Author's note: The night is not over yet. And mysterious sounds and visions are ignored.

Disclaimer: Ownership of the AC series belongs solely to Ubisoft.

Chapter 21 - Strange Things Happen at Night

It would be nice to sneak in and out whenever you wanted. I was thinking to myself as the night meal was coming to a close.

I imagined successfully walking into a restaurant, eating, and then silently sneaking out without paying for the bill. An angry manager would try to chase them down when he realized too late.

Sure, it was an asshole thing to do. However, paying for things was a crappy thing to do. For who, you may ask? For me. Obviously, the world should cater to my whims and desires.

Wow. I really need to lay off the drink.

...

Oh wait. I didn't drink any alcohol. Clearly, I was just high off the atmosphere and wasn't wearing down just yet.

It had only taken a little while, but I noticed that even when they were among people who obviously meant no ill, they were guarded. Malik and Abbas kept their answers (when they weren't talking to their "fellow brothers") vague though friendly when asked on their occupations. It was like an exclusive club and was super annoying being outside of it.

Every time I looked at Makin, his face was filled with admiration towards the men. He was excited, like a puppy knowing that soon he'd be given the ball. Soon, it was going to be his turn to run and play. Though I wondered if this ball was more likely to be a bomb that the puppy was supposed to run into the fray to kill other people. That image is terrifying. Why did I do that?

Everyone else, though, was pretty tired at this point. The men had been drinking. Makin, just a little bit. Ryan, shook his head when offered, saying he was already full from food. They laughed and said that there was always room for drink if needed. That's the same logic I have for dessert.

They didn't push him though and my brother spent the rest of the night with me and the other females in the room willingly sober. Eventually, Faridah stood up and starting taking the large plates away that were empty. She gave me a look that told me to stay where I was and that she was fine.

And when Faridah says she's fine, you don't need to ask her twice. Eventually, Nadir excused himself from the group and went outside to talk with Makin which left the rest of us to just chat softly as we wore down.

I watched Khairiya as Rashid introduced her to his colleagues. When she asked them what they did in occupation, she added, "I understand you work with Rashid. He never tells me the details of his work."

The two answered swiftly, still careful that they were amiable. "Yes, that is good of him to do so." Abbas starting eating more and then wiped his fingers on bread. "Though you need not worry. We do not run into much trouble with our work." Bullshit.

Malik added on. "Our master is a purser of knowledge first and foremost."

She smiled. "You are scholars then." It was a statement, not a question, which made it even easier for Malik and Abbas to smile good naturally and nod their heads as they lied without a sense of guilt.

What gave them the right to lie?!- Oh right, they're assassins…

"But there's no need to be secretive about that, right?" I allowed a smile to enter my face and nodded towards Khairiya like a bobblehead. "What exactly do you guys study?" I watched their faces, anticipating their answer. "I love history." I offered before they answered like I was some ditz with an attention span of zero.

"Yeah, she does." My brother spoke, stating what I said was true (as if they may have considered my statement a lie). "She also doesn't like being quiet." He obviously knew what I was doing. And in return, I was aware that he was trying to relay to me to stop. Our acknowledgements were exchanged. And I didn't want to uphold his request for silence.

However, I took a sip of water and started drinking in consideration of it. If I wasn't careful about this, things could escalate quickly. And some conspiracy theorist shit could probably go down involving brainwashing and whatever. If I was even that lucky.

"We do studies of current events, actually." Malik answered with a polite expression glued to his face. It seemed you weren't going to get much from him. "Nothing terribly exciting, I'm afraid." He was going to be as indistinct as possible throughout this entire conversation.

I suppose I should be grateful that the discussion hadn't picked up into something too serious or grave. We could have been discussing politics. Or the economy. Something depressing and/or corrupted. Take your pick.

"Like what?" Ryan asked. Interesting, considering he had wanted me to drop the subject. I think he was curious as I was as to how they would try and avoid giving a straight answer.

"It should not be any of your business, boy." Abbas grumbled. My brother stiffened at being called a "boy".

"He's not a boy, Abbas." I was firm. Probably a little too forward.

My brother turned to me. "Thank you."

But I continued. "In fact, he's much younger than that."

"HEY!" Ryan looked as though he was going to stand up in argument.

"I'm just kidding." I patted Ryan on the back as Abbas began to laugh. The situation was diffused and Ryan and I were again recognized as being naive teenagers with too many questions. No threat. No ulterior motives.

Abbas realized himself then. "I apologize. I did not mean to come off rude." So then, in addition to his original statement, Abbas added. "But in regards to what we study...Rye-an." Good. He remembers his name. "We study human behaviors. See why decisions are made. What choices influence others and of the like. Politics. Social interactions."

It was impressive how much shit he was pulling out from his ass and offering up as answers.

Meanwhile, Malik had been assessing the exchange all this time. I noticed he tried to grip at his other arm in habit...only to realize it wasn't there. He'd grimace and then put his hand on the table and start tapping his fingers softly. He was looking at my brother. "Though...I am sure you are wondering what need scholars have of weapons."

I gulped. Wondering if we had crossed the line.

My brother answer almost in a whisper. "Yes. Actually...I do...wonder." He was like a tortoise wanting to retreat back into his shell.

Malik smiled at his nervousness and then chuckled. "It is alright. This is a normal response to such an oddity." He took another drink. "In fact, what do you think we do with the commissions from your master?"

Was this a trick question? Was my brother being given a pop quiz? Ryan looked at me, unsure of what the answer. But I shrugged, knowing about as much as he did. We didn't know if there was even a right answer. "I would say for protection. Though...I do not know what you guys would be doing that would be so dangerous." It was good of a response as any.

"That would be a logical assumption." Makin said mysteriously. "And you are correct. Scholars do not frequent dangerous areas."

"Then perhaps you all go to excavation sites? Underground tombs? Secret ruins?" When Khairiya spoke, I think we all suddenly remembered that the reason for this discussion started with her question. Ryan and I decided with a look exchanged between ourselves that letting Khairiya take the reins would be in our best interest.

Besides, she was the emblem of innocence. Questioning worked in her favor because of this.

She was excitable with the idea that Rashid and the others were something akin to adventuring archeologists. I suppose our adventure together made for a craving for more than an anxiety to avoid. It was adorable how she clasped her hands together at the prospect of such daring, such excitement!

While Rashid tried to dissuade Khairiya's assumptions, Malik and Abbas joined in but the three of them combined were still unable to kill the idea that had been so lovingly planted by the enchanted woman. She was adamantly certain now that her boyfriend/ husband-to-be was something akin to an adventurer who looked for underground treasures in secret for the sake of knowledge. They were vigilantes that worked against the privileged monarchy that took advantage of the people- the spreader of the truth! I was beginning to see how she was her mother's daughter. The overactive imagination department was a shared genetic, it seemed.

Eventually Rashid had to relent to the idea, though it deviated from the truth. His fiance was unmoving and besides, the idea wasn't hurting anyone so...he let her have it. He kissed her on the nose, insisting in whispers, "But you mustn't tell anyone, my love."

To which she replied in hilarious seriousness. "Of course, my warrior." She looked as though she were ready to take a blood oath to prove it. Rashid insisted her that such measures would not be necessary.

The two then decided that they were too tired to continue group conversation and stood up to prepare to leave. Rashid's parents naturally came over and in the ritualistic fashion that usually happened with them- they "argued" on the couple staying for longer. Of course, Khairiya or Rashid would respond that they "possibly couldn't trouble them any longer" and then Nadir or Faridah would reply with "but you are no trouble at all!".

This ritual usually went on for a few minutes, all the while Faridah would be pushing leftover food and sweets she has premade into Khairiya's hands. Khairiya would try to give it back. Faridah would stubbornly avoid the return. And in the end, the couple eventually would leave with food in hand, and head towards their own apartment which was not far from here.

While the scene was still taking place, Malik and Abbas were left with my brother and I. It was a tad awkward as all of us had the least amount of qualities in common to even begin starting a conversation.

Malik went so far as to questioning the weather to which I replied with an unintended forcefulness. "It was…hot." He quirked an eyebrow in question but didn't press me, so I didn't say anything about it, I preferred to not think back on that.

Ryan then explained. "She had an episode which involved children. And a ball." And that was all I would allow him to say.

Abbas looked curious. "I would have thought you to like children."

"I know my brother makes it seem like I murdered them with a ball, but it never got that bad, I swear." I put my hands up in surrender and laughed forcefully. "Besides, why do you think I would like children? Is it because I'm female?"

Thankfully, he didn't take offense at my grumbly tired attitude and replied, "Ha. Nothing of the sort. You like singing, being cheerful and energetic. It is very child-like. Full of innocence."

Ryan burst out laughing. "Innocence!" And that was all he could get out before he drowned out his own words with more laughter.

I ignored him, still talking to Abbas. "So you're saying that since I act like a child, I should like other children, is that right?"

He paused for a small while, regarding me with a smile. "You have a keen way of turning light conversation into fights, little cat. You are among friends here." Abbas was cheerfully out of character. Was it the drink? "Put away your claws." And he liked animal analogies. A lot.

My brother finally stopped laughing. "She's always like that."

"Meow." I made a mock swipe in Abbas' direction and he lost it.

That was when Faridah won her ritual, finally making her daughter in law leave with the food in exchange for not staying. I imagine Khairiya was taking, yet again, more metaphorical hearts with her when she left the home. Khairiya did that to people. Made them open up when they initially do not want to. And then you give her your heart and care for her. Tell yourself that you will protect this woman at all cost.

Faridah then turned to us at the table. "I would think it is time for you two to sleep." Very mother-like of her.

"Faridah. Malik and Abbas are adults. I think they can figure out their own bed times."

Her mouth twitched as she attempted not to smile. "I was not talking to them, my silly girl."

"But we're not even..." Ryan yawned. "Tired."

By the end though...despite our whining and protests, we got up from the the ground, stretching a bit. I felt a blanket of comforting weariness envelop me, wrapping me and already preparing for sleep. My mind wanted to stop thinking. Oh wait. Before we go.

"Let's say goodnight to Nadir and Makin." I said tiredly to my brother. Faridah nodded in allowance and we made our way outside.

"Aww...you do care." My brother mumbled.

I yawned. "Shut up." My heart was too tired to really put any effort into that demand.

We found the two of them sitting on a fence and talking just a little ways from the front of the house. A burst of cold surrounded my body and prickled the skin. Damn. I forgot how cold it gets at night. Shivering, we rushed towards them.

"Yo." We waved and the two waved back. It looked like they had just finished talking and were just reminiscing. "So, we're heading to bed."

"Yeah…" Ryan let out a lion yawn, not even bothering to cover his mouth. No one cared. We were all in that boat. "So...see you guys tomorrow. G'night." And my brother turned around as though his body were magnetized to the bed we shared in the house.

I stayed for a little bit longer. "So are you guys going to bed too?" My eyes must have looked like they were ready to shut at any moment. I was clutching at myself for warmth and to keep me from falling to the ground in a sleepy heap.

Nadir laughed lightly. Clearly aware of my drowsy state. "Not yet for me. Though, I am glad you came to bid us a good night farewell. I meant what I said about you inviting me. It was a wonderful idea." He gestured for me to sit beside them but I refused the offer.

"I'm gonnaaa leaaveee soon." My words were starting to draw out. At least...I hope so.

"Ah, I suppose that would be best." He put his broad hand on Makin's shoulder. "Escort her in, will you? Make sure she actually makes it to the room."

I didn't even bother denying the help. I could feel it in my limbs that I wasn't going to make the trek to the doorway without tripping on my face, not caring and just sleeping on the ground. "C'mon partner. Let'sssa go to the homesteead." I waved an arm and pointed to the house.

I must have tripped, because then Makin was supporting me on his shoulder. The night sky looked so pretty. Stars. That was never something you'd see in the city. Man, that's gorgeous.

"Are you alright?" Makin was asking. I think. Everything was kind of blurring in my senses department right now.

"Makin, the stars look sooooo pretty." I must have sounded drunk. Which is impossible. I didn't drink anything alcoholic. Unless it was contagious through the air.

He was helping me walk towards the house. "Yes, they are." Poor guy. Having to deal with me in a normal state was one thing. But when I was on the down trodden path from being on an atmosphere high energy high...well...I would have to apologize later.

"We're not goooooing to maaake iiiit." I commented. Our bodies felt like they were moving in slow motion. "Let's get Amyl." It sounded like a fantastic idea. And then I was shouting. I don't remember the sudden rise in volume. But it felt right. "AMYL! COOME HEEERE NICE HORSIE!"

"Shhhh, quiet, Kay-lin." He was laughing. Makin, I mean. Not the horse. Amyl didn't end up coming even after all my shouting and begging. It was disappointing, but I think I got over the rejection with time.

The rest of the trip wasn't terribly eventful. No tripping or anything, which was nice. By the time we made it to the doorway, I turned and properly thanked Makin. "Thanks and have a good night, sir." I saluted...for some reason. And then somehow, in swayed zig zag movements, made it across the room, up the stairs and into the bed.

I'm sure I bumped into a few things. Hmm...I'll worry about that later. Were there going to be bruises? Pft. Who cares. I need bed. Now.

When I laid my body down on the blankets, everything let go. I was at ease. Feeling for my brother in the dark, I found he was facing the wall as usual. Sound asleep, of course. Even when I bumped into him after getting under the blankets, he moved over, not saying a word.

I felt my breathing slow as I closed my eyes and let the darkness consume my eyes into dreams I wouldn't remember when I woke.

There were those sounds again. Soft like the opening of a piano before the main chorus with the orchestra. It wasn't glass, I had decided, that I heard. It sounded more like ceramic tiles, being hit by the rain. I wondered if I was perhaps just hearing it differently every time. It sounded like the color white.

When I thought that, the world suddenly turned that way. Got consumed by the lack of color. Everything was blank. And then it was nothing. I was standing in the middle of it all. I am dreaming. A statement or a question...I couldn't tell for sure. I just knew that being here, despite the emptiness, made me calm. A resting place.

A female voice. The one I had heard speak before. She said something brief but firmly.

And that was when my eyes opened.

No birds chirping. No sun peeking through. Not morning yet. I surmised in my head. Looking at the white light coming through the crack in the closed window, I found that it was still night. But I wasn't sleepy anymore. And more importantly, I was feeling antsy.

"Hey, Ryan. You asleep?" I turned my head towards his head as he looked back at me. Coincidentally, he was awake as well.

"I'm awake now, what do you want?" He spoke with a groan. Oh please. Don't act like I'm the reason you woke up.

"I'm bored." I blinked at him as I moved over onto my side, facing him with an innocent look.

He waited for me to say something but as an empty silence continued to hang above us he replied, "So? What do you want me to do about it?"

He turned away from me again, facing the wall.

I was tempted to throw a pillow at his head as I grumbled in impatience. He yawned again and struck up a whining voice. "Come on, I don't know what time it is- but I know I'm way too tired to care. But it feels like it's late, so be normal for once and sleep when you're supposed to." He took his blanket and wrapped it around himself, thumping into the bed with a grunt as he turned away from me.

I realized that by then it would be nearly impossible to convince him to wake up physically. So I tried to sleep, taking his advice for once.

Seconds passed and all I could manage was staring at the dirt colored ceiling. And then I figured that it probably was dirt. Revelations abounds! My eyes were growing heavy, but I could not sleep.

My body was not complying with my demands. So with a grunt I shot up and got out of the bed.

Walking over to the window, I glanced outside, the opening overlooked the moon as it poured into the open like water. I shivered, feeling the chill of the air once again lacking mercy when it came to my skin. A blanket was taken from the bed (not the one that my brother was using, I'm not mean). And then I was back at the opening. There was no breeze. The air was still, asleep like the rest of the people in this place.

Looking out, I saw the streets looking eerie with emptiness. Only shadows occupied the streets in ominous populace that conquered the way. The time was late. No one was outside at this time...At least...nearly no one.

There were two human forms. The shadows beside them were embracing. I smirked in recognition and sneaked back to my brother's bed, prodded him a few times. I heard him grumble in response. "What?" I'm horrible.

But I like to think this is a good reason for getting up. My brother was normally a patient human being. More so than human beings went. But when he turned to me, his eyes were wild with frustration. He was considering the lengths he would go to force me to sleep. Whatever prevented me from waking him one more time. "Do you realize how late it is?"

He looked like he was considering sedating me. In the nicest way possible, of course.

"No," I responded quite casually as my lips curled into a small smile. "But does that really matter?"

I watched as he dropped his arm underneath his cheek and watched me, waiting. His eyes were calculating, though also tired ready to drop. "What is it?" I almost felt flattered that he felt that I was worth listening to. Even after all the discomfort I caused him. I didn't deserve it.

"Guess who's outside?" I asked in a quiet sing song voice as I grinned widely and went back to the window sill silkily. The strange overwhelming giddiness was intermingling with my exhaustion. I heard him follow me as he climbed silently out of the bedding. I heard him stretch. A neck crack and then his bare feet touching the ground until he was beside mine.

Peeking out together, I realized (with selfish delight) that they were still there.

"How disappointing. I was expecting Santa Claus." I heard my brother mumble beside me.

I slapped him. "Shut up." Our eyes were just above the window sill to see the two lovers. Hands to faces, embraces, and kisses. Soft words being exchanged. Still, everything still was in the PG rating stages. Nothing that made you want to blush and look away. Yet.

They weren't kissing. But my cheeks was warming up now. I felt like a peeping tom. Maybe we should stop. Ryan was surprised. They were being more forward than usual. "Don't tell me that's Khairiya and Rashid."

"Okay, I won't tell you." We continued staring.

After a while he spoke again. "Shouldn't we stop watching?" But his body made no move to return to the bed, it looked statuette, him in his crouching position and in such an amazing concentration.

I couldn't help but mutter. "Peeping tom." He only smiled as if to say, You too.

"We have been staring at them for a while now and they've basically been doing the same thing to each other…" I mumbled, getting…well, bored. The two weren't making a move to advance and actually do something. They resembled youthful embarrassed teenagers on a first date, and it would have been adorable but now it was just ridiculous.

I couldn't hear what they were talking about but from their expressions it was probably something involving endearments and love proclamations. "We should give them a little encouragement." I looked to my brother for approval (not that I required it).

He stared at me for a while as though he felt that such an idea would be absolutely ludicrous. His face was reading to me that he was going to stomp back to bed before I could convince him to do something stupid again.

And then, against his better judgement. "What do you have on mind?"

I grinned. "I had hoped you would ask." I leaned over towards him as I cupped his ear and whispered my plan. After listening, he looked at me with a grin almost mirroring mine. "I think you have an addiction. Maybe we should work on that instead."

I insisted. "But it's a good idea right?"

"Ehh...I wouldn't say good…"

"It's a good idea."

His hand was to his forehead. "Ugh. Okay. Okay...Let's do it. I'm awake and suffering. It's not fair unless other people are suffering with me."

"How uncharacteristically cynical of you to say."

He sighed deeply. "Lack of sleep changes a person, dear sister."

We agreed that we would wait a bit first. Maybe see if things would escalate on their own eventually. Give them a chance. But when it became clear that would not be the case, my brother and I began to sing.

My brother started softly, not really into it. Though with every new lyric, the volume increased. He really should have joined Theater. Or choir. He would have enjoyed it.

"There you see her, standing there across the way.

She don't got a lot to say, but there's something about her.

And you don't know why, but you're dying to try. You wanna…"

We began to sing as a pair. "Kiss the girl."

"Yes, you want her, look at her, you know you do. Possible she wants you too.

There is one way to ask her.

It don't take a word, not a single word, go on and kiss the girl."

Were our implications and hints being heard? We peeked over the window sill while singing. Khairiya and Rashid were over to our specific window, at us. I think murder was on Rashid's mind. Two body bags would be the result. Even in front of sweet Khairiya, who was blushing furiously probably. She had her hands to her face.

"What?!" I yelled out to the street, stopping our song. "We're just trying to be encouraging!"

How rude. "We are so underappreciated." Even, crouching out of view, I could still feel Rashid's glower aimed at us. I expected the wall to melt from the intensity.

"Maybe we should sing something else." (As if another song would fix the situation entirely.)

"I'm not sure if that's what Rashid wants."

"Since when did I ever care what Rashid wants?"

He relented. "You got a point."

So began Song Numero Dos.

"Can you feel the love tonight?

You needn't look too far! Stealing through, the night's uncertainties, love is where we are!

CAAAAAN YOU-!"

"GO TO SLEEP, YOU SNIVELING WRETCHES!" As you can guess, those weren't part of the lyrics. And no, it wasn't a guy who wanted to debut and join in our singing session. Just a guy with a foul temper that wasn't amused by our cauterwalting. Which I think was a little unfair. He didn't even let us belt it out first before he started hating us.

For a little while there, the man went on for a little bit. His language was colorful. Livid. Yet...poetic, almost. Like an angry rap.

…

…

…

(Yeah, I'm not listing it here.)

I exchange looks with my brother. We shrug. It was hard to be offended by the insults when we didn't a) know who was insulting us and b) didn't really care anyway. "I guess we should go to bed."

And just like that, we abruptly ended our romancing song mission. I suppose sleep was finally catching up to me. My mischief was sated, even if we didn't get what we wanted. Though to be honest, I think we were just stirring up shit for the sake of doing it.

I sidled up to my brother once we settled into a quiet comfort in the blankets. "You good?" He checked.

"Yeah." I made sure I wasn't squeezing him against the wall. Nope. Good. "Ok, good night."

He gave my arm a hug. "Good night, goober."

I didn't respond, finally too tired to speak. Listening to my brother's breathing slow, I drifted into a calm sleep. It wasn't restless.

But I heard the clear bell sounds again. Felt the whiteness cover me. And that woman's voice pierced the open.

Area...Loading…

When I dreamed that night, things were different. I wasn't there. I mean...not physically, at least. I was a floating, shapeless, invisible onlooker. Passing men dressed in white, I recognized the uniform upon closer inspection. And then the thought was gone. Everything was looking blurry, as though everything were quickly moving ahead of me without my acknowledgement.

There was a courtyard, cobbled and grey. The men in white and greys were walking around, talking. Some had swords and were training. But I felt compelled to go past them all. It was as though I was on autopilot with a predestined location.

Soon, I was heading inside the tall stone made building. Through the high doors, up the stairs, I took a left and entered the first door.

There was an elderly man there, cover in black robes. He was bent over, looking at papers, then writing, reading now and then. His white looked trimmed though fuzzy and soft. Something about him seemed unapproachable...yet trustworthy. Like a dangerous Santa Claus.

I would have spoke. Said hello. But then I had this feeling that I was only supposed to watch, not interact.

The waiting period turned out to be short. Behind me, a man in white came into the room, hooded like the others. He seemed impatient to relay whatever he wanted to talk about to this elder.

It was the older man who spoke first. "Come Altair. Speak with me a moment."

The man called Altair responded. "As you wish." In a very Princess Bride fashion.

It was then that the man imparted words of gratitude, of freeing the people from the corrupted...it sounded nice enough. But Altair seemed to think otherwise. He sounded almost hesitant when he asked "Are you sure?"

The leader - I figured at this point - was undaunted by any such doubts and hesitations. He continued talking poetically, charismatically of how they were truly helping. It fell on my ears about as usefully as they did for the young man. Sneaking a look at his face and hearing the voice of Altair had me deduce that he was in his early twenties at least.

Usually this sort of motivational speak would be very impressionable...but the doubt and worry of the young man seeped through everything. He wanted to question why. He persisted, talking of the men he had killed. They died without remorse, he said. "As though they were confident in their success."

There was no pause as the old man, in turn, countered Altair's persistence with his own. "There is a difference, Altair, between what we see to be true and what we're told is true. Most men are unable to make the distinction."

By now, I found myself almost bored. Mostly wondering what point there was for me to even be here. What kind of dream was this that I was fully conscious of it being a dream and yet still not having any control over it?

I looked to the door, zoning out on the conversation and wondering if there was any chance I could just leave. And then I noticed the frustration in Altair's voice. "You are speaking in circles, master!"

Seriously. I agreed. This conversation was getting no where. And I still didn't understand the point of me being here.

If I felt like it would have mattered, I would have said something. But again, I was just a bystander. An observer into a random conversation between a mentor and student that had nothing to do with me. It was like I was here by accident. The vision was bleeding into my mind from a freak accident malfunction of...something.

I was trying to grasp at a memory that disappeared before I could see.

And then, as if summoned by my will, the sounds started again, whistling, clear and shimmering. I was pulled towards the ceiling, into the air and then gently set down into the white room again.

Area reloading… The woman stated again.

I still didn't know what she meant by that.

It was the last thought I had before I woke up, put it all behind my mind and go forth with my daily morning routines.