The Epic Adventures Of Malik And Leonardo

The Epic Adventures of Malik and Leonardo

Episode 4

It was dark, cold, and wet as Malik was laying flat on his back on the wet, sandy, shore line of a beach. A bruise had formed a dark shade of purple on his forehead, his cloths were soaked for the cold ocean waters as fingers began to sink a little onto the sand as time went on for who knows how long now.

Voice: Brother, please wake up.

Malik: hm... w-what? *sits up and rubs his head*

Malik noticed a little plastic bag tied to his wrist, that looked like the other half was torn apart from it.

Malik: ... (what happen?)

Voice: Don't you remember what happened brother? What happened to the artist... out at sea?

Malik turned immediately pale as the memories of what happened came rushing back to him. The narrow escape they had with two templar agents, the water ride down the New York water canal, getting hit twice in the forehead, him and Leonardo getting sent out to sea- ... Leonardo... Leonardo-

Malik: DA VINCI! *gets up and starts looking around frantically* DA VINCI! LEO! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU!? LEONARDO!!!

Malik starts running down the shore, looking around for the renaissance artist, when not a moment later, Malik makes a sharp stop as he skids across the sand to see by the shoreline someone laying unconscious in the sand.

Malik: Leonardo?! *runs over to the person*

Sure enough, it was Leonardo. He was found laying on his side shivering from the cold waters tgat have left also soaked his cloths. His beret, luck for him, was just a few inches away from his person, sitting soaked and dirtied by the sand. His wrist also had the other half of the plastic bag that Leonardo had tied around both him and Malik's wrist.

Malik: Leo! *helps lift him a bit, but keeps him on his side* Hey! Leonardo! *slaps him a bit on the cheek* Hey! come on Leonardo! Speak to me damn it!

Malik couldn't help but remember something similar like this happening once. Back when he and Altair were novices, Malik rememberes a particular time when he was trying to teach Altair how to swim. His brother Kadar was there to support them as Malik tried to coach Altair how to swim. Only for Altair to end up being accidentally swept up by the current the minute he tried to get his first stroke in. Malik had to not only save him, but also resuscitate him while his brother panicked the whole time.

"in a whisper"

Malik: "Novice. Never again." *turns Leonardo over and is about to resuscitate him*

Just before Malik could do anything, Leonardo began to move a little, when all of a sudden he quickly sat up straight and began to cough up all the sea water from his lungs, regaining his breath after the water was all out.

Leonardo: *still shaking a bit* *cough* *cough* uh... M-Malik?

Malik: *face covered in the coughed up sea water* . . . charming, but yes- *wipes the water off his face* it's me.

Leonardo: S-Scusate about that M-Malik. *grabs his Beret and wrings out a bit of the water*

Malik: *sighs* it's fine Leonardo. Belive me, you could have done worse to me while waking up from something like that.

Leonardo: *puts his hat back on his head* How so?

Malik: Well, *takes the plastic off his wrist* like you could have socked me clean in the jaw or eye while waking up.

Leonardo: *chuckles* had a personal first hand experiences, I'm guessing? *takes the plastic off his wrist too*

Malik's mouth formed a straight line as he remembered the aftermath of resuscitating Altair back to life. The first time it happened he could see Altair's chest rising and falling like normal. Signaling that he was still alive, but he didn't move other then that. Not until Malik got closer, mid-way saying his name, Altair shot up and socked Malik in the face out of reflex. Altair apologized after words but the memory of how hard he hit him just kind of stuck with him. He also remembered how his brother's worry turned into laughter at his brothers poor misfortune. The second time however, happend kind of similarly, but he ended up getting hit in the eye instead. He stopped trying to teach Altair how to swim after that.

Malik: -_- ... ya, you can say that. Let's go with that... how are you feeling?

Leonardo: Much better now. *forms a small smile* Thanks to you of course.

Malik: it was no trouble. "not the first time I had to save a drowning man".

Leonardo: *tilts his head in curiosity at Malik* ...

Malik: ... What? Is something-

Leonardo: *grabs both side of Malik's head, pulls his forehead up closer to himself and seems to be examining Malik's forehead*

Malik: Hey! *struggles in his grip* What hell are you doing!?

Leonardo: My that's quite the nasty bruise you have on your head. You need medical attention right away!

Malik: *breaks free from Leonardo's grip* I'm fine for now Leonardo.

Leonardo: are you sure? A bruise like that on the head would have knocked you cold at least for a long while.

Malik didn't want to think about how long they might have been there for, seeing how it is now pitch back in the night means they have been a drift at sea for hours. He was just glad he didn't lose his memories or got some kind of head trauma. Who knows if Leonardo would have woken up if Malik hadn't waken up as well.

Malik: ... I'm fine really Leonardo.

He didn't want to think about that.

Malik: *quickly stands up* Now let's- *almost tips over from dizziness* wow-!

Leonardo: *catches him and sits him back down* I think other wise.

Malik: Ugh- I told you I'll be ok. I just stood up to quickly... what of yourself? Your lungs were practically like water balloons when I found you.

Leonardo: I am still breathing, am I not. Though it seems like one of us will pass out not only from exhaustion, but a hit to the head as well.

Malik: *sighs* Look, once we find shelter for the night, you can mother me all you like. *searches his jacket pocket for the drive* at least we escaped with the-

Malik felt around his pocket for the drive only to find, it wasn't in there.

Malik: sh*t!

Leonardo: what's wrong, Malik?

Malik: Damn it! The drive is gone! It could have been carried off MILES out to sea for all-

Leonardo: *pulls out the drive in the plastic baggie* this?

Malik: ...

Leonardo: *chuckles* have no fear my friend, it is safe with me.

Malik: *sighs in relief* thank god you suggested that we carry it in a plastic bag.

Leonardo: Wel, looking back on it now, it wasn't such a bad idea after all.

Malik: *nods* guess so.

Leonardo: ... *looks around* ... uh... Malik?

Malik: yes Leo?

Leonardo: Where are we exactly?

Malik: ... I'm not sure? *slowly stands up this time and Helps Leonardo up*

The two turned around to see a large metal fence concreted down, sperating the beach from a roadway that was illuminated by street lights. Not to far from the road was a billboard, while the roadway continued on towards a large city.

Leonardo: ... are we still in New York? Or are we... some place else?

Malik: hm... that billboard might give us a bit more information. I doubt our phones will work, after being washed up from the shores. *starts walking towards the fence*

Leonardo: *puts the drive away and quickly follows behind*

Once they got to the Fence, Malik began to swiftly climb up over the fence. Despite getting his prosthetic arm wet, it still functioned as normal as he scaled the chain linked fence. He'll have to thank Rebecca again later for the water tight protection. Once he reached the top, he dropped down with a tuck an roll landing perfectly on the other side.

Leonardo: ...

Malik: ok, your turn Leonardo. Be quick though, I fear someone will not want us to be here this time of hour.

Leonardo: coming! ... *starts to slowly climb the fence*

Leonardo slowly made his way up the chain linked fence, making sure not to slip or miss place his footing. Once he reached the top he froze as he looked down, suddenly realizing now how tall he underestimated the fence.

Malik: ... well? What's the hold up?

Leonardo: it's uh... rather high... don't you think?

Malik: come now Leonardo, your over exaggerating.

The fence seemed to be a 12 feet tall fence. To Leonardo this might as well have been a building ledge. Malik however.

Malik: it's just a short drop down, nothing more.

Leonardo: *gulps* uh... I think I'll just climb down. *is getting ready to climb down* you'll catch me if I fall right?

Malik: *sighs* you have my word.

Leonardo: Grazie. *starts to make a slow decent down*

As he got closer half way down the water dripping from his clothes caused Leonardo to slip by accident as he began to fall the rest of the way down.

Leonardo: AAAH! MALIK! CATCH ME CATCHMECATCHME-

Malik: HOLD ON! *Jumps over to Leonardo and catches him*

The gravity pulled the two down as Malik caught Leonardo, but sadly got the worst of it as Leonardo landed on top of him.

Leonardo: *laying on top of Malik* ugh... grazie Malik... for catching me...

Malik: no trouble Leonardo... no trouble at all... now would you be so kind... as to get off of me now?

Leonardo: oh! *quickly gets off of Malik* scusate Malik. *scratches the back of his head*

Malik: *gets up* it's fine Leonardo. *sighs* now then, let's see where we are. *walks towards the Billboard*

Leonardo: *follows behind*

Once they reached the billboard. Their eyes widen almost in perfect unison as they read; welcome to Jacksonville Florida. Malik's left eye started to twitch as he kept re-reading the billboard over and over in his head.

Leonardo: uh... Malik? ...

Malik: *through gridded teeth* yes? Leonardo?

Leonardo: ... We some how seem to have ended up in Florida...

Malik: I can see that quite well Leonardo... what I want to know is... How. The. hell. Did WE END UP IN FLORIDA!!!

Leonardo: ... Well... look on the bright side Malik.

Malik: *just glares a Leonardo* how... I wanna know... how exactly there is a bright side to all this?

Leonardo: . . . At least we're not dead? *shrugs sheepishly and nervously*

Malik: . . . Heh. . . Heheh... Haha! *insane laughter* at least we're not dead he says! Haha! nahn lam namta! (We're not dead!) Haha- *slowly just falls onto his knees* Uugh... we're so screwed. . .

Leonardo: ... *puts his index finger to his chin* maybe that hit to the head did more damage then I feared.

Malik: ... *sighs* L-Look I'm sorry... I will admit... that was probably not a pleasant sight to see... it's late, we're tired... *stands back up* let's just start walking towards the city and find a place to stay... *Yawns* Then we'll wake up with a more rested minds and plan our way back home, before William comes to pick up the drive in New York.

Leonardo: *nods* sounds like a good plan to me.

Malik: good, now let's make our way over then... it's going to be a long walk. *starts walking in the direction of the city*

Leonardo: *is about to follow Malik but suddenly stops and turns around* hm?

Leonardo turns around in the opposite direction of city and notices a bright light, not to far from where he was standing.

Leonardo: *turns back over at Malik before looking back at the bright light, then back to Malik* ... *starts rushing toward the bright lights*

Malik: *walking exhaustedly towards the city* ... *starts to rub his forehead from the pain* Ugh... Leonardo... I want to apologize for... all this- and before you say, oh it's not your fault, nothing could have been done, like you always do... I just want to say that I still can't help but feel responsible for dragging us both into this mess... Gah! I shouldn't have left my guard down even for a second! ... I shouldn't have been so distracted in my own mind from the past... But I guess... maybe there wasn't much that could have been done... just... glad that your safe... Heh, I guess not being dead really is a bright side after all? ... *sighs* looks like it's going to be a long walk... just, wish we had a quicker way to get to the city.

The sound of a bus slowly pulling up next to Malik, grabs his attention as he looks up at the bus as it stops. The bus doors open, as Leonardo pokes half of his upper body out the bus to great Malik.

Leonardo: Then wish no more my friend! Hop in!

Malik: *is just stunned* ... w-what?

Leonardo: *chuckles* I don't think this a good time to get cold feet my friend! especially after being in cold waters for so long.

Malik: . . .

Leonardo: Well, come along. it's quite warm in here! *retreats back into the bus*

Malik: I... *quickly makes his way into the bus*

It was a tour bus with comfortable seating. Leonardo sat in the front second row of the bus by the window, waving Malik down.

Leonardo: Ah, Malik! Glad your cold feet didn't freeze you completely!

Malik: how... where did you-

Bus driver: your friend here saw my floodlights were on and he stopped by to help me get my bus back up and running again.

Malik: he did? *turns over to Leonardo*

Leonardo: *smiles* Si, I noticed Alvin's bus was stranded on the side of the road before I followed you.

Alvin: Yep, the man wanted to check and see if everything was ok. I told him that my bus had broke down while on my way back to Jacksonville, and he offered me a hand and helped me fix up my bus.

Leonardo: *nods* Alvin, was kind enough to offer us a free ride, to a cheap motel he knows about in the city that we can stay in.

Alvin: Think of it as just a thank you for helping me get back to Jacksonville.

Malik: I... I see... uh- thank you, Alvin.

Alvin: anytime.

Malik: *goes to sit next to Leonardo*

The bus doors close as the bus started to move again.

Leonardo: *just looking out the window, seeming to be lost in his head smiling*

Malik: ... (how does he do that?) ... hey.

Leonardo: hm? *turns to face Malik* Yes Malik?

Malik: look, I'm glad you helped the man with his bus, but next time... Tell me, if you see anything. Instead of wondering off towards it, ok? I didn't even noticed that you weren't even behind me anymore.

Leonardo: *nods* Of course, I'll let you know next time if I see anything.

Malik: Good. We don't want anything bad happening to you Leo. You know-

Leonardo: *sighs* I know, I know. "I play such an important role in history..." *his smile fades*

Malik: ... I know that I'm not good with... emotions but... I know you don't exactly like being restrained by such rules and they seem rather-

Leonardo: imprisoning...

Malik: ... *sighs* im sorry if it seems that way, but understand we do care about you and your safety and after the incident at Abstergo...

Leonardo: . . . *just looks way towards the window, with a look of anxiousness, his hands folded neatly on his lap* ...

Malik: ... never mind, I know you rather keep that in the past.

Leonardo: ...

Malik: ... (it's werid seeing Leonardo when he's like this... it's almost... weirdly... unnatural?) ... I'm sorry about-

Leonardo: it's fine Malik, *looks at him* I understand. *gives Malik a small soft smile*

Malik: ... *nods* glad you understand. *yawns* Once we get there... we'll think of a plan from there... and we'll be home in no time at all. *relaxes back in his seat a bit and closes his eyes*

Leonardo: ... *continues his gaze towards the window in thought*

Leonardo's mind couldn't help but revisit that day... he rememberes it still clear as day as if ti happened just yesterday, despite it happening only two months ago (his ability to remember things with great detail is a blessing and a curse). He really hoped that working on other projects and helping the assassins from the house would help his mind move on and hopefully forgot everything that happened that day. His eyes slowly grow heavy as exhaustion washes over him.

He remembered how it all happened, how could he not? After all, it all happened so fast, how just a simple mission as this went south so quickly. The mission was seemed easy enough, find where Abstergo was hiding one of Leonardo's old notebooks for information and have Leonardo himself decode it. However this plan was meet with great heated debate among the assassins, on whether or not Leo should even in come in the first place. One side was concerned with the fact that if something should happen to him everything would go into shambles time as they knew it now, would no longer be what it is. The others thought this would get the job done quicker and over with, considering how old they pages must be by now, they couldn't risk the notebook being damged if they were more then likely to most get into a fight with old enemies. Ezio was very much against the idea of this plan and actually tried to get people to have Leonardo speak for himself on this matter, but William proposed they vote on this matter.

They all agreed and just like that, the plan for Leonardo to tag along had won the votes, with William being the final vote. Ezio argued with William for an hour straight that this was a terrible idea and that it was best to just bring the journal back for Leonardo to decode from the safty of their home. But arguing was fruitless.

Ezio was Angery beyond degree for this and told Leonardo that if something happened to him, William would pay heavily for this. Leonardo told Ezio that maybe things won't be to bad, but Even Leonardo was a bit frightened by this decision. On the drive over to Abostergo Ezio tried to make Leonardo feel more comfortable about this whole thing, as well as no doubt trying to make himself feel a bit better. Jacob would also through a few words of encouragement and laughs in, and soon Ezio started to have a bit of pride in his voice when he was talking with Leonardo in the van. Letting him now that he'll be by his side and will keep a close eye on him while infiltrating Abstergo.

Weridly enough during Ezio's talking Malik was the first one to speak up truthfully about this whole matter.

Flash back

Ezio: Just stay close by, and don't stay to far from us.

Leonardo: *nods* I will.

Ezio: Bene! Don't worry, mio Amico, you'll be safe with us around, and I'll make sure you-

Malik: but that doesn't mean there is a chance that he could end up hurt.

Everyone glances over at Malik Who was sitting across from the two, while Altair was sitting right next to him both arms crossed and all.

Malik: ... or worse.

Jacob: *sitting next to Ezio* <whispers to Ezio> "well someone's being edgy."

Ezio: *nods with Jacob in agreement* don't be so negative Malik, he'll-

Malik: I'm not being negative, I'm simply being realistic here.

Ezio: realistically negative.

Malik: realistic none the less. Remember, you weren't to keen on having him come along in the first place either.

Malik was one of the people who agreed that this was a bad idea from the start for Leonardo to come along with them inside the main office headquarters of the templar company.

Ezio: Si and I'm just trying to help Leonardo feel less worried about-

Malik: The only reason you act this way now, is because it helps you forget and hide the possible ugly realities that might follow suit with this decision, Ezio.

Ezio: ...

Leonardo: ...

Always so ruthless honesty. Like a knight and his trusty sword of truth, slaying a dragon of lies, or defeating a wizard of illusion, even when it wasn't pretty. Leonardo will admit that it's admirable, but he himself prefers to be gently honest then brutal. Something both he and Malik had in common. They both didn't like lying, but in cases when they needed to. Leonardo isn't good at lying, even if it was to save his own life, but he will give himself the befit of the doubt that at least he could hide half the truth (when he tried to hide Ezio from guards). While Malik on the other hand, was criminally good at it, but he only ever lied when it was for assassin purposes.

Shaun: *driving the van* calm down you two save it for Abstergo.

Desmond: *sitting next to Altair* ya, come on Malik, what did we talk to you about being harshly honest. We don't need a very grim idea of how things could go wrong.

Malik: *just shrugs* just saying.

Ezio: ... *has a worried and sad expression on his face*

Leonardo: ... *gulps and slouchs a little in his seat*

Arno: *sitting next to Leonardo* ...

Malik: *arms crossed over his chest* ... you have something to say French Novice?

Arno: Er- Uhm! Uh... we'll... it's just... uh-

Malik: you know I will not apologize for saying what is true. Leonardo is a grown @$$ man, with high knowledge and understanding. He can handle a simple "reality check", as they call it.

Something else Leonardo has noted about Malik is that he would never apologize for what he knew was truth especially in this case... cause it was. No matter how hard he wanted to denie Malik's words, it was true, he could get hurt or worse on this mission. After all, this was the main headquarters of Abstergo Inc. after all, home to not only the head CEO of the company, but also where their great enemies of the past also reside in. Usually at lest three of the assassins make it home with near severe injuries. Leonardo should know, cause he had to help take carr of the three unluck assassins back to health when they got home... hoping they do- which they do thankful.

That's why they usually send nearly the whole house or at least six of them to such a mission to the enemy HQ.

Leonardo: ... *fidgety with his hands*

Altair: ... Malik only says this because it is best to mentally prepare yourself for what could happen.

Malik: *looks in Leonardo's direction and nods at him*

Leonardo: *just nods back in response* ...

Leonardo wouldn't say he and Malik were all to close, but occasionally they would work together on projects, have casual conversations every now, maybe talk a bit about this modern society, and sometimes talk about their- as Malik puts it- "Their best assassin Novice friends". Leonardo found that title quite funny, a secret nickname for the two to refer to their two best closest friends.

In truth, he likes to consider Malik as a good friend. Malik was enjoyable to talk to and they had a lot of things in common. Despite his... darkside, but none the less, Leonardo knew he only means well in the end.

Jacob: *sitting next to Ezio and Evie* ... Awkward~.

Evie: *elbows her brother*

Jacob: Ow!

Well Jacob was certainly right about the van ride begin awkward the whole drive there. When they were getting out and getting ready to infiltrate the Company building, Altair put Leonardo's movement on pause for a moment by putting a hand on his shoulder.

Altair: Hey.

Leonardo: Hm?

Altair: don't worry to much about what Malik said. Though the possibility is still present, it is rather low considering your circumstance. In fact you actually have a higher advantage on coming out of this place unharmed then any of us here.

Leonardo: oh? And why is that?

Altair: because-

Leonardo didn't know whether to believe it was just bad luck.

Altair: -you have an important part to play that will one day bring forth this generation's future.

Being at the wrong place, at the wrong time.

Altair: After all, a few things might be missing here and there, if not even important things, if something was to happen to you,-

Or maybe a jinx of some kind, despite not being all that superstitious himself.

Altair: -so I'm pretty sure Abstergo wouldn't wanna take such a risk on your life.

But...

Leonardo: huh... *smiles* I suppose you have a point there!

That sound...

Altair: *small smile* Now don't use that as an excuse to be risky ok. Ezio still has a point to stay as close to us as possable and to never stray far from us ok.

Leonardo: *nods* I shall stick to you all like glue, You have my word!

That loud and dreadful sound...

Altair: good.

Leonardo: Grazie Altair!

Altair: of course. Also, another thing.

... I was so scared ...

Altair: *pats Leo on the shoulder* don't try to play hero.

BANG!!!

End of episode 4

Pre - Next

Ep 1.

Man this took WAAAAAAAAY to long to make, welp now it's here hope you all enjoyed this new episode of-

The epic Adventures of Malik and Leonardo!!!