So, I've had this in my documents folder since like February of last year and only found it recently. It was originally supposed to be a oneshot, but it got too big and I didn't want to feel like I was rushing anything so I spilt it in half. This is my first Assassin's Creed fic so please bear with me

Inspired by: "Coming Down" by Five Finger Death Punch

Listening to: "Modern Vampires of the City" Full Album by Vampire Weekend

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters

"Ezio, this artifact that you recovered from Borgia is simply marvelous."

Ezio smiles to himself, knowing that he made the right choice in bringing The Apple of Eden to Leonardo's Venetian Workshop instead of the bureau. The assassins would have immediately locked it away until Uncle Mario, Bartolomeo, and Niccolo arrived in the city, which will take days since they are all coming from different parts of Italy.

In the back of his mind, he knows that he should wait for their allies to arrive, since they do not know The Apple's true potential (though Ezio has some idea after reading The Codex), but his curiosity got the better of him and he knew that Leonardo would be on his side once he laid eyes on it.

He turns his gaze away from The Apple to his friend, only to find Leonardo already looking at him with a childlike wonder. Ezio smiles at him before returning his gaze to The Apple, shifting until his left hand is hovering above it. Earlier, Leonardo touched The Apple when conducting his initial examination and nothing happened, so Ezio figures that it should be all right for him to do the same. He blows out a quiet breath before slowly lowering his hand until it is completely covering The Apple.

It is in this moment, that Ezio realizes his error.

Several beams of bright golden light emerge from The Apple that blind both Ezio and Leonardo. Ezio's hands fly to his face in an attempt to shield his eyes, but the light continues seeping through his fingers.

"It is time."

Somehow, the light becomes even more prominent and consumes Ezio within its warm glow until he knows nothing else . . .

.

After what seems like hours, the light dims and Ezio finds himself standing in a windowless room in an unknown location. The entire area is empty, save for Ezio and one other occupant. A woman encased in an ethereal glow stands before him. She is wearing a long, white robe and an intricate headpiece, made of a design and material Ezio has never seen the likes of before. Her hardened features are famed by long, jet black hair that surrounds her head. She is beautiful— one of the most beautiful people that Ezio has ever seen.

"Who are you? What the hell is going on?" Ezio demands.

"I am Juno," she says, her voice otherworldly and echoing. "I have brought you to Limbo because I have a mission—one that only you can accomplish . . . there is a man in a faraway land, who is straying from his pre-destined path."

"Who is he and what does he have to do with me?"

"You are the prophet foretold. You are the only one who can do this."

"Do what?" Ezio asks exasperated.

In lieu of an answer, Juno holds out her hand with her palm facing downward. Beams of light extend from her fingertips, once again entrapping Ezio within that endless brightness before the world goes completely and utterly dark.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Ezio's eyes fly open and he gasps for air, quickly discovering that he is lying on his back and staring at a cloudless blue sky in an unfamiliar territory. He slowly rises to his feet, checking himself for injuries and is pleased when he finds none. He brushes the dirt off his body before taking a good look at the surrounding area.

He is standing in the middle of an unmarked dirt path, with two large cliffs rising on either side of him. He warily stares at the seemingly endless road before him, hoping that at the end, he will find help instead of an early grave (an ironic statement, considering the fact that he is an assassin). He shakes his head and starts walking, following the steep path and slightly unstable for a few hours until he stumbles up something that he has only seen in drawings.

Masyaf.

Masyaf is the name of both the small village and castle that is carved into the mountains. It is the home of the Levantine Assassin Brotherhood (of the legendary Altair Ibn-La'Ahad). The last Ezio ever heard of Masyaf—the last anyone heard of Masyaf—was that it had been abandoned following an attack by the Mongols and unsalvageable, which is a shame considering the Assassin Order that Ezio knows in his time was discovered beyond those walls. However, now the area is bustling. People, both assassin and civilian alike, roam throughout the city and the surrounding area, going about their daily lives, completely unaware of their legacy and impact on the world.

Ezio looks around entrapped, feeling a boyish excitement at standing in front of a place that he has only read about and dreamed of. His eyes greedily scan the area, soaking in everything that Masyaf has to offer before his eyes catch on familiar robes and his breath leaves him.

Resting on a bench just outside of Masyaf is none other than Altair himself. Some would have their doubts, since Altair has been dead for hundreds of years, but Ezio would know him anywhere. Once he came to accept his ancestry, he poured over The Codex, reading the entire thing cover to cover and learning everything he possibly could about the Levantine Assassins. Altair is knowledgeable and articulate, pouring years upon years of wisdom into a book that is passed down through the generations. He could not help the small crush he developed while studying The Codex, one that his sister relentlessly teases him about when their mother and uncle are out of sight. Ezio figured that since it was nothing more than a simple crush, it would go away over time, but seeing Altair now in person is only making it worse, especially once Ezio considers the fact that he is much better looking than his statues have been able to portray.

When Ezio's thoughts drift to the back of his mind, he notices that he has been staring at Altair the entire time . . . and that Altair is staring back. Embarrassed at being caught, Ezio looks away, wondering how suspicious he would look if he turned and ran in the other direction. He holds back a sigh, gathering his thoughts together in hopes of remedying the situation. He could try flirting, which usually works in getting him out of tough spots, but he has a feeling that Altair might respond negatively to his advances and Ezio really does not want to be stabbed in the throat at this particular moment.

Deciding that it would be better to apologize and move on, he turns his head, only to have to fight back the urge to scream when he discovers that Altair is standing right in front of him with a highly suspicious look.

"I do not think I have seen you before," Altair says, his voice heavily accented. His carefully guarded gaze roams Ezio's body, checking for hidden weapons and weak points.

"That is because I am not from here," Ezio answers without thinking. When Altair raises a suspicious eyebrow, he panics. "I am from Italy—an assassin from Italy."

Altair appears surprised by this answer. "I did not know we had brothers from afar."

"We are a small order, not many know of our existence," Ezio responds, which is not a complete lie. While he and his Uncle have many allies, they are still considered meager, especially when compared to Masyaf.

"I see. Sometimes it is better to keep it that way." He extends a hand. "Altair."

"Ezio; pleased to make your acquaintance." He places his hand with in Altair's, surprised by how warm and soft his hands are.

Altair releases his hand and Ezio immediately misses his warmth. "What brings you to Masyaf?"

"My uncle wants to build up our order and thought that the knowledge and wisdom of our fellow assassins could give us some inspiration and tips on what we can do." Again, not a complete lie. "We would have sent a pigeon to request a visit, but alas, we did not know where any potential allies could be located."

Altair opens his mouth and closes it, thinking over Ezio's words before nodding his head once. "I believe I can be of assistance. Come, Al Mualim will be pleased to see you."

Al Mualim. Why does Ezio know that name?

It is not until he is following Altair through the steep, dirt streets of Masyaf that it hits him. Al Mualim was the mentor of the assassins and Altair's tutor, until his secret alliance with the Templars was revealed. Altair confronted and killed him in order to save the rest of the Brotherhood. According to an entry from Malik Al-Sayf's writings that Uncle Mario gave to him, Altair changed more than he already had after his encounter with Al Mualim and subsequently, The Apple of Eden. He became obsessed, closing out everyone completely (including his future wife and kids) to study The Apple and find a way to understand it.

Ezio clamps his lips together tightly, preventing himself from blurting out everything he knows. He recalls an earlier conversation with Leonardo about the possibilities of what he referred to as "time travel" in that if one is able to revisit the past, they must be careful not to reveal anything crucial from their time, lest they influence the future. He bites down harder on the inside of his cheek, half listening to Altair explain the inner workings of Masyaf and unable to stop the crushing guilt that builds inside his chest.

Altair stops walking in the middle of the road and Ezio nearly runs into him. He is looking up at the Masyaf Castle, a large, stone structure that only assassins could live inside.

". . . life is good here, most of the time anyway," Altair is saying, glancing at Ezio over his shoulder. "I think you will like it."

"If it is as good as you say, then it will be like a home away from home."

Altair hums. "If you wish to see it that way, then yes." He pauses, looking as if he wants to say more, but instead turns away from Ezio.

He follows Altair silently through the intricate, lavish, and maze like levels of the castle, passing by a multitude of assassins that eye him curiously (and lecherously), until they reach a room on the upper most floor. The area is large and spacious; it is mostly empty aside from a small desk, three chairs, a bookshelf and three floor to ceiling windows that bathe the room in bright, natural lighting. In front of one of the windows is a man in a long hooded robe with his back to the door.

"Al Mualim, we have a visitor; an assassin from Italy," Altair says in way of greeting. He crosses the length of the room and comes to a stop in front of the desk with Ezio trying his best not to hover next to him.

"Italy?" Al Mualim questions, turning away from the window and eyeing Ezio suspiciously. "I did not realize that we had Italian brothers."

"As I told Altair, we are a small order looking to expand. In fact, I am only a Third Generation Italian assassin."

Like Altair, Al Mualim seems surprised by his answer. "You are an awfully young order," he says, clasping his hands in front of him. "Well no matter, welcome to our Brotherhood. I would be glad to assist you with anything that you require. Altair as well, no?"

"Of course," Altair says, a slight strain in his tone at having his services volunteered when he did not offer them himself.

Al Mualim nods. "In the meantime, we have a several spare rooms that you can retire to. You must be exhausted from your long journey."

"I am, grazie," Ezio replies, forcing a smile. There is something about the Mentor's aura that is not right, and if he did not already know that Al Mualim is a traitor, then he would certainly have his suspicions now.

"Then, you are dismissed—Altair, wait here. I want to hear about your most recent assignment," Al Mualim adds when Altair moves to leave with Ezio.

Ezio leaves after exchanging a glance and a shrug with Altair, slightly disappointed that he will not get to spend any more time with him, at least for now anyway. He wanders around the castle before asking a couple of female assassins where the spare rooms are. They happily show him the way and elude that if he wants any company to come and find them later.

Amused by their boldness, Ezio gratuitously thanks them before entering the room and leaning heavily against the door. He scans his temporary surrounding, discovering that his room is simple and subtle, only containing the necessities. There is nothing flashy and bold as he is used to in Italy, but it is beautiful all the same.

He moves away from the door and enters into the adjacent washroom. As he is cleaning up, Ezio's thoughts wander back to the whole reason as to why he is here in the first place. Juno mentioned that there was a man straying from his path. Is Altair the one she was talking about? And if so, what path is he straying from? Juno was not exactly clear when she was forcibly handing him this mission.

Ezio shakes, knowing that he is going to have more questions than he will ever hear answers too. Uncle Mario used to say that patience would be greatly rewarded in time, and that saying is complete and utter bullshit. Ezio is trapped in the past, in a country whose language he does not speak and culture that he does not know, surrounded by people who only have existed to him through The Codex.

He drops his washrag in sink and places his head heavily within his hands. Ezio is at a complete loss—he has not felt this helpless since he watched his father and brothers murdered before him. He has no Intel, no allies from his time, and no idea on what his next move should be. Right now, he would give anything for Uncle Mario and Bartolomeo to burst in through the door, both armed with a ridiculous escape plan that should have never worked and a way for Ezio to return to his own time.

Ezio lowers his hands from his head and moves until he is staring at the ceiling, wondering exactly how he keeps finding himself in these absurd situations.

.

A few hours later, Ezio reluctantly returns to the place he dubbed in his mind as "Al Mualim's Lair" after an assassin, who introduced himself as Kadar Al-Sayf, came to his room with a message from Al Mualim himself requesting Ezio's presence. He would have rather eaten his own foot or have the younger assassin return to Al Mualim with a cruel, inappropriate message, but giving Al Mualim any indication that he knows of his traitorous ways is not in his best interest right now.

He enters Al Mualim's Lair and is surprised to find that Altair still in the room. He is sitting in a chair off in the corner with his feet propped up and sharpening one of his knives. He looks up when Ezio enters and nods in greeting, a simple gesture that should not warm his insides the way that it is doing now.

Ezio nods in response before turning to Al Mualim, who is watching him expectantly. He has no idea why he has been called here and is unable to stop the growing anxiety that forms in his gut. "You wanted to see me?"

"That is correct," Al Mualim confirms. "Something very disturbing has been brought to my attention. Based on Intel uncovered by Altair, we have discovered that there is a traitor in our midst. My former second in command, Harash, has betrayed out Brotherhood in the most heinous of ways. He has been selling our classified information to the Templars. How long this has been occurring is unknown, but it does explain why our enemies appeared to always be one step ahead of us."

This is rich coming from Al Mualim (who, according to The Codex, also sold out assassin Intel) and it takes all of Ezio's will power not to laugh at the irony.

"Based on this new Intel and my previous knowledge of how Harash operates, I am certain that he is seeking asylum in Halab."

Halab, known to Ezio as Aleppo, is the location of one of the many Levantine Assassin hideouts scattered throughout Syria. Unlike Masyaf, the Assassins do not have control over Aleppo, and from what Ezio has read the area is consistently hot with Templar activity.

"I will leave at once," Altair says, speaking for the first time since this conversation began, sheathing his knife and preparing to rise from his seat.

"There is one other thing," Al Mualim says, glancing between Ezio and Altair. "I want you to take our Italian friend with you."

"What?" Altair and Ezio exclaim, the former out of anger and the latter out of surprise. Out of all the things Ezio could have predicted being needed for, he was not expecting the opportunity to accompany Altair on an assignment.

"Al Mualim, this is a simple assassination—I do not require assistance," Altair protests.

"Our Italian friend wants to expand his order. What better way than to see the Levantine assassins in action and with none other than my star pupil?"

"You are saying that you want me to babysit?" Altair asks, all but spitting out the last word.

"I did not say that. I merely wish for our Italian friend to see the best that our order has to offer and you are the best assassin I have," Al Mualim reasons, fixating Altair with a stern look for speaking out of tern.

Altair looks as though he wants to keep arguing, but instead sighs heavily. "Fine; let us get this over with."

"You are both dismissed," Al Mualim says before turning his back to the pair of assassins.

Altair rises from the chair and walks out of the room, with Ezio following behind him and trying to keep a grip on his temper. Altair's attitude is completely uncalled for and unprofessional and it takes everything Ezio has not to snap.

The tension surrounding them is thick and visible, so much so that other assassins in the building back away from them in fear of what the pair might do if they come to blows. Ezio ignores them, keeping his gaze locked on Altair's back, the set of his shoulders and quick, steady pace show exactly how irritated he is about having a partner.

"Look," Ezio says once he has grown tired of the silence and simmering in his own anger. They have just left the castle and are back on the streets of Masyaf, with Altair leading Ezio to a location he does not intend on sharing. "I know you are mad because Al Mualim forced you to bring me along, but we need to get over it so we can be successful on this assignment."

Altair does not answer and Ezio almost thinks that he was ignored, but the lessoning tension and slight relaxation of Altair's shoulders, let him know that his message was perceived.

"Fine," Altair eventually says. "But, if you ever try to give me unwarranted advice again, I will rip your throat out."

"I would not want it any other way," Ezio says, trying to cover his wince after speaking without thinking again, though the amused look Altair throws over his shoulder makes it bearable.

The tension between them completely dissipates and the pair walks together in a compatible silence. As it turns out, Altair was taking Ezio to the stables and Ezio silently scolds himself for not thinking of that sooner. When they arrive, they each pick a horse (brown for Ezio and black for Altair) and quickly prepare for the journey.

Altair turns to look at Ezio with one eyebrow raised. They have just mounted their horses and are leading them from the stables. "Think you can keep up with me, old man?"

Ezio bristles. "Excuse me?"

Altair smirks before clicking his tongue and galloping away from Ezio.

Ezio shouts after him before spurring on his own stead and quickly catching up to Altair. "I am not old."

Altair hums amused. "Based on my estimate, I would have to say that you are at least in your late twenties, possibly early thirties. Am I wrong?"

"No," Ezio grumbles, wanting desperately to wipe the smug satisfaction off Altair's face. "Alright, if we are going by estimates, than by mine, you have to be at least . . . eighteen? Nineteen?"

Altair looks offended and Ezio does not bother to conceal his smirk.

.

"Twenty five."

Ezio hums, partially curious and partially caught off guard at Altair initiating conversation. They have been galloping steadily since they left the Masyaf stables, only slowing to a steady trot now that they are nearing the gates to The Kingdom.

"You thought I was eighteen," Altair continues. "I am twenty five."

"I was actually—wait, twenty five? Is that not . . ."

"Young for a Master Assassin?" Altair finishes. "I hear that more than you think. People tend to doubt my abilities in the field and my intelligence due to my age. They believe that I will be reckless and forceful on missions, but I care about the people of Masyaf and my Brotherhood, even though I do not vocalize it often. I would never intentionally put my fellow creed members in harm's way."

So what changed?

Ezio looks at Altair, taking in the frustrated furrow to his brow and down turn of his mouth. Based on what Altair just said, his peers must be under the impression that he is getting some sort of special treatment. In The Codex, Altair mentioned that he previously thought of Al Mualim as a second father and was practically raised by him. Ezio is not completely sure if Al Mualim ever intentionally let Altair get away with anything prior to Soloman's Temple, but one would think that the Great Mentor would be harder on Altair because he cared for him.

"We are here," Altair says, his voice startling Ezio from his thoughts and causing him to try to hide an embarrassing flinch.

The Kingdom itself is an open area with several villages, settlements, and abandoned buildings littered through the desert in addition to cliffs, inclines, and valleys. From what he has read, it is extremely easy to become lost within The Kingdom, especially without a guide. Ezio is thankful (and lucky) that he has Altair with him, seeing as he not only grew up in the area, but has also gone on a multitude of missions that have brought him through this area.

Altair shifts his horse closer to Ezio's, so close that their elbows are nearly touching from where they are holding the reigns in a lacked position as they walk along.

"We need to keep a low profile," Altair warns in a low voice, barely a whisper. "The Kingdom is supposed to be open territory, but like Halab, which you will soon enough discover, the Templars are under the belief that it is theirs alone."

The one thing that had not escaped Ezio's notice was exactly how many Templars were in the area. Sure Ezio has seen his fair share of guards, but never in this concentration.

"We have been trying our best over the years to lessen their numbers, but for every one we eliminate, two more take their place."

"Like the Legend of the Hydra."

"Exactly like the Legend of the Hydra."

They fall silent. Ezio ponders over Altair's words as they pass by a group of a dozen Templars, who eye them suspiciously and lustfully. Ezio suppresses a shiver and keeps his eyes forward. He does not even want to begin to think about the thoughts that could possibly be running through those Templar's heads. He knows that he and Altair would be successful in eliminating them, but Ezio would rather avoid a fight for as long as possible since he is in an unknown territory and has yet to see what Altair is like in battle.

"Should we have acquired disguises?" Ezio asks once they have cleared the group.

Altair shakes his head. "No, as long as we keep our heads down and do not attract any unwarranted attention, then we shall be fine." He pauses. "I know that the first time being in The Kingdom can be overwhelming for a beginner, but you are doing better than anyone I have ever trained."

"I may be new here, but I am not a beginner," Ezio says.

"Oh?" Altair inquires with a raise of his eyebrow.

Ezio nods. "I am twenty nine now so it has been . . . twelve years, that I have been an assassin, that is; ever since—" he cuts himself off as the faces of his father and brothers crosses the forefront of his mind.

"The memories of becoming an assassin are painful ones?" Altair asks after Ezio stays silent for a long moment.

Ezio nods again, not trusting himself to look at Altair. Thinking about his family's demise always puts him in a terrible mood. If Uberto Alberti was a true friend to the Auditore's, if he had done what Ezio asked of him, then his family would still be whole. He might even be an assassin now if it was not for that traitor.

Sometimes, Ezio thinks it is funny how one event—one single moment—can change an entire person's life for the better or worse.

Altair remains silent, giving Ezio the time to gather his thoughts together, a notion that Ezio greatly appreciates and after some time, he is able to turn and look at his companion, taking in the concern openly etched on his face.

"What about you? Do you have any fun memories of becoming an assassin?" Ezio asks, hating the way his voice cracks.

Altair gives him a small, yet sad smile. "I do not think that many in our order have joyful memories of coming into this line of work," he says, tone implying far more than he will ever reveal, thought Ezio knows from reading The Codex exactly what he is referring to.

He turns away from Altair, feeling guilty that he let the mood become unbearably sour especially since Altair was only trying to make Ezio feel more comfortable at being completely exposed in enemy territory. He wants to talk more with Altair—get to know the assassin whom he has idolized for years on a more intimate level, but he just cannot find it within himself to start another conversation.

.

By nightfall, they reach the assassin safe house, which is located in an abandoned building that rests exactly halfway between Masyaf and Aleppo. Altair comments that he and Malik accidently discovered it while fleeing some Templar guards (ironically enough) and have since claimed it for the assassins. He also stated that other buildings have been claimed in various locations throughout The Kingdom in case of emergency, which happens more often than one thinks, according to Altair.

Ezio climbs off his horse and stretches his sore muscles, while Altair roams through the building and the surrounding area searching for rogue Templar agents. Ezio secures their horses to a nearby railing, making sure they have plenty of water and hay to last them through the night.

He's gathering their bags and sattles when Altair returns and declares the area clear. Ezio nods and hands Altair his things before following him to the third and uppermost floor of the safe house where they are going to seek shelter for the night. They expertly maneuver around each other as they prepare for bed as if this routine is one that they have performed for years.

Ezio removes all of his weapons, sans hidden blades, and lays them next to the small, thin mattress that they are going to share. He lies down first, facing the window and curling in on himself so he does not take up too much room. Reaching out, he rearranges his weapons so that they are within arm's reach, feeling the mattress dip slightly when Altair settles in next to him, front facing the door in case they have any late night visitors.

Goosebumps emerge over Ezio's body as Altair presses against him, the heat radiating off his back and warming Ezio to his very core. It is now that Ezio is reminded of his crush on Altair and he bites down hard on his lower lip, willing himself to keep his body relaxed. It would be hell if he had to try to explain himself. He has already slipped up in front of him twice and does not care for a repeat.

He lies still, listening to Altair's quiet breathing behind him, indicating that he has fallen into a light doze (their field of work never allows much rest unless they are safely behind the walls of their home order). He finds his thoughts drifting to his family, feeling a surge of guilt at leaving Leonardo with the task of informing the Order of what has happened. He truly wishes that no one blames Leonardo for his disappearance. Ezio should have known better and waited for Uncle Mario, Bartolomeo, and Niccolo before going anywhere near The Apple, but curiosity got the best of him and when Ezio puts his mind to something, he sees it through until the end.

Ezio blows out a steady breath and closes his eyes as his mind switches to replay everything that has occurred today. He is no closer to figuring out why Juno wants him here in the first place. He has already come to realize that it has something to do with Altair and Soloman's Temple. Malik's writing described Altair during that event as an "arrogant and stubborn idiot," but that does not describe the Altair that Ezio has come to know over the day, though he feels as though the word "hotheaded" would better describe Altair at this moment. He is not a bad person and other than when they were first assigned to work together, he has been nothing but polite and respectful. He lays here and wonders: what could have possibly happened to make him so ruthless?

A horrifying thought crosses his mind, causing his eyes to fly open as he sucks in a harsh breath and stares at the wall in shock. Is Ezio supposed to be the one who influences Altair? Who causes him to become arrogant, stubborn, and lead missions with a reckless abandonment? He shakes his head, willing that thought to leave his head. Sure, he has plenty of negative qualities, but he would never purposely cause a person to change themselves.

Biting back a frustrated sigh, Ezio closes his eyes and tries his damnedest to fall asleep, pressing closer to Altair and using his presence as a means to ground himself in reality. Despite the fact that he enjoys Altair's company (probably more than he should), it does not change the fact that he does not belong in this time. He knows he needs to work harder and figure out his true purpose for being here so he can escape this nightmare of an ordeal for he has no doubt that Juno will not allow him to return home until her impossible task is completed.