The Last Chapter

Recovery

Patient: David Webster

Occupation: Retired Army

Location: Unknown, somewhere in New York

Status: Being held in a building in an undisclosed location somewhere in New York. Woke up from an induced coma. Blood samples confirmed. Link to a distant ancestor has been identified.

…

Name: Unknown

Location: Italy

Status: Assassin

…

He was quite and alone. Days seem to pass slowly while the life of the city hustled into night. The stars were out, but barely visible due to the light of the street lamps, buildings, and neon signs. It was strange to see buildings again. David placed his hand on the window. Cold to the touch, he could see his reflection staring back at him. With each blink, he saw himself or rather his ancestor in the assassin's robes. Grey in color with a red sash around his torso. His clothing adorned with a holster belt for weapons, and underneath his sleeve the hidden blade rested against his flesh.

His former life was one filled with mystery. A short glimpse of a man David never knew or would ever see again. He wondered if Sages grew older or if they lived long lives. It would not have been possible for his ancestor to live such a long and hard life. But no one knew what happened to him. They never saw him again. There are no records of the man and David wondered if it was all real.

He blinked again and saw himself in the reflection dressed in a long sleeve shirt and wearing grey sweat pants. His hair was messy and his beard full and a few inches long. A different David, one he knew but could not recognize. His reflection staring straight at him with a deep frown. Who was he anymore? He wasn't himself that was for sure.

The man that stared back at him in the reflection, who was tall, dressed in his combat uniform- his face stern and his stance tall and proud. The American flag on his right shoulder and underneath it the unit he deployed with clean and untouched. His left shoulder was his unit that made him and molded him. This man was an American soldier who fought wars and stood for something. Behind him, he could see his comrades staring back at him. These men meant something to the soldier. He tried to reach deep inside the window to see if they were real. But the window glass was strong, sturdy, and closed shut. David saw himself- the reflection- turn around and walked towards his comrades.

Never leave a fallen comrade.

That day, it changed him. It changed the way he viewed life and how do much could be taken away in the blink of an eye. Hannad was a man who feared for his life and wanted protection from an ancient society thought long dead. No one would have imagined that Hannad would die; nor Brown. The only casualty in his squad. But countless others were losing their lives over there.

"I am sorry that I could not save you." He whispered. "I've failed as a soldier."

The images faded as small specks of rain fell in the window. All that was left was his reflection. Feeling hopeless was not going to help him recover. He felt that guilt for so long and he had remember what Altair said. The assassin saw the real David or rather his ancestor. They shared similarities and yet, they lived different lives.

David could sense that his body was different; like a muscle memory of a long trained warrior. The way he moved his fingers on the window. He could feel how cold it was outside and see the trees away with the wind. His eyes could see farther and clearer and there was this sense of energy. Where it came from, he did not know. It reminded him of the voice that spoke to him. How warm and comfort he felt around her. His memory of Afghanistan may forever haunt him. But he needed to find peace with what happened.

His ancestor in the reflection raised his hand and placed it on the window. David felt that connection to his long dead relative- to his past life. A man he grew to know, but there was still so much he wanted to know. He looked just like his ancestor. Every feeling, every emotion, it was all real. David curled his fingers.

David closed his eyes to breath as the memories of Altair came into view. The months his ancestor spent with the assassin's were all too real. To know that he was a Sage was a target painted on his back. David looked up to the ceiling to see the flickering lights above his bed. He sighed heavily and began to walk back towards his bed. His body still felt the repercussions of the induced coma. He noticed how thin he was. His hair was longer and his beard was covering his face.

He was hungry every three hours and his body wanted food. They warned him that if he ate too much and too fast his body would reject it. Choking was also a hazard for him if he ate too fast. David sat on the bed with his hand on the remote for the television. He saw no use for turning it on as David rarely watched anything.

He felt alone in a world he belonged in. The modern world was different from the Crusade era by a large margin. Strangely, David missed Altair. He wondered what had happened after his ancestor fell unconscious. Did he die? Was he forgotten? David wanted to know and was curious about the outcome. But no matter how hard David tried, he could not make that same connection as he did before. What was it that have him that link? He wondered but the door opened and David had to keep that thought aside for now.

"Your body fat and weight is getting better. Your still underweight for a man of your size, but your eating well. Your blood samples are normal and from what we can see your getting back to walking so your muscle memory is right were we want them to be." Ryan said as he flipped through the papers on the clipboard. He looked up and saw that David was sitting on his bed.

Ryan placed the clipboard by his side and grunted. David blinked and yawned knowing he did not fell like hearing what was needed to be said. They kept him in his room for days in end until his recovery was to their satisfaction. To see David walking around and being responsive to his surroundings was a good indication that he was recovering.

"Is there anything that you need?" David spoke through a hoarse voice.

Ryan went slack-jaw for a moment. Since he woke up, David had not once asked to see Jane or his daughter. To think about it, it was understandable about their child because if the Templars were to know or even find the child it could mean she was in danger. For Jane, it was a different matter. David and her had not spoken to one another since he awoken. Everything she told him, her being an assassin did not sit well for David. It has been tense ever since.

"Just wanted to make sure that you are mentally healing as well as physically. Being in the induced coma for that amount of time can take a toll on the human mind." David yawned once again and rubbed the back of his neck. Ryan was becoming uncomfortable with being in the same room as this man. But, it was his job to protect and make sure His well-being was in good health. Ryan had a job to do.

"Let me know if you start seeing images or feel something is wrong. There is no cure for it and there have been patients that have died from this sort of… recovery." Ryan pressed on. If he told David too much about being under an induced coma so they could research his brain for the memory of his ancestor, David could react violently. But it might be a risk Ryan can take in order for David to understand.

"Am I am experiment for you? Is that why I have been looking through the eyes of another being?" David spoke and eyed Ryan hard. So much for the nonchalant type. Something must have sent David off. David's heart beat had jumped drastically, he did not know what to think anymore. Even when they explained their purpose as to why David was seeing his ancestors memories, it just couldn't be real. David was damaged enough. He did not need to be out through the stress again.

'Calm yourself. You don't need this right now.' He thought to himself. Ryan was not a short man, but compared to David he might as well have been.

"No. No. We do not conduct such an act, but we are in need of your help Me. Webster. Your ancestor was living in the same lifetime of someone rather famous and known in the Brotherhood." Ryan stated.

"You mean Altair?" Ryan nodded his head.

"Yes, Altair. You see, when we brought you here you were already mentally a mess. The things you saw over seas can leave a man scarred for the rest of his life. I am sure you have learned about the war between Templars and assassin's." David nodded his head slowly, not sure where this conversation was headed. Ryan could already see the skepticism on David's face. "The Templars have been conducting these experiments. They will find people with a direct link to someone from the past using their DNA. With you being in the military, your blood samples are already on file and they saw something within your blood that they sought for you. The Templars hide among powerful people and they will do anything to get to you. Being a Sage in this lifetime is just as dangerous as it was long ago."

"If they got hold of my blood, how come the Templars did not get to me? Would they have just sought me out and kidnapped me?" David asked.

"You were deployed and if a soldier went missing it would cause too many problems. No one would have predicted that you would have gotten hurt over there. Seeing what you saw. They used your mental incapacity to get to you. We assassin's have been watching you for a long time and if the Templars were to have gotten you that day… you would not be here. Your direct link to your ancestor is valuable, but we fear they may be after another." Ryan spoke.

"Who are they after? If you can find this other person, you can keep them safe. I may not know much about what is going on, but from those little details I have seen they may be after," David closed his eyes to think. His head began to pound and he clenched his teeth. Ryan stepped closer to the man. The bleeding effect may be taking its toll on his already damaged psyche. This was not good for a man in recovery. "The pieces of Eden. The Templars are after them, are they?"

"Unfortunately. But we can talk later if you like, Mr. Webster."

David hummed in response and rubbed his sore eyes. The nights were endless from the lack of sleep, but his appetite for food was constant. Unfortunately, those who were stuck in their ancestors mind's suffered greatly. Ryan had feared David had the bleeding effect. David would state at the wall of his room, seeing something they could not. It was too early to say right now if David was diagnosed with it, but Ryan kept close eyes on him. The Sage in David has been awoken and he was unpredictable. For now, it was safe to say that David would be confined here until he recovers and they know more about David himself.

"Is there anything you need before I let you rest for the night?" Ryan asked.

"One request." David said. Ryan waited for him to continue. "I want to visit my comrades grave."

"You two cannot keep avoiding each other, you know." He told her.

"I know, but I think he doesn't want to talk to me." She said and placed the file folder on her desk. Ryan could see the tiredness in her eyes and the amounts of coffee cups littered upon the floor. They could use a janitor, but he placed the thought aside for now. Jane was stressed enough as it was.

"He is recovering well. Maybe give it another try again. He just woke up, everything has to make sense in his head. But the truth of the matter is that you held on to that secret for too long." Ryan but back his tongue once he saw Jane's stare. "Sorry, but it's true. You two always seem to know when to give the death glare. And I thought David was scary."

"Are you trying to say something?" She stated almost throwing her coffee at him.

"Everyone is short tempered today. What I am trying to say is that he cannot stay mad at you. It takes time for anyone to recovery after being in a coma. I am sure he will come around. He needs rest and plenty of recovery time." Ryan knew that is was a stretch but to really state that the council was growing impatient was not something she wanted to hear right now.

"I know my mistake, but how could anyone have known he was a Sage? The Templars must have run out of options." She said. The stress had taken its toll on her. She wasn't sleeping and constantly worried for reason that were her own. Ryan knew it was about David, the elders, and their daughter.

"We try to figure out their plans and they always seem to be two steps ahead of us. But we have him here. There is nothing they could do." Ryan placed a hand on her shoulder. Maybe a bit of a positive could help her. She wasn't the only one feeling the heat of the world.

"Not when they have this young man in their sights." She opened the folder. His picture on top of paper and being held by one paperclip. Ryan could see the look on the young man's face.

"Desmond Miles… they will not get to him. Not while we still breathe." Ryan said. She had to have the weight of the world off her shoulders.

"How's your daughter?" He asked to keep her mind off everything.

David looked up to the ceiling. His hands on his stomach and his body resting against the bed. The sheets were over him keeping him warm. The window was closed with the curtains covering the lights from the city, but the room had some nightlight. His request was granted, but Ryan could not make any promises.

He closed his eyes as he felt the exhaustion in his body taking over. Taking the days with ease to cope with being back in his time was a slow process. David might not imagined this life for himself, but he was here. All those events had taken place and all came together in a big puzzle. Some pieces were still missing and David wondered if his ancestor had seen history through many different lifetimes. If Sages can be reincarnated then it could mean David could see the eyes of other ancestors- of different times.

They shared a connection to him. Their memories linked inside of his head.

But, David also wanted to recover. His body was still weak. It will take time, maybe time he did not have. His thoughts turned to his wife and daughter. His heart ache for having reacted in a negative time with Jane. Their discussion did not end on good terms. He took a deep breath in and exhaled out softly. She hid the fact she was an assassin. David knew he could forgive her and that it should not affect their marriage. He would see her in the morning and apologize, in some way.

Right now, sleep was all he wanted. His body needed rest.

…

He looked up to the morning sky. The stars still visible and shining so brightly in the heavens. A mixture of color swirled with each moving cloud. How beautiful the clouds complemented the morning skies as they roll behind the mountain and the crisp air filling his lungs with the morning chill, sending shivers up his spine. He smiled gently as the wind blew through his robes. Three years have passed since he was taken in and trained by the assassin's of Masyaf. Everything that David learned was now a part of him and his memory. He was no longer that novice. He was trained for stealth, for the art of The kill. The world was changing and the crusades have ended. David knew it was not the affairs of the assassin's to meddle in, but they knew it was best to keep in the shadows.

Assassins were trained to not harm the innocent. They were to never compromise the brotherhood. Never draw attention to themselves. To keep humanity in check. Assassins had a purpose here in the world. David might not have understood it three years ago, but today he had some idea of what it means to be an assassin.

The strong walls of Masyaf will forever hold strong. History in these walls will be remembered for all time. The halls David walked countless times would be in his memory. Everything here will be a memory. The training grounds were the assassin's sparred were lively this morning. Each man sparred a different fight each day. There were losses and wins, but each assassin had to learn from them.

When David turned his head towards the ring, the assassins looked to him. Each and everyone of them had sparred against David and could not win against his form. Though, maybe a select few, but David was something else. The news of his leave had spread to every ear. David was respected among them and earned his living here. David nodded his head in acknowledgment towards them and they did the same. An unspoken bond between brothers of the same order, fighting for a purpose.

David continued his walk while other assassin's kept to the daily duties. Life was peaceful for them without having to worry of war. Though, there was uncertainty, they still had to remain vigilant. Once outside the fortress walls, David had to stop and stare once more at the structure. How crafted hands placed each stone. There was history, violence, and yet, there was hope here. David smiled but frowned as he remembered what happened here three years ago.

He was a different man now. He learned from past mistakes and the meaning of death- in his words.

He placed his pack over his right shoulder and descended down the incline that lead into the village. After the events of Al Mualims treachery, Altair was made the master assassin- the one to guide the brotherhood. The Apple was at Altair's side and he wondered what it was and how it worked. The advancement of this 'thing' was beyond this world. Those that created the pieces of Eden did not want it to be found or if found, wanted it to be protected as to not fall into the wrong hands. The Apple made David uneasy. David would not dare go near that object for fear of what it can do. He hates the thing and wanted to destroy it for it caused greed and blinded people of their path. But Altair never seemed tempted, only curious and thus always kept it by his side. Altair knew what the Apple was capable of. David may have been the protector of that devilish thing, but it was safe to say it was in good hands. Though, not many would see it that way, and those opposed to Altair's leadership would no longer bear the name assassin and stripped of their title. It was a punishment that was stern and Altair knew what was best for his brothers and people. David knew they were in good hands and decided that it was time for him to make his journey into foreign territory.

Where the road leads him is unknown. His future, uncertain. David felt his time in Masyaf was coming to an end. Something was calling him. Something strong and telling him to go. He made it to the gates of the village and seeing that peace was in their favor, David held onto a sense of hope. Maybe he will find those answers out there. David still had much to learn and the assassin's have given him those tools. He looked down and saw that he was missing his ring finger. Underneath his sleeve the hidden blade rest. He was an assassin now. His training mastered and knowledge strong.

He had a duty to tend to for his friend and master. He could hear footsteps behind him and turned around to see his long time friends and brothers. Altair, Malik, and behind them their wives stood waiting for their husband's to say their final goodbyes. The villagers had gathered around them and some of the assassin's to bid him farewell. It was an emotional sight for David because he came from nowhere, with no memory of where he had come from or who he was. Now, with people who had grown to accept and tolerate the foreign man, they were sad to see him go. Three years changed people, David noticed. Altair was now competent and ready to lead his people into a brighter future. He was no longer that arrogant man who thought of only himself. Malik was wiser and very much in tune with the world around him. No disability would falter the assassin with the missing arm. He was just as capable.

Altair stood in-front of David and extended his hand towards the foreigner. Three years ago, Altair saw David as a weak and untrained man. Now, standing in-front of him, Altair saw David as a man who could best him in a spar. An assassin who earned his rank and position. Sadly, Altair knew he may never see his friend again. David smiled lightly at the assassins knowing they had frowns upon their usually stoic faces. Malik had respected David and has taught him everything there needs to be known.

Masyaf was their home. David felt a sense of belonging and respected. He was leaving behind those who taught him. But for the greater good it was for knowledge and his purpose. He extended his arm out towards Altair and both men locked their hands on each other's forearms in respect. David's other hand touched Altair's shoulder giving it a light squeeze.

"I thank you for all that you have done, my friend." David said in English. "Our time together is one I shall not forget."

"You will always be welcomed here as a friend." Altair said. Malik nodded his head and David placed his hand over his chest for a show of respect. These two assassin's were but a few who have given David a second chance at life. Maybe his purpose here was to protect, but to also learn. And learn he did through those years. David was wiser, stronger, and most importantly part of a brotherhood. He could not remember much about his early life and he was contempt with it. He had learned who he was in the long run.

"I am glad that you see me as such." David spoke with humor in his voice. Altair smiled at such words. The two assassin's had grown close in a sibling manner. Altair seeing David as an older brother. One who makes mistakes but learns to keep a level head.

"Better then seeing you try to mount a horse." The master assassin retorted.

David chuckled lightly. Malik shook his head at both exchanges. The rafiq had grown to like the foreign man- much like everyone within the brotherhood aside from a few who refused to see David as one of them. Malik had given David advice when needed and taught him how to use his senses when performing the leap of faith. David was a brother, not by blood.

Malik still mourned his brother very much for not saving him. Each day with David was like having him back in a way.

"David, be careful and plan your routes wisely. Where you go is unknown, keep open thoughts. There are others like us out there. Speak friend and they shall help you." David did not miss any detailed word. This will help him out later in his journey.

"I will keep open thoughts. Shall anything happen on my end, I will let you know." David patted his brace on his forearm.

"Where will you go?" Malik questioned. He was curious about David's journey. Altair was quiet about the matter and only said 'David has the answer to it.'

"My journey will take me far to a place I know you have heard. Do you have a map of Egypt?" David said. Malik thought of it for a moment, but could not recall of he ever drew a map of the country. He never seen it, but something about the land of ancient pharaohs was a journey to take.

"I will see if my studies have such a map. Why Egypt?" David smiled and raised his hands not knowing the answer himself. Something called to him to journey there. Whatever reason it was, David had to know. Something ancient. Something within the sands of an ancient land that died before his time. Altair might have had some idea of why David was destined to journey there. It was all David spoke about for three weeks. Sadly, Altair did not want to have to make the decision of agreeing with it. David had this urge and he had no other choice but to lett it happen.

"Well, if the answer is silent then I shall leave you to do your findings. Take my words wisely, do what you must, my friend. Safety and peace be with you, brother." Malik spoke. David felt emotional at Malik's words.

"Safety and peace be with you, my brothers." David turned around and walked towards the stables. A horse was already picked for him and supplies were rationed for his unknown journey. Three years may have passed, but David still had a bit of trouble getting on a horse.

Both Malik and Altair chuckled at the scene. Three years have passed by since they found him on the side of the mountain. Three years have passed by and that man grew in knowledge and strength. Altair knew David no longer suffered those nightmares. All that seemed to follow him from his past was out behind him. David was a man strong in will. His heart was mighty and soon he will pass on the assassin's creed. When? Altair did not know. Seeing him still struggle to get on a horse made Altair think that somethings will never change.

Like a soldier going off to war with no certain future if he will ever return to his people, David was prepared for what lies ahead. His time was done here. Once David positioned himself, he looked back once more to the place he called home.

He closed his eyes with a contempt smile placed on his lips. He was saying goodbye to those who he considered friends.

And to the ones he called brothers.

THE END

Ending song: Sun by Thomas Bergersen

Thank you everyone for your reviews, favorites, and alerts. I would not have finished it if it wasn't for my muse and the reviews from you readers. The ending leaves room up for debate and since the release of Assassins Creed: Origins, The journey to Egypt seems like a good story on David's character. Maybe he can learn more about the brotherhood. But I feel we know enough about him and would want to continue on to when another ancestor of David met Ezio. I think it would be another interesting tale, but I think we have seen enough of Ezios story here. Let me know if I should make a sequel or leave it the way it is. Feedback is appreciated and if you have questions I will be able to answer you. Thank you all and hope you enjoy other works out there.

The works and characters of Assassins Creed belongs to Ubisoft. Any affiliation with historical or real life people is of no use for profit and made for fun to tell a story. This story does not affect my beliefs and any incident that happened had been researched and thought out. I own nothing but original characters.- MODERN AGE

CASTLES