#would make him wonder if he could control ezio’s body

[teecupangel]

what do you think it would be like if (and assume that in this Ezio is affected in his actual life by everything Desmond does) When Desmond started in on Ezio’s memories, he accidentally turned on Eagle vision and couldn’t turn it off and so came to the conclusion that Ezio was just color blind- while Ezio is having a major crisis over why he sees everything and nothing all the time! And after Ezio finally accepts this is just how things are now- Desmond finds the off switch and the fallout of color commences at the worst possible time

Considering the first time Desmond connect with Ezio was during his birth, this means that Ezio would believe he is color blind growing up. It would probably be something the Auditores would hide to everyone and Ezio would grow up believing seeing the gray world is some kind of ‘curse’. The truth is his parents are hiding it because they know Ezio isn’t color blind, he sees the blues and the reds. Ezio believes those colors are just part of the gray world he sees but Giovanni knows that this is a sign that Ezio is special, to the eyes of the Brotherhood… and the Templar Order. They’re trying to protect Ezio and his siblings help. Claudia picks his clothes to be sure he doesn’t pick disastrous color combination (by Renaissance standards). Federico would find ways to talk about the colors of this and that so Ezio would have an idea of what color they are in case he needs it later on. Petruccio plays with Ezio of ‘guess the color’ and it helps Ezio differentiate the gray hues or, at the very least, memorize what color they were supposed to be.

And then…

Desmond connects with Ezio again.

I have a feeling you were going for maybe something like Desmond deactivates the Eagle Vision during the Auditore execution but what if…

Desmond didn’t deactivate it but the Animus loaded the next memory on ‘default settings’ which includes…

The Eagle Vision being deactivated.

The next time Desmond connects with Ezio, it took the Animus a bit of time to load everything properly so the settings are changed just after Vieri hit Ezio with the stone.

Ezio’s frozen because his entire world burst into colors.

He can’t even see the sickening red of Vieri anymore.

Just… so many different colors he had never seen before.

And Ezio would assume it was Vieri’s stone that ‘cured’ him of his curse.

And in his delight, he rushed Vieri.

… and kissed him in the lips in gratitude.

Vieri and everyone else are simply confused, wondering if Ezio Auditore da Firenze has gone insane.

He was laughing, even going as far as dancing with the stupefied Vieri.

It was only when Federico got there that Ezio let go of Vieri and told him as he hugged his brother, “I can see!”

Federico realized what he means and he gets Ezio out of there, apologizing to Vieri and telling him they’d kick his ass later.

And the next memory Desmond sees is Ezio’s family being happy and hugging him because he can now see.

Desmond is just confused.

Sooooo… Ezio was blind before???

That’s what Desmond assumed until he activated the Eagle Vision again to check his surrounding after Ezio receives his father’s orders to bring some documents to Lorenzo de’ Medici then he heard Ezio’s sharp intake of breath and how he started to panic. Ezio ran back home and tells his father that he can no longer see anymore and their conversation tipped Desmond off that they’re talking about the Eagle Vision.

He deactivates it and got his confirmation when Ezio told his father that he can see again.

And Desmond starts to freak out because this means he can… what? Change what the Animus is showing? Change the past?

“That’s ridiculous, Desmond. The Animus can only show the past. This is probably some kind of bug.” Lucy would try to tell him but he can’t shake off the feeling that it might be something more.

Because of how frightened Ezio had been to lose his ability so see colors, his father tells him to rest in the house for now and orders Federico to deliver the documents instead.

Federico returns soon enough to Claudia and Petruccio with Ezio, trying to get him to relax a bit. Claudia didn’t even read the letter she had received today because she had been worried about Ezio.

So when the guards came to take them away…

Ezio was there.

… with Desmond who can control Ezio.

… with the skills from his waking bleed of Altaïr.

[halfpintofanxiety]

AC Prompts

“Fear not the darkness but welcome its embrace” Ezio Auditore da Firenze 

When you literally read most of the AC fanfics so now you have to write ur own Rip 

I have never posted anything on any fanfiction site, nor anything worthwhile on Tumblr because procrastination and social anxiety is a bitch. For some reason though I have felt the powerful urge to jump right in and I have written various prompts that most likely will never actually get written because I doubt my motivation or memory will live long enough but here we go. 

Spoilers for Valhalla and most of the other games but you should’ve played them by now

A Desmond Miles fic where he got he woke in the same simulation that Aletheia made for Kassandra (because in the DLC we saw other characters that have died so now i am using it as the AC universe’s afterlife) only he was too much of a loose cannon for Minerva who was salty that he let Juno out so she had him imprisoned. So after discovering that his entire life was planned out for him only to die, lied to about it for months, watched his ancestors suffer for this plan, and died painfully despite being told it would be instant only afterwards told he was now being punished for doing his job....Yeah no he decided to be a problem. 

FemEivor/Basim where Loki didn’t have absolute control and so they were tag teaming in the same body. So Basim returns with Sigurd to Ravensthorpe and is reeling from Sigurd’s behaviour Teehee because Loki was almost positive that Sigurd was kind Tyr and Eivor was arrogent Havi, but this newly acquired attitude says otherwise. Possibly a trauma response or true colors coming to light so Basim keeps an eye out. Eyes wide enough that he also could see the new furry wolf member of the village, Mouse and his wolf mom and Basim do be like...O///O.

Valhalla AU where Eivor pulled a Rosta and ran towards her fallen parents before Sigurd could get a hold of her and so she was captured and going to be sold as a thrall in Ireland but there was a storm where they settled in England first, Wessex to be specific, to recuperate and restore their longship. Possibly escapes she does, run into Zealot she does, impressed by stamina and strength he is, trains small traumatized girl maybe, becomes well known to get an audience with a king who could use an assassin to wipe out order members?...who knows? I don’t. 

Hearing about Harold’s growing forces, Halfdan is pushed by Faravid to seek an allience to possibly gain support in England with another army. To prove good tidings the siege on Kjotve’s land is earlier than expected as well as Harold’s plan to unite Norway with him as king. Eivor who was struggling to find a purpose after killing her enemy (I like making characters more realistic, there’s no way she was not depressed and with Sigurd gone and Styrbjorn’s displeasure with her, she had no support other than Randvi) requested to offer her axe to Halfdan’s army. (Maybe a few months before Sigurd’s return) 

Something with Leofrith because that man was too pretty to not have a reappearance or longer than 5mins worth of screentime. The first time I saw him I made this chocking sound that greatly concerned my mother who was in another room. Gave off wonderful Jaime Lanister vibes without the incest which was poggers and there is literally only 2 pieces on AO3 with Leofrith/FemEivor.  

Unity AU, I’m aware that the french templars didn’t know that Shay was there but i only recently read the book so for a few years now I headcannoned this idea and I have too much of a hatred for Elise (i’m trying to get over it but nothing is working) to let it go. Elise was in the know for years and technically her first “assignment” was to distract a little boy so that Shay could retrieve the Precursor box. So it was either grief or guilt that led to De la Serre taking him in. Not implying but heavily implying that Charles and Ballec were a thing but they totally were.

I feel like I got this idea from @esamastation a couple months ago where they made a list of maybe prompts and I thought to myself at the time ‘Oh i could never because then I’d feel guilty about not writing them’ so now i am here guilt tripping myself into getting these works done. 

aNd WhY DO wE dO THiS because I attend college and everything else has priority when I have papers to write. 

[kiatheinsomniac]

Unwoven Fate VII

[MY MASTERLIST]

Ezio had taken her into one of the eastern districts to some ruins where he said they would be able to practise undisturbed. He'd made her demonstrate some more of her climbing abilities by making her way up one of the old columns and following him from above.

She was happy to hear that his only criticism was that she needed to learn how to make her footsteps quieter but that her technique was flawless other than that (she supposed that the only requirements for flawless were: don't fall and break your legs). When he joined him back on the ground, he seemed to think for a moment before speaking:

"I've been wanting some of you recruits to help me around Roma, follow me and aid me in any fights that I signal for you to join in. The others aren't able to keep as you can yet but I need you to be able to move around unseen and unheard if you want to join me. It'll be the first step in climbing up a rank." He explained as he took a dagger out from his belt, twirling it in his deft fingers for a moment.

"Absolutely!" (Y/n) exclaimed, eager to get ahead, "I'll train as you see fit, Mentore." She bowed her head for a moment before hesitating, considering her request.

"I'm a skilled archer if that's any help." She added.

"An archer? Recruits only use the hidden blade."

"My uncle used to take me out hunting. I'm a steady hand and quick to aim." She explained. Ezio nodded his head in reply.

"Yes, that would be very useful for the work I want you to do. I'll see to getting you a bow as soon as you're able and I'd like you to teach the other recruits in my absence if you're as good as you say." He raised the dagger up, getting into a fighting stance. "But for now I'd like to see if you can hold your ground against me."

(Y/n) took a moment to consider the challenge. He was a master assassin and she was mostly untrained in close combat, she was already at a disadvantage. But, he had said that he simply wanted to test her skills when they were on their journey to the temple ruins so she assumed that he would start off easy and gradually push her more.

She brought her hands up and extended the hidden blade, taking a careful step to the side of his non-dominant hand, waiting for him to make the first strike. After realising that she was waiting for him to hit first, he dove forwards, (Y/n) quickly dodging out of the way and swiping at him. His body turned to face hers as he crouched down to dodge another swipe of her blade and she took a few steps back, realising that she was moving with too much effort and exhausting herself far too quickly. However, Ezio took his upper hand and closed the distance, taking the chance to grab her robes with one hand and pull her forwards, the hilt of the dagger pressed to her stomach; had this been a real fight and he hadn't turned the dagger over, she would be dead.

"I won't put so much effort into swinging my arm next time." She spoke up, looking down at the blade as he let her go.

"You learn quick." He smiled.

"Shouldn't we be doing this back at the hideout? I mean, with the other recruits?" She prompted.

"I wanted to take the chance to talk to you about your choices in the brotherhood first and having to watch four recruits freerun at once while making sure they don't fall and break something can be. . . stressful." He shrugged his shoulders a little, spreading his hands as he spoke. He raised the dagger once more, "Again, show me how you can conserve your energy more."

They continued to train until the sky's blue started to melt into amber and they headed back to the hideout, Ezio stopping along the way to tear down a few wanted posters of himself. At once point, (Y/n) had spotted a chest and decided that they would race for it, only being beaten by him by a few footsteps. Before they entered the rooftop door, Ezio put his hand in front of her to stop her.

"Tomorrow, I want you to locate me in the city and tail me. If you can do so for at least half an hour without me noticing, you'll start following me around Roma and supporting me in combat. Understood?"

"Yes, Mentore." She replied before he smiled and let her through.

"Brava."

As she made her way down the stairs, she thought about how much she enjoyed challenges now, especially challenging herself. She felt that it gave her some more freedom over her life, something to prove that she could accept willingly instead of having it forced on her, she felt more in control of her life when she was setting her own goals and boundaries.

⚜⚜⚜

The next day, she awoke even before Emilio's heavy door could startle her out of sleep, excited for the challenge ahead. She quickly dressed and prepared herself before going downstairs for her usual small breakfast and coffee. She decided that she would head to La Rosa in Fiore, the thieves' guild and the barracks as her first locations to find him. Something new that she considered was that she would have to find Ezio before he found her, so she would have to move stealthily the whole time.

As she made her way up onto the rooftops, she started making sure that her shadow was not visible on the street below and she stayed out of the way of the Borgia archers. It took her two hours before she saw him crossing a field in the distance on a horse that must have been stolen because the guard was starting to give up on chasing the Master Assassin. (Y/n) smiled amusedly to herself as she kept a low crouch, making her way to higher ground on the ruins, tucking herself into shadowy corners and trying to keep up with the speed of the horse by making shortcuts across its path.

Eventually, Ezio ditched the horse and started moving through the streets. (Y/n) kept to rooftops for as long as possible until the buildings were too low and it was better to follow from the streets, blending into crowds of people or civilians sitting on benches, often pretending to be bartering with a merchant when she saw her target's eyes cat up towards the rooftops, expecting her to be up there.

He knew that it was her strong point and, then perhaps, expected her to play to her strengths. That was when she made the decision to stick to the crowds and shadows.

She had been following him for ten minutes until a guard started to recognise him from the posters that were all over the city. (Y/n) watched as he sat down on a bench and let the lone guard approach him, waiting until he was close enough to grab before sinking his blade into the man's neck and propping him upright in the seat. (Y/n)'s eyes widened in amazement at the stealth of the kill: in broad daylight, in a bustling area and absolutely no one noticed.

She started to wonder if she would be able to do the same. Did she have it in her to kill someone? Would she be able to do it or would she die trying? Ezio had told her that this life would toughen her up and she could only hope that he was right. She had to stop herself from staring and stepped around the corner as he started looking around to make sure that no one had noticed what he had done. She left it a few minutes before turning the corner again, seeing him much further down the street and doing her best to catch up to him at a safe distance without running.

It had been nearly forty minutes now and (Y/n) was still tailing him. He had told her to just follow for half an hour but she was pushing herself to see just how long she could stay hidden in plain sight for. While staying seated on a bench, keeping her eyes on him from beneath her hood, she noticed how a group of patrolling guards were now watching him warily, one of the lighter-dressed ones running off then returning with a sheet of paper in his hands: a wanted poster.

"It is him!" She heard the one with the heaviest armour exclaim as he gripped his halberd and streaked his way through the crowd towards him. (Y/n) looked at the group and how a second patrolling group had now fixed their attention to what was about to happen in the square.

Ezio was on the guard before he could even be confronted by him, sword drawn and going through the gap beneath the helmet, taking down the biggest guy first. (Y/n) watched as he attacked, blocked, defended and killed. The people all around scattered into nearby streets, some running for their lives while others remained to watch from a safer distance.

(Y/n) bit her cheek as she considered intervening. She had not yet been allowed to assist him, her only task for today was to tail but there were so many of them and she was worried that he was overwhelmed. His hand reached behind him to his smoke bomb pouch and she could see his eyes widen as he counter-killed a guard who had previously dodged each hit. His escape plan was gone, the pouch was empty.

(Y/n) stood and turned to scale the wall, making her way onto the rooftop and getting a different view of the fight, remaining crouched. Two of them were still agile enough to miss each swing of her mentor's sword so she knew that she would need to take one of those out as they were faster too and may be able to catch up when she created a window of opportunity to escape.

Leaning over the edge of the roof, in the perfect position to come down on the guard's back, she could feel her heart racing, the clashing of swords seeming to fade away.

Could she do it? Could she kill them? Did she really have it in her to be an Assassin?

She thought of why she was here, why she was now leading this new life. Her family had killed her parents, kidnapped her and lied to her and she was going to do whatever it took to find out why. Her body trembled slightly with rage as she thought over all the years that she had lived in ignorance, of every single day that her aunt and uncle had looked her in the eyes and kept the truth hidden from her. Her aunt and uncle.

She threw the smoke bomb to the cobbled ground below with a great force and leapt, landing on the guard's back and sinking her blade into his neck, retracting it and pulling the second guard forwards onto her blade while he was blinded. The smokescreen wouldn't last long enough for her to kill them all so she grabbed Ezio's arm and ran, him following her in silence as they ran over some crates and onto overhanging rooves and beams, making their way onto a nearby roof where Ezio threw a knife at the guard who had shouted for them to get down.

(Y/n) found her body shaking violently, breath panting, her heart hammering in her ears.

"I'm sorry, I know that I shouldn't have done it but you looked too outnumbered and I saw that you didn't have any bombs left and it seemed like the right thing to do so-" Her words babbled out as she pulled her hood down, feeling claustrophobic, even in the open air. "-I killed them. I killed them!" She could feel tears spilling down her face now, deciding that it was best to sit on the floor before she collapsed onto it instead. She brought her knees up to her chest, just wanting to curl up until she was so small that she would simply just disappear. Her hands covered her mouth, feeling them trembling still. Thoughts raced through her head of who those men could have been: fathers, brothers, husbands. . . and now they were just memories.

But that wasn't the worst part.

"Ehi, shhh." Ezio crouched down in front of her and placed a hand on her shoulder, rubbing his hand there to try and get her attention, "It's ok, you did the right thing."

"I thought about my family when I did it." She whispered, in such disbelief that she couldn't muster her full voice, "I wanted to kill them." She felt disgusted with herself. They may have lied to her but they had raised her too, they had given her a life full of luxuries. Ezio spoke up again, ash-brown eyes boring into hers.

"Where other men are limited by morality or law, remember:"

"Everything is permitted." She let out a ragged breath and smeared her tears with her fingers. He stood up and offered his hand, pulling her up when she took it. She was still shaking and he pulled her to his chest, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and squeezing her for a moment, feeling her slowly wrap her quivering arms around his middle, holding on tight.

"These thoughts don't make you a bad person. The way that we fight does not make us bad people. You did the right thing today and thinking of what you did when you killed them wasn't bad. They wronged you and you're allowed to be angry, you're allowed to express that anger as long as it means you control it and not the other way around." He could feel her nod her head and he rubbed her shoulder for a moment, waiting for her to let go in order to release her. He looked down to see her tear-stained cheeks and frowned.

"Come, let's head back. You could do with resting on this." She nodded her head again, staying silent as she wiped her tears and began following him down from the roof where he called a horse for them both to mount, (Y/n) sitting in front of him while he held the reigns.

She liked the closeness of him and, had she not been feeling so disgusted with herself, she probably would have enjoyed the way he had held her too. He was right to keep her close on the way back, it was comforting to know that she hadn't lost his support even if she felt like she couldn't support her own actions and thoughts at that moment.

"You'll be promoted tomorrow." He spoke as they made their way back to Tiber Island.

"But you don't know how long I was tailing you for." She retorted in a quiet voice.

"I saw your coat tails dip around the corner when I killed the guard from the bench." She could hear the smile in his voice, "I had been looking out for you on the rooftops up until then." (Y/n) managed a small smile at knowing she had been right.

"I thought as much."

"But you've proven a lot today: you can make good decisions in a fight, finishing it quickly and efficiently and you can assess the situation too. Most importantly, you can kill. Even if you doubt that you can now, I know that you have it in you. You're strong." He paused for a moment, humming, "You remind me of myself a lot, you know? You have that same fire, that same drive to succeed, to survive, to excel. Although," he laughed a little, "I'd say that you're much more subtle, wiser in some ways too. Just don't underestimate yourself and don't lose sight of what you already have."

That touched her a lot. She knew that they both knew the pain of losing loved ones and of betrayal. He wasn't given much of a choice in becoming an Assassin, it was his only option but she had sought them out willingly, choosing to follow this path. Perhaps he was right about underestimating herself, perhaps she could do with being more confident.

She felt much lighter when they finally arrived, her taking Ezio's offer to help her from the horse even if she didn't need it. Like a gentleman, he had held the door open for her once more when they made their way back inside.

As soon as (Y/n) had descended the last step, she was pushed to the floor and the wind was knocked from her lungs, seeing Emilio pinning her down with his hidden blade pressed to her jugular.

"Spy!" He exclaimed with his other hand a fist with her clothes clutched in her fingers. "I knew it! We all knew it!"

"What is going on here?!" Ezio demanded, looking around all the recruits.

"We found this in her bag!" Anna replied, holding up a red cross in her hand, (Y/n)'s broach that she had kept among her few belongings.

"Templar spy!"

[storytimefromthecreed]

At What Cost?

Arriving home that night, bodies sore from climbing and fighting, Zara wished for nothing more than to rest. Yusuf, however, had other ideas. “Where are you off to?” Winding his arms around her, Yusuf pulled her close and buried his face at her neck. Peppering kisses there and making her squeal, he laughed and continued the process.

“I’m going to bed.” She fought through the laughter.

“Hm.” Yusuf’s laughter rumbled from his chest. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”

Her giggling intensified as Yusuf lifted her and carried her bridal style to their room. “Yusuf! You know this isn’t what I meant.” Though her words were protests, her fingers tangled in his hair and discarded of his headband. Dark brown tangles curled at his forehead and Yusuf crinkled his nose.

“Hey!” He playfully made her for face, nipping at her cheeks and chin. “Do we have a thief?” Gently lowering her to their bed, Yusuf laid by her side and ran his thumb over her cheek. They hadn’t spent much time together since Ezio came into town. Zara didn’t mind at first. Yusuf was very taken by the man, idolized him, and came home giddy when Ezio called him brother.

Then came the late nights. The early mornings. Soon, he was not coming home at all.

She forgave this because as Yusuf lay next to her, his touch warming her skin, none of that mattered. They were back as they were. Together. “Tell me, my moon.” His eyes searched hers. “Hungry?”

Grinning madly, mouth already watering, Zara kept her cool. Absently staring at the ceiling as she thought. “I suppose.”

“I’m cooking.” Yusuf offered and she was sold. Yusuf traced his fingers over her cheek and lips. “Get comfortable. I’ll be right back.”

“No.” She protested. “Let me help you.”

Yusuf silenced her with a kiss and then gave her a stern look. One she couldn’t take seriously with his curls acting out. Pointing a finger at her nose, he gave it a press. “Please. I insist. It’s me making up for not being with you like I should.”

“Yusuf” He kissed her again, and she laughed. “Yusuf!” Again. “Fine!” She finally made out, and Yusuf nodded contently.

She must’ve fallen asleep at some point because she was awoken by a gentle shaking of her shoulder. “What’s wrong, my sun beam?” She croaked, half lidded and looking around the room for trouble in a sleepy daze. “’What’s going on?” Yusuf crouched to eye level. Taking one look at his face, Zara groaned and rolled over. “Ezio.”

“My moon, it’ll be quick.” Yusuf whispered, attempting to kiss her forehead but she’d buried it in the pillows. Sighing deeply, he settled for the back of her head. “I’m so sorry.”

“Just go, Yusuf.” She mumbled. “The sooner you’re gone, the sooner you’re back.” She said the words, but didn’t believe them.

Yusuf remained where he was, in his crouch. “The food is in the kitchen. Would you like me to bring it in?”

“I’ll get it.” She mumbled. He sighed once more and left the room. She wasn’t hungry anymore.

When Zara awoke, she ate last night’s dinner and headed to the Bureau. The Assassins there greeted her warmly and she warmed up for the day. At least, she was until another Assassin came in. “Morning, Zara.”

“Morning Mustafa.” Zara extended to grab the man’s forearm and they shook. However, Mustafa’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Is something wrong?”

“I was hoping Yusuf would be with you.”

Zara cocked her head. “I thought he was here with you.”

There was a moment of silence as she glared at the books at the table. Mustafa shifted uncomfortably and offered, “He must be with Master Ezio.”

Must be, Zara thought angrily. She couldn’t control her face, but she would control her tone. “What did you need him for?”

“Don’t worry yourself, Master Zara.”

“Mustafa.” Her caution betrayed her irritated tone. Yusuf was neglecting his responsibilities to their brothers, but she wouldn’t. “Tell me.”

“Training exercises.” He quickly put his hands up. “You don’t have to trouble yourself, Master. I can handle it by myself.”

“Mustafa, if we’re going to train novices correctly, it has to be two. You know this.” Zara glanced over her maps and books. “I’ll run my missions afterwards.”

“I’ll help you run them.”

Zara finally allowed herself a smile. “That sounds like a good plan.”

After training, Mustafa kept to his word and helped her run her missions. Unfortunately, had she begun them earlier, they would’ve stopped the Templars from completing theirs. “There’s always tomorrow.” Mustafa tried calming her as they entered the Bureau. “Our target is in town for three more days.”

“They were at their most vulnerable today, Mustafa.” Zara growled. Hunger, exhaustion, and a lost hunt weighed her nerves; and Yusuf was still nowhere to be found! She’d been waiting a month for this kill, and now her plans had changed.

“Cousin.” Mustafa took her shoulder and made her face him. “We’ll adapt. We always do.”

“That’s not the point, Mustafa!” Zara snapped. From where they were standing, they could spy their rooftop entrance. The setting sun cast Istanbul aflame with hues of gold, but Zara couldn’t appreciate it. “I should’ve talked to him about it before, but I never thought he’d be this irresponsible.”

“Zara-“

“Not coming home? That’s fine. Asking for help running his missions? How can I say no?” Tears pricked at her eyes, and Mustafa took her into his arms.

“It’s ok, Zara.”

“No it’s not! He should’ve been here instead of running around doing another’s work! I don’t know where he is or what he’s doing, I don’t know when he’ll be home, and I…I…. I’m so disappointed, Mustafa. I’m so disappointed.” Zara cried, and Mustafa just held her. There was nothing he could say.

When she arrived that night, Yusuf hadn’t returned. In fact, he wouldn’t arrive until the following night. After another day of double work, she returned home with her only thought being bed. Zara opened the door, and found Yusuf in the living room. Surprise more than excitement made her call his name, and at the sound, he turned.

“My moon! Just wait until I tell you what Ezio and I did. You’re going to love it.” As he crossed the room, she put her hand up. Yusuf froze, staring at her hand in confusion. “Is something wrong?”

“Is somet-“ Zara blinked and shook her head. “Where the hell were you!?”

Now Yusuf looked confused, “I was with Ezio.”

“For two days?” The tears she’d cried opened her up to the anger inside.

“Has it been that long?” Yusuf scratched his beard. “Zara, I’m sorry.” Yusuf ducked his head to try to catch her eyes, and he waited. Taking a deep breath, she lowered her hand and he slowly crossed over to her. Tenderly, he grazed his fingers along her crossed arms, resting his hands on her elbows, and kept himself at elbow’s length. “Zara, you know I would never do anything to upset you on purpose.” Yusuf dropped his voice. His whole world was in his hands. “I am so sorry. How can I make this better?”

“It’s not just me, Yusuf.” She finally said, taking his hands and playing with them as she spoke. Casting small glances up, she mainly stared at his chest. Memorizing his collarbones and the chest hair curling there. His skin was tan and she’d always thought touching him felt like touching the sun. Warm and beautiful. “The Brotherhood, our brothers, you let them down.”

Yusuf hissed, and he hung his head back to stare at the ceiling. “Zara, I completely forgot. I was supposed to teach the novices yesterday with Mustafa.”

“Don’t worry, I took care of it.” She said and when he returned his look to her, Yusuf looked thoroughly upset.

“Thank you. I… I don’t deserve you. All the help you’ve given to allow me the run around with Ezio.”

“I’m not upset you’re running missions with him, I’m more upset that you’re letting your responsibilities here slip.” Getting that all off her chest, Zara felt better. “But going forward, I would like us to communicate more. Yusuf, I get very worried when I don’t know where you are. I know you’re more than capable, but I’d just like to know.”

Yusuf sucked on his lip, looking ashamed. “I can’t.”

“I’m sorry?” Zara looked up, confused at what she’d heard.

Yusuf bit his bottom lip as he worked out his words, but Zara was already wiggling out of his arms. “Zara, please.” He breathed, unsure what else to say. “It’s someone else’s mission. I promised him I wouldn’t say anything.”

Zara shook her head, heading for the door. “And you promised me that you’d be here. For them.” She threw her hand to the east to indicate the Bureau. “And for me.”  Yusuf took a step, but she just turned away. “I… I can’t do this, Yusuf.”

“Zara.” His skin flushed and his eyes grew watery. They truly looked like the sea now. “What are you saying? Just for the night or…”

“I don’t know Yusuf, but I’m tried.” Zara confessed. “I’m tried of being disappointed.” She walked out the door and Yusuf went after her.

“Zara, please.” He begged. “Come back inside. Can we talk about this?”

Zara spun around. “Yusuf, I love you. I do.” She grabbed his hands looked him in the eye. “But I’m tried of talking. I need some air.” Holding his hands, she took in their feel. They were smooth save for the callasses at his fingers from years of climbing. They always made her feel safe. Zara gave them one final kiss before turning on her heel. “Just give me time, Yusuf. Please.”

He didn’t follow her.

Two days later, at Mustafa’s family home, Zara headed out into the night. A break from Yusuf, from training, and from the Brotherhood was much needed, and she felt her mind was clearer. Heading towards the Bureau to grab some books before heading home, she ran into Damien. Damien, tan with black hair cut short and a smile that fell the most vulnerable of each sex, cast that smile on her. “Zara!” He exclaimed, following her inside. “What are you doing on night duty? I thought you and Yusuf enjoyed the morning route.”

“Damien, you know Yusuf and I go both ways.” She winked before making her way upstairs. Damien chuckled, and helped her gather her things.

“Are you sure you don’t need help getting this home?” Damien offered his bag, and Zara thought it a moment. She’d left hers at home. Extending a hand, Zara watched Damien organize her books inside. “You’re being very sweet today. What do you want, Damien?”

“Am I that easy to read?” He scoffed, but there was an unease to it. He gave her the bag. “I must be a terrible Assassin.”

“Damien,” She secured it around her. “You know you’re one of our best. What’s going on?”

Damien looked over his shoulder and drew closer. “It’s, uh, it’s a matter of the heart.”

“Damien!” Zara hissed, drawing nearer. “That’s great news!” She whispered.

“Yea, if I could talk to them.” Damien frowned. “Every time I try, I mix up my words or act strangely. This never happens when I’m searching for lovers. Why is this happening now? Am I… am I losing my charm?”

Zara hid her chuckle but taking a deep breath. “Well, matters of the heart are most intense, that’s why people act so differently on them. The next time you see this person, just be yourself. Relax. You’re a great person, Damien. They’ll love you.”

“You think so?” He’d turned over so he was covering her. “It’s….it’s a civilian.”

“So?”

“I want to keep…him safe.” He flickered his eyes to hers, waiting for a reaction.

Zara shrugged, “That’s a noble task, but you also have to think about yourself. This life, especially when you’re an Assassin, doesn’t give us many happy moments. We have to make those ourselves.” She pulled him into a hug and Damien held her tight. “Go be happy, Damien. With whomever. You know Yusuf and I look forward to meeting him.

“Thanks, Zara.” Damien smiled, and moved away from her. He leaned against the window and tried to maintain his cool aura. Zara could only laugh. Damien cast his gaze outside and he cocked his head. “Zara?” He called, “Is Yusuf ok?”

Her heart dropped, “Why wouldn’t he be?”

Damien beckoned her to the window, and she peered out to find Yusuf wistfully gazing up at them in the light of the full moon. It paled him, but she could see the frown. The tears shimmering down his cheeks and into his beard.

“Is he well?” Damien asked, and Zara took off the bag.

“He should be. Let me check.” Running down the stairs, she was quickly outside, but Yusuf was nowhere to be seen. “Khadija!” Zara called when she spied the Assassin. “Do you know where Yusuf went?”

Khadija pointed towards the center of town. “Master Ezio had a mission for him, I believe. Something about protecting a bookstore?” Khadija adjusted her hijab and glanced up at Damien. He waved back down. “It’s funny.” She said, “Had I not known you two, I would’ve thought you were kissing up there.”

“Really?” Zara’s jaw dropped. That’s what it must have looked like to Yusuf! “Khadija, do you remember the store?”

By the light of the full moon, Zara found her way to the bookstore. By the screaming, she was able to find the fight. Upon entering the store, she found overturned tables and books littering the ground. The papers made her feet slip and slide as she hurried to the fight.

The main room was large and sank into the ground. Three stairs would bring her into the fray. A woman was held by two men on the other side of the room, and the other five were fighting Yusuf. One kicked, catching his knee. Yusuf’s knee hit the ground, and he stabbed up and into his next attacker’s jaw. The body fell to the ground with a thud, and the others sprang.

As did she.

Leaping, she landed on one man and silenced the other two with hidden blades to the back of the neck. Yusuf wheeled around and stabbing the man she’d landed on just as she threw two knives at the ones holding the woman. The thuds were hidden by the scream of the woman. She threw her hands over her ears as she did so. The men fell.

The last rings of the scream echoed in their ears as Zara grabbed Yusuf’s forearm and helped him up. Before he could speak, Zara was heading towards the woman with her hands up. “Are you injured?”

“Is it over?” The woman asked, looking down at the bodies at her feet and shivering. Zara had reached her and offered a hand.

“Don’t look at them.” She said softly. “My name is Zara. This is Yusuf.”

“You’re Ezio’s friends.” The woman closed her eyes as Zara helped her over the bodies.

“Yes.” Zara looked at the door. “We’re taking you somewhere safe. Somewhere we’ll be able to take a good look at you. Is that ok?”

They were almost to the main door. “My books.” The woman sobbed. “My books.”

“I’m sorry. We’ll help clean this place up afterwards. Is that ok?”

She nodded and they walked into the street. The woman started shivering, so Zara held her close and rubbed her shoulders. Shock, not cold, touched this woman. Yusuf had taken point.

When they arrived at the Bureau, Zara stayed with the woman. Sofia was her name. They talked about books until the sun rose.

Yusuf kept his distance during this time, and all the better. Zara felt they’d have their talk at a more appropriate time. By the second night, Sofia and Zara had become quick friends and Yusuf excused himself to keep watch.

With Sofia sleeping beside her, Zara leaned against the wall, watching the night sky get replaced by the soft pinks of sunrise.

Tapping gently on the door, Yusuf ducked his head through the door. Smiling softly at the scene, his eyes landed gently on Zara before straightening and keeping his emotions from his face. “Um, Ezio,” he jut his thumb over his shoulder. “Is downstairs. He’d like to make sure Sofia’s ok, but I can just tell him...” His eyes landed on Sofia and he sighed. The skin under his eyes were dark, and his hair was hastily tied back with his scarf.

“I can wake her.” Zara tried to keep Yusuf’s eyes, but he wouldn’t look at her. “Yusuf, that night with Damien...”

Yusuf ran a hand through his hair, still not looking at her. “Zara, please. Can we discuss this later?”

“Yusuf...”

“I’ll tell Ezio she’s resting. The adventure she’s had, he’ll understand.” Yusuf closed the door on the way out, and Zara didn’t get much sleep after that.

Sofia awoke around the afternoon and grew embarrassed for having used Zara as a pillow. Zara assuring her it was fine. She helped Sofia downstairs and it was sweet to see her reunion with Ezio. 

He began profusely apologizing while she threw her arms around him and told him she’d been worried. Yusuf and Zara watched from the sidelines until she slipped her hand into his and gently tugged him into another room.

Still as could be, Yusuf said nothing until the door closed. “Nothing happened with Damien, Yusuf. I didn’t want you to think something had.”

“Zara, you don’t have to explain yourself to me.” Yusuf pouted, and Zara smiled.

“I do. I don’t want you to think we had that fight and I’m off trying to replace you.” 

At the word, Yusuf shifted uncomfortablely. Wrapping his arms around himself. “You...you didn’t want to replace me?” His eyes finally went to hers. “For someone more consistent? Who doesn’t anger you as I do? Someone who isn’t a fool?” Zara opened her mouth, but didn’t know what to say. Needing to busy his hands, Yusuf ripped off his scarf and folded it nicely before gathering his hair together and tying it back. Firmly, frustrated that he’d let her down, sleep deprived, and angry, Yusuf continued. “Because that’s what I was doing, Zara. I got so excited to run missions with Ezio that I completely let it overtake my life. Let it overtake our life. I shouldn’t have done it and I’m so sorry.” Yusuf extended a hand. “Not only that! You told me what was bothering you, and I put someone else before you. How can I say I love you when I did that?” His hands waved wildly as he spoke, struggling to keep his voice down. “And then, I did it again! I went on this mission at nearly the cost of Sofia! Had you not jumped in, I don’t think I would’ve survived. What is wrong with me, Zara? What if you weren’t there? You wouldn’t know what happened to me. What if we had children I needed to return home to?” Yusuf growled, closing his eyes and rubbing the bridge of his nose. Finally controlling his breathing, Yusuf said, “I’m asking for forgiveness and I understand that it may take time, but I’d love to have you by my side as I redeem myself. I am so sorry for being an irrational, star struck, immature fool. I promise, I give you my word, that I will never do that again.”

Hiw words hung in the air and settled like lead. As she gazed at him, the anger was still there, but so was the love. “I was upset because I was worried about what could have happened to you. I was angry that I lost my target and that you were putting Ezio before me. Yusuf, I’m still upset.” He nodded, keeping their eyes locked. “But I also still love you. I will always love you. I just ask that you put my needs into consideration too. I should have spoken to you about what was bothering me as soon as it happened, instead of keeping it inside and hoping it would pass. I also shouldn’t have lost my temper like that.” Slowly, she drew to him. As if their bodies had all control, Yusuf opened his arms and she buried herself in him. 

Leaning against his chest, she could hear his heart thudding. Sighing deeply, she rose to the tips of her toes and kissing his jaw. Closing his eyes, Yusuf hummed. Tears silently ran down his cheeks. “Yusuf.” Zara pulled away, wiping his tears in a panic. “Why...?” 

Kissing her frantic, tear stained hand, Yusuf finally opened his glittering eyes. “Zara, I almost lost the most important thing in my life. I’m terrified.”

Not knowing what else to say, Zara thought quickly. Smirking, she said, “Bet I could hold the whole world in my hands.”

Confused, Yusuf frowned. “Zara, that’s impossible.” Cupping his face, Zara smiled. As realization dawned, Yusuf turned pink. His body melted, and his smile was dream-like. His lips brushed against hers. “My moon, I have a reputation to uphold.” 

“I love you.” 

Yusuf rested his forehead on hers, and declared, “I love you too.” They stayed like that, enjoying each other’s warmth, neither wanting to break contact.

Their lips continued to brush, the other watching the other, judging who would go for the contact their hearts pined for. Raising to press herself against him, Zara pushed Yusuf into the wall. His arms remained at her waist, holding her tightly until her fingers tangled in his hair and he gasped, “Your touch drives me mad.” His voice was raspy. “I’ve missed it.”

“It’s only been a few days, Yusuf.” She giggled, and he kissed her deeply causing her to throw her head back and laugh. Catching herself, she bit her lips as Yusuf kissed her neck journeyed down to her throat. The puffs of breath and his shaking body telling her he was laughing too. 

“Far too long!” He nuzzled against her skin and lifted her.

“Yusuf, people are in the other room.” She wrapped her legs around his waist and rested her crossed hands behind his neck. For a second, Yusuf looked concerned. Frightened that he’d pushed a boundary so soon after their fight. Until Zara smiled and eyed the table. “So, you’ll have to be quiet.”

“Anything for you, my moon.” Yusuf carried her over to the table, pushing off the papers that littered there. 

[queenpersephonesgarden]

Whumptober Day 18

Prompt: Hostage Fandom: Assassin’s Creed Characters: Ezio Auditore Word Count: 1352

Venice would be a very nice place to visit this time of year, if it were under better circumstances.

The reports he had received of increased Templar activity within the city were troubling, to say the least; it wasn’t nearly as bad as it had been even a year ago, but if Ezio did not move in quickly to deal with them again, they could actually set down roots again. It was the last thing the wonderous City of Water needed right now, so soon after the Brotherhood had driven them out.

So, he tracks them down as quickly as he can, slipping through crowds and listening to the gossip throughout the city, the whispers of new holy men just arrived from Rome. It isn’t particularly hard to find the lovely chapel these holy men have taken as their base of operations after that, though there is some difficulty in climbing up and entering from the roof; there are several large streets around it, making it difficult to get up without catching a guard’s attention.

Difficult, but not impossible; it only takes a matter of minutes for Ezio to get up high enough to enter with no one within or without the chapel noticing.

The chapel has a more modest interior than most places of worship in Venice, but it still has high arching wooden beams holding up the roof, with plenty of planks linking them together, making a rather perfect pathway for a proper Assassin to creep along without being noticed by anyone below.

Which is convenient, because there happens to be four other men in here, seemingly arguing about something important.

Fortunately, they speak loudly, but even if they did not, the vaulted ceiling of the chapel would have made their words echo anyway.

Unfortunately for Ezio, they are not speaking in a language he recognizes. He has been studying many languages as part of his education as an Assassin, but apparently his studies have not extended far enough.

The words sound like German, in any case, and Ezio can only pick out a handful of words between their rapid disagreement.

Something about outside reinforcements, and cutting supply lines, and the Brotherhood getting out of control.

Ezio can’t help a smirk at that last bit; his Brothers really are doing a marvelous job of dismantling the empire the Templars had been building for centuries, and hearing how much it annoyed their enemies was a more than a bit gratifying.

Still, there is little information he can glean if he cannot understand the language; he resolves to memorize as much of the argument as he can and find the translations back at the villa when he can.

It takes some time before they all seem to come to an understanding of some sort, their voices dropping a bit in volume back to a normal speaking tone. One man is moving about, gathering up papers they’d barely bothered looking over in their anger, while another is grabbing what looks like a rather expensive coat.

Ezio is just easing back a little from his position, ready to get moving once some of the targets leave someone behind, when a slight scuffle from the head of the chapel makes him freeze in place again.

Up at the base of the chapel’s gilded altar, the only splash of true splendor in this otherwise modest setting, a small figure has climbed out from behind the display, dressed in rags and looking more than a bit scuffed up and dirty compared to the cleanliness around him.

The boy cannot be older than ten, skinny like a twig and staring with eyes just a bit too wide at the audience he’d abruptly gained as he climbed out of wherever he’d entered from.

“You’re not Father Alfonsi,” he said accusingly, rather loud in the sudden silence, and his eyes darted nervously between the men who’d all slowly converged together in the aisle between the pews, watching this new intruder like wolves watching a small fawn.

Ezio tensed hard as the boy backpedaled a bit, nearly smacking into the altar when one of the men took a step forward. “Oi!” the man snapped in Italian, moving forward more quickly when the boy stumbled over his own feet in retreat. “How did you get in here, you little gutter rat?!”

The Templar reached out to grab the little urchin, and the boy flinched away, and that was all the prompting Ezio needed. Any plan to stand back and watch for a more opportune moment went out the window at the look of pure dread on the child’s face.

He dropped silently from above, twin wrist blades flashing out as he landed directly on top of two of the remaining Templars, and they hit the ground hard with the last grunts of pain they would ever make.

The third man who was left in the group startled so violently at Ezio’s abrupt arrival that he dropped the papers he’d been gathering, cursing violently in German as he reached desperately into his coat, but that wasn’t happening while Ezio was here; he was close enough that it was only a matter of darting forward, underneath the man’s arm when he swung wildly at him, and driving one blade into the base of the man’s skull.

He let the man drop like a stone, turning instead to the last man in the room, and wasn’t very surprised or pleased to find that he had gotten ahold of the boy during Ezio’s distraction, and was now holding the child in a rough headlock, keeping his squirming limbs trapped against him as he yanked a blade out of a pocket and held it threateningly up at Ezio.

“Not a step closer, Assassin!” the man snorted like an angry bull, eyes narrowed to slits.

It might have been a threatening look, if he was not so pale he looked seconds away from passing out.

Ezio made a show of flicking his wrist blades back up into their sheathes before holding his hands out nonthreateningly. He might have gone for a teasing remark, if the boy were not here, struggling in vain. “Whatever you say, Templar.”

The brute sneered at him, and his arm slowly tightened around the urchin’s neck as he began to back away, back toward the altar, in some attempt to find the exit the boy had used to enter.

Ezio watched the man’s movements, trying not to watch the boy’s face as his eyes bugged out and his cheeks flushed red from lack of air.

He didn’t want-

-Petruccio in his favorite yellow pantaloons, dressed like a little nobleman ready for a day of work in high society, dangling limply from a rope beside his father and eldest brother, little face caught in a gruesome grimace of pain and fear-

-to think of what would happen if the man actually moved to strangle him.

The man hissed curses under his breath, eyes dropping to something behind the altar; the knife was still held up, away from the boy’s throat, and Ezio flicked one hand smoothly.

The dagger sank into the man’s neck with no trouble, and the surprised gurgle the man made was grotesque even as it was fading out, his entire body collapsing like wet parchment as the boy slithered out of his loosened grip.

The urchin didn’t turn to watch his captor die in a puddle of blood; instead, he made the rather wise decision to take off toward Ezio, slipping past him before he could think to stop him and leaping over the other bodies, shrieking all the while as he made his escape.

Okay.

Not exactly subtle, but a job well done, since he was alive.

Ezio swiftly gathered up the blood-soaked papers scattered across the ground before quickly ascending back up the beams before any guards could enter and discover he was still at the scene.

Venice was still free of Templar control, and a skinny homeless boy was still alive despite blundering into a dangerous situation he was not prepared for. That was all Ezio could ask for.

[creednight]

I saw all your song inspired stuff so I thought I'd request one if that's alright! Do you think you could do a modern au ezio x reader inspired by "you told the drunks I knew karate" by zoey van goey? Thought it'd be a fun bit of lightheartedness after the other ones that were super angsty

This is a cute song omg thank you!

I am drunk and on a ladderNot the smartest way to start my nightYou said I’d conquer my vertigoThat was a lie, that was a lie, that was a lie

“Ezio Auditore this is a dumb idea!” you call from below the roof as you climb the rungs of a creaking ladder in Monteriggioni.

Your usual antics with the young Assassin aren’t usually so daring, daring to you being any place that triggers your vertigo. Climbing the ladder up the side of Villa Auditore is definitely on that list of things you shouldn’t do. But after a few drinks and some suggestive smiles, Ezio managed to convince you to try and conquer it.

“Come on, bella!” he calls in a sing song voice. You roll your eyes, no doubt he’s up there dancing to his own music and taking swigs from the wine bottle he swiped from his Uncle’s cellar. You already feel unsettled and dizzy, so why are you doing this?

Because he promised a wonderful sight at the top and to see him be disappointed makes your heart hurt.

Cursing your feelings you rush to the top before you can convince yourself he’d be fine this one time. Once there, he pulls you up, his warm hands encompassing yours as he drags you close to the edge despite your whimpers. He sweeps his arm outwards, gesturing towards the city, and for a quick breath you see the beauty in it. 

But just as you knew it would happen: you puked.

And when we got up to the roofYou opened a little flask of ginLike idiots we both fell asleep thereUntil the sun came up again

“Try two,” Ezio pats your back as you stumble across the rooftop of Villa Auditore. 

After the disaster of last time, Ezio convinced you to try again, this time while you were sober to lessen the chance of puking. Despite the embarrassment of it all, you found yourself agreeing and here you are now, clutching his arm as he pulls you up to sit at the edge first. 

You hate the feeling of vertigo and therefore, fear anything that may bring on the onslaught of dizziness. You’re not in control, better to be away from heights than risk losing your balance and getting hurt…

“(Y/N), open your eyes,” Ezio runs his thumb along your cheek. You do so and gaze over at him. He’s grinning at you as he settles beside you and pulls out a bottle. “You made it this far, let us celebrate, yes?”

The night became a blur, you remember waking up to the sunrise and feeling his arm on your waist and head on his chest in contrast to the hard roof underneath your bodies. 

We both went out to the partyDown a long, great western roadYou told the drunks I knew karateThat was a lie, that was a lie, that was a lie

“He said I wha’?” you stare at the drunken man swaying in front of you looking ready for a fight. 

Ezio is trying to hide his laughter from behind the man, his dark eyes are glittering as you take a defensive stance. You can’t help but grin back. The man is drunk off his ass, barely able to look you directly in the eye and stay on his feet which is the whole reason Ezio got him riled up.

“‘E said you kno-ow Kar-ar-at-te!” the guy hiccups as he speaks reaches for you only to sway and stumble into the side of the building. “F-f-fight me!” 

You laugh and step out of the way of another swat when the guy collides with some other dudes. You and Ezio quiet down as the others turn, equally drunk, and survey the two of you and the first guy. Your heart skips a beat as their faces get red and they start shouting.

They chased us through the city centerThey chased us out to the east endWe had to hide behind the supermarketUntil the sun came up again

“Never do that again,” you shove Ezio into a food cart as the two of you head home.“I can’t help it, bella,” he wraps an arm around your shoulders and presses a chaste kiss to your temple. “I love seeing you confused.”As much as you hate the trouble he gets you in to, you love seeing him happy and feeling that warm feeling whenever he’s around. Let’s just hope it doesn’t get any crazier than this. 

I do the dumbest things for youWhy do I do the dumbest things for you?I would be safer on my ownI didn’t care, you were the most exciting thing I’d ever known

“Ezio, not again!” you shout as you try to unlock the door he shut behind you. 

It has been years and while the two of you have not really made anything official, it’s known you’re an item. Moving into your new home to make way for more exciting possibilities was at the top of your list. The two of you have traveled so much, moving in together was top priority. 

Now you regret it as you stare at the ladder on the balcony leading to the rooftop. Of all the dumb shit Ezio has put you through in the first few years of your friendship this was the dumbest. You sigh and begrudgingly make your way over to the ladder. You can hear him shuffling up the building to meet you at the top and you roll your eyes. 

This better be good. 

“Ezio, I love you and all, but is this really nece-ssary…?” you trail off at the end to see him sitting on a blanket with a bouquet of roses and a ring. 

“Will you marry me?”

“Yes!”

I do the dumbest things for youWhy do I do the dumbest things for you?I would be safer on my ownI didn’t care, you were the most exciting thing I’d ever known

[pass3rby]

Caught By Your Past

24th Part

Fandom: Assassin’s Creed Pairing: Altair x Malik Warnings: modern AU, mature, OOC, original female character; unbetaed.

A/N: Here’s to a better Monday (hopefully)

Even a snail-speed did not stop a development. If somebody tried to put it into a picture show, it would be a night or a hanging-out nap per slide and each would star Altair a bit closer to the bed than the one before.

As much as Malik was trying to keep his annoyed facade going and on, things were gradually changing for them and if he should be honest at least to himself, he didn't do his best to avoid it. He made the exact opposite actually – which meant letting things happen. Therefore, they had trash-talks and they didn't tiptoe around each other. Neither missed the opportunity for a good ribbing; Altair had nagging down to a science and Malik always repaid his affection in kind with a dash of dry & salty on top. His unparalleled claim on the bed stayed respected.

Among other things, the three of them also had a movie night, full of Malik's condescending remarks aimed either at the screen or at Altair who kept shoving his feet on his lap and his sister lording over them both with popcorn thrown at whichever of them she decided deserved it the most at a randomly selected moment; which ended spectacularly with half-a-comforter and the same amount of a passed-out sister on him, exclusive Backpain edition of a Death in The Making and Altair seated on the floor in between his legs, out cold as well.

They still did not “get their freak on” – and thank you, sis, there is never going to be any after hearing you sing-rap… What the even… What was that? Altair nearly laughed his ass off when he heard that one. Must have been something real dreadful then.

It was only a matter of time until this unmanned train took them to another level, though. Therefore, Malik wasn't surprised when one day he found himself lying in his bed with Altair loosely spooning him. Either a lethargy hit his system hard or his brain stopped overthinking everything for that moment; maybe both. But he didn't pull away and neither did he kick Altair off the bed.

Being tense was just a far-off memory now; one muscled arm thrown over Malik's side in a relaxed manner only accentuated the feeling. Random patterns being drawn on his hip... How exactly did they get there? He honestly couldn't tell – or remember. The only thing his mind was able to recognize, be aware of and distinguish was the proximity, warmth and overall tranquil ease of the moment that he was soaking up. Things he grew unaccustomed to overtime slowly settling over his body, then gradually seeping into him.

As sappy as it sounded even in his own head, Malik didn't want to lose this. Not again. It was worth everything, all the costs that went along with it. Like it had been worth it to the very moment he could not keep up. Like the memory was, still.

Recently, Altair's phone came back to life. For the whole span of his visit here the device must've been on plane mode or something, otherwise there would be no reasonable explanation of the phone suddenly blasting various hits through the flat so much only as of late. Malik could count on the fingers of one hand how many times he saw the man use the device before. That sudden trilling mania somehow popped the isolated-reality bubble which formed around the three of them.

The knowledge of the world outside, its existence, was always there; Malik interacted with it all the time, contrary to popular belief. The amount was limited, but there. Intellectually, he got that covered. Still, as absurd as it sounded, that cursed piece of technology set all alarms in Malik's head off. Soon after he realized why. There was still the rest of the world that could concern Altair and worse – that would demand him back. And as much as Malik was sure of his own worth, accepting that wasn't as easy as it sounded. The world was exactly what took Altair away from him the last time, too, after all.

This was nonsense. He behaved like a teenage girl here. They were good and those were just silly phone calls. And if he strengthened his own hold on the arm embracing him a bit so what. It was comfortable, and he fucking liked it.

It was going to be fine, he firmly decided. Suck it up.

Trying to hide the subtle change behind reasoning, he shot off the first question that came to mind.

“What do you do for work anyway?” Coming to think of that, it wasn't a stupid one. What was stupid was the fact that even after three weeks, Malik actually didn't know the answer.

“I'm a BASE jumper.” Fingers kept on drawing yet another pattern into Malik's skin, obviously disinterested in the topic and overall not finding it worth stopping what they were doing. Which perfectly complemented Altair's unphased words. Malik? Not so much. His muscles spasmed and his whole body froze.

Well, Altair never did anything by halves, did he…

His anger simmered forth and an elevated pulse didn't stay far behind. Having to call upon the trademark scowl to get back where it belonged only made Malik register that it was missing in the first place and what an utter wanker!

There was never a better opportunity to drop that pin.

Dear idiot, have you ever heard of the silence before–

Apparently, Altair never did, because he didn't make a mad dash for exit the very second.

A book hit Altair's head.

Fast.

Hard.

“You told me you're staying, you fucker!” Malik surged up, glaring at the liar. Does he honestly think Malik's an idiot who doesn't know what BASE jumpers do to get their rocks off?!

“I am, though!” Altair followed his example and as much as his voice was vehement, his face was painted with a dumbass look. Unsurprisingly, it didn't keep strictly to his face; Malik could almost see the idiocy seeping into the brain matter, too. As if Altair needed any more.

“No, you're not! You travel the whole blasted world!”

Trying to kill yourself in the process!

“Malik, what the hell?!” Self-preservation instincts must've finally kick in, because Altair made a quick escape out of the bed. The temptation of maiming him lessened a bit. For now.

That uncomprehending, confused expression didn't disappear, though.

As if he had any right-

“I've said what my job is right on the first day here. What's so wrong about it all of a sudden?”

Way to make Malik go beet red. Because, unbeknownst to him, the brunette pointed out that it was Malik's own fault. This is what you get for spacing out at a wrong moment. Altair must've mentioned his occupation when Malik was still too busy trying to ride the sudden tsunami wave of…everything when he saw Altair for the first time in twelve years. Not only was he acting like an absolute moron just seconds ago, but he was also frustrated and desperate now – thanks to his own lapse. That was just so–!

He hurled yet another book Altair's way, wishing he could fling it at himself instead.

  ***

  After Altair left to seek safety outside the room, Malik started to gradually cool down. It didn't happen of its own accord; the anger would most probably insist on staying until it burned him up physically just as it had mentally, but Malik wasn't fond of letting anything or anyone control him. He might've had a temporary, weak moment, but it was time to reign the fire back in. Only to find out he had nothing to do.

No, let him rectify that statement. He had loads to do and the only thing that separated him from it was the power button on his laptop. Currently, however, he would only add more errors than corrections. Disgusted at himself for such loss of control, the more motivation it was to recall his unfocused mind back in order. If he ever wanted to regain his mental equilibrium back, though, he had to divest himself of the pressing distraction. And the first step to achieve that was to address the matter. So, folding his arms on his chest, he did.

As much as both him and Altair were stubborn, as much as the room refugee was venturous in his very core, Malik was proud. Not that he didn't have grounds to be. However sometimes, the trait made it hard to admit a mistake of his own doing. He was very careful to avoid situations that would push him into the very act, but nobody's perfect and the recent argument had only proven that statement once again. Malik was adept at owning his mistakes nowadays; he still did not enjoy doing that but was capable of the action. That alone wasn't all there was to the problem, was it.

The real issue was Altair's... job. Hobby. Both, because Altair would not spend an hour of his time on something that wouldn't be worth it to him. Arguing aside; the thing was serious. Dangerous business. Heaps of adrenaline. Exactly what Altair always craved. Malik was no stranger to dealing with this situation. An exact same one. He could swear it wasn't so hard to do when he was seventeen, though. And back then? Altair was far from holding back, too. Those who'd dare to think that him being younger forced some limits on him would be sorely mistaken. He used to dab into all sorts of things anyway which was no wonder, considering his crew of madness.

Ezio was overly fond of walls to the point that indoor wall climbing didn't even register on his radar anymore and instead, he went for urban parkour and freerunning. While Altair and the Italian weren't necessarily joined at the hip – small miracle and mercy spared on Malik – they sure shared similar, if not identical mindsets overall. Kenway would be another rebellious breed; mostly into activities involving water. These two, he and Ezio, were really tight, therefore where Ezio was, Kenway turned out to be nearby as well and vice versa. Therefore, although their diverging hobbies, the guys stole moves and tricks from each other and developed their styles even further down the road. Bec seemed like the least insane of the bunch, but even she had her own brand of crazy. In her case, the calling was technology, which sounded innocent enough. Until Malik witnessed her “fucking around” on a skateboard and glanced off a part of her snowboard-rave holiday trip, documented with the help of her baby drone.

That would be the main influential group of people that surrounded Altair for what seemed like ever since forever. And the teen wholeheartedly inhaled all he could from each one of them and then some, because his own specialization? Heights and jumps. Seriously, if you saw a spot so high your head spun, and Altair wasn't there already? All you had to do was mention the location.

Malik had been fine with who Altair was when they hit it off. He knew the guy equaled a walking, unbridled composition of insanity. They couldn't've been more different and that was fine as well. Thorough the time they've been an item, there were countless occasions where Altair turned up with some sort of injury – bones broken, black eyes, bruised ribs, cuts, you name it. Far from ideal to an outsider and yes, Malik wasn't delighted with all the bloody clothes either. Hell, the medicine cabinet must have gotten more action than he did in total. But when push came to shove, Malik would always accept it.

Accept it.

Malik reverted back into his present self. The one that was now clenching its fists and teeth. Unclenching his hands, releasing them out of the spastic prison, he forced the real issue – the truth out.

He was afraid.

Fear got to him this time around and it was the bone chilling kind, too. It was so easy to believe that Altair couldn't die, that nothing serious could happen to him when he was younger. The teen had pulled through so many failed attempts at whatever; he seemed immortal and excluded that level of confidence as well. Why would Malik worry back then?

Altair still got that vibe going on. The only difference here was, that Malik went with what his brain said much more these days. He was older. He was supposed to be sober-minded; smart. A fat lot of good it did to him here.

He didn't like it, alright?! He. Fuckin'. Didn't. BASE jumping was hazardous – at best. It was something Altair obviously had to do, loved to do, though. So, in the end, it didn't really matter what Malik thought. This wasn't about whether Altair would stop, quit the job for him or not. It was about Malik deciding to either go and tell Altair to fuck off or apologize and hope for the best.

He took in his whole room. The rackety chair still stood on all four, his books were sorted precisely the way he left them, there was no secondary background sound, only the wind sweeping through the trees outside.

Neither here nor there, that's where Malik stood at the moment and for the next couple of minutes. Then, done with the limbo, he bit the bullet, leaving the door open as he marched forth.

  ***

  Of course this would be when it all went to shit.

Altair had no idea what exactly provoked Malik to such extent, but that didn't mean the result would disappear. He was still in the kitchen and Malik was still in his room.

Until he wasn't.

Hearing a noise behind him he spun around only to end up with a chest full of Malik's forehead. This was certainly unusual. No matter, he was far from refusing the gesture and what it meant. Wrapping his arms around the man, he was just glad that whatever that previous outburst was for, it was gone and done with; over.

Not that he wasn't interested in finding out what caused it; Malik wasn't one to lash out for something trivial. Altair sensed it was better to let it be, though. If and when Malik would want, he'd tell him. Of that, his sorry exiled ass was sure. The man was the least person to keep his mouth shut if he didn't like something, Altair thought with certain amount of affection.

“Wanna go grab a coffee?” They were bound to separate any minute now, so he might as well rid them of any possible awkwardness.

“Got to get my phone,” was a mumbled reply before Malik began pulling away. Altair didn't stop him.

“I'll wait by the door.”

Next

[sleepyfan-blog]

Soul Mate AU

@gunplayreyes​

word count:3,012

warnings: parent/child incest, smut

Summary: In a world where after your 18th birthday, you do not age until you meet your soul mate, William Miles makes a rather... Distressing discovery.

William came to check up on the Assassin cell that had ahold of his son as he was in the area, and he had heard that something had happened to Desmond. He figured that his stubborn son was simply being more unreasonable than usual, and the last time they had seen one another, Desmond had been sixteen and had fled the Farm that evening.

Bill had not expected to see the other hooked up to the animus, having fallen into a coma after the apple had forced his son to kill Lucy - who had turned out to be a Templar traitor - which was an unfortunate state of affairs, but as she had served the purpose of getting Desmond the flying hell away from Vidic and his sadistic band of pseudo-scientific assholes, the American Mentor could not find himself overly affected by her death - but he did hide his apathy from Shaun and Rebecca - for whom the betrayal stung bitterly and the death saddened them.

He had dismissed the younger pair of Assassins, telling them to get supplies and find a hotel to shower and rest in for the evening, as he would watch over Desmond. They nodded and left obediently and Bill moved over to where his son was resting, and he silently wondered how deeply in Ezio’s consciousness and memories his son had sunken. Bill also wondered when his gangly, awkward son had turned into a sturdy, handsome young man who-

He shook himself mentally, a small frown appearing on his face as he wondered where the hell those strange thoughts had come from. Desmond was his son and he shouldn’t have such inappropriate thoughts. Bill huffed silently, realizing that he was getting a little over-emotional at finding his son again, only to have the other in such a delicate state of mind - possibly unable to escape his own mind, which would be heartbre- ... It would be disappointing but as Desmond was still going through his ancestor’s memories, they might be able to coax him into the next ancestor they needed him to go through – one Haytham Kenway. After Haytham, Desmond would go through Ratonhnhake:ton’s memories and then perhaps Edward Kenway’s as all three had contact with at least one Piece of Eden throughout their lives.

The mentor turned away from his son, intent on walking to a nearby window and taking a breath of fresh air, but he found that his body was refusing his orders. It would not move from where he was, by Desmond’s side. At the same time, the intense desire to kiss his own son rose up. The other’s lips were unfairly pretty, begging to be kissed. His hands itched to touch Desmond, to see how the other had grown and to hear and see the other squirm under his ministrations and William realized what this was, from descriptions that he had garnered from those who had the fortune to meet their soul mates, and finally be able to get older than eighteen years old. While having a young and strong body had it’s advantages, Bill was tired of looking as though he had just graduated high school.

Why the universe had seen fit to mock him horribly by making his soul mate his only child, William did not know. Perhaps it was because he was an Assassin and killed people... But he was protecting humanity from the steel-fisted grip of the Templars, who sought to break the free spirit of humanity, to control everyone around them so that they could impose order on the world and take freedom - take true life - away from everyone else, supposedly so that the world would be filled with peace despite the fact that every time the Templars were in power enough in a country that they could control the govern entirely, the simmering resentment of the populace always boiled over to the point where a Brotherhood would form, and the Templars would lose that country - occasionally via a violent revolution that swallowed the country up for years.

Desmond was his soul mate...Gorgeous, stubborn, feisty Desmond. Bill wanted very much to come closer and kiss  Desmond, to see if that might wake the younger man up. He shook himself of that childish notion - kissing one’s soul mate awake from a coma was a patently ridiculous notion that had been scientifically proved not to work, despite the old wives’ tales of  miraculous things happening to cure or heal one soul mate, because of the other soul mate (or soul mates) presence(s) or because they were kissed gently on the lips. There was nothing he could do but to watch over the other and keep his hands to himself.

Desmond deserved a better soul mate... A better father, than one who wanted into his pants, that had driven the other away so that the younger man had fled and had managed to hide for years, and might have hidden longer, had the other not given into the temptation of getting a motorcycle. Of course, a motorcycle was one of the things that Desmond had wanted since he had been very young, and Bill hadn’t blamed the other for getting something reasonable and easily maintained, as the freedom of a motorcycle was well worth the added dangers, if you knew how to drive it well. A longing sigh left Bill’s lips and he concentrated hard, turning away from Desmond again and forcing himself to walk over to his work laptop and do something useful, rather than pining for someone he absolutely should not have... Despite being soul mates. They were supposed to be platonic soul mates, being related to one another and he wouldn’t let his lecherous body force himself on his unconscious son.

If... When Desmond woke up and realized what they were, Bill decided that they would have a long conversation about what sort of boundaries that they should have, what sort of relationship - if any - they would have with one another. If Bill was smart he would leave now, while Desmond was still in a coma and stay as far away from Desmond and this small group of Assassins as he possibly could. Nothing pleasant or good could come of the two of them bonding as soul mates. It would weaken them both in ways that the older Miles really did not want to deal with... There was also the fact that Desmond would likely be driven insane by the bleeding effect... And they needed the information that Desmond’s DNA possessed, desperately. But the thought of knowingly allowing his soul mate to be driven insane was enough for Bill to growl in anger and worry. He wanted to take Desmond (and the animus, which was helping to keep his stubborn, handsome, bright soul mate alive) and hide him in the most secure area that the Brotherhood possessed.

But that would be counter to the needs of the Brotherhood - and they needed the information and searching for the pieces of Eden through traditional methods was slow and inefficient to a degree... They simply did not have the time... Especially as the Templars were going through memories of captives, searching for anything remotely useful, including and especially Pieces of Eden. They had to play the same game, if they didn’t want to lose the war... And they were already having problems - the Templars were ascendant the world over, and they had effectively taken over Russia, with a puppet in power, whose every move was controlled and administered by them. They needed the information that was in Desmond’s genetic code, and they did not have the facilities to go through the other’s memories without Desmond himself going through them.

~

It was sheer agony being in Desmond’s presence as the other was unconscious. Bill longed to touch and kiss his soul mate... To see if he could gently shake the other awake, as if the other was only sleeping, and could easily wake up at any moment... Which was... In a sense... Very true. Over the next couple of weeks that blended into months as Desmond went through the last of Mentor Auditore’s memories, he helped them stretch and bend Desmond’s muscles, so that they did not atrophy as badly as they might otherwise do so, along himself those platonic touches, while the younger Assassins watched, as he did not trust himself not to touch where he shouldn’t while they were away.

They had set up in a cash-only hotel a couple of days ago, as they needed to do laundry and Bill... Bill needed to sleep away from where Desmond was lying, unconscious. It was getting more and more difficult not to do something to his precious soul mate, even though the other was unconscious. Even if it was just holding the other and begging Desmond to wake up, damn it! But that would be counterproductive in a number of ways.. Which was why he was by himself, in a rather... Suspect hotel, eyeballing the phone and wondering how much they would charge him for a stiff drink to help him relax and forget what continued to press heavily on his mind.

There was a rapid knock on his door, before Bill could make up his mind as to whether or not being tipsy would help or hinder him, and the mentor walked to the door, one hand gripping a weapon behind his back, just n case he had any unwanted company, silently cursing the fact that there wasn’t something on the door that would allow him to see who was standing outside of the door before he opened it. Bill cracked open the door and glanced out to see who it was, his eyes going wide and the knife in his hand dropping to the floor, embedding itself in the cheap, wooden floor with a dull thud. “D-Desmond?”

"H... Hi dad... Uhm... Is... Is anyone in the room with you? I... I want to talk to you, but I want to talk to you alone, please?” Desmond responded, looking pale and a little shaky.

Bill’s phone buzzed in his pocket at the same time, and he rather suspected that it was a text message from one of the other younger Assassins, informing him that Desmond was awake, but they didn’t know where the other had gone. “I am alone. Come in. I suspect I know what this about.” He opened the door wider and stepped back, silently gesturing for the other to come in.

Desmond nodded, looking shaky still as he walked into the room. The younger Miles walked passed him... Or walked to him, before latching onto him, a whimper escaping Desmond "I... I didn’t know we were soul mates... But please... I... My whole body is on fire and I need you.”

The mentor gently guided Desmond to the bed, setting the other on it, ordering “Stay there. I need to close and lock the door.” His son nodded and  - for once - did as he was told without a snarky comeback. He locked the door as securely as he could, placing a chair under the handle of the handle for good measure. He double checked that the windows were closed and locked, as well as that the curtains were hanging so that the room was completely obscured from the outside. He checked for listening and recording devices - just in case -  before turning back to Desmond, who looked like he was seconds away from leaping up at him.

“Dad please... I can’t... I... I need you please! We... We’re soul mates. I didn’t know that before I left and my body is on fire and damn it, I wanted to talk to you but please... Please fuck me.” Desmond begged, unable to stop himself from pleading, though he looked rather frustrated by how needy he was.

“I... Desmond I am well aware that we are soul mates. But son... What sort of relationship do you want, now that you are aware of this? I.. I found out when I came to check up on you and the others, after finding out that you were in a coma. I want you – but we should tmmph!” Bill responded, trying to keep his distance from Desmond, as he knew that he should try to stay as far away from the other in this small hotel room as he could. His son clearly wasn’t thinking all that clearly and one of them needed to, before they did something utterly stupid and irreversible.

Desmond had tackled him against a wall, pressing a frantic, clumsy kiss to his lips, his arms curling around Bill’s waist and the younger man pressed himself desperately to him “Please! I... I need you... I know I keep repeating myself but holy hell I’ve never wanted someone so much in my life... And... And you... You keep... You keep calling me son.” There was a teary, but happy expression on his face.

“Of course. Unless you have decided otherwise, your name is Desmond and you are male, yes?” Bill responded, worrying that perhaps he had misgendered Desmond.

“Yes, of course! I just... I wasn’t... You really... It’s just sometimes Shaun... Shaun forgets and it... It hurts when he calls me the wrong name.” Desmond responded, shivering a little, beaming happily as he cuddled closer to Bill, a small sob in his voice.

“They told me that you went by Desmond and preferred male pronouns... Besides, you told me when you were five that you were a boy. I believed you then and I still do now. I asked what you wanted your name to me and we went through a baby book of boys’ names until you picked it out.” Bill rumbled, a frown appearing on his face “I will have words with Mr. Hastings about minding his language better. He’s done that before with others and I have scolded him about it in the past. I was a little concerned about his behavior in that regards when he was assigned to you... Unfortunately he’s one of the best networkers we have.” There was a hint of a protective growl in his voice.

Desmond shivered in his arms, pressing closer still, grinning happily, despite his eyes being very wet “Th-Thank you. Rebecca usually hits him when he messes up... Or at least she did before... Before Lucy an... I went into the coma. It’s just... It’s... I... It makes me so happy that you... You’re using the right pronouns and name.”

“I’ve been a piss-poor father and an even worse soul mate, but remembering that is the least that I can do.” Bill rumbled. The desire to take Desmond was still high, but being able to hold his son - his soul mate - was helping.

“You’re doing better than most...” Desmond mumbled, curling into his father, yawning a little “Want you... But I’m so tired... I know I’ve been in a coma for a while but... Finding you was hard and...” He yawned again.

”It’s been quite the day, I can understand why you are tired” Bill responded “May I pick you up? So that I can set you down on the bed, and we can rest together. I will text Shaun and Rebecca, telling them not to panic, that I found you and that we’ve had a chat. I haven’t told them that you and I are soul mates.”

“I did kinda wander off without telling them where I was going. Then again, I did talk to them for a bit and they said that you were nearby and I... I just had this urge to talk to you and when you opened the door the reason why hit me all at once and I... I’m... I’m not sure what to do now... At least we might be able to grow old together...” Desmond mumbled “And yeah, you can carry me, if you want to. Rest sounds good. B-But we will... We will do it when I’ve got more energy, yes?”

Bill smiled softly at that, bending forwards a little as he gathered up his son, murmuring “Thank you, my handsome soul mate. As for sex... We need to talk in the morning about that, and other aspects of a relationship that both of us would like to have with one another. God knows I want you so badly but we need to be careful.”

"I... Understand. I wanted to talk to you but..” Desmond responded, his last sentence dangling a little.

Bill glanced down at Desmond, curious as to why the other hadn’t finished his sentence, smiling a little to himself as he pressed a fond kiss to one of the other’s cheeks as he realized that Desmond had fallen asleep in his arms. “I love and trust you as well, Desmond. I hope that you don’t freak out too badly when you wake up tomorrow.” He carefully set Desmond down on one side of the bed, taking off the other’s shoes and heavy hoodie before gently tucking him in and taking the other side of the bed, an arm wrapping around the other’s shoulders as he fell asleep, feeling content and happy in a way that he hadn’t in over a decade.

Bill was surprised that he was drifting off to sleep so quickly... Then again he had his precious soul mate with him, and so far, Desmond seemed to be himself. Hopefully tomorrow would go well, though Bill would be sure to prepare for his son to freak out pretty badly, as while blood family could be platonic soul mates, it was very clear that neither of them were reacting to one another in a platonic fashion.

With a sigh, Bill dug out his own phone and texted Shaun and Rebecca, after reading their frantic message about Desmond’s disappearance, telling them that he’d found his son - or rather, Desmond had found him. They had a brief chat and Desmond had fallen asleep while they were talking and that his son would be staying with him until morning. After that, the mentor fell asleep.

[entergamingxp]

Making a Video Game Hero: Action-Adventure Edition

April 24, 2020 12:00 PM EST

In our newest ongoing feature series, we’re putting together the ultimate video game hero for the action-adventure game of our dreams.

Nathan Drake. Aloy. Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Sam Porter Bridges. The list of great characters in action-adventure video games is long and vast. Each and every one of them possesses their own unique skill set that makes them the best of the best. But what if you were some kind of video game version of Dr. Frankenstein and wanted to build the best possible hero for the action-adventure genre? Who would you pick? What traits would you value the most? Who has the best abs?

Below, we’ve answered all those and more to make the ultimate action-adventure video game character. Of course, a list like this is highly subjective. So if you have other ideas, be sure to let us know in the comments. We’re also only putting one character per franchise on this list to ensure it’s not just all Yakuza’s Kiryu and Majima. Enough preamble. Let’s sharpen that bone saw and flip on the high-voltage electricity!

Brain: Batman (Arkham series) Runners’ Up: Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn) and Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell series)

There are several different directions we could go in for this one. Do you take the exact genetic copy of one of the smartest women in the world? What about the mind of a super spy who’s lived through countless battlefields? Both are great options, and we’re sure you could think of a few others. However, there’s one super-genius that takes the cake.

Listen, Batman with prep is a dumb meme at this point, but the reasoning is sound. There is no other fictional character whose battle-hardened brain is more capable of getting through any situation than Bruce Wayne. No matter what the villains throw at our hero, the brain of the world’s greatest detective will give them the upper hand.

Eyes: Agent 47 (Hitman series) Runners’ Up: Geralt of Rivia (The Witcher series) and Ellie (The Last of Us)

As with most of these body parts, there are tons of options. Ellie from The Last of Us is particularly intriguing. She’s grown up in the middle of a zombie apocalypse and seen terrible things most of us can’t even dream of. If we went through that, we’d be a sobbing heap of a human, shoveling down Ben & Jerry’s and watching Barney re-runs just to get the memories to go away. But Ellie stands up to that adversity, looks it right in the eye, and refuses to back down.

But we want something a little more useful as a gameplay mechanic. The first idea that comes to our mind is Geralt of Rivia’s Witcher-enhanced cat-like eyes. His superpowered suite of abilities has given him night vision eyes, something that comes in handy, but isn’t as all-encompassing as other options. Instead, we’re going with Agent 47’s peepers.

The star of the Hitman series has the ability to instinctively “see” everything around him in ways that normal humans never could. Heck, the guy can “see” patrolling bad guys through walls! You don’t get much more useful eyeballs than that. Plus, that steely gaze will come in handy when you’re staring down the final boss.

Mouth: Ezio Auditore da Firenze (Assassin’s Creed series) Runners’ Up: Solid Snake (Metal Gear Solid series) and Nathan Drake (Uncharted series)

Okay, so we have a genius brain and a superpowered set of eyes. Now, all we need to finish off our creation’s head is a silver-tongue. At first, we were leaning toward the gruff voice of one Solid Snake. After all, his grizzled dialog is equal parts intimidating and hilarious. The man really has a knack for delivering over-the-top quips at exactly the wrong time.

However, while his voice undoubtedly sounds great, he lacks that charm we’re looking for in our leading role. Nathan Drake of Uncharted fame more than fits that bill, but even he can’t hold a candle to the suavest man in video games.

Let’s be honest, there isn’t a sexier accent on the planet than Italian. It’s not called the language of love without a reason. And, while Ezio Auditore is certainly one of the best assassins to ever grace the digital world, it’s that Italian charm that’s turned him into a fan favorite. All the other candidates’ hopes will just have to requiescat in pace.

Torso: Kiryu Kazuma (Yakuza series) Runners’ Up: Kratos (God of War series) and The Boss (Saints Row series)

Let’s talk about The Boss first. They have the willingness to endure as many surgeries as needed to make their body look however we need it to. Whether we need to be the most jacked woman alive or a beanpole of a man, The Boss is ready and willing to visit the local plastic surgeon and make it happen. Their dedication to our cause is certainly admirable, but we want something that’s stood the test of time. And there are no better options than the two best dads in gaming.

Listen, dad bods are hot right now, and there are none hotter than Kiryu and Kratos. Look at those glistening abs. Marvel at those pumped-up pecs. Watch the sweat sparkle on their massive shoulders. These guys know a thing or two about weight training and proper nutrition. We’d bet dollars to donuts that neither of these guys has even eaten a donut before. However, Kratos is a demigod, Kiryu is just a 50-year-old dude. An incredibly ripped 50-year-old dude with a sick tattoo and deadly fighting skills, but just a dude nonetheless. Thus, we’re giving him the nod for the sheer willpower it must take to stay that in shape as a “regular” human.

Left Arm: Link (The Legend of Zelda series) Runners’ Up: Nero (Devil May Cry series) and Spider-Man (Marvel’s Spider-Man)

We’ll be honest, this one was probably the hardest to come up with for runners’ up. Sure, Spider-Man could take the spot and give us the power to web-sling around the gigantic open-world map our game would be set inside. He might not canonically be left-handed, but he does have those web-shooters on both arms. That said, we want a true southpaw for this list.

Nero is another potential option given his sword prowess with that arm. However, his right arm is the one that held the Devil Bringer, making us wonder if he’s a true lefty. Instead, we’ve gone with the hero of Hyrule himself.

Before Skyward Sword went and ruined everything in the name of making Link’s movement feel good for the general public, the hero had always been left-handed. Nintendo decided to keep the travesty going with Breath of the Wild, but true lefties know that Link is one of them. It only feels right to have one of gaming’s best southpaws grafted onto our inhuman monster of a character. Nintendo may have forgotten about you, but we haven’t.

Right Arm: Chris Redfield (Resident Evil 5, mostly) Runners’ Up: Marcus Holloway (Watch Dogs 2) and Samus Aran (Metroid Prime series)

Since we have an expert swordsman’s left arm, we can get a little more creative with our right. Samus presents an interesting option. After all, her right arm is a freaking laser cannon with several options for alternative fire modes. It’s tough to think of anything more rad than that. Marcus Holloway is a bit of an out-there selection, but his hacking ability would certainly come in handy in a pinch.

That said, there’s really only one option. We could go on and on about why we’re selecting Chris Redfield’s rippling right arm for this slot, but instead, we’ll just show you. Watch this man punch a boulder and tell us there’s another choice. You can’t.

Legs: The Prince (Prince of Persia series) Runners’ Up: Sam Porter Bridges (Death Stranding) and Ryu Hayabusa (Ninja Gaiden Black)

If we’re talking about sheer power output, it’s hard to argue with those bodacious thighs that Sam Porter Bridges built up delivering packages across America. Seriously, go strap 200+ plus pounds of freight to your back and walk around the neighborhood. His quads have to be powerlifter strong. How much do you think Sam squats? It has to be north of a thousand pounds.

If we were looking to be a little more nimble, you’d love to have legs like Ryu Hayabusa. The way he effortlessly bounds around an environment on his way to cutting up baddies with his katana is something to be jealous of. However, what neither of these characters has is the ability to control time and space.

Enter The Prince. Not only is he an expert in parkour, but, if he does screw up his fancy movement, he can just rewind time. That’s an invaluable addition that we just can’t pass up. Some might argue that it’s actually his dagger that controls time. While those people would be correct, the dagger is on a belt that sits on The Prince’s hips, which are basically his legs. So, in this court of law, it counts.

Hair: Bayonetta (Bayonetta series) Runner Up: John Marston (Red Dead Redemption)

Likely the easiest selection of the whole list, but let’s pretend for a second that anyone else had a chance. John Marston has one of the manliest beards in video gaming. Those bear claw scars scream “I’m grizzled, don’t mess with me”. And, while his head hair is grossly stringy, it definitely gives him a further air of someone who you don’t want to cross. Unfortunately, he can’t use said hair to fight off the bad men.

There are a few video characters who can fight with their hair, but none of them have the pizzaz that Bayonetta does. Her Wicked Weave techniques are as stylish as they are deadly, making her hair the perfect thing to (quite literally) cap off our creation.

That is quite the hero, if we do say so ourselves. Of course, you might disagree. If you do, feel free to give us your creation in the comments below. It was tough to leave off people like Lara Croft or Corvo, but we had to stop somewhere. And, if you liked this list, be sure to check back later as we’re planning to put out one of these for several other genres in the near future.

April 24, 2020 12:00 PM EST

from EnterGamingXP https://entergamingxp.com/2020/04/making-a-video-game-hero-action-adventure-edition/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=making-a-video-game-hero-action-adventure-edition

[teecupangel]

Here's an idea I think you might enjoy: animus but Des is in their head, controlling them. They can feel it and talk to him and everything, ratatouille style.

……………… You know what would be funny, nonny?

If Desmond sucks at controlling them.

Like, we’ve heard the rites of passage in AC games:

We make them jump instead of doing a leap of faith

We accidentally make them climb the wrong high building and the actual viewpoint is the tower next to it

We miscalculate a jump and fall into the waters below or into an unsuspecting civilian

And there’s the game specific problems I refuse to believe I’m the only one who suffered thru it.

So just imagine Desmond trying to control them in the Animus and they know they’re being controlled.

There’s this… change in the air around them. It feels more charged. More… mysterious.

And they also become clumsier for some goddamn reason.

Incidents include:

Altaïr falling into the waters in the docks of Acre for the fifteenth time and he just hisses under his breath, “What is wrong with you?! Do you enjoy seeing me wet?!” and Desmond’s just “Dude, your control sucks!” which leads to Altaïr having an argument with Desmond under his breath about how his ‘control’ (whatever that means) does not suck, Desmond just sucks at this thing he likes to call ‘platforming’ and they both just agreed that, yeah, okay, they’re gonna assassinate Sibrand by going around instead even if it meant Altaïr had to walk slowly and pretend to be praying the entire time.

Altaïr breathing heavily as he glared at the ten (nope, five more guards found him in open combat, damn it) guards trying to kill him. One of them stepped forward and raised his sword. Altaïr readied himself and he still got hit, “(Growl)! Desmond! Get your timing right!” “Your Hidden Blade counter timing is too fast, Altaïr! Let’s just use your swor-” “No! You will learn how to counter using the hidden blade or, I swear, I will find a way to control you and drill it to your body myself!” (Guards just glance at each other, thinking “oh shit, he’s insane”)

Ezio just staring into the sky as he places his hands on his waist as he called out, “Desmond! How about we try this again later?” “No! I almost got it!” “……… It’s been an hour, Desmond. Let’s try clearing this tomb after-” “No! We’re gonna get that Armor today if it’s the last thing we do! Just… this goddamn time limit is annoying! Time limit sucks!” Ezio who is already used to the mysterious voice (who calls himself Desmond)’s strange words: “………… (sigh)”

“I can take them out. Desmond, please, I’m begging you, let me take them out. I can do-” (Desmond takes control and Ezio watches as his recruits take down the targets) The recruits looking at Ezio for approval. Ezio: Bene, that was a good takedown. (inside, Ezio is just tired because Desmond is enjoying all this ‘summoning’ thing too much…)

“Why can’t we have different lethal bombs?! You have the ingredients for it!” “I don’t know, Desmond. Could we just please finish preparing all the bombs?” “Dude, wouldn’t it be better if we have, like, all of these bombs?” “… I don’t think I have enough space in belt for all of them…” “You should get a bag.” “(Sigh) Desmond, we already talked about this. This Animus of yours don’t allow more ‘inventory’, right?” (inside, Ezio is wondering what his life has become that he sorta kinda understand the words leaving his mouth)

“Desmond… I’m imploring you to not mess this up.” “I’m trying, man, this is hard.” “Who are you talking to, Haytham?” “Ziio! No… no one.” “…” “… sigghhh… Desmond say hello to Ziio.” “Hi, Ziio.” “… is this a curse placed upon you white men?” “…” “…” “…” “Perhaps.” “Sorta?”

“You are a Templar. May the Father of Understanding guide us.” “May the Father of Understanding guide us.” “Wait, what?!” “…” “…” “Master Kenway, is something the matter?” “… no, Charles. I simply… remembered something foul.”

“It’s okay, Desmond. You’ll get this soon enough. Just take a deep breath and………… Desmond. Desmond. Please stop doing whatever you’re doing right now. My head is starting to hurt.” “It’s not me! The cameras of these tree view points sucks ass!”

“How is it you came to captain a ship, given the way you sail?” “Oh, screw you, Haytham! You wanna talk shit, why don’t you try doing this shit yourself, huh?!” “…” “…” “…” “… Apologies, father. Desmond was out of line.” “No, I’m not, fuck you, Haytham!” “I can say with absolute delight I have not missed you one bit, Desmond.” “Bite me, tacohead.” “I still do not know what that means.”

[teecupangel]

Inspired by the Patron Desmond sends his ancestors to earlier points in time and fucks over half a dozen timelines: Desmond wishes all his ancestors had someone to support them through their worst suffering without - you know, getting betrayed by them or watching them die.

So Bayek wakes up in the prime of his life in Altair's time and adopts this child who just watched his father die. When Altair dies, he and Bayek suddenly appear, both in the primes of their lives, in time to see the Auditore get arrested. Bayek, Altair, and Ezio are there when Edward's protecting the Assassins of Tulum and take the piss out of him. The crew plus Edward are there when Ratonhnhake:ton's village burns. They all sail to France on a whim and end up recruiting Arno. All of them appear in London to help out the Frye twins. And when Desmond gets kidnapped... the Assassins have an entire historical legion show up out of nowhere to help bust him out of Abstergo's clutches.

Kassandra keeps showing up, nobody's certain if she's with them all or not, but just... all of the main ancestors glomming together as one hugely dysfunctional murder family forged across time and space who all have the biggest soft spot for Desmond.

Desmond as their Patron has no power over this. This is happening solely based on his wish and he has no control who gets transported and gifted with immortality so even he does not know if Kassandra is also part of his immortality gang.

It’s Bayek who believes Desmond is a god and their patron, giving them this power to protect the world. Of course, there are times when he misses Aya and he wonders if this immortality is a curse. But then he hears the laughter of Darim and Sef before they run after him, grabbing his robes and asking him to tell them another story, grandfather tells the best stories! And Bayek’s lips curved into a smile. Perhaps the immortality is a curse but seeing the people he cares for and loves grow up and take the future for themselves will always be a joy that makes this curse worth it.

Altaïr would be the one to try and understand this immortality that they had. Would be the one to realize that they do die after their life runs its course but they will always be awaken in the same place together, back in their prime, with the memories up to their death. His first business would be to find his Apple and, after the long road he had to take to find the seals to open his library, he decided to set it up so that the next time he needed to find his Apple, it would be in the most convoluted way possible that only he would understand. It’s because of the Apple that they got to Firenze just as the Auditores were being arrested (they saved the day but it was a close call). Then Ezio’s Apple was placed on the vault and Altaïr felt a bit annoyed of how easy his Apple was secured so… he just plopped the Apple there as well.

It is Ezio who first thought of naming the glowing god that appears before them before they are resurrected once more Desmond. There’s something about the god with no discernible features other that his entire body glowing that made Ezio think of Desmond for some reason. Altaïr is the one who tries to search for this Desmond using both his and Ezio’s Apples.

Edward was the one man out. He wasn’t an Assassin yet but he had the makings of one. So they trained him. Bayek had done this three times already, he knows Edward Kenway is the key. Perhaps the next brother that will be given the curse of immortality. They stayed with him until he started to settle down in London, focusing on his family. They visited from time to time but they were not there to save Edward.

When they are resurrected once more, decades have passed and they could only try and save as many people as they could as the fires had already started. Including the mother of a young child by the name of Ratonhnhaké:ton. They stayed in the village for a few days, with the boy’s mother talking to Edward Kenway for a long time, ending with Edward learning of his son’s fate. So they leave the village to find him, to confront him. When Ratonhnhaké:ton was 13, he followed his mother out of the village and they meet once more. Haytham remains elusive and they suggested that they stay with the mother and son for a bit to ‘relax’, only for this to end with them teaching Ratonhnhaké:ton (and sometimes even giving tips to Kaniehtí:io.

And after everything was done, they sailed to France to support Ratonhnhaké:ton who received a letter requesting for aid from Lafayette. There, they met Arno Dorian and took him under their wings, helping him with his missions but only three of them at a time, for they have their own agenda for going to France. (And if this ends with Altaïr taking a Sword of Eden, well… that’s not really surprising).

Helping out the Frye twins had been second nature. Arno and Jacob met by accident when Arno had been buying one of the pubs in London (a financial focused habit he and Ezio had developed through the years) and Bayek thought they needed support (and guidance, so much guidance). By the end of it, they were sure that the twins would become like them as well. (And if this ends with Altaïr taking the Shroud of Eden… at this point, everyone already expects him to take custody over POEs)

It all ends with them moving into the modern day where they used their knowledge and experience to have a partnership with a group called Erudito. From there, it became easier to find the Assassins but their focus shifted when they heard of Desmond Miles.

And Ezio just knows… that this was the Desmond they were all searching for.