The Lost Memory

by The-Storm-Unleashed

This story is in the process of following the story of all major video games and some comics: After seeing the strange writings on the walls and floors of Abstergo, Desmond returns to the memories of Altair to see they have been tampered with to hide the existence of another Piece of Eden. Desmond returns to these memories to find the lost artifact and the person who wields it.

6. Brotherhood

Brotherhood

Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad

Al Mualim praises me for the death of the Merchant King. The word of a dancer aiding me did not reach him and so he does not ask. He tells me to travel to Acre or Jerusalem for my next target. I decide to ride for Jerusalem first, and once I leave the threshold of Masyaf, Azalea waits with her beast. I tell her of our journey and she nods in agreeance. I look down at her, frowning that she no longer wears the sheer dancer's outfit. She once again dawns the black hood that covers her face. She pulls herself up her horse and kicks the steed into a gallop.

We make our way towards Jerusalem. We say nothing to each other on the road. Azalea takes the road ahead, looking for possible conflict we may face. While she treks ahead, I think of the men that I have killed, and what their messages have been to me. I can make no sense of what these men have said and what their plan is for the public. As I think of them and all they have said to me I realize that none has begged for their life, and upon asking them why they committed the terrible deeds they did, they feel no harm in their actions, and deserve no punishment. How could it be possible for each of these men to not know the faults of their actions and beliefs? How could they all question my knowledge of their actions? It has me wonder if it is I who is misinformed.

When we arrive in Jerusalem, the sun takes its leave and the stars paint the sky. The streets are quite and we move within them with ease. Azalea waits at the rooftop of the Assassin's Bureau as I step down and ensure that the bureau is vacant of other assassins. Malik assures me that no brother is expected to show in Jerusalem for three days. With this knowledge, Azalea drops down and she and Malik speak for a moment. I inform Malik that we will make our assault on Majd Addin in the morning. Malik instructs I retire for the night. I tell him I will, and when I go to wish Azalea safe passage, Malik offers her to stay the night within the Bureau. Both she and I look at him for explanation and he ensures that no brother shall arrive for three days, and it is safe for her to stay. Azalea does not argue with Malik and I find myself finding no quarrels with the notion.

I enter the room of pillows and rugs, and Azalea joins me. I find a spot to lie and she does so next to me. I watch her as she lies down and finds comfort in her surroundings. Her dark eyes meet mine and I watch her. Her expression is cold and I cannot read if she is content in the moment. She brings her hands to her face to support her head. She closes her eyes and I watch her sleep for a moment. It is not long until I fall into my own dreams.

I envision the Apple again—the small golden device capable of such splendor. I see myself commanding the piece. I see the power it gains, draining the life from my body. I feel myself deteriorate as the device takes my power. I jump at the idea, and when I do, I am awakened from my dreams. I shuffle around and notice the woman is nowhere near me. I begin to rise to locate her, when I hear hushed voices in the other room. I lay back down and hold my breath, straining my hearing to listen to the voices.

"It is a waste. I have not the opportunity of his audience." I hear the voice of the woman say. "The man locks himself in his tower like a coward. Opportunity has yet to present itself."

"Has he not permitted you admission into the city?" I hear Malik ask.

"It is not the city that is the matter. It is the man." She sighs.

I turn in my bed, in attempt to gain a view of the two as they speak. Their voices hush at my movement, and I regret they will retire their conversation. Though after a moment of silence, they continue to conspire.

"If I am to kill the man, I must seize opportunity soon." I watch now as they sit at a small table, a candle illuminating their faces. Azalea has her hood down and her long jet hair falls messily to the side. I wonder of whom they speak.

"What do you suggest?" Malik asks.

The woman gives Malik a look and he swallows hard at her harsh gaze. "Do you not seek justice for Kadar?" Malik looks away from her and I question what she is implying towards.

"He is stronger than you are. He was always stronger than I."

Azalea pulls the golden dagger from her waistband. "Should anything happen." She says simply, and Malik understands.

"I will have my vengeance, Malik. I will tear the man apart." I question if she speaks of me and wonder if this was their plan all along; to end my life for the life taken from them. I swallow hard at the notion that Malik is using this woman to take my life. I have entertained her for the love I hold in my heart for my brother. Never had I considered she was a plot to end my life. The notion boils my blood and the two are folly to think I could not enter the room and kill them both. Malik is correct in that I am stronger than he and the woman, and her golden dagger cannot change the fact.

"When will you do it?" Malik asks.

"That I have yet to decide."

"You must be cautious—"

"I am aware." She says bitterly.

"It is just…" Malik extends his hand to her and takes hers into his. "I worry for you." I see the look he gives her, and it is clear, his infatuation towards her, though her cold return shows her feelings otherwise.

The woman pulls her hand away from his and brings herself to her feet. "It will all be over soon." She says leaving him behind and entering the room I lie. I shut my eyes and breathe heavily for her to believe I am well asleep. I feel her presence near me and hear her lie next to me. She lets out a sigh, and soon, I can no longer hear her.

I listen for Malik, as he shuffles to his feet and in to the back office where he retires for the night. My heart pounds heavy against the ground and I wonder if she will take my life here as I sleep. A coward's move. I open my eyes to see where she is and I am shocked when I see her sitting up watching me, rather than lying down as I suspected her.

"What did you hear?" She says, resting her elbows on her knees and twisting the golden dagger in her hands.

"What do you speak of?" I say in a groggy tone, masking that I have been awake for her conspiracies.

"Do not take me for a fool. I know you were eavesdropping." She says with a subtle smile.

"You conspire with Malik against my life." I say intensely, "If you would have it, then take it now, with that dagger of yours."

The woman lets out a rye laugh, "It is not your time for that."

"Then of what did you speak?" She smiles at me, a large and amused smile. She places the knife down and shuffles closer to me. I expect her to approach me closer, but she turns from me and lies down. "If my life is to end," I say to her, "I would have it by the hand of my brother." She does not respond and after moments of silence, my body falls into a deep and dreamless sleep.

I arise to the morning sun where I am greeted with nothing but the cushions and rugs spread across the ground. I rise and enter the office where Malik sits and writes scriptures. "Where is the woman?" I ask Malik, but he does not look up from his writings.

"She has taken to the city. How did the night take you?"

"I've had better," I admit, grudgingly observing him, aware of his plots against me.

"Well I would have you at your best. It is said your target Majd Addin shall be in the city tomorrow. I have word he plans to execute a brother of the creed. Al Mualim as asked you kill the man before he brings death to our brother." Malik hands me the letter that carries the demands from Al Mualim.

"I will see it done." I say handing him the letter. I decide to leave Malik in his cave as I explore the city for information on Addin, as well as view the location of his executions. I take note of vantage points and areas of weakness in the location. I continue an investigation against the man and I find my dealings quicker than if I were with the woman. It is becoming clearer that the woman was placed upon me by Malik to slow down my missions and cause me to lose my rank within the Creed.

I continue my investigation until the sun begins to fall and night takes over the sky. I head to the Bureau, and as I drop down, I hear voices speak loudly.

"Altair," a brother named Tamir yells drunkenly, "I hear you were in Acre assassinating a target. What brings you to the fine city of Jerusalem?"

"I am here to take the life of Majd Addin" I say sternly.

"And how will the great Altair smite his next target?" Abbas asks, less taken by the liquid than his partner.

I do not engage Abbas, due to our tumultuous past together. "Come!" Tamir yells, "Drink with us! We were but drinking in the honor of Kadar!" He hands me his drink, then retracts his statement. "Oh apologies," he looks at Malik for guidance, as he feels he has made a fool of himself, toasting to the honor of Kadar, with the man who caused his death.

"To our fallen brother." I say solemnly, taking the wine, and pouring myself a cup. I watch Malik and send him an apologetic nod, and for the first time, Malik returns the gesture.

"Let us drink then!" Tamir announces. "Let us drink wine and take women to our beds in the honor of our beloved Kadar!"

"Yes," I play along, "drink and women."

"Yes," Abbas says calculatedly, "A bonding experience for us all."

"Then it is settled! Altair, come with me, we must remove you from such tattered robes if a woman is to lie with you tonight!" Malik yells, beckoning me back to the office.

Once we are out of earshot of our brothers, he turns to me and says, "Abbas has been speaking with the Master against you." He warns. "He came in the night, and laid eyes on Azalea in the Bureau." I pull away from Malik and see that he is frantic, "He believes her to be a whore paid by you and brought here by folly. If he learns who she is, he will tell the Master and place her in harm's way. I fear that if we do not continue with this charade and leave the Bureau tonight, he will suspect your relation with her and go to the Master."

"Let him tell the Master of the harlot." I say bitterly "He will finally remove her from your ear."

"Arg Altair!" He exclaims, "Your ignorance once again puts those I love in danger!" He attempts to speak sense to me. "If the Master learns of her presence, he will kill her, he will take our lives as well."

"What quarrels does the Master have with this woman. Give me that and I will protect your precious pet."

"It is not mine to tell." I exhale deeply, crossing my arms over my chest and Malik explains, "You do this for me, and I will redeem your standing within the Creed." Malik bargains. I know that Malik has the ear of the Master in this, and if Malik informs the Master of my reform, I will not need to finish this endless task the Master has me on.

"Very well, I will play this charade and you will give me what I want. Do you have a change of robes for me?" Malik hands me the robes.

Once we have changed into more decent robes, we all leave the Bureau for a night of liquor and women. It has been so long since I have had drink with my brothers, and even longer since I have lain with a woman; both are overdue.

As Tamir and Abbas roar out songs of hardy men taking beautiful women to bed, Malik and I find ourselves smiling. It has been a long time since I have smiled and enjoyed the company of my brothers. I have been too busy trying to out rank them all, that I have forgotten just how enjoyable my time with them is.

We make our way to a tavern where beautiful women dance in the streets and well-oiled men roam the surrounding area. There are fights between men, women dancing and kissing those who pay the heavy price, and children crying left unattended as their mothers and fathers gamble the last of their money. Instantly, Tamir demands drink for us all from the frail tavern owner. Once the drinks come, I allow myself to loosen up. I have completed the will of my Master without question and now wish to enjoy a night of relaxation and rewards with my brothers. It is not long before Tamir finds himself in a brawl against a man whose wife Tamir's lips claimed as his own. We aid our brother in fighting the man who sought support from his neighbors and the tavern erupts in utter chaos. We take the man down and his neighbors fall back in fear their lives are at stake as well.

We stay at the tavern and Tamir begins to demand women. The tavern keeper promises the entertainment will show soon. I watch as Malik begins to allow himself to relish this time with the brotherhood. It warms my spirit to know that he can find pleasure in his life again. It is not long until the women come out, and when they do, Tamir begins to howl at them to come his way. Three dancers circle the drunk fool as he sloppily takes their waists and attempts to dance with them. A small and beautiful dancer takes Abbas by the hand and leads him in a dance. At first our brother does not know how to take the woman on her offer, but he soon lets the drink take over and allows her to lead in the dance.

Both Malik and myself sit and watch as the two brothers make a fool of themselves with the concubines. We exchange glances and laughs as they fail to show their excitement as the women gyrate near them. Tamir begins to point at us, getting the attention of concubines towards our direction. "Come ladies," He slurs, "I know it is I that you seek more than any, but allow me to share the wealth with my brothers." Malik lifts his hand, shaking his head. "Oh come, Malik, have fun. This one here," he says pointing to me, "is a master killer. Arrogant as he is, he is probably the best fighter I have ever known. And this one," he says hardly keeping his arm up to point at Malik, "Well he has one arm, so that will simply show you how dangerous he is!" He winks at the both of us. "Come on, ladies, give them some love."

A taller dancer goes to Malik, takes his hand, and makes him rise from his chair to dance. At first, he is hesitant, but allows himself to dance with her. The other comes to me, and I am already standing for her, she takes my hand, shyly keeping her head down. I smile as she turns away from me and begins to shake her hips against mine. It doesn't take me long to recognize the dance, and when I do, I bend my head down, pressing my lips against her ear and say, "I find your charades to be exhausting."

She turns towards me cutting me with her dark gaze. "Your friend is a better dancer."

"You insult me, Azalea." I say with a smile.

"You've had much drink." She mentions.

"Thinking it an opportune moment to strike?" I ask and she smiles behind the translucent cloth that covers her lips. I watch Malik and the dancer next to Azalea and myself. He is unaware that Azalea dances before me. I see that Malik is hesitant in touching the dancer and pushes her away. He does not look as though he is enjoying himself. I bend my head down to Azalea's ear "Give the man some courage." She nods in agreement and dances her way towards Malik. When she makes contact with him, he is hesitant to let her in. He is cold, and tries many times to escape her, but she is persistent and forces him to allow her to dance. It isn't long until Malik is forced to oblige and begins to enjoy his time with her.

The night comes to an end as the taverns begin to close and the music stops. The dancers have stopped dancing and two sit on the lap of Tamir, while one that danced with Abbas all night is held close in his arms. Malik speaks with one of the dancers that he previously pushed away. She seems very interested in him. "Well boys," Tamir yells as he sloppily stands up, needing the help of the dancers to prevent him from falling. "It is time to part our ways and have our way with these lovely women." The concubines giggle at his remark. Where Abbas, who respects the concubine he holds raises from his seat and asks her quietly and politely if she would lay with him tonight. The concubine naturally agrees, with a price of course.

I watch as Malik thanks the concubine and prepares to leave. I slyly slip her a few coins and ask her to bed him tonight. I tell her to make it seem a genuine and unpaid gesture. She bounces the coin in hand, determining if it will be enough, and nods with agreement. She approaches him, grabbing his thigh and whispers things I can only imagine. Azalea watches the gesture with jealous eyes and it brings satisfaction to me to know that she recoils at the idea that he will enjoy himself tonight.

"Well, Altair," Tamir yells, "No need to be reluctant, pay the woman and take her to bed!" He roars with drunken excitement.

"Yes, Altair," Abbas adds. "Have you lain with a woman since Adha?" I see Azalea look at me through the corner of my eyes, but I keep my attention on Abbas. Ever since I told Abbas that his father committed the ultimate cowardice act of taking his own life, he has labeled me a liar and an enemy. Abbas has yet to use force against me, but this raising tension has left a strain on the brotherhood. I thought today was different. I saw a side of Abbas tonight that I have not seen in him since his father's passing. Yet now I see the hatred he holds towards me has not left.

"Yes!" Tamir yells, not understanding what he is agreeing to, and the hatred those feelings held. "She has long departed from this world. There was nothing you could have done to save her." He motions towards Azalea. "Take this wonderfully beautiful woman and show her the frustration you have held in for so long." He winks at Azalea, as though he is helping her cause.

"Alright," I say raising, not allowing Abbas's comment to anger me. "I will see you all at dawn to train."

Tamir groans and yells a colorful assortment of obscenities. He offers that we all walk together back to safe home for the Assassins in the city besides the Bureau, but I decline. I tell them I have another place where I will take Azalea. Tamir howls like an animal imagining the night I will have with her. Abbas simply watches with wary eyes as we separate from the group.

"And why do you not take me with the others?" Azalea slurs. Her drinks have taken a hold of her as well, and she is not as in control of herself as she usually is.

"Away from Malik and the protection he provides you." I say sternly and she pulls away from me. "I heard you last night. Of whom did you speak?"

"Is it not obvious?" She says willingly and foolishly as the drink opens her lips for secrets. "You are so very ignorant." She says almost sadly.

"Why do you wish me dead?"

She frowns, "It is not you I wish dead." She walks away from me and I follow her, begging her to continue. "Kadar was a sweet soul. Not like Malik, but he did not deserve his fate."

"Would I if I could, return the night and change the fates." I say solemnly. She begins to stumble and I swipe her up into my arms. She is small and light in my arms as a child. She begins to fade to the drink and I try to gather intelligence while I still have her. "How did you make acquaintance with Malik and Kadar?"

"I've known him since I was a babe. He is as a brother to me." She looks up at me, "He loves me, I know it." I ask her if she loves him and she does not respond.

She fades more and I press for more information. "You conspire against me."

"No," she moans, "I conspire against him."

"Who then?" I demand.

Her eyes close and before she falls to her drink she says, "Uncle".

My jaw clenches as she falls to her drink and I cannot press her further for the information I seek. Why is Malik assisting this woman with the death of her uncle? How does this man's demise satisfy Malik? Malik cannot be so foolish as to see the death of a man simply to satisfy the wavering whim of a woman.

I lay the woman down onto a small bed in a board that I have purchased for the night. The woman moans with pleasure as I place her atop of the bed. She curls tightly, holding herself in a small ball as a child in the womb of their mother. I watch her as she sleeps, and notice that she is still adorned with her belts and weapons. I move towards her and begin to unfasten her belts, slowly as not to wake her. I watch her as I unfasten her belts, and she does not move with my touch. Finally, I remove the belts and look upon her weapons. I hold the golden dagger that I have seen her use before. I hold it and look upon it, drawn to it for some reason. I see that she has a similar blade to the dagger: a large sword, also golden in make. I wonder how the woman was able to find such magnificent weapons. She is without title from what I have gathered of her, and though she is a thief, she is not a very skilled one at that. Her abilities to take such lavished possessions with her life still in tact proves questionable to me.

After a moment of looking onto her possession, and onto her, I find myself falling to the embrace of the land of dreams. I remove my belts and move to the woman. I lay down next to her and she moans as I disturb her rest. She takes my arm and moves it over her shoulder so that I hold her in her sleep. I feel uncomfortable to the notion as I do not wish to hold the woman in such an intimate way. Though I cannot doubt that she is a beautiful woman, she has still been nothing but infuriating to me, and I do not wish to have her in such a way.

The following morning Azalea and I arise and head to Malik. I drop down and she follows me once I have confirmed no brothers are below.

I greet Malik and he does the same. I ask him of my next target and he begins to describe the man I am to kill next.

"I have seen him stalk the streets for those he deems unworthy of God's gift of life." Malik says, helping me find Majd Addin. "He is located in the poor district of Jerusalem, where he will hold an execution for those who have sinned in his eyes."

I watch Azalea as Malik speaks to me. She sits in the back of the office, using the golden dagger to cut extra fabric from her cloak. I was unable to press her for more information regarding who her Uncle is and what he has to do with me. Malik knew nothing of Azalea's presence with me the night before. I watch Malik and he looks well rested and satisfied. It is clear that he took the woman I paid for to bed last night and had a long and satisfying night. This much is clear, and it is even more clear to Azalea, who recoils at Malik's satisfied and gleeful demeanor. Her discomfort, bringing me satisfaction as well. I do not want the woman poisoning Malik's mind against his brothers or the Creed. Whatever her intentions are with Malik, they are not for his wellbeing, and I can see that she is but using him for her own gain.

I watch her closely and her gaze matches mine. Her smile stains her lips as she continues to cut the fabric from her tunic without leaving my gaze. I wonder if she has poisoned Malik against me. If they wish to see my mission end, and my rank stripped of me, then why have they not done so. What are they waiting for? What intelligence are they seeking? I can't begin to understand what her agenda is here with me.

I glance over at Malik who continues to speak of Addin, but I no longer hear him. How does Malik know Azalea? There has to be something that I have overlooked with their relationship. Is she some petty thief that knows a few tricks that Malik has paid to torment me for the revenge of his brother's death? How long will this charade go on for until Malik and Azalea tell me what is really going on?

Azalea stands, the smile once plastered on her face has now melted to a frown. She requests that she and I leave to gather more information on the matter. I rise next to her, towering over her, and agree. We leave Malik and make our way towards the poor district of Jerusalem. Azalea has no words with me, and I wonder why she was in such a hurry to leave.

"What haunts your mind, Altair?" She asks once we have left the Bureau.

"Nothing haunts my mind." I say, not wanting her to know I question her intentions.

"Speak freely, Altair. I am eager to hear what plagues your thoughts."

We enter the poor district of Jerusalem, and Azalea begins to look for further information that will help our investigation. But I peruse her. "Your relationship with Malik concerns me." I say, "You say you have known him since you were but a babe, yet he never once spoke of you whilst we trained." She glances back at me, but I can only see her lips that show no amusement. "I question his intentions having you follow me on these missions. If you are not here to teach me to watch over others, what will he have of you?" She does not react to what I say, so I push her for a response. "Taken by drink, you told me you wished your uncle dead." I watch her tense under her cloak. "How do my services aid you in this quest?" She sits down at a nearby bench, where I follow her lead. She watches as two men argue about Addin's execution of one of their sons. I look at her, and though she is listening to the men, she is willing to hear me as well. "Who is the man you call Uncle, and why do you wish him dead?" She does not respond and I press my lips to the edge of her cloak. "I can aid in taking his life, you but only say his name." She watches as the men leave the courtyard. "Answer me, Woman." I yell under my breath. I take her small arm in my grasp. My entire hand wraps around her arm.

She turns her head towards me, slowly. "Take your hands off of me." She says lowly and I release her. "It was Malik who wished for your death. It was I that chose to have it extended for my gain. You will play your part and when you are finished, Malik can have his way with you." I swallow hard at her notion. "Malik has been your faithful brother and you repay him with the death of his own blood." I back away from her and she finally turns to look onto me. "Malik asked that I slow your missions and expose the Creed to the men you were to kill. His hopes were that your Master would see the error in his ways in letting you live, and Malik would finally have retribution for what you did to Kadar in the Temple. So that is your answer, it was your brother who betrayed you, and it was he who wished you departed from this life. I did not poison the man against you, in fact, I advised he allow you to live but a bit longer. Your quarrel is with Malik, not with me."

She stands and makes her way towards a podium where a man speaks of Addin. I still do not listen to him and try to speak with her. I press my lips to her ear. A display of affection that could get us killed. "Will the coward have a woman do is work for him then?" The comment brings hatred in her eyes. "If Malik wishes me dead, you tell the man to hold the blade himself. We will end this quarrel like men."

The man is finished speaking of Addin, and Azalea motions for me to press him for more information. I stand and do so. She listens to the man's confession, but his words lay light on me. I have been so focused on Azalea, that I had not listened to a word he spoke. When we are finished with him, Azalea makes her way towards the marketplace, she pockets a letter from a man, while I think of Malik and how he has asked for Azalea to complete the quarrel he has against me.

When our investigation is complete, I find that I had listened to no information given to me. Azalea knows everything about Addin, and how to kill him.

I drop into the Bureau to see that another brother is inside. Azalea knows not to come down until I signal for her, so she must stay a safe distance away. I tell Malik what little I remember about Addin. Malik is skeptical but allows me to go to the execution. He and the other brother warn me that a brother is to be assassinated, therefore I must kill Addin before he takes the life of our brother. I comply and make my way towards Azalea. I show her the feather, and we move towards the execution. I no longer press her about her intentions with me. I have given her my opinions, and if Malik will have me killed, I will have the man do it himself.

The courtyard is filled with peasants who rally to watch the killing of those who are their equal. As Addin makes his way to the stage, everyone begins to cheer. He encounters the crowd and plays on their emotions. Two men try to attack him and fail before they can touch the stage. I fear that a direct attack is something I will be unable to perform. I watch as Azalea's eyes do not stray from Addin. Once he has finished spreading his poisonous words, he begins his attack. I wonder how I will attack him, and as he takes the life of the whore, I know that I must move quickly. I throw a knife at Addin, and it pierces him in his shoulder.

The guards unsheathe their swords and try to find the assailant. Azalea takes her sword and makes her way towards the guards. I watch her fight. She is skilled, but not skilled enough to kill those men on the Kingdom road. I watch to see that she fights in the same exact formation that Malik has learned to fight. I am mesmerized by the similarities. Every step she takes is the same as Malik's. I know how he fights as he has been my sparring partner since we were children. I begin to wonder why Malik would teach the woman to fight. He knows I am stronger than he, and subsequently, stronger than his protégé. If they willed my passing, she would have to do so when I was unaware of her intentions, so with this, what gain does Malik have, teaching her to fight?

She looks back at me and yells my name. I snap from my thoughts of her and take my attention towards Addin. I run to him and drive my blade to his heart. Azalea takes care of the guards as I speak to Addin in his final moments.

I lie him to the ground telling him that his work here is finished. He fights saying that he has only just began what he had planned. "Tell me," I say, "What is your part in all of this?" as Azalea has said, I know nothing of my targets and their intentions. I need to know more of the sins of the men I killed.

"The brotherhood wanted a city, but I wanted power. There was an opportunity." He says with wishful eyes.

"An opportunity to kill innocents." I shoot at him.

"Not so innocent." He defends, "Dissident voices cut deep as steel. They disrupt order. In this I do agree with the brotherhood."

"You kill those who think differently of you." I claim.

"Of course not!" He shouts. "I killed them because I could!" His eyes grow red with rage. "Because it was fun! Do you know what it feels like to determine another man's fate? And did you see the way the people cheered?" He yells. "The way they feared me?" He looks to the heavens. "I am like a god!" He looks back down at me. "You would have done the same if you could!"

"Once perhaps," I admit, thinking of the Altair that gained satisfaction from such power. "But then I learned what happens to those who lift themselves above others." I think of Malik and his brother, and the pain it causes me now.

"And what is that?" Addin asks.

"Here, I will show you." And with a swift thrust of my blade to his throat, I take his life.

As I move from Addin, I see that Azalea has taken the lives of all of Addin's guards, but the city's guards soon come to take our lives. I see that the Assassins have taken the brother that was tied away, but they did not stay to help with the fight. I look over to Azalea, covered in blood that is not hers, with a pressed, almost scared look. Another round of guards attack, and I begin to fight the guards that broke Azalea's defenses and come after me. I hear Azalea struggle with the guards that fight her, and I try to make my way towards her.

She watches me as I fight my way towards her. "Altair, run!" she yells as she kicks a guard away from her. Another guard pushes her towards the ground, while a fleet begins to advance towards me. I have enough space between the guards and myself to run and escape. However, if I do so, Azalea will surely die. She demands that I run again. I am tempted to, but as I think of the letter that I wrote to Malik when I had believed her life was taken in defense for me… I know that if Azalea is to die, it will not be in the defense of me.

I begin to fight the fleet that stands between Azalea and myself. I see that she is strained, and almost looks irritated that I didn't run. I fight my way towards her. A guard grabs her by her collar and throws her to the ground. He advances towards her with his sword in hand, ready to take her life. She staggers away from him, trying frantically to crawl to her knees. I push my way towards the men with a fury boiling inside me. I fight, as hard as I can, as hard as I ever have. I kill four men and force myself closer towards the men that have her, but it is too late. Two men hold her down while the other drives his sword through her lungs. A fatal blow.

My heart races and all I can think about is getting to her. I will not let her die like this. I cut the hand of one of the men that holds her down, while driving a throwing knife into the other. As they struggle, I pick up Azalea to see her face flushed of life's color. I begin to panic. "Azalea, we must run. Can you stand?" I say in a low and feverish tone.

"Altair, just go," she says weakly. "Leave me."

Her eyes flutter, and she begins to fade. "Azalea, please!" She will not listen to me, so I take her in my arms like a babe. She yells in agony, but I ignore, and begin to run towards a safe place for us. I cannot bring her to the Bureau and Malik, because surely the brother who was taken captive is there for questioning. Even if an innocent life is in danger, we may never expose them to the Bureau. As I hear the guards' voices closing in on us, I determine that there is no safe place for us where I can carry Azalea. Therefore, I decide to take her to the rooftops. I am sure I will find a safe place for her there. I look down at her to see that she is leaving this world quickly. Blood trickles from her lips. I manage to climb a ladder while holding her in my arms. She no longer moves in my arms and is fading faster and faster.

Once we are on the rooftop, I look desperately for somewhere to safely place her. I trot around from rooftop to rooftop until I finally see a rooftop garden not too far away. "Stay with me, Azalea." I beseech her as I run to the sanctuary. I try to place her gently inside, but my arms are weak from holding her, and she falls in, with me to follow. I make sure my weight is not too heavily placed on her. "Azalea wake up." I say, but she does not answer. I untie the cloak from her neck and take off her hood. My heart races looking upon her; the color of life completely flushed from her face. "Azalea," I say failing to sound strong. "Please, Azalea, wake up." My voice cracks at the realization that she is dead. However, her eyes twitch, and she only has the strength to open one slightly. "Azalea!" I yell at her, "Azalea, come back to me."

"Altair?" she coughs blood. "I am lung shot." She now knows, as do I, that she has no chance of living. "Give me my dagger." She says instantly. "Give it to me."

I look on her, and find the golden dagger hanging from her belt next to her sword. I unsheathe the golden blade, and hand it to her. She takes the blade and turns it towards her. She places the tip of the blade to the wound and begins to press it inside her. "Azalea! No! Don't!" I yell grabbing the blade to take from her.

"Altair, stop!" She yells. "Please, just…wait." She says wearily. She pressed the dagger to her once again, and I watch as she winces in pain. I watch as the dagger begins to take away her blood. The blood from her wound begins to move up the dagger and into a jewel at the handle. I watch as the dagger glows gold, humming a quiet tune as it lifts the last of the blood from her wound. I watch as the wound that almost took her life fades away before my very eyes, leaving no scar to show its existence.

"Azalea, what is this witchcraft?" I ask, pushing myself away from her.

"Altair, please." She sits up, and her hood falls to her shoulders. "I will explain," she says placing her hand on my cheek. "Just not now."

"Azalea—"

She presses a finger to my lips to end my words. "You saved my life, Altair." She says in a soothing tone. She moves herself towards me, her lips barely touching mine. "I am forever indebted to you."

Her touch sends a rush from my brain to my heart to downwards. I want her. Her touch makes me want her. Though she has been infuriating, I cannot doubt that she is beautiful. I have not lain with a woman in sometime, and her touch would be welcomed. Not to mention that I will have something Malik wished to have so desperately. The idea brings me more pleasure, and with the rush, I press my lips against hers. I want to have all of her to myself. I place my hands on her tunic. It will not be easy to remove, so I rip the fabric, exposing her breasts. She presses her lips to mine and begins to remove my belts. She pulls away once the fabric has dropped. She looks upon my face, she grabs the back of my hood, and I do not stop her as she removes the hood, exposing my identity to her. She looks upon my face for a long while, and with a smile, she brings her lips back to mine.

I remove the belt from her waist, and she removes mine. I remove her sword and knives, and she removes mine. I place my hands on her hips, and she places hers on my chest. Once we are without clothing, I press myself inside her, filling her up entirely. I am quick to learn that she is virtuous. That no man has claimed her. I question why she allowed me to do so. Even a woman with no money can marry a noble with her virtue. Yet she gave it to me. She could have done so much for herself, gone so far in her life, but she ruined all of that to be with me. I look down at her, and past the look of pain in her eyes, she smiles up at me. She is so beautiful in this moment. I move my hands to explore her body, and she moans with acceptance, and pleasure. I feel her captivating my soul with her strong gaze, as though she were taking it for her own. However, in this moment, I allow it. I take her in, and I hold her, she lifts herself to my eye level, she places her hand on my cheek and smiles.

Her lips open and I listen to what she has to say, "Altair, I—"

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