I had to split this up (again) because I wrote way too much -.-

Listening to: "Under Pressure" Full Album by Logic

Warning: gore

Aleppo is a culturally affluent city located in the northwestern portion of Syria. Large, hundred footwalls surround Aleppo on all sides in an attempt to keep invaders out, though unfortunately, they were unable to prevent the Templars from heavily occupying the area. Earlier when they were first developing their plan of attack (which, on paper, is a basic assassination) , Altair stated that the order's hideout is located in a large building near the center of town, which of course means that they have to evade the plethora of Templar guards that continuously monitor the entire city.

Privately, he will admit that he is not looking forward to this assignment, but he has never been one to back away from a challenge and would forever regret allowing Altair to go in on his own, especially if he was injured and Ezio being with him could have prevented it. He is well aware that Altair can handle himself, but Ezio does not want any more regrets on his conscious.

"Are you sure that you wish to accompany me on this mission?" Altair asks, as if he can sense Ezio's reluctance.

Ezio turns his gaze away from the city and looks at Altair. "You cannot get rid of me that easily," he says, hoping that he sounds more confident than he feels.

Altair blinks and stares at Ezio for a moment before ultimately nodding his head. "You are clear on the plan, correct?"

"Yes," Ezio confirms.

"Good. Let us begin."

Once Altair finishes speaking, they set their plan into motion, starting with securing and leaving their horses near a hay pile outside of Aleppo's gates. Ezio follows Altair through the busy crowd, keeping his head down and blending in just as Paola taught him when he first became an assassin.

As they near the heavily guarded entrance, Altair makes a sudden left, now heading towards a group of four people wearing long white robes with matching headwear. The Scholars, as Altair refers to them in The Codex, are a highly respected and influential group that is secretly allied with the assassins. Altair cited them on numerous occasions, mentioning that their assistance is part of the reason why he was so successful on his quest to redeem himself.

Altair nods to the Scholars, who return the gesture before moving to surround him and Ezio on all four sides. They clasp their hands together in front of their torsos and bow their heads. Both Ezio and Altair mimic the pose and allow the Scholars to lead them past the guards, who quickly move out of their way. Once they reach a safe and clear area behind the walls, Altair thanks the Scholars, whom nod in return before walking away as a unit.

Ezio glances between Altair and the retreating Scholars before a grin crawls onto his face. "Did we just . . .?"

Altair looks amused. "The first experience is always thrilling," he says before his expression hardens. "Getting in was the easy part. Now, we have to navigate our way to the hideout without being detected."

Ezio winces. "It is not going to be easy, is it?"

"Is it ever?" Altair returns.

Ezio shakes his head. "Lead the way," he says and Altair complies.

.

"Get down!"

Ezio is shoved hard, his entire left side slamming into a chimney that was settled on the edge of the roof that he was running across at full sprint. He groans, lightly touching his shoulder and wincing at the contact. He carefully checks over the rest of him without moving his left arm too much, relieved when he finds no serious or life threatening injuries (he will however be sore and bruised for the next two weeks at minimum). Ezio chews on his lower lip, angry at being treated like a rag doll that can be carelessly tossed around. He raises his head, mouth already open to yell at Altair, only to be silenced the icy glare directed at him.

Altair is crouched next to him with his hands braced on the chimney. His intense gaze examines Ezio's body for a moment and looks away when he determines that Ezio must be fine since he wants to argue. He slowly raises himself onto the tips of his toes, poking his head over the side of the chimney to assess the area ahead.

Ezio resists the urge to sigh, shifting so that his back is resting against the chimney. He reaches into one of the pouches on his utility belt and takes a few pills for the pain and hoping that they will kick in soon. When he is done, he turns his head to the side so he can look at Altair. "What is going on, Altair? Why did you shove me?"

Altair lowers his head and leans in close, causing Ezio's heart to speed up for reasons unrelated to the mission. "One of the guards on the roof closet to us turned at the last moment and spotted you. I could see in his expression that he was about to yell for his comrades so I removed you from his line of sight." He pauses and looks over the chimney again. "The guard has since returned to his post, but he appears confused and suspicious. He will have to be eliminated first."

Ezio nods, grateful that Altair prevented a potentially disastrous situation though he wishes that his shoulder did not have to suffer. He shifts, rearranging his body until he is mirroring Altair's current position, being mindful of his left side. "What does our situation look like?"

"There are exactly five roofs between us and the hideout, which is the large mansion in the distance with the balcony," Altair explains. "Each roof is assigned two guards that are continuously walking around the edge, pausing only for ten seconds at each of the four corners. Guard change is not for another three hours, but we cannot afford to wait that long. My source did not know what information Harash has or will be revealing to the Templars, but we cannot afford to allow our enemies to know more than they already do."

Ezio wants to know who Altair's source is, but this is neither the time nor the place to ask. "What are we going to do?"

"I have an idea," Altair says, an anticipatory grin crossing his features. "Wait here."

Ezio opens his mouth to protest, but Altair swiftly jumps off the roof before he can even make a sound. Frustrated, he pokes his head over the edge of the chimney, carefully watching the guard's movements while making sure to stay out of their line of vision. Soon enough, he spots Altair climbing the side of the building directly across from him that contains the guard that nearly spotted him earlier. Altair sticks his head over the side, waiting until both guards have their backs to him before climbing over the edge, sprinting, and leaping into the hay cart resting in the middle of the roof before either guard moves.

Ezio watches entranced as Altair silently assassinates the guards, waiting until they approach the hay cart close enough so he can grab them, stab them, and pull their lifeless bodies into the cart with him. Once both guards are eliminated, Altair hops out from the hay and descends to the ground.

Ezio scrambles up and drops to the ground, quickly locating Altair sitting on a bench. He settles down next to him, so close that their knees are nearly touching.

"Why did you not say anything? I could have provided you with support," Ezio says lowly, fully aware of the people wandering by that could easily overhear their conversation.

"You have throwing knives, no? If I would have been unable to take one of those guards out for some reason, I would have needed you to eliminate them from a distance."

"Well, thank you for clueing me in after the fact," Ezio says, a sliver of frustration slipping into his tone.

Altair looks at him with a seemingly neutral expression, though Ezio can see the gears turning in his head. It is as if it had never even occurred to him to vocalize his plans. Sure, Ezio understands that Altair is not used to having someone else with him in the field, but leaving Ezio to assume his intentions can be detrimental to the mission.

Ezio sighs. "Next time you have a plan, please include me in on it. I am not psychic."

Altair blinks before slowly nodding his head. "I apologize. I will do my best to remedy this in the future."

"That is all I ask," Ezio says, a brief smile crossing his face thought it disappears just as quickly. "Now, what are we going to do about the rest of the guards?"

"Same as I just did, except that we will be doing it together."

"Good."

They rise from the bench in unison before making their way back to the rooftops. They slowly eliminate the rest of the guards standing in between them and the hideout, using patience and precision as their virtues, though Ezio does become a slightly restless at all the waiting. There was a close call where one of the guards witnessed Altair shoving his blade into another's throat, but Ezio thankfully silenced him before he could scream. Those were the last two guards between them and their goal and Ezio would have regretted if they caused a commotion that could have possibly alert Harash to their presence and cause him to go further into hiding when they were so close.

As soon as they finish storing the guards' bodies in an empty trunk that Altair had found on the roof, they turn their attention towards the balcony that will finally lead them into the hideout. The building itself is quite a distance away, despite the balcony being jutted out and nearly the same height as the roof they are currently standing on. Altair and Ezio exchange a quick glance and nod before the former moves, leaping off the roof and grabbing onto the railing, gracefully pulling himself over the edge and onto the balcony.

Ezio is next, taking a couple steps back before running forward and propelling himself off the roof . . . only to underestimate the distance and miss the railing by mere inches. Ezio opens his mouth to shout for Altair as he starts falling, but Altair is already reaching out, grabbing Ezio's right arm and nearly tumbling over the edge of the railing for his troubles. Altair hoists Ezio up until he is able to pull himself over the edge without assistance.

Once his feet are firmly planted on the floor, Ezio stares at Altair in shock. "You just saved my life."

Altair shrugs. "You would have done the same for me."

Ezio nods earnestly in agreement, still too stunned to say anything proper.

Altair smiles at him before walking over to the door and picking the lock. After a moment, he opens the door and holds it open for Ezio.

"Grazie, signore; you are too kind," Ezio says with a dramatic flair, grabbing onto the ends of his robes and pretending to curtsy.

Altair laughs, looking surprised as soon as the sound leaves his mouth.

Ezio grins widely before entering the building, listening to Altair's footsteps follow him before he closes the door behind them with a quiet click.

.

It is embarrassingly easy to find Harash.

Ezio and Altair enter the large, nearly empty room through one of the vents, moving silently across the scaffolding until they are crouching directly above Harash, who is currently consorting with a Templar Knight in rapid Arabic. Ezio does not speak Arabic, but Altair's troubled expression leads him to assume that Harash is currently revealing critical information.

They continue to oversee the conversation and as soon as the Templar Knight leaves, Altair drops down and lands on top of Harash, plunging his hidden blade into his throat and silencing the traitor for good. Ezio hops down, quietly landing a few feet away from Altair and giving him some privacy while he gives Harash his last rites, unable to stop the surge of anger that pierces through him. He cannot understand how someone who has completely dedicated their entire life to their order, who have sworn to protect the innocent and bring peace, could betray their allies as if they are nothing.

Ezio shakes his head, clearing his mind of those thoughts. He focuses his attention back on Altair, who is closing Harash's eyes. He is about to open his mouth and ask where they should stash the body when the door across the room flies open and dozens of Templars flood inside, shouting angrily in a variety of languages.

Merda. "Altair, we have to go now," Ezio yells urgently. He and Altair run, making their way back onto the scaffolding and exiting the same way that they entered.

.

"Stop the assassins!"

"My, they sure are a persistent bunch."

Altair smirks. "Welcome to The Kingdom."

Ezio snorts before glancing over his shoulder and swears under his breath in Italian. Templar guards have been chasing him and Altair on horseback ever since they fled Aleppo and every time they nearly lose their tail, another guard spots them and suddenly they are surrounded again. Biting down on his lower lip, Ezio rescans the area before him and notices something in the distance. "Altair, there is a village up ahead."

"Are you suggesting that we try to blend into the crowd?"

"It is worth a shot! Let us lose these Templars for good!"

They start pushing forward at a punishing pace until they are able to leap from their horses and scramble onto the roof of the nearest building before taking off running. Ezio does not like to bring this many Templars (or any Templars really) into areas heavy with civilian activity, but he knows that they will never rid themselves off their tail unless they are able to blend in.

The pair crosses the roofs at a steady pace, waiting for the opportune moment to drop down. Ezio's footsteps and heartbeat are thundering in his ears through it is barely audible over the sounds of the Templars shouting for them to reveal themselves. He is so hyperaware of everything that is going on around him that he knows the exact moment when Altair loses his footing after his boot is caught on a break in the concrete. Ezio reaches out, grabbing Altair's hand before he falls off the side of the building and using their joint momentum to propel them both to the next roof, narrowly avoiding being thrown into the crowd of blood thirsty Templars below.

Altair shoots him a grateful look and Ezio grins as they continue running at a relentless pace, their hands still clasped tightly together.

"There is a leap of faith dead ahead," Altair calls.

"Together?" Ezio asks.

Altair squeezes Ezio's hand. "Together."

They rush the edge of the building and jump, landing gracefully into the hay cart loyally resting on the ground below. It is a tight fit, with Altair squashed into one corner and Ezio laying half on top of him (though he really is not complaining about that last part). The pair is silent, allowing several long moments to pass as they listen to the Templars confusion before the air suddenly goes silent.

Ezio opens his mouth to tell Altair that he believes them to be in the clear, but is stopped by Altair's hand covering his mouth.

"Do not even think about speaking," Altair whispers harshly. "I have seen the Templars employ this tactic before. They will pretend to halt in their search and ambush anyone whom reveals themselves. We have to be patient. Understand?"

Instead of answering, Ezio licks the palm of Altair's hand only to have to hold back a laugh when Altair pinches his nose out of retaliation. He settles in, making himself comfortable against Altair, even going as far as to rest the back of his head against Altair's chest. He is surprised when Altair does not move to shove him off and even seems to relax fully underneath of him. Ezio smiles widely since Altair cannot see it. Normally, he is not the most patient of men, but he believes that he can make an acceptation this time around.

.

It takes hours (more hours than Ezio will ever admit) until the Templars genuinely give up their search. Altair was correct when he assumed there was an ambush for about an hour after they finished speaking, the guards started talking again, wondering why their plan did not work.

Ezio eagerly waits while listening to the disappointed groans the guards make as they finally disperse from the area. He and Altair remain in the cart for roughly twenty minutes after the last Templar was heard leaving before slowly poking their heads out of the hay and scanning the area.

Altair hums. "I believe we have lost them."

"Good thing too; I was starting to cramp after being still for so long."

"That could have happened because you fell asleep for two hours and were unable to adjust your position to keep blood flowing."

"There was nothing holding you back from napping."

"One of us had to remain alert. Imagine Al Mualim getting word that his best assassin had fallen into the hands of the Templars because he decided to nap on the job."

"At least you would be able to tell an interesting story at dinner."

"I would be unable to do that if I am dead," Altair mumbles as he climbs out of the hay cart.

Ezio follows, grateful for the opportunity to stretch his painfully sore.

"We should get back to Masyaf," Altair says after a few moments.

Ezio hums. "I wonder how we are going to accomplish that. If only we had some form of transportation . . ."

"You are not funny."

"I am hilarious."

Altair rolls his eyes before walking away, leaving Ezio to shout after him and rush to catch up so he is not left behind.

After some searching, they relocated their horses grazing together on a small patch of grass. They climb onto their horses and ride through The Kingdom, taking care to avoid the guards as much as possible until they reach another one of the assassin's safe houses, which is a one level building that is located in a small town near Masyaf. The interior is sparsely decorated, save for a small kitchen and two mattresses located near the lone window.

"Altair . . . what is going to happen when we arrive back in Masyaf?" Ezio asks once they have settled in for the night.

Altair rolls over until he is facing Ezio, the full moon casting a light over his face so Ezio is able to make him out clearly. "Al Mualim will want to conduct an interrogation of very assassin in the order to make sure there are no more traitors. However, I am certain that once news of Harash's death is passed around, the ones who remain loyal to him will flee."

"And once those traitors are identified?"

"Then, we hunt them down and clean up," Altair says. "We can discuss this further once we return to the Brotherhood. For now, let us rest. We have both had a long day."

Ezio nods and Altair rolls back over. He bids him a goodnight before closing his eyes and finding that sleep comes to him much quicker tonight.

.

When they return to Masyaf the next morning, they immediately report to Al Mualim's Lair and inform him of the mission's success. Al Mualim praises them on a job well done before dismissing them to their chambers, an order which Ezio is ecstatic to follow. He returns to the room he was given, flopping down on the bed and hoping to sleep for at least a year. Those plans are crushed a few hours later by a knock on the door and Altair letting himself in, though if Ezio is being completely honest, he is greatly pleased to see him.

Ezio nods in his direction and Altair allows a brief smile to cross his face, coming further into the room and closing the door behind him. Altair walks over to the bed and sits down on the edge next to Ezio, who is laying spread eagle on top of the covers. Ezio rolls over and props himself up on one elbow, looking up at Altair expectantly.

"I want to commend you on your performance during our mission," Altair says after a brief moment of silence. "In my years as an assassin, I have seen very few handle The Kingdom as well as you did, considering that was your first time there."

Ezio smiles, truly honored by his words. "Grazie; and my might I extend the same to you. It was an honor working with you and I sincerely hope that we are granted the opportunity to do so again."

Altair blinks. "I . . . It was nothing. I was only doing my job," he says, clearly surprised by the praise as if he is not used to hearing it from his peers.

Ezio will admit that while Altair was frustrating to work with at first, he is not a horrible person and once he became used to Ezio's presence and communicated with him, they worked extremely well together, almost as if they had been doing so for their entire lives. Ezio likes Altair—more so now that he has actually met him, and is now beginning to realize that his long term crush may be developing into something more, though he is hesitant to call these newfound feelings what he believes them to be.

"I am afraid I will have to cut this visit short," Altair says, pulling Ezio out of his thoughts. "I am about to leave on another assignment."

Ezio furrows his brow. He does not want Altair to leave. He still needs to figure out why Juno wants him in this time and he cannot do that if Altair is gone. "Where are you going?"

"Jerusalem—my informant is requesting a meeting. They have more Intel on what I was working on prior to your arrival."

"If I may, who is this informant?"

"A woman named Adha."

Ezio desperately fights to keep his expression neutral despite the sheer terror that quickly grows within him. He knows Adha—Altair spoke fondly of her in The Codex. She is a woman whom Altair knew in his youth, though he never specified where they met. Altair loved her and she him. They made plans to run away together and start a new life . . . but the meeting he is about to go to his a trap set up by someone called Lord Basilisk. The Codex does not go into detail about the mission, but Ezio knows that he was too late to save Adha's life and at the time, thought he had lost his chance at true happiness.

Ezio bites down on the inside of his cheek, willing himself not to speak. Altair has no idea about how much his life is about to change and Ezio feels horrible that he cannot warn him about what is to come. Thankfully, someone knocking on the door saves Ezio from potentially ruining everything.

"Altair, I know you are in there," a low, deep voice drawls from the other side of the door.

Altair sighs. "What do you want Malik?"

"I want for you to get off your lazy ass and come outside," Malik responds. Malik Al-Sayf and Altair were rivals growing up and into their early adulthood. His writings stated that there was a time where they were starting to become friends, but that quickly changed after Soloman's Temple. Ezio does not know how Malik found it in himself to forgive Altair for what happened, but it proves that he is a greater man than anyone could ever give him credit for.

"Why?" Altair asks.

"Al Mualim is calling an emergency meeting," Malik explains. "Robert de Sable has been spotted in The Kingdom."

Altair's entire body goes ridged and Ezio tries not to do the same. Robert de Sable is the leader of the Templar Order in this time. He is a cruel, unforgiving man who manipulated his way into power with false promises and sweet words to both his allies and his supporters. He is a capable fighter and both Altair and Malik have spoken about how he used his build, height, and strength to his advantage. De Sable is terrifying on paper and Ezio loathes the possibility of having to see him person.

"We will be down shortly," Altair says, his voice strained as he attempts to keep himself calm.

"You better be," Malik warns.

They listen to Malik's footsteps until they fade into the distance before Altair turns to Ezio, looking as though he is barely restraining his anger.

"Let us get downstairs and see what Al Mualim knows," he says.

Ezio nods and climbs off the bed before allowing Altair to lead him from the room.

.

"Where did Al Mualim say that de Sable was again?" Kadar Al-Sayf asks.

"Rabu—and it was a prediction, not a confirmation," Malik repeats. He originally refused to tell his brother about the mission's true objective, seeing as he is of a lower rank and was not present at the meeting, but relented when Kadar kept pestering him and looking at Altair to intervene. "We should be there soon. Do not be nervous."

Kadar nods. "Thank you, brother . . . and I am not nervous."

Malik snorts. "You could have fooled me," he says, laughing when Kadar hits him on the arm.

Ezio smiles fondly. Watching the Al-Sayf's banter makes him miss his brothers even more. He thinks of all the memories he and Federico made growing up and the ones that he never got to make with Petruccio. He feels a pang of longing and wishes that he could be reunited with his entire immediate family, even if it is only for one day. He bites back a heavy sigh and shifts, pulling his hood over his eyes to hide his fallen expression.

He is currently in The Kingdom with Altair, Malik, Kadar, and two assassins who introduced themselves as Amira and Ada, both experienced and well respected within the Masyaf order. They are riding on horseback towards Rabu, a village located outside of Masyaf. The Codex never spoke of this place and neither did Al Mualim when he sent out nearly half of the Brotherhood in search of de Sable, but Amira revealed that she came across Rabu in some Templar Intel that she recovered. According to her, some high-level Templars have been using the village as a hub of sort while they attempt to secure The Kingdom as their own and eliminate the Masyaf assassins. This information came as a shock to everyone, including Ezio, considering how close Rabu and Masyaf are.

Ezio is pulled from his thoughts when Altair rides up next to him, close enough that Ezio could reach out and touch him if he wanted.

"Are you alright?" Altair asks. "You appear . . . down."

Ezio is flattered by his concern. "I am alright. I was just thinking."

"Should I be concerned?"

Ezio laughs. "No," he says, turning to face Altair who has a light smile on his face. "I am trying to mentally prepare myself for our mission. From what Al Mualim said, de Sable sounds like someone who should not be taken lightly."

"More than you know," Altair says, pausing before continuing. "Maybe I will explain more about him in detail once we return to Masyaf. You can meet me in my chambers after the briefing."

A slow smirk crawls over Ezio's face as hope and anticipation burst in his chest. If he is reading the situation and Altair's heated expression correctly, then there may be a possibility that he feels the same. And even if he does not, Ezio is always in the mood for a good fuck. "I look forward to it. I shall bring you de Sable's head on a silver platter, but if I cannot, I will definitely be bringing something big."

Altair hums, looking both pleased and interested. "I will hold you to that, you know."

"As you should," Ezio says, resisting the urge to lean over and kiss Altair now just to see what would happen.

"We are here," Malik announces, effectively killing the mood between them.

Ezio turns away from Altair, but not before winking at him, which causes the latter to snort and shake his head. They arrive on the outskirts of town and leave their horses before splitting into three groups: Altair with Malik, Amira with Ada, and Ezio with Kadar. Ezio is surprised, mostly because he thought that Malik would want to keep his brother in sight, but seeing as he is grouped with four of the best assassins in the order, chances are if de Sable is in Rabu, the other pairs will most likely discover him first.

Once he checks over his weapons and nods to Kadar, Ezio leads him into the village, climbing over one of the gates and hovering in the shadows of one of the first house they come across. Kadar follows his instruction without complaint, though Ezio can sense that there is something . . . off about him.

"Are you nervous?" Ezio asks gently.

Kadar looks at him with wide eyes and chews on his lower lip. ". . . Yes," he admits. "But, please do not tell my brother, it will only make him mad. I was only cleared for higher ranked assignments a few weeks ago and he did not want me to come but . . ."

Al Mualim must have forced Malik, despite knowing Kadar's inexperience. Ezio understands where Malik is coming from. He would be extremely hesitant if Claudia decided she wanted to become assassin. He is well aware that his sister can handle herself, but as an older brother, he wants to protect and shield her from the world while it tries to take away everything she holds dear.

Ezio smiles. "It is perfectly alright to be nervous—it happens to the best of us, no matter how much experience we have."

"Even Altair?"

"Especially Altair. I just returned from an assignment with him and he was a nervous wreck until I talked him around," Ezio says. He is almost positive that Altair will forgive him for lying if Kadar confronts him with this information later, but the sheer determination that crosses Kadar's face is worth whatever Altair may do to him.

He smiles to himself before making his way to the other side of the house, picking the lock on the front door and leading Kadar inside. The interior of the building is dank and poorly lit, the only light source being the sun that is making its way across the sky. Second or third hand furniture is arranged haphazardly throughout what Ezio assumes is the main living area. He resists the urge to vomit at the strong, musty smell as he and Kadar search the room for clues.

They are about to move on to the next area when Kadar stumbles upon a secret stairs after moving around a few books on the shelf. Kadar unsheathes his sword and takes point, leading them into the depths of the building.

Ezio is on his highest alert, even more so when the staircase leads them into a well-lit, well-furnished underground lair of sorts. He is lead around the corner and nearly runs into Kadar when he completely freezes in place. Frowning, Ezio glances over Kadar's shoulder and nearly gasps for Robert de Sable is standing directly in front of him.

He is much bigger in person, standing at least half a head taller than Ezio, if not more. He is wearing thick red and gray armor with the Knights Cross proudly displayed on his chest. De Sable has a multitude of weapons, most notably a long sword that looks as though it has seen better days, but can easily take one down.

De Sable recovers from being taken off his guard and draws his sword before lunging for Kadar. Ezio is brought out of his own stupor and shoves Kadar out of the way, taking the full brunt of the attack, feeling his flesh part and blood spill to accommodate the sword now lodged in his abdomen. He bites back a gasp, overcome with lightheadedness and dizziness as he stares partially unfocused at de Sable, who is grinning cruelly at him.

"I do not think I have seen you around these parts before, boy," de Sable states.

"Obviously not," Ezio wheezes, forcing a cocky smirk onto his lips. "I would think that I would remember seeing a mug as ugly as yours."

De Sable frowns and twists the blade, causing Ezio to gasp in pain, before quickly extracting the sword and shoving Ezio out of the way before making his escape.

Ezio collapses to the ground, left arm automatically moving to cover his wound as he struggles to stay conscious, not liking how quickly his sleeve becomes wet.