Chapter 14 - Peak of Discovery
Altair grew unsettled, with every word he was writing, his face sunk deeper. It was then he allowed tears to drop from his face. He had place his hand over the Piece of Eden, reflecting on his sorrow and his impending doom. Once more the Piece reveal to him with the holographic map. He then grazed back at Alyssa.
Hey... I know your are from the future... but you have a map. I am guessing that is what the treasure is showing. There was no response from her. Alyssa... I know your there... please... He walked up to her, allowing his body to become frail.
Mixed emotions passed on through. Altair caved to his knees upon crawling over to his bed. He climbed onto the bed next to Alyssa, placing an arm around her was all he was capable of doing. His light sobbing was quieted by the pillows under his head. Why... why didn't you tell me? Altair stroked Alyssa's hair. He kept kissing her forehead for a couple times. Don't... leave me...
With his head hurting, Altair closed his eyes in hoping it would go away. He found himself asleep within moments. Altair instantly opened his eyes, feeling an emptiness. The room he found himself in was all white. No one was around that he could gather. ALTAIR! The fear of Alyssa voice shot through him, he quickly turned.
What Altair saw was her at a distance, surrounded by what he could tell would be Templars. He tried running after her. his eyes soon focused on what she was holding. It was clearly his child. One of the Templars grinned at Altair. Alyssa was soon struggling, as if to be suffocated. The child in her arms dropped as she was dragged away.
They were gone as Altair approached his son. It what was left of the scene. It was of his mind, that it was portraying. Picking his son up, he cradled him in his arms. Altair felt something shaking him from the reality. The room darkened and his child disappeared. He felt a hand on his shoulder as he awakened.
"Altair, we need to talk." It was Malik.
Altair gave himself a moment before standing. Everything was to take time, he knew this well. Glancing over at the artifact, his eye met with Malik. "What is it?"
His days slowly passed. There was an honored funeral for Edward, but not so honorable for Al Mualim. Alyssa on the other hand was struggling with recovery, but it was quickly advised she was to take it easy upon her own awakening. Altair gave himself time to write on the artifact.
I have spent days with the artifact now. Or has it been weeks? Months? I can no longer be certain...The others come from time to time – offering food or distraction. They say I should separate myself from these studies... Malik has even suggested I abandon them entirely. He paused. But I am not yet ready to turn away. This Apple of Eden will be understood. It must be...Is it a weapon? Is it a catalogue? Is it somehow both? "He who increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow..." The philosophy of such a statement I can understand...
But for it to be truth – literally true? Altair allowed his thoughts to travel if not for a moment. He watch Alyssa join him a moment later. She was growing, something that made him think on the future. Altair knew she could hear his thoughts, something that he grown used to her lingering. Alyssa knew when to keep to herself.
Alyssa joined him reading a book to keep herself occupied. It was that on the Creed. She every now and again, rubbed her stomach, He reached over to her, she smiled. placing a hand over his, allowing him to feel Ezio's kicking. There was a small laugh from Altair as he pulled away to continue writing. A society that waged wars with ideas and information in place of steel and swords...Its function is simple. Elementary, even. Dominion. Control. But the process... the methods and means it employs... THESE are fascinating. Those subjected to its glow are promised all that they desire. It asks only one thing in return: complete and total obedience. And who can truly refuse? It is temptation incarnate.
Altair closed his eyes, then continued writing. I remember my own moment of weakness when confronted by Al Mualim, my confidence shaken by his words. He, who had been like a father, was now revealed to be my greatest enemy. Just the briefest flicker of doubt was all he needed to creep into my mind. But I vanquished his phantoms – restored my self confidence – and sent him from this world. I freed myself. Altair gave himself a moment.
His head now watching as Alyssa was about to say something, but shook her head for him to continue his work. But now I wonder... Did I really? For here I sit – desperate to understand that which I swore to destroy. This is why: The Apple has a tale to tell. I sense the flickers of something – great and dangerous... We are all at risk. It is my duty to do something about it. I must not – cannot – turn away until I've found the truth.
"We need a map if you want to find the truth." Alyssa mentions towards him. "I can head to my world and grab a globe that is at my place.
"There is no way you are traveling. Besides, you're still recovering from what Al Mualim placed you through. You haven't even grie-"
"Don't lecture me on that. Everyone deals with grief differently. Look, I can travel fine. It's been too long too, my mom is probably-"
Altair was laughing. "How you are carrying my child."
"Oh..." Alyssa was more than realizing. "That will be hard to explain." She shrugged. "Then let's go!"
Altair was dragged to his feet. "Wait, where are we going? Hang on... I never agreed to ANYTHING!"
I returned back home after a rough ride on back. Altair found himself sitting in the guest house of my parents place to see how or if he could explain. Don't worry on that. I insisted. Come on, back at my apartment there is a globe, a map in which you can mark where the pieces are.
I was heading into stealth mode, I could tell no one was home. Where they would go would be one of my concern. I headed on the main road, Altair close behind me. Hey... can we get more supplies while we're here? "Ninja Food" a term I heard before in an anime, in which Altair was calling it, I gave a smile.
A laugh escaped from the back of my throat. "Any longer and you will want to live here."
Altair gave serious consideration to those words. What would be so bad on that?
The expression from my face dropped. I stopped walking. Altair did as well as soon as he matched up with my pace. "... You living here?" There was a look of concern.
Altair reached out to me, pulling me close to him. "Alyssa, think about it, this way we don't have to keep leaving and you don't have to forget everything. We can have our family."
"I... I'm sorry." I spoke. "Ezio can not be with us, he needs to portray his events."
There was a look, once again, questioning. It creeped me out. Why can't I raise my own child with the mother of him?
I shook my head. Altair... he is more important than you know. He is to work with historical figures. I know where to make sure he can be safe though. When everything calms, I know that someday he will know the truth or eventually find out the hard way.
"I was responsible for making you the mother of my child and you throw this at me?" Altair was going to growl, I heard it in his voice. The anger building.
"Altair, Ezio isn't supposed to be part of 1191. He is supposed to be a part of 1459 when he is born. Again with the numerology and "19" popping up for Ezio if you add is year..." I shook my head of the thought. "Look, I know what I need to do and where to have Ezio head, understood? You need to understand how important your legacy is..."
I felt Ezio kick. I would rather not talk of this right now. Your kid is getting restless again. A real fighter you know. I was tempting to walk away, but was stopped. I knew Altair wanted to talk but I wanted to get the job done before my parents would get back from where ever they were. If they were on vacation, great, if not, I wouldn't know how to explain my entire situation and disappearing for so long.
Altair sensed my distress that I wanted to get my task done as soon as possible. My pace was once more quickened as we started walking. We were already losing time. It was a while before arriving to my apartment and climbing stairs was hell for me. Altair helped me up the stairs as I unlocked the door.
There was a stale, lingering smell, but it was bound to be ignored. I walked past my bed where my bedroom was and grabbed my plug-in, light-up globe. Altair tilted his head. He noticed it was in more color than the Eden's map.
I messed around with it a bit, pointing at Africa. "That's where Big Boss has Outer Heaven." Spun it over near Alaska. "And Shadow Moses..." I heard my voice trail. There was a questioning look from Altair. He wasn't getting the reference. "I will explain about nuclear threat later." Altair still giving me a confused look. "Nevermind, I will press on that later."
Altair shrugged, carrying back the globe and helping me down the stairs. "We can go over this when we reach the Creed."
The walk back was hell, seeing that there was so much to go over. There was nothing said between us, tension was building. Look, if it's what I said to you earlier, I'm sorry Altair.
There was a pain in my heart, as if I was starting to betray Altair. I kept on wondering if it would be any different if Altair and myself would really raise Ezio together... We would be a normal family. I knew it wasn't right. Ezio needed a future to work on, to give the past hope, to make it a better place. At least try to anyway. I knew it wouldn't end well. It pains me as much as it pains you. I attempt to speak with Altair.
Altair made eye contact with me. How can you say that? We were able to create life and you abandon him, saying as if though there is something more important that US being his parents, to raise him.
"If Ezio does not do what is necessary, who know what could happen?" I spoke allowed, but stopped, not wanting anyone on the streets to hear me. I know what is right, you need to trust me.
I have been, I know that everything has been set, you predicted as much. I know this, it's because of the game. When you spoke of a legacy I was supposed to have, everything was fine. You're acting as if though you screwed things up!
"I DID!" I scream, emotions not being held back. This was the first time Altair heard me be genuinely mad. "You were supposed to pass your bloodline on through to Maria. I stepped into the middle of that! I need to do what is right before your existence is destroyed!" Tears streamed down my face. "You know what? Why don't you just... just GO!"
With the adrenaline that was now running through my body, I ran. I didn't care at this point. I placed myself up through so much and Altair was making it clear he was regretting his decision. It must have been for miles I ran before stopping for a breath. I found myself at a familiar area. I looked behind me. It was just as I suspected. Altair wasn't chasing after me, nor did he even attempt to call out my name. That was saying a lot on Altair's effort.
I gave a sigh, catching my breath, looking over the mountains to the north. Oregon was beautiful that way, always having a radiant beauty. I felt a wave of sadness hitting me hard. I allowed myself to let go as I cried. I kept thinking as to why I got myself involved in something I shouldn't have. I took a couple deep breaths to calm myself as I began walking down the given street to attempt to clear my head.
Don't take it the wrong way. I hear. I glanced around. As I looked, I then found an adult, older looking Ezio standing next to me, but obviously not physically. Father cares for you. Just wait...
It was within that moment I saw Altair running after me. He was tempting to catch his breath, wanting to say everything, something. His thoughts were rumbled, making it impossible to get one word out. "Alyssa, I-" I had cut him off, kissing him. My eye caught Ezio smiling and slowly fading into the background as if he was never there.
"You came back. That's all that matters." I spoke. Altair, however was speechless. His breath kept on being taken away. I gave him that moment.
Altair then said something full hearted, I could tell he meant what he was now saying. "Alyssa, I love you. I know things are complicated. I know I will never understand how it will come into place, but... but..." I forgot where I was going with this...
"Come on, we shouldn't worry. Let's go."
I took Altair, dragging him along. I was now eager to get on with finding the Pieces of Eden. "If your mood swings continue to be like this, I will be very confused... VERY." There was a look I gave him. "If this is foreplay, I'm a dead man."
Altair sat there with his book, the Piece of Eden and Alyssa's Globe. He thought it would be a good moment to record events once more. With the remaining of the page of what was left, he gave thought in his words once more. He stalled, soon drawing a picture of what the Creed was on a blank page, or how he viewed the Creed. Upon the other page, Altair had drawn the mechanism of the hidden blade. He remembered the best he could, seeing it was in required to piece together again, perhaps to make more.
This thought soon ended as he had stopped with the two pages drawn out for the outline. He had known what to write given the time. He thought on how fragile the Creed really was. What follows are the three great ironies of the Assassin Order. He gave an organization of his words, his thoughts. (1) Here we seek to promote peace, but murder is our means. (2) Here we seek to open the minds of men, but require obedience to a master and set of rules. (3) Here we seek to reveal the danger of blind faith, yet we are practitioners ourselves.
Altair gave a look over at those who passed him by as he set everything up. I have no satisfactory answer to these charges, only possibilities... Do we bend the rules in service to a greater good? And if we do, what does it say of us? That we are liars? That we are frauds? That we are weak? Altair gave a thought on his life and seeing that it was only so long. Soon thinking about Alyssa, he continued writing. Every moment is spent wrestling with these contradictions and in spite of all the years I've had to reflect, still I can find no suitable answer... And I fear that one may not exist.
Nothing is true. Everything is permitted. Does our creed provide the answer, then? That one may be two things – opposite in every way – simultaneously? And why not? Am I not proof? We of noble intentions, possessed of barbaric means? We who celebrate the sanctity of life and then promptly take it from those we deem our enemies?
Altair knew that it was that of alien origin. His thoughts of Alyssa once again entered. She would know more on this, he knew she had an open mind. That there was a reason why she was sent here after all. Perhaps it was to help him; to keep him from losing his mind. It made him think of everything he was trying. His hand reached for the Piece of Eden.
His thoughts broke as Alyssa entered with a bag of potato chips. Take a break and have a snack Altair, please? Altair took the chips from her as her hands grasped around the Piece of Eden. There was once more a reaction from her, something that Altair hadn't seen and Alyssa wasn't too surprised about. It was as if she was already used to it.
There was a laugh. "No, not Gods. We simply came... before. Even when we walked your world, your kind struggled to understand our existence. We were more... advanced in time. Your minds were not yet ready." Altair reached for Alyssa, seeing if he could break what was going on.
She appeared to be growing weak. Altair was quick to catch her as he had held the Piece of Eden. The voice they heard before, continued as the Piece of Eden continued to glow more bright. Altair was becoming blind. "Still... not. Maybe never. No matter. You may not comprehend is. But you will comprehend our warning. You must."
Altair saw himself with Alyssa in what he couldn't understand. The room was dark, but writings appeared all over, even on the walls. There was soon images of planets surrounding the both of them. Altair was in awe. Was all that he was seeing an illusion? His eyes settled on a figure just ahead. It was of something he had never seen, he knew it was just an image, but it was as if she knew he was there. That they were both there. Were they even in the Fortress anymore...?
"What is going on?" Altair was questioning.
Alyssa did not say at first, she was struggling to get to her feet. "Athena! Minerva!" She was calling. Altair didn't know what to say, letting Alyssa go to her own accord.
"Let me speak, you should be listening." Minerva was quite aware of Alyssa's presence. Alyssa was quick to obey as she stood there, facing the Greek Goddess. Altair still trying to understand, stood guard, making sure to protect Alyssa if necessary. "When we were still flesh, out home still whole, your kind betrayed us, We who made you. We, who gave you life! We were strong. But you were many. And both of us craved war."
Altair was still speechless, still fascinated with the environment around him. Minerva continued to talk. "So busy were we with earthly concerns, we failed to notice the heavens. And by the time we did... The world burned until naught remained but ash. It should have ended then and there. But we built you in our own image. We built you to survive."
Alyssa was having many questions as Minerva spoke. She slowly approached her. "And so we did. Few were our numbers. Your kind and mine. It took sacrifice. Strength. Compassion. But we rebuilt. And as life returned to the world...We endeavored to ensure this tragedy would not be repeated."
There was a small bit of silence as both Altair and Alyssa breathed. Alyssa took Altair's hand, squeezing it. Altair responded back, taking her hand while still scoping around. "But now we are dying..." Minerva was continuing. "And time will work against us. Truth turned into myth and legend. What we built, misunderstood. Let my words persevere the message and make a record of our loss."
Fear began entering Altair's mind. "But let my words also bring hope. You must find the other temples. Built by those who knew to turn away from war. They worked to protect us - to save us from the fire. If you can find them... If their work can be saved... so too might this world."
A shiver shot through Alyssa's back. The speech was something she obviously did not like hearing, no matter how many times she appeared to hear Minerva's words. "Be quick!" Minerva was now commanding. "For time grows short. And guard against the cross - for there are many who will stand in your way."
There was what appeared an ocean wave of light. The scene was changing. Alyssa was panicking. "Athena! Wait!"
Minerva stopped, looking upon her. She was giving consideration for the moment. "Yes, child?"
Being in the presence of a God, Altair didn't know how to handle the situation all itself. He had approached Alyssa. Alyssa... you really don't want to...
"You can talk to her telepathically? I hear your thoughts... Altair."
Altair back off if not a bit, shocked that she would know his name, yet still not to disrespect her, he didn't respond, only to look away.
"You two are connected. There are no accidents. Everything that is happening now is for reason. She too, has escaped the eyes of those of the cross. Here, let me show you something that is with your son. Perhaps you will understand more."
The area around them transformed.There they now stood in Florence. It appeared to be at night. Alyssa was looking around, frantic. She the pointed as he followed her arm. There were screams now joining them as a gruesome site had entered. Someone was hanging on a rope, now dead.
"Liberty! Liberty!" The voices zoned in.
Then there he stood as Altair gave a look of disbelief. There bore the Assassin Emblem with his robes. Alyssa took a few steps. "Altair, it's Ezio."
Altair began to understand a little. This, is what we are responsible for? The image quickly changed. Altair reach for Alyssa, pulling her close, believing they were to be in danger. Altair looked upon Minerva who stared deep into his eyes.
"You will need to protect her. You may not accept everything that is to happen, but you must accept her for who she is, you must..."
With that, Minerva disappeared, creating a flash of light around them. They were sitting on the floor of the Fortress once more. Altair cradled Alyssa, she gave a slight smile. We will get what is needed, don't worry. Altair didn't say a word, helping each other on to their feet as he had given thought.
So many questions, so little answers. If Ezio is really supposed to... then you know what is best. Altair settled himself at his desk once more. Who is Minerva though Alyssa? Who are these "Gods"?
As said Altair, they are not Gods, just simply... the first people. Those Who Came Before. They realized their mistakes with war, only in hopes to recreate the human race to save us...
Altair gave thought to her words, thinking of what to write in the book. Who were The Ones That Came Before? What brought them here? How long ago? Centuries? Millenia? Longer still? So little remains of them... What drove them out? What of these artifacts? Messages in a bottle? Tools left behind to aid and guide us? Or do we fight for control over their refuse, giving divine purpose and meaning to little more than discarded toys?
"Altair! Altair!" There was a wounded cry as an Assassin stumbled in. Alyssa was soon to catch him without hesitation. Blood soon stained her hands, covering her arms. "We are under attack. The Sce...Salah al-Din!"
There was a look on Altair's face. "We need to stop them."
Alyssa got to her feet, she was all ready conjuring up something in her head. "You need to hold them off then, I know someone who can help!"
"Alyssa!" Before his words could reach logic, Alyssa was already down the stairs and out of the Fortress. Altair ran to catch up with her. "Alyssa, wait. You can't!"
"Yes I can!" Alyssa yelled back, hopping on a near by horse. "Do the best that you can Altair!"
Altair watched as she crashed into the approaching army. Just... don't do anything you will end up regretting...
I ended up pushing the horse than reaching what was necessary. I was heading towards Arsuf. Richard would be our hope against Salah al-Din. My thoughts drifted to the stress I was placing Ezio in, but I didn't focus on such, seeing that the safety of Masyaf.
The smell of smoke, death and blood grew upon my arrival. "King Richard!" I was yelling to the top of my lung, all that I was able to handle. I didn't dare to travel on foot, it would take too long. I blazed through crowds, growing anxious. I had then seen his cape, then sword impale on an enemy.
He had soon recognized me. "Alyssa, what on earth?"
"I have no time to explain." I was trying to get out. "Masyaf is under siege!"
There was no more question, he knew, could tell it was of importance. That he would be able to understand later. "Those of you who are still willing to fight, find a horse and ride!"
Knights took order without hesitation. There was soon an army formed around Richard. "Come on, follow me!"
Thousands of hooves followed my command as Richard rode next to me. "You shouldn't be riding in your condition."
"We can discuss this later." I snapped back.
It was within moments we entered the back mountains, arriving at Masyaf's gate. The town was being torn apart, flames golfed. Richard was quick to act, being of assistance to the Assassins. I made sure that it was clear, running through what was now a battlefield. Altair was busy doing his own kills.
Innocents ran passed him as I ran into his arms. Altair didn't care what was going through his mind. "You should be following those who need our help. Get to the Fortress, GO!"
I picked up a dead soldier's weapon. "I am an Assassin, I stay with you until the end. Remember, we are in this together."
A rush of soldiers entered my view. With the training Altair gave me, they easily fell to the ground. I knew that my reasoning was right, that they are trying to attempt our lives to kill us, I was only trying to defend myself. So many innocents continued to flee. I felt a sense of purpose as I ran onto the battlefield, protecting both Altair and Ezio.
I was now assisting Malik, who was holding his own with just an arm and a few of his men. I counter killed the best that I could, pushing away the now lifeless corpse. It was a combat high, something I heard in terminology from Metal Gear Solid. My adrenaline was pumping soon, it would hit me on those I was killing. It wasn't something that would effect me now, however.
I fell to my knees, Ezio gave quite the kick. I gave a deep breath. There was then a pain I thought I wouldn't discover quite yet. I couldn't react, I was starting to feel contractions. I dropped my sword in response to the pain. I was holding back a painful scream, I knew then that it was time. Now...? NOW? Why couldn't you have waited?
Malik came to my rescue. "Are you all right?" He was asking, killing two soldiers with one blade. By the pain, the agony in my face, something wasn't sitting right, but his instincts knew. "Brothers, over here." He called towards two Assassins. "Get her into the Fortress. She's going into labor."
That was a word I didn't want to hear. He had followed his men inside. I cooperated the best I could, not wanting to focus on the pain. I was lead back into Altair's room. I was starting to focus more in Ezio than anything else. I was assisted on the the bed as Malik soon closed the doors.
"For the love of GOD Malik. DO SOMETHING!" So there I was, finally giving into the pain I was going to endure.
"I can only do so much!"
"GOD WHY! WHY!"
Agonizing and wanting to run, the two Assassins that where helping or trying to were afraid. But they worked closely together. There was a container of water brought in as I knew what was anticipating by now. There was yet another contraction. I gave a yell, the pain was something I would describe as something ripping the inside out, like some sort of alien movie.
I was crying, I knew it wouldn't get any better. Malik stayed surprisingly calm, he stayed by me as one of the Assassins made to make sure Ezio would arrive safely. Not that Malik couldn't, but having one arm was a disadvantage. He kept my body temperature down for as much and as long as he could.
Dealing with my screams, my body gave in right when I saw Ezio. The Assassin holding Ezio. My body was falling limp. I had very little strength left. I was given Ezio, he wasn't breathing. Panicked thoughts entered my head. "You are an Ibn-La'Ahad, now fight..."
With those words, I found myself pass out. I heard the faint voice of Malik call for me. It's ok, Mother.
Altair was given the news. His legs carried him into where Alyssa was now trying to fight to keep conscious. There was nothing to be said, Altair didn't need to question. He was now staring at his family. There what was left of an aftermath, a now cool aura.
"Hey, you all right?" Altair asked her, she was unable to gather herself. "Malik said you weren't expecting."
A half smile, more of a smirk, she didn't respond, only holding Ezio in her arms. Alyssa tried lifting her head, but soon after closed her eyes. "Did you think of names?" Stupid question. She already thought of one...
"His name is Ezio." She bluntly stated.
Altair gave a smile into her eyes the best that he could, then back at Ezio. "Welcome to the world, Ezio. Someday you will change quite a bit." He was announcing.
Altair eased himself on to the bed next to her, he took Ezio with little to no effort. Her arms dropped. She was starting to worry, giving what energy she had, starting to cry. "Alyssa, it's ok." Altair assured. "Everything will be fine. I'm just glad you're safe. That the both of you are."
"Even if it is for the time being." She struggled to talk.
Altair only knew then that something wasn't right. He was beginning to see how Alyssa saw things. There was a hardened feeling that Altair knew that Ezio didn't belong here. "I am still trying to decide where and when to take you." He swallowed hard at those words. It had been an eventful day. "We are running out of time."
By now Alyssa was completely out. As for your Mother... she is quite the fighter as well. Altair sat with his son before placing him back with Alyssa. There was no choice but to protect his family, he knew that the Assassins along with King Richard's men would hold off the attack. Altair couldn't leave. He felt something was wrong. So to settle his thoughts, he took out his book again to start writing another journal entry.