#in altair's defense he is Not Having A Good Day

[noficbyhalves]

Have some "Kadar is thoroughly Done with these two even from beyond the grave":

"Hey! Altair!" called a familiar voice.

He froze, turned. Leaning out of a traincar door was Kadar, waving furiously at him. He was smaller than Altair remembered, but somehow whole and hale. The only way that could be real was if- if he-

Fuck.

"I'm dead, aren't I," were the first words out of his mouth as he walked closer.

"Hello to you too, I've been lovely thanks," Kadar said dryly. The mannerism was achingly familiar, but when Altair tried to remember from what his head only pounded.

"Hi Kadar," he sighed. "Am I dead?"

"Eh, kind of?" Kadar made a so-so gesture. "You're about halfway there. Something about blood ties making curses rebound? Don't ask me, I'm just the messenger."

He had heard all this before, it was on the tip of his tongue. He died because of his grandfather, because of the war, but Altair knew there was something else, something so very important. Why couldn't he remember? Why did the inside of his skull feel so battered? "You're the messenger of... death?"

Kadar laughed. "Not for everyone, silly. It's more of a 'the universe shows you someone you trust to guide you' kind of situation."

And the universe had decided the best guide Altair could hope for was a scrawny fourteen-year-old. It would be funny if it wasn't so sad.

[...]

"You've got two options. You could go back to life and all its complicated bits," Kadar gestured vaguely at the nebulousness behind him on the platform. "Or, you can get on the train and just... let go."

"Give up?"

Kadar's expression was terribly sad. "No one's going to judge you if you want some peace, Altair. You've done plenty, if that's what you're worried about."

Altair couldn't meet his eyes. When put like that, it made perfect sense... and yet. He started walking towards the train. Maybe peace wouldn't be so bad. Kadar was here, he could see Rauf again, he could meet his parents...

Then why was his heart hammering in his chest? Why did he feel sick looking at the train?

Kadar was holding out his hand. Altair lifted his left hand to reach him, glanced down at his fingers.

...his... four fingers.

He had four fingers on that hand, because...

The pain in his head reached a fever pitch. His vision was swimming.

Because of his grandfather, because of the brand on his arm, because because because-

This is perfectly safe and I'm a fucking genius.

Altair sucked in a gasp (had he breathed at all since he opened his eyes?) and jerked his hand back. There was a phantom sensation of a hand on his jaw (only the one), a voice echoing in his ears (wake up you have to Altair please). Kadar smiled, and for once it looked real.

"I can't," Altair croaked.

"I figured. You two sort your shit out yet?"

Altair had no idea how to answer that, even if he could get enough air in his lungs. He stumbled backward, away from the train.

Kadar sighed. "Nevermind. Don't suppose you can pass a message along?"

"Will I remember this... after?"

"Your guess is as good as mine. It's usually more of a one-way situation."

Right. But Altair's wasn't because of blood magic or something. The rules of magic really were bullshit. If he remembered this enough to share, Malik would have a conniption. Altair nodded, "I'll try."

"Tell him I love him, and it's not his fault either."

Altair gaped. "How-"

"I've known him my whole life, and I'm not an idiot?"

The laugh bubbling out of his throat was edging on hysterical. "I- yeah, yeah okay." He turned away, towards the unnerving blankness on the other side of the platform. "How do I-?"

When he glanced over his shoulder, Kadar gave him the world's most exaggerated shrug. Truly unhelpful.

Nothing for it but to do it. Altair shut his eyes and walked into the fog.

[saberamane]

Guys... I just had a really cool fanart idea for Assassin's Creed... but I can't draw people 😭

Basically your perspective is that you're standing in the doorway of a room (an Isu vault, specifically) with columns leading from the doorway to a dais at the back.

Its a 4 tiered dais, circular, with Desmond standing in the center/top of the dais. Of course he has some cool glowing isu markings, in some sort of modified armor/Assassin robes.

1 step down on either side of Desmond (kind of just slightly in front of him, in a guarding position) are Altair and Ezio.

On the same step but behind Desmond, kind of hidden in shadow, is Clay.

Skip a step, and in similar positions to Altair and Ezio are Edward and Ratonhnhak:ton.

On the ground by the columns closest the dais are Arno and Eivor.

At the second column on one side is Jacob and Evie, with Kassandra and Alexios on the opposite side.

And on top of the columns closest to the door, kind of hidden, are Bayek and (non-evil/Isu) Basim.

A very simplistic diagram of their positions:

Basically I want the feeling to be 'If you want him, you have to get through us first.' Like a gauntlet of death. Only the first round is completely unfair as you wouldn't notice Bayek and Basim to begin with.

And if you somehow got past them, you'd have a 4 versus you with Jacob, Evie, Kassandra, and Alexios.

Evie is fast and Jacob lives for a good brawl, but you might be able to beat them. But Kassandra and Alexios are both demi gods so... good luck with that?

Havent played unity yet, so I don't know much about Arno but I do know he has that handy phantom something or other, which shoots poison? (Which, actually, Evie and Jacob also have that but whatever lol). But Eivor is also kind of a demi God imo with the Odin thing going on.

Ratonhnhak:ton has his dlc powers (with the glowing blue eyes) so can summon ghost wolves to fight but is also just a tank in a fight. And Edward canonically fights like a devil.

Get through all that, and you still have the 2 most legendary Assassin Mentors to get through.

You're probably thinking 'why is Clay Desmond's last defense? After legendary assassins and demi gods and reincarnated Isu??'

Well, Clay's not. You get past everyone else, Desmond will just smite you with the apple. Honestly, Clay is in the back to protect everyone else. He likely isn't completely mentally stable lol. (He's like... the psycho BFF that will kill for you unprompted. He needs to stay close to Desmond so he doesn't get in trouble.)

I wish I could draw so bad because this looks so badass in my mind...

[fancoloredglasses]

Forbidden Planet (A Tempest-uous movie)

(Thanks to Rotten Tomatoes)

[All images are in the public domain so, for once, I don’t need to worry about being sued]

As I have previously mentioned, I was terrified of monster movies growing up. This movie was no exception. Yes, it’s sci-fi, but so is Alien, and I had issues with that as well! The idea of an invisible monster sneaking in and killing the crew...yeah, it was a bit much when my mother decided to watch it when I was six.

Now I’m all grown up and can appreciate the film for what it is: a fairly decent adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

This is also a great example of how good Leslie Nielson could be in a serious role. Most people these days remember him for his comedic work, but prior to the 80s he was a well-regarded dramatic actor.

This was also one of the first sci-fi films that wasn’t broken down into 15-minute chucks for the serials like Flash Gordon or Buck Rogers.

If you would like to watch the film, it’s available on Internet Archive.

We open on a flying saucer known designated C-57D (because in the far future they couldn’t be bothered to name their vessels like the primitives in the 24th century (the setting for Star Trek)) on a mission to a planet known as Altair IV.

The commander of C-57D is Commander John “J.J.” Adams (played by Nielson) I have to say I like the duty uniforms of the crew. They look a lot more...well, uniform than those used by the backwater Starfleet, though the tech looks like it’s out of the 1950s (gee, I wonder why...)

A quick search of the internet lists C-57D at 130 ft in diameter and a crew of 18 (meaning he doesn’t need that microphone to make announcements to the crew; they’re all on the bridge) Keep these figures in mind; they may be important later.

C-57D drops out of light speed in the Altair system...too close to the star! This may be a short movie. Fortunately, the crew adjusts course and orbits the fourth planet.

Adams then spews exposition briefs the crew that they’re investigating the fate of a vessel knows as the Bellerophon (oh sure, the Bellerophon gets an actual name, but the protagonists’ vessel just gets a designation!), that disappeared 20 years ago while surveying Altair IV (and it took them 20 years to mount a search and rescue mission?)

As C-57D approaches Altair IV, the radio operator receives a transmission from the surface. The voice on the other end, Dr. Edward Morbius, who tries to dissuade C-57D from landing. Morbius attempts to say the situation is too dangerous (but he doesn’t want to leave?) Adams decides to take his chances, and puts the crew on alert.

(I will say, the visual effects for the 1950s is better-looking than a lot of CGI in the 21st century)

Upon landing, the crew sets up a security perimeter. Suddenly, they see a vehicle approaching at what could only be describes as a reckless speed. The vehicle comes to a halt and the driver disembarks.

Meet Robbie the Robot. As ridiculous as he looks, he looks a lot better than the robot from the Jupiter 2 (and he’s made appearances in film and TV as late as 2014!

(Thanks to The Big Bang Theory wiki)

Robbie drives Adams and two of his officers (Lt. Farman and “Doc” Ostrow) at a much saner speed to meet...

...Dr. Morbius (played by Walter Pidgeon, who would go on to play Admiral Nelson on Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea), who invites them in for lunch (hopefully not in the Hannibal Lecter sense)

After lunch, Morbius demonstrates all of Robbie’s capabilities, then orders Robbie to kill Adams!

Robbie instead short circuits until the order is cancelled, thus showing that Robbie is incapable of harming a human. Morbius boasts that he created Robbie, despite the fact that he’s a linguist and had no previous experience in robotics. He then demonstrates that his house has defensive shutters that he can lower almost instantly.

With that, he assures the crew of C-57D that he has no need of assistance and they can be on their merry way. Adams is happy to depart...as soon as he talks with the rest of the Bellerophon’s crew. Morpheus admits that some strange force killed the rest of the crew, except himself and his wife (who fell ill and died 2 months after everyone else). He can’t explain why they were spared, but the force hadn’t made its presence known for almost 19 years. Gee, that’s not suspicious at all...

[Quick note: Walter Pidgeon is called upon to do a LOT of exposition as Morbius. Unlike a lot of “info-dump” heavy films, he does a fairly decent job of not putting the audience to sleep delivering the background]

Then Morbius’s daughter Altaira, or “Alta” for short (played by Anne Francis, as those who’ve seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show will tell you) enters and charms the officers (to be fair, they’ve been cooped up on C-57D for over a year with no women on board), especially Farman.

Morbius asks when C-57D is departing. Unfortunately, Adams needs to contact Earth for orders and to do that he’d need to cannibalize the ship to build a transmitter (disabling it for at least 2 weeks to tear down and rebuild the ship) Morbius offers to have Robbie fabricate what Adams needs (he’s in an awful hurry to get rid of C-57D...) Robbie drives the officers back to the ship.

Later, as the crew removes the power core from the ship and Robbie brings lead shielding to assist in building the transmitter...

...the crew has a bit of fun at the ship’s cook’s expense.

As the crew finishes building the transmitter, the ship’s cook wants Robbie to help him with something...

...recreational. Robbie says he can replicate it easily.

Meanwhile, Farman is attempting to put the moves on Alta, who has no clue what he’s up to. Fortunately for him, she’s not interested (if completely clueless) in having him teach her how to kiss. Fortunately, Adams shows up and sends him back to the ship. He then tries to teach Alta about the birds and the bees (and who to avoid to keep from being stung), starting with wearing something that leaves a bit more to the imagination

Alta leaves in a huff and runs back home to complain to Morbius about how Adams interrupted her kissing lessons. Morbius then excuses himself, leaving Alta to ask Robbie to make a dress that leaves pretty much everything to the imagination.

That night at C-57D, something invisible sneaks past the sentries and sabotages the ship. Adams is furious the next morning, blaming the sentries and the crewman asleep next to the section that was sabotaged. Adams and Doc takes a rover to Morbius’s house (leaving Farman at the ship, far away from Alta)

(interesting that at least the officers have warm weather uniforms)

At Morbius’s place, Robbie informs the officers that Morbius is not to be disturbed, so they wait in the living room for him. Adams notices Alta swimming outside and goes to check her out investigate.

“C’mon in!”

“I didn’t bring my bathing suit.”

“What’s a bathing suit?”

The flirting over with, Alta gets out of the pond and dresses in...

...something closer to what Adams would prefer.

I’d say he likes it!

When Adams returns, Morbius still hasn’t emerged, so he and Doc decide to press the issue and enter...

(thanks to 1956clips)

Morbius then takes the officers into the bowels of the Krell civilization.

Including a machine that translates Morbius’s thoughts into reality, which he’s been using to help him learn more about the Krell and make his life on Altair IV more comfortable (such as building Robbie) He then allows Adams and Doc to sample the machine.

Morbius warns that anything beyond the basic functions of the machine could be fatal. He has conditioned himself to use some of the higher functions through trial and error (and lots of recovery time between)

Morbius them leads them to a transport that takes them to...

OK, I know a lot of the scenery is mostly matte paintings, but there are REALLY cool-looking, and even over 60 years later hold up compared to modern effects. Hollywood could learn a lot from some of the old techniques!

With the exposition about the Krell out of the way, Adams and Doc return to set up security measures to prevent further intruders...

...including an electrified force fence.

Just before turning in for the night, the cook convinces Farman to let him out so he can meet Robbie...

...and get his hooch. How the hell is he gonna get it all back to C-57D undetected?! While the cook is pondering that very question...

...there’s a short in the fence.

...or us there? Suddenly, there’s a scream from inside the ship and the crew is down to 17!

Now, I know what you might be thinking, but Morbius has an alibi.

He’s been arguing with Adams and Doc about whether the government should be involved in his research. When Adams receives the news about the death of the engineer, he and Doc rush back as Morbius has a haunted look on his face, hinting that the exact same thing happened to the crew of the Bellerophon.

The next morning, Doc makes a cast from the footprints left behind. Whatever it is, it’s HUGE! Adams then brings the cook in (since he was outside the perimeter while the murder happened), who managed to give Robbie an alibi as well (since they drank a good portion of that hooch at the time)

After the crew buries the engineer...

Morbius warns that if the crew remains, they will be attacked again and it will be worse.

The next evening, the crew of C-57D prepare for an assault.

(Thanks to Tales From SYL Ranch DARKROOM)

OK, first off, this was the scene that sent my 6 year-old self screaming to my room.

Second, as timeless as the set pieces are, the monster effects are DEFINITELY dated.

Also, that brings the crew count down to 14, with Farman among the dead.

Additionally, it’s interesting that the monster disappeared when Morbius woke up...

Adams and Doc discuss the monster, saying nothing should’ve been able to stand up to the energy being thrown at it, Adams suddenly has the urge to talk Morbius into joining them on C-57D (whether they want to or not) and for either himself or Doc to access the higher functions of the Krell device. Adams leaves orders for the crew to take off if the monster attacks again, no matter what, and return to Earth.

Adams and Doc arrive to discover...

...Robbie’s not allowed to let them in. Then Alta arrives and cancels Robbie’s orders, allowing the pair in. Adams explains why he and Doc are here (as Doc rushes into the bowels of the Krell compound against orders). Alta urges Adams to leave, but he refuses without her and her father.

Suddenly, Adams realizes Doc has gone missing.

And we’re down to 13 as the machine was too much for Doc’s brain to handle. Doc’s dying words mentioned that the machine produced something called “Monsters from the Id.”

Morbius then enters, condemning Doc’s decision to use the machine. With that...

...Alta decides to leave with Adams, much to her father’s disapproval.

(Thanks to GlobalWahrman)

So Morbius’s mind is the invisible monster...and it’s coming this way!

Morbius lowers the defensive shutters, saying he pities Adams, since the monster’s obviously coming for him. Then Adams says that the monster appeared (so to speak) once Alta rejected Morbius, so it’s likely coming for her...

...and those shutters won’t stop it for long! Morbius tells Robbie to kill the monster.

Yeah, that’s not gonna work.

The trio retreat to the Krell lab as the monster tears through the shutters.

After sealing the doors, Adams finally manages to convince Morbius that his subconscious is coming to kill his daughter. Fortunately, they’re behind 3 layers of Krell metal that can withstand blaster fire without even getting warm.

...oh shit.

The Id Monster melts its way through the door. Morbius throws himself in its path...

...and with his death, the Id Monster dies as well.

With his dying breath, Morbius instructs Adams on how to start the self-destruct mechanism for the planet’s reactors that will destroy the planet in 24 hours, preventing anyone else from repeating the Krells’ (and his) mistake.

With the ship clear of the blast zone, the surviving crew of C-57D and the survivors of Altair IV make their way back to Earth as the credits roll.

[icharchivist]

its also so fun when you play gbf and you add a character to your party because theyre useful and they are so good you genuinely start to care for them (zehek my beloved/ also fire yuisis is such a beast, she is literally insane) because they keep showing up on the frontlines and eagerly helping you out. they became blorbo because they worked for it.

oh TOTALLY and also MOOD FOR FIRE YUISIS!!!

she was one of my very early unit so originally she was in my fire team mostly out of "i don't have much else", but after seeing just how hard she was going about it, i ended up caring for her so much???? After that even though i started to get meta units i couldn't replace her for the longest time, i kept wanting to have her in my main line.

(i think i finally benched her only when i got the combo of Grand with Percival/Michael/Wilnas but i legit had her in my main fire team for years only due to that)

That's also how i ended up loving Nicholas!!! His dark unit was one of my very first unit, and originally he was just very useful because of his protection kit, but i remember especially that i was totally thrown out by the contrast of his unit's art VS his voice. Like he looked like the greatest edgelord of all time, and then he opens his mouth and he's the most cheerful guy you've ever heard. The guy carried me during my baby days bc he has a good kit, and eventually i read the Robomi saga only because i had grown to care about him so much that i needed to understand what was up with that. And then i ended up loving him even more! Even now while I have a lot more useful characters, sometimes with low stakes i bring him in the back just because. he's my bestie i want him to stay with me!!!

almost exact same thing happened with Gawain - his wind was one of my first unit, i knew he was linked to the kishi saga but in a weird way, and since he was a defense unit i was finding him rather useful. I got excited from playing him a lot and then he turned out to be a bitch in the FE, but i had grown to like him so much at this point that i couldn't go back and i've been a Gawain stan ever since (which served me SO WELL, i played the long game and the next year Savior of Dalmore came out and now everyone appreciates MY rude little meow meow!!!!)

also i bring those two up like that bc ironically both are voiced by the same VA so i definitely feel like this was a call out for me, bc i really did flag both of them as "big brother material" right away (esp after learning said VA voiced one of the character who has heavily impacted my childhood, on an anime i rarely watched in Japanese. I watched it recently in Japanese with a friend and i was like "ehehe look i love him, best-worst big brother of all t- wait why do i know his Japanese vo- WHAT THE FUCK.")

Altair also definitely counts in this category, he was the SSR i got from my SSR beginner ticket so he carried me early on, so i liked him soso much. Thanks to him i had a set up for "full team CA at first turn" before Relic Buster existed, and i was so proud of my set up. But now with RB he's basically obsolete.....

i'm sure there's more characters who would apply but those in particular really stood out to me bc i genuinely adore them so much and it really was first because of how useful they were.

really peak type of blorbos <333 so glad you had that too!!

[moonlightguardianmoon]

Assassin's creed Lost in modern ages

Jealousy Pt .2

It was the next day, Desmond and Altair were sitting on the couch next to each other. Altair was reading a novel while Desmond was reading a superhero-based comic. Rebecca and Shaun were sitting at the dining room table watching them a far while Connor, Jacob, Ezio, and Leonardo were talking with one another close by, all while Ezio continues staring at Altair and Desmond.

Rebecca: Aw, Shaun look at those two, it's like watching two twin brothers bonding with each other.

Shaun: you say brothers, I say experimental clones gone wrong.

Rebecca: oh stop it, Shaun they're just reading.

Shaun: exactly, so if you're making a big deal out of this then so will I. I mean just look at them.

A shot of Altair and Desmond just... reading their things.

Shaun: their facial expressions right now look almost bloody identical... some of their expressions.

Rebecca: I still think it's cute, it's not often we get to see Altair actually "bond" with any of the others.

Shaun: ya we'll I still say a cloning experiment gone wrong.

Leonardo: -so then turns out you can't use metal thin cables as a substitute for rubber covered wires, though luckily the man didn't hurt himself too badly, I was almost given a fright when he got shocked, he seemed ok afterward, but I think I learned something new after- ... Ezio?

Ezio: *staring at Altair and Desmond* . . .

Leonardo: Ezio?

Ezio: . . .

Leonardo: ...? *taps on Ezio's shoulder* Ezio are you even listening to me?

Ezio: *snaps out of it* hm? Oh, sorry Leonardo, you were saying about the wires?

Leonardo: Ezio you have been acting very strange since yesterday, is something wrong?

Ezio: I'm fine Leonardo, just have a lot on my mind right now.

Connor: are you sure? Cause you were staring at Altair and Desmond for an odd and uncomfortably long time yesterday and you're continuing to do so today. You might as well just tell us what's going on cause this is getting ridiculous.

Jacob: Heh! maybe he's jealous that those two hang out a lot.

Ezio: I am not!!!

Jacob: ... I was just joking, calm down.

Connor: ... Ezio, your getting kind of defensive about this.

Ezio: I'm not getting defensive, I'm simply pointing out the fact that I'm not jealous of Altair spending more time with Desmond than Desmond does with me.

Connor: ...

Leonardo: ...

Jacob: ... *snickers* oh my god you are jealous of Altair aren't you!

Ezio: what!? Me!? Ezio Auditore da Firenze, Jealous!? Nonsense!

Leonardo: well what you just said was oddly specific for someone who claims they're not jealous of someone else.

Connor: and you're not doing that good of a job hiding that fact.

Ezio: ... so... what if I am.

Leonardo: Ezio there is no need to be jealous, you're a family as a whole. There is no need to feel this way.

Jacob: Ya, I mean so what if they look the same, act the same, share the same favorite activities, and-

Connor: *puts a hand over Jacob's mouth* exactly, Leonardo. Besides Desmond cares for each and every one of us equally. Trust me, you're only setting yourself up for something that's going to end badly for you and Desmond.

Jacob: ... *licks Connors hand*

Connor: *flinches away in disgust* Ew gross Jacob!

Jacob: >=P

Ezio: *sighs* maybe you guys are right... maybe I'm just letting this get to me.

Leonardo: bene, glad we put a stop to this, before things got any worse.

Suddenly Desmond's phone starts to go off, as he puts his comic book down and pulls out his smartphone. He has a small surprised look on his face when he saw the contact on his phone.

Connor: ...

Leonardo: ...

Jacob: ...

Desmond: ... hey I'll be right back, I gotta take this. *gets up*

Altair: *nods at him*

Desmond: *heads outside to the front*

Connor: ... *sighs with nervous laughter* for a second I thought something bad was gonna happen to set this whole thing into chaos...

Leonardo: *nervous laughter* Si.

Jacob: ya that was a close one... so who do you think called Desmond?

Ezio: *shrugs*

Ezio, Connor, and Jacob walked over to one of the front windows and peeked through the curtains as they watched Desmond answer the phone and put it up to his ear as he seems like he's saying hello, and then letting who was on the other line speak. Desmond then speaks, unsure of what he is saying from the window. A few seconds into the conversation he seemed confused at first, then changed to an excited and happy expression. It didn't last long however as his facial expression began to slowly morph from joy to disappointed, pacing back and forth, as he starts talking again.

Jacob: ... who do you think he's talking to?

Connor: I don't know...

Ezio: whoever they are... whatever they're telling Desmond is making him a bit... upset.

Leonardo: are they? By how much?

Desmond seems to look stressed as the Isu lines on his right charcoal black arm and eyes begin to glow a bright gold as he shouted an audible-

Desmond: WHY!? Why can't you ever just-! *takes in a deep breath in and out*

Desmond calms himself down till his arm stopped glowing, his right eye however still held a dim glow, as he continues the call, his voice goes back to quiet.

Connor: ... really upset...

Leonardo: oh my...

Ezio: ...

Jacob: ... wow...

As Desmond slows down his pacing he finally comes to a stop and he hangs up the phone. The three quickly sprung away from the window back where they were standing and glanced away when the door opened to let a very upset Desmond inside.

Rebecca: ... you ok Desmond?

Desmond: . . .

Shaun: um... earth to Desmond?

Altair: *glances over Desmond, with his golden eye visibly showing from his hood*

Desmond: ... *takes in a deep breath then exhales* ya... *his eye stops glowing completely* I'm fine. . . hey uh... Altair?

Altair: *turns over fully to Desmond* yes?

Desmond: uh... do you want to go see a movie later? Cause I got an extra ticket to go see one and uh... he-

Altair: he bailed on you last minute... again?

Desmond: ... *nods yes*

Altair: *sighs* Alright, I'll get my things ready, just tell me when we're able to go and I'll be ready.

Desmond: cool, movie starts at one. Sorry if it's a bit of a short notice.

Ezio: . . .

Altair: *marks his book and closes it* It's fine Desmond. We'll meet back in the living in an hour and a half. Will you ok driving?

Desmond: I think I'll be ok.

Altair: *nods then heads up stairs*

Shaun: ... wwwhat was that all about?

Desmond: nothing important. *goes into the kitchen to get his keys for his motorcycle*

Rebecca: you sure? That yelling outside didn't sound like "nothing important". Sounded super important, at least to you anyway.

Desmond: It's all sorted out now becs. *grabs his keys* don't worry about it. *starts walking towards the door* Anyways, I'm heading to the gas station to get movie snacks, cause the prices for theater snacks are, sh*****t. Later *heads out the door*

Connor: ... that was... something?

Leonardo: well Desmond hasn't been feeling all that well as of late.

Jacob: you've talked to him lately?

Leonardo: mhm, I have, I always ask everyone how they are doing.

Connor: so what's been with him?

Leonardo: things haven't been going so well for him for these past three months for him. He keeps saying he'll be fine soon enough... but I don't think much has changed, if not slightly worsen.

Jacob: how come?

Leonardo: I'm not sure. He refuses to tell me the key reasoning behind it. All I know is that he's been feeling down for the past months, for his personal life, and that's all he told me.

Connor: *sighs* Desmond probably has a lot on his plate, that phone call was probably something important.

Jacob: Maybe he just needs a bit of cheering up! Right Ezio- ...

Ezio: O_O . . .

Jacob: oh bloody hell.

Leonardo: Ezio... we just went over this.

Ezio: . . .

Connor: Ezio, what's-

Ezio: HE INVITED HIM TO A MOVIE! RIGHT IN FRONT OF US!!! AND OUT OF EVERYONE HERE, HE PICKED ALTAIR TO SEE IT!?!? WHY!?!?

Connor: Ezio calm down!

Leonardo: easy amigo!

Jacob: it's not that big of a deal!

Ezio: Not that big of a deal!?!? It's a huge deal! A massive one at that!

Shaun: what are you all yelling about!?!?

Connor: Ezio's jealous of Altair because Desmond's been hanging out with him more often than him.

Jacob: ya Ezio's jelly, cause Desmond is around Altair more.

Leonardo: and- ...

Jacob: ... what?

Leonardo: jelly?

Jacob: ya that's what I said he's jelly, that Altair is spending more time with Desmond. Ezio's jelly. Jelly~.

Leonardo: ... never in my life have I ever heard anyone, use jelly, as an alternative word for jealous.

Jacob: I know right! I just heard it a while back, and I found it really hilarious, so I started using it myself and-

Rebecca: uh, guys.

Leonardo: hm?

Jacob: what?

Rebecca: Ezio's gone...

They all look to where Ezio once stood... he was gone.

Connor: ... *looks at the front door* and the front door is open...

Shaun: oh, bloody hell.

Rebecca: ... I think he was still wearing his assassin robes too...

Jacob: ...

Leonardo: ...

Shaun: ...

Connor: 😑 ... sh*t.

I hope you guys enjoyed this one 👌😎 of Jealousy part 2. Where do you think Ezio ran off to? What movie are Altair and Desmond gonna go see? Who was calling Desmond on the phone and why is he so upset about it? Tune in to find out next time on-

Assassin's creed lost in modern ages!

Jealousy Pt 3.

Prev - next

[dezmondmyles]

hey its me here to blab about the protocreed altalex au that ive been floating around for a while now and idk im gonna write it eventually (maybe once my other fic is done oof) and heres what i got so far

-Alex and Altair living and working in a vague modern day NYC

-Alex still works at Gentek but the virus isn’t a thing here

-Altair is an Assassin still from the Leviathan branch. The Assassins are just a lot more lowkey and kinda divided here. It’s whatever.

-They meet during a private event where Altair is doing “personal security” for a client. He and Alex end up chit chatting. Somehow phone numbers are exchanged idk??

-Either they, they make it obvious they find the other attractice and start going out. Very casually at first, sparse dates here and there because of Alex’s busy work schedule.

-Alex is Much Less™️ of an Asshole here. More on the insufferable genius side who’s a little too confident for his own good. Altair is also p subdued here. Just don’t let get too cocky over something.

-Alex starts to suspect right away that Altair is maybe a serial killer because of how off he acts sometimes, and his weird job that he cant talk about, and the “possible but totally not but maybe a nurder cult” that he was raised in. Alex is still pretty paranoid here too. Altair is later amazed how semi-correct he is.

-Alex drives an electric motorbike around the city. The only excuse I have to explain his iconic jacket lmfao. They go on rides together a lot.

-Lots of moments “so what are we?” and “so do you even like me? :(“ from Altair in the middle of post-sex cuddling. Alex is never sure what to tell him except he’s kind of a dummy lmao.

-Altair lives in a decent, small apartment in/around Queens. It’s not shitty or anything, but he has next to nothing in it. Ratty secondhand couch, a small table with two chairs that don’t match. No decorations or anything on the wall. Alex constantly teases Altair for living in a cave, and slowly starts to do some minor decorating when Altair isn’t looking. Altair doesn’t really care

-And yet, Alex has the gall to have a very nice apartment in Manhattan… And also have it spareslu furnished. All brand new stuff that is barely used or still in the box it came in. He’s never really home to enjoy having any of it. He fully encourages Altair to come over and make it more “homey” if he chooses.

-Mailk (yeah he thereish too) constantly berating Altair for “dating a rich white guy” and not like, taking full advantage of that. Altair doesn’t find that to be really important but also he feels awkward about asking Alex for anything but also Malik dude come on alsksndbsndbf

-Dana is also here, and thinks it’s HILARIOUS that Alex found himself a bf thats more awkward and weird than he is. Alex is extremely defensive about it. Altair thinks Dana is just… Nice lol.

-Months go by as Alex and Altair bond and grow closer and juat kinda figure each other out. Are they falling in love?? Are they meant to keept things casual? How much longer will this last? Is Altair a serial killer?

-I guess we’ll find out 👁

[harvestdew]

Yo sorry if this question takes a while to awnser, but if Cleo and Kiki were NPCs what do you think thief heart events will be like? If you don't want to awnser this that's fine, I'm just curious.

no problem! i actually need a break from my essay anyway i wrote 4 pages and it took me 5 hours/made me stressed, so this is a good way to decompress for me!

kiki’s 2 heart event - standard, boring 2 heart event... enter pelican town on a sunny day anywhere from 9am to 4pm. you see kiki on her way out of pierre’s and her grocery bag breaks. you have 4 options:

ask “are you okay?” and help her (+30 friendship). kiki is embarrassed someone saw her, but says “thank you so much for helping me! that was pretty funny, wasn’t it? i guess i bought too much”

“i didn’t see anything” (no effect on friendship). kiki just laughs it off

ignore her/do nothing (no effect on friendship). kiki goes “...” before telling herself she’s so clumsy and running off

“wow, that was dumb of you.” (-50 friendship) kiki, trying to remain deadpan, responds “yeah, you’re right”

kiki’s 4 heart event - (similar to leah’s 4 heart event) enter kiki’s house when she’s there. for some reason, she doesn’t notice you entered and you hear someone else talking unintelligibly on the landline, but she isn’t responding. after a while, she hangs up without saying anything, notices you, and jumps, asking “have you been here the whole time?” you have 3 options:

lie and say “i just got here” (no effect on friendship). kiki sighs and says “oh, okay. that’s good”

"who was that?” (no effect on friendship). kiki goes “...” and tells you it was just an annoying telemarketer. then she asks if she can help you with anything

"are you okay?” (+20 friendship). kiki tells you she just got an unwanted call from someone she doesn’t want to talk to but doesn’t elaborate. she mentions being worried someone’s going to come over, then realizes you’re still there and laughs it off as a joke, trying to cover it up with a random fact about tulips

kiki’s 6 heart event - (similar to haley’s 6 heart event) enter the cindersap forest from 5pm to 9pm while it’s raining. kiki spots you (“!”) and asks for help, explaining her cat (ghost) ran away because she didn’t properly lock her door and the storm blew it open (this literally happened to me and my cat didn’t come home for 3 days LOL). she explains how important her cat is to her. you have 2 options:

"i’ll help you find him!” (+30 friendship)

“just get another cat?” (-30 friendship)

either way, you can walk around the cindersap forest and click on a bunch of shrubs. the cat will come out of one of them and you bring it back to her. kiki hugs you and says she felt too guilty to ask anyone else for help. she also points out because it was raining you should go back inside before you get sick, so she offers to walk you home 

also: fun fact the farmer replaces sebastian in here because this was something i wrote for him, but it feels like a good 6 heart one imo

kiki’s 8 heart event - done here!

kiki’s 10 heart event - (similar to emily and maru’s) you get a letter in the mail from kiki that says something along the lines “come by the forest tonight!” if you enter the cindersap forest from anytime between 7pm to 11pm ONLY during the summer you’ll trigger the event. it turns out she wanted to look at constellations with you and borrowed maru’s telescope. kiki starts talking about how she was figuring out how to make up for you finding her cat but didn’t want to do anything boring. you only have 1 option:

"wait, is this a date?” (no effect on friendship)

kiki gets MEGA embarrassed, explaining she thought it was obvious but isn’t going to be mad if you don’t like her. you now have 3 options:

"wait, i do like you!” (no effect on friendship). kiki goes, “seriously? you mean it? i’m so happy!” and you resume the date. before the cutscene ends, she has you look at some stars and explains the story of altair & vega which originated in china (“have you heard about the story of altair and vega? it’s about a cowherd and a weaver girl who fell in love but were separated by a river which is supposed to be the milky way. it’s sad, but once a year a bunch of magpies form a bridge and they reunite. romantic, right?”)

“i’m sorry, i don’t like you” (no effect on friendship). kiki tells you she understands, explaining you’re just as good of a friend and will be fine

“ew” (-30 on friendship). kiki sighs and tells her she better return maru’s telescope

as for cleo i have no idea if cleo would be a marriageable npc... we’ll see. let’s get to her heart events though (excluding her 10 heart event)

cleo’s 2 heart event - enter cleo’s room whenever she’s in there. cleo asks why you didn’t knock out of annoyance, but gets over it to complain she smells like fish (because she’s a fisherwoman LOL). you have 2 options:

“if you hate the smell of fish so much, why are you a fisherman?” (no effect on friendship). cleo explains she picks up fishing because that’s the 1 condition kiki has if she wants to stay with her free of rent. she complains about her cousin for trying to teach her some work ethic, then goes on to say she can’t wait til she and whatever sam’s band is called gets famous and she can stop fishing

“not my problem” (-30 friendship). cleo gets irritated and tells you “look, i didn’t ask to be a fisherwoman, okay? i hate farming and mining doesn’t make that much money. why are you even in here?”

cleo’s 4 heart event - enter pelican town any time during the day when it’s sunny. you overhear haley berating cleo with a magazine (even though they’re friends), who asks why she never mentioned she modeled. cleo gets annoyed and tells haley to back off because she doesn’t want to talk about it. you have 2 options:

do absolutely nothing (-30 friendship). haley finally walks off; cleo looks at you and goes, “what are you looking at? don’t listen to stuff that isn’t any of your business”

tell haley to stop (+30 friendship). haley sighs and apologizes to cleo for being nosey and leaves. cleo awkwardly thanks you and says something offhand like “i guess you’re cool” before running off

make up an excuse to pull cleo aside like “cleo, i don’t get how to use my fishing rod, can you help?” (+50 friendship). cleo thanks you for not making a huge scene and sighs. she explains haley figured out how used to be a model and wouldn’t stop asking why she quit. she also mentions she knows you probably want to know and claims it’s just “stupid personal garbage” and “the modeling industry is shit”

cleo’s 6 heart event - enter cleo’s room whenever she’s in there again. you find her mumbling to herself out of annoyance before she notices you and greets you. then, she explains she just figured out that everyone in her old band seems to be doing really well and she’s worried they’re going to get a gig for the band SHE started. you have 2 options:

ask “what band?” (no effect on friendship). cleo explains her mom wouldn’t let her go to a gig for the band to punish her, leaving them without a bassist. she says when she snuck out to go, the lead guitarist had immediately replaced her and decided to kick her out of the band, which is why cleo ran away out of humiliation. plus, she thinks their new music sounds like shit 

“who cares? you don’t need them!” (+30 friendship). cleo goes silent before telling you you’re SO right and tells you that good-for-nothing guitarist that kicked her out wasn’t even that good of a guitarist!

“maybe you were a bad bassist” (-50 friendship). cleo gets defensive and tells she was a perfectly good bassist. then she sighs and says she wonders if she’s not as good as she thinks she is and should just stick to fishing, before telling you to get out

cleo’s 8 heart event - (similar to sam’s 8 heart event) cleo shows up to your door when you wake up and gives you a flyer for a battle of the bands in zuzu city. the next day, you go to the venue with cleo and she realizes she’s going up against her old band before freaking out. she tells you she doesn’t know what to do because she’s scared she’ll mess up and prove them right. you have 3 options:

"you can do this!” (+50 friendship). cleo tells you that’s cheesy but you’re right. she goes on to say “screw all of them! i don’t care!”

“who cares? show them what they’re missing!” (+50 friendship). cleo gets pumped and agrees with you before saying, “ugh, what was i thinking? i don’t care what any of them think”

"don’t be a baby” (no effect on friendship). cleo goes “ugh” before begrudgingly admitting you’re right

either way, you get to hear them play like in sam’s 8 heart event. it should correspond with whatever music genre you chose for him in his own events. sam’s band also wins and cleo makes fun of her old band. the lead guitarist gets annoyed and tries to fight with her over it. you have 2 options:

“get him cleo!” (no effect on friendship). cleo punches the lead guitarist off the screen the way pierre punches morris at the community center

“ignore him, he’s just a loser” (no effect on friendship). cleo says she guesses taking the higher road is better and doesn’t wanna mess up her hands

regardless of what option you pick, at the end of the cutscene, cleo thanks your farmer for encouraging her not to giving up and how she couldn't have done it w/o your help

okay that’s it! i’m sorry for taking so long to write this, but i hope it was interesting and i promise really appreciate the ask <3 it was fun to write

[keeperofthesunandmoon]

Could you make a list of the ro's but ordering them from the strongest to the weakest ?, (please include jarod and gisela), and if the MC were on this list, would he change positions depending on the species, or would he always be in the same place because it is the Keeper?

Which of the main characters should you fight?

Altair: He’s nice, so he’s probably not summoning hellfire or anything drastic. You could get a few punches in without much retaliation from him personally, but Astrid and Cyrus would come after you.

Astrid: Reyna and co picked on her for a long time, so early on you might be able to get pretty far. Once she learns to summon hellfire, all bets are off, though—she won’t hesitate to send a fire blast at your face. Also, Altair would have no issues summoning his own hellfire if you went after her.

Cresssida: Probably a bad idea. She’s not a fighter, but has definitely had a self defense class or two. Also, Cyrus would kill you.

Cyrus: He’s a trained duelist. No. Why would you even try. He works out every day and even without magic he could beat you up.

Gisela: Don’t. Terrible idea. You’ll die.

Jarrod: Trained hunter, can and will kill you, has at least three knives on him at any given moment.

Katia: Not a fighter, would probably just start crying if you hit her. You could definitely beat her in a fight, but then Gisela would kill you. (Also, why would you want to fight her???)

Kol: Also not a fighter, would probably shift and try to escape. If he’s unable to escape and is backed into a corner...Again, he’s a shifter, you’d get your face ripped off.

Leon: You could definitely get a punch or two in. If he has Cyrus as backup it’s probably not a good idea though.

Seraphina: Unless you’re able to resist psychic attacks, don’t even think about it. If you can resist psychic attacks, also consider whether you can resist telekinesis. And elemental manipulation.

Thalia: Terrible idea. Why would you even think of doing that. She’s been beating up a keeper for fun training and you want to pick up a fight with her???

Yakov: He could very easily kill you and you’re just lucky that you’re not important enough to kill.

MC: Probably a bad idea, since they’ve fought way worse than you and can just mind control you to stop.

[avidrawsthings]

Mini showcase: Reina and Talbott's children

As I wasn't able to get around to drawing a new pic to celebrate the quads' birthday (May 9), I figured I'd at least compile some past drawings of them I made into one post. They've gone through a few tweaks over time, and their latest designs to date are on the fourth pic. Their adult look above is also outdated now, and their updated appearances are in the works. A brief profile of each one will be under the break below!

Altogether

They were born in May 9, 1998, seven days after the Battle of Hogwarts.

Rowan is their favorite aunt, and they lovingly call her Auntie Rowan.

All of them inherited the same Empath abilities as Reina, allowing them to read the emotions of those around them. Like their mother, all of them can see through deception.

Like Reina, none of them eat poultry as it makes them nauseous.

All of them are LGBT+, discovering their respective orientations during their teens. The family's love is unconditional, and they're happily supportive.

All of them are Animagus, however they didn't go through the steps to become one. As Reina became an Animagus thanks to her grandmother's experimental potion (which skipped all the steps and granted the form immediately), it was believed the trait was passed along to the quads. Their respective forms manifested when they were 8, all being a type of bird.

Like their parents, the quads were among those that received Sacrificial Protection from Harry during the Battle of Hogwarts.

They also inherited the birthmark of their ancestral clan, the Mark of the Celestial.

They attended Muggle school during early childhood, and soon began displaying higher levels of magic than most magic children their age. Because of this, they were approved to attend Hogwarts one year early, starting their first year on September 1st, 2008.

Corvo Winger

Oldest of the four.

Animagus form is a crow with the same heterochromia.

Often slept a lot when he was younger, more than usual for a kid. Later on it was discovered that he has Narcolepsy, and has been on treatment since then.

While in Hogwarts, he works with several other classmates in creating a spell to allow muggle objects to function inside Hogwarts.

Often described as a cool and chill person, and is the easiest to get along with. Just don't mess with his siblings or his friends, and don't try stealing his things.

Discovered he was Bi during his 4th year. He's quite proud of it.

Loving music from a young age, he aspired to have a future career as a musician. Throughout his time at Hogwarts, he often hosted rave-like parties that became a hit with other students.

After Hogwarts, he became a well known DJ and music producer, being a hit the magic and muggle communities. He takes on the stage name of Talon.

His shows are very spectacular, as he secretly combines his magic with his music to create some highly amazing visuals.

His music is a mix of New Age and Hardstyle.

His favorite instrument is the piano.

Has a beautiful singing voice but is very shy about it.

Ava Winger

Second oldest.

Her Animagus form is a Golden Eagle like Talbott.

From a young age she proved to be very athletic. She was always the most energetic of the quads, and getting into sports proved to be a very good outlet for her.

Was the one that physically fought bullies during their childhood years at a muggle school. Classmates hailed her as a hero.

This carried over to Hogwarts, where she often fought anyone that dared to mess with her siblings and friends.

Don't touch her hair without her permission or you'll be on the receiving end of a beatdown.

She's something of a daredevil, and enjoys taking high risks in sports, such as pulling off very tricky moves. No risk, no reward, right? After Hogwarts she took up skydiving as a hobby during her downtime.

Attempted to try out for Quidditch as a first year but was declined. She wasted no time and tried again the following year, and makes it onto the Gryffindor team as one of their Chasers. She remained part of the team for the entirety of her time at school.

Realized she was a lesbian when the time came for the Celestial Ball.

Realizing how much she truly loved Quidditch, when the time came to consider future careers as the O.W.L.s were approaching, Ava was dead set on becoming a professional Quidditch player.

Near the end of her final year, her talents got the attention of the Montrose Magpies, who were looking for a new Chaser. Not only were they Ava's favorite team, but she was ecstatic when learning she made the team. She was officially a member by the summer of 2015, and continues to play in the present.

Jena Winger

Second youngest.

Her Animagus form is a Raven.

Never responded to her name when she was younger. It was later discovered that Jena was born on the Autism Spectrum.

Finds loud noises to be overwhelming. Has since gotten around it by wearing noise cancelling headphones when necessary. She eventually adapts as she gets older.

Loves her owl plushie Princess Feathers, which doubles as a ventriloquist puppet. She received it as a gift from Talbott for her 6th birthday.

Developed an interest in ventriloquism around this time, and after enough practice and dedication, she became very skilled at it before the age of 10. She preferred to keep it as a hobby rather than entering contests and such.

While incredibly sweet and polite, Jena is also very honest and straightforward. She also has a snarky sense of humor, and likes bringing fun laughs to her classmates.

Loves to explore new things, and briefly took up Quidditch in her 3rd year, playing as Ravenclaw's temporary Seeker for that year's final 2 matches. While she enjoyed it, she was fine stepping down from the team afterward.

Realized she enjoyed baking during 4th year, and began to help her brother Altair in running the school's mini baking business, much like Reina did back then.

Discovered she was Pan during 5th year, and dated a few folks during her remaining time at school.

Jena took an interest in working alongside her mother in the family's bakery, and did just that after graduating from Hogwarts. She still works there in the present with Reina.

Altair Winger

The youngest.

His Animagus form is a Magpie that retains his eye color. His earring contains one of his feathers.

As a child he was always the most sensitive and the most prone to crying, and much of it still lingers in the present. He's a guy not afraid to show his emotions, and tries to encourage his male students to do the same.

Although he's the youngest, he's always looked out for his siblings, especially Jena as kids liked picking on her during their childhood. This protection remains during their time at Hogwarts.

He's a fierce duelist and displays great skill in Dark Magic. He was taught to use it ethically and only as a last resort.

He's equally skilled when it comes to Jinxes, Hexes and certain Curses, and was not above using them against bullies if the situation called for it.

Like Reina, he baked a lot for classmates and started up the same mini baking business she once had during her school years. He was joined by Jena later on, and they ran it together until graduation.

Discovered he was gay some time before the Celestial Ball took place in his 4th year. When the time for O.W.L.s rolled around, Altair realized he wanted to become an Auror like his father. After Hogwarts he reached his goal. He was often paired up with Talbott on quite a handful of missions, helping take down the remaining Death Eaters that were still in hiding.

In 2019, Altair developed an interest in becoming a teacher, specifically in Defense Against the Dark Arts, as he felt he could use his experiences an an Auror to teach the students more efficiently.

He soon met all of the requirements and became a professor, taking over for Ricardo (the Jacob of this AU) after the latter stepped down.

[sargentr]

crisp trepidation

wrote this thinking of the song fine line by harry styles.

read on AO3

"Parrish." the voice said, "Parrish. Wake up."

Adam jolted awake by two hands who shook him slightly. Around him he could only see the dark, pitch black sky, shimmering with stars and constellations that came with the Virginian night, miles away from the cities. He noticed then he was still in a car, seat let back completely and a leather jacket covering his bare arms. He didn’t turn to look at the person who called him; he thought about closing his eyes, hoping what had just happened was all a nightmare.

Adam did not move. Instead, he kept looking at the stars. Altair, Deneb, Vega, Arcturus. He could name half of the sky.

The silence lingered, almost like it made noise to him. "Adam." The voice was softer. Adam turned his head ever so slightly to look up at Ronan Lynch, peering down into the open driver’s door. Blood and black stains still covered his skillfully sketched face, and traced dots and lines down his dark clothes. Like this, Adam could only see his eyes. "Come on." said Ronan, quietly, unlike himself, or, like entirely himself around people he trusted, "You can't sleep in the car." Adam sat up, and just then realized he wasn't at the parking lot of St. Agnes like he was expecting to be. No, Adam found himself staring at a family house, posted in the middle of nowhere, with barns at its outskirts. He sighed, visibly. He wanted to ask Ronan why he had brought him here, ask why he would come back here right after his mother had just passed. Ronan Lynch, he thought, full of surprises. Ronan tapped a finger once on top of the car, then lifted his posture to start walking inside, irritated to a bare minimum because Adam was clearly still out of it, "You staying there, shithead?" and so Adam got out of the car, hesitating. His limbs felt sore, and his eyes felt heavy, but sleep seemed like a million years away from catching up to him.

The Barns, just like Ronan, was not a place to play with. He didn't know what that meant exactly. He didn’t like the feeling it gave him; of belonging, trusting. Those concepts were foreign to him. He was his own home. His body, his mind, his relationships. Home wasn’t a place to Adam, because he had never had a physical home. He didn’t know how it felt.

He had a hunch it felt like this. They marched up the porch in unity. God, that porch. Just to think that merely days before that he was kissing Ronan Lynch to death, a metaphor he then thought was harmless. Now, that moment seemed as distant to Adam as being a child. It had felt like peace in his troubled routine, to be a normal teenager for a night; being able to kiss the boy he liked, to cuddle on the couch and trace fingers across his skin and exchange soft words in Latin until life caught up to Adam like it always it. He should have known it was too good to be true. Too good to last. A wind had blown by, he remembered. Adam had shivered against Ronan's pressed up body as they kissed. A small frown formed on Ronan's face when they parted, and Adam almost lifted his hand to touch were his eyebrows met in worry that he might be cold. He pulled Adam to him even more that he already was, and slipped his arms around his hips, touching the side of their faces together. That was when Ronan's hands traveled upwards, and caressed his arms in hopes of warming him. Adam pressed the side of his face to his collarbone, hands drawn up to their close chests, and sighed. "We should head inside." he had said against Ronan's skin.

He couldn't describe it, and that panicked him. Not knowing what it meant to be that warm, numb and to lose the use of his body completely when his fingers and Ronan's were tangled, being pulled to the couch, and before he could even process what had just happened, Ronan's lips were on his already.

He remembers smiling against them, not even trying to contain it. Happiness felt like a prize Adam wouldn't have expected to receive, and yet this made Adam realize how incredibly euphoric he had been in that moment. And that had been their second kiss. Now, a thing like that seemed impossible. They stepped inside, and just then it hit Adam, "Where's Orphan Girl?"

Adam's voice sounded surreal. It was too quiet, making his already cracked voice sound unbearably unfamiliar. Ronan was by the kitchen counter, walking towards the sink before he opened the tap, "Upstairs already." he said, "You to sleep for another ten minutes in the car. So I let her into Matthew’s room."

He put a hand on the wooden island, sitting down on one of those rich people high chairs, "Why didn’t you just wake me?"

Ronan closed the tap and reached for a piece cloth, turning so he could lean on the counter. He crossed his legs, shrugging.

Adam knew Ronan was either arranging for him to sleep somewhere, or just needed some time to think. Ronan was not good with words; Adam didn’t needed to remind himself of that detail. Adam looked at his nails, bloody, probably from Ronan. He felt physically so incapable of moving he would gladly sleep on that kitchen island and only wake up by sunrise. His eyebrows met, eyes still fixed down, "Can I, uh, shower?" Ronan let out a laugh. Adam looked up, "Knock yourself out." he said, almost like Adam was supposed to, even before he asked, "You can use Declan's." They didn't say anything else. ***

Adam debated wether he should just lay down and sleep or walk downstairs to talk to Ronan.

He exited Declan's bathroom, towel hanging from his hips and paced to the bed. Adam sat down thinking about how his best friend had died and come back, merely hours ago; he didn't know what to think right then. Gansey, he thought, I should be with Gansey. Don't cry, he told himself. Quickly, Adam put on the clothes he had been wearing before; blood-stained shirts and dirty jeans were not exactly new to him. He walked outside, and when he was about to turn the corner and trot down the stairs, he saw Ronan walking up, and stopped. "Where do you think you're going, Parrish?" Ronan frowned a bit, crossing his arms over his chest. Adam said, "I was going to look for you.” Ronan frowned, looking at Adam's body, trailing up and down, "Why are you still in those filthy fucking clothes?" Adam lifted his eyebrows, thinking, "Well, I didn't exactly have time to pack--"

"Wait here." said Ronan, and before Adam could protest, he had sprung past him and into his own room. A moment later, Ronan came back with a pair of grey sweatpants and a white tee.

He took Adam’s hands from his sides and placed them on his palm, "I forgot to put these in Declan's room." Adam inhaled. Something inside him was poking his stomach. He said nothing, he just stared at clothes.

It wasn't the fact that Ronan had thought of something sweet to do --Ronan was, and not surprisingly, someone who cared about others-- it was the thought that Ronan had done it for him. Something as simple and intimate as letting Adam borrow his clothes.

Adam forgot, just for a fraction of a second, what they had just gone through. Instead, he felt giddy with surprise and affection that Ronan was giving him his clothes to wear. He was also dumbfounded to be so emotional over old sweatpants and a plain white shirt. Ronan noticed. Of course he noticed, "Fine. You can sleep in dirt, for all I care." "Wait." Ronan was going to take back the items of clothing before Adam pressed them to his chest, "Sorry. I’m tired, I can't function properly." Ronan's jaw clenched, "Go to sleep, Parrish."

Adam barely nodded, and when Ronan turned to walk back to his room, a wave of panic struck through Adam's body, "Ronan?"

He stopped and looked back. Adam knew Ronan hadn't brought him to the Barns so he could sleep in Declan's room and leave early to work, but he also didn't know what he wanted that exact moment. Kiss me, he thought, do something. In all honesty, Adam felt drained of whatever love he had left in him. It wasn’t fuel to simply run out, he knew that, but he felt empty. Deprived. Lost. Shaken. And God, he just wanted affection, for once in his goddamned life. He inhaled, and realized his eyes were starting to water. He gazed down, trying to control it, but Ronan had already walked to him. He wiped his tears; Ronan was too close, and still did nothing.

Adam let out a watery, breathless short laugh, peeking a look at Ronan's hesitant state. He had never seen Adam cry. He hadn’t ever had to deal with it, so Adam spared him, “You don't have to ask my permission to touch me, you know that, right?"

Ronan's expression changed, defensive, "I know that, asshole." There he is, Adam thought. He nodded, trying to contain a small smile of amusement at Ronan having absolutely no clue on what to do. Ronan just then moved huffed a laugh as well, and left almost no space between him and Adam. And just like that, they weren’t smiling anymore.

Adam didn't dare break eye contact. He hadn't realized being this up close to Ronan would leave him suddenly breathless, lips parted, waiting. Ronan touched the side of his face, fingers grazing his jaw ever so lightly Adam couldn't stop it when his breath hitched at it. His thumb found a still wet spot on Adam's cheekbone and wiped it, before leaning down and touching his lips to Adam's.

It wasn't like their other ones. No, this one was lighter, softer, something Adam was waiting for since their first hurried kiss; Ronan’s unmasked gentleness. His hands were placed involuntarily on Ronan's sides, bringing them closer and deepening the kiss just merely.

Ronan shivered under his touch. It was something Adam found quite exquisite, his effect over him. Ronan’s body was shaking under his hands, making something hot speed through Adam's whole body. Ronan stopped kissing him for a second, and Adam thought he might've done something physically that implied the feeling. "What?" asked Adam, voice rushed, light and sweet. Adam's eyes seemed glued to Ronan's blue ones, "Nothing." he whispered, a smile almost slipping. He exhaled, and let his hands slowly travel down Adam's arms until he had reached his hand, taking them in his own. "C'mon, loser." Adam knew Ronan was trying his hardest to hide a smile. Ronan led them into his room, to his bed, and sat down. Adam stood between his legs, and rested his hands on Ronan's neck, looking down at him. And just like that, it hit him. As Adam's hands rested on Ronan's neck, just above his collarbone, he could feel how swollen it was, how the colors around his fingers didn't match Ronan's skin. Adam dropped his hands almost immediately, and avoided Ronan's eyes, his own glued to the monstrosity he knew was his doing.

"Hey." he said softly, taking one of Adam's hand in his own, trying to stop him from stepping away, "Adam?"

When he looked up to meet Ronan's eyes, he knew his own were displaying how horrified, petrified, he actually was. Ronan, though, only expressed worry. He inhaled, almost nervously, "Adam, no." "I did this-" "You didn't." cut Ronan, taking his other hand and guiding Adam a few steps forward, "You'd never hurt me." Adam shook his head, eyes still fixed at how bad Ronan's neck actually looked and thinking to himself how he did not notice that before, "Ronan, I-" "Hey." he said again, soft as ever, and if Adam wasn't melted by fear that exact moment, he'd be starstruck by it, "It's okay." Ronan lifted both of his hands, and Adam knew where they were going, "Adam. Look at me." He did. Ronan's eyes were as trustworthy as Adam had been to Cabeswater. Slowly, Ronan touched Adam's fingers to his bruised neck. He flinched, "Ronan." his voice broke visibly, "S-stop."

"It's okay." he gave Adam's fingers a light squeeze before setting them. Adam's breath hitched, "It's you. It's okay."

It took him a whole minute to do anything other than just lay them there. After that, one of them slipped to the back of Ronan's neck, and the other to his jaw, "I'm sorry." he whispered. He knew Ronan was looking at him, appreciating whatever he saw in Adam that made him worthy of appreciating. Adam kept his eyes fixed on his hands caressing his jaw, "Why didn't you stop me?" "It wasn't an option." he said, not hesitating, “A guy finally kissed me back, Parrish. If he wants to choke me then that’s fucking fine.”

Adam let out an un-calculated scoff. He silently thanked Ronan for trying to lighten the mood, “Asshole.”

Ronan smirked, "If the situation were to be inverted, you'd do the same.” Adam frowned at that, "God, no." he shook his head, playfully, "You'd kill me twice as fast. Have you seen your size compared to mine?" Ronan's tipped his head back to look up better at Adam when he took a step closer. Ronan face was a centimeter away from his chest now. He smiled up at him, playfully, “You calling me fat, Parrish?" He smiled back. At that, Ronan placed his hands on the small of Adam's back. Adam got the idea and straddled Ronan, unhurried and calmly, letting them both appreciate new grounds. “This is okay.” he said, when they touched their foreheads together, “Right?” Ronan had closed his eyes. He gave Adam’s the softest smile, “Yeah. It’s okay.” Adam kissed him. It started off the same as the last one, though Adam knew it was going to end completely different. Kissing Ronan Lynch was different from making a bargain with Cabeswater, or doing something as crazy as finding a dead Welsh king. No, kissing Ronan Lynch felt like he was playing a game of chess, in which there were no winners, and the only way out was to break the pieces. Adam did not ever want to commit such a crime. They kissed, and kissed and kissed. This or that, Ronan made it feel like it was the first time he'd ever done it. This once, Ronan starting kissing the outline of his lips, then his cheeks, and down his neck, and Adam couldn't help but feel so incredibly comfortable he slowly made Ronan trail back before he ground his hips down. Ronan displayed a type of surprise, though he was violently trying to fight against it. Adam kissed him again, and felt how breathless he already was, "Is this okay too?” Their noses were still touching, too close. Ronan held Adam's waist close, "God." he breathed, "Yeah, asshole. You don’t have to ask every time."

Adam didn't know what he was expecting, or what he wanted for that matter. All he knew was that kissing, straddling and grounding into Ronan like he was that instant felt too good to be true.

It was a medium to calm rhythm. Both of them were exhausted, drained, incapable of wanting more than just each others presence. After what felt like an eternity of panting, of feeling each other fully and completely aroused, pressing together and hearing Ronan’s muffled groans on his neck, both of them came. Clothed, warm, entwined.

They were breathless, panting slightly, mouths touching but not kissing. Adam laughed, just merely, contented and sated. Ronan placed a kiss to his cheek, and pulled him to lay down. He had a feeling they were going to ignore the mess in their boxers, and found he didn’t really care.

Now, sleep was a second away from catching up to him. They faced each other, knees and noses touching, Ronan’s hand traveling up and down his back. He was already trailing away when Ronan's deep voice broke silence, "I'm not sleeping." he said.

Adam wanted to protest, he really wanted to, but he knew how many times Ronan wanted to do that as well when Adam worked and studied himself to death, and still did not dare say a word. Adam had warned him too many times those were not subjects his friends had sayings in, and Ronan would avoid a fight with Adam any day of the week.

"Okay." he whispered back, touching the side of his face just once before letting his hand drop between them, "Wake me up if you need anything." Ronan nodded, patiently. When he realized Ronan wasn't going to say anything else, he exhaled before turning his back to him and turning off the lamps.

Before sleep took him, Adam had the faintest feeling that they were going to be all right.

[reflectionsofacreator]

Word count: 1693 | Also over on my [ao3] Set during AC2. Lizzie is not an OC. 

This one’s been eating at me, might as well post it -- it’s more of a dialogue piece than anything, similar to the intro conversations Desmond can have with Shaun or Rebecca. 

---

“Well aren’t you a handsome one? Yes you are, look at how sharp your teeth are! Here, here’s some food for you…”

Desmond followed the sound of the cooing down and around the corner, to the more isolated part of the warehouse. His Animus session was wrapped up for the day, and he still had a bunch of energy to try and burn through before their dinner got here. So… off to the warehouse jungle gym it was. 

He found Lizzie sitting on the ground against a support pillar, her laptop on her thigh, and cooing at a rat, scratching it as she fed it a bit of her food. 

“You know, that’ll just make him bring his friends,” Desmond pointed out, coming around to lean against the railing. “And then we’ll have an infestation.” 

Lizzie looked up at him, blinking owlishly for a moment, and then shrugged. “He’s not hurting anyone. Besides, he needs a bit of food, he’s skinny. And I told him not to bring his friends back here, so we should be fine.” 

“You told the rat not to bring his friends here?” Desmond asked, just to clarify. 

“Mmhm,” she said, and pet the little thing on the head. It squeaked and sniffed at her, before investigating curiously for more food. “He’s smart, he knows what I mean.” 

Desmond had no idea if she was pulling his leg or being completely serious. He’d already been through so much this last week that a supposedly sentient rat barely registered. 

“Uh. Sure.” He said, and crossed his arms. “Sorry, I’m a little bit of a disadvantage here. I got to know Shaun and Rebecca some, and I know Lucy from Abstergo, but you’re kind of a mystery for me.” 

“I mean, you’ve only been here a few days, right?” She asked, smiling at him. “And I’m usually down here, instead of in the Animus room.” 

“Yeah, why is that?” Desmond asked, gesturing to the warehouse. “You don’t even have a chair down here, let alone a desk or anything. Wouldn’t you be more comfortable upstairs? With the air conditioning?” 

Lizzie laughed slightly and pet the rat again, and got it to cuddle up into her lap. The image was cute, but as a long time New Yorker Desmond wanted to tell her that it would skin her alive. 

“I’m somewhat claustrophobic,” she admitted. “I’m better than I was as a kid, but sometimes it still gets to me. The warehouse feels bigger, compared to the tiny loft. And well, Shaun and Rebecca banter so much, it’s hard to think.” 

“Yeah, that’s fair,” Desmond chuckled, and slowly came over to sit down. “I’m usually wrapped up in the Animus so I don’t hear them often, but sometimes…”

“Speaking of,” she said, and started to tap at her laptop. “ I have the first few glyphs you’ve found decoded. The ones from Subject Sixteen. There’s more to them, but I got the base encryption out of the way.” 

“Oh hey, that’s awesome!” Desmond said, grinning as he leaned over to view the laptop. On one screen was a program that seemed to be partially animus tech, and the other was an email screen. The message she had open was just filled with lines, looking like slashes or Is. 

“You read cuneiform?” He asked, lifting a brow. 

“Huh? Oh, no,” she said, and closed out of the email. Her desktop had a picture of herself from a few years ago, a younger girl, and an older teenage boy, who was covered in scars. Their features were similar enough that Desmond would bet that they were related. “Well, I can read sometimes, I studied it in college, but that’s not cuneiform, it’s Claw.” 

“Claw?” He asked, keeping an eye on the rat. 

“An alphabet my siblings and I use to talk,” she smiled. “Don’t worry, it’s encoded even through the alphabet. I doubt anyone could read it, even if they were to hack into Hephaestus.” 

“Family, huh?” He mused, and leaned back. “Does that mean you’re not a born Assassin?” 

“Nope!” She said cheerily, and sat back against the support beam. “I’m actually sort of similar to Shaun, except I got caught hacking into Hephaestus, not Abstergo. I usually operate out of home base, but Rebecca and Shaun asked me to help with this job, considering how important the Animus is.” 

“What do you usually do, then?” 

“I’m a code breaker, and a hacker,” she said, a touch of pride in her voice. “I can break any encryption, any code, if given enough time, and even then it doesn’t take me long. Hacking’s more of a required skill in the Brotherhood nowadays, so I picked it up by proxy, but code is my specialty.” 

“And I suppose that also translates to genetic code?” He asked, a wry smile on his face. 

“Now you’re getting it!” Lizzie grinned. “Though not quite—Lucy’s better at genetics than I am, but I did help her get the initial programming for turning genetic code into computer code, and digitizing it into something readable.” 

Desmond frowned at that, tilting his head. Didn’t that mean Lizzie would’ve known Lucy in college, or…? Lizzie looked a little young for that. 

At his confused glance, she chuckled. “I went to college when I was fifteen. I graduated high school when I was fourteen, got my GED and everything. I didn’t get recruited until I was about eighteen though.” 

“Yeah?” Desmond asked, feeling vaguely sick. He was sixteen when he ran, and hearing that she was barely older than that was …. unsettling. But he didn’t let it show. “What about your family? You must be close, to keep exchanging emails even in the Brotherhood.” 

Lizzie grimaced, and scratched the rat in her lap. “Gregor isn’t happy with me, yeah. Thinks I’ve thrown away my life for some stupid reason. Boots thinks it’s great, but she doesn’t understand what I do. She thinks I just travel.”

“Boots?” He laughed, shaking his head. “That’s great. Gotta say, though, your brother might be onto something. Being an Assassin isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.” 

“That’s why you ran away?” She asked, lifting a brow at him. Shaun had made it judgemental, but she didn’t, strangely enough. “Most everyone’s heard about how you left the Farm when you were a teenager.” 

Desmond shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest. Normal civilians would’ve seen it as defensive, or hiding, but to Assassins it was a non-threatening gesture, a willingness to talk. “Thought I was being raised in a cult, and that everyone was a liar.” 

Lizzie quirked an eyebrow at him. “... Gregor thinks that too.” 

“Your brother’s probably right,” he said lightly. “I may be here because I want to get back at those Abstergo bastards, but… doesn’t change how the Assassins are run. He sounds like a smart kid.” 

Lizzie smiled at that, looking down at the rat in her lap and scratching his ears once again. She didn’t say anything for a moment, thinking so hard that Desmond could practically hear it. 

“I figured…” She started, her voice trailing off. 

“Figured what? Use your skills for something good, or something like that?” Desmond asked, and just barely managed to keep the laugh out of his voice. He still wasn’t sure if the Assassins were doing good, more just… Trying to stop things from getting worse. 

“Well, something like that,” Lizzie admitted, looking away to the warehouse. Her voice was quiet, melancholy, even. “I’ve done a lot of good with my skills before, so I thought I might as well throw my lot in with some to try and do even more good. I watched my brother and little sister get caught up in a lot of stuff, unable to get away, and I hated it. It had already claimed our father, and even our mom. I wanted to be the last one to stick it out, until I couldn’t, not anymore, and I was swept up into everything, trying to prevent a war, or at least prevent some more losses.” 

Desmond stared at her, feeling slightly out of his depth. But something about the way she talked called to him and the way he had seen Altair, and now Ezio, got thrown into situations out of their control. Grand and oppressive, leaving scars on both sides. 

“So I got involved,” she shrugged, still staring out over the warehouse. Her eyes skimmed over the boxes, clearly thinking about something else. Maybe even seeing something else. “I learned a lot, helped save a lot of lives by using my talents. Codebreakers like me were as rare as trees, or so the saying goes.” 

“That…. Doesn’t make any sense,” Desmond said, laughing a little to cover his nervousness. Reflexively, he looked, and Looked again. She was blue, just like Lucy, Shaun, and Rebecca, but he couldn’t shake the odd feeling. 

“Not here, no,” she said, smiling softly. “Don’t worry about it. Long, long story short… I want to help. I’m good at it. Gregor… He sort of got thrown into it, without meaning to, and he still has scars for it. Understandably, he doesn’t want me to get hurt.”

“Maybe you should listen to him,” Desmond said quietly, so not to let his words echo up to the loft above. 

“Yeah, maybe,” she said, and looked down at the rat in her lap. He yawned and rolled over to get more comfortable, little paws sticking up in the air. “But, Desmond, could you live with yourself if you had the ability to do something good, and then just… not do it?” 

Desmond looked down at his hand, lifting it up to stare at his left ring finger. It felt weird to have it, somehow. He flexed his fingers, and automatically tried to trigger his hidden blade. The fact that the last one he touched was a modern ceramic one in the Farm when he was fifteen didn’t even factor, really, he just missed the comforting weight of a bracer. 

“You know?” He murmured, looking at her over his fist. “I think I’m going to find out, one way or another.” 

[getbacktoworknovice]

📕 Thank You

[This imagine is set in an modern day AU where you are hired by Altair to be Malik’s home health care aide. After a rocky start, the two of you are at the point you can actually tolerate each other. You have been working for him for a little over a year now~]

Malik had always been stubborn.

Taking care of him for so long you knew that much. He always seemed grumpy and its not that you could blame him but it got taxing at times. Especially when you were just trying to do your job.

“Malik!” You called through the door between the two of you. “Will you open up?” All you wanted to do was help. You noticed he seemed to be having some trouble this evening with getting his shirt on right. Normally Malik wore t-shirts or polo’s he could slip on over his head but today, since he was actually going out for a business dinner, he had to wear something “formal”.

Which meant buttons and Malik hated buttons. You knew part of it was because he only had one arm and it made the task a frustrating annoyance and the other part was that he was embarrassed. Embarrassed that he needed help doing something that, at one time, had been so simple.

Plus it meant he needed your help and for some reason lately it was like he was skittish around you. Whenever you helped him cook and you would take the spoon from him after he tasted it, he would flinch. Whenever you sat next to him when he was working on his maps he got all flustered. Especially when you would compliment him on a job well done.

You didn’t put too much into it as you figured it was just him getting used to you as a friend (the two of you had been at odds until you stood up for yourself) and he wasn’t sure how to act. But this was getting ridiculous. When he told you to “Go away!” your foot gave an irritated tap and you kicked the door.

“Malik Al Sayf! Open this door right now or I’m calling Altair!” You threatened, knowing the two of them had serious issues. Technically, Altair was your boss. He was the one who had hired you but Malik had only agreed to take you on as his aide when Altair had mentioned he would pay for your assistance.

The two of them had a bit of…bad blood between them and Malik didn’t deal with Altair anymore than he had to that was for sure. So when you threatened to call him you heard the lock click and Malik finally opened the door. When you had offered to help him out with his dressing, he had immediately locked himself into his office. It was like he was afraid to let you help him.

When he finally came out you had to suppress a giggle at his disheveled appearance. His buttons were completely done up wrong, his tie hung loose around his neck, his undershirt was hanging out and his hair was even stuck up in the back. As if he’d gotten so frustrated he had gripped the back of his head. Seeing your amused expression he gave a glower at you.

“If all you wanted was to laugh at me I assure you I can do without that!” He grumbled and you giggled. “I’m sorry!” You insisted putting up your hands in front of you defensively. “I’m sorry, just–let’s fix this okay?” You smiled stepping closer to him.

He flinched again when you gently grabbed onto his shirt, undoing the buttons. “Will you tuck in your shirt please?” You asked, pointing to the white shirt he had on underneath. As he did so you moved to his desk to pull his jar of safety pins closer. When you had him all sorted you’d have to pin up his empty left sleeve so it wouldn’t get in his way.

When you turned back he had done as you asked and you went over to start buttoning his shirt up right. When you noticed he seemed to be getting agitated you asked him,“Are you all right?” while managing to get him all the way buttoned up.

“I’m fine.” He insisted as you began tying his tie. “I’m just…I’m not used to this.” He said watching your hands as you worked. Tilting your head curiously you looked up at him as you finished, folding his collar down around it.

“Used to what, being friends with someone?” You asked with a smile and to your surprise he seemed to be…blushing? “No…having a woman around.” He admitted sheepishly, looking away from you as he tried to straighten his hair, patting down the mess with his hand. He was being awfully shy, so different from his serious and stoic self.

It was cute.

“Would you rather have a man feeling you up?” You teased and he gave you a flat look. You laughed at that and he himself even gave a small hint of a smile. “Well…I think I would rather have you. Seeing as how close we are and all.” He said sarcastically and you swatted him telling him to tuck his shirt in so you could turn and get the pins for his sleeve, a smile still on your face.

When you turned back around you went to his side to pin the hanging material into place against the stump that used to be his left arm. For some reason your hand lingered there for a moment before you pulled away. He had never told you how he lost his arm. You two weren’t that close…not yet.

Perhaps in time that would change.

For now, you were just happy he was actually joking. Or at least, in a better mood. Once you had finished you stood back to admire your “handiwork” and he even did a little turn around for you to which you laughed aloud, raising his hand in the end with a cock of his brow. “Well?” He asked and you gave a happy clap.

“You look fantastic and very symmetrical if I do say so myself.” You teased and he gave a chuckle. “Ah well, this is good then, so long as I am “symmetrical”.” He said with a nod and a smile which was rare but nice to see. Going around to the other side of his desk, he pulled his jacket from the back of his chair, sliding into it as best he could before coming back over to you.

You helped him straighten it up once he was back by you but were surprised when he leaned down closer to you, causing you to look up at him.

“You know…I have never said this to you before and I feel it is overdue,” he said his brown eyes softer than you had ever seen before, his face barely inches from yours. You felt your heart skip a beat as he leaned down and kissed your forehead.

“Thank you.” He said softly.

You were too surprised to even respond, your entire face flushed a bright, bright red as he made his way past you with a smile. “You can have the rest of the night off Y/N, you have earned it dealing with me as you have.” He said honestly, grabbing up his keys.

“Just promise me you will be back in the morning, all right?” He said, turning to look at you once he reached the front door. His serious mask was back…but his eyes were still soft. Finally coming back to yourself you nodded eagerly.

“I-I, yes! I’ll be back, scouts honor!” You insisted, crossing your fingers in pledge. You could see the smile in his eyes as he nodded.

“Very well, I will see you tomorrow then. Have a good night.” He said before making his leave. You stood there for a moment, rewinding all of that through your head. Whether you or he had been aware of it or not, something had definitely changed between the two of you.

Something had indeed changed.

And it had you smiling all the way home.

[bastionkeeper]

If you’re taking writing requests could we get some Jupeter?

I’m all dizzy from these new meds so I’m sorry if this makes no sense asldkfajsdlkfj but I wanted something soft and scifi so here ya go

“Yeah, no, I’m not eating that,” Juno said, eyeing up the quite literally alien food in front of him.

“You’re not really into trying new things, huh?” Nureyev asked, arching an eyebrow at the once private eye now intergalactic semi-criminal. It had been his idea to take the lady out for a little adventure, to a crowded little restaurant full of fellow travelers with a menu as diverse as the clientele. Though he had suspected this sort of reaction from the stubborn martian, no one could blame him for trying to broaden Juno’s horizons a little.

“I can try new things,” Juno huffed defensively. “I just don’t want to eat something that’s moving.”

“Oh, it’s not still alive or anything,” Nureyev said, deftly snatching up one such wiggling mystery food with his chopsticks. “You see, Jupiter snails continue to move up to two days after death. It’s how you know they’re fresh.”

“Okay, that’s great, let’s get the check,” Juno replied, looking a little green.

With Buddy still planning the details of the job, Nureyev had plenty of time to show Juno around one of his favorite spaceports in the known universe. Altair-1 was crowded, messy, loud, perfect. A man with no name could disappear without challenge, a voyager could find plenty of stories from other voyagers, and there was also a high chance of pick-pocketing or being pick-pocketed which was always thrilling.

Juno seemed to handle the crowd well enough, not getting pushed back and lost in the chaos like most inexperienced tourists, though he did at one point take Nureyev’s hand to keep them from being separated.

“What do you think?” Nureyev asked, lifting one pendant with a delicate hand. They were standing in front of one of many booths on the streetside selling trinkets and souvenirs. Nureyev ran a thumb over the certified lucky charm and was unsurprised to find some of the paint rubbed off. So cheap, and tacky, he loved it.

“Huh? Yeah, great,” Juno replied, arms folded over his chest and eyes darting about.

“Don’t sound so enthusiastic.” Nureyev rolled his eyes. “What’s bothering you, Juno? I can feel you sulking from here.”

“I’m not sulking,” Juno sulked. “I’m just… getting used to the change in atmosphere is all. Air’s a little thinner than I’m used to.”

Nureyev looked Juno over, taking in his hunched, drawn in posture, and his frown. While he didn’t doubt Juno was probably suffering from the thinner atmosphere, there had to be something else bothering him too.

“Do you want to go back to the ship?” Nureyev asked. “Here, you can lean on me if you need support.”

“I’m fine, I told you,” Juno said. “Let’s keep going. What did you want to show me next?”

Juno’s fingers tapped restlessly on his arm, and his eyes just kept darting about. That’s when it dawned on Nureyev what exactly was wrong.

“Ah, I’m so sorry, Juno, you’re overwhelmed aren’t you?” he said, taking Juno’s hands in his.

“What? No!” Juno protested. “I’m totally… whelmed. It’s all good.”

“I suppose even Hyperion City doesn’t get crowds like this,” Nureyev said. “And it’s all new things all at once, I should have realized.”

“I can do new things!” Juno argued. “I’m adventurous! I’m… I’m good, damn it.”

“You look like you’re expecting an attempt on your life,” Nureyev said. “If you get any tenser you may just snap in half. Juno, you’ve never really been one to keep quiet when you have a complaint, what’s going on?”

“I…” Juno huffed and looked down at his feet. “I don’t want you to have to go back just because I’m getting an overstimulated headache. That’s all.”

Nureyev was surprised into silence for a moment, before a small smile spread across his face. “I could always come back out on my own…”

“No, we’re already out right now, it’s just… easier,” Juno said.

“Could it be you’re enjoying me enjoying myself?” Nureyev asked, his voice dropping into a teasing purr. When Juno’s face colored and he averted his gaze further, Nureyev knew he’d hit the nail on the head. “You hate the tourism, you love the tourist.”

“You’re no tourist,” Juno said, looking back up at Nureyev with a look that almost bordered on admiration. “You’re totally at ease with all of this. You’re… god damn charming and confident and switching languages like its nothing and it’s sort of incredible, okay? Yeah. I’m having fun watching you do your thing. What about it, huh?”

Nureyev laughed behind one manicured hand, which only made Juno’s look of admiration twist back into a sulky frown. “Hey don’t laugh!”

“Sorry, sorry,” Nureyev playfully batted aside the accusing finger Juno had pointed in his direction. “It’s just so sweet…”

“... yeah, okay,” Juno said, for once at a loss for words as his face grew a little too hot for his comfort. Nureyev pressed a kiss to Juno’s cheek, and took his hand once more.

“Come on. Let’s go back to the ship. There’s this darling antique shop on the way we can make it our last stop.”

[darkdevasofdestruction]

When You Get Injured

Altair Ibn-La'Ahad

They were on a mission together, all stealthy and such - Everything going perfectly well, since they were known to be the Power Duo of the Masyaf Brotherhood, never failing to complete a mission with 100% success rate- that is until today.

The girl was lying in wait on a taller building, ready to strike down any potential foe that could ruin Altair’s path of stealthiness, like a lioness in the tall grass, but what she didn’t know was that danger was lurking right behind her.

Before she could phantom what was happening, someone from behind her put her arm around her neck, choking her until she slowly lost consciousness, not able to fight back the filthy Templars surrounding her.

As Altair got the job done, he went to the meet point, waiting anxiously to see his lover safe and sound, to celebrate with a nice dessert and a hookah, but this time, instead of being met with her grin and gorgeous sparkling eyes, he only found a broken bow - Her broken bow, the one he gifted her on her birthday, which she craved with their initials - now lay on the ground.

Rage filled him, but if there was one thing he learnt from his mistakes and his time spent together with his lover, the one who could show him that it’s normal to have emotions and to care for others, was that he needed a well-thought plan and to not succumb to the darkness and recklessness, as he usually did.

He met with his most trusted friend, Malik, and made up a rescue plan - Quick and Stealthy - As to not target any more attention towards the Brotherhood.

They tracked her down, thanks to Al’Sayf’s information-gathering assassins and went to the secret base they kept her at, a place not well known and hidden away from the public eye, and saw her there, bound by her wrists with rope that dug harshly into her skin, her head hanging down, panting in desperation, trying to block the pain from the continuous whip lashes, drawing blood and grunts with each strike.

The Templars just wouldn’t stop asking for information about the Brotherhood, but no, she was strong, Altair knew it, but his heart felt like someone was stomping on it with each of her cries of agony, barely able to contain himself.

Thankfully, the enemies soon went away for other tasks and left the girl to suffer in silence, only her soft curses echoing in the room, which was the perfect time for the two assassins to get out of their hiding spot and save the girl.

Malik staid as a lookout whilst Altair cut the ropes and caught his S/O in his strong arms, picking her bridal style and kissing her forehead, whispering in her ear how everything’s going to be okay and that she’s safe now.

The girl could only muster a small smile before closing her eyes and relaxing in his warm embrace, knowing that she’s going back home, finally.

Back at the Jerusalem Bureau, Malik made sure they had everything they needed in their room and left them alone, attending official business, whilst Altair was helping dress the girl’s wounds, yet somehow, he was more silent than usual.

“Altair...? What’s the matter...? You’re even more quiet than usual.” she asked softly, stealing a look at him. He still wore his hood, not allowing any expression on his face.

“I’m fine.” he muttered, on a harsher tone than he wished for.

“I’m...Sorry. I should have sensed them approaching. It was my fault the mission was a failure. I will take full responsibility in front of Al Mualim.” she whispered, looking at the ground, like a kicked puppy.

“The mission was a success. I took care of that...” he replied, monotonously.

“Then...Why are you upset, Altair...? If the mission was a success, there is nothing to worry abo-” she tried to reason, not liking having her beloved angry at her, but she was cut off by the man looking directly in her eyes, making her glance back at him worriedly.

“You were captured, S/O. You were captured by the enemy and tortured, while you were on a mission with me. I was supposed to keep you safe, not let you die. If you were to die as well...” he began, but stopped mid-way, at a loss of words, seeing small droplets threaten to escape her eyes, one even straying and making a path down her pale, scratched cheek.

“We’re assassins, Altair. We knew what we got ourselves into from the very beginning a-and...I mean...We’re both alive, right?! A-At least that...!” she tried to reason, not understanding that the reason for his silence was his concern for her well-being, but raw emotions are difficult to show when you were taught to be devoid of any feeling.

“And what if you died?! What if I and Malik weren’t there to save you?! What would I have done?!” he raised his voice, trying to prove a point, but he was silenced by the girl taking off his hood and kissing him softly, caressing his face tenderly.

“I’m not dead, okay, Altair? I’m not going anywhere, any time soon, so please, calm down. Today is a day only for us. I am here, and so are you. So please, forget your worries and stay with me...” the girl held his hands tightly urging him to lay down with her on the bed, to which, rather stiff, he indulged, after taking off his gear, holding her close to his chest, making sure she won’t disappear anywhere.

She was the one person he held dearest and most precious to his heart and after so much hardship and heartbreak, she was the light of hope that helped him get out of the abyssal darkness that he was drowning into.

He got a glimpse at what life would be without her, seeing her in pain, tortured by the enemy, and he swore that he’d do anything in his power, and more, to ensure that she lives a happy life, even if that meant sacrificing himself.

She was the most important being in his world and he was never going to fail her again.

MALIK AL’SAYF

Ever since he lost his arm, Malik’s paramour has tried her best to be extra careful with him, giving up her job as a field-assassin in favour of the healing one, so she could stay around him as much as possible, making sure he’s okay...

Or, as okay a person who lost both his arm and his little brother could be, that is.

It was a warm Spring day, characteristically beautiful, which made the girl convince her beloved Malik to take a walk outside with her, in an attempt to make him temporarily forget about his sorrows and darkness.

She clinged on his arm, smiling brightly at him, chatting randomly, trying to cheer him up as they walked around the city, looking around the many market stalls and admiring the pieces of art displayed.

This didn’t last long, however, because Malik’s wound started bleeding through the bandaged, which was a clear sign that they needed to be changed - The only problem was that the girl ran out of medicinal herbs and ointment much faster than she expected, so she took her shawl off and wrapped it neatly around his wound, telling him to wait for her until she quickly gathers the plants needed.

Kissing his nose and giggling, she winked at him and ran towards the water where she knew the needed plants grew and started collecting them, putting them in her pockets. She was almost done with the gathering, until she heard some very noisy people approaching her, which only meant trouble - 

Templars.

Of course, she was dressed as a civilian, but her hair wasn’t covered, having given her shawl to her lover, and her beauty always attracted unwanted stares, especially from such savages.

She drew back slowly and wearily, eyeing them carefully, until she stepped into the water and realised she had no way to escape by running or fighting all of them at once.

“What is it that you want? I’m merely gathering herbs for my husband’s injury! Don’t you have some assassins to kill?” she asked in a stern voice, earning the laughter of the men looking down at her.

“Feisty one, ain’t she? Pretty lil’ thing at that too. You a foreigner, missy? You look exotic.” they mocked her, which made her eye twitch in annoyance. Out of all the things that could have happened, THIS did.

“Where I was born is none of your business! Now let me through, my husband needs me!” she pleaded, aggravated by the whole situation and by Malik’s obviously worsening condition, only to be met by a blade at her throat, which made her gulp, worriedly.

“Now, wench, why don’t you shut up and come with us? Clearly, we need your aid more than your incapacitated husband does, ‘aight? So many of us are much more worth your time!” the leader, as it seemed, laughed and tried to approach the girl, but she used a dagger from her sleeve to parry the blade at her throat, then impaled the leader’s own throat, pushing his body into the others and stealing his blade and getting into a defensive stance, biting her lip.

Statistically speaking, she had no chance, but at least she wasn’t near a dead-end anymore so she could try to out-run them.

That, however, wasn’t such a good idea since getting unwanted attention in the middle of the city could only do bad instead of good, so she decided to stand her ground - It was in her Creed, after all.

The brutes started attacking her, insulting her for daring to do such a horrible deed, a woman like her and all that, as she cut through them like she used to before the whole tragedy happened, but things weren’t looking too bright for her, as more Templar reinforcements came to aid the sinners and she was on the ground, awaiting her death, until a true miracle happened and the foe behind her found his head on the ground.

Gasping in surprise, she turned around and fount that her saviour was actually her beloved Malik, wearing an extremely annoyed face and a bloody sword in his right hand, ready to defend her.

“How come whenever you’re alone, you always run into trouble?” he asked with a slightly amused smirk.

“Honestly, Malik, trouble somehow seems to seek me out for some reason!” she muttered, pouting, but quickly got up and started helping him kill the rest of the bastards.

“If only that were true, Y/N.” he grunted as he parried a sword from his opponent.

But just before she could reply, her rapid instincts made her twirl around and parry the sword that was inches close to striking Malik’s neck and with a force she wasn’t aware she had, she managed to overpower the enemy and decapitated him instead, kicking his head away from there.

“What a jerk! Could you believe that? Trying to hurt you like that?!” she scoffed at the few Templars left there, clearly pissed at what just happened.

“Good think at least your reflexes didn’t vanished, or else I’d have been a goner.” he shrugged, putting back his sword, letting the other Templars run away.

“Oh, shush, you~! You know very well that I’d never let you leave me.” sticking out her tongue at him, she put her arm around his torso and guided him back at the citadel where they tended to each other’s wounds.

“I couldn’t get rid of you even if I wanted to. I did the grave mistake of asking to marry you.” he chuckled at her pout that turned into a grin as she kissed his knuckles, nuzzling her face in his hand.

“Of course you can’t get rid of me, husband. After all, I’m like a parasite. Never leaving you alone.” she said, winking at him, which earned the first genuine smile since the tragedy.

“Eh...You’re the one person I’d never get tired of. The last thing I want is for you to go away.” he muttered, kissing her hand.

EZIO AUDITORE DA FIRENZE

She first met Ezio when he went for help at Leonardo, her best friend and master.

They didn’t really talk much, but she found the young boy to have a unique charm, which she quickly sketched while Leo was working on the hidden blade and the poor boy fell asleep after having had such a terrible day.

The next time they met was under better circumstances, as she was sketching some anatomical drawings, thanks to her friend’s influence, in the rose garden and surprisingly, the young Auditore came into her sight, holding a white, thornless rose for her, as a sign of purity, innocence and appreciation, as she was as fair and gorgeous as the first snow of the year.

She smiled softly at him and offered him a place besides her on the bench, which made him have a charming-goofy smile on his face as he showed interest in her drawings and medical research.

The spark of excitement in her eyes as she explained to him everything she knew in such detail that, even if he barely understood most of the things, he was still gazing at her with an imense sense admiration and respect - 

That is, until they reached the page where his sketch was neatly drawn, depicting his innocent face as he was sleeping besides the fireplace.

Ezio’s face flushed a bit, then looked at the girl with a smug, knowing grin and yet, the girl was unphased by his reaction and merely asked if he liked the drawing and if he wished to keep it, as a token of appreciation for listening to her ramble.

He, of course, kept and cherished the drawing, always keeping it in his chest pocket, close to his heart and every time he’d have to go around that place, he’d make sure to surprise her with a white rose, because seeing her smile was what brightened his days and gave him hope for a better tomorrow.

And today was no different, he had to stay for a longer time at Leonardo’s so he decided to surprise her with both a rose and a box of chocolates, but when he got to his friend’s house and asked for the girl’s whereabouts, he saw a tint of worry on his face.

“Well, Ezio...Innocentio was out gambling again, I suppose...And dear Y/N offered to bring me my art supplies from the merchant I paid last week...But I don’t know what happened, she’s been gone for 2 hours! What should I do?!” Leonardo gripped Ezio’s shoulders, trying to get the answer to his desperate question.

“Don’t worry, amico mio, I’m going to look for her. Tell me, where did she go?” he asked, trying to hide the worry that was eating away at his heart.

Earning the directions from his genius friend, he sprinted out of the house, tracking down the girl he cared so deeply for, and to his shock, he found her cornered by his arch-enemy, Vieri de’ Pazzi, who kept pinching her and trying to aggressively court her.

“ Oh, come on, Y/N~. Why do you bother pretending to be a woman of culture and knowledge? That’s not attractive to men, y’know? A pretty face and a nice body like yours, however, could attract any male around. You don’t want to die alone, do you? I’m just here to help!” he slurred, in an attempt to sound like he was charming, but the girl was furious beyond measure and slapped the boy.

“You, brute! You kept me here for over an hour lecturing me about your perfect, stereotypical woman who happens to be just any female around! I don’t care if I die alone or not, as long as my thirst for knowledge is satisfied! Don’t try to make me fall into your dull platitude, because it won’t work. And besides...Someone, who is a far greater and smarter man than you will ever be, is already courting me, and I accepted it. So get a hint and leave!” she screamed in his face, trying to push him away, but he only slammed her into the wall, one hand around her neck, choking her.

“How DARE you speak to me like that?! You, a common wench with no wealth or respectable name? You, who is just a street rat, taken by a lowly self-proclaimed artist! You’re pitiful, that’s what you are! Just a nobody who wishes to be important, but if you die, I promise you, NOBODY will ever remember you!” Vieri exclaimed, the grip on her frail neck getting tighter and tighter, until it stopped altogether and a scream was heard.

The girl opened her eyes wearily, expecting to see the angry de’ Pazzi there, but instead, her saviour, Ezio Auditore, was there to save her, having injured the foe rather heavily and now he was running away, with his tail between his legs, like the coward he was.

The girl rubbed her neck gently before making a few steps towards the boy who saved her, smiling in appreciation.

“Ezio, mio caro, mio eroe, (my dear, my hero) how come you’re always there to save the day from such a...A...A figlio di putana bastardo! (son of a bitch) Urgh...I must be rather lucky to be saved by such a great assassino like yourself. Grazie mille...(Thank you very much)” the girl said, picking up the supply basket, but she was quickly bested by Ezio, who grinned at her and offered to carry it back home.

“Mia cara (my dear), you’re the one person I’d love to save every day, just to see you smile brightly at me and only me. Tu sei...Tu sei il mio Luce del Sole (You are my Sunshine).” he replied, making her stop dead in her tracks, wearing a look of shock on her face, before it changed to a tender one, as she put her soft hand on his cheek, tracing it, then on his lip, feeling the scar given to him by Vieri, many days prior.

“Why, Ezio, you’re quite brave to call me your Sunshine, when we’re engulfed by such a gorgeous palette of colours, given to us by this twilight, don’t you think? Then again...Tu sei dolce...(You are sweet).” kissing his cheek in appreciation, she started walking ahead of him, grinning at him mischievously, waving for him to hurry up.

“So...About what you said back then...You said someone great and smart is courting you, hm~? And you accepted it, correct~?” he nudged her, smirking knowingly at the girl, who laughed at his childish behaviour, but held his hand, intertwining her fingers with his.

“I accept your courting, Ezio, but I think you already know that if I hear you thrash-talking what I hold dearest to my heart-” she tried to warn him, but was quickly cut off by his “Me~?” reply, to which she again laughed and pushed him lightly. “No, Ezio, not you. I mean my studies, passions and Leonardo, my best friend...Then again, perhaps you’re not that far away from being as dearest to me as my studies are. Who knows what the times might bring, correct~?” she teased him with a toothy grin, to which he only chuckled and nodded in understanding.

“Mia bella, your wit is what charmed me. I’d be a complete idiota to wish to separate you from the things that make you so passionate. Maybe I can learn a thing or two from you, after all.” Ezio shrugged, dangling his arms, playfully.

“Well, clearly, I am the smart one, and you’re the pretty one. Together, we make an amazing Dynamic Duo! I make the plans, and you put them in action! What could be better than that?” she replied excitedly, her brain already starting to come up with countless inventions that she could make Ezio try out, much like her friend does, which made Ezio a bit uneasy and tried to change the subject.

“Perhaps a sweet kiss from the most beauti-” he tried to charm his way to a kiss, but clearly, the girl already started ranting about the plan sketches she began and Ezio knew there was no going back now.

She was a little nerd, but damn, was she the most enciting being he’s ever met~.

CONNOR RATONHNHAKE:TON KENWAY

Being in almost the same situation he was when he first came to Achilles, she managed to bond with the Native American child and teach him everything she new about the Creed and the Assassin way, whilst he’d teach her the gorgeous beliefs of his people and the beauty of nature.

Years passed and they both became young adults, fully capable of taking care of themselves, but very dependent on each other, emotionally wise. It was clear that an indestructible bond formed between the two of them over the years and they were both grateful for it.

Many times while she’d try his way of hunting she’d get hurt and he’d tend to her, while he’d get wounds from trying the super-stealthy and sneaky approach she takes, so she’d only laugh and bandage him.

The two of you worked as one, your flaws being overcome by the other’s fortes and together you were the best duo for any kind of mission you’d be given.

The problem was, however, that one day, because of his recklessness, he chose to ignore every bit of warnings his best friend-turned-lover that were about him thinking things through, but of course, he wouldn’t listen and rushed headstrong, like the Aries that he is, and got himself hit in the head, rendered unconscious and thrown in jail.

Great Job, Connor! 10 points for making us laugh!

But the worst was yet to come, for his actions led to her being captured in an attempt to flee after she tried to rescue him, but it was all in vain, for the stubborn boy had an inside-job to do there and wouldn’t leave...Oh, sweet summer child.

On the day she got captured, they brought her to the center where Connor’s hanging was also planned, and as the he was sent to the gallows, the girl was forced to watch while she was being beaten into submission, trying to get vital Assassin information out of her, but she’d only bite her tongue as she watched with glistening eyes as the love of her life wore the necklace of rope as was about to die in such a cruel way, right before her very eyes, and she had no way to save him.

It was all hopeless.

Her knees felt weak and she let herself fall to the ground as she saw Connor fall through the trap, but much to everyone’s surprise, the rope was somehow cut and he managed to get away with ease! Maybe something up there still exists to take care of them, the girl thought to herself as she tried to break free from the unattentive men guarding her. Ignoring any kind of pain her body would produce, she sprinted toward the way Connor ran, not even bothering with the dull ache that seemed to burn through her every fiber of her being, feeling as if she was chasing the ghost of a lost hope... That is, until the light from the horizon disappeared, along with her beloved, and with it, she suddenly could only see the bright blue sky and the white clouds, slowly drifting away.

She was confused. What happened? How did she get like that? What is she seeing? And why is her head hurting so much?

The answer to all the questions was the enemy that climbed on top of her, putting his hands around her neck, squeezing hard as she tried to gasp for air and push him away from her, but it was all in vain. Her lethargy, given to her by the regular beatings and the loss of hope and will to live somehow seemed to make it seem okay if she were to die, not even caring or realising anymore what has happening to her or to anything around her.

She could only gasp for oxygen as she tried to claw at his hands, small droplets of salty water finding their way down her cheeks as she started seeing dark dots in her field of vision...

Until suddenly, it all stopped.

She could finally breathe again with no difficulty, the baby blue sky was spotless and she felt no more heaviness on her body, and a soft sound could be heard in the distance, calling out her name. What was happening to her...?

“Y/N! Y/N, are you okay? Talk to me! Breathe! Come one, love, please...!” the man yelled frantically, shaking her softly, holding her close to his chest, kissing her head, trying to get her to come back to reality. “Connor...?” she tried to whisper, slowly as she put her soft hand on his bloody cheek, trying to realise if what she was seeing was the truth or just a pigment of her imagination, a most utopic dream. “Yes, Ákskere’  (love) , it’s me, Connor. What happened to you? Why are you here?” he asked, trying to keep his voice calm and soothing as to not scare her. “I tried to get you out of there...And got captured...Urgh...Then you escape and I...tried to run after you...But...This guy jumped on me...Jerk.” she sighed, putting her arms around his neck, letting him pick her up, wrapping her legs around his torso, as he walked them home, to their little safe piece of haven. “I’m sorry...It was my fault this happened to you...If I wasn’t so stubborn, you wouldn’t have gotten hurt...” he muttered, his voice dripping with a painful guilt and sorrow, feeling directly responsible for his paramour’s beaten up state. “Ah, whatever, love. It happens. We’re assassins...What’s life without a little risk, right~?” she smirked painfully, looking down at him reassuringly. “Possibly less painful?” he got the courage to usher, the ghost of a smile creeping on his face. “And much less exciting, on that note.” the girl winked, kissing him softly. “It’s not your fault, okay? So please don’t blame yourself. Besides...I get to spend more time with you, right~?” she grinned smugly, nuzzling her face on his cheek, making him chuckle at her feline behaviour. “Any moment spent with you makes me the happiest man to ever live on this planet. Mother Moon truly blessed me to have met you.” he smiled sweetly, looking at his beloved with tender eyes, full of love. “Yes, uh...Kano...Ronh...Uhh...Kwaht...Shee...Ra...? Uh...Uhhh...! Connor, for goodness’ sake, can’t you make your language easier to speak? I mean, honestly, if someone randomly said “I love you” , I’d just think they were putting some curse on me!” the girl laughed mirthfully as she tried to pronounce that hellish yet incredibly sweet sword her lover would so often tell her. “Words don’t matter, if you can feel the sentiment. That is, dear, because I truly love you and I’d be lost without you. Besides...You’re hopeless.” he smirked playfully, teasing the already laughing girl, his heart skipping beats as he hears her sweet laugh and gleeful face. “I mean, you’re not too far from hopeless either, okay?” she winked, kissing him once again.

Those two were perfect for each other, healing each other’s broken hearts with joy and love, and God forgive and save anyone who dares come between them, for they’ll have one true Hell to experience.

HAYTHAM KENWAY

As Charles Lee entered the room, he made way for a gorgeous woman to step in - But this woman wasn't just any woman. She was THE woman. The woman who managed to charm the Ice Man's frozen heart, Haytham Kenway, with her sassy attitude and the incredible wit and knowledge she desplayed from the very first second they met, when she went full-hysteria mode when she spotted the grave mistakes her fellow "scientists" would make by demolishing her own sketch plans, sent to the Queen. 

 "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MINDS?! You're ruining my work! Cease this ignorance and let a professional deal with this-!" She gasped, slamming her hands on the work table in front of the physicists who were drawing over the blueprints and the light machine prototype in front of them. "And who are you? How dare you speak with such insolence towards us, men of science?" The man in front of her spoke, glaring at her. "I happen to be the one who created this...Everything on this table! I happen to be the one sent here on the Queen's behalf to enlight this country...Literally. Hence why this is a light generator." She stated with a hair flip, looking at the plebs condescendingly. "Ahem. Everyone, let's calm down and discuss like grown ups here. This woman is indeed the Queen's most trusted Scientist and you will address her with the respect she deserves. Miss Y/N, he is Haytham Kenway, my right hand, an honorable Templar and your assigned guard" Charles Lee said, trying to calm the waters around. "Look, as I said before, I couldn't care less about your silly boy scouts or the assassins whatever, okay? I'm only here to do my job, since clearly, these guys have such a frail ego and masculinity that they cannot accept the fact that they're wrong and will destroy a perfectly working light generator." The girl yawned, waving her hand, gesturing for them to step away from her invention. "Why, Miss Y/N, I find you most admirable and enticing. Allow me to be your guide in this new place." Kissing her hand with a charming smile, he watched as the girl looked away slightly, with a faint blush that only he noticed. "Yeah, sure, whatever you say. On another note, since it's clearly a sin being of the beautiful gender, I think you should warn these plebs to step away and stop tinkering with it, or it will explode in their faces." she huffed, gingerly taking her hand away from the man. “You heard the lady! Step away from that invention or -” but his words went unspoken because right then, a small explosion followed by a shriek of agony and a sigh of exasperation. “Is it too late to say I TOLD YOU SO?” the girl asked, watching them from above, smirking in satisfaction since of couse, she was right, as ALWAYS. “As truly hilarious as that comment was, don’t you think you should help them or something?” Haytham asked, trying to calm down a frantic Charles Lee who was worriedly shouting around for a medic. “Oh, if ONLY there was a medic around...! Well...I guess you’ll have to manage with me, a doctor, what a pity indeed. Maybe next time you’ll - .... Ah, nevermind, they’re not listening. Haytham, make them faint or something, I need to see if I can magically make him regain his sight in the left eye.”

With a chuckle, Kenway hit the scientist in the head, not even bothering to catch him as he hit the cold hard ground, making the girl laugh at how pathetic he looked. “That’s what you get for not listening to someone as awesome as me. Jokes on you~!” she smirked, flipping her hair and walked out of the room catwalk style, making the Grandmaster drag the fainted man to where the girl started carefully treating him and chatting with Kenway, but this time, she was acting much calmer and with less-superiority, as if she was at ease and she could talk with someone equal to her. Perhaps not in knowledge, but at least in life-understanding ways. Haytham, of course, was looking at the genius girl with infinite respect and admiration since so few people, especially women, had the courage to become intellectuals in that era, and even more than being a scientist, to become a medic as well, caring for others’ needs above your own and swearing an oath to help them, was something that moved him deeply.

Many months passed since The Woman joined Haytham’s gang, not as a Templar, but as a renowned scientist, woman of culture and doctor and truth be told, she clearly enjoys the time spent him him very much...The same being said like-wise as well. Since she was new around, he offered to show her around and tell her what’s been happening around since he arrived. She, in turn, took him to the forest and showed him the plants around that could be used for medicinal purposes and what properties they have each, here and there unconsciously boasting about her latest inventions, which only made him chuckle and listen attentively.

One day, however, as she returned to America and had to deliver an extra-secret message from the Queen to Charles Lee, she did her magic with a trick she learnt from one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s secret books, somewhere, in the dark alley slightly illuminated by the dimming light of twilight sky, she got pushed into a wall, the hand on her mouth blocking her from screaming for help. The attacker, (un)expectedly, turned out to be that one scientist who got partially blinded many moons ago. Was he there for revenge? For the information? But...How could he know about that...? Unless...!

“Give me the parchment, missy, or else...!” he yelled in her face, smirking condescendingly as he watched her frightened face. “What the hell are you talking about, you, creep?! What, is it a crime to return to this place from home?” she tried to reason, not wanting to give away any information, but a slap across the face and a blade to her neck made her gulp in fear and bite her lip, conflicting thoughts going through her brain. “Shut up, you British wench! I know EXACTLY why you returned here! Now give me the information, or else, this will be the last time you take a breathe!” he threatened the girl, drawing just the littlest bit of blood from her neck. “Oh, really? And how exactly did you find out? What, we have traitors among or noble ranks?” she tried to pry just enough not to get killed in the process. “What, you thought there was only a fight between the Templars and the Assassins, like your dear, sweet Kenway told you? Oh, goodness, there’s nothing farther from that, missy. Us, the Russians, want to be above anyone else, of course. We are the superior race, not some bunch of tea-drinkers!” he spat on the ground, letting his thick Russian accent that he hid extremely well be revealed now. “There is this thing...I do have the vial with the information, but if you destroy it, you destroy the parchment as well. Personally, I don’t know what’s written there, which was exactly why the vial was filled with vinegar and the parchment put in a very thin glass compartment. This invention can only be properly opened by the person who knows the code...Which, only Charles Lee and the Queen know. So I can’t really help you here.” she muttered defiantly, trying to sound brave, as the Queen taught her. Maybe she wasn’t a woman to fight physically, but she knew what had to be done. The man took the vial and inspected it carefully, realising the dangers of doing anything rashly, then took the girl by her her harshly, throwing her to the ground and beating her, shouting at her to make her tell the secret code. She kept crying and begging for mercy, that she’s only doctor with no important rank other than science and she thought it was nothing of significant importance in the vial, but the Russian so through it, maybe...Or he only wished for revenge, but needless to say, the girl was coughing blood on the ground, until... It got silent.

She painfully managed to raise her head and loo to see what happened, only to see her attacker on the ground, and Haytham above him, a look of extreme hatred and taunt on his face. “And did this Russian leader of yours teach you that’s it’s okay to behave like that to a woman that is clearly superior to you? Princess Dashkova and Catherine the Great would be greatly disappointed in your actions. I will make sure this gets to their ears, some time very soon, pest.” he sneered at the enemy, punching his face until get lost consciousness, then, calming himself, went to help the girl up gingerly, but the girl was much too busy trying to make sure the vial was in perfect shape. “Are you...Quite alright?” he asked, not understanding her actions. “What, you actually thought I had no idea what the code was? Please, I’m the Queen’s advisor. If there’s anything I don’t know is how many times she bathes, because damn, she looks great. Let’s get this to Lee and-” she tried to say but got stopped by his two strong hands gripping her shoulders, making her look  up at him, confused. “What is it, Haytham?” “You are clearly injured and yet you act as if nothing’s happened! You have to take better care of yourself, this place isn’t for those who cannot wield a sword!” he stated sternly, but the girl only smirked and winked at him, raising his chin with a finger. “Why, Haytham, why else would you be here, fighting my physical battles, hm~? I’m the brains and you’re the brawn, what else is there to ask for? Well...Perhaps a wet tissue to wipe the blood away...My hair’s getting sticky, urgh...” she trailed off, until she got picked up bridal style, making her squeak in surprise and put her arms around his neck, blinking and looking away to hide her embarrassment, to which he only chuckled lightly and kissed her cheek. “Such a fiery woman like yourself acting like a meek green girl, this is rather entertaining, hm~?” he teased her, making her huff and look away, pissed off. “You know what else is funny? Your stupid looking hat! And the fact that I got beat up for a stupid alcohol recipe! Are you kidding me?! The Queen said it was a national secret, and that was her favourite alcohol brewing!” she screamed her frustrations away, making Kenway stop mid-track and look at her, weirdly. “Did you just open the vial?” he asked in disbelief. “No, you, idiot! I KNEW what was written in the parchment! But what was I about to do? Get killed over a piece of paper? No thanks! Urgh...The Queen better give me some of it or else...” the girl glared in the horizon, pulling at her hair, making the Grandmaster laugh at her behaviour, shaking his head at her childishness.

True, geniuses may be brilliant and amazing to watch while at work, but in their free time, they could be the most oblivious and hilarious being, never failing to make your day better with their antics.

JACOB FRYE

Meeting Mr. Frye was more of a joke than anything, since he was in a pub looking around for a villain Templar, while also enjoying a draft of ale, while this mysterious gorgeous woman dressed in a steampunk outfit, stealing everyone’s eyes, was at a small table, legs crossed, looking like a real diva with the cunning eyes of a vixen.

Of course, his eyes were captured by the girl’s enchantment like everyone else and instead of looking for his target, he kept gazing at the one who captivated him so.

The woman obviously noticed, but only winked at him briefly, before continuing her conversation with the group of men surrounding her, before she nodded and set her glass on the table, then sits up, goes to the barman, wrote something on a napkin, then surprising Mr. Frye, she put the napkin on his table and left with no words.

Looking after her with heart eyes until she left the pub, he rushed to look at what was written.

“Hey, Mr. Assassin, looking for some information? ~ Vixen”

He blinked confused, then ran after her, not understanding who this mysterious woman was to know he was an Assassin and moreover, looking for someone in particular.

He started running on the ground, looking left and right for the girl, until he heard the soft and repetitive taps above, only to see the girl running and jumping on the smaller buildings, trying to get rid of the Blighter following her.

“Yo, weirdo, can’t you like, stop following me? I haven’t done anything to you, yet!” the girl yelled, clearly pissed off at the random brute following her. “Shut yer trap, missy, and come quietly. We know who yee are!” the enemy said in a low, threatening voice.

The girl stopped abruptly, seeing how there is no way to go and the villain was approaching. She was ready to jump on the ground, but she stumbled on her feet once she got hit with a throwing knife in the shoulder. Instead of hitting the ground, she found herself in the arms of the Assassin that was so beautifully looking at her before.

“Oh, Mr. Frye, how nice to see you~.” the girl smirked at him, putting her arms around his neck, hoisting herself up. “Why, miss, I’m so very curious how you know so much about me, yet I know so little about you. We must definitely find a way to change that...Perhaps a date would work?” the assassin asks, a smug expression on his face as he started walking away with her in his arms. “Mhhh I think that would work well, Mr. Frye. An intelligence gatherer and an Assassin, what a lovely pair we make, don’t you think?” she muttered with an amused laugh, taking out the knife out from her flesh. “Oh my, oh my, this gorgeous lady here is an intelligence gatherer? Why, could you afford to spare some info for me as well?” he asked with a wink. “Tell me a name and I’ll tell you even where they are at the moment. Besides, as long as it’s an enemy of mine, like a Templar, it’d be so much better.” she shrugged, looking into the horizon. “My dear, we’ll make an amazing team, that I can guarantee. Until then, however, how about some dinner?” he asked cheerfully, completely forgetting about his real task. “As long as it’s on you, I’m not refusing anything, dearest~.” the woman declared  with the flip of her lovely hair, leaning on his chest, letting him carry her further.

It was no surprise that they remained more than friends, for a long time, and even if she didn’t become an official Assassin, she definitely helps Mr. Frye and his sister with anything she can.

[travelerstome]

Altair’s Journal Entry #1

My name is Altair, Follower of the Hidden Truth, Paladin of the Grand Order.

By the order of Captain Jarcob Hearthflame I was dispatched to supervise the Mage called Alexander. The Captain wants me to keep a close eye on him, and his associate- a Tiefling named Yuri.

We traveled for most of the day. The only notable events were the encounter with a Shifter named Padfoot. I did not trust him initially, but once he revealed himself to be a member of the Grand Order I gave him the benefit of the doubt. The second event was escorting Alexander to deliver a letter to a large tower. We did not stay long enough to meet the master of the structure, instead handing the postage off to the doorman.

Nothing else to report.

Day 2, we have arrived in Brim, also called Grimmore. At least, I think that’s how it’s called. This places confuses me greatly.

The town’s defenses are problematic. The guards seem trained enough, but they rely on sentient stone golems to police the area. It is my understanding that these creatures were either created or summoned by the local wizard. Someone of notable power.

Alexander seems to be the social sort. First we stopped at the Inn and rented out rooms for the night. Next we walked around town, the Mage must have interviewed half a dozen citizens, clearly looking to  make contact with someone.

I’m currently toying with him. Making him think I’m writing down everything he’s saying and doing. Really I’m just writing this line

[writing interrupted]

I’m starting to think Padfoot may be more creature than man. 

Some folks passed by us on horseback, and Padfoot leapt at one of them, knocking a woman off her horse. When the dust settled, the two were laughing. I think? It appears they are familiar with each other, and Padfoot’s flying tackles are a regular habit of his.

Naturally, this scene caught the attention of one of the golems. The riders and Padfoot were accosted by the creature. It spoke in language unfamiliar to any of them, or either of us. But the warning was clear: Stay where you are.

To cut to the meat of it, Alexander stepped in, vouched for Padfoot & his friend, and then the golem tried to arrest ALL of us.

By the time the guards appeared to translate for us, we’d made a mess of the intersection. The Mage had magic’d himself onto a roof, and the Riders were trying to escape the golem's grasp.

We managed to end the conflict by explaining the situation very carefully to the guards.

Found the Tielfing, I think. We’re at the Inn now, I saw her go upstairs. I’ll introduce myself when she comes back to her friends. I can’t imagine she’ll be thrilled to have me supervising her.

Actually, I can’t imagine anyone here will be very happy with my job. Still, orders are orders.

Coralee, the rider Padfoot had tackled, is friendly enough. Country type, carries a firearm. I hope she’s a good shot. Update: Yes, yes she is.

I never saw Yuri rejoin the group. Just found out she had turned herself invisible. I was wondering why that horse was just following us. Oh, right. So we left the Inn. Heard a rumor about werewolves hunting along these roads, so we’re going to investigate that now.

We’re on horseback. The man called Jax carries a polearm. I saw it earlier when he tried to calm the golem. It mistook his motion of surrender for an act of aggression.

Padfoot is leading the way. These werewolves leave massive tracks. I have a bad feeling about this.

Shit.

Made it back to the Inn, it’s night now. I’m in my room finishing this entry. There was a tension among the group earlier, something must have happened that I still don’t know about. We’ve calmed down somewhat. A good drink helps.

To summarize the wolf encounter:

They were not werewolves. Not any kind I’d ever seen before. I don’t know what those things were. Massive hounds, as big as any man or woman. In the light they seemed ghostly, and up close they were worse. Imagine a dog with the face of a person.

And the way they howled. I’m going to have nightmares.

This is EASILY worse than those cultists my allies and I busted two years ago. Then they were trying to literally sew together a vessel for their unholy god.

THIS is like if they succeeded, and made more than one.

Jax and Alexander were shaken in the fight. They briefly retreated. I don’t blame them. We slew nearly all of them. One tried to flee.

Alexander trapped it, Yuri wounded it, Coralee killed it. That was good teamwork. Padfoot lead us back to the Inn after Jax was disoriented.

We’re going to rest now. Hopefully tomorrow will be only good news.

[mocosa-media]

A Father’s Son

Assassin’s Creed Fanfic- 

Chapters: 1/1

Characters: Tazim, Malik, Altair (for a moment)

Genre: Family, hurt/comfort, father/son relationship, family feels.

Words: 2,624

Summary: Tazim strived to make his father proud, to live up to his legacy. A desperate attempt of a heart broken son who just wishes for his father to return.

"I'm proud of you, my boy."

Those were the words Tazim would never tire of. He'd be blessed if he ever did get to hear them.

The young man lost his father when he was but a child. An infant. Tazim knew very little of the man beside the few stories he was so rarely given as a boy, the image he drew within his mind of his father would be cherished. Looked after very closely. Malik was strong, ruthless, Tazim imagined, yet kind hearted to only those dearest to him. His brother in arms, nephews in all but blood, his lover, and his son.

The young assassin found himself wandering in his room with very little to do. For the past few minutes he relaxed, sitting at his desk and reading through a book. Seeming to be busy. Too busy.

"Tazim." He heard from his door.

The voice was faint. A strangers' voice yet familiar all the same, full of warmth and the slightest bit of amusement.

Looking away from his book, a few stray hairs falling in front of his eyes, the young man turned in his chair. He saw his father by the door. Just as he had always imagined.

It couldn't be.

But it was. Malik stood, a tired and calm face yet he held his chin up with pride.

Tazim could only verify the mindful image he created of his father as a younger boy now that his fathers living embodiment stood before him. The blackest, thickest of hair Tazim had imagined became scattered with gray and white strands. Tazim noted his jaw, the structure of his nose, all like his own. But what stood out the most were his fathers' eyes, almost as if taking a peek into the future, Tazim saw himself. Or perhaps only a mirror of his fathers image which he could only hope to have become in both physical form and legacy. Malik's eyes were alert, as they should be but were tired, not as lively as they once were before.

Eye's radiating with the passion of his younger years. Filled with pain, wisdom and strength, Tazim.

"Father," he said in a mere whisper.

Malik nodded his head towards his sons book, "If you are busy, I'm sure this can wait."

The younger man shook his head quickly. He shot straight up, making his chair almost topple over with the sudden movement and closed his book.

"No," he spoke out rather harshly, then clearing his throat in fear of his voice revealing how bewildered he truly was, "I'm never to busy for my family."

Tazim walked over to his father after wiping his hand of imaginary dirt. Running a hand through his sloppy hair, he took long strides as his robes swayed with him.

He stopped only once he was right in front of his father. Tazim's mouth was slightly parted, he took in a short breath before pursing his lips.

Malik, tilted his head,giving him a strange look as he held up a brow. Was his son going crazy? Had something bothered him? The younger man was acting far too strange and jittery than he would have approved.

Tazim felt his eyes grow watery at the sight of his father but looked away and cleared his throat. Malik's presence before him was enough to ignite the fire in his chest, the desire of having his father in his life. The tears that tried to seep out eventually disappeared at the young man's force. Tazim would not let his father see him cry. He must take control of his emotions. He would not seem week before his father.

After composing himself, Tazim held his chin high, turning his head, and looked to his father once more.

Malik was a just a half inch shorter than his boy. The other man also looked slightly taller because of his untidy hair, he'd need to cut it, and soon. Perhaps Tazim could ask one of the wives when they weren't too busy.

"What do you need help with?" Tazim finally asked.

Malik scoffed. "Help? What makes you think I need help? You are the one who needs help." His father told him with a wave of his hand.

Tazim sighed and chuckled, "Fine, what is it that you need?"

Just like the rare stories of his youth, Malik was much too prideful. His father wouldn't want anyone's help anymore. He said that even in his old age, even with his one good arm, he was still capable of many things. Fighting, Tazim imagined, may not be an easy feat as it once had been but Malik's quick tongue could strike with just as much precision and force.

He refused help simply because he was handicapped, proving to be twice as strong as before.

"I'd like to simply talk with my son today." The older man said in such a quiet voice, Tazim was unsure if he'd caught every word.

Was his father truly whispering? The same warrior who Tazim idolized as a young boy and still was in awe of. Was Malik embarrassed of showing some true emotion apart from sarcasm and pride? He must've been.

Tazim held back a chuckle but unable to keep a smile from spreading across his lips. They each went back into the young man's room. Malik sat on the bed while Tazim went back to his desk and sat in his chair, facing his father.

Both felt comfort with the silence between them but Tazim soon felt an inescapable itch rise from his core. He had so many questions for his father. So much he needed to say. So much he wished to hear, the words which would sound only right once Malik spoke them. Tazim hoped, he prayed that he would be given enough valor to speak his mind.

He let out a soft breath, "I always thought I'd go on assignments with you," Tazim admitted, his head hung low as he spoke,"When I was a child I always fantasized of the day I would stand by your side and fight."

Tazim held his father in such high regard. It was his father after all. Malik was a hero, a god even. As a boy, the young man craved for his father's presence.

All that had been cut short as Malik had been killed. Beheaded. Now was the time to change things, to admit his true feelings and show his father that he only wanted to make him proud. As a child, he always craved story after story of his father before him. His family. The reason of which his mother fled Masyaf. Tazim believed his father a prideful man, perhaps that same pride was the key.

Malik was alive now and Tazim feared that this would be the only time to fix things.

"You knew I was pulled from field work. I wouldn't have been able to fight alongside you," Malik told him truthfully. He sighed before looking his son over, the corners of his lips twitched upward, "You've grown into a fine man, Tazim."

The younger man felt the words pound into his soul. His father meant so much to him, as did his words. How he longed for his father, for Malik to simply be there. Tazim was still slightly in shock. His father was in front of him, they were having a conversation as adults. It was surreal. Was his father truly alive or just a ghost, a fragment of his own imagination. Was his mind playing tricks on him as it did when he was a boy, wishing for his father to return? Illusion, hallucination, dream or nightmare Tazim cared very little at that point.

"I can't believe you're here." He breathed out.

Tazim looked up timidly, his brows knitted together and gave his father a sad smile. Malik returned the gesture, unsure of what to do other than comfort his son in such a small way. His eyes were calm and loving, fingers interlaced together as a sudden peace fell upon them. His eye's, Tazim could not get enough of, filled with knowledge and strength, pain and love.

Just like mother described.

The only time Malik would ever let himself become vulnerable was in front of his family. His son. He'd let his defense go down just for this boy. His boy. His Tazim. The same boy who laughed at the idea of failure. Who pushed himself beyond his limit to bring honor to his family, his father. To be deserving of his fathers name. To become an Assassin, strong like his father before.

"After fleeing Masyaf, mother always waited by the door at dusk. I never knew why at the time. I was only a boy." Tazim started to say.

He remembered well. Before the stories began. Before, when his mother feared to even utter his father's name. He was but a child but it was not something Tazim could forget. It took him courage to finally ask about his father.

"I began to ask questions, wondered why you never came home."

The stories began. First in secret, as he went to sleep, his mother scared to speak of the Assassin's before the rule of Abbas. Slowly, the tales became full of anger. Tazim's mother told them fondly and proudly to her son, of what his father was like in life.

"I'd play in the dirt while she sat, looking up into Masyaf with worry in her eyes," he explained, his hands ran cold as he held them atop his lap, "She cried sometimes, in secret so I would not hear. She missed you."

"I have missed you, father."

That's when he broke, Tazim's voice cracked and he held back a sob. Holding his breath for a moment, light whimpers escaped his throat. He composed himself short moments at a time before the gasp of a cry escaped once again.

"I've spent every waking hour of each day in training, I just wanted to make you proud," his bottom lip quivered and his brows met together as his face held pain, " To make you proud so you would come back to me."

Malik gave his son a look with pure love. He always did and always would care for him. He loved his son, he only wished that all the pain Tazim felt hadn't been because of him. There was little he could have done apart from making sure his family was safe

Tazim's mother always said Malik was a prideful man. Tazim believed, he sincerely believed, if only he did something, anything worthy enough of his father's pride, Malik would surely return.

"I thought that maybe if I did something right, you would come back to us. To me and mother, but you never did," he said as he stifled a sob and brought his head down.

Malik came over and put a hand to his son's shoulder. It wasn't much but it would reassure him that his father was there. With a light squeeze, Malik faintly shook his head, closing his eyes. How could he ever bring such pain to his son. Malik made sure to not let a single tear escape, he would be strong for them both. He would be the strength Tazim needed.

"Can't you just be proud of me and come home?" he whispered between gasps, his face now buried in his hands.

Tazim was now choking on his own tears, he gasped for air as he tried holding back his sobs. Wiping away his tears did very little as they soon appeared once again to wet his cheeks.

"I've needed you all my life. You were never there. I just want you to come home, baba." he managed to say through the tears.

Malik sighed, he helped his boy up. Tilting his head to wipe a stray tear from Tazim's cheek, Malik spoke softly, "I cannot come home. You know that."

The older man held his sons chin up. Things happen, all you can do is adapt. Tazim had wiped his face as clean as he possibly could yet the hot sticky tears refused to stop completely. He pursed his lips, trying to even his breathing as his father's words attempted to calm him.

"Cruel things will happen for unknown reasons, Tazim." Malik said in the softest voice he could muster.

Seeing his son this way tore him, it hurt him deeply. Watching your loved ones be in pain is the worst kind of punishment.

"But why, why must this hurt so much? I just want you back." Tazim said as he wiped away the trail of tears left on his face. He felt so vulnerable, he did not want his father to witness him in such a weak state.

Malik shook his head, "There are many people who will put you down. Don't be one of them." he told his son.

Tazim couldn't hold it back for much longer, he pulled his father into a hug. Malik was caught by surprise but wrapped his own arm around the younger man.

"I am proud of you, my boy, and of all that you have accomplished."

Tazim felt himself engulfed by the familiar warmth of his childhood. The stories his mother would tell him under the safety of the night sky. Of the Assassin's, and how Malik had grown up in such an environment. How he yearned to spend time with Malik. Wished for him to appear, to follow him and try to be like him in any way possible.

Malik would be proud to say that Tazim had grown up to be a fine man. One who would make any father proud. His Tazim. His son. The independent, the brave. He still had so much to live for.

A hard hit to his head brought him out of his dream as Tazim jerked awake. He'd fallen asleep with his head resting on his hand, gravity thought otherwise as his head slipped and hit the desk he was sitting by.

"Pleasant nap?" he heard a voice beside him.

As he rubbed his sore head, Tazim looked to the source of the voice and saw Altair who was sitting beside him, reading on his desk.

"I'm sorry." Tazim mumbled as he looked around the darkened room before his eyes fell on Altair once again.

The older man was reading through scrolls and writing on parchment.

"You mumble when you sleep." Altair said, his eyes never leaving the writing. "Your father would not approve. Although, he also mumbled in his sleep as a young man."

Tazim shook his head to wake up. His brows furrowed and the young man ran a hand through his hair in thought. Why the sudden talk of his father?

He dared to ask. "Why suddenly bring up my father, master?"

Altair chuckled as he kept writing on pieces of parchment and reading through his scrolls.

"Like I said, you mumble," he said smoothly, "He's proud of you. I know it. As am I." the older man said with a smile on his scarred lips.

And Tazim believed him. It was time to say goodbye to his father. Perhaps not a permanent goodbye as Malik would forever be with him but an 'Until we meet again'.  He'd made him proud and that was that. He smiled and helped Altair up.

"It's late, time to rest." he told Altair.

They each held a strength within them and Altair couldn't help but think that Tazim was a clone of his old friend. A reincarnation of the man.

As Tazim walked, he now felt at home, here with his family. His father would always be with him, through thick and thin, and he would be proud.