A/N: Hello! Sorry this took a while to upload, my computer is currently broken, so I had to wait to borrow my brother's computer. In any case, the story is approaching the grand finale, so prepare yourselves, my wonderful readers!

Altairila: YAY, I'm glad you liked my decision, and yup! Altair is going to be more involved now. I hope you enjoy this, and you'll find out about the voice soon enough...

Chapter 39: Malik's Many Novices

The cloud I was in felt a lot less thick than before, the curling strands dissipating like dew in the morning sun. I was in a white ocean of detachment, my consciousness floating lazily outside of time and pain, emotionless and peaceful. I couldn't feel my body, and I wasn't even sure if it existed anymore. All was calm and I was free.

Then I felt a tug, something jerking me gently backward. I winced and struggled against it, not wanting to leave this newly discovered plane of nonexistence. It happened again. Harder. Fine, I thought, let's see what you want.

Something hummed inside me. A golden emotion flooded my body, and I gasped, opening my eyes with a start. Is...is it you?

"What do you think?"

I coughed, then retched, heaving over the side of the bed I was lying on. Nothing came up, but I still felt awful, and my head throbbed like it'd been hit with a hammer. God. I prefer the timeless void. I straightened abruptly, looking about, trying to get a grip on my surroundings. I was in a bedroom of some sort, the embroidered blankets and red-patterned pillows forming a familiar, makeshift mattress around my prone form. The room was dark, and the window at the farside showed it was close to evening. Long shadows stretched across the small, musty space. I coughed again, dust irritated my already overused lungs.

"Girl? Are you awake?" I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sound of that voice, a voice I'd only heard in visions, and through the bright glare of a television screen. It was Altair.

"Uh…yeah, I guess so." He was standing at the doorway, hood casting a shadow over his golden eyes. He wore an odd expression, something between curiosity and nervousness. Nervous? In front of me? Why?

"I don't think he knows what to make of you."

Yes, mysterious being in my head. Thank you for your input. It was hard enough keeping my facial expressions in check with just one person in my brain; I had no idea how to manage it with two. I could feel my control slipping, could feel my emotions and thoughts spilling out of me like water from an overflowing tub.

Altair stepped closer, then paused. "Ah, I see…" His speech was very awkward, and he looked more uncomfortable than I ever remember him being in game. "I'll just...go get Malik."

He turned to leave, but suddenly, I remembered something. "Wait!" I called, far too loudly. He stopped. I wondered what he was thinking then, maybe something like: What now? Or Who does she think she is? Maybe something kinder. "I, uh, I never got to say thank you. Not properly, anyway."

His gaze became very analytical as he turned back to look at me. "Oh?"

"Yeah," I continued, refusing to let nerves get the best of me. "You're the assassin that killed Garnier, aren't you? I was the girl in the courtyard." The one that distracted the guards. I didn't bother clarifying, though; I doubt there were multiple girls in the courtyard that day that made quite the impression I did.

His expression cleared, and he stared at me thoughtfully. "Malik mentioned you had a position here, and that you had been missing for a time. He did not mention you were that girl." His stress of 'that' held no malice, but I still decided to proceed with caution. I couldn't really tell whether he liked me or not. His expression shifted to one more relaxed and he leaned back against the wall.

"Yeah, yeah that was me."

He smirked. "You seem to have a penchant for trouble."

"So do you," I countered.

"Occupational hazard."

"Whatever you need to tell yourself, dude." He shrugged off my quips with a practiced ease, and I noticed his mouth was twitching. No doubt he'd had tons of practice with these sorts of things, growing up with someone like Malik. Speaking of which-

"Were you going to tell me our guest was awake, or was I just supposed to figure that out?" An irritated voice sounded from the hallway, and the grumpy Dai came into view. His sleeve was pinned up in a hurried manner, and I could see ink stains on his hand from where he'd been writing. Altair shifted as soon as he appeared, and his expression grew a bit sheepish. I waved at my favorite rafiq and smiled, then winced as freshly sewn stitches got tugged. Shit, I hate being injured.

Malik went to my side with a sigh. "Don't do that, you'll rip them out again." I couldn't think of a good reply, so I stuck my tongue out. Altair coughed suspiciously. Malik looked at the assassin witheringly. "And you. Be a good Novice and fetch me some bandages. You don't have more work until tomorrow anyway."

"Very well," Altair muttered, and left the room. I grinned gleefully. I got to hear him get called Novice! A momentous occasion indeed. Then the golden being hummed thoughtfully, and I sighed.

What is it?

"I see this excites you, though I'm not sure why. You have heard it before, no?"

Yeah, but it's different in person! You wouldn't understand.

"...Correct."

"Rashid was right," Malik said, amused, "You do make very odd expressions."

I smiled at him sheepishly. "Yeah...it's a habit my brother and I share." I wondered whether he'd heard any news from Masyaf since I'd left, and what the others were doing. I had no idea how long I'd been away, so I couldn't tell what they'd likely gotten up to in my absence. I hope they aren't too worried…

"So…" Malik began solemnly. He let this phrase trail off into silence, and I could tell he was waiting for some sort of reply.

I blinked. "So?"

"What happened to you, Kay-lin?" I opened my mouth to answer, but Malik continued.

"At first I heard you'd been kidnapped, and taken away somewhere. Then, I got a message this morning, almost a week and a half later, telling me you'd been killed at the hands of your captors." I gaped. What?! "Then you enter my Bureau, very much alive, and collapse. You're covered in injuries old and new, you seemed to have somehow ripped out half the stitches that were put into you by someone I am unaware of. You are missing two fingers on your left hand, and your clothing is filthy. So…" He leaned forward. "What happened?"

His eyes were very intense, and something about them made me cringe. Oh no. I hope he isn't angry. Seeing my distress, his expression softened. "I am not angry, sister," He spoke quietly, putting a hand on my shoulder. "I just need to know. It is all very confusing."

I nodded, and let out a breath. "Ok…"

I launched into my story, pausing only briefly when Altair returned with an armful of supplies. The two men waited, one leaning on the doorframe and the other kneeling by my side, as I recounted the horrors the past week brought. They remained almost completely silent, only shifting or flinching at the things that had been done to me. I told them about Philippe's assumptions on my alliances, about his plan to continue with Garnier's experiment. I even mentioned their little love affair.

Malik blinked in surprise, but Altair's face twitched, which for him was the equivalent of screaming in disgust. He was the one who'd actually seen Garnier, after all, so he no doubt shared the same emotion that I did.

"Yeah, kinda gross, right? I mean, you saw him. He was old and wrinkly-" I shuddered. Altair said nothing, but he didn't need to. Malik cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Let us not get side tracked. Continue with your story, Kay-lin."

"Fine," I grumbled. I didn't really want to go into too much detail, in case they figured out that Antoine was a templar. Still, I continued, and told them of my rescue and subsequent stay at his house. I told them about his rescue of Garnier's subjects and how he'd been caring for one of my friends, Amir, who'd been captured alongside me. They exchanged looks, and I could tell they were surprised by his charity.

"But how did you get here?" Altair asked, standing up and uncrossing his arms, "You arrived on foot, and the walk from Acre is not short."

Oh boy, uhhh… I wracked my brain desperately.

Well I definitely can't tell the truth.

"Obviously. Tell them about the attack, but make it seem like they captured and carried you in this direction before you escaped."

Oh. Good idea. Thanks. I returned to reality with two sets of curious eyes on me, waiting expectantly for the rest of my story. I repeated what the being had told me, and watched Malik shake his head.

"You have quite the luck, do you not?" He spoke wryly, and I could sense sympathy in his tone. He reached behind him for the bandages, turning to his friend as he did so. "I must treat her now. It would be helpful if you were to send a message to the other bureaus in the area, to tell them of Kay-lin's return."

He turned to leave, sighing.

"Hang on," I called out to him, and he paused. "Would...would you mind trying to send a message to Antoine as well? I want him to know I'm ok. He lives in a large house, but I'm not sure-"

"We will locate him," Altair said, sparing one last glance back at me as he shuffled away.


The following morning was one of the most boring I'd had. Malik was even worse than Antoine, refusing to even let me sit up and stretch my legs, shoving me down with an exasperated sigh whenever I attempted an escape. I suppose it made sense given the extent of my injuries; my entire body ached, and many of the cuts had been reopened. Still, it was incredibly frustrating. I squirmed rebelliously.

The golden being was still there, waiting peacefully in the back of my mind for...something. I didn't know what. I tried talking to him, but he didn't answer, so I was left alone with my thoughts.

Malik entered at lunchtime with a plate of food and I gave him my best puppy dog expression. I raised my hands up by my face, posing as he came nearer. His eyes twitched.

"I swear," He sighed, setting my food down on a low nightstand, "You are worse than the Novice." He didn't have to clarify that he meant Altair; I could tell from his irritated expression. I pouted.

"But-"

He raised a hand to stem my protests. "But I suppose you may walk around as long as you don't strain yourself." I grinned, about to shoot up from my prone position and hug the grumpy rafiq. Yay! I won't be stuck in an endless vortex of boredom! Then he spoke again, and his next words drained my happiness away.

"Speaking of which, you do have a few stitches I need to remove. The cut on your arm still needs them, but I think the one on your side should be okay by now."

I gulped. "That's...gonna hurt, isn't it?" I'd only ever seen stitches removed in movies, but it always looked incredibly painful. I'd imagine tugging thread out slowly from beneath one's skin would feel worse than the injury that put it there, especially without any painkillers. Oh lord, I could really go for some Ibuprofen right about now.

He grinned ruefully, noting my expression. "Like a bastard, yes. But you'll be relieved once it is done. Do not worry, I have plenty of experience." I made a face, and sat up. I noticed I didn't feel any pangs this time, and conceded grudgingly that Malik's plan to have me rest was probably wise. Only internally though; I wasn't about to give him that satisfaction.

Malik went and retrieved his little first aid box, some fresh bandages, and a bowl of water. I waited nervously, trying to focus on anything but the events unfolding in front of me. Come on now, I've been through literal torture. I should be able to manage this.

Then again, the anticipation was worse.

The normally dark room was flooded with light from the midday sun, streaming in from the small window high on the wall. It would make things easier for Malik, I knew, and I couldn't help but think he'd waited for lunchtime on purpose.

A few minutes passed, and all the supplies were set out. Malik gestured for me to pull up my shirt and I did so, resisting the urge to cringe away. Oh boy. Here we go.

I was right. It was very painful. I squeaked with each tug of my newly healed skin, eyes watering as the thread slowly came untied. I squeezed them shut forcefully. NO. I was not going to cry, not over some stupid stitches. The being in my head twitched, and I could sense it waking from it's passive state.

"What is happening?" It asked, confused, "Why is he hurting you? Do you need me to fight him?"

I almost laughed aloud, but restrained myself, gritting my teeth as I replied, No, not at all! He's helping me by removing my stitches. It hurts, but it isn't harmful.

"...Oh. I see." It settled back into it's comfortable position and I sighed. If the Dai noticed anything odd about my expressions, he didn't say anything. The removal continued for what felt like an eternity, each part of it stinging painfully as it was pulled out. I hissed and shrieked, sounded for all the world like an angry cat being given a bath.

Finally, Malik took a breath, pushing away from my side to inspect his handiwork. The area throbbed as expected, but I no longer felt the tug of string whenever I moved.

"There we are," He said, "You should keep it bandaged a little longer, but it should heal fairly quickly."

I tried giving him a smile, but I was certain it came out as more of a grimace. "Thank you, Dai."

He snorted and nodded understandingly. "Anytime, Kay-lin. I assume you have seen the way it was wrapped? Will you be able to bandage yourself while I return to my duties?"

I nodded vigorously. "Yup! Definitely!" The last thing I wanted was for Malik to see me shirtless. Then I thought about and, cringing, realized he probably already had. Maybe...he found another way to treat my wounds? But I was wearing new clothes, so I resigned myself to the fact I'd pushed aggressively to the back of my head until now. I just hoped Malik was enough of a professional to be unbothered by it. He didn't seem to be, and accepted my answer with a hum of assent, leaving the tray of food for me to munch on.

I picked up the dry bread and popped it in my mouth, relishing the sweet taste. It was funny how much I'd gotten used to the food in the course of a few months, so much so that the thought of all the grease and artificial chemicals in the cuisine I used to enjoy made me feel slightly queasy. The spices here were amazing compared to anything I had before. I picked up my fork and dug into the curry-like dish eagerly.

Then there was a thump from outside, and running feet that hurried into the bureau.

Curious, I set my food aside and followed the sound of murmured voices, trying to stay out of sight. Once I got close enough, I realized that the newcomer was not a newcomer at all; it was Altair. I almost ran out to say hello until I realized what they were discussing. No way in hell am I interrupting this.

"-funeral turned to chaos! What happened?" Malik was saying, the scratching of his quill stopping abruptly. There was surprise in his tone, and a hint of concern.

Altair's voice was rough and frustrated as he replied, "Robert de Sable was never here; he sent another in his stead. He was expecting me." Robert de Sable...I crept closer to the entryway, hiding behind the narrow door frame so I could see better. Malik's back was turned, but he was tense with shock, pacing the length of his desk.

"You must go to Al Mualim!"

The assassin's eyes darkened. "There's no time. She's told me where he's gone, what he plans. If I return to Masyaf, he might succeed, and then I fear we will be destroyed."

Malik relaxed, and he sighed a little. I could tell he dismissed his friend's worries as an overabundance of caution, though the assassin's face said otherwise. "We have killed most of his men, he cannot hope to mount a proper attack-wait." He paused, thoughtful, then continued. "Did you say 'she'?" Ugh. Curse period-typical gender norms.

"Yes, it was a woman. Strange, I know, but that's for another time. For now we must focus on Robert. We may have thinned his ranks, but the man is clever. He goes to plead his case to Richard and Salahuddin, to unite them against a common enemy, against us." The last word, stressed for emphasis, rang out in the silence. Malik was frozen, pausing mid-pace at the impact of this revelation. Oh, shit.

"Surely you are mistaken. This makes no sense, these two men would never-"

Altair cut him off grimly. "Oh but they would, and we have ourselves to blame. The men I've killed, men on both sides of the conflict, were important to both leaders." Malik's arm went slack with realization as his friend spoke, thumping against the counter. "Robert's plan may be ambitious, but it makes sense, and it could work."

There was another pause. Then, "Look, Brother, things have changed. You must return to Masyaf. We cannot act without our Master's permission, it could compromise the Brotherhood. I thought…I thought you had learned this." The dai's voice grew sadder as he spoke, bringing forth memories that weren't my own. I remembered what I'd seen through Altair's eyes, that small novice that so resembled his brother being excited to be on his first big mission, looking up at the assassin with glittering eyes full of admiration.

Altair snapped. "Stop hiding behind words, Malik! You wield the Creed and it's tenets like some shield! He's keeping things from us, important things. You're the one who told me we can never know anything, only suspect!" I cringed at the ferocity of his tone, and the volume of his speech; I never thought him capable of sounding like that.

He seemed almost desperate as he explained himself, desperate for his friend's validation. "Well I suspect this business with the Templars goes deeper. When I'm done with Robert, I will ride to Masyaf that we may have answers, but perhaps you could go now."

"I cannot leave the city," Malik muttered obstinately. Still, his tone was softer, more forgiving than it had been before.

The assassin sighed, a mixture of relief and exasperation. "Then walk amongst its people. Seek out those who serve the ones I slew, learn what you can. You call yourself perceptive; perhaps you'll see something I could not."

This admittance made Malik pause, his resolve to go against Altair's ideas crumbling further. "I don't know…I must think on this."

"Do as you must, my friend, but it's time I ride for Arsuf," Altair said softly, bowing slightly towards the Dai. "Every moment I delay, our enemy gets one step ahead of me."

"Be careful, Brother." Malik murmured.

"I will be. I promise."

With his vow, Altair left at the same speed with which he'd come. Malik leaned back against the shelves, his face now visible in the midday light as he contemplated the new turn of events. He looked torn, torn between a Master he'd served all his life and a friend he'd give his life for. The Dai closed his eyes.

I leaned forward, wanting to help, then jumped as he spoke. "I assume you heard all of that." His eyes didn't open, but a faint smile graced his lips.

I moved forward sheepishly. "How-"

"I've been in this business my whole life, Kay-lin. Do not presume you can eavesdrop without me noticing." He looked at me sternly and straightened, reaching out to put away the papers on his desk. I frowned.

"But...what will you do?" I asked, though I thought I knew the answer.

"Exactly as Altair suggested: investigate. Stay here until I return, and-" He paused, glaring at me. "-do not go out and explore. The last thing I need right now is to come back and find you've been kidnapped again."

"Yes, fair enough," I said, trying not to feel disappointed. He was right, after all; the best thing I could do now was wait. Malik huffed, staring at me with narrow eyes for a few seconds. Then he turned and, grabbing the sword that sat under the counter, left the Bureau.

For hours, I waited in my musty room, shifting and fidgeting, bored out of my mind. I gave the being in my head a little nudge. Heyyyy…please say something.

The being jerked, then sighed mechanically. "I am not here for your entertainment, girl; I am here for a purpose."

Is that purpose to keep me locked up and bored? Because you seem to be doing a great job on that score. I threw my words at it like a weapon, hoping it would argue; anything to break the monotony of sitting in bed with nothing to do. Unfortunately for me, the being didn't feel the need to respond, and I was left someone alone in the torture of my empty head.

I got up and walked into the main room, heading for the rows of scrolls and feathers stacked behind Malik's table. I knew I'd get in huge trouble if he ever found out what I did, so I was exceedingly careful, putting each piece of parchment back exactly where I picked it up from. There were maps, lots and lots of maps. A couple notes had been shoved into the back of the shelves. I sighed. Nothing very entertaining here. I supposed that made sense; it wasn't likely that a Dai would keep sensitive documents out where curious hands could find them.

Nothing even referenced the assassins, not even the heavy log of contracts kept next to where his sword had been. I wandered back into the hallway, pausing for a moment next to Malik's room. Could I…?

No. I wouldn't stoop that low.

Evening was close and the shadows were long by the time I heard someone enter the Bureau. I let out a breath of relief, standing and moving to the entryway. It was Malik, grey-faced and carrying some sort of journal in his hands.

"So? What did you find?" I asked, eager for a response. He said nothing, pushing past me quickly. I followed him hurriedly, peering over his shoulder as he scanned the contents of the notebook, ignoring the look of annoyance he shot me.

He stood there for a few seconds, staring silently at the page in front of him. Then, with a wordless yell, he sent the book hurdling to the other end of the room, burying his face in his hands. "Fuck," He muttered.

I fiddled with the hem of my robe, nervousness flooding my heart. "...Malik? Please tell me. I'm part of the Brotherhood, too."

He grunted, then lifting his head to glare at me. I almost flinched away, before realizing that I was not the target of his anger. "It seems…" He spoke shakily, clearing his throat, "It seems...that Al Mualim has betrayed us. He worked with the Templars before betraying them as well. He is trying to hoard power for himself."

I gaped. Fuck. "Fuck," I hissed, "What...what is he planning on doing?"

He shook his head. His entire body was shaking now, not just his voice. "He has an...object in his possession. A powerful thing, capable of controlling people's minds, and he plans on doing just that. Everyone in Masyaf is in danger."

My heart jumped into my throat. Oh god…

Nadir, Nafisa, Rashid, Khairiya, Abbas, Ekhram, Idris, Aziza, Ryan…

They were all in danger. My mouth moved before I was even conscious of it. "We have to help! We have to go there, quickly! I know your Bureau is important, but…"

Malik nodded. "Yes," He said gravely, "We must help. I have already sent messages to a few men loyal to the Creed; they are gathered outside the gates."

"I have my training!" I exclaimed, "Don't you dare tell me to stay here, Dai, Masyaf is as much my home-"

"Kay-lin," He spoke firmly. I stopped short, crossing my arms. Then he continued, and relief flooded my body. "I would not dream of telling you so. I know what it is to sit on the sidelines of such things, and I will not force you to."

I gaped at him. ...oh. I gasped, then stuttered, "...w-well good. You wouldn't have been able to make me anyway."

He let out a short bark of laughter at that, startling me. "That I do not doubt!" His mouth held a wry smile, something I hadn't seen from him before. Then his expression changed, and he gave a hum of thoughtfulness. I waited for a few seconds, sighing when he didn't elaborate.

Finally I asked, "What?"

He straightened up, heading into the back room. "Stay there," He tossed back at me. I scoffed, but did as he asked. There were rummaging sounds for a minute or so, as though objects and possession were being tossed around. Then Malik emerged, a bundle of familiar armor in his grasp. He tossed it at me, and I barely caught it, the ends of the robe dragging on the dusty floor.

It was a novice uniform, complete with a belt and sword and an iconic, grey hood.

"Go put that on, and strap the sheath on as well. You'll need to wear something better than a headscarf to protect you in battle." He said the words with a forced indifference, but I could tell he had given me something very important. His eyes studied mine closely.

"I...I…" My mouth opened and closed like a fish, and I couldn't seem to get the words out. He sighed and moved forward, giving me a little push toward the backroom.

"We don't have an eternity, girl. Go!"

I went.

After strapping on the outfit excitedly, I hurried back into the main room, standing in front of Malik. All he said was, "Be careful with that uniform, now." I wondered briefly if he was joking, but a look in his eyes told me otherwise. I nodded solemnly.

We moved quickly, walking as fast toward the gates as we could without it looking suspicious. There were six men waiting there in full armor, and they waved as they saw the Dai approach. One of them, the youngest, stepped forward eagerly, ignoring the warning looks of the other soldiers.

I thought he was excited to see Malik, so I nearly flinched away when he spoke to me instead. "Are you Al-Mu'alijjah?" He asked, beaming. Ugh...and here I was thinking that nickname had died out. Stifling my annoyance, I smiled politely at the young man in front of me. He didn't seem malicious, after all.

"I prefer K-Qadira, sir," I replied gently, barely remembering to use my alias. The man bounced excitedly.

"Ok, Qadira! Aziza is my friend and she told me what you did, you were amazing!" I opened my mouth, cheeks heating with embarrassment, but he continued rambling. "I knew it was you, of course, with the sword and outfit and everything, I mean there aren't many girls who-"

"Enough!" Malik's sharp exclamation cut across his rant, saving me from my misery. "Leave the girl alone, Novice, and go prepare your horse. We must get to Masyaf as quickly as possible." The man flushed crimson, turning towards the stable beside us with an incomprehensible mutter.

Malik then directed his attention to me. "Qadira, you may use Yusef's horse; he was injured and thus able to ride with us today. She is a black mare, you will find her next to the rest of the horses."

He paused, looking at the remaining men in front of him. A burly one smiled.

"Well?" He said, grinning. One of his teeth was missing. "What are we waiting for? Let us go and kill our traitorous Master!"

A/N: Oof, something's about to happen in Masyaf. Something pretty major, wonder what happens when Kaylyn gets there...