The Crimson Rose

ASSASSIN'S CREED

By: Chi~

Disclaimer: I don't own Ubisoft's sexiness. Period.

A/N: Well, it seems that I've got a lot of hits but not a lot of reviews. That's okay. At least I'm getting some response. I'm happy with that! :beams:

Let's get the show on the road, hmm? (Also! For some reason, FF - damn you guys sometimes! - won't let my chapter heading be centured, so...it's just stuck on the left - hand side. Goodness, I hate hating things, but this is just....detesting! :stomps away:)

Onward~!

Read in ½ or…well, no cake for yo!

Chapter I

A Sudden Intruder

One Year Ago...

Fatin was more exhausted then he'd expected. But that was okay, he didn't blame the poor horse not to be happy and beaming with energy by the time he'd returned to Masyaf. Sometimes, he really hated himself for pushing his dear horse to his limit, but he wasn't really a patient man occasionally. He liked to be as quick as possible during his jobs around the Holy Land and that included getting back to Masyaf as well.

He gave his trusty horse (Fatin) both an affectionate and appreciative nuzzle before he made his way back to his home: the fortress of the Assassins. He was sure the dear horse didn't want to have anything to do with him for a long while. He almost chuckled at the thought; arabic breeds had...interesting minds of their own. Amusing, he had to admit.

Starting up the somewhat steep hill to his destination, he went over the report he would be reciting to Malik, the Creed's new head master, to make sure he didn't really forget anything. He never usually did, but still - he could never be sure. Although, it probably wouldn't matter too much. After all, if the target was deceased, nothing else was needed to be questioned. Ah well, simple musing wouldn't hurt, he decided.

The merchant had been another one of those paranoid types and it had been somewhat (and he used that very loosely) difficult to get on with the assassination. The paranoid man had had guards here and there, and it was just something that caused so many set-backs that Altair almost became such an impatient serpent, he practically snapped at any fellow brother and even the rafiq that came and confronted him. (Deep down, he sort of hoped not to have another mission in Damascus too soon after this one - the rafiq might...turn murderous on him.)

Any other assassin would've understood, especially since a simple mission of "getting rid of a merchant" - that took days - took almost two weeks - yes, he had been very frustrated - and wouldn't blame him for lashing out on such a short temper that it would even make a stranger's head spin. All the assassins he knew, his fellow elite brothers, agreed that a simple mission as such should only take a day or two - three at the most. Two weeks. It was practically self explanatory.

No, it didn't matter. Not anymore. The dreadful (yet respectfully cautious) merchant was dead and his spreading of wrong-doing was stopped. All that was left was the verbal report, a hot dinner, and a bed to finally rest on without caution of certain harm.

Satisified that he was finally back to the place he called 'home', and was very close to completing a mission, he looked around himself as he walked with slight profound enthusiasm. The somewhat wilting flowers from the almost scorching heat didn't fail to catch his attention the higher he went up the hill towards the fortress. Summer was beginning to make its self known. It was obvious from the grass seeming somewhat dry and, well, the flowers burning under the merciless rays of the sun, that it was the beginning of a new season. He had to fight a grimace before it even began to form on his face, however.

Summer.

He felt his mood slightly grow gloomy and he began to feel the need for isolation, for when summer came...so did the dreaded day of his birth.

His eyes narrowed. It didn't matter. After he recites his report, he was going straight to his room and he would lock himself in there until he found fit to come out (which would be dinner time). He really prefered not to be around anyone during this time of year; human interaction wasn't really on his top list when he was being dragged down by the troublesome past of his life that he couldn't run away from no matter what he did.

Estimating that he would arrive at his home within the next minutes, Altair continued on, somewhat haunted by memories he tried to keep at bay - at least until his birthday. His head begged for solitude, but his heart (quite faintly) wanted a companion to share his admittedly growing and grudging pain. And not only that, but to comfort his practically drowning soul as well...

"Very well, Altair," Malik smiled, eyes sincere but soft. "You have done excellent, despite the two-week delay."

"Thank you, Master," Altair's lip slightly twitched, showing his slight amusement. Months ago, Malik had been a renounced friend (since Malik had forgiven him), and now he was the new leader of the Creed. Somewhat, it was comical referring to his best friend as his master. "I am glad I have not disappointed you - with the delay and all. It had not really been in my power. It had been quite a challenge, I'll admit."

"So I've heard," Malik slightly smirked back, but still kept a small grin as he stared at his friend from his desk. The sun, slowly setting and signally that evening was coming, gleamed and shined over and behind Malik, making him literally glow like a god-sent leader being smiled upon from the heavens. Altair almost smiled, proud that his best friend had been given such a promising position, despite his disability of having only one arm.

"I'm sure you were quite short-tempered and hard to approach for some time," Malik continued, his tone turning slightly hard and somewhat annoyed. "I'm sure you can work on that during you break before the next mission, my brother."

Altair fought back the impulse to grumble under his breath and roll his eyes. "Yes, brother."

"Good," Malik said, sounding pleased and flashed Altair a fast smile before looking down at a parchment on his desk. A calm, comfortable silence passed between them for a short moment as Malik's deep brown eyes seemed to dance across the sheet before he finally looked back up, looking at Altair with sudden concern and understanding.

"I just realized that it is getting close to the day of your birth, brother," Malik finally said after they stared at each other for yet another pregnant moment.

Altair almost sighed, not really surpised. He had wondered why Malik hadn't dismissed him yet. Now that his true intentions were revealed, Altair began to wish he'd never known and that he could just leave for both his friend's sake, and his dignity's. "Yes, so it seems," he answered back, being sure to cloud his true feelings and mask them with not a wary tone, but an impassive one.

"If there's anyone who knows you better, it's me," Malik said gently, as if he were talking to a small, vulnerable child. He offered a calm look, telling Altair that he was there. "If you need anything, please ask - any time - for assistance. I'll be more than glad to help, my friend."

"I will keep that in mind, my brother," Altair answered all too quickly. They both ignored that aspect when he continued, "I know you are always there for me."

"Your brothers are always there for you, too," Malik added, but smiled encouragingly to Altair's rich topez gaze. "You may go as you wish."

Altair gave a stiff nod after a simple bow, paying both his loyal best friend and his master respect before turning on his heal and starting his way down the steps, leading out into the castle where he would walk to his barracks, bolt his door and remember memories best left unsaid to most.

Alone.

The nostalgic moments had made him tense within the confinment of his room, and the simple yet hot dinner he had hardly soothed his dark mood, but he soon found himself within his room once again, lying on his bed and staring at the stone ceiling and tracing the quite abstract cracks with his unique golden gaze.

Like before, he was alone. Always alone.

There had been Maria. Dear Maria who had skills strikingly like his and a wit that seemed to actually intrigue him. The affair had lasted a time, he mused, but somehow they grew apart and she seemed to had vanished off the face of the earth not too long after.

(If his ego weren't so large and his personality so stubborn, he would've confessed to himself that he had been hurt.)

Before Maria...well...that was something that he preferred to repress from the book of his past and he wouldn't be getting into such chapters of his life anytime soon.

Altair closed his eyes slowly, knowing that he would relive parts of his life, but didn't care anymore. He was completely and utterly alone and much to his dismay - he didn't like it. He didn't like it one bit because he knew that if he admitted such, he would feel his emotions and his logical chain of thought would become shambled with things he preferred not to face - for both his heart's sake and his sanity's.

Though, for once he pushed himself to be honest. He admitted. He was alone. And he was acutally sad. Lonely. Most of all, depressed.

He could go to Malik, as his dear friend suggested, and have a long talk with him for his opinions and suggestions (which he was slightly curious on such), but he was sure his dear brother would probably say something along the lines of, "My brother, you need to bed a concubine."

Altair didn't think that would really help. It would definitely make him at ease for a time, but overall, he was sure his true feelings would come back again. Therefore, Malik was out of the picture.

Thus...there was no one else.

It doesn't matter, Altair thought to himself as he sat up and silently set his feet on the floor, staring at his toes with a shadowed face. He was the 'Son of None,' which meant he wasn't meant to have anyone by his side anyway. He'd only grown up such way too. What difference would there be? He was to only rid the world of evil and fight for what's right; nothing was true, everything was permitted - the way of the Creed.

He would do so, whether he would do it alone for the rest of his life...or not.

(His suppressed sorrow cried into the darkness as the new moon turned the sky to black.)

He had heard a slight movement outside his door.

Moving on the tips of his feet, footsteps silent and golden eyes alert like a hawk, his right hand rested on the hilt of his sword, ready to force an assault on the suspicious imposter. Who was it? What did they want with the Assassins? Most likely - it was a spy, he decided.

His eyes narrowed slightly. He would have no mercy.

Though, he was beginning to wonder if he had just heard things when he reached the end of the tower where his barracks recided in with no disturbance the whole way down.

Somewhat grumbling to himself as he grudgingly shunned himself for dragging himself up from his most needed slumber just to scout for something that wasn't there. Perhaps he was finally beginning to lose his sanity. His eyes narrowed, slowly starting to actually consider on confronting Malik with his emotional and growing psychological problems. He'd have to include that he was beginning to hear voices that belonged to people who didn't exist. Even voices that belonged to people he knew. Especially Malik's. In fact, if he listened closer, he could hear his friend in the distance -

"Altair - are you listening," Malik's urgent yet stone-hard voice almost made Altair flinch with surprise before swiftly turning around and meeting the eyes of the Creed master. Altair was almost taken a back when he met his friend and master's gaze. Surely he'd sensed him coming?

Unacceptable, his mind almost screamed in definate horror when he realized he actually hadn't. For the first time in a long time, Altair immediately drew the obvious conclusion that - his emotions were getting in the way. And this time, it was deep. Which, made him grimace more. Basically - he ran through his mind - he was lonely in the deepest companionship known to man - which was both a woman and sex.

Love.

Perhaps he was at the point in his life where he actually wanted to have a woman at his side. One that he could come back to when he was hurt and would give him quiet or verbal company. One that he could come home to and just grab and fu -

"Altair!" Fingers snapped in front of his face, close to flicking his nose, when he finally resurrfaced from his suddenly non-shutting up mind. "Would you pay attention? Honestly, I have never seen you so spaced!" He blinked as he stared at his friend with the help of the blazing torch behind him, providing light. He was about to say something, when Malik bit out a curse and almost look apologetic. "I can relate to the reason why for such behavior - "

"Obviously, Malik, it is not the time. I apologize," he waved it off. "What has happened?"

Malik looked at him with a quizzitive stare before he merely shook his head and got his hard Master exterior. "There has been an intruder and has last been seen around these barrocks. Have you seen or heard anything?"

So, I'm not going insane, Altair thought with much relief before answering honestly, "I was woken up by the slightest sound outside my room. That's why I'm no longer there."

Malik nodded, sure not to comment what Altair knew what he was thinking, "had you not known, you wouldn't have even left your room." He had to agree, it was somewhat true. But the sound had been so slight that if it hadn't sounded through the cracks of his door, he probably would still be sleeping at that very moment. Such things were something to not look over, because only a skilled spy could so such a thing and Altair had inhumanly sharp ears.

Feeling the need to push this silence aside, Altair asked, "Is there any description to this imposter?"

"The intruder has been identified as a female with hair of fire and eyes of the ocean."

"A description like that can only point to Templars."

Malik hummed in agreement. "Yes, but the witness has told me that she wears the mark of an outlaw. It recides on her left wrist."

"Then, for the sake of her life, she is no longer one with the Templars," enquired Altair. "Could she just be a petty thief or spy of some kind?"

"Perhaps so, but, another witness, a novice, has also told me that she questioned him - about our brother, Jasper," Malik answered, showing his slight confusion.

Altair blinked. "Brother Jasper? The Persian descent?"

Malik nodded. "And from this woman's description, I have come to notice that Jasper has eyes of the ocean as well."

"Perhaps a relative?"

"Most likely -" Malik stopped when they both tensed at the same time, noticing a fast approaching ally at their wits.

"Master," the novice began, somewhat breathlessly, but still physically fit. "The intruder, she has slipped from our possession!"

"She has escaped?" Malik grumbled out a curse. "Do you have an idea where she's gone?"

The novice somewhat frowned and shook his head, looking in between Altair and Malik as if to debate on who would blow-up at him for informing such information and who would kill him. (Altair almost grinned menacely at the look.) "She said something along the lines of - "If you won't let me see Jasper, then I'll take my business else where." - and - "I apologize for the trouble I've caused here." - Master."

Malik looked down at the ground, thinking to himself as Altair stared at the novice, as if threatening that he'd better told everything he knew. "Damn, can't believe I haven't asked this - does - did - she seem dangerous in any way?"

"She was armed, Master. Quite armed for just a thief...perhaps a spy? She obviously has skill. There are two guards that are unconscious at one of the entrances."

"Yes, that's true...That's what it all seems to be pointing to," he said. "And, plus, what does she want with Jasper? Perhaps..." Malik trailed, drowning himself in his wild thoughts as Altair took the liberty in shooing the novice away. "...hmm..."

"What is it, brother?" Altair looked at him, analyzing.

Malik looked up briefly. "Altair, she could very well be an ally...and if she has the guts and skills to get into this fortress - full of assassins, by the way - then she shouldn't be ignored. Plus - she even got away."

Altair slowly nodded, seeing where Malik was getting at. He opened his mouth to say something before his Master raised his hand and gave him a thin smile.

"She could very well be a spy as well. Therefore..."

Altair stared at his friend, almost confused...then slightly annoyed. "Malik, you don't - "

"Dear brother, our fortress - hell, even the village of Masyaf is at stake. Just do this. It'll be quick, I assure you."

Altair felt his teeth clench as his mind bit out, I don't believe this... "I think I've heard these words before."

Malik ignored the comment and turned around, seeming smug and triumphant. "I can only have much mercy for a fellow brother, Altair. Yes, you are in pain, but think of it this way - at least you won't be locked in your room for a whole week."

Altair growled and turned around, wanting to just bolt his door like before and stare at the ceiling. "Damn it." Great, so much for some isolation. Yes, he didn't need much sleep, and he barely ever really rested, but now he was exhausted from his current mental state and he really didn't want to go out on a mission so soon.

Almost stomping up the steps toward his room, he grumbled to himself in the most childish way, but with the right to do so. After all, his psyche was basically low at the moment and unstable. His patience was thinner, and he didn't know if he could handle as much as he has without a single bat of an eye-lid.

Suddenly, he felt like growling. He had just decided that he was too vulnerable to do anything. What the hell? Altair was never vulnerable. That was practically a law or a fact. Damn it, it really wasn't the time to go on a mission.

Shaking his head and lightly massaging his temples, he stepped into his room and started towards packing and preparing his weapons. It didn't matter; it was a mission. It wasn't like it would very well be the death of him, if he weren't careful. And he was always careful, because he was basically a perfectionist. He was a king when it came to a clean yet ruthless kill.

Sucking in a breath though his nose, he began towards the small end table to his right, thinking to strap on his weapons and gear before he almost stopped, senses tingling and almost yelling - someone was here!

His brow twitched as his nose did, and then he sucked in a full breath silently, testing the air. What he found was somewhat interesting.

The smell of jasmine was in his room.

He was to capture on sight, and if pursued...well, it was official that he had the obligation to kill.

He almost snorted at the thought as he saddled up Fatin, getting ready to set out, much to both his and dear Fatin's dismay. Whoever this intruder woman was, he knew he would have incredibly less mercy for. And that was something no one could get from Altair. Having no mercy was death for them; mercy from him was basically a definite privolage.

The guessed location the intruder had fled off to was Acre, since Acre was basically a Templar stronghold. So what if the woman had had the mark of an out-lawed Templar - she could very well be a spy or something. And obviously, she some how had an association with the assassins, since she knew one of the brother's names.

This brought the very assassin to mind, even though he hardly knew the fellow. From what he could actually remember of the Persian descent, who probably in his early twenties, was that he had hair that was dark but had a reddish tent. Also, the man had blue eyes as well. Also, now that he thought about it, Jasper was also Arabic as well. Most likely, he was an inter-racial child, like Altair himself.

The possibility that this intruder was perhaps a relative of Jasper's, and that he was meant to do no harm to the woman (perhaps women were his weakness,was a somewhat high percentage, he thought almost grudgingly. He'd always had a weak-spot for women, even if his sword was pointed at them and promising death) - which he didn't plan on doing anyway.

Malik encouraged with much disgusting enthusiasm that the capture mission wouldn't take very long, considering the fact that the intruder had hair that was absolutely hard to miss in the mist of a mostly brunette and blonde society. Red hair was something rare and not seen much; how could it be so hard to spot someone with such within no time?

"Just bring her back. Then, we question her, see if Jasper knows her, and if not...well, she will be executed for trespassing," Malik had said.

Altair stared hard in front of himself as he got on Fatin and proceeded his way through the village gates, leaving Masyaf once again.

"And if she is very well a relative of Jasper's and is an ally," he had asked.

"Then she will be under not only the Brotherhood's protection, but definitely your own. I place you on full guard for this woman - even though Jasper will be as well. Any family of a brother is the Brotherhood's family," Malik had answered with a slight smirk, not even bothering to hide it.

Altair grimaced harder than he had after that moment Malik had uttered such words. God, he hated his best friend sometimes.

"Malik, I can't help but think this is some scam that you're trying to get me to bed this- "

"I don't know what you're talking about, my Son, but perhaps you get going on your mission? Time is wasting away!"

"You're one year older than me - "

"Mission!"

"Damn it - "

"Fuck," Altair finally rasped out as Fatin angrily trotted down the dirt path, leaving puffs of sand in their wake. It was going to be a long mission, Altair knew. A long mission indeed. And if not, well...

...at least he would be too occupied to deal with his birthday, right? Looking for a woman who had blazing red hair, eyes of the ocean, armed and most likely skilled in combat, and who - as he confirmed the night before - had the scent of jasmine. Yes, it wouldn't be a hard mission and it probably wouldn't take so long, but most likely it would feel like an eternity. Women who could fight, he knew from first hand experience, had a unique sense of independence and tended to have an aspect of spunk. He knew for a fact that this woman would not be easy to keep in order, especially if he was forced to take her by force.

It would be difficult, he knew, but that didn't stop the smirk from reaching his face.

He figured, in the back of his mind, that this mission would also be interesting, as well. That wasn't bad, at all.

Omake

Malik frowned deeply, obviously pissed off at the smug assassin that stood before him. Finally, after a few moments of silence of staring at the face that showed innocence, but deep down showed lack of ignorance, Malik snapped, "I can't believe you did that."

"I didn't mean to - "

"Altair, I understand the fact that you are not only confident in your skills, but also confident in your looks. Therefore, you expect to fuck when you very well please," Malik took a breath, "But cursing out a rafiq who is probably right at your body's inablility to not have sex for certain amount of time is just deceteful. Haven't you ever heard of respect your elders?"

He watched as Altair shuffled on his feet, looking anywhere - at anything - but him. "Malik, you must understand - two weeks - "

Malik couldn't take it anymore. He slammed his fist on the table and turning red with pure annoyance. "Out of my sight! You should be ashamed!"

Altair muttered something along the lines of, "it is not fair," and "two weeks" before he scurried away, almost immediately heading towards the garden that held the concubines of the Brotherhood.

Malik sighed, grumbling to himself. He was surprised though. Not only was Altair used to having sex on a regular basis, he also knew that Altair seemed to drown himself in women when it came around time for his birthday.

As foolish as it was, Malik could relate. Therefore, he slightly held pride at his best friend's decisions.

(Though, he really needed to keep Altair from the ladies. It could get quite...unhealthy.)

(...he shivered at the thought.)

Okay, a little late, sure, but no problem right? We cool, yes? Please, please...I hope so. :sighs, but smiles: Until next time guys!

Altair's Birthday: I have no friggin' idea when his birthday is, but I prefer it to be in summer, so it is. Plus, I think that it's a common thing that Altair is someone who doesn't particularly find joy on his own day of birth. Surely something tragic happened, since he very well is the 'Son of None'.

The Intruder: Next chapter you guys! Whoo-hoo!

Malik, the leader: Obviously, I'm not following the whole 'Pieces of Eden' shit, because that makes things complicate. Therefore, this is basically an AU, but still something similar to the game. Therefore, I just changed thing around. Instead of Altair taking over the Creed (at least for now), Malik is the leader. I mean, 'Malik' means 'leader' anyways, so why not? So yeah.

Two Weeks: I'm not the only one who would think Altair would be up a friggin' wall if he couldn't get a mission done until two weeks later from when he could've gotten it done. Yeah, that's an Altair you really don't wanna be around. (And for the omake, if you're a woman - you really don't want to be around him...unless his looks just make you swoon until you just don't give a shit anymore ;D)

Outlaw Tattoo: Just a signature marking obviously saying that this person is now not part of the Templars in any association. This woman would be an imposter if seen near Templar territory. It something that Altair can look for, yeah?

Persian Descents: Zomg! Persian, and blue eyes. Oh my, is this some weird way of crossing-over the Prince of Persia with Assassin's Creed? Uh. No. I just like blue eyes, and persians, you guys. Honestly. This is for Assassin's Creed only. I'm not one for crossovers. (Though, that would be minorly cool; 'm just sayin'.) The red hair? Well, come on, anyone can have red hair!

Altair's Sanity and Depression: Come on, his birthday's coming along. Surely his mental state would be a little unstable during that time, right? Depression is sometimes a way to cope, even though it can be dangerous. But our dear sweetie assassin is too smug and likes himself too much to even think of committing suicide. Not to mention how stupid that would be, rofl.

Edited: January 23, 2010 - Still, nothing was changed, just edited the messed up words and grammical errors. Really need a beta...