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Chapter 20
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"I have a gift for you."
Jin turns around at Altair's voice. He presents her with a small leather pouch. She gives him a curious look, and then tilts the bag, spilling its light contents into her palm.
At first she does not see anything more than a rusty old necklace. But as she holds it up, her eyes widen in recognition at the familiar design engraved on the medallion.
" My family crest! How-where did you find this?" She asks incredulously, never taking her gaze off of the dulling metal.
"I found this on the island of Cyprus a while back," Altair replies carefully as he watches her reaction. "And in my journey to Europe, I have traced the origins of this necklace to its original owner." He does not mention the fact he had retrieved it from a fanatical madwoman. Or the fact he withheld the information for at least a year.
Seeing as she is not really paying attention to his words, he touches her shoulder gently. "Jin."
"Yes?" she finally replies, snapping out of her daze.
"Once the reconstruction is complete and Masyaf have settled down, I plan to travel overseas again. Would you like to come with me to Europe and meet the rest of your family?"
Tears of joy are springing to her eyes. She wipes at them hastily with her hand but he still sees.
"Yes. I will."
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The towering mountain of paperwork is astounding. The dark-haired man sits behind his desk with a stiff back and shoulders, brandishes his quill pen like a sword. Construction layouts, rebuilding costs, new recruits' evaluations, and information networks. They all need his attention and signed approval.
Not for the first time, the retired assassin wishes he still has both of his arms. Then maybe he can get through the paperwork faster.
"You have summoned me Malik?" Jin asks cheerfully as she enters his office. With a small shadow in toll.
Malik's sharp gaze immediately scrutinizes the boy from head to toe. He has heard about the newest addition. He had to know the reason why Altair no longer sleeps in the tower room, and his adamant refusal to disclose the cause of it.
Then he turns to observe Jin. She looks healthier than he can ever remember. The color has returned to her face, her hair catches the sunlight like gold, and her forest eyes are sparkling with barely contained mischief.
He clears his throat.
"Ah, forgive my rudeness. This is Nasir. I found him living out in the streets, and took him in," Jin states matter-of-factly. She nudges the child to the front, "Nasir, this is Master Malik. He is the head of the Brotherhood, and you should always treat him with the utmost respect."
At least better than how you act around Altair, she silent adds.
Nasir snorts. "You don't call him Master Malik. Why should I? And I thought Altair was the Grand Master." At his words, Jin can almost see the hackles rising on Malik.
"Well-"
"Altair is the figurehead that our people follow. I am but the humble vessel which does the Brotherhood's biding," Malik replies without batting an eye.
"So you're sayin'… Altair is the leader but you do all the work?" Nasir asks with a smug smirk. Jin ducks her head, using one hand to cover her smile. The kid is way too smart for his own good.
Malik's austere expression deepens. His livid eyes are now completely focused on the tiny brat standing before him.
"I am merely referring to the fact that each person has their own purpose within the organization. We serve in our own ways, but our ultimate cause is the same. But a mere urchin would hardly be able to comprehend the inner workings of our world."
"But I'm still right."
"No, you are misinterpreting my words. A child should stay quiet and observant. Never to speak out of place. For the fool who actually speaks out and have himself proven a fool is worse off than the fool who stays silent and be only assumed a fool."
Nasir, who can no longer speak without risk being a fool, settles with merely sticking out his tongue and crossing his arms obstinately. Jin puts a restraining hand on Nasir's shoulder. "Looks like you two will get along well in the future. Anyways, is there something else we need to discuss?"
Malik, who is actually not gloating over the small victory, massages the bridge of his nose delicately. "Yes, a bothersome visitor is actually due to arrive this afternoon. Please do see she is properly welcomed and escort her to the empty bedroom we have prepared for her stay. I do not care to deal with her presence more than necessary."
Jin quirks an eyebrow at his words.
Bothersome? A woman?
She does not remember when Malik has ever been irritated by a woman. Except of course, the exception being herself. However, comprehension begins to dawn on her when she arrives at city gates and see Yasmin in her travel robes, waving from on top of a horse.
"Jin!" She cries as she flies into her waiting arms. "Thank the heavens you are alright! I was so worried when I got Malik's letter about-" The younger woman stops halfway, her hands covering her mouth in hesitation.
"The miscarriage. Forgive me for worrying you," Jin finishes for her and smiles sadly. Yasmin's comforting presence envelops her as she sinks into her gentle embrace.
"But you are alive and well. That is what matters for me at least," the younger woman breathes out. Jin closes her eyes. And once again savor the feeling of another's concern. It never does fail to amaze her how much they care.
"What brings you back?" Jin asks as the two women climbs their way up to the fortress.
Yasmin grins devilishly. "I am mourning the loss of my husband. So distraught I am, nothing but my own family can comfort me, and so I was sent back from Acre."
Jin gapes at her. "He died?"
"Murdered," Yasmin promptly corrects her. At Jin's look of utter alarm, she quickly adds, "It was all according to plan. I was sent to spy on him the entire time. When I finally had physical evidence against him, Malik ordered his death. I am now my own woman, and much richer now than before."
"I… never knew," Jin murmurs.
"Jin, this is what I was raised and trained for. This is actually a very successful method of subterfuge as we get to stay close to our target for a long period of time. Do not mourn my loss too much, for he was not a kind man." Her brown eyes harden with those words, and all of a sudden Jin remembers the healing bruises on Yasmin's skin.
They reach the west wing of the fortress. Yasmin's old quarters curiously remains the same as when she had left those years ago. Colorful silks drape from the windows and ceilings. Fresh flowers adorn the walls, and the steam of a recently drawn bath drift from the next room.
"Oh thank you Jin. This is such a wonderful surprise," Yasmin beams at her friend.
"Actually, I am sorry to say, but this is not my doing," Jin answers ruefully. At Yasmin's questioning look, she shakes her head. "And I do not know who it is."
"Where is Master Malik?" Yasmin asks suddenly.
"Still busy in his office. He personally sent me down to meet you, claiming he does not have time to handle a 'bothersome woman'," Jin can hardly contain the giggle at the expression on the younger woman's face.
"T-that man! How dare he bad mouth me behind my back!" Yasmin huffs. Turning to Jin with a slight apologetic look, "Sorry Habibi, we will talk more of our adventures later. I have some business to deal with."
Jin smiles knowingly. "Of course. Take your time."
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Malik finishes signing the last of the paper work with a sigh. Carefully putting back his quill pen, he massages the bridge of his nose tenderly. It has been three excruciating hours since he has moved from the desk. The endless amount of words and numbers are swimming in a mess whenever he closes his eyes. He is sincerely glad he is able to finish a bit earlier today. He leans back in the chair and exhales slowly.
The sound of a heavy package hitting the desk makes him sit up abruptly.
His indignant gaze meets a familiar smirking face.
"Stock inventory. buyers' contact information. And most importantly, the sellers' location and identities," Yasmin announces.
"Good. You may leave them here," he tiredly says. When she does not move, Malik raises an haughty eyebrow. "Yes?"
"A bothersome woman am I?" Yasmin asks sweetly. With a deadly glint in her eye. The Dai refuses to show any traces of discomfort as he faces down a most formidable foe.
"Surely you misinterpret my words. I was merely too preoccupied with work to go down and personally greet you. Had it been any other day I can assure you I would be present." His dry tone suggests anything but.
Yasmin leans over the desk. Her face a bit too close for his comfort. "Oh really now? That busy Master Malik?" The mocking emphasis is not lost upon his sharp ears.
Malik resists the urge to lean back into the chair. Her dark eyes are pulling him in. He silently wonders how many men have fallen for those beguiling siren eyes. And the shameless amount of skin she is exposing by leaning over like that. She trained in those arts, and she is damn good at it.
He gestures to the impressive stacks of finished paperwork. "Yes. As you can plainly see."
She straightens up. He detects a victory, but her smile is strangely not of defeat.
"And yet you still remember I like the smell of fresh jasmine? The rosewater used for my bath happens to be my favorite kind too. Looks like you did your research." Her silken smooth words strike him as violently as a sharp blade.
"Purely coincidental. You flatter yourself too much." It is an effort to not stutter. Or to meet her accursed gaze. With as much poise as he can possibly muster, Malik begins to read the first page of her report, wordlessly dismissing her.
Yasmin sighs. She throws up her hands up in exasperation.
"You are a good man Malik. It is a shame you keep hiding behind that desk," she softly murmurs at the top of the stairs. And with that, she leaves him with the barest suggestion of a smile.
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"Why can't you take me with you?" Nasir demands. Altair looks up from his packing. He has already anticipated a confrontation weeks ago. He is only surprised at how long the boy has been holding back.
"The journey is long. The land dangerous, and not a place for children."
"I'm not a child!" Nasir shoots back. Then takes a step back from the imperious look Altair is giving him. "Well… maybe. But I won't slow you down! I can take care of myself, I've been taking care of myself…" Desperation colors his tone, and his eyes are begging when his pride will not let him voice it.
Altair regards him carefully. Slowly, he drops down so that he is eye-level with the boy. He lays a gentle, but firm hand on Nasir's small shoulder.
"Nasir, you are much needed here. We cannot afford to spare any more men after the recent battle. You belong here, and there is no better way to prove yourself than to train and show us how capable you are. Do you understand?" He does not mention that taking him will prevent Jin from making a choice. The boy's presence is a reminder of her responsibilities and ties that bind her to the Brotherhood. Altair wants to bestow upon her true freedom. To present her a decision that is unshackled from burdens and duties. Something that he will never hope to have.
Nasir takes a few moments to digest the information. He then nods slowly. A rare kind of understanding passes between them.
An implicit agreement between two men, men who have precious things to protect and a duty to fulfill.
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"I absolutely hate good-byes," Jin sniffs as she brusquely wipes at her eyes. She just finished saying her farewells to Yasmin. And before that, it was Nasir. The boy acts so strong, putting up quite an impressively tough exterior, and in the end it is only her that cries.
"Is that why you always disappear without a word?" She casually remarks at the man walking besides her.
Altair grimaces. He does not know which words to say that will comfort her, but he knows for a fact that she will not be the only one shedding tears by the end. They arrive at Malik's office slowly.
"We make to depart for Europe," Altair announces without preamble. Malik glances up at the two of them. He is already well aware of Altair's plans weeks ago. This is nothing but a formality. "All preparations are complete. I will return within the year, and you know how to contact me if anything urgent arises."
Malik immediately notes the usage of "I" and not "we" in the latter sentence. "Very well. Are we gathering here to share our sentimental farewells?"
"Altair," Jin speaks up abruptly, "can I have a few minutes alone with him?" When Altair does not move, she assures him with a smile.
In return, Altair shoots Malik a meaningful look. "I will be waiting at the stables."
"And if she does not appear within the next ten minutes, I will be held at sword point?" Malik drawls in a wry voice.
A smirk appears from under the brim of the hood. "Absolutely."
Jin slowly turns to face the older man. The two stay silent as they listen to Altair's slow descent down the stairs until they cannot detect his presence anymore.
"He means to return alone," Malik suddenly says.
Her eyes widen at his bold statement. "D-does he?" And then indignation seeps into her features with a flush. "Is that really his choice to make?"
Malik chuckles. He gets up slowly from his seat, and walks to his usual spot at the window.
"The truth is the clear, cloudless sky. The eagle can continually strain his wings to fly and touch it, but it is always out of his reach. He tries, over and over again. Until his wings are heavy with fatigue and his spirit is broken.
That is when a tree offers him her branch. He takes her arm, rests his weight on it. She offers him shade with her leaves, and waits for him in the same spot so that he will always know where to find her again," he recites the words like a poem, and then turns to regard Jin.
"So now I ask you, are you that tree?"
"I have not thought of it that way," she wonders appreciatively. She lays a hand gently on his shoulder in a gesture of gratitude. "Thank you Malik. I am very grateful that I was able to meet you. You are truly a great friend to have."
He nods in acknowledgement. "Which ever path you take, I hope you find happiness in the end."
She graces him with one of her smiles, and leaves him standing by the window.
Alone and in solitude.
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She tosses to and fro for the third time. With a tired sigh, Jin props herself up on her elbows, all pretense of sleeping gone.
Altair bartered for their fares on the humble ship. Unfortunately, he 'forgets' to mention how they only have one sleeping quarter available. And how they are traveling as man and wife.
"Much less suspicious this way," he explained patiently as he packs away his assassin robes and dons a gray, inconspicuous outfit. Jin, however, is not amused.
They have been sleeping in separate rooms ever since Nasir's 'adoption'. His presence, although usually comforting, now has her nerves on end. Every touch, no matter how small or accidental, makes her acutely aware they are alone together. She is not sure if she is comfortable with this intimate proximity. But Altair does not seem to mind, and he has not asked anything of her.
Their room is modest. It has a miniature writing desk in one corner, and a single bed in the other. A single candle is lit, and she can make out Altair studiously writing on something.
"Tell me about my family," Jin drowsily asks from her position on the bed. Altair glances up briefly from his notes. "What would you like to know?"
"Everything," she replies easily as she leans her chin on her hands. She watches him as he stretches. Even under the clothing, she can see the muscles rippling with hidden power. The grace in which he moves, not unlike those of a svelte panther, has her mesmerized.
"They are your of your father's side. The eldest sister married well and has the title of baroness. The second eldest, your uncle, helps run a local hospital in near the northern coast. They are the ones we are going to meet." A yawn escapes his mouth.
Jin cannot help but smile. "You seem tired. Come to bed."
"Is that an invitation?" One dark eyebrow quirks up.
"To rest," she finishes. Jin shifts closer to the wall and turns her back to him. Hoping he will take it as a sign of her disinterest.
Eventually, she feels the mattress sink with his weight. She tries to breath evenly, to give the impression of sleeping.
But Altair is not fooled.
"He is well known within the small coastal town. Everyone speaks well of him and praises his skills. He has been married for almost thirty years now, and they have two children," he conversationally continues as he plays with a lock of her blonde hair. "I actually sought him out and spoke with him. He is a kind man, and told me stories about your father."
Jin quickly turns around, giving him her complete attention. "What did he say?" The man cannot help but smile fondly at her enthusiasm.
"That he was a brave man. One of the first to sign up as a doctor for the Crusades. And his wife, your mother, cannot bear to be separated and so she followed him into the battle fields. Now who does that remind me of?" His voice lowers to a rumble as he leans over her.
She swallows hard. Pinned down by his tawny gaze, she once again sees herself in his unyielding eyes.
A girl-no, no longer. A woman. No longer the skinny waif who lived in an attic. Her cheeks are rosy, her chin strong with determination, and her green eyes shining with vitality. A wanted, desired woman by the look of Altair's unwavering gaze.
"Your point?" She breathes out. His mouth descends upon hers, silencing any other thoughts.
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It is much later that Jin wakes up. Her bleary eyes take in the form of the sleeping Altair next to her with a sense of nostalgia. How long ago since she last woken up with him by her side?
She takes a moment to quietly admire his face in repose. A stern, unforgiving face. One that has seen and dealt out death so violently. And yet...
Her mind drifts to last night. Recalls the tender way his hands held her. The unbelievably venerable feeling of his touch. As if he is paying homage to a god. The dim lighting from the candle obscured parts of his face. But the part she could see was surprisingly unguarded. Vulnerable even.
He was never one to talk much. But last night her name was uttered from his lips so many times. Breathlessly. Passionately. Till the mere sound of it sends her over the brink.
Last night was not two bodies joining for physical pleasure. It was completely something else.
She blushes. Reaches over for her clothing and prepares to get up.
"And where do you think you are going?" A possessive arm snakes its way around her waist.
"Nature calls," Jin retorts. She turns around to glance at him.
Golden amber peers at her drowsily through half-lidded eyes. Assassins are known to sleep light. So they can be ready and alert if danger beckons. And yet Altair looks anything but awake. She giggles. It is quite adorable.
He frowns at the sound. Pulls on her more insistently. "Come back."
"And when did I follow your orders?" she teases him. On a capricious whim, Jin leans over and kisses the stubble on his jaw lightly. "I will."
He looks so peaceful when asleep, she silently notes when she re-enters the room. She does not want to disturb him, and instead wanders over to the desk.
His notes are scattered messily on the table. So unlike Malik's. But then again, they are perfect opposites.
She is tempted to organize them, and is just about to reach over when she notices the other object. A round sphere. Seemingly made of metal and with odd engravings around it.
Altair carries it on his person always. Hides it from view from others like it is some rare treasure. He does not even let her touch it.
What did Malik call it? A Piece of Eden?
Curiosity beckons to her. And as she draws near, the metal ball actually begins to glow. Its call, one that is so entrancing, seems to be asking, pleading for her touch.
Altair opens his eyes as the Apple emits its light. Immediately, he takes in the event unfolding in front of him.
"Do not-" But it is already too late.
He watches. Frozen in an amalgam of panic and shock as golden light envelopes Jin's entire body. Too long the Piece of Eden holds her prisoner. Altair was just about to wrench the Apple from her grasp when it stops.
Jin gasps. Falls to the floor in exhaustion. The Piece of Eden bounces, and rolls away harmlessly. It still emits a low hum and a glow, albeit not as strong as before.
"Are you alright?" Altair demands. He drops to the floor alongside of her. Unsure if he should touch her or not. From his own experiences from peering into the artifact, the first couple of minutes of returning to reality are completely disorienting.
Jin only stares at the Piece of Eden in amazement. "What… was that?"
He examines her carefully. She looks to be uninjured. A bit shaken, but otherwise alright. Exhaling the breath he does not know he has been holding, Altair asks, "What did you see?"
She brings a hand to her forehead gingerly. Closes her eyes and concentrates.
"I saw flames. Tall towers of fire that reach to the skies. People were screaming, dying, chaos was everywhere..."
The distress in her voice is an echo of his own when he first saw that vision. He gently cups her face. Pulls her closer so that she can take comfort in his presence.
"I too, have seen those horrible apparitions. Do not dwell too long on those visions. For that is all they are, and nothing more. There is no use worrying over something you have no control over," Altair murmurs as he strokes her tangled hair.
Jin leans into his touch. Breathes in his familiar scent with silent relief. But she cannot let it go. "So you have seen the garden too?"
Altair pauses. "What garden?"
She pulls back. Looks into his piercing gaze and replies, "There is a garden. Or a forest, I cannot tell. But the trees are sparse and not that tall. Grass spans on and on. It is beautiful, even more than the one in Masyaf. And so very peaceful. My favorite tree was there... along with-" Her brows furrow as Jin tries to focus on the vision. Her voice, when she does remember, is no more than a whisper, but he hears her all the same.
"My parents."
Notes: Aha, who wanted a smex scene? ... You would think after 3 months of waiting I would at least give you one... lol But no. I am inhuman after all. Bwahaha!
It's been 3 months since I last updated. Unbelievable. I offer no excuses, because I don't want to bore you guys with details of my life. lol Sorry to all, I know it's a pain to wait, and thanks for those who kept encouraging (harassing..lol) me to update!
1) I guess there are more things to wrap up. I originally thought I could cover Jin's family/heritage this chapter, but it looks like it's bumped back a chapter. My bads.
2) I don't know if anyone noticed, but Nasir speaks with contractions. That is because I can't think of any other way to portray street slang that he picked up as an orphan. Without writing too much profanities on the way. lol
3) Omg I finally figured out how Malik will seduce a girl. Research. Implementation of thoughtful gesture. And then vehemently deny it. But leaving hints. ;D Utterly adorable.
I'm not sure, but there's been a daily increase of hits. I was looking at # of hits and can't really believe it. How do ppl keep finding this story even though it hasn't been updated in forever? O.o Or are the readers seriously re-reading/checking for updates? haha
Speaking of rereading, I did so myself, the entire fic, till like 4am. What interested me were my notes at the end of the chapters. I seemed like I was having so much fun in the beginning, inserting humor and sarcasm (almost as charming as Malik's) and having those little point battles between characters. I miss that… T_T (But there's nothing to make fun of recently…)
Another thing, I get more and more emotion-oriented with the writing. Always thinking of what the character is feeling or what drives them to do stuff. And going on emotional rollercoasters… I enjoy reading stuff that takes you on a ride, and the most memorable fics I like might not have the best character development, or the most original concepts/plot, but was able to wrench intense reactions from me and gave me visual images in my head throughout the day. And it reflects in my own writing. I realize some ppl don't share those sentiments. That's unfortunate, but to each their own. :D
I also went and read all the reviews. A shout out to:
Albatross- For the assassin's next door smelling like weed comment. I was laughing for awhile.
Shutterbuggie – For another cool art present. :D I've been on Gaia long enough to catch the art whore bug.
Daywallker – For being miraculously alive after walking 10 blocks with your head down reading a fanfic. Hehe
PxPmini – For reviewing in a foreign language! So lucky I chose to learn Spanish in HS.
Crimson Firebreeze – For the sexy eagle god comment. Another lol moment.
eliina – For reading a fanfic during an anime convention. And possibly reading it with others. That's hardcore dude. xP