Chapter 6 - Madness
Right on time. I had thought, seeing the security at the gate. I had taken the big risk on using my last name that the Templars found out to track. I gave an arm gesture to Snake to sit in a crowded area. "Snake, we have Templars." My eyes glanced at Alyssa. "We can't let her be caught. Understood?"
Snake didn't give it a second thought. "All right. Then where are we going to meet up?"
"The JFK Airport is only a layover. Meet me at Gate 12 for the flight to Medford, Oregon. This way we can gather what is necessary. You know the plan if this falls through. No matter what. You know our destination. Now blend. You don't know me."
Alyssa reach out, hugging me for a moment before disappearing with Snake. It was enough to see this play out, but to see her be important, I needed my research to get done. Though with all these Templars. No dice.
Templar Soldiers dressed as security was too cliche for them. I had easily avoided them, knowing I had to get my tickets somehow without being caught. Shifting into crowds, hiding my face while I can. I felt unarmed and outgunned. My eyes naturally catching the security cameras. Only if I could take them out, I wouldn't have a problem, but this was a problem. I would only hope the same safety of the others.
I was close to the ticket check, but I wanted to accomplish another task if that was possible. I had slipped a tracker, especially designed by Third Echelon to my fingers. This device was actually very unique how it was made. It also allowed me access to any electronics within a 200 radius.
Convenient it sure was... I worked quickly as I stuck it into the guy's neck without being detected. As the man had felt the pinch, I was already gone. A ghost. A mere shadow among the crowd. I had to keep moving, if it wasn't for my own sake.
Seeker, when you have a moment. I need to speak with you. My eyes glanced around. What you are doing will endanger your party. You must not get on that plane. Take a refund for your second flight. Take a car. I had followed the voice in my head. I needed Snake to know. To tell them there was a change in plans. Do not think, act. They will know. Trust me.
I had taken a deep breath. "I'm sorry, this airline was just delayed." I hear a voice say. Soon many were denied. There is only a matter of time to move, Seeker. Now GO!
Doubling my pace to make my way out of there, I didn't want to catch attention. I hustled my way through the crowd as I came to the entrance of JFK Airport. There they were. In vans as plain as day. Abstergo. I dropped my head, making my way to the nearest parking lot. As I knew from my nature that I wouldn't hotwire, but I wasn't restricted. I needed this Fifth Freedom.
I got into an area that hopefully didn't have any cameras or security, breaking a car window. I slipped inside, taring off the wheel to get to the necessary wires. I threw my bag into the back seat as I saw the Piece of Eden roll out. It was glowing. I had froze for the moment. Was it really Minerva telling me to escape?
I heard the rum of the engine as it started. I slammed the car door, now focusing on finding Snake and Alyssa. I had laughed at all this. Perhaps Alyssa was right. That I was a Third Musketeer after all... I was interrupted as my OPSAT buzzed. Meet with Snake. The text said. He found out a few things. Waiting on you when you're ready. I readjusted myself, making sure the Piece of Eden wasn't within plain sight, I tucked it back into the bag, tossing it under the car seat.
Sam arrived in the obviously stolen car as both Alyssa and myself ducked inside. "Good to see you, Sam. There has been a change in plans. Otacon got through and-"
"I know, Snake. Templars. They're everywhere. Here-" Sam had tossed me his OPSAT. "-looks like if we don't get out of here soon, we will have more company than bargained."
"No way, Alyssa made national news? I bet you anything it's because of the damn Templars." I had skimmed through the headlines. "Sam, look there is something else you need to know."
"What is it, Snake?"
"Otacon needs me for a few more things. Now before you get huffy, I am kinda in the middle of tracking down another Metal Gear. I just needed to make sure you guys would be safe."
"This is all too sudden, Snake. You can't be.. you can't be doing this."
"Sam, I promise to team up with you when I have the chance. Look. Otacon wants to meet us at the LAX Airport in Los Angeles. At least he was kind enough to make sure that the dealing with getting what is necessary with Alyssa's PlayStation is in order. Now come on. There's no time to lose."
We had left the JFK Airport with very little to say and Templars being avoided. Alyssa had kept to herself as Sam focused on the road. We knew it would take days to reach our destination, but it wasn't like we had a lot to get to know on each other that we already don't.
I felt Sam's OPSAT buzz, again giving an indication of a message. "Hey Sam, you got a message from Grim." Sam gave the okay for me to read it aloud. "Search team inbound, Sam. This will be the last attempt from the White House, but not from me. - Grim."
Sam's response was settle. His hands gripped on the wheel. "Snake, unlike you. I have a daughter. She's the only one I have left. My only family. If I don't get back into my universe. I feel as though I may be stuck here. Not that it's bad, it's just not my place." My thoughts were again silent as I placed the OPSAT on the dashboard.
Sam's eye locked into the rear-view mirror. "You doing all right back there?" His question aimed towards Alyssa.
"Yeah, just. Just thinking."
The rest of the trip was like this. We stopped to sleep, eat and rest when possible. Alyssa and I had our moments, but I didn't have much to say seeing I needed time to shift my thoughts to more important manners.
Sam to always seemed to be one step ahead of the group as he found the possibility of retrieving another car. We agreed it could be used as a diversion if chased by Templars and we needed to split before all of us would be caught.
There was a defining moment as we sat in a booth in Burger King. Alyssa, munching her fries as Sam took some. Seeing if she would even notice. Slowing eating them with ketchup. He finally had it with her silence as he lightly kicked her under the table.
Alyssa's eyes finally meeting his. "What?" Her tone was annoyed.
"You gonna say anything, kiddo? Your silence is placing me on edge."
Alyssa buried her hands into her face. "I wonder about Desmond, Sam. I wonder about life. I QUESTION if I am to even have a normal life after this. Where am I heading? I have nothing here and god forbid if I end up running for the rest of my fucking life! How is that for worry?" She had started crying. "I can't do this!"
She had rampaged out of the place as Sam and I both exchanged looks. "How do we...?" Silence. Sam and I were both in peril. It wasn't our fault, but then again, I looked at Sam, trying to find some sort of answer.
"I.. should go talk to her. All of this, is my fault. I broke her out. Now here we are." Sam kept the details short seeing that there were a few around us, wanting to question what just happened. I had let Sam out of the booth as I resumed eating in silence.
My eyes glanced outside where Alyssa was pacing a grassy patch under a tree. Sam ran into view. From here, it was like watching a silent movie, but I was also trying my best to read their actions and words. She was yelling, getting her point across with more than just anger. Alyssa must have pushed Sam a few times as he allowed her.
Sam on the other hand seemed calm from my perspective as he embraced her. There it was. She was allowing herself to vent out the feelings. Now crying over Sam's shoulder. Her fists, balled up, ready at any moment willing to bash his whole body. He continued to stroke her hair, reassuring that this wouldn't be the first hurdle to jump.
Maybe Sam was right, sure. I may have been pulling a wrong move if I left now. Alyssa being unstable and having one less person to protect her. As bad as I felt and being that I had a consensus, I still had a mission.
I dropped my head, pretending to mind my own business as Sam set her against the tree and entered Burger King. "Snake, come on. It's time we check in for the night. There is no way we are driving until she is comfortable with her situation.
"Sam, it's not a good-"
"Fine. then take the car and leave. Get your damn mission done. I'll take care of her." There was a sudden change of heart in his words. "She is my only hope if I am to get home and if you have more important things, then LEAVE."
I threw out any trash that was left on the table, placing the tray on top of the trash-bin. "Sam, I just wanted to let you know that I will be back."
Sam didn't even make eye contact with me. We both left as I glanced at Alyssa. She knew. Her look of sorrow knowing I had a mission was heartbreaking for the both of us. Sam allowed the car to be taken as I focused on the road ahead, getting to Los Angeles hopefully in a few days time.
They both stood there, watching as I disappeared from view. I love you, Alyssa. My heart had skipped a beat. Those.. weren't my thoughts. They were Altair's. Pain came back as memories flood into my brain of them.
I had plans for Snake's departure, knowing I had another car waiting for us.Sure, this one was stolen just like the one I retrieved at the airport that Snake now had, but my chances with Alyssa were better than nothing. I had no gain leaving her like Snake. Though I could understand seeing Sarah was often placed in the same position.
"I told Snake it was all right, kid." I assured Alyssa as she watched the road in hopes of him changing his mind. "Look, we have an option, a few actually. I told Snake it was probably better to stay a few days. After all we have been through, A day or two won't kill us to relax before locating your equipment."
Alyssa gave thoughts to my words. "No, it's best we keep going. The more we focus on the mission at hand, the more likely we will get this done sooner."
Points again being made to get across. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah Sam, let's just get to Oregon and confront any problems that may have arose there. We need to meet up with Desmond again when possible."
Seeker. We must speak. Again with Minerva. I was being summoned. I gave a glace around, making sure we weren't being watching. "Give me a moment, Minerva. Please." I actually spoke to the Piece of Eden. This. Made me feel like I was insane.
"We should get going, Sam." Alyssa insisted as she climbed into the front seat.
Heading back on to the Highway, we had our thoughts to ourselves. Alyssa had a map she had found in the car, giving directions as to what road would be better approach. This mood had changed me though as I felt a pulse from the Piece of Eden. I felt as though I lost control as I heard Alyssa call for me.
"Seeker. We must." Again, Minerva was reaching out to me. I found myself in tunnel vision as my environment had melted. I was now standing in what appeared to be a map-room. Glowing symbols, locations and that of the world showing off several locations. "There isn't much time. If you don't react. The Templars WILL."
"All ...All right. I'm listening."
"You are approaching an area that has another one of our Pieces. Find it." Her fingers lit up the worldmap. Point directly to the United States. "San Antonio, Texas."
I snapped back into reality, seeing that Alyssa had a hold of the wheel and I was apparently still driving. "Sam. Are you all right?"
Feeling still a bit spaced as I motioned to take the wheel again, I nodded. "We need to head to Texas. Minerva's orders."
The drive there took sometime and a half. We had pulled into a hotel to prepare for the night. Alyssa had that look of concern. I had not another word as I made sure I had a clip loaded into my Five-SeveN. I had even took the time to lock and load the spare pistol I gotten from Abstergo.
"Sam, do you really have to do this?" It was Alyssa, asking if I should go through with this or not."
I checked the barrel of the spare pistol. "Keep this on you. I don't need to tell you how to shoot. If someone breaks in here with force of entry. Shoot. Don't ask questions. If it's Abstergo. Run. Don't look back." I had piniched a transmitter into her neck for safety messures. "Don't be paranoid. What I just gave you should be helpful. Made by Third Echelon..."
I had taken the time to adjust my OPSAT. "That device is capable of tracking you if you get captured. Knowing what has been going on.. I don't want to take any chances. Without you, I got nothing. I should be back in a few hours. Minerva told me there was a Piece of Eden in this area. I am leaving the other one here with you. I am counting on you. Do you understand?"
Her resposne took my breath away. I was kissed. I leaned, giving into her affection. With my mind set on the mission, it was hard to ignore her gesture. I was pulled on the bed. I continued caressing her. With every kiss, I knew I was making a grave mistake. I kissed her neck as I tried pulling myself away.
"Not yet." She whispered into my left ear. "Stay for awhile, please. It's all I ask."
An hour must have passed before I found myself in bed with her. I wasn't going to lie. It felt great. It had been too long since I had felt any affection from any woman. Don't fall in love with her. You have to get home. I left her in bed as I had gotten myself reequipped. I gave her one last glance as I placed my goggles in my hand. Don't... fall.. for her..
The map I had in my head was rough, but I knew where I was being lead. Through barren land and a few trees, I had equipped my trifocal goggles, looking for any suspicious entries. Something that seemed out of the ordinary. It didn't take too long to find. Shrubs and a small overgrown root of a tree gave away its positioned opening.
As I cleared the shrubs, I had felt a gust of wind that pulled inward. I saw that there was a tube like structure I could easily slip into. Heading in legs first, I pushed myself down. The ride was short lived as I caught myself from almost dropping through a three hundred foot crevice. At least from what I could see from my perspective. I am really getting way too old for these stunts.
This ancient place seemed as though it didn't have an explorer, but there had to be others down here before me. My question was answered as I saw skeletons. Yet, it seemed as though they couldn't get out or worse... never able to solve the possible puzzles. I continued to tread carefully, Having an itchy trigger finger if necessary.
This must have been a Vault of some as I continued to advance deeper. I stepped on something that gave into my boot's weight. I had been breath taken again as the walls around me turned into a light blue, showing way to a door, revealing as I expected. A puzzle. It won't be necessary for you to solve the puzzle, Sam. Just your hand will do...
Obeying Minerva's orders, I had placed my hand on the puzzle as it gave off a heat signature. The signature lingered as a light blue neon glow as I removed my hand. The door opened as rocks and dust moved to reveal a room that was soon reactivated.
What I was now staring at was beyond amazement. My eyes adjusted naturally to the neon light blue that now surrounded me. This would more than be defining. It was something I had never seen before. Is this where the Piece of Eden laid dormant? I was soon to find out.
I could feel a strange vibration through the ground as I continued walking. Feeling as though I was being pulled. I was in awe as stones in the structure had shifted, revealing a strange device that came out of the ground. I jumped back a bit as it came to ground. On my level.
I stood there for a moment. Puzzled. Wait. If this thing was underground. Wouldn't it be better that way? For this to stay underground. Yet, there it was. Another Piece of Eden. I grabbed the Piece of Eden as the compartment rumbled back into the ground. I need to get out of here.
I felt the ground shake again as I looked behind me. The entrance I had opened was now closing on me. DAMN! I raced towards the door, sliding as it closed. There was no way I was going to get back into that room. Which means finding another way out. It wouldn't be a big deal if that passage I had arrived in would be easier to climb. I was only hoping that this wouldn't become my tomb.
Reflecting Night Vision around me, I saw there were a few places that allowed me to scale the walls. Knowing I had athletic tendencies, I made my way up the wall with as much grace as it would allow.
As I had made it to the top, I froze. Headlights beamed into the exit I was quickly approaching. I hung there as I saw Templars approach the area. "Anything?" I heard one call into the light.
"Nothing. Go figure. The information the girl gave us was wrong." I steadied my breathing. Damn it... was Alyssa safe? Why would she give away such information?
Small timed passed before they had left, I kept a level head upon climbing out of the sanctuary. Dodging behind a near tree, I observed as much as I could under the time pressure given. I headed back to the hotel as soon as I found out there were no more Templars in the area.
Arriving at the hotel undetected wasn't a problem, but seeing a bloodbath and several dead bodies was. Arming myself with my Five-seveN, I slammed in the door with my right leg. Lights were shattered, most of my equipment gone and blood. Blood everywhere. No sign of Alyssa. Oh God. Did she run?
"Alyssa! Are you here?" I called out. Please don't tell me you're here. Please. I aimed my gun as I hear shift in movement. The sound was coming from the bathroom. Gently pushing the bathroom door, I aimed right for the half conscious man, trying to fight for his life. Templars. I didn't doubt that they would attack. "All right, buddy. I'll let you live if you tell me where she is."
"Go to hell."
"Wrong answer." I shot him in the leg. "Now, let's here the right answer. Not like you're bullet proof." I picked up the Templar, slamming him against the wall. "Are you willing to talk?"
"Lucky you. She escaped."
I dropped the Templar, seeing he was telling the truth. "Thank you for your time." I shot him in the head. "Guess I have no time to loose."
I ran as fast as I could. I did everything I could and I was able to evade my enemy. I told them that Sam was in the forest as others stayed behind to meet their fate. My adrenaline ran cold, I didn't have a choice, but to keep on running. I must have ran a great few miles before my legs gave in and I collapsed.
Those men. Templars. They were all dead. They had families. Children. Even if they were my enemy, I still cried. What was I doing? I wanted anything than to go home. ANYTHING. I don't want this. WHY SNAKE?! Why say who you are, believing your mission is more important knowing what situation is going on here? I hid myself in the grass as much as I could, feeling the barren ground scratch my face.
This, running. Was it really my reality now? I was better off submitting to my family. That's it! I've had it. I can't. Not anymore. My family is worried sick. I had continued down the road, into a small town nearby. Without a map, I had no idea where I was going, but I had my thoughts set. I was going home.
My feet dragged behind me as I entered a police station. "Ex... excuse me." My voice still broken from the interrogations I faced. The officer didn't even look up from the work he was doing. "Excuse me, sir?"
"May I help you, Miss?" Was the officer's response. His head was buried in paperwork.
"I'm here to turn myself in." That caught his attention.
"On what charges?"
"I broke out of a mental facility. I have been unstable since. Please. I just don't want to place people through this anymore."
Confused, but seeming to rustle his feathers, the officer stood. "All right. Turn around and lock your hand behind your head." He took out a pair of handcuffs. I guess this is it then.
"You have the right to remain silent when questioned." The officer was reading my Miranda Rights. "Anything you say or do may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult an attorney before speaking to the police and to have an attorney present during questioning now or in the future. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you before any questioning, if you wish. If you decide to answer any questions now, without an attorney present, you will still have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to an attorney. Knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you, are you willing to answer my questions without an attorney present?"
"Yes, sir. I am willing to explain everything as directed and have the right to an attorney as necessary."
"All right then, Miss. Then follow me." I was lead into a jail cell. "Can you tell me your name?" The officer questioned.
"Alyssa. Alyssa Boetthcer."
"Thank you Miss Boettcher. I will be checking into your records. Make yourself comfortable."
I sigh, allowing myself to cry more. At least there will be no more of THIS. I can go home, be medicated correctly and get control of my life again. I laid down on the bench. What was I thinking escaping this far without real knowledge. This could all be.. wrong...?
My memories reflected upon all the follies and trials I passed with Altair. Everything went to hell when I left him. My son.. Oh Ezio.. My heart was aching. Where am I supposed to go? What to do?
It was then I heard something drop. It was Sam's Piece of Eden. The object he entrusted me with. Where the police going to take this too when they were to throw me in jail? I have to at least get this back to him. Right? I couldn't pick it up. I sighed, staring at the Piece of Eden. Sam. Please. You have to understand why I did this. I did this to better myself.
"Better yourself how? Get yourself arrested, turning yourself in and think everything is an illusion? It's not right. If you crawl back to your family now, you are going to regret it."
My heart had skipped a few beats now seeing Sam at the cell door. "Sam!" I was actually happy to see him.
"Alyssa, What the hell were you thinking?"
"Sam. I just don't want to run anymore. Even when we thought we were safe, we aren't-"
"Alyssa. Stop. You're being an idiot. Turning yourself in will just leave a trail. Now come on we have no time to lose. Let's see if we can track down your equipment and place everything right. You will have the chance to prove your innocence even if it may not see like it right now."
Sam swiftly lockpicked my jail cell door as he assisted me with my handcuffs. I swiped up the Piece of Eden as I smiled back at him. It was probably the first genuine smile Sam would actually get from me. My arms wrapped around him. He had accepted my hug.
"All right. We need to get out of here. There is a window I was able to track to you in the back."
"How exactly did you find me?"
Sam pressed against my neck. Of course. The transmitter. My god, maybe he wasn't lying about this after all. "Third Echelon can work more wonders than you can imagine, kiddo."
We ran towards the back where Sam had snuck inside. Hoisting me up, we ended up in a bad alley. Sam was quietly out soon after. "I can't imagine the ruckus I caused. I'm sorry."
Sam gave signals for me to stay behind. Before you say "I can hear your thoughts." Yes I can. Now, we have no time, we need to get to the car as fast as we can If we delay any longer, the Templars may actually smell our trail. Now on my mark.
As the coast was clear, Sam made his way with me, leading to the car. Climbing in, I was reminded of some sort of viral outbreak. If we were to survive, I suppose we shouldn't alert any zombies. I snickered at that thought. Sam just gave me a glare.
"Hey, there's something I want to get out of the way. Something we can talk about while on the road." His eyes locked with mine.
"What's that, Sam?"
"Whatever happened at the hotel. Stays there. Killing and you kissing me. I can't risk being in a relationship with you. You know this. Just please. Don't do anything like that again."
I snickered. I laughed at his ignorance. "What you mean..." I inched towards his face. "This?" I kissed him again. As I pulled away, I saw that look on his face. "If you don't want that. Then why do you not ignore it? I was just curious if you would even take the kiss at all."
"Stop lying." Sam wanted to hide his face. "You have a relationship with Altair."
"No. I.. I thought I did." I had admitted. "I suppose if you read my thoughts. You know that Snake is actually Altair. The Altair I know is gone. This mission I am on.. whatever this situation is.. It's not "for" him. It used to be. Really. Times change, Sam."
"Then what about Snake? He must care for-"
"If he really did care. Do you really think that stopping another damn Metal Gear will change anything? He's married to his career. This hasn't been the first time this happened."
"You know eventually I will have to leave as well." Sam could hear his own bitter words towards me. "I"m really sorry, Alyssa. I just can't find myself with you, not because of my age, it's because we live in total different worlds. Literally. I mean, yes there are parallels, but... I can't stay here. I need to get home to my daughter."
"So you treat me as a mission? A way to get home? You don't believe in its worth. What we do. How we do this. Why?" I was feeling a bit hurt.
"Our feelings we have on this mission. They're going to fade. I have seen this not with myself, but with co-workers. Rather if you are married to someone or not. It's not that we care. It's just that there will be times when the mission is more important. So that we can come home safe. That everyone will stay safe."
"Then.. why can't we just enjoy the time we have together?" My question left silence. "I know it may not be much. But maybe my original thoughts were right." I gave Sam his Piece of Eden. Allowing him to clasp it in his hands. "You got what was necessary. You don't need me anymore, Sam. You can go home. I should too. With two Pieces of Eden, I know you can find something within Abstergo. Without me being in your way."
Sam gave thought to my words. His eyes dropping to what he now possessed. In his thoughts, he know I was right as much as I found meaning behind his statements. The drive out of the alleyway and onto the highway was silent. We didn't have much to say. For the rest of the night, Sam thought by hanging low in a small town would help clear our thoughts.
I had taken off my shoes, now anxious to get home in perhaps a day or two. Trying to figure out ways to speak with my Mother about the past weeks. Sure, maybe Sam was right. Maybe turning myself into the police was a bad idea. I would need to approach my parents and represent myself the right way before this would turn sour.
I crawled into bed, feeling exhausted. No more running, No more fighting Templars. No more being an Assassin or an associate of them. I released a sigh of relief. Finally, I can get this all behind me. As my eyes drifted, I felt movement in my bed. It was Sam.
Sam laid his head next to mine. I could feel his warm breath down my neck. His left arm, embracing my body. "Alyssa. Maybe you were right about one thing. I can't just ignore everything that we have been through. I know everything has been hard for you. You stayed strong at least until you got back into the states, but..."
I rolled over, now being face to face with Sam. "Get some rest, Sam. We can talk about this when it clams down. What was said was said. We are going to fight. It's natural. I am only questioning everything because... I feel lost. I shouldn't have made that move on you. You're right. The feelings we have are only because it's out of the same goal we hope to achieve."
"And what would that be...?" Sam started to drift himself. His tone was becoming tiresome.
"We are trying to find a way home."
I felt Sam stroke my hair again. "Then I should be the one apologizing. I need to get you home and explain myself to your parents. Why I did this. It's not right. I know how I would feel. Then again, I wouldn't be home hoping the kidnappers would bring back my daughter. I would be searching."
I had kissed Sam's forehead. "Get some rest, Sam.. really." With my words, he brought me closer to him.
Nothing said between us as I threw the blanket on him. There was no way he would have the thought capacity to climb into his bed. Though, I liked it. There was no lying about that. His company, his aura. It all felt positive. That all his efforts were to no avail. Altair... can't you just tell Snake I wanted the same thing from him or would he not accept me?
You know I can hear your thoughts. It was Sam. I think Snake sees you as his child in a sense. That he's your dad. He claims to have raised you, right? Then even if Altair and him ARE the same person, He has his own thoughts. Same concept with Big Boss and Solid Snake, right? Even if there are similarities, they are their own person. Their own souls. Their own thoughts.
It was then that reality had hit me. "Altair is.. gone?" I was again looking answers within Sam's eyes.
He shook his head. "I'm sorry, Alyssa." I was brought closer as he allowed me to cry in his arms. "Don't ever lose hope. It's better to have loved, than never to have loved at all."
We kept each other close as the sun rose from the window. I chuckled at the thought. With all the running around we both did, at least work had gotten completed. We now had a second Piece of Eden. My thoughts raced. What if we could really change history? This once again made me question if it was right to go home. That if I were to finish my job. I might as well see this all the way through.
