Chapter 3 - Under Hallow Eyes

All of my friends surrounded Altair like it was an intervention. They were in awe as many kept staring at his left hand. Anika had pulled me away from the group. The others kept asking Altair the obvious questions, but he had the patience to answer who he could. Even if they were screaming and laughing like an Anime Convention was taking place.

"Alyssa, this is very interesting, but I can't know if this is real unless Alucard is here."

I watched as Anika left, my friend Jorden was to run after her, but I held out my arm, stopping her from doing what she thought was right.

"Anika..." Jorden started, but stopped as Vicky had shook her head.

"So, so Altair, how many people do you hunt down, per day?" I heard Ashley's squeaky voice ask.

"That's really not important. So are you going to tell me why you obsess over me?"

"You're just soooo cool and sooooo awesome. In many ways you're better than Garrett, even if he is like your brother and all."

"So you like everyone that Alyssa mentions."

"Umm, yeah, DUH. I mean, come on! As long as you say something cool, PLEASE!"

Meet my friends, the ones who attached stuck around, stuck with what I believed. One had doubted, obviously being Anika. Jake gave me a hug, happy to see me. Jorden and Vicky shortly joined in, happy that everyone was back together.

"Sorry if I can't stay long guys, Jorden is staying at my place and my dad wants me home."

"That's fine." I say. "Things are slow right now and we haven't been tracked, seeing that I can get Altair to blend with society."

As the two had left, I saw Ashley was still obsessing over Altair. "Wow, you are just sooo awesome."

"Ashley leave the poor guy alone." Jake asked, going through his I-Pod for a good song. "I have to head home sorry I can't stay. Mom wants me home."

The typical was all I was hearing and the only one who was knowing Altair was Ashley. I was sitting there, only to see my friend Tia run into the scene from afar. "Hey guys!"

"Tia, over here!" I waved.

"Oh my god! NO WAY! It's Altair! So should I kick you ass now or later?"

"Tia stop, apparently it's not the same situation, Save the yelling and arguing for Cloud if he ever gets here." I had answered back.

"I can stay around for a while." Ashley said. "But not for long. Still it's sooooo awesome."

"Ashley, come on, let me speak to him." Tia had begged.

I looked at Altair, smiling. "Just to let you know, I proved my point."

There was only a glare from Altair, seeing that it was something meeting my friends. Time quickly passed as Ashley had left. Altair was growing quite smothered by now as Tia kept asking him questions of the Creed. I ended up walking down to Garfield Park, Tia and Altair followed as I sat on the swings. I looked to the skies as Tia was getting her share of fame. I let my mind travel, only spacing out what Tia was harassing Altair with.

"Altair, did I tell you of my past life before?"

Altair gave a thought to what I had asked. "When you were in our world, but I found something too last night, speaking of which."

"So I did speak of it before? I, I'm sorry."

"Hey can I call my mom?" Tia asked.

I tossed Tia my cell phone as she attended to her business. Altair had sat on the ground in front of me as I got off the swings, sitting next to him.

"What did I tell you and what did you find?"

"Well if I remember correctly, you said that you felt as though when you played the game that it was fimiliar and that you knew the Creed and that we were best friends in another time. What I found last night was the information you wrote of him. I didn't want to pressure you on questions because I know you aren't confident."

"I have been having many dreams on Amir, but if you saw my notebook, I have many questions still, so I don't want to talk about it yet."

"Which was my point before." Altair commented.

"Hey you two, I have to get going." Tia said, handing back my cell phone. "I'll call you later. That way we can meet up again."

As Tia left, I sat under a near by tree, seeing the day was beating me. Altair had leaned against the tree trunk. "Alyssa, what is it? You have more on your mind, and don't lie. I will be able to tell."

Knowing I didn't want to say it allowed, I gave a gesture. I had a dream that's bothering me, that's all.

Alyssa, don't worry about it, I don't know if you know this, but we can often times connect with dreams as well. Perhaps there was reason behind that one.

My head was hurting again. I knew what he was saying was true, but I started feeling like I was retriving information. I leaned back on Altair, looking at the sky, not caring if the sun was to blind me. Altair, maybe we can find a way to get you back to your world. I know that you need to get a few things done. This time I want to go with you. I want to see if I can get a few things situated.

Altair had shook his head. He couldn't know how to work things out. Seeing the last run in with the Creed and myself. Maybe, but let's try and have fun here for the time.

"Let's head down to Wendy's then. You will get introduced to a cheeseburger and fries. Hopefully you'll like it."

Altair had wolfed down his burger when they arrived back at Alyssa's place. It had been the greatest thing he tasted since he got here, seeing that nothing was as good, or at least yet. Alyssa had crashed on the couch playing her PS3, Altair saw that it was Silent Hill, but decided to bite since there was no reason to play Assassin's Creed.

"You know Alyssa, I should tell you more on Adha. It's been bothering me."

"Yeah?"

"Well, after I had saved her, she left me, saying that it was too dangerous to stick around. I didn't mind what you did because I was going through a rough time. I was hurt and I never meant for you to fill in that hole."

"It's ok. As everyone knows, we all have bad relationships." Alyssa had comforted him.

Switching modes from the game to some background music, Alyssa had Altair stand. The song that was playing was David Bowie's well known hit from the Labyrinth; As The World Falls Down. She had hummed the lyrics, having Altair move. As a result, Altair was quite the dancer. There wasn't much difference with a dance and fencing or what she was thinking. Altair had smirked, seeing a new light with Alyssa.

Do you have any weapons? Perhaps I can train you a few things while I am here.

Alyssa blinked a few times, she was remembering. "You, I- no.. wha- what of Edward?"

"Alyssa?" Altair had seen her eyes go pale.

"He knows of the Piece of Eden."

"Yes I know, that and he helped us. He was a Templar, who I though was a lair and a fraud."

Alyssa shook her head. "But he changed..."

Altair sat her down. Alyssa was going into a trance that was having her remember. Alyssa, can you send me your thoughts? Closing her eyes, she concentrated on Altair's presence. Giving a nod, there was a voice she was recalling.

"Who are you? You do not look like the others I have seen within this city. My name is Edward De Lemear, I did not mean to frighten you."

Altair gave a nod, having Alyssa open her eyes. "Edward is fine Alyssa, he's part of the Creed now, he abandoned his ways as a Templar."

"Did he...?"

"Yes, but the Assassins don't really trust him."

Some time had passed as Altair confirmed questions she had on Edward. There was even some things that he heard that didn't seem all that right. Even some of the information she had told him was having him question.

"Wait, he never told you that he knew of- wait- no... he- he... I know what he said and I quote 'A voice spoke to us, that things were going to change. That following day you appeared. We don't know what was going on or how you got here.' He never gave me a straight answer."

Altair gave thought to her words, only knowing it was questioning more. "I do not know much on the Piece of Eden, but only so much since you had mentioned it or God knows who else. We went after it when you appeared. Al Mualim must have the object now."

"IF they really did hear a voice, maybe we can ask it a few questions."

Altair saw as Alyssa pulled his chin up, kissing him. Altair savored the moment. He took a shallow breath, now seeing she didn't care on reflecting on the past. She wished to keep up with the present and now worry on the future. Her words said quite some time back. As people grow, so does society, so does what we discover or how we live. Not many understand that there are differences in how you love someone, that on which people should look into more.

"Alyssa, those words, I thought of what you said, and here I am, getting attached to you. I backfired my own words. I also was told you were to explain why you are so fascinated with me. I understand just by getting to know you more."

"Altair, you admitting that is a major, I know you thought of it, but now that you say it really says something. As you said, you got to know me. Here I am, you got what you wanted, but you are wanting more than finding me. You've grown attached, searching for my personality. You were sent here because you were... I wouldn't know, I am sorry."

"Maybe it's the connection we have. That we were supposed to be together, to fulfill something, maybe to understand how many things have changed."

"Maybe it's because there's more than you know. My dreams return involving you."

"That's maybe something we can ask the Piece of Eden."

Alyssa gave a smile. "Yeah, but maybe I can figure out why I was sent to your world as well. That means maybe we can find a way together to get back to your time."

Altair was wanting to laugh. "Well, I guess there is a reason after all, why this isn't over yet."

"Then maybe we can go down to the public library and see where to start, I know they much written on the Templars we can possibly go by."

Altair sat next to Alyssa, now looking at my TV, then my PS3. "Video games are portals to worlds that can hardly be reached. There has to be something we can do to how I appeared here."

"We can see if there is anything on a science that can be similar to that of portals to dimensions. Perhaps we should do research on that as well."

Altair had given thought as Alyssa appeared to get a few chores done. He knew that Al Mualim would only imprison him as he did Alyssa. Altair had to get back, but to tread carefully, make it seem like he was never gone. His only source being Alyssa, he had to see if there was anyone else to see what they have or even perhaps experience travel such as they did.

There was something dropped on Altair's lap. "If you didn't see this, perhaps you should. It's what I wrote on Amir, my past life, that I think that makes major ties as if why I question if I was really an assassin then, but I don't know. As you may have notice, I doubt."

Altair had given thought to the possibilities she wrote, but was only a few pages. It looked like she planned on writing more. Alyssa also wrote how a reflection of wearing something like a gray sweater made her emotionally react. Altair didn't have much to go on, seeing that only so much was written.

"There is a saying in Thief, from the Keepers, how they say 'All is, as it was written.' I know they say that about prophecies, but then there's also your saying on 'Nothing is true, everything is permitted.' I found a book talking of secret societies, but many saying that assassins are now the suicidal bombers. I don't believe that. Nor do I think the Al Qeida can even BE assassins. I wouldn't know anything though because I didn't do much research after that made me a bit disappointed."

"Do you still have the book?" Altair had asked. "Maybe they know of the Templars, even if it is little information, it could help. Remember, every little bit helps."

"Even if it is false information, there is still some sort of truth."

"Wise to think on that Alyssa. As said; Nothing is true, everything is permitted."

Things wrapped up as Alyssa looked at her cell phone, she mumbled that many calls were missed, that included her mother. There was a look on her face, glancing at Altair. I think I know what we have to do. If I remember correctly, my first meeting with you was when I was playing my brother's X-Box. It was at my parent's place, in the guest house.

"So what are we to do?" Altair asked.

"I hate to say it, but you will need to get on my mom's good side so that we can stay where everything happened. Only one problem..."

"The X-Box? Well, can't you do the same with your PS3?"

"It can't hurt to try."

Alyssa's phone rang, giving indication it was Tia returning her call. The conversation couldn't last long, seeing that Alyssa had to call her mother. As the voice on the other end started yelling about how inappropriate her friend was, Alyssa had yelled back. It was all the same to Altair, he knew how many times they fought. He found it aggravating to see how Alyssa would feel from the outcome.

Altair saw Alyssa hang up seeing that it was upsetting. "My mom wants to talk to you, she also wants to see you face to face."

Alyssa knew that it wasn't to end well, her mother was the worst, but perhaps her step-dad was more than important. Lou was the only one that could maybe have a civilized talk without losing temper. She opened her cell phone, dialing Lou's number. As Lou's voice gave an interesting tone, the talk they were having appeared to be better than with Audra.

"Please, if we can come over to explain everything, then we won't have to get off on the foot." Alyssa was bargaining.

Lou had accepted the offer as she wanted to set up a date and time to visit again. She hung up after a while, sighing. Alyssa had sat down next to Altair, only to cover her head in her arms. The sound of her crying made Altair turn his head. Only being here was making it worse, what she was thinking would only take a moment.

I always thought that video game characters were real, but in the risk of sounding delusional. I mean, I believe everything we create can exist somewhere else. I never shared this with you because again, I hesitated upon my beliefs. I was alone, or I thought I was, that's where the astral plane comes into play.

Tell me more when you can, right now, let's see what we can do about telling your parents the truth. If they don't take it with an open mind, I have proof. With the technology here, I won't be on record, right?

"NO! I can't risk that. Maybe should just show your skills and scars."

"All right. So when are they to drop by or are we walking?"

"Well, we're walking apparently. Don't worry, it will only take a while."

Altair sighed, only knowing that it was to be as it was. The subject was changed as the music was cycling through and she started singing to Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield. Alyssa was quite relaxed, hearing the song placed her in a better mood. She had then scrolled through other songs, introducing Altair to many of the 80s.

I have many songs and I love the 1980s style of music, but I also know that Sting does a lot of Arabic lyrics.

"Oh and, I need to mention something. If we are to stay with my parents that means not sleeping in the same bed, they'll get ideas."

"It's not like we've 'conversed' anyway." Altair hid his face, only to feel annoyed.

"If we did, it would be more noticeable."

Altair couldn't help but to laugh out of the situation, seeing it wasn't a great subject to touch upon. Alyssa joined in, knowing it was a normal. She had given Altair a light kiss to help him with the embarrassment. Besides, I don't want kids until I am at least 25. At this age my mom had me. My biggest regret is changing into my over compulsive mother that thinks I get into drugs. She thinks that playing video games is an addiction, for me anyway because of what I believe. Even if she calmed not to call me crazy, yet...

"Well, as far as I can tell, from your place, that you not being the average teenager is a good. At least I think so."

"You're a nice guy, really, but maybe you should stay in your range regarding what is right in this world." Alyssa snipped.

"I learned a lot in two years, you taught me history, even if it means you talk to me telepathically. There was even some I questioned, knowing I would learn eventually."

"Altair..." Alyssa was trying to find words. "There are many like me who wished video game characters were real. I have been seeing more of it lately too. I mean, what if it's possible... like I hoped? If it's true, I mean obviously it is. Nothing is impossible. I just think that there's so many universes, so many worlds. How would it not be possible of video game character such as you being real."

"The more one knows, the less one believes."

"Indeed, but since you're here now, it's been renewed."

As Alyssa sat there, she leaned up to Altair, not bothering with anything. The thought of going back were overwhelming. Altair focused on what was going on back home. That if he was here, did time continue or did it stop. He was wanting to go back, but wanting to stay and understand how different this future was. All he learned was that there where ways to communicate, having a good source of advancement and more rules. The law has made the world corrupt, making it difficult.

As Altair could tell, there wasn't freedom. He understood Alyssa's position when she felt happy, being that it was of a different culture. Looking down at Alyssa, he saw that she was half wake. The day was long, seeing that it was filled with excitement and happiness. Something he didn't see from her in a long time. Altair nudged Alyssa awake, knowing he didn't want to waste a good amount of time.

Alyssa had sit up, looking into Altair's eyes. "I still have to get used to the face you're here. Come on then, we should get going." She had attended to get a few things together. "But you can't wear your robe, people have been staring."

"So what do you tend to have me wear?"

"Well, I can get you to wear my gray sweater that you wore when.. well yeah, you get what I mean, now strip."

Altair gave a look, only to take off his robe as Alyssa tossed him her sweatshirt. She brushed pass him, only to be stopped. Tell me what's really on your mind. You aren't-

Stop, just stop, I don't want to talk about it.

Altair continued about his business as Alyssa had gathered her backpack, packing a few clothes as if to stay at her parents again for a while. She had also packed her PS3, knowing it was to be important. Altair had sensed bitterness, knowing that she was keeping a secret. Alyssa had given a nod, now escorting Altair out as she had locked the door.

After yelling and getting away from my mother, I had made my way towards Lou. Lou was calming down my mother as she had made her point five minutes back, but Lou had surprisingly convinced her to take care of the girls as he spoke with both Altair and myself. I had felt complexed, trying to explain that Altair wasn't of this world. Even with the proof, it was confusing.

Altair had explained that I was sent to his world a couple years back. I only sat there, only imagining the worse. Altair had stood behind me the whole time, knowing that if drastic measures were to take place, he was ready to take action. With the story, also came an explanation that I was waiting to hear.

"When I got sent here, I wasn't expecting it. If anything I want to find a way to get back."

"It's very hard to believe, sad to say. I will, however, take your story into consideration."

"Well, that went well."

"We should get to work." Altair had mentioned.

"Yeah, let's see if we can do something about this..."

I traveled into the guest house, now setting up the TV with the PS3. I looked around and felt a bit lost, knowing that every time I was reminded of my brother. Altair saw as he looked around, he caught my thoughts. I was singing lyrics to what he noticed from Phantasy Star Universe. My mind was also on the first time I got a chance to play Assassin's Creed.

This is were I got to play Assassin's Creed, my brother was finished playing Phantasy Star with his friends and I got my first chance to play Assassin's Creed, knowing I couldn't play it without a PlayStation or X-Box. Right when I graduated I got it, but anyway..

Altair gave a look around, seeing the bedroom, bathroom, small kitchen and living area. Your parents are rich and I see you're miserable.

As he scaled the couch, he ended up pulling me down with him. I had turned on the PS3, now making sure that Assassin's Creed was in to play. I had then loaded up the CD as sat in-between Altair's leg so that he could see how to play, seeing I didn't want to start a new game. I had placed his hands on the controller as I placed my hands over his.

"The controls are easy, and I can get you to do a bit of training with all your equipment instead of being trapped with the basics."

As Altair played, he made sure of how to do everything before picking a place to head. I felt my head hurting once more as everything was slowing. It seemed all too familiar. Altair placed his hand on my forehead, placing the controller down. Are you all right? Looking at Altair, I wanted to respond. I pushed away from him, but Altair reached for her. He was collapsed to the ground as a flash of white light surrounded both of us. His arms around me, I covered from the light, as if to fear it.

"Alyssa..."

I looked up, seeing that were were on the ground, laying in the desert that was more than recognizable. I had looked around, I knew what he wanted to say and I know what was also on my mind. We were back.

"Die, Infidel! Over here, we got an assassin!" Guards had called.

Forcing upon our feet, Altair and I ran through the desert, this time me following his lead. He had found a horse, hoping on from behind and reaching for me to get on. Garbing hold of the reins, Altair noticed the closet we were to was Damascus. My head was in a rush, only to know that I was back in his world and Altair needed answers. We had arrived within moments, making haste to the Bureau.