DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ASSASSIN'S CREED THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNER
A/n: Sorry no words of wisdom from me...
BROKEN WINGS
Chapter 10: What Now?
We're not indestructible
Baby, better get that straight
I think it's unbelievable
How you give into the hands of fate
Some things are worth fighting for
Some feelings never die
I'm not askin' for another chance
I just wanna know why
There's no easy way out
There's no shortcut home
There's no easy way out
Givin' in can't be wrong
Robert Tepper- No Easy Way Out
Evelyn's Point of View
After Malik had told his story and both he and Dave settled with playing Prince of Persia. Evelyn found herself amazed that this man sitting in front of her was an assassin. Not just an Assassin but one from the distant past. As she watched him play with Dave she was amazed that such tragedy could come from someone who has not known any other life. Malik was enjoying the fact that Dave showed him how to play with the analog controls with one hand. As Malik was using his fingers in an odd angle he nearly leaped out of the chair when it vibrated in his lap.
"Ibn il sharmoota!" he yelled.
Dave started laughing and explained about the vibration controls on his controller. Evelyn watched Malik's look of astonishment when she'd seen him grab the controls again and start to play again.
This time he'd manage to finish whatever mission they were doing in the game.
Smiling she retrieved Sammy from the couch to return her to her cage. As she put her in, the bird was more then happy to tuck her head under her wing and start to doze off. Evelyn smiled as Sammy was dead to the world. When she turned she found that the men was still trying to figure out this one puzzle.
"Are you sure you want to go up there..."Malik's voice said as Evelyn tuned him out.
Walking out the door she entered the patio with the door sliding shut silently behind her. She crossed her arms around herself as she walked out to the railing. The moon hid behind the clouds as the stars began to appear through the cracks.
Walking over to the stairs which were on the left hand side Evelyn walked down towards the back yard and sat down on one of the lawn chairs. The grass has been recently mowed so she does not have to worry about bugs.
Leaning back Evelyn gazed up at the stars. Her mind adrift with all that had happened recently.
Grandpa if only you could see me now. I am housing a thousand year old Assassin and have no idea how I am going to deal with him, she thought her mind full of questions as she surveyed the stars above.
Her mind continued to drift at seeing the clouds pass by and the sky showing that it will be clear later.
"Can I join you?" a voice said and Evelyn jumped at the sight of Malik standing over her.
His shadow alone scared her as she waved her hand to the other chair. Pulling it closer Malik sat down next to Evelyn and stared at the stars.
"You know Kadar and I used to love looking at the stars at night." he said a sign of anguish is on his face.
"Yeah, my grandpa used to tell me all about the constellations and how they work across the sky. He even told me of the stories behind them. Told me all the myths and legends behind them." Evelyn said staring up at the sky.
"Its amazing really how the stars always stay the same while the world changes below them," Malik whispered as he recognized a few of the constellations.
"Malik?" Evelyn asked.
"Yes," Malik replied.
"So you really are an assassin?" Evelyn asked.
"I was one yes," Malik replied.
"Was?" Evelyn stated.
"When I lost my arm I've lost all the ranking that I had worked hard to achieve. Everything my pride, my honor, my skills, all gone in an instant as well as my brother. I basically lost everything," Malik replied sadly.
"Not everything," Evelyn replied.
"Really?" Malik said.
"You have your life," Evelyn stated.
"That is true," Malik replied.
"So what is Dave doing now?" Evelyn asked.
"He is still playing that game...it brought back too many memories and reminded me too much of my past so I let him play while I came out here to talk to you," Malik replied.
"Really? What kind of memories bad ones?" Evelyn asked as she turned to look at him.
His features were highlighted by the porch light and the light of the moon giving him that look of utter mystery. It was something that Evelyn has grown to like.
"No, good ones," Malik replied.
"Really? Like what?" Evelyn pressed.
"All the times I enjoyed running around on the rooftops of Masyaf and every city I've been to. I think my favorite has always been Mecca. I've always wanted to go to the holy city and when I got the chance to go it was amazing," Malik said.
"Really? What was it like back then?" Evelyn asked.
"The buildings would glow with such light because the torches would reflect off the grand mosque giving it an ethereal glow. The marble of the building was kept clean every day by servants and priests because they wanted the building to shine day and night. I remembered climbing one of the city towers to see for myself the mosque at night. I would hear the call to prayer from way up on the tower. I could see the people rushing to the mosque to prayer. It was a magical time for me for I was only 15 when I went there without my parents. It was the first time I had been to a Hajj in Mecca and it was a sight to behold," Malik said.
"Wow it must have been something," Evelyn said looking back up at the sky.
"Oh it was beautiful. It was the excitement of running along those walls and climbing up to the top of those towers that let me feel like Allah was watching over me. That game reminded me of that moment and it was one of those memories that I cherish with my life," Malik said.
"And the other ones?" Evelyn said.
"Well there was the first time I did the deed," Malik said.
"What the hell? You actually got to get a girlfriend with all the killing and all," Now Evelyn was curious.
"Yeah but she was not my girlfriend. She was just some whore hired by the local brothel to break in young assassins when they become of age," Malik replied.
"Oh," Evelyn replied.
MALIK'S POINT OF VIEW
When Evelyn said that Malik could not help but smirk to himself. He knows that he made the woman uncomfortable when he mentioned it. After telling her about his first Hajj Malik felt as if he was starting to connect a bit with Evelyn. Even though the woman was clearly not a Muslim he could at least share a pleasant memory with the woman.
It seems that when he looked at her he could tell that she too has some baggage to unload as well. But as Malik learned she is not one to really tell him what her secrets are. Just looking at the stars however gave him some comfort to know that at least they are still the same no matter how much time has past.
"HEY EEVEE I AM HITTING THE SACK WANT ME TO TURN OUT THE LIGHTS!" David's voice yelled from the house.
"NO LEAVE THE LIGHTS ON, I WILL TURN THEM OFF WHEN I COME IN!" Evelyn shouted from where she was laid out on the lawn chair.
"OK GOOD NIGHT GUYS AND MAKE SURE TO CLEAN UP THE CONDOMS WHEN YOUR DONE!" Dave yelled.
Evelyn was clearly embarrassed when she yelled back, "FUCK OFF DAVE! I SHOULD SAY THE SAME TO YOU!"
The boy was silent but Malik could just imagine him chuckling.
"What is a condom?" Malik asked.
Now he can tell even with the shadows that Evelyn is embarrassed, "Well it is a contraceptive you know something used to prevent pregnancy."
"Oh, ok what does it do?" Malik asked curious.
"Um...well you use it to cover your *ahem*...your penis," Evelyn replied.
Now it was Malik's turn to be embarrassed by such a question. He quickly stumbled upon his next statement.
"Well...I guess that answers it..." he said.
"You're not going to argue about it?" Evelyn asked.
"Why should I?" Malik asked.
"Well I guess doing the deed back then was sort of a sacred thing just like it is in the Middle East now. But with the world changed so much since your time...it has become a more casual and entertaining thing," Evelyn said slowly.
"Like those 'Dirty Movies' that Dave said you watch at night," Malik said with a playful smirk.
"I don't watch those kinds of movies, he does...anyways yeah kind of like that," Evelyn replied while her gaze turned towards him.
Malik found himself lost in her dark orbs for a second. The sight of it was just mesmerizing to him and he found that quite attractive on a woman. Evelyn's eyes for some reason seem to captivate him every time he looks in them.
However tonight he noticed that she still looks a little loss.
"Is there something on your mind?" Malik asked.
"No," Evelyn clearly lied.
"You can't lie to me I can tell remember I was an assassin, and knowing peoples thoughts is part of my job," Malik said amusement clearly in his eyes.
"Ok, ok, the whole thing with the...you know the assassin thing...did you enjoy it?" Evelyn asked.
"Yes," Malik replied.
"So you liked killing people?" Evelyn asked.
"No, I don't enjoy the killings that is the part of my job I don't like." Malik replied honestly.
"Then if you like your job what part of it do you like?" Evelyn asked.
"I loved the traveling, the journey from one place to another. Seeing new sights and meeting new people and the running," Malik said.
"Running?" Evelyn said clearly curious.
"Yes the running, I love to climb up on walls and run along rooftops and leaping from beams, it to me is a sign of freedom. I get to move where I please and no one will say a thing about it," Malik replied.
"Running along beams and rooftops?" Evelyn said.
"Yes an assassin is trained like ninja to go in stealth and use their environment to their advantage. That means climbing up walls and balconies to get at targets. I personally just enjoy the climbing that part was fun. Like I said before I don't enjoy the killings. It is always hard to take another man's life even if they deserve it." that last part is a whisper from his mouth.
He could see Evelyn gazing at him with sorrow filled eyes not with pity but with sadness.
EVELYN'S POINT OF VIEW
When she heard this Evelyn was surprised that Malik would be speaking to her this way. This was the first time that he had spoken to her about anything of his past. She was now finally understanding why he was so reluctant of her finding out his secrets. He was a hard man to figure out but once he opened up to her it would mean that she'd have earned his trust fully and completely.
I would not mind that at all she thought.
Then she mentally slapped herself.
For Christ's sake he is or was an assassin! I mean he killed people for a living! Sure he does not like it but he is a professional murderer! Her mind was whirling with its inner argument.
Unknown to her Malik was watching her with her inner argument and he sighed sadly.
"I can't harm you Evelyn," he said.
"What?" Evelyn said snapping out of it.
"I told you before I can't hurt you it goes against my creed," Malik replied.
"Creed? You mentioned this creed before what is it?" Evelyn asked.
"The Creed is something like the Samurai code it is a guiding force, a philosophy that we assassins follow to our deaths. From a young age we learn all about the Creed and how it dictates our lives. Even now I am living by the creed even if I am no longer an assassin. I can't even fight anymore," Malik said.
"Just because you lost your arm does not mean that you can't fight. You still have one arm left and two legs, one head and your ass to fight with." Evelyn replied
"My ass?" Malik said chuckling finding it funny.
"Hey you learn to use what you get and yes your ass," Evelyn replied chuckling too.
"I think the ass part is a woman's thing," Malik said between chuckles
Evelyn looked back up at the sky a smile forming on her face, "Yeah maybe unless your gay," Evelyn replied.
"Gay?" Malik asked.
"You guys who like other guys or girls who like only girls?" Evelyn said.
"Oh," Malik replied, "I was once accused of being gay it was not fun."
"Really? Why's that?" Evelyn asked.
"I was never good with women and felt so awkward when I went to the brothel for the first time that I...well I embarrassed myself," Malik replied
"Really? Came too soon?" Evelyn said.
"No...um well I was raised around men and boys most of my life. The only female I have ever met before my sixteenth birthday that I knew was my mother. The other girls in the village don't know us very well because we keep to ourselves and we hide behind our hoods. So they don't know what we look like. The only time they see who we are is during a marriage ceremony," Malik replied.
"Are you married?" Evelyn asked sounding stupid.
"No, I am not," Malik sighed.
"I thought guys like you would be married already?" Evelyn asked.
"No, not our people if you live in the cities and maybe the villages around Masyaf yes. But among the assassins only the most privileged gets that honor, and only if the master chooses." Malik replied.
"Wow that must suck," Evelyn said.
"Yes it kind of does. We preach freedom of choice but that is for everyone else. We dedicate our lives to our creed much like the Christian or Shaolin Monks until our master says otherwise." Malik replied.
"Wow...definitely like the samurai," Evelyn said.
Malik smiled softly as he gaze returned to the sky above.
"Malik do you miss your job?" Evelyn asked.
"Yes," was the reply.
"Do you meet a lot of women on your journey," Evelyn said.
"Hmm, I miss the freedom that comes with being an assassin not so much the women even though that would be nice. Women fear us thinking we are going to kill them but our creed has us not kill any innocents," Malik replied.
"Wow I wish those guys in the Middle East would follow that example," Evelyn replied.
"It would have made things simpler now hasn't it," Malik said.
"Yeah," Evelyn said.
"Well it is getting late and I have to do my prayers before I go to bed good night Evelyn," Malik said as he started to get up from where he was laying down.
Evelyn quickly grabbed his hand and he looked down startled.
"Just know this Malik you have me and Dave and I promise you we will help you through this," she said.
Malik smiled his eyes softened when he saw her face highlighted by the porch lights, "Thank you Evelyn you don't know how much this means to me," he said as he walked back into the house and closed the door.
Evelyn watched him go her mind still on what he said earlier.
I miss the freedom of being an assassin was Malik's departing words.
She looked up at the sky and the stars. She often wondered what it would be like to live a life as free as that. She bet it was hard on Malik not being able to do what he did in the past. Running along the rooftops he sounds as if he did...
"No way!" she whispered.
She looked in the direction of the door that he entered his presence long gone.
THE NEXT MORNING
EVELYN'S POINT OF VIEW
Evelyn woke with the sun and surprisingly she did not wake to Malik's usual nightmares. In fact there was hardly any sound from the other room. Getting up she walked towards Malik's room and found that the man was still asleep a smile on his face as if having a pleasant dream, for once. Smiling to herself Evelyn walked towards the bathroom to get cleaned up and ready for the day.
Dave was passed out cold on the floor with the futons out and drool coming out of his mouth. Evelyn could clearly see the little tent pole and stain on the sheets and suppressed a giggle.
Sammy was up and ready to go as the macaw made her way out of her cage yet again. Holding her arm out Evelyn beckoned to the bird and Sammy happily flew over to her. Remaining quite was something that Sammy was good at and the bird had her feathers all preened and ready to fly.
"Mind if I join you?" a voice whispered.
Evelyn jumped at the sound and turned to find Malik standing behind her ready to run as well.
"Sure, I could use the company," Evelyn replied.
"I could use to get out of this house," Malik said.
Smiling Evelyn led the way as she opened the door for them to do their run. Walking outside she put on her shoes and watched as Malik did the same. She had to wait a bit because tying your shoes with one hand was very hard to do. Once he was done he was ready for his run. They then did some warm ups to get their blood flowing before heading out.
Both of them walked out to the edge of the garage and started their run. Sammy was more then happy to fly ahead and Makani surprisingly enough joined them this time. The cat seemed to like the fact that his master was enjoying herself.
Both ran a good distance until Malik started breathing hard. Because the winds were blowing from the south the vog had rolled in. Evelyn realizing this went to him and he stopped for a bit to catch his breath.
"Sorry the vog does that even to me," Evelyn said.
"Such air is poison," Malik replied.
"Yeah well that is what you get when you live in the shadow of the worlds most active volcano," Evelyn replied.
"So this fire mountain has a name?" Malik said.
"Yeah the name of the mountain is Mauna-Loa which mean 'Long Mountain' because it extends to the southern tip of the island," Evelyn replied.
"Ok what about this mountain?" Malik asked as he regained his breath and pointing to the direction of the mountain that they are on.
"This is Hualalai it has two meanings one is the name of an ancient Hawaiian navigator's wife when they first landed. The other means 'Of this Volcano' because in the old stories it is the middle child of the five volcanoes." Evelyn said
"So this mountain is also a fire mountain?" Malik said.
"Yes," Evelyn replied as she ran ahead making Malik run to catch up.
"That means it can spew fire at any time?" Malik replied.
"Yeah but the last eruption was two hundred years ago," Evelyn said.
"Oh and the other two are still spewing fire?" Malik asked.
"Yeah, hey how about this why don't we go see them?" Evelyn said.
"See them? You can watch them?" Malik asked.
"Yeah but it is a long drive though," Evelyn said.
"Sure will David come along?" Malik asked.
"No, I have to take him home he has a tournament he is practicing for," Evelyn replied.
"Oh," Malik replied.
They ended their run after hitting the bottom road and then ran back up again towards Evelyn's house.
When they reached up where the driveway to Evelyn's house begins they both ran back down in a race. Malik being a bit unbalanced nearly tripped if Evelyn had not caught him in time.
Sammy was just happy to be home after her little flight. She landed on the roof of the house and yelled for them to hurry up. Laughing they entered the house to find Dave already eating a bowl of cereal and watching some T.V. His bag was already packed and ready to go.
"Enjoyed your run?" he said with a smile.
"Yeah I did and yes I packed the condoms," Evelyn joked.
"Ah man TMI!" Dave said as Evelyn headed towards the bathroom.
"TMI?" Malik asked.
"Too much information," Dave corrected.
"Ah I see," Malik replied
"Ok, Dave you ready to go home?" Evelyn said holding out the keys and looked like she came out of the shower.
"Yeah," Dave replied.
"Good lets go then," Evelyn said as she grabbed his bag.
MALIK'S POINT OF VIEW
Malik watched as they entered the car and drove out towards the end of the drive way. He then walked towards the bedroom to get a fresh pair of clothes before taking a shower. When he emerged all cleaned up Sammy was sitting on the chair her feathers were being preened while Makani was busy eating his food and drinking out of his bowl. Feeling hungry Malik went and grabbed a box of cereal that Evelyn had bought from the store.
He then poured himself a bowl and began to eat when a car pulled up on the driveway.
Not recognizing the car since it would be a while before Evelyn got home Malik walked to the door.
A strange man walked out this one dressed in a pair of jeans and a loose t-shirt. He walked with a sort of a swagger that reminded Malik of Altair in a way. Just thinking of the man made Malik's blood boil.
The man then rushed up the stairs only to be face to face with Malik.
"Can I help you?" Malik asked.
"I heard Evelyn lives here," the man said.
"Can I ask who am I speaking to?" Malik asked.
"Barry I'm a friend of Evelyn's she doesn't know I am here and who am I speaking with?" he asked.
"I'm Dasdan, I'm Evelyn's roommate," he said lying about his name.
The man gave him a cold look as if assessing something and Malik gave him a blank one. He wanted to appear as a no one.
"When did Evelyn have a roommate?" Barry asked.
"I moved in about a week ago she went to drop off David at his home," Malik replied.
"Oh so she let some one armed Filipino bastard into her home eh," Barry said.
"I..." Malik had to think form what he understood in Kona there are not many Arabs or Syrians for that matter here. So the next logical conclusion anyone can think of is probably Southeast Asian.
"I am not a Bastard! I just answered an add on...Craig's List for a roommate," Malik replied.
"Don't lie to me you sneaky bastard you're screwing her aren't you!" Barry declared.
"Leave or I'll call the police," Malik warned.
"You know she likes them weak like this," Barry said reaching out a hand to grab Malik's shirt.
But Malik's hand was faster and with a firm squeeze gave the only warning he could to the man.
"I am not with Evelyn in any way so get your cock out of your ass...asshole!" Malik said using the English swear word instead of an Arabic one.
Barry stumbled back but not before he went to give Malik his fist.
Only it was met by a ball of screaming feathers.
Sammy came out of nowhere and began to attack Barry clawing at his face. The man tried to fight off the bird but he was thwarted by Makani as the cat also came from the door. The cat bit down on the man's leg and Barry screamed in pain as the animals attacked him. Trying to fight them off he ran from the house towards his car with Makani and Sammy chasing him.
Leaping in he started the engine and gunned it out of the driveway leaving Malik at the door stunned.
Sammy came flying back to him and he held out his arm to her. The macaw landed softly and crawled up his arm and nuzzled his hair. Makani did the same thing. The cat returned with a satisfied 'Meow' and he too nuzzled Malik's leg.
Just as they did this Evelyn's car pulled up and she came running out.
"Malik are you alright?" she asked.
"Yes, I am fine Sammy and Makani make good watch animals," he said.
"Oh thank God I thought he was going to hurt you!" Evelyn said as she closed the door and hugged him.
Malik felt his cheeks burn when she said that and the way she hugged him. He slowly brought his arm up and returned the hug.
"I am fine Sammy and Makani chased him off," Malik replied.
"God! I am so sorry if he did anything to you or said anything to you...in fact he was not supposed to be near my house or me in that matter," Evelyn replied.
"Who is he? All I know is his name?" Malik replied.
Evelyn sighed, "He is a man I wish to never see again," she said.
"What has he done to you?" Malik asked his worry grew when they grew apart from each other.
"He's my ex-boyfriend and a real psycho I'd rather not talk about it," Evelyn said.
Malik this time grabbed her hand in his, "Evelyn I have revealed my secrets to you...it is time you return the favor on the way to the 'Volcano,'
"Alright fine but dress warm it gets cold up there," Evelyn replied.
TBC
A/n: I know not as long as the last chapter but hey it was worth something. Added a little twist in the story right? You never thought that Evelyn would have problems too eh? Well...it is a story about needing help so you say...anyways please review and remember constructive criticism only! No flames and no bashings! Thank you!