our members who are working on ensuring our departure. They'll be successful. Just focus on keeping Desmond alive."

"Right. Right...of course. I'm sorry, Miles."

"It's quite all right. Let's just try to make it through this with relative calm. Our arguing can't be good for Desmond."

"No. His brain waves have spiked a little."

"Let's just not talk if we can help it."

The ringing died down and Desmond's eyes began to focus on his surroundings a little. He could see the tower above him, an eagle circling overhead, and blurry faces beginning to lean over him as incoherent speech blotched in and out of hearing. Someone was shaking him. Hands began to grapple onto him. Darkness edged onto his vision and he kept staring up above at the tower, hoping someone would save him.

He wasn't sure if he was simply deluded by the experience or if what he saw was truly there, but he swore Altair was at the top of the tower staring down at him, clear as bleached white. Golden eyes seemed to stand out even at this distance and the words, "Hang on, brother" slid across his ears.

He passed out shortly afterwards.