Chapter 10 - In What Betrayals Are Formed

I coughed a few times as I woke from passing out just hours before. I gathered the blankets, wrapping them around me. My body temperature was trying to regather itself as my illness was finally calming down. I walked into the living area, hearing the sharpening of the sword. I saw Edward, zoned into his own world. He was soon broken from it as he looked up at me.

With a slight smile, I heard him speak. "I can see you are feeling better."

I inched over to a chair, curling up with my legs. "Where's Altair?"

"He went to seek answers from the Creed. He won't be back for a while."

I moved my bangs out of my face as I glazed upon Edward with a confused look. "I'm worried, he hasn't seen them since he chased after me."

"What's your story with him anyway?" His voice asked from curiosity.

"When I appeared here, I was ran into, but he assisted me. Being that his Master wishes for me to be prisoner for who I am and wants me turned in, it's hard enough as is. Altair has assisted me in everything thus far, and going against his own kind."

"One thing can change everything..." Edward remarked.

"Well, I can admit that this is the most fun I had in a while." I laughed.

There was a sudden sharp pain, but I could feel it when I felt joy. I knew that someone else was still in my head, or at least I knew while I was resting, seeing that I could relax. I closed my eyes as Edward once again zoned into his world, but still keeping an eye on me.

"You should go lay down, try and relax."

"Yeah, all right." I obeyed.

I scurried off towards the back room, but was soon stopped. "I should be the one apologizing."

"What?" I asked, turning back towards Edward.

"After the strange events, many people spoke of something just appearing. We had to investigate, instead, I ran into the source. They ordered for us to seal off whatever was causing a ruckus, knowing that it would change a lot."

"But I ran into you- you-"

"Alyssa, I am sorry. I too question my actions, I bet you anything Altair is as well."

"If you... couldn't seal me off..."

"We were to kill you."

I stumbled back into a nearby wall in disbelief. I was now with a man who could- at any moment kill me. At this rate, I could trust an assassin more. I grew paralyzed with fear, now going through questions on what to say. Edward stood, walking over to me. He proceeded with caution, knowing that there was only so much he could say or do. He placed both of his hands on my shoulders.

"But why...?" I ask.

"My thoughts changed, seeing you are human. Like me, like any of us."

Edward had dropped his arms as I gave a happy sigh. With a faint sign of relief, I hugged Edward, holding him tight. I didn't know why I did. He responded by hugging me back. My eyes began flashing through images, that of my brother, my family and an aura of familiarness. I opened my eyes, looking straight into his eyes. He was starting to remind me of a game character I have seen and known from one of my favorites.

"Human... not an animal?" I asked. "That's good to know."

"Indeed."

Edward lead me to the back room, laying me down in the bed once more. As if he knew that I was wanting to have a change of pace. He gave a silent nod and continued on checking his equipment. His footsteps were clearly heard as he wondered about the place, then joining me once more.

"What am I to do for a fast recovery, I don't wish to feel this way when I return home."

A loud noise was heard from the living room as Edward rushed to check out what was going on. I was spacing, having images of my life back home. I had soon seen a shadow stand over me. Something placed me over their shoulder like a sack of potatoes. I had no energy to struggle, knowing it would be useless.

"Bring both of them to Solomon's Temple, we will do the questioning there."

"I won't let you take her!" I hear Edward scream.

He swiftly disarmed the Knight that had me, and cut me free of his grasp. The group of Templars gathered, yelling many things I couldn't comprehend. The clinging of metals and certain breathing came into play as Edward faught them one by one, as blood spilled. My senses opened as I could smell the blood through what seemed to be another feeling.

Moments passed as drops of blood managed to reach my face. The group of Templars depleted as Edward quickly approached me, pulling my body from the ground. He then threw my left arm over his shoulder as he forced me to walk. My vision blurred as I was trying to concentrate. Edward moved me slowly as he walked me through home and away from the scene.

I looked up at him, hearing him breathe deep. My eyes cleared, now seeing he wasn't in the best condition. I was more surprised on how quickly he left the scene. His pace quickened, but soon came to a stop as he placed me against a wall. He sank to his knees as he gave a grunt of pain.

"How badly are you hurt?" My voice questioned.

"Don't worry about me. We need to move, they seem to be closing in. If we don't, we will be captured and God knows what else."

"Then do me a quick favor."

"What is that?"

I took a slight breath. "My equipment- more likely my pouch and dagger. I'm not going anywhere without them."

Within a few moments. We had to come up with a plan Edward stole a horse, through impersonation, leaving me question. He didn't wish to talk, seeing he was more focused on areas to head. There was no way that leaving would be the greatest idea.

I was being distracted by the white horse Edward retrieved, now feeling him nudge me from behind. Edward picked at his sword, not know how to say anything at this point. I saw the look in his eyes as if there was a hint of regret.

"It doesn't seem to matter really." Edward whispers. "They will kill me as well."

"You too have turned on your kind."

"We need an area we can discuss things and not cause trouble."

I took the horses reins, clicking my tongue to make him walk. "Follow me Edward, I think I know a place we can go."

The streets weren't as crowded, seeing the sun was to go down soon. I was going according to memory, not bothering to even look at my map. My memory soon ended up serving me as I entered the blacksmith I wandered in nights back. I halted the horse to a stop while I extended my left arm to have Edward grow curious as to where we now were.

"Gellen, are you here?" My voice called out in silence. "Hey, old man!"

"I am not fond on being called "old man", unless you wished to be called "young one"." Gellen approached me from the left side of his blacksmith. "What services are you asking of me?" He examined my companion and the horse.

He pushed us in as he shut the main door to his shop. I assisted, making the job a bit easier. He made a gesture to calm down as I removed the bridle on the horse, placing it near by a wall. I patted the horse down, scratching his face, seeing he was now enjoying what I was doing.

"Templar, speak your name." Gellen demanded.

"Edward De Lemear, I am not fond of being questioned."

"I can see that, and knowing you are with her- you are a rebel."

Edward his face, not knowing on what to say. He glanced over at me as I soon joined them. "Listen Gellen, would it be all ri-"

"You can stay for the night, just don't bring any more trouble as is."

"Thanks."

Altair found himself walking up the stairs to meet Al Mualim.

"Hello Altair, how goes the search for the girl...?"

Altair bowed. "I have found nothing Master, but have a feeling I am near."

"So what is it you return to me for?"

"About an artifact I heard much of from the Templars."

Al Mualim approached him. "Ahh, yes, I was to speak to you upon retrieving the artifact, but our main concern is the girl."

"Yes, of course." Altair agreed.

Rage boiled as if he wanted to question everything, but he was stuck in this like the rest of them. Edward and Alyssa were his main priority. He just wanted straight answers for once.

"Altair, I suggest you stay in Masyaf, tonight you rest. You shall continue your mission tomorrow."

Altair blinked a few times, trying to hold back the glare he wished to give. "As you wish, Master."

As he turned to leave, he was stopped by Al Mualim. "There is something changing about you, do not let the girl fill you with such thoughts, it will cloud your judgment on what should be done about her."

Altair paced down the stairs, not bothering to look at anyone else. He was then stopped by someone familiar. Altair looked up, seeing a face that he didn't see for a while.

"Altair, does he know?"

"No Malik, he doesn't."

"We need to talk, this is more important than I can imagine."

They headed outside, moving to an area no one would overhear. Malik leaned up against a wall as Altair sat down on a bench.

"What is it Malik? Obviously you got my attention."

"After retrieving of the last artifact, do you not question what it is?" Malik asked. "That and I have heard that there are many other things that seem to be hidden from us at the moment."

"Then I tend to find out once I return to Alyssa."

"That is another I wanted to speak to you about."

"Do you now?"

"I know of the death of Dabir, but what was interesting is that Templars raided the place after, I heard from an informant that two individuals escaped. One a man, one a woman."

Altair squinted, but then gave it some thought. "Thank you Malik, I need to depart."

"If you leave now, the Master will be suspicious of you."

Altair felt as though he wanted to sock Malik in the face for such knowledge, but no matter the way it was, the thesis was correct.

"Well yes, I guess you are right." Altair grumbled.

With that, Altair returned to the Temple, more focused on getting out of Masyaf without being caught. He returned to his room, that which was now abandoned once more, empty and dim. Knowing he couldn't do anything at this moment, he had to do something.

Altair closed his eyes. Alyssa.... He laid down on his bed, trying to relax. Alyssa...

"Altair, are you busy?"

"Leave, I am exhausted." Altair practically yelled.

"Very well, then I demand to speak to you before you depart in the morning."

The morning...? That's too late. "I will speak to you then."

Altair turned to his side. I need to find a way out, before it's too-

Wings... symbolize freedom to those who have none.

Alyssa, now I see what you are saying.

The metaphor was making sense now. Being chained down was no fun, that and on how freedom was defined. Altair once more closed his eyes.

Altair...?

Alyssa, is that you?

I have a feeling you are... concerned.

I heard very little that you were attacked. Are you safe?


Yeah don't worry about me, at least not for tonight.

Images flashed through his brain, now forming what seemed to be the dream what has been distracting from him for a while. She was giving a smile, as if to have him be reassured that everything was all right. Alyssa had approached him, giving him a small hug.

We plan on heading out of Damascus, perhaps to Acre. Edward and myself have been speaking of it. Damascus is not safe right now.

Then, where shall I meet you...?

The church where the hawk can fly, that of where no religious man can hear the free screams of solitude.

I think I know where to find you.

Good to know Altair, but you know, there has been something that I wanted to tell you.

What is that?

You're changing, but you don't want to admit it.

Yes, but I do not wish to...

I understand Altair, I am just an average fan girl, someone who is just obsessed with you. I am sorry I have been acting the way I am.

Altair shrugged. Alyssa, you're different, I might as well learn.

Yeah, but not this way. Alyssa had shook her head. The way I have been talking to you, the way I have been wishing for more.

Alyssa, many think I may be cold, but you have seen it with your own eyes, I am human, just like you. You are also opening me to another possibility I may never seek in my life ever again.

I am sorry...

You haven't done anything wrong.

Altair felt her hug him tightly, feeling as though she knew what was on his mind, as if there was an apology acceptance. Altair just understood more on how she felt. He placed a hand on her head, making her now question what she was going to say next.

Always understand, that we learn things, even some that change our views.

I have been like this since I was 14, Altair, no need to worry.

You learned at a young age, good for you.

Now days people think that if you show too much emotion, it's not considered as just being friendly or appreciative. It's considered as "obsession". There isn't just having a friend in reality. You show affection, you can't be just a friend. I hate it.

As people grow, so does society, so does what we discover or how we live. Not many understand that there are differences in how you love someone, that on which people should look into more.

Thank you Altair, at least you understand.

With that Alyssa gave another hug, but started to fade away. As if she was satisfied with a few answers. Altair took a deep breath, seeing that a woman finally could trust him was a but awkward on his end.

Another thing that you should learn, Alyssa, is that you shouldn't get too attached.

I will need to explain that later. If I can, that is... the reason why I am so fascinated with you. I can not explain like this.

Then tell me in person when you can.

It's a promise then, Altair. Get some time to relax now, I will see you soon.

Yeah, good night then Alyssa.

Good night to you as well Altair.

I woke in the middle of the night, unable to sleep. I was fast asleep in a spare room just moments before, saying goodnight to Altair.

I scavenged around a few things, now realizing that I wouldn't be able to sleep for a good while. I found a small desk in the bedroom as I found scraps of empty, even ripped paper. I also knew that I kept a pen on me, in my pouch, along with a few other things than what was necessary.

I thought of why Altair didn't use any more than what he could just swipe. I shook my head of the thought as I scribbled a note. I had two things on my mind. One for each of Altair and Edward. All I wanted was everything to calm down as I could now venture on my own.

I hastily wrote them, putting their names on them, folded them and placed in a position that they would be found. I had then took my dagger that was on my night stand, focusing on getting answers, even if it meant that I wished this to go on. I felt as though I could adjust, but I knew I just wished to go back home.

With it finally up to the final straw, I found my way out of the blacksmith, and down to where the entrance was. I felt a presence behind me, seeing that the horse was now nudging me from behind. I turned to see Edward asleep in a hay stack, but the someone that was bothering me was the horse.

I genitally patted the horse on his forehead, giving a slight grin. "I have to do this."

I had then cracked my neck, sneaking out the entrance. I had looked upon Damascus one last time, knowing I would leave a place I felt so happy in, even if it felt like hell. I made sure the few things I had were secure, then walked off to the place that was spoken before; Solomon's Temple.

Edward was woken rudely. He was sleeping in the hay stack, seeing he wanted to be hidden just in case another ambush would happen. The horse was messing with his hair, as if tempting to eat it. Edward swiped his hand, making the horse stop. After several attempts, his eyes opened to see the horse now staring face to face with him.

With a grunt, he got up, scratching the horse's head. "Well, what's the fuss about?"

The horse had pushed him towards the room Alyssa was staying in. He raised his arms, agreeing to what the horse was doing, now walking to her door, knocking on it.

Gellen had approached him from behind. "She's gone, Edward." He spoke.

Edward turned his head. "What? What do you mean, 'gone'?"

Gellen handed Edward the notes, he gave a blank stare, not knowing what to say. He had scanned them, seeing that one of them was written in his name. Opening the note, he read:

Edward,

Thank you so much for helping me on my journey. I feel that my time getting to know you and Altair was the best excitement I have had in a good long time. I feel as though this was driven in too far and that I got pulled in a wrong direction that I couldn't get hope for. You must understand this, for which I am leaving. If you ever meet with Altair, please give him the note that is written in his name.

Farewell and Take Care,

Alyssa

Edward crumpled the note in his hand, only trying to figure out on what to do. His mind raced, knowing he didn't exactly know where to find his companions now. He rebelled for all the reasons he was now regretting. Edward looked over at Gellen, taking a deep breath.

With words forming in his head, Edward asked, "Gellen, is there by any chance you know where the Assassin's Creed is? I have a friend to see."

"Not looking like that you aren't. You would be killed on sight. Let me see if you fit into an old white robe of mine."

Edward was soon in different clothes, but that covering the symbols that couldn't reveal as of now. He dusted it off a bit as he made sure his necessary equipment was hidden.

"Thank you."

"You don't look half bad in that, you know." Gellen pointed.

"Now tell me, where can I find Altair?"

With a nod, Gellen searched for a map of the Kingdom, placing it on the table that was near. He pointed at an area that was off the map, not marked.

"That is where you will find him, but I advise you to proceed with caution."

Edward listened to Gellen's advice, opening one of the wood doors to the blacksmith. He then hopped on the horse after saddling up. Placing the notes he had in th robe, he kicked the sides of the horse, galloping through Damascus and on through to the Kingdom.

Breezing on through many people who were passed in an instant, his mind was settled on how the place was abandoned more and more as he neared the place that was not mapped. He had the continued on through, seeing a tower and those dressed similar to what Altair was wearing.

"Halt!" One called. "What business do you have here?"

With a skid and slight rear of his horse, Edward called out. "I have a message for a villager, to deliver personally."

Many had gathered around Edward, examining him. "The Master will be informed of you then, messenger, but be warned, you attack, we will hunt you down."

With that, Edward trotted the horse on the way through on the arc, jumping in and proceeding on way through deep in the mountains. He was stopped by a guard, throughly examined and allowed entrance. Edward hopped off the horse, leaving him where others were. He had then asked around a bit as he climbed up hill.

There were many Assassins, many than what he could imagine. Like a way of life, Edward was knowing that they protected, killed for what they believed. The way of the Assassins were confusing to him, but not making his people any better. The sight of scholars even alerted him, knowing that they too wrote perhaps many things, kept books on information that the Templars could even value.

Edward knew that the thoughts weren't the best time, knowing that they could kill him in an instant. He was naturally drawn inside the castle, trying to seek out Altair. His ears picked up something.

"Ahh, Malik, what is it?"

"Have you heard of Altair's strange attitude lately?"

"No, I have not, I am sorry, but I must depart."

Edward turned to see Malik, him of one less arm. "You know of Altair?" His voice called out, hoping no one would get suspicious.

"Yes, can I help you?"

"Do you know where I can find him?"

"Indeed, he is in the Training Ring, teaching a few students, perhaps it's best to wait."

"I thank you for your information."

Malik pushed on, not bothering himself with Edward any longer as they separated. Edward had made his way on to a crowd, seeing it was the only place that men were aggressively using swords. Altair was showing his skills with grace as usual, making Edward quite impressed with what he could do.

A while passed as Altair dispatched to let the students train. Edward quickly approached him, that of which caught Altair's attention. Looks exchanged as they isolated themselves where they could talk.

"You cover yourself well, but to the trained eye, you could be killed." Altair pointed. "What are you doing here, and where is Alyssa?"

Edward reached in his robe, giving him a note that was written in Altair's name name. As he gave it to Altair, the note was taken with not very much interest. There was a silence as Altair could read what was written.

"Where do did you get this?"

Edward quickly explained in short detail as Altair felt as though it was wronged. As if something was not right. Right away he wished to look deeper into this, pushing everything away.

"She just got up and left Altair. I know what you may want to do is go after her, but it's best this way." Edward commented.

"No, you don't understand, if we don't go after her, there may be a possibility of her dying before her able to get home."

As usual, Altair brought up a point. "Where do we start?"

"Well, she once mentioned not getting far into the game while playing. My guess is where I last went to retrieve an artifact; Jerusalem."

"It's better to start there then not have any leads."

Altair had gathered the rest of his equipment, even some extra throwing knives and followed Edward out towards the gate. Altair had hopped on a black horse as Edward returned to his. With slick commands, they both rode off towards Jerusalem.

Altair felt just more uneasy, knowing he was calling out to Alyssa, only to see she wouldn't respond, no matter the temptation. He only got the impression of her not being followed and to leave while he could. His emotions felt mixed, but screamed to help because of her lack of fighting skills.

"So, what is this connection you have with Alyssa anyway?"

"I can't explain it, but I can hear her thought and she can hear mine. But it's only when we are thinking of each other."

"Very interesting. If that is so, wouldn't you know where exactly she went?"

"Yes, but that's the problem: I have a feeling she blocked me out, as if not wanting us to be involved. You know how that is always leading to trouble."

With that, it took patience to arrive at the Temple, soon entering the ruins, seeing the place had changed since the last time Altair was there, but only he knew now that things were going to dig deeper than need be, but only for a purpose.

"Tell me Altair, no matter how many times she's worshiped you with being obsessed with you, why chase after her?"

"Because, it's not obsession. I just care. Without her, I wouldn't have known that my work was being observed."