Chapter 9 - Different Minds

Altair didn't know what to say, he took a deep breath, sitting on Alyssa's bed. She stood there, uneasy. There was a knocked then heard. Alyssa knew that it was from her mother as expected. She opened the door now seeing her mother walk in.

"If he is to stay here, I won't allow him to sleep in the same room."

"Mom, stop, please. He is to stay here, in this room, if you do not like it, I will leave."

"Why is it you insist on him staying with you?" Audra questioned. "It won't make any difference if we give him the bed in the guest house, now will it?"

Altair stood up, genitally pushing Alyssa back. "Audra, she's 19 years old, stop treating her like a child."

"She won't be an official adult until she is 21."

Alyssa knew that there was to be an argument. She reached for Altair, shaking her head out of the argument. If he was to get involved, Alyssa wished for him to talk more on what he knew what was going on in the family. Altair knew there was still much to understand how the family worked, but still knew there was more information than seen.

Altair made the situation stand. "I am to stay with her, if you have a problem with that, you take it up with me. If you kick me out, I'm taking her with me. You can't stop me. SO GOD help me, you will-"

"Altair, that's enough." Alyssa sighed. "Look mom, now that I am back, and that I won't need to wait, I plan on going back to my place. I got some things to get done."

Time slowly passed as Alyssa had packed her PS3, also gathering whatever else she brought over. Altair took her backpack with yet a look. There was silence between them as Alyssa patched things up with her parents, saying good-bye until the next time she would come over. They walked the path straight, simple on through to her place.

"Hey Altair...." Alyssa started. There was only a glance in her direction. "I'm sorry things turned out this way..."

"We have ourselves to blame, don't feel guilt." Altair answers. "So how long do we know until you actually are?"

"Well, we have to wait, but without going to a doctor, a few months. I wouldn't know."

"I guess mentioning to your mother will be more than overkill?"

"She would kill me and you. She would..." abandon me. Alyssa couldn't find the heart to say it correctly.

Altair walked a bit ahead, looking around. There was someone who brushed by him, not saying a word to him. Alyssa smiled, knowing in Ashland that everything was a bit free. No one would judge you for what you would wear. Altair also knew that having his equipment also meant stares.

Alyssa took his hand, leading him on through, avoiding contact with the little that passed by until arriving at her place. I like how I don't need to turn down a certain street to get to my place, that it's straight on through. She checked her mail. seeing most was just junk, throwing it away, the other was bills. Alyssa scaled her stairs, heading on up to the third floor.

Upon unlocking the door, there was an aura reflecting off, seeing the place didn't chance since the last it was left. Alyssa placed a few things on her futon as Altair swung her backpack on the chair near him. There was a sigh from Alyssa, as if she was glad to be back. Already thinking on heading back to his world.

"Want to head out tonight?" Alyssa wondered. "The movie theater is just 20 minutes from my place, maybe we can see a movie. I just got to check for times..."

"How about we relax? Just getting back takes a lot out of you."

"Yeah, we can."

Alyssa cracked her knuckles, giving a yawn. "I'm going to hop in the shower then before taking a nap. I have been going through a lot as of late."

Altair threw himself on the futon after taking his equipment off, allowing himself to breath. He closed his eyes, knowing he had basically nothing to worry about until heading on back to his world.

As he yawned himself, something had entered his mind, something he couldn't identify. Why do you hide Altair...? I know where to find you. Altair flinched at the voice, knowing he recognized it as Al Mualim. I wait for your return.

Altair rolled off the futon, adjusting his thoughts elsewhere. His ears picked up from the shower. He sat up, knowing that there was nothing completely on his mind. His thoughts were distracted knowing that something was watching him. Altair got to his feet, scoping around the area. There was a sound behind him.

Everything around him transformed, evaporating the scene. His memories dug deep down, pulling an illusion. Altair knew that it was, now seeing Adha stand before him. There was a look of hatred, disgust on her face. She had approached him, slapping him across the face. It had felt real, but Altair knew it was mind over matter.

"How could you?" Adha was now yelling. "How could you do this to me?"

"Adha..." Altair reached out, letting his hand pass through her, giving a reminder that it was nothing but an illusion.

"I can't believe you. Do you think it's any better now?"

Altair shook his head. "What are you saying?"

There was a headache now looming in the back of his mind. A memory he was pushing away, knowing it was laying dormant. Make it stop, there's a reason why I wanted to forget. No more, don't do this to me. Altair placed his hands on his head, making his way back to the futon. He closed his eyes, allowing the time to go back to normal.

Altair had given it a moment. There was a feeling he didn't want he wanted to close it out. Reminders of her and how he was treated before she had left was something his mind couldn't handle. Get out of my head! Altair was wishing to scream. I can't stand this anymore, STOP! He moved, looking over at what now was Alyssa trying to help.

Altair struggled she was trying to calm him. Altair, stop, it's ok. You're hallucinating, don't worry, everything will be fine soon. Alyssa continued to fight as Altair gave up, seeing that he was bound to yell at the wrong person. She pushed down his arms, pinning him down as his strength was drained. There was a hand placed on his forehead as a blanket covered him.

As was expected, Alyssa muttered something, saying there was a temperature. She had given Altair a few aspirin. Take these, like you would for small pieces of food. There was a glass of water in her other hand. Altair, taking the few aspirin, closed his eyes, hoping not to see what his mind wished.

Alyssa had continued feeling his head, knowing that it was probably just a little too much travel for what has happened for weeks. He had sunk himself under the blanket. Altair was feeling himself question why memories of Adha were now haunting him. Having such the illusion only made things complicated.

Altair gave short breaths, not knowing what to precieve anything for the moment. There was a cold feeling on his head. Cold water soaked his head. A chill went down his back as if to give confirmation that his body was fighting. Alyssa wiped his neck with another cold cloth, cooling him off. She continued to do so, knowing that he was slipping away from the world.

My phone had rang, my mom was calling. I placed it on silent, not wishing to deal with her for the moment. I felt angered, knowing I could only do so much. I closed my eyes, staying strong. I was starting to hear voices that were not of Altair's or my own.

There will only be a matter of time... Ezio was right, Ezio was right... I shook my head, not wanting to think on that for the moment. Then how long does she have? It's not so much she will know soon, about the time travel. I took a deep breath, finding myself now overlooking a church that I didn't notice. I was standing what viewed as a council.

I gave a look around, this wasn't right, but I knew right then I was given a glimpse into the future, or from our world's past. It was hard to tell, seeing that I was still home. Figures stood around me, approaching me fast. Calm child, you are having yet a vision as you know. There is something we must speak to you of that may change your views. What we did to Altair just now was our fault, we apologize.

There was one that was now stood behind me. What you are seeing is an illusion, but again of the future. You are still in your time child, there is nothing to fear. You have much knowledge you need to learn.

Chills shot down my back. What do you want from me? I was capable to ask.

We want you to listen, we should be so lucky that we are speaking to you now. I heard a third say. The Piece of Eden has to deal with time travel, it chooses who it wants to associate with, this time being of Altair and the bloodline. Ezio is only the beginning of it all.

I grew confused. I don't understand, you're telling me that there's more? Speak straight with me for once.

I was taken by the arm, a light grip. You are a time traveler, so now is Altair. Your son, he carries that trait. You have to understand that you must let him go with the time is right so that the corruption in Italy can be brought straight.

So... you're saying that we are heroes of time? Like Chrono Trigger...?

If you wish to view it that way, yes. Having the ability to travel to certain times to set history straight, the truth... Ezio is here, which is the other reason why we contacted you. He discovered his true purpose, he wants to speak with you.

"Mother...? My god, you look so young." There was a voice I feared, but started to react. "It's just begun mother, I wanted answers, but I guess it's a little sooner than expected."

I turned, seeing now what was the hero of the next game. "Ezio."

"Listen to me. What you are to write on the Piece of Eden, it's true. It has the ability to time travel. You had to send me to 1460 because you said events needed to portray themselves."

I had felt intimidated to question, knowing there was much to know, but I was scared. I don't understand....

You will. I hear Ezio connect with my thoughts. Go now, we will meet again soon.

As I had blinked a few times, I felt myself asleep in my chair, I slowly stood up, knowing I was now in my era. Dream or not, it was important. I had to figure out why or how that happened. Altair was lightly asleep, talking of Adha in his dreams. I took the damp cloth and placed it in the kitchen. I had wiped dry his forehead, feeling that his temperature was finally dropping.

Time passed as Altair regained consciousness. I explained to him what I saw, knowing it was more than the confusion that settled in our brains. Altair had given more than a plain thought that it was making no sense to him. I had reached for paper and a pen. Displaying what timelines were and how they worked.

"I think I know what Ezio did what he did, that was to warn us. I know it's weird, but if time works through anything like I know, there's a reason."

"Explain then." Altair pushed, seeing that it wasn't clear.

"Two years ago when I was sent to your world, it was more than that. From which ever happened, you came here to my world now, in 2009, as if to prepare us. I think it has to deal with numbers."

"Numbers, you mean like with the numerology book you have?"

"Yes, now do the math. I met you in 2007, it's been two years since that and you were sent here in 2009, but in your world would be 1191 still, but you knew time passed here. That's not what I am trying to get at though. Add the numbers separately. Two plus seven equals nine. This coming up year that I met you and when Ezio will be born will be three years. What's more ironic? I'm 19. So again, I think I know why the Eden chose us. The piece was... it's.."

I held my head, as if to be overwhelmed with knowledge or of answers. Altair placed his left hand on my shoulder while placing his right hand on my neck. He had closed his eyes, placing his head with mine. I felt him straightening my thoughts. Time is a hard thing to deal with. Maybe the reason why you got sent was an easy one. We'll figure it out, just not now.

I pulled away from his thoughts, standing to my own will. There was just so much more to figure out, that there was a reason for everything, even if it dealt with time travel itself. I was starting to beat myself up, kicking my door. This isn't supposed to be, Ezio, no. His father was supposed to be Giovanni, not me, not me.

"Stop, stop." Altair spoke, stopping me from kicking the door.

"What am I supposed to do, I don't know what..."

Altair grabbed my shoulders, feeling my anger and confusion. Altair connected with me. Let's go down to that park we were at before. Let me do something to help you.

As we arrived at Garfield Park a half hour later, I ran through the open fields. I let my lungs burst, having my mind run free, Altair was next to me, advising me to let go of any anger I held within. As I took a diving roll on a sidewalk, crashing into a tree the next. I was laughing, now seeing Altair sit next to me. Both of us were out of breath. I was starting to realize something even more.

Regardless of corruption being as bad, freewill was something many of us had. Even if we were pinned down, it wasn't illegal to think, at least yet. Altair gave me a reminder that there was still freedom. There was a light look as I smiled at him. He gave a smile back. We had sat under the shade of the tree, looking up at the clouds, feeling a summer breeze.

Altair started messing with my hair, but then reached up at the tree, seeing lose branches. I was tossed one of the branches. I was brought to my feet at Altair pushed me off into a field again. Let's start with the basic of swords. He had introduced. There was surprisingly a smile that spread on my face.

"Remember, sword play is like a waltz." Altair instructed. "So let's start with that."

Altair stood as I charged at him with the stick. He patiently blocked my attacks. His arm the reached out, twisting me so that my back could face him. He kicked me down to the ground like he would anyone else. I had seen my failure. I openly attacked him without strategy. I stood up, brushing myself off and didn't do anything.

Hanging my head, I took a breath. "I am yours to command, Master."

"Well, at least you learned quickly." Altair laughs. "I prefer that you don't call me Master though, I am not within those ranks."

"Very well then, where should we start?"

The sun had set as Altair concluded the training. Many branches were severed as there were many bruises Alyssa was now recovering from. Altair had a few, but have grown used to the pain. Alyssa on the other hand was exhausted, now leaning against the tree. As beat up as she was, her strength hung in there. Altair had approached her, making sure everything was all right.

Alyssa gave a tired smile, there was only so much she had before passing out. Altair placed her on his back, heading by memory what streets she took, heading on back to her place. He searched in her pockets as the keys slipped in his fingers. The door unlocked with ease as Alyssa was placed in bed. She took in a deep, relaxing breath, letting herself sink into the blankets.

As she was settled, Altair walked back into her living room. The papers he once looked at was once more examined, what he read caught his attention. Journal entries of dreams, but it was more than expected. She wrote of Amir, something that triggered a memory. He continued reading from the beginning.

There are many of those who do not know of their past lives. I came in contact with one that is quite aware of my life. He has quite an interest, but living many lives, the man who is actually me, forgot his name.

The only thing I may be certain of is that he was an assassin, even married. It is unknown if he was born in the Holy Land, but I have had visions while walking around town, trying to get home once. My soul felt confused, yet happy. I saw myself in Jerusalem, my left ring finger was missing and I seemed to be wearing bracers. I could not see what I was wearing, but that 15 was the happiest I ever felt.

This wasn't the first time I had this feeling. I had it when I was 14 years old. I had a happy gut feeling while playing Thief Deadly Shadows. I think of the secret society known as the Keepers. It was once again with a game called Assassin's Creed, I heard of it when I was 16, then again when I played the game at the age of 17. By this time I was more happy and as if though it was more of a happy connection.

Doing a bit of research, I discovered that Assassin's Creed was based upon actual history. I did not think much of this until recently. That is when I discovered that my past life was of an assassin, that and my soul once being a man. I know it sounds awkward, but I am certain of this. I am also starting to wake, becoming synchronized with my past life.

Altair sighed, knowing there was much more to read. He grabbed a can of soda in the fridge, sitting down with the papers. Stretching, he continued reading.

My assassin buddy apparently knows of my life so I do not need to tell him of mine, but he is trying to give bits and pieces as we are remembering together, even if he is over a thousand years old. Even being of that old, I had to give him a name. I gave him the name Amir. I hope to find the real name of my past life someday.

I know that my life wasn't born into the way of an assassin, it was of choice, my life went on normally or what was normal back then. Something dreadful happened, causing me to flee where I was, having me travel several days without food or water. I was also apparently carrying what was left of me through unknown territory hence the thought that I was severely wounded. I had struggled through, but soon made the turn for the worst. Out of vallient effort, I collapsed. That from there on out, I had little memory of what happened.

Altair shook his head at the words, they had sounded so familiar to him, that there was something having him remember. The way it was written had him think, but it was not to question as he knew that everything would make itself known.

Masyaf, now that was an interesting place regardless, but I would not find myself actually there for my life as I envisioned. When I woke, there was a person with clothes I had not recognized. Robes that were not of the Templars or those who were part of the Crusaders. I had been offered food and shelter for that day so I could regain my strength. I would only discover that my benefactor wasn't of a civilian, but of an assassin.

Altair stopped, looking at the words written for a while. He felt himself in shock, the man she was writing about sounded exactly like someone who he met when things were rough. Mahir, my god, it can't be...

The assassins knew of the attacks to the south, but were not aware of any survivors such as myself. I had told the that the attack was of nothing to be expected, but of that of which was soon gained with greed and power. Most of all I sought revenge for my family and friends. The assassins knew of my pain, then offering that of which I never dreamed of- training. They would train me in their ways, that way I could kill those who killed my life.

Mind over matter, what anyone would think. I became a fast learner to the point where I could take matters into my own hands. A couple years later, I got my revenge, killing those who ruined me, I would never forget the satisfaction that made me happy to know that everything had a chance to go back to normal.

Altair let the words process, realizing that there was so much, hearing a friend of his, reincarnated. His mind started hurting, but he wanted to know, hearing the thoughts directly from him. Even if it meant he was reincarnated as a woman, at least he was knowing,

(1/14/09) I saw myself while going to the college, my past life that is. I was wearing my gray sweatshirt (with the dark blue lining) I saw Amir, starring back at me. I had my hood up, but it was shocking enough as it was, which had me double take not once, but twice. He was looking back at me like Altair's famous pose on the game cover. Amir had dark hair, short and shadows covering his eyes. I keep on getting indications that everytime I look from place to place or even the sky, I am looking for my place in the world, not wishing to be lost.

Continuing as I said, I got my revenge to the man who kill those who didn't deserve to die. I was mostly feeling uneasy, he taunted me, saying I could not kill him. I had become overwhelmed with many feelings; sadness, relief, I wanted to escape if at all, so I headed to safe ground- Damascus. I cleared my head of the delirious thoughts, not wishing to remember it all. I had spent most of my time in the crowds, but mainly in an area with a fountain, square, but peaceful. Many dared not to bother me as I scanned through many peaceful memories.

My life had changed, seeing a woman sitting at the fountain one day. I do not remember her name, or even her looks, but she was different from the rest, we grew on each other and I had fallen in love. How do I know this? While playing Assassin's Creed I love going to Damascus on my white horse and wondering around the city. There was also one area that caught my attention one night. I will see to that I will draw the scene with me and the one who loved me. I had also varied from visions, me kissing her, but I knew Amir missed her, so I found no point stopping me from day dreaming.

I know that I was happy, living in Damascus, ready to give up my life as an assassin, but that was until a Templar tempted to kill the one I loved. We fled to Masyaf. I had explained my situation, begging for her safety, but in return I would have to assist them in keeping the Holy Land safe, secure.

I had agreed, dedicating my life to becoming as assassin for the rest of my life. Little did I know, that I was being hunted by the Crusaders themselves. It all happened when I was gone- Masyaf was attacked- seiged by Templars trying to kill everyone- including the assassins.

Surprisingly, many had survived the attack, but as a sad result my lover had died, I regretted not being there for the man who destroyed her life. My breathern knew and understood I wished to avenge my lover's death. But my life had ended shortly after dying for justice. I was impaled on a sword of what and who is still unknown to me.

Altair had taken a breath, there was only so much more written, but what he read next took his breath away.

Once again I was mislead, but what caught my attention is that Amir was with the all so famous Altair, I was also known to be with a man years back who apparently created the Ark of the Covenant. I pursued trying to get back as an assassin in this lifetime. The man, Joseph was also reincarnated. Me, Altair and Joseph had went after the arc, but also on that same day I had passed away.

Templars had also almost beat us to the score, but little did we know the place was rigged by their own traps. The place fell apart and I grew determined to get everyone to safety. I was caught underneath rubble, making it yet the last time I would live.

Time had passed before I heard voices calling for me. I saw a ray of light until my eye sight focused on Altair, he was the one who was trying to save me.

There was a heart struck look on his face as I looked upon my own body. There was yet a piece of metal puncturing my left lung. My breathing was shallow and my blood ran cold.

"Amir, I'm getting you out of here alive." I heard Altair say.

I shook my head in disagreement. "No Altair, I do not have much time left. I do not think you should worry... We will meet again, I have a good feeling we will."

We spoke to each other for a while, but as I gave one last smile, I saw yet tears dropping onto my cold flesh. "Don't worry, everything will be all right."

Setting the papers on the coffee table, Altair let them drop from his grip. As if to every detail, Altair was speechless. He had felt as though the details were unbelievable. It was growing late as he walked into the bedroom, watching Alyssa sleep. His hand stroked her hair, finding more of a connection. He kissed her forehead, wanting to laugh at more than just the irony of it all. Altair found himself dream as he sank his body into the bed, wrapping his arms around Alyssa.

"Who... who are you?"

Altair had given a look, the writing of the papers. Alyssa's past life. He was now looking at who Alyssa called Amir. He wanted to know if she knew his true name, seeing that the name she game him was quite close to what his real name was. Altair knew the memory, letting it play as if watching a movie.

"My name is Altair, don't worry, you're safe now. Everything will be all right."

"God sent you..." Amir was breathing.

Altair laughed. "God had nothing to do with it. Can you tell me who you are?"

"My name is Mahir, Mahir Al-Saqr Sayyid."

The memory was pleasant if not for the moment. Altair felt Alyssa's presence, now appearing before him. There was a lighter look on her face than all the other times she has made herself known.

Altair cupped her chin, kissing her lightly, She had hugged him, more than happy to see him. Alyssa reached for his neck, letting fantasy take over her thoughts. There was an illusion that formed itself of having her teeth look like fangs. He had flinched as she bit him, letting the blood stream from his neck. She had genitally pushed him to the ground as she took his blood.

Altair woke with a twitch. He found Alyssa gone, without hesitation; he slipped out of the bed and wondered around for just a bit before hearing footsteps in the kitchen. There was a smell he couldn't identify, but he saw it was coming from the mug on the table. Alyssa was there, watching him, now pushing the much towards him.

A smile formed. "Good Morning Altair, do you want some of my hot chocolate?"

Altair picked up the mug, looking at the whipped creme in it. Taking a sip, he tasted that of the different flavors, making him consume not only the warmth of the chocolate. It has a taste of caramel too, along with the creme you see. Let me make you your own cup. Altair didn't respond, continuing to sip her drink.

Alyssa had taken hers, now giving him his in return. Thank you, you must know that it's very different for me. I would have coffee every now and then, but not this. "So what do we have to do today?"

"Well, if we wrap things up today and make sure everything's ok before leaving, we can head back to your ti- world, to your world."

"What did you have in mind?"

Alyssa nodded, thinking of her words. "Well, knowing we can travel between worlds, maybe we can buy food here. That way I don't feel too out of place. I know a few things you would like." She was going trough a few things, making it to the top of her fridge.

There was a box of Frosted Flakes that was placed on the table as she poured two bowls of it. Altair stared at it, being that it was unnatural for him to see such things. He watched as Alyssa pushed down the flakes, then ate it. His hands reached for a spoon, giving it a chance. His eyes widened at the sweet taste of what he now considered good.

Alyssa poured him a second helping, placing the box away. I know it's good, just remember not to eat so much.

As he finished, Alyssa taught him to drink the milk that was left from the cereal. He enjoyed it every much, now watching as she cleaned up the dishes, setting them to dry. She cracked her knuckles while stretching. He followed her to her living room as she packed a few things, making sure her PS3 was ok- then running around, looking at a few books.

"All right, I have a little cash on me, so we can get some cup of noodles and mainly dry food we can cook, so yeah..." Alyssa grabbed her keys and cell phone. "If you want to stay here while I shop, that's fine."

Altair hopped to his feet, joining her. She took the response, having him trail outside her door as she locked up before leaving. They walked just down the street to the market that was near. It drew to conclusions as Altair ran a muck, now seeing the candy bars she would talk about. His hands reached for the Caramello, knowing that was his favorite treat.

Alyssa allowed it, knowing that he deserved something for later. He had then loved how things were different. The different foods allowed him to stare, making him think on what else to get. She grabbed a few doughnuts for the morning after, even some muffins. There was a moment of laughter as Altair read her mind on what she wanted.

With various of things, they carried the food back to her place as she reached for a dark blue backpack, stuffing the food inside along with any drinks that were bought. Altair saw two things for placing milk with; Nesquick and Hershey's chocolate mix. Alyssa took both of them, stuffing it in the bag.

"I didn't know which one you want, so I got both. I would think you want a little flavor to your milk."

There was a called made to her mother as they headed on back to the parent's place. Alyssa had given time to walking, knowing it was to be sometime before arriving back. Altair said nothing, hearing her thoughts elsewhere. There was a sadness to traveling, but also a happy feeling Alyssa didn't want going away.

I always hoped for a better future, but maybe that's not what I am hoping for... Alyssa had hugged him from behind. All I needed was someone from another world to change everything. She had then pulled down his hood in good humor, knowing that she could. He gave a glare, pulling it back up. Alyssa smiled. Lighten up, your going back home.

As they set up the PS3, her parents were to witness once more what was to happen. With a leap of faith, Alyssa and Altair started playing once again, time was set up for the last time heading into 1191. The light consumed them like the Animus while loading. They were standing just outside the Bureau of Jerusalem, where Altair last left. Malik was there, but thought right then that Altair was gone. Altair pushed Alyssa out of sight before checking what was going on.

"Safety and Peace, Malik."

"What are you doing here?" Malik asked. "You're wasting my time."

"I am sorry, my thoughts were elsewhere."

Malik glanced up from work he was preoccupied with. "What are you carrying on your back?"

"That is nothing of your concern, I am to be leaving."

Altair grabbed Alyssa, now heading out of Jerusalem. She had soon felt uneasy, clenching her stomach. Altair watched, letting his stomach turn as well, seeing her being sick. Alyssa ran off, making sure not to aware the crowd. Her body got rid of what she had for breakfast as a result. He assisted her no matter how gross it was. Altair rubbed her back, letting it end.

As they took a horse, making sure no one saw before deciding to head off to Damascus. Alyssa hopped in front as Altair grabbed to reins. With a command yelled, the horse galloped on through. She closed her eyes, letting the wind blow through her hair. Alyssa allowed Altair to ease with her thoughts, it was of tranquility. He enjoyed it, creating the scene of that they would both enjoy.

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Author's Note: Just to let you know, the things I wrote on the past life IS what I actually wrote. It's been difficult to write on my past life, but there is only so much I will tell, seeing that not many would believe me. If you want to know more, contact me.