Disclaimer: Except for the new bastardous creation of a Piece of Eden, I don't own anything.

The aftermath of it all, people. And for a long wait, I really am sorry about the wait.

And the facts about the details from ACSIV and Initiates kind of threw me a bit off course, but I found a way to make it work. And besides, I have some things planned for the group...

...and despite what you all think, some of it are good.

I would also like to mention that a lot of stuff's happened to be for a long time (job changing, and now faced with transition between moving to a new place, got fired from that job, now have to do two jobs and dealing with personal life issues with family and friends... not fun and at the same time, dealing with horrible writer's block), hence why the long as heck time it's taking me to finish this chapter.

So- here we go.

AND TO THE ONE PERSON WHO IS ASKING FOR THE INTENSELY INTIMATE MOMENTS- I am tempted, but nope, not happening for a while (in other words, in about a few chapters). Just wait. *headdesks*

Enjoy!

Warning: Once again, botched Italian sentences, OOC moments, long as hell (and I can't describe for my lif e) action scenes, and just confusion over the structure of the Frari. And lots of angst and fluff to make up whatever the hell I just made last chapter.

"italics" = Italian, Arabic, any other language OR a flashback (depending on how it is used)

"bold italics" = over the mic and phone

"normal" = English

bold sentences = emails, screams, or Bleeding Effect (depends on how it's used).

Part 18.3: Dealt With

Desmond's face morphs into one of horrified shock as he absorbs the aftermath of what just happened before him before he looks down at his right hand before looking back up to face their speechless expression, "...what... did I just do?"

When they couldn't answer, Desmond's eyes widen in fear as he faces the damages done inside the Frari before paling as realization hit him, "Did... Did I just... Oh God, Oh God God God God..."

"...you took down the guards with a blinding light," La Volpe quietly muses, taking in the sight of the guards that are limp and were leaning against the walls or lying on the floor, their weapons scattered, "Just like the way the Apple could have."

"But- what I just did-" Desmond was close to panicking now- no, it was akin to horror-striken, "That- That one guard-"

"The one who... ah, I see him," Mario frowns as he faces the young Assassin, "Desmond, what exactly happened when-"

"I-I don't know! One minute, I was holding onto this- this-" He tries to gesture to his right hand (it has a slim stream of his blood coming from it), but he stops, seeing the golden band before gulping, "...it was a stone earlier. What the- How the fuck did it change to a ring!?"

"Desmond," He can feel Ezio's hand at his shoulder, who looks extremely worried for the younger man's sake, "You still helped us from being caught by the guards-"

"You mean I nearly killed one of them!?" The time traveler cries out in horror, gesturing to the bleeding guard, "An innocent!? That guard isn't one of Borgia's men!"

"How could you..." Ezio trails off as he sees the blue and gold colors from his uniform before he manages to creak out, trying to reassure the young man, "...even still, there is a chance he could have been a part of Borgia's men-"

"The Venician guards would have nothing to do with Borgia," Mario quietly reminds his nephew, "Some officials would not be this corrupt to work with him."

The Florence Assassin kept quiet, but his worry soon turns into a slight panic, hoping to God that Desmond wouldn't have his mind broken over-

"I broke a part of the-"

"No, you didn't," Altair's golden eyes dims as he closes them before glancing back to Desmond, "That man is not an innocent."

"But-" Desmond was about to cry out that in his mind, he could see it: the guard was white. The guard was-

-wait, did Altair just say that the guard was a Templar?

He looks up at the Syrian in confusion, wanting a confirmation of this. The Syrian's eyes narrow as he slowly nods, confirming what Desmond was thinking, "He was disguised as a Venetian guard. You didn't break the Second Tenet of the Creed, if that's what you were wondering."

Desmond can feel his body sagging a bit from weariness, but that still doesn't stop his other worries once his eyes look over the other guards that were in the room, all knocked out, "...is he alive?" He can't help but ask Mario, who is already near the bloody guard and begins to inspect him; La Volpe is looking over the old man before glancing at the entrance to see if anyone else has decided to get the bright idea to cross inside the Frari.

His inquiry made Altair's eyes narrow in suspicion, "Why are you concerned for his life? Anyone who is on the Templars' side must never be spared." That made Ezio roll his eyes behind Altair, but the Syrian took no notice.

The time traveler's supposed argument for trying to defend the live for a Borgia soldier dies in his throat at the moment he sees the Syrian's tightened jaw, "...I thought he was someone who was outside of the conflict." He quietly mumbles, looking down in regret. It wasn't until he feels a calloused hand lift his chin to face Altair's concerned one, forcing Desmond to see him face to face.

"Even if we wished for them to stay away, habibi," Altair quietly responds, his hand that was lifting Desmond's chin moves to stroke his cheek instead in a gently manner, "They always want to know, they will somehow be involved. That's something we honestly can't change in people."

Even if it costs their lives, Desmond mentally grimaces, knowing his fair share of innocent people getting involved in dramas- especially in matters that are outside of their circle. He looks up when he feels a gentle kiss on his forehead, Altair's stoic face contrasting with his very concerned eyes.

"Don't dwell too much on the negative or things you didn't do that you blame yourself for," The Syrian murmurs, "I can't stand seeing you like this, Desmond." His eyes shift over to Ezio, who is closer to the other two, "...Even the brat's worried about you."

"Shut up," Ezio's response was more subdued, but the look on his face tells Desmond that Altair was accurate on how he was feeling, "Are you feeling better, tesoro?"

"Well, no. But it'll be better, I hope." The American closes his eyes, wanting this night to end already before hearing Mario call out their names to catch their attention.

Mario was kneeling down and feeling one of the Borgian guards' pulse before looking up at the others, a slightly relieved (and alarmed) look on his face, "It's amazing, but he can breathe." A pause, "He's living."

That was a surprise. Desmond stops ranting before managing to creak out, "...what?"

"He's sleeping." Mario repeats, but this time there is a wash of relief in his face before glancing at the guard who had knocked himself out earlier by running into one of the walls before knocking on it (repeatedly), "However, this one... he can barely breathe as he is; how much strength he used to run himself to the pillar and was able to survive, I have no idea how that was able to happen."

"Are you sure?" La Volpe looks alarmed as to that similar idea as he walks over to where the older man is and feels the guard's pulse. A look of shock crosses the Florence thief's face before frowning, standing up, gesturing to the three Assassins, "I'm going to check on the others to see if they have a similar condition like that man. Ezio, do me a favor and keep an eye in case one of these guards decide to suddenly come back and attacks us."

Ezio just nods, more concerned about Desmond's state of mind than how the guard is (For all he knows he could he someone working for the Borgia family or a Templar affiliate) before facing a concerned Altair, who is now looking at the High Altar area, "...what's wrong?"

"There's something about this area that is bothering me," The Syrian quietly responds as he walks up the stairs, "I am going to investigate something. Don't move from this spot." Then he glares at Ezio, "Don't try anything funny either, brat."

"Like I would, asshole," Ezio grumbles, flipping the bird at Altair's back before seeing Desmond look at the two with some amount of confusion. Sighing, the Italian cracks a small smile, at least feeling better at seeing the young Assassin not horrified or shocked (or traumatized for the matter), "Desmond, don't worry, everything's going to fine."

The time traveler's eyes widen in considerable surprise before letting out a ragged sigh of relief, wanting to fall on his knees. Instead, he just closes his eyes, his shoulders slightly sagging as if something that would have been there has been taken out from him, "...I can't believe I'm saying this," He mumbles to himself, "But thank God nobody was killed." He can't help but give a small smile of relief as he can feel his arms relax.

He nearly jolts when he feels a pair of arms wrap around of him and pulls him into a gentle hug. "Ezio?" Desmond manages to ask in surprise.

"I hate seeing you in torment," Ezio mumbles before pulling out slightly to place his hands on Desmond's waist, his forehead meeting Desmond's, their eyes meeting each other, "Please don't worry us- both me and the old man- like that again."

"I..." Desmond hesitantly nods before gulping, nodding, "Okay. Got it." He feels his body shaking, a soft shaky laugh escaping him, "Though I can't help but feel relieved..." There are tears slowly coming from his eyes, which Ezio wipes with his thumb, "S-Sorry."

"Don't be," Ezio quietly responds before kissing his eyes gently, "Desmond... you saved us. You should be proud."

"I want to be, but..." He trails off, looking down at the ring in his right hand; Ezio's glance follows to the golden metal ring on Desmond's hand, "It's this. It was something I found, it was something else before. It causes the guards to be like that." He gulps, hoping that he doesn't sound asinine, "...it's a Piece of Eden."

One look at Ezio and Desmond realizes that for some reason, the Italian Assassin wasn't laughing his head off or just saying that Desmond was joking. Instead of that, there was a narrowing of his eyes before lifting up Desmond's right hand, inspecting the ring before gripping it.

"The designs are similar to the Apple," Ezio muses, his amber eyes following the patterns of the ring, which were glowing a soft blue, "The glow that was in front of us when you stopped the guards did remind me a bit of the way the Apple reacted. The metal is similar, as well as how it is reacting to the rest of people." His eyes narrow a bit before placing Desmond's hand down, "Desmond, this item... when you touched it, did it affect you in a bad way? Was your head in pain?"

The time traveler shakes his head, getting a bit confused as to where this is going at the moment, "No. It actually didn't do anything like the Apple did... Why?"

"Unlike the Apple... but how?" Ezio mutters to himself, his face slightly to the side before looking back up, "Desmond, can I ask something else?"

"Y-Yeah...?" He doesn't like how suddenly intense Ezio is getting at this.

"When you first picked up the item," The Italian has recalled when his comrades first inspected the Apple- it ended with Mario and Machiavelli with a headache while he manages to shut the Apple with Leonardo shielding his eyes, "Did anything happen when you picked it up?"

Desmond frowns, trying to think of what did happen-

'The chosen one, huh?' Followed by a mirthful chuckle (How come this person sounds much different and why does he sound a bit like Aita-), 'Well well. About time you showed up. I was wondering if those damned Sages got to it before you did. Good thing too- I wasn't going to let that those damned three taking it either.'

"...I did hear someone talking to me when I picked it up," Desmond responds, his eyes widening as he recalls the voice in his mind (He's still annoyed that it sounded like Aita, but it wasn't for some odd reason). Ezio frowns and silently urges him to continue on; they didn't see Altair walking back up to them, listening in to their conversation.

"And that the person told me that the item is supposed to be used for physical deception purposes and that what I just grabbed was its dormant state," The American continues, trying to figure out the last piece of information about it before gasping, "...and that I would hold onto the item like I would do for the Apple, and that it'll react to me only." Then he pauses, seeing Ezio's alarmed reaction before turning to see Altair's slightly widened eyes, "...what's wrong?"

"This confirms it," The Syrian quietly responds, "The High Altar was hiding it- it was invisible to normal eyes." With this new revelation, Ezio places the pieces together before he realizes it as well, looking at Desmond in alarm, causing Desmond to look at the Florence man in confusion. The Syrian's eyes narrow as he faces Desmond, "Desmond. How did you find out it was there?"

"Well, I just... remembered the inscription from the map," The American knows that the inscription has helped (somewhat), "I-I mean, it was a bit tricky and all-"

"That's not what I meant," And this time, Desmond slightly pales, seeing how silently furious Altair is at the moment, "Ezio, you brat, use your vision and look up at the Altar."

"What, you..." Ezio's voice trails off when he sees the Master Assassin shoot him a 'do it or else I'll really kill you' glare, "...all right." The Italian man looks up at the High Altar and his eyes immediately flash gold, before his eyes widen and he rapidly closes them before looking at the other two Assassins in alarm, "What the-! It's different than-"

"I know," Altair nods, not wavering from his stare at Desmond, who begins to pale a bit, "That's what I want to know... how was it possible that you found out about it, Desmond?" This time, Ezio is glancing at the youngest member in surprise and in shock.

The time traveler was about to make to say something when the three of them hear Mario call out to them, snapping out the tension between the three.

"We have to get a move on," Mario and La Volpe comes over to them, "There is a chance more guards are on the way and it's nearing the darkest of night."

It was a silent way back, but when they arrive back at the place they all met up, the other members of the party look a bit disheveled and seem a bit out of breath; Leonardo was supplying them with water from the amount of energy spent. The ladies (Paola and Teodora) have decided to take rest on the lying couches while Bartolomeo and Antonio were already sleeping on the pillows on the floor (provided with blankets and other things, of course). Machiavelli and Leonardo were awake and greeted the party with minimum amount of silence as they enter in.

It wasn't until a few more minutes later of settling in that Mario, La Volpe, Altair, and Ezio explains about what happened in their end. Desmond, on the other hand, has remained silent, but he was a bit unnerved about how the two Assassins were reacting to him since they left the Frari. The youngest man must have an idea that the two Assassins knew about the invisible areas in the High Altar since they finally used their Eagle Vision, but why are they reacting like he has been hiding something about...

Oh yeah, He places his hand over his eyes as he closes them, a slight headache coming to him, ...I didn't tell them I have Eagle Vision.

He's talked about this to Connor and Clay before; then to Lucy, Rebecca, and Shaun. Because the Eagle Vision is only used by a certain percentage of the Assassins (or rather- any human on the face of Earth), the only risk that anyone will manage to discover Desmond (aside showing his face to the public, of course) is his usage of the Eagle Vision. It also doesn't help that unlike Connor and Clay (and now Altair and Ezio), Desmond hasn't perfected it; even Connor and Clay have told him there are some issues with his as opposed to what they had to go through.

Desmond only got his recently, his two brothers had gained theirs through a more natural way (a fever, dizzy spells when they initially used it, then their bodies have to get used to their taxing energy drainage). Desmond on the other hand... he knows that his body gets tired, his Eagle Vision can show him things other people can't (there was one time Clay couldn't see any prints all over the freaking keypad in a security room in the Animus as practice, but Desmond can see the obvious wearouts from the number 1, 6, 7, and 9).

He knows that while it shows the allies and enemies of the Order, the importance of anything and anyone, and heightened surroundings, it wasn't on solid ground. He's obtained it through Altair's memories while going through a Bleeding Effect, which wasn't helpful. To that day, he knows Connor and Clay have promised to help Desmond perfect it, but all of them were too busy trying to escape Abstergo and finding out more memories, more secrets, and developed training to find out. Even Desmond pushed perfecting a vision to the back of his mind.

And now wasn't exactly the greatest time to remind Desmond about his imperfect Vision.

Argh. Maybe I should've said something about it long ago.

He opens his eyes as he now hears Machiavelli's voice talk about what happened at their end and possibly from the sound of his ire voice, there was a chance they would have been caught by the Templars. So, it seems as if some things in their end didn't go smoothly as planned.

Desmond glances at his right hand before gently removing the ring and setting it on the table, which he sees the ring transform back to the form he originally saw it: the red-golden stone with the markings glowing around it. I don't know how, but... He remembers how the voice told him that the stone will only react to him, how he was the only one he can hear the person's voice, how the stone manages to change its form in front of Desmond.

...speaking of appearances...

This...Is the item. This is a joke, right?

Desmond can't help but wonder if this was either a practical joke or if this was... well, what it is supposed to be what it is as he stares at the ring sitting at the wooden table in front of him.

This rock- or ring or whatever the fuck it is- is an actual Piece of Eden?

THIS is what they've gotten through all the trouble of retrieving this entire freaking time?

...this item was the supposed legendary item that they went through the entire trek to the Frari, went though hell with the guards, and Desmond having to use his blood (a drop of it- it's bandaged) to retrieve this...

...dinky piece of metal, or rock, or whatever reactive metal this particular Piece of Eden is made out of.

He can't help but wonder if he feels either really disappointed or just wants to up to whoever decided to make this thing and stab them just because he was getting more annoyed by the minute.

(Desmond would like to think that the gods are screwing over his life- oh wait. That's been something of a requirement for him in the beginning.)

Feeling his left eye twitching, he now feels like his expectations have been shot and replaced with pure irritation and fury, wanting to know who the hell decided to make this god-forsaken item and why it even acts so useless before wanting to throw this ring at said creator and just wanting to beat the living hell out of him or her or it (Yes, at this point, Desmond really doesn't care about what or who created this... whatever this is. He just really wants to fume out his rage, but he is more exhausted than peeved right now).

"I can't believe." He stares at the item, "...that I went through all the trouble." And then this time with a glare (and his eye twitching still), "...just to retrieve you."

For some reason, he had a feeling the voice that came from the item was laughing.

"You sound satisfied about the item."

He knows that Leonardo is patiently waiting with a small mirthful grin, but it fades as Desmond grimaces in response.

"...I'm taking things didn't go as well?"

"No, they did," Desmond lets out an exhaustive sigh, "It's just... let me put it this way- they now just realized I have Eagle Vision and aren't happy about it."

"...ah," Leonardo nods before sighing, "The fact you have kept that knowledge from them for too long, though, isn't the most helpful idea you've had. The same went for the Bleeding Effect of yours."

"That was just from the Apple- speaking of, did you know Altair had another one in his possession?" The time traveler had just recalled that little tidbit to the artist, who looks at him in surprise...

...before sighing, "...I had a feeling as much that he would've gained possession of a Piece of Eden."

Had this been Ezio talking, said assassin would've freaked out before going into a night's worth of a rant that would've owed up to him getting a very strong drink for the guy for just listening. But this is Desmond- the only person who wouldn't be surprised by anything since- well, his entire journey in Renaissance Italy so far is the only reason why he isn't... freaking out as much.

(Okay, he did on the first few hours.)

The time traveler lets out a sigh, this time a bit more on the heavy side, "...well, Ezio didn't take it well. If that makes for any sort of consultation."

"He doesn't take secrets very well," Leonardo winces before gently patting Desmond's shoulder, "I can sympathize- he will eventually get used to it."

"I... I hope so," Desmond gives a small smile, hoping that the Italian will actually be fine with it in the end. He did comfort him from killing a man (or actually make him lose a lot of blood), "I just- I want to apologize to the two. Both Ezio- and Altair. I might make a chance to talk to them tomorrow- when they're not as pissed off."

The artist nods, "They'll manage to forgive you as easily. Don't worry too much about it." His eyes crinkle, seeing Desmond looking pretty relieved before seeing his clothing, "...do you want to remain in that for the rest of the night? I assume you should take off your weapons."

"...yeah, just feels sorta... odd? I've been used to wearing those clothing," Desmond gestures to Leonardo's clothing, "But," He grins, "I'm just happy to have my T-Shirt and jeans on. Maybe I should just-"

If there was such thing as karma, Desmond would be mentally cursing whoever decided to give him the natural luck to be at the most awkard place at the worst time (since he somehow manages to stumble out of his chair from tripping on his own two feet (only Desmond can do this) and fall to the floor before groaning in pain).

"Are you all right!?" He looks up to see an alarmed Leonardo as the artist runs to grab him. A second later, Altair and Ezio barges in to the room to see Desmond groaning, standing up as he rubs his aching butt.

"I'll live, just surprised to hear you come in," Desmond glances to the artist, "Is... there something you need? What about the others?"

"They've left; tonight nearly drained most of them of their energy," Ezio quietly responds, eyeing the night sky through the open window. The strange thing is, Ezio's eyes doesn't meet with Desmond's, which already sends a feeling of urgency to walk up to him, to find out what is going on, but he stops himself.

It might have to do with earlier.

...fuck. Desmond lets out a mental groan before grunting, "What... is going to happen now?"

"We rest," Altair responds, his eyes stonily facing Desmond's (despite that the Syrian was concerned, there was one matter to be resolved), "Then we'll figure out what to do for the next day."

"...right." The time traveler suddenly feels even more awkward than before as he looks down at the floor.

A tense silence fills the room before the artist lets out a clearing of his throat, "May I offer a suggestion? I need to talk to the both of you about this-" He indicates to the dormant stone sitting on the table, "-and Desmond can rest since it's clear that this night was taxing on him more than the both of you."

He especially shoots a glare at his friend, who was about to say, 'No, I need to talk to my tesoro about something... but fine, let's do it your way.' Then Ezio just nods, swiftly takes the stone and after taking one look at Desmond (the time traveler doesn't see it, but the Italian is worried), he exits the room. Altair did so with more reluctance before he pauses.

"...Desmond, keep in mind we're not done talking about-"

"I know," The American mutters bitterly (which does surprise both Altair and Leonardo), "...just really tired."

The Syrian pauses before he sighs, nodding in reluctance before exiting the room. This leave Desmond with the artist, the thickening awkwardness leaving- but still-

The American grimaces before looking at the window- recalling that it was the first place he ran into after crashing into Italy while being on the run from the two Assassins.

Leonardo sighs, shaking his head, "If anything is wrong, I'll let you now. For now, just get some rest." He smiles reassuringly, "I'm sure those two aren't angry at you."

"I... hope not," Desmond quietly mumbles, a sickening feeling of feeling terrible bubbling at the bottom of his stomach, "Is it okay if I..."

"Of course," Leonardo pats his friend's shoulder before pausing, "Now that I think about it, this was the first place you ran into when you were running away from those two." He chuckles, seeing a small smile appear on Desmond's face, "Look, mi amico, whatever you need, let me know. I'll be looking at the item you all retrieved."

"Thanks." Desmond gives a small nod before shutting the door behind the artist and leaning against the wall, a heavy sigh silently escaping him.

Shit, I screwed things up again...

The rock was sitting on the table, dormant as its glow dims into the usual white hue that has gotten to be familiar with most of Pieces of Eden (otherwise, it'll just stay still and not do anything- that's something at this point, the others should take with caution).

This doesn't stop Ezio from looking at it as if it was untouchable- or rather a cursed item. He did manage to place it there- before it slowly begins to burn his hand (or rather, gave that sensation. It's still fine and still the Italian doesn't like the Piece of Eden).

"You do realize it won't react like it did when we examined the Apple," Leonardo deadpans to his friend, who lets a frown mar his face. The artist takes a seat in his studio seat while he sees the two Assassins standing.

"I know," The Italian is still examining the item with his sharp eyes, "I don't think I should try to touch it."

"Neither should you," Altair is also glancing at the item with a degree of suspicion, "What I am wondering is how Desmond was easily able to manage the usage of it without suffering from the Bleeding Effect."

Ezio doesn't say it, but the older man is right; when the Apple of Eden is near Desmond, there is a risk of the Bleeding Effect.

"Was there anything else about the item that stood out to you both?" Leonardo asks, beginning to sketch out the item in the dormant state, "Like say... if it has any abilities similar to the Apple."

"It did cause the guards to go out of their usual minds," Ezio muses, "It did cause a glow like the Apple did when Altair held it in his hand. Not to mention..." He frowns, recalling one other feature about the new Piece of Eden,

"What do we do about the Piece of Eden?" Leonardo asks, obviously not trusting the item that is sitting at his table, "It'll only react to Desmond, and most likely there is no way that we can handle that thing without having him around."

Ezio frowns, still recalling what happened to the man who tried to grab the Piece of Eden and the results from that. The last time any one has tried to activate the Apple of Eden... that was not pretty. His eyes dart over to the stone sitting on the table, slowly glowing.

"I am not taking any chances to have that thing activate in the workshop like the Apple did the last time," Ezio has a bad feeling about the... stone (it was a ring earlier on Desmond's hands), "So for once, I would prefer if that would be secure elsewhere."

That earns a look of slight surprise from the artist, but Altair understands- he nods in agreement, "Should we place it in a box?"

"...for once, can we not have it something like where the Apple was placed in?" Leonardo dryly deadpans, recalling when they've brought the said Apple in after the struggle with the Borgian guards and any enemies who were more than eager to grab the artifact, "I think this item is already menacing just from how you described it."

"As if the Apple is any better?" Ezio grumbles, recalling how that series of events went.

The artist sighs, still warily staring at the stone before grumbling, "...fine. But if that thing dares to mar any of my precious items or does anything to my things, I will see to it that I will create a device just to contain it."

"...so be it, then."

Leonardo lets out a yawn before indicating to Ezio that he's going to sleep. The entire event was time consuming (and also strenuous on the artist's energy and spirit for having to be involved in an Assassin-related event) for the artist and he had to do a commission first thing, "For now- let it sit there. I need to gain more rest- you both should as well." Then he pauses, "Don't get mad at the boy- he's still learning, you know."

"...Right. Good night, Leonardo." Ezio sees his friend closing the door to his room- before the main room lapses into a deep silence. Then Altair breaks the ice with the other question that has been looming in their heads for a while-

"About the Eagle Vision Desmond has," Altair asks with a frown, "Did you have some idea that he would have received it already?"

He can see the other assassin pause before sighing with a nod, "...it did make me wonder how he was able to slip past guards and other people easier than some of us." Ezio did see that when Desmond was talking to that child earlier, "There is only one other way- we both gained ours through experience. His," The Italian's eyes narrow, "...that blasted Bleeding Effect. I believe he's mentioned it before. Connor- he has too."

"...yes," Ezio closes his eyes, hearing Altair's confirmation, "...what is your point? It's not like he has anything else to hide."

"That's the thing that bothers me!" Ezio suddenly bursts out, "I don't understand why Desmond would try and hide things for us to discover later- while there is a part of me that realizes he does this just to prevent us from being... I don't know, furious with him- but that's the problem! I am! I know I should trust him and know that he is still a young Assassin, but this doesn't mean he has anything else to hide! ...is there?" Then he lets out an exhaustive groan, "...I don't know. Perhaps I was a bit too- taken aback at the new discovery. But I know. Perhaps I should try... at least realize that he has his intentions for keeping it a secret."

He's just realized that the other man wasn't protesting, arguing or doing anything to refute him (or even disagree with him) before he looks around and lets out a frustrating sigh.

Altair wasn't there.

Ezio lets out a heavy sigh, knowing pretty well the Syrian would obviously be confronting his tesoro over the Eagle Vision matter.

Damn you for not having distractions, bastardo.

Desmond was trying to get some rest, but he couldn't.

I screwed up big time... Desmond closes his eyes, his face looking over to the open window as he can feel his heart in heavy pain. He knows Altair is really angry, Ezio is just not saying anything; all because he decides to conceal the fact that he does have his Eagle Vision awakened, that he knows a lot more than he should.

In fact, that was what him into trouble in the first place.

God, I hate my life... The American closes his eyes tight, placing his hands against his head as if he is in prayer, Now the two that I care a lot about are... really angry at me for not telling them about the Vision- it's really stupid! I really didn't want them to know it was the result of... of... Oh God, I just want to get the fuck out of here... Just anything but face another round of anger, disappointment, and misunderstandings. He doesn't want to face those again- not again from the two he cares more than he should have.

I don't want to let them know or irritate them, but I just did... He closes his eyes shut, trying to dull out the painful stabbing in his heart.

He doesn't see the chest that contains the Apple beginning to glow.

Letting out a small sigh, Desmond was find something to do (like find a pillow to place his head in to sleep for a bit- or at least to try) when the door opens, forcing him to sit up and see Altair, who has shut the door, the expression on his face unreadable.

"How come you've never mentioned to us anything about having Eagle Vision?" The Syrian quietly asks the young Assassin.

Desmond gulps and closes his eyes, expecting that question, "...You know how I've experienced your memories while I was held in captivity?"

He knows Altair's attention is slightly perked from this, but Desmond continues regardless, "I got it after one of my Bleedings when I was back in Abstergo, when I was going to escape from the facility. It took a lot of energy from me, but it helped me escape the facility with my other comrades. But..." He trails off before taking another deep breath, his mind racking up on what would be the best way to describe how his vision works compared to Connor and Clay's, "...it's not perfected. I can still things as they are in front of me, the way you and Ezio see it through your eyes. It's... it's not the way I would like it to be since I see things a bit different than the both of you."

He opens his eyes, looking at his bare hands before a bitter chuckle escapes from him, at this point not even caring who listens as he turns away from the door, "You know what I saw back there at the High Altar? You saw it first. Then Ezio did and the two of you look like you guys are about to kill me." He then pauses, feeling the Syrian's eyes narrow at this comment, "I... I can't tell you how I solved it. I can't tell you how I got my blood on some invisible bowl that was sitting on an invisible table." Then his voice gets more quiet, "I've... already screwed things up just from me being here. I've messed things up. I can't tell you, Altair."

"Can't tell me what?" Desmond can just jump from his spot as he feels a warm body up against him; Altair is leaning towards him, a look of concern on his face, "...Desmond, what aren't you telling me?"

"It's..." It's about the Altar, it's about the painting that will show up in about twenty to thirty years later that will be a point of blessings and contentions to the world in the Frari, It's just a simple painting from someone who rivals Leonardo and yet won't match to his fame by a long shot- Oh God, I'm blabbing about the future- The American closes his eyes tight, wanting to stop those thoughts from rushing through his mouth. Shut up, Desmond, shut up!

Instead, he settles for, trying to turn away and forget all of this, "...nothing. It's really nothing-"

"It isn't nothing! What you have just told me about your acquirement of the Eagle Vision not only angers me," Despite his slight frustration, Altair pulls Desmond close to him (and not caring whether the younger man was trying to pull out) before embracing him from behind, "...but it worries me."

"Me getting... how?" Desmond cries out in confusion, "I mean, my Eagle Vision isn't all that perfect unlike the both of you and..." He sighs, "It's... not up to the same level as the two of you have gotten it to be."

"We'll get through it," Altair closes his eyes, "Like we did with training, to help you become better; I can help you. Even that brat Ezio can help your Vision. Desmond, I... I'm not angry at you for not telling us about the Vision." He can feel Desmond slightly stiffen and was about to say something, "I was wondering how you managed to see if someone was an ally or an enemy without asking." And then, "...like back in Jerusalem when I found out about your presence."

"It's... something I would rather try to hide in case anyone finds out," The American quietly murmurs, knowing that escaping and dodging the question from Altair might as well be futile, "Does Ezio know?"

"He could have an idea."

Altair was about to ask how Desmond was still able to figure out the riddle to gain the item when the door opens, forcing the two of them to turn around and see Ezio walking in before shutting the door behind him. There was a slight dim light from Leonardo's desk, meaning that the candle is to remain there until it dies out (it does- thirty minutes from now).

"So?"

"It'll be best," Ezio huffs, not missing the blush from Desmond's face and the slight ire from Altair (from interrupting maybe), "If we left the Piece of Eden to how it is. Unfortunately, knowing how Leonardo is after I explained to him what happened at the Frari," The Florence Assassin was not exactly happy about the idea that he was just informed about, "He wants to see how the item reacts to Desmond- at the next day, that is."

"...great." Desmond groans, "Can't he just try to do this tomorrow morning when I don't feel like the living dead?" He blinks, not hearing a response as he sees the other two Assassins shift (a bit uncomfortably), "...what?"

"Are there anything else you are hiding?"

Desmond then pauses before shaking his head, "I mean- I can go about my brothers and other things that have happened to me, but you've already known that. Aside the Bleeding, Eagle Vision- no. I swear, nothing else."

Honestly, he just wants to stop all scrutiny on him- he knows how terrible he is at actually keeping things to his own since his personality is the type to easily reveal things. Well, he still has some things that he's managed to keep secret (that was back when he was travelling from the Farm to New York). But the fact he was more open from his Assassin family back at the modern days... that meant he was more prone to them reading his thoughts.

It's not helping that he was with two Assassins who do not enjoy people who have hidden things from them (throughout most of their lives, they were littered with betrayal- wait, that's most of the Assassins).

"Next time," Altair softly murmurs to Desmond, which jolts him from the thoughts he's been thinking (most likely redundant ones), "Let me know if you have any more secrets that you've kept away that you want to reveal."

The youngest Assassin's face glows a bright red, but a smile from Desmond made Altair a bit relieved that bit by bit, Desmond is slowly letting go of the burdens from his shoulders. It was only when he notices Ezio's glaring at Altair did the Syrian feel a bit bad for him (if not a bit smug).

"...tch."

The Italian might have a feeling he's going to lose (bit by bit) to the Syrian before letting out a slight forlorn sigh, looking out the window.

One thing was clear- he needs to find a way to get Desmond to open more to him (since it's now evident that Ezio was more privy to betrayal- perhaps that's why his tesoro isn't more likely to open up to him than... well, before, actually).

...but how?

The talk with William must have left Haytham shaken- there was no other way to describe the Templar's mood. Haytham Kenway's face is pale, as if he had seen a ghost or something that made him terrified. He was not sweating (for this would be an indication of nervousness) or jittering (another sign).

Well, that call they just so overheard did give them a reason to tread carefully.

"So..." Clay was the first to trail off before glancing warily at the other four Assassins, "...um-"

"If you twits wanted to know what I was talking to your leader about," Haytham cuts in, his eyes narrowing, "By all means, you can go ahead and ask."

"I'd rather not," Connor murmurs, his eyes closed as his mind tries to reel from what he has just heard, "It's your own business."

Haytham stares at Connor in wariness and was about to ask why the hell he said that when his eyes scans that all of the other four Assassins look really nerved and uncomfortable, leading Haytham to one conclusion.

"You brats listened in." Nerved and uncomfortable got instantly replaced by a combination of irritation and the 'I-told-you-so' glares. Haytham blinks and frowns, "You know, the usual reaction to this would have been panic, but you all look like you were expecting this."

"We did," Shaun deadpans, rubbing his glasses with his cleaning cloth, "It's not exactly one of those unexpected situations."

"Just what did you expect us to do? Sit around in boredom and wait?" Rebecca shrugs, a grin appearing as Haytham stares at her in surprise, "Nope- not that type of person!"

"That's just implying you, you know that," Clay holds back a snicker as the tech's grin immediately turns into a glare aimed at him, "...what? You know it's true!"

"And I can stick a really good trojan horse in your laptop and makes sure it'll corrupt every single one of your files," She sweetly responds back, "Didn't Lucy tell you the last time a guy in here managed to piss me off?"

The Templar stares at them, a bit baffled that they aren't at least a bit concerned about this, "...aren't you at least bit concerned about what I would have said in this sort of situation!?"

"Not really," Lucy shrugs, prompting Haytham to stare at her in surprise, "Well... in a rather normal situation like this one, I should be worried about what you would do to me since you're the Templar and I'm actually the Assassin who you all thought worked for all of you... but I double-crossed Abstergo and William. But in this case, since which it is and I am not too concerned about what you would do since I would rather take care of some people from Abstergo since they've lied to me about Leila's death," The blonde woman takes a deep breath before glaring at Haytham, "Well, no. I'm not too worried."

"Besides," Clay can't help but smirk, earning Haytham's glare, "What were you hoping we were suppose do in this situation?"

"Let me think- perhaps having something more productive to help your order?"

"I wish," Connor frowns, "We're a bit stuck at the moment."

"What could you all be possibly be stuck on?" The Templar can't help but ask in slight amusement (Out of all groups- are they truly this inhibited by something so trivial? Little that he know, the five other Assassins have a really good reason to be delayed and they know it), "Is it something regarding a mission gone wrong?"

Normally, if this was an interrogation (okay, this could technically count as one), they wouldn't say anything.

"...we sort of are in the middle of something." Rebecca carefully states to a skeptical Haytham, "But really, it's none of your business and we're just- waiting for other orders!"

"I... see," Haytham slowly mutters before frowning (whatever that's happening, it's pale in comparison to what he has heard earlier, "May I ask about something?"

"Whatever answer you're looking for, it's a 'no.'" Clay deadpans to the Templar, "Just before you ask anything regarding any sort of activity-"

"Oh for the love of God, that isn't what I was asking!" The Templar was close to losing his temper (or his patience, for that matter), "I was going to inquire you lot about the First Civilization!"

There was a silence, rather a stiffening one, as the Assassins stare at the older man.

Connor's eyes narrow into slits, glaring at his father, "...what?"

Haytham stares at the five Assassins, "...are you all daft!?"

"Uh- no," Rebecca narrows her eyes, suddenly getting a bit wary, "We're not- we heard you."

"Just where," Connor asks darkly, "Did you hear that?"

Haytham refuses to say anything, not wanting to let this group of young adults (or kids) know that he's overheard after watching their Subject's memories.

"Well, how much do you know about the First Civilization?" Lucy asks, "As in informative wise."

"Unfortunately on my end," Haytham grimaces in defeat, knowing that was one area he has little to no knowledge in, "I didn't know of such group of people until Subject 17-"

"Desmond, you asshole," Connor growls, getting a bit stressed from hearing that name used around (William was also getting annoyed before snapping at Haytham about that too), "This is my brother we're talking about!"

"...fine, until Desmond's genetic memories provided with such detail that made me wonder more about them," Haytham dryly continues, realizing at this point, he might as well comprehend with the Assassins until he can find a way out of here (or find out the actual truth based on what William told him), "I- or say, for that matter- the Templars if you'd prefer to think of them in that regard-"

"Just get on with it!" Shaun was starting to get impatient, earning Haytham's death glare, "Your slow drivel's much worse than that of a boring documentary about watching paint dry!"

Rebecca, Clay, Lucy, Connor, and Haytham this time stare at Shaun before Clay asks (with some amusement), "...you actually watched that? Is there even such documentary?"

The British man's eye twitches, feeling his vein pop from his forehead, "Clay. It does exist, like you were mentioning that there wasn't a documentary about sloths. By the way, thank you for livening up my mood that day, I never had so much boredom in my LIFE!"

"Ah, you're welcome. I'm glad to have such schadenfreude-like tendencies, specifically for you," Clay has the smirk that makes Lucy and Rebecca to snicker as Connor shakes in light amusement. Haytham, on the other hand, just stares at them before muttering, shaking his head, '...is this how the children act these days?'

"Going back to..." Lucy shyly interrupts the about-to-be-argument between her boyfriend and Shaun, "...well, the thing is, we've only seen one. Minerva." That, obviously, was a lie. There was another one they're trying their best to keep secret about- Aita (since Desmond's apparent contact with him have left the modern Assassins wondering what is really going on from where he is- he's been in Italy for a while- he's bled and... what next? Actually, they didn't want to think about any possibilities), but they were tight-lipped about it.

Haytham frowns, his eyes narrowing, "...anything else you know about them- aside the obvious reference to them being Gods and all?"

"How did you-"

"My own research." The Templar deadpans, "...and no, before you all even dare ask, I never uttered a word of this to the rest of those twits at Abstergo. They're far too invested in other projects that even projects to ridiculous heights." (Again, that was a lie, Connor and the others can barely hold onto his word like a cat trying to make friends with a tiger since those emails did mention about the First Civilization.)

"...all right, then," Connor frowns, "Then you tell me what you know about it since you've... done your research."

Haytham frowns, "Unfortunately for you, all from what I've gathered- as well as that bloody Vidic and his group of so-called researchers-"

"So they are researching about the First Civilization!?"

"Only because they were the ones who were able to create and handle the Pieces of Eden," Rebecca sighs, "That's something that'll only interest them."

"...that's the only reason why we'd bother looking them up," Haytham can't help but agree with the Assassin on that, "But looking at them... just made me wonder if there was more to the story than the usual precursor to the Pieces of Eden."

"Even if we did tell you what we know," Shaun still doesn't trust the man whatsoever, "What would you do with the said information? Pass it to your so-called boss like a Templar lapdog?"

"Ha!" Haytham's eyes narrow as he barks a sharp laugh, "Yes, knowledge is a powerful and dangerous tool to use in this time- the word is more potent- if not more equal with steels and guns. But there are some that perhaps some are better more equipped to understand than others."

"Like how we found out you were hiding in here the entire time?" Lucy mutters to Clay under her breath, who just gently squeezes her hand in support.

"It's... fine," Connor lets out a sigh as he pinches his nose, "Let's just say what we... do know," Then he frowns, "By that, it's better if we just gave you what we do know. So far."

This also translates to: Don't say that Desmond had a meeting with another First Civilization inhabitant.

Clay, Lucy, Rebecca, and Shaun look at their temporary leader before sighing.

"...I think there wasn't exactly a choice in the beginning, was there," Rebecca then shrugs, "But- then again- this would probably be a good enough payment since we've overheard what you and William talked about."

This time, it was the Templar's wary stare that meets their calmer expressions, "...I take it that you've already known about what most of the conversation was about."

"Yeah, well," Shaun frowns, "It was pretty clear we knew that it was something technological Abstergo's been creating."

Haytham witheringly stares at Connor.

"We've taken the liberty to look through the files while you were chatting with my dad," He smugly smirks as his biological father's eyes narrow in silent fury before nodding to Lucy, "I think you should thank a certain someone."

"I knew it," Haytham mutters, this time shifting his glare to Lucy.

"What can I say?" The blonde woman grins a bit too evilly (matching Clay's), "I think I had my influences and chosen my side pretty well."

"When this is all over," Haytham seethes, "I will make sure to make your deaths as painful as possible."

Clay winces, "Aaaand speaking of, I think that's where we'll begin that 'First Civilization 101, Assassin Style Lesson'." He ignores the withering stares from Shaun and Connor while the girls just giggle, "You know that Minerva's a First Civilization inhabitant. But we also found other ones- there's Hermes, Isis, Osiris, Aphrodite, Consus, Uni, Tinia, Ares, some other ambiguous inhabitants in which we associate with Gods today. As to why, people think they were all powerful when they made the weapons..."

He sees the Templar's patience wearing thinner by the second, but he goes on anyway, "And- oh yeah, there's Aita, that one guy who's actually one of the few who were also responsible for a lot of creation for some of the Pieces of Eden, along with some of the other First Civilizations to try and come up with the solutions to the Toba Catastrophe. Unfortunately, there was that one solution they tried and failed because he was murdered while making a technological change to something at that time- I think they were trying out the alchemy or... something, I dunno. Also, he died at another solution, which actually and honestly didn't really help since it was all about preserving their race-"

"Stop- Wait a minute."

They all look back to see a now confused Haytham, who for once feels like something really isn't right.

"Now what?" Shaun groans, "Looks, if you're just trying to buy some time before-"

"No, boy, it's what you said that just came to me and..." He looks over to Clay, "You. What was it you said about Aita?"

"Well..." Clay frowns, "I said that Aita had been murdered, he was involved in creating various solutions to the Toba Catastrophe, he was a close acquaintance to a few other First Civilization members like Hermes, Isis, Osiris, Aphrodite, Consus; that he was actually working on something that would have changed the technology of the First Civilization-"

"Stop!" Haytham exclaims in alarm that forces the others to jolt in alarm before looking at them in horror, "That's not possible! Aita couldn't be murdered- that wasn't how I recalled it! And he wasn't the one responsible for creating new items- no, he wasn't the one for alchemy!"

There was an alarmed profound silence throughout the entire room before this time, it was Rebecca who steps in to talk.

"...what do you mean," she asks slowly, trying to get some sense from all of that, "Aita couldn't be murdered?"

Shaun was the next to ask, "And what do you mean- that wasn't how you recalled the entire thing?"

End Part 18.3

Aaaaand yeah... going to blend a bit of Black Flag in here. (Spoiler flags everywhere.)

Oh, and I've heard about Unity and Rogue (and I caught up on it, for those who were wondering). ...at this point, this is border-lining what I'm placing in ACS IV, so Unity and Rogue will have to be a different story on their own (on that, any ideas on how to approach this?)

What's next: The Apple does one more thing- except it doesn't affect just Desmond this time. At the same time, the modern Assassins and Haytham realize they've been fooled by several details in their 'research' regarding the First Civilization.