Chapter 15 - Epilogue

And so it was, days passing by, Richard refusing to leave. Altair had grown confused, he wanted a few answers as to why King Richard was in Masyaf. It would only cause more danger. Had he rebelled? Breaking a Templar rule? What his men wore, were not of the cross, but of Richard's own symbol.

"So you are willing to drop everything in the name of what?" Altair was going to amuse himself for answers.

"Know your place. Alyssa has helped me with much. I will not leave until she is fine or upon request. She told me of events, of you, of her world. Even of William."

It made Altair turn his head. "Alyssa told you she wasn't of this world?"

By now, they started walking Masyaf together. "Of course, she was doing everything to protect your name and what you had to do, presenting me with evidence, I had no choice but to trust her." Altair gave a laugh. "What is so funny?"

"She never is one to settle. Like the wolf, she can do it alone or with a pack. It reminds me of when I first met her."

"How did you? So fast did you fall for her. I can tell with your young life."

It had been so long since he had thought on the events. "I was just coming off an assignment. She ran into me, or I ran into her. There were... things she spoke about. I slowly accepted on what she was telling me. Things changed dramaticly when I saw her world first hand. As for falling in love... I don't know if you'd call it that. Everything is complicated right now."

"Then I will not continue to question. There is just something about her I suppose."

Richard continue talking with Altair as they exchanged words. "For a man of war, and a king, you certainly do not act like one."

"Then how about we put our differences aside. After the damage Robert has caused. I can not trust the Order or my Father. I will not rest until I see the end to this." Altair gave a surprised look. "I have yet Alyssa to thank for. She had me see..." Richard thought of his words, nodding towards Altair. "You both had me see another side of your Order." The subject soon changed. "I wish to form an alliance with you, if you wish."

I had woken to Altair holding Ezio. I struggled to move, knowing I was to recover yet still. Altair had stopped me. Don't worry, he will be all right.

There was a hurtful look in his eyes. I am not worried on that. It's just that I placed effort into having a family I can not be with. I worry about the day you have to leave, when I know you will not see me again.

Altair, regardless, I know that we will all have a bond. When the world is willing to accept us and the truth, we can be together. I managed to sit up, wanting to at least walk. Help me walk, I would like to get some fresh air.

I was helped to my feet as Altair found himself to get his left arm free. I was lead to the gardens. Where Altair fought Al Mualim. I was given my son, allowing him to feed as necessary. I let my bond with him grow stronger, but I had to keep reminding myself not to grow too attached. It was hard...

Birds chirping in the distance gave me time to clear my head. As the silence grew, I then heard a faint cry of the hawk. Something that always reminded me of doing the leap of faith. Altair didn't stray too far, doing some stretches and yet keeping an eye on me in the background.

As I gazed down at Ezio, I gave a smile. No matter what is to happen, we will always love you. My thoughts were broken. I was joined by Altair. His full name will be Ezio Auditore da Firenze. That's what it's supposed to be.

Again Altair did not question. There was no time to question. Richard was soon to join us, now looking upon what he thought was a family portrait. "Hello you two, or should I say three." He was obviously referencing my son, who I was holding. "Perhaps it would be of best for me to be on my way."

"Thank you for your help Richard." I said back.

"You are not considered an enemy." Altair said. "Remember that."

"It was an honor to be in a presence of such a strong Order. I intend to return to the battlefield of Arsuf, there are still arrangements to be made in the Holy Land. You two, however..."

I gave Ezio to Altair. "Safety and Peace be upon you, Richard. We will "however" be fine. Take care of yourself. I hope to see you soon."

I was trying to get to my feet, to honor him in the same way, but instead falling right into him. He had caught me, sitting me back down. "I would like that." Richard said. He gave a smile towards Altair. "You should take care of her. As with this thought, I take my leave."

Nothing was said, there could only be silence as Richard showed has way out. I took Ezio from Altair. If we are to do this, we need to do this now.

Altair knew what I was saying, giving me a nod. But how are we to do this...? I had thought on the Piece of Eden. We need to travel by the Piece of Eden. I was assisted back to Altair's room, grabbing the Piece of Eden.

It emitted a wave this time around. The scene paralyzed as Altair ran after me. He took his family into his arms, covering the both of us. There was a time shift, I felt it within the air, I was sure that Altair and Ezio did as well.

It was within moments, we weren't in the Creed anymore. Altair made that quite obvious. "Alyssa... we're not in Masyaf anymore..."

Getting a better look at that around us, we saw it was within a church we landed was in Florence. I could tell. The designs were of the interior of the Santa Maria del Fiore. The only thing I heard was of Ezio crying. I cradled him, calming him down the best that I could I knew Ezio got startled as soon as we had time traveled.

"We... are here." I was only able to say.

Upon the sealthy and hopefully quick exit of the church, Altair was in awe. You two will only have a matter of time. Giovanni is near by... The voice was of the goddess. Hurry, before I decide to do this myself.

With those words, my heart sank. By now, I was feeling the way Altair was. I can't... I can't. I kept repeating. Altair had taken Ezio from me before I dropped in weakness. Why...? Why can't we raise him? A settle look was from Altair.

We should do this before Minerva decides to take action. Altair was beating through me. It it not our time to get attached now and messing up the future. There was a saddened, depressing look. He held his son, yet kissing me on the forehead. What does Giovanni look like?

Your height, dark brown hair and matching eyes. I was trying to explain him the best that I could. He is an Auditore. Your descendant, your legacy.

So I am to find someone who looks like me. That should be easy enough. I knew Altair was trying to make me happy, seeing this was more than heartbreaking. I was once more handed Ezio. I will go looking for him, go look for a place to sit.

I had sat with Ezio, as soon as Altair left, something didn't seem quite in place. He is around. Your adoptive father... I can tell. I sat there, looking upon history. I was in an era where I knew Leonardo flourished. An era in which no one would imagine a possible future in which I was living.

"Excuse me..." I heard.

My head turned, looking upon a noble. In my instincts, they were correct as they usually were. I was now looking at Giovanni. "Yes?" Was all I could respond to him.

"Perhaps you would know the power of the Borgia in this region?" Giovanni was gathering information.

"I wouldn't know much." I was lying. I wanted to tell him everything. I had played Assassin's Creed, but did not want to end up like how Altair questioned me. "But I can see if I can help."

As I stood, something was going wrong. My thoughts traveled, now understanding how Altair wanted me to rest. As soon as I stood up, my strength gave in, I collapsed to the floor, holding Ezio in protection the best I could with my weak arms. I felt as though I continued to drain. Looking down, my clothes were being soaked with my own blood. Oh god... I was beginning to panic in fear.

I knew there was a matter of time. I had to do something against morale, but I saw it was limiting. It was all coming to an abrupt. Tears streamed down my face as I was taking all I had to give Ezio to Giovanni. There was a confusing look, but he took him.

With that followed footsteps, Giovanni saw that in which was going on. "Take my son, please." I was begging. "Please, take Ezio."

Giovanni had gotten concerned for my condition. I feared to move further. Did something tear inside me? Do I have internal bleeding? It didn't matter. There was nothing anyone could do at this point. "Let me get a doctor." Giovanni ran with my son. It is done then. I heard.

Tears streamed from my eyes. This would be the last time I would see my son. "Alyssa! Alyssa!" I heard distantly. I couldn't do a thing, seeing the bleeding was getting worse.

There was a wave emitted once more, the area around me turned into a white abyss. It was all too familiar. Then once more, Minerva had appeared. "You can't stay... Ezio is secure now. That's all that which falls into place."

I was lifeless. I struggled to move. I looked up at Minerva, pain surged through. Altair was kneeling next to me. A look in his eyes had set this all off, Altair knew it wasn't right. I ended up closing my eyes, passing out to what I assumed was blood loss.

Altair was outraged. "What do you mean?"

"Altair, you have to go home. So does she. She has fulfilled her purpose."

"Alyssa is NOT going anywhere in her condition." Altair was trying to stand beside her, not willing to budge. "I am not leaving her."

"I'm sorry Altair." Was all that Minerva said.

Altair was quick to draw his sword. "You can't take her!" With that, he ambushed Minerva. There was a wave of her hand, he flew back with no effort.

Minerva was quick to approach him, blocking an attack. "Do not be a fool! Your life will soon be ended if you so decide to keep this up!"

Altair found himself lifted, it was godly and he knew. If it was for the best, he now admitted defeat. Minerva returned her attention to Alyssa. "What... are you to do...?" Altair called out.

"I am sending her home. Her people will help her there."

There was a barrier placed around a small space where she was then preparing Alyssa for something. Altair knew she was going to be sent home. Alyssa... my god. What have I done?

It isn't your fault. Altair ran as close as he could get, still being pushed off by the invisible barrier. Minerva sigh, lifted her arm. It's time for you to leave, Altair. Altair felt his body twist, then lift. I will call upon you again in the future.

There was a loud explosion. He watched as it changed around him. Sitting in what he now recognized as his room. There was a knock on the door. Gathering his thoughts, something wasn't quite right. An Assassin greeted him. There was news, information. It was soon after, Altair was left alone to his thoughts.

Altair knew that he had no choice but to think on the Templars, but once again had to wait. Once more, unknown what happened to Alyssa, there was no choice. So as he sat at his desk, his pen scratched on the Codex once more. Robert de Sable may be dead, but his brotherhood survives. Though less conspicuous in appearance, I fear they remain a threat. Where once they proudly walked the streets – making for easier targets – now they retreat into the shadows. It grows difficult to track them. What wicked things will they weave in the darkness? Our work will be all the more complicated for it.

With those last words, he knew that eventually he would finish, but right now, his heart was not into it. He had lost his own soul in his opinion. His son and the woman he once loved were now gone. Burying his hand in his face, there was a thought. I will find a way to get to you again, I promise.