This is my newest story at the moment. I hope you all enjoy reading this! Please use the feedback thread for more info. So let the lights dim and the story begin. I present to you all: Assassin's Creed: Descendants. iZaln Enterprises™
This is the beginning of Ezio Auditore la Seconda di Venezia and the Brotherhood of Assassinos.... Overlooking Roma, I sat on the ledge of the church's roof. I was sent out of the house by my father since he had an importantes meeting. As usual. I sighed. Oh how I longed to return to Venezia. My father had come to Venezia on business, and then returned to Roma with me a few years after my birth. Mi madre had passed away during child birth. To make up for that, mi padre took me on trips all around Italia. He also taught me how to fight with daggers, swords, and all other sorts of equipment. Padre even bought a moschetto for my 17th birthday, and we attempted to merge it with one of my favorite swords, the Milanese Captain's Blade. It had taken my father quite some time to acquire one from the blacksmith, but eventually we received it. Our new creation was named "Perforare," or "Pierce." Anyway, while I was sitting there, someone shouted, "Oi, you there boy, get down this instant, or I'll shoot." I quickly looked behind to find one of Roma's many roof-top archers. I yelled back, "Si Señor Bastardo!" Then I immediately slipped how into the ledge bellow. I could hear the archer curse and walk over. Smiling I looked down to find a small cart of hay. I let go dove down. I landed in the hay stack. It could feel the itchy hay against my face, but I laughed to myself. Mi Padre had taught me and called it a Leap of Faith. After a while, I exited the other side of the cart and ran off to my house. I think I'm gonna have to tell my father about this. Heh. When I got home, I found the front gate badly damaged, the lock had been shattered. I rushed in to find that the house had been ransacked. All our paintings were slashed and some in two pieces. The vases were all cracked and some with blood. I heard two voices. One said, "What has happened here?!" I recognized the voice as Olivia's. Olivia was a family friend who sometimes gave my father some books for his library. Her daughter, Maria, was a friend. We've know each other since I moved back to Roma with mi Padre. I continued to listen, "Olivia, the Templars..." He sounded wounded and continued, "They know about me now, it was his fault. He is the one..." He paused and coughed. "My time is coming to a close... It was Maurico. He was deceiving us all this time. A Templar spy. He ambushed me with the Templar soldiers. Dammit..." He coughed more. I cautiously entered and looked. Olivia was helping my father, Ezio sit upright in his seat. Mi Padre's study room was a mess. I asked, "Padre, what is this talk of Templars? And why did Maurico attack you?" My father had several gashes on his body, various bruises, and a cut to the cheek. He looked at me, his face paled from blood-loss said, "My son, I have deceived you all this time. I am not a banker, I am an Assassino. Just as Olivia and many of my Brotherhood are. The Templars... They seek power, and are corrupt..." He coughed up blood. I came closer. He said, "We must put an end to them. All these years, all the time was spent on training you, my son, the new leader of... The Brotherhood of Assassinos." "The Assassinos? Who are they? What is this talk of?" My father grabbed something from under his desk and handed it to me. "Use this key to open the trap door below our dinner table. I have prepared," his breath started to become deeper and slower, "everything for you... to..." I held him close, my eyes starting to water. He smiled and said, "My son... I love you." Mi Padre smiled and closed his eyes for the last time. Ezio Auditore di Firenze had passed away... Anger swelled inside of me. I sought revenge. Revenge for my father's death. I got up and said to Olivia, "I shall go right now and seek Maurico. He must be held for his actions!" I got up, but Olivia grabbed me by the shoulder and said, "You seek revenge? At least honor your father by obeying his last command." I looked at her and nodded. I left the study room and made my way to the dinner table. I pushed the table aside. I rolled up the rug to find a small little notch. I stuck the key inside it and it made a soft click. I found that part of the floor had risen. I lifted the part to find a ladder leading into the darkness. I descended slowly. When I reached the bottom, I found a door. It had some kind of fancy crest, one I had seen several times on my father's papers. What did this all mean? I found it locked. I decided to use a trick my father had shown me. I started pulling the door handle left, then right, then left again. Quickly I pushed the handle. I heard a crack to find that the door had opened, and the handle had broken off. I threw the handle to the floor and found myself in a medium-sized room. Right in the middle, I found a suit of armor. It was of the purest white. It had a hood that stretched over the wearer's face. At the hip or the suit was a crest... The same crest I had seen so much of... I realized that this was... The Crest of the Assassinos...
I approached the armor and felt it. I could feel it's cold steel plating and the smooth linen. I found two scrolls to the side of the armor. I opened one to find a letter for me. It was from my father. It explained that I was descended from a line of Assassins. Assassins who attempted to foil the plans of the Templars. They fought for freedom. It was an age-long secret war. It also said that I was entrusted with safeguarding the safety of humanity and defeating the Templars, time and time again. It ended with this bit of information, "Your brothers and sisters are your greatest weapons. Use them with care." I sighed and wondered who these "brothers and sisters" were. I set the letter aside and opened the other scroll. It was some sort of a diagram. It had one name in the middle. Alfonso Borgia. There were lines that sprouted out from the name Alfonso. There were many names of others, but there were still some with question marks. Then I noticed that under the names was a map of Italia. The names were located over certain regions of Italia, with Borgia in the middle of Italia; the Vatican. There were many in most of Italia's major cities, too. This must've been a map of the Templars and where they operate. I rolled the map back and put it next to the first scroll. I looked at the armor again. I found a set of gauntlets with some contraptions on it. I took one. It was slightly heavy. I found a special compartment that had three lead balls loaded into the holes, and there was a small base that held some gunpowder. I closed it again and found a small trigger. Wow, this gauntlet had a hidden pistol! I put it on and move it around to get a feel for it. I heard a small "shing" and found that a small blade had popped out from the otherside. I flicked my wrist again and the blade retracted. I looked and found a small slit where it had come from. Amazing, this was a true weapon of assassination. I took the other gauntlet and flicked my wrist once more to reveal the blade. Then I knew it. I would make sure Maurico paid for his crime against the Assassin Order. I made up my mind. In honor of my father, I was going to follow his footsteps... I would finish his mission to destroy the Templars. I took off the gauntlets and grabbed the white hooded robe. After putting on the robe and armor, I found me and my father's sword/gun; Perforare. I sheathed it and put it on my belt. I took some throwing knives and took two daggers from the wall. I put the gauntlets back on my wrists. Quickly scanning the wall, I found a small shelf at the top corner. There was a pouch of medicine and another pouch of smoke bombs. I placed them on the back of my belt. Also, I took the two scrolls and went out the door. After climbing back up, I locked the trapdoor and hid under the rug and put the key in one of my pouches. As I returned to the living room, I found a man sitting on one of the chairs. He smiled when he saw me. "You are just like your father... In the looks. But can you match him in the skills? That, my dear boy, is the question we are all asking ourselves." "Who is this "we"?" "The Assassins of Roma of course. That's why I am here. Maurico will be meeting with a Templar messenger at nightfall. Pursue Maurico and kill him. Then intercept the letter from the messenger. Then we shall decided." He got up and was about to leave until I asked, "Who are you and how do you know of Maurico's actions?" Smiling, as if amused he responded, "We Assassinos keep track of anything of note. There is your task. Complete and we will find you, young Auditore." After he left, I took one last look at my house and left. I had taken everything of importance, and I shall leave all that is inconsequential. I am an Assassin. I shall avenge my father's death with the death of the Templars. That is my creed. That is my Assassin's Creed.
As I wandered about the city, I was thinking of all the possible places that Maurico could be... It could've been anywhere in Roma... But where? That mysterious man didn't reveal any clues to me. As I continued down the worn path, someone bumped into me. It was a young woman, and I had accidentally knocked off some of her fruits. I quickly picked then back up and replaced them in her basket. She looked at me and smiled. "Thank you kind Señor." "It was my fault." "It wasn't anyone's fault, it was a twist of fate that this was our meeting. Here, take this as my gratitude." She took my hand and pressed a small paper package with some florins. Then she smiled at me and walked on. I went over to a nearby bench and opened the package. I found seven florins... But then I noticed some writing. It said that at the first hour of tomorrow, traitors trade at Passo del Serpente, or the Serpent's Pass. I instantly folded the note to avoid anyone to read it and hid it in my attire. So... The first hour of tomorrow. The Templars were meeting at the Serpent's Pass, and long winding trail in the Eastern Roma Slums. Hmph, to think that Maurico, adviser and aid to one of the most powerful men of would come to the slums. Hah, that shall be his final stop. Then, it occurred to me that the woman I had assisted was an Assassino. But then my mind flew to another thing... I needed to train with these gauntlets of mine. And I knew who to ask, Salvatore, acclaimed Blacksmith of Roma. He owned several of the forges located in Roma. I knew where he lived, so decided to go to his house. When I got there, I was greeted by his son, Rulio. He nodded to me and said, "Ah, Ezio, what brings you here? And what of the outfit...?" "I need to discuss something of vast importance with your padre, Salvatore. Please." Rulio shook his head and said, "I'm sorry Ezio, but my father was called away on some business. But he did say you may be coming, so he wanted me to hand this to you." Rulio gave me a set of three scrolls, each marked and sealed by the Assassin's Crest. I took them, wide-eyed. Was Salvatore an Assassin as well?! As if reading my mind, Rulio said, "Mi Padre instructed me to lead you to our training room. He knew you would require it." "How would he know? And I must-" He pulled me into the house and closed the door. He put his fingers to his lips in a silencing notion and said, "There are Templar ears out there. If you wish to speak more, we can, but that would endanger everyone..." Then he smiled. "That would include my sister, Lucina." I stared at him. He knew about me and Lucina. "What Ezio? You didn't think I knew. Every morning or so, after Lucina is gone, I've noticed that the window to the balcony is partially opened." "What? Perhaps she is simply talking walks on the balcony?" Rulio laughed and walked over to a drawer and pulled out a white blouse. My white blouse. Smiling he dropped it back in the drawer and closed it. "Do your parents know?" I asked, deathly pale. "I'm not so sure..." "But what gave you that notion to check her room?" "Some, ah, unnatural noises I hear late at the evening. Her room isn't too far from mine, mi amigo. But, Lucina has been particularly happy as of late. She was apparently feeling down. So whatever is best for my sister is okay with me. I'm not sure about Salvatore..." "Ehh... Thanks Rulio. Anyway, let us get on with training." "Um first, you may want to look over the scrolls. I'll be over here if you need anything." I walked over to a table and set the scrolls down. The first one I opened described some types of assassinations. The first kind was the Jump Assassination. It described the the movements and logic. There were two more assassinations, the Hidden Kill, and... My favorite, the Backflip Technique. After reading the descriptions and memorizing the motions, I closed the scroll and opened the next one. It held many weapon designs, such as a beautifully drawn sword. It was thing, and the hilt and guard were swift looking. Under it was labeled "Rapier." Then Rulio appeared behind me and said, "Ahh, the weaponry scroll. My father said that you could pick any of these that you wish to use." I nodded in thanks and continued to study the weapons. I didn't find anything that I want, until I found a small dagger that could be easily concealed in my boot. I called Rulio over and he smiled and took the scroll. "You shall have it tonight." As I started to open the last scroll, the door opened. I quickly glanced to find Lucina come in with a handmaiden following her. When she saw me, she blushed, and as did I. She said, "Oh um Ezio, what are you doing here? And what of the ridiculous attire?" "Ahh Lucina, this is simply some important business." She snapped to her handmaiden and told her to drop the clothes she had bought. "Ezio, would you mind helping me carry these to my room?" "Of course." So I took the packages and followed Lucina into her room. When I got in, she quietly closed the door and I put the packages in a corner. When I turned around, we kissed. After, she said, "Explain yourself. What is this about?" "I'm not sure myself... But I'm trying to find out." "And the attire?" "Erm... It's... Ummm a... A gift from my father." She smiled and said, "I can tell if you're lying." "Sorry it's just that-" We kissed again and Lucina said, "It's okay, go on Ezio." Then she escorted me out the door, but before she closed it, I said, "What, can't I assist you in undressing?" She laughed and closed the door. I chuckled. As I returned, I found Rulio watching me in content, smiling and mocking me. I began to read the last scroll. As I started, I noticed that this scroll was a letter from my father to Salvatore...
"Dear Salvatore, I have discovered a conspiracy larger than we had originally anticipated. In our know world of Europa, I discovered several more Templars who have several high positions among the various countries. They command armies of vast size. But I have noticed something even more important, they are somehow smuggling important shipments of items all into one place... Venezia. The Templars are pooling specific cargo into the docks of Venezia and are shipped off into the city. I fear they are planning something. Something pericoloso e mortale, a weapon possibly? I do not know. I never knew that the Templars were so spread out. So organized and efficient. I can only hope that there maybe more Assassinos scattered across Europa, all trying to destroy the common enemies, the Templars. As for my son, alas, he is too much like me when I was young. So vivace ed eccitata, overflowing with youth and self-esteem. My only regret in life was not being able to be there for him... Please, also be watchful of my son, because if anything were to happen to him, it would destroy me. So põr fãvores, make sure he is safe. Also, he is with your daughter, Lucina. He thinks he's so secretive, but us parents have our ways. Besides that, restare forti e soggiorno rapida mio fratello Assassin. Sinceramente, Ezio Auditore" I put the letter down. It stung me. My father had known about this hidden conspiracy?! I noticed the little bit about me and couldn't help but smile. He had truly cared... And he even knew about my relationship... But it only fueled the flame of anger that burned inside of me. Those damn Templars! I will be sure to make them pay. I turned around and came face to face with Salvatore. "Aha! Ezio! Just the man I was waiting to see. Please follow me." He grabbed the scrolls and led the way to a room with a table with two chairs. I sat in one, and he sat across from me. "So Ezio, it seems you have learned of the Assassinos. I wonder what you shall do? Will you join us?" "A mysterious man already gave me a mission to kill Maurico and take their secret document." "Ahh, so Luigi already got to you, eh? So then there's just one last thing I must speak with you about. Lucina." My heart started to beat faster and faster. "My boy, I have know that you have been... Umm visiting my daughter." "I'm sorry Señor, I-" "No need for apologies, I just wanted to let you know that if anything tragic befalls her, I will see that you die a painful death. It doesn't matter who you are, I will make you pay." "So I should stop seeing her?" "Erm... No. But do not even dare break my daughter's heart... Or l will fulfill what I said earlier." "Um... Yes sir." "Good, good! Now you must train in our courtyard. Dummies have been set up. Practice your assassinations." "Grazie, grazie." "No problem." He led me out of the room and brought me to the courtyard where I practiced the various techniques and skills. After a few hours, I was called in and I ate with just Rulio. Then Salvatore came in and told me that it is already nighttime and that I should focus on finding my targets... Maurico and the letter. I got up and thanked both Rulio and Salvatore. I left and used the darkness of the night to cover me. I was going to fulfill my task. Maurico was going to pay for his actions...
I made my way to the slums of Roma in the shade of night. As I neared my destination, the buildings started to deteriorate and blacken... It started to rain heavily. I could feel it on my armor... All to my advantage. When I got to the meeting place, which was a dirty and rarely used alley, I found a balcony to hide in. I looked to see a messenger guard talking with Maurico, surrounded by two Naval Guards. Naval Guards were recently dispatched to Roma to secure that the city was safe. It felt like they were here for the Templars. While they were talking, I pulled back on the small trigger. I aimed at one of the Naval Guards and shot. It made a small click, and I saw that guard go down in a hit. By the time the second guard realized they were being attacked, I had already taken another shot at him and he fell next to his comrade. I found Maurico and the messenger both stunned. Then Maurico jammed a package into the messenger. I jumped down from the balcony and flicked my wrists on the way down. I landed with both hand blades in the messenger's head, and used his body as a cushion for my landing. Looking up, I saw Maurico start to run. I got up and pulled out three throwing knives. Then I sent them at Maurico. One. Hit his left leg's primary muscle. He stumbles. Two. I take out his right leg's muscle. He falls to the ground. Three. I pin his left hand to the dirt of this alley. I come up behind him. In a desperate voice, "You continue to live?! How can this be?" I kick him in his side. I take my sword and stab his left abdomen, and he shrieks in pain. As I pull out the sword and replace it in my hilt, he screams out, "Ezio quit delaying what will come, finish me." "Oh yes, Maurico... I will." "That voice... So it's you, young child. Acting like your father, huh? So you try to avenge him? Pathetic." "Them I'm pathetic enough to bring you to your knees? Pah, shut up Templar trash, your time is overdue." "No... It won't end..." I took my right wrist blade and held it against the back of his neck. "Any last words, Maurico?" "You and your Assassinos will fal-" I ended it and inserted the blade, finishing the first half of the mission. I got up, said a small blessing for him and turned around. I found another person, dressed in a white robe similar to mine, holding the messenger's parcel. He came over to me and said, "Well done young Auditore." I recognized the voice as Luigi's, the very man who sent me on this mission. "You have done well. Tomorrow, meet us in the highest point in Roma. We will speak more. Goodbye." He nodded and left into the city. I turned around and surveyed the scene. This rain has cleansed very little of the blood of my father. This is only the beginning, I shall finish my father's work. I am an Assassino, an Assassino who will dispose of any impurities of the Templars.
The following day, I went toward the center of Roma. In it's middle, there was the tallest building... Defàro. It was a tower that was part of a church, and there was a bell that rang up top. I started to climb the church's tower. It was very startling. I could feel the sun bearing down on me. By the time I made it up, I found Maria, Salvatore, Rulio, Lucina, Luigi, and Olivia up there. They all looked at me. Rulio said, "It's finally time you made it Ezio." Shocked I said, "What are you guys here? I thought that only Salvatore, Luigi and Olivia were Assassinos!" "What," answered Lucina, "you didn't think we, children of Assassins were blind?" "We have been trained just as well as you, Ezio." Added Maria. "We are the future of the brotherhood. You are our leader, in place of your father, the first Ezio. We have come to see to the induction of our newest leader," Rulio said. "How long have all of you been Assassinos?" I inquired. Rulio responded, "We have known since you have know. Our parents raised us in the ways we would fit best as an Assassin. Now we are all gathered to become Assassins... The future Assassins of Roma." Salvatore clapped and said, "Well said. Anyway, you are all of the Assassin order, but know we are not all of the Assassins. Many are on other missions. You may never know them... Except for probably you, Ezio. You are the future leader. But you are not the leader of the Assassin Order. You are only leading the future of the Assassin Order. This is your test. Welcome to the Assassins..." I took in the words slowly, each hitting me harder and harder. I was to lead an Assassin Brotherhood? No... No way... Luigi coughed and finished saying, "Well that wraps it up. I have a mission for you, Ezio, so I'll wait for everyone to leave." Salvatore came over to me and handed me a small dagger. "Just as you ordered, mi amigo." "Thank you. I appreciate it." "Good bye young Assassino." He walked over to the edge and said that he had prepared a Leap of Faith for everyone to use to easily leave here. Then he waved at everyone and jumped out. Maria came over to me and said, "I am truly sorry about your father, but we can only hope that we, the Assassins can do what your father tried to do." "Grazie Maria. We will bring down these Templars." She then kissed me on the cheek and preformed the Leap of Faith, too. Rulio was about to come up to me to say something, but Lucina held her arm out to stop him and came to talk to me. She grabbed my head and whispered in my ear, "Well... You'll have to choose, me or her." Then she let go and said, smiling, "Stay safe, and may you be always healthy." She went on to give me a quick peck on the lips and followed Salvatore and Maria and went for a Leap of Faith. Rulio was about to come talk to me again, but Olivia came over to me faster and she said, "Your father has been given proper burial." "Burial?! Why wasn't I able to come and pay my last respects?" "Because you haven't fulfilled his final request." I looked downwards, but Olivia whispered, "And don't you dare break Maria's heart. If you even think so, then you're in for a whole world of pain." "But I am already with-" She laughed and responded, "I know, I know. But Maria doesn't know, and she's captivated by you. Good luck sorting that out young lovebird." She left and jumped with the Leap of Faith. Rulio immediately jumped at me. "Finally, no women in front of me, they always are in my way. Anyway, brother Assassin, should you require any help, I'm here!" He grinned and put his hand on my shoulder. "We may even be brothers-in-law!" "Err... Yeah. Thanks Rulio." He nodded and jumped out and preformed the Leap as well. I came over to Luigi who was leaning in the corner, grinning at me. "Quite the suitor, won't you agree?" "Umm... Well-" "That's not the point. Anyway, I believe you have your father's map of the Templars? May I see it please?" I reached into my slender leather pouch and pulled it out. He opened it and took out a feather and ink bottle from his belt. He scribbled a few things and handed the map back to me. "Your father knew there was a Templar in Roma, but he didn't know it was Maurico. No one would've guessed. Anyway, I managed to find who the next guys is. Look at the line leading to the next name." I traced it to another Templar name. Dario Medica. His name was also located over Rome. "You see, Ezio, Maurico, wrote the letter to his colleague, Dario Medica. He is a notorious Templar often called the Executor of Roma. He is a master of torturing and mortalé. Dario also holds high positions in the court of the military leader of Roma, Marquose Cordigõ. This leads me to my next part, Marquose is another Templar." I followed the line from Dario's name to Marquose's. Marquose was also situated in Roma. "Luigi, how am I to get to these high officials. They command the soldiers of Roma." "Ezio, we have Assassins in their district. My mission for you is to go to the Dénarra Districto and join up with Vincenzo. You may know him as the Lord of the Thieves. That's where he's stationed, and who you should meet with. There also should be another Assassin there along with Vincenzo, but I would doubt it, but nonetheless, do not be surprised if there are other fellow Assassinos, we have been trying to figure out more about these Templars. Anyway, your mission is to, of course, kill them. It would do you well to leave soon. And keep the Templar Map, I already know most of it. So good luck and may you be safe!" "I thank you, Luigi, this has been most helpful." "Anything to help a fellow Assassino!" Luigi then joined the others and preformed the Leap of Faith. I stood there, thinking over the whole situation. I would have to head north. To Dénerra District it seems. I waited a few more minutes before joining the jump. I fell into a large pile of hay and emerged unseen and unscathed. I then walked off north toward Dénerra...
When I finally reached Dénerra, I found that the number of guards stationed around the city was almost triple of what it was like in central Roma. I found many sets of eyes following me, and the occasional, "He looks intriguing," but no one confronted me. I continued to walk a few more minutes to survey and calculate the amount of soldiers. Then someone bumped into me. We both fell to the ground. A pleasant, woman helped me up. "I apologize, Señor, it was my fault." "It is okay." She ran off into the heart of this region of Roma. A man came over to me and whispered, "Be careful, she may have just stolen all of your money." I checked my belt and found my money pouch missing. He smiled and said, "Good luck, she just disappeared into the town market. Hurry." I ran off into the market, determined to find take back my florins. As I made it to the marketplace, it was overflowing with merchants and buyers. Suddenly I had an idea. I went around the back of one of the nearby buildings and climbed up it. I started running across the roofs, searching for the thief. I saw a figure dart from the crowd into an alleyway. I found a small line connecting the building I was standing on to an adjacent structure. I carefully and swiftly ran across the line. I then heard someone yell, "Get down from here or I will shoot you!" I recognized that line. I had heard it so many times, and up until now, I always had to flee. Now I would confront him. I started to sprint at the archer. He started to string his bow and said, "I did warn you! Now die!" Those were the last words that came from the archer's mouth before my wrist blades silenced him. He fell without saying a single word. I took his quiver and his bow. Slinging them on my back, I started running to look at the alley. Dammit, I had lost her. "Looking for me, kid?" I turned around to find myself face to face with the woman who had stolen my pouch. She held it up, teasing me. I reached for it, but she moved her arm back. "What a young face. So innocent. Why are you an Assassin at such an age?" "Hmph so you know? I will need my money back, if you know what's good for you, Señora." "Hah, I should know, I work with an Assassin. Tell me young one, what brings you to this districto?" "If you insist, I am seeking out Vincenzo." "So I thought. Fine," she then tossed the money back to me, "I will lead you to him. Follow me." She ran off towards the west. I followed in hot pursuit. After a confusing series of twists and turns, we ended up in a set of normal looking houses. The woman went up to the first one and preformed a series of knocks. I watched as the door opened and a burly man stepped out and welcomed the woman. His eyes fell on me and he said, "Ahh so you must be the Assassin we have heard so much of. Is it true that you killed that traitor, Maurico?" "Ah si Señor. And may I presume you to be Vincenzo?" "Haha, no mi amigo, I am not Vincenzo. If you seek Vincenzo, follow Nemora and myself." Ah, so the woman's name was Nemora. As the man turned around to go in, I smiled at Nemora and mouthed her name. She gave me an annoyed look and went in. I followed. I found myself in a plain house, with simple coloring and worn furniture. The large man led the way to the dining room where I found a fit man standing next to another person donning a same suit as mine, but his robes were dyed blue. Only the fit man looked up at us. The fit man said, "Ah, so you have arrived, Ezio." At the name of Ezio, the blue robed man looked up and said, "Ezio... You are not Ezio, the true Ezio was much taller and more muscular." The fit man cut in, "He is Ezio. Are you not?" I removed my hood. "My name is Ezio Auditore la Seconda di Venezia, son of Ezio Auditore di Firenze." The blue hood man said, "So it's true, our leader has died. It is a sad truth that we must all realize. That damn Maurico..." The thin man made a small signal, and the burly man and Nemora left the room. He said, "Hello Ezio, I am Vincenzo, leader of the most infamous guild of thieves in Roma, Espriti. I welcome you to Dénerra." "My name is Basito," added the blue hooded man, "I served under you father. He was truly a wondrous man. I sympathize upon your loss, but it is good to know that he left you, Ezio la Seconda, to continue his legacy. I apologize for accusing you as an imposter earlier." "I accept, Basito. My father... He was very secretive, but I realize that he kept it a secret from me to protect me. We are gathered here not to mourn him, but to finish what he started, and to continue the work of the Assassinos." "Well said, Ezio," threw in Vincenzo, as he motioned to the map. "So what brings you here?" "I am searching for two Templars. They were linked to Maurico. I have already defeated Maurico, and I intend to finish the other two Templars in Roma." "Hmm, so you are hunting Dario and Marquose I assume?" "Si Señor." Basito said, "I have already killed Marquose. It was a few hours ago, at a banquet they were holding as a display of power. Now Dario has hidden himself inside the Grandillo Fortress because of that." "We have been trying to find a way inside the fortress," Vincenzo said while he put his hand over the map of the fortress they had laying on the table. Looking at it, I said, "Then we must use the front door." Both men laughed, and Basito said, "They are on high alert for our kind." I studied the small box on the side that had information about the number of soldiers all around Dénerra. Then I told both men my plan. Basito thought about the plan while Vincenzo said, "It may work, but I do not have enough men to take all of them." I smiled and said, "But for two Assassins, it should be easy to infiltrate Grandillo and kill Dario." Basito grinned and Vincenzo looked at me, a fire burning in his eyes. "You know, Ezio, this might just do it!" Within hours, Vincenzo had already stationed his men and handed me a small cylindrical item before he left to join his men. "Throw this to the ground when all is ready. That will throw off the guards and begin our attack. After that, the rest us up to you two." I nodded in thanks and watched him leave. I turned to Basito and said, "Let's go brother, we have a Templar to assassinate." Basito nodded and we ran off to the checkpoint, with the sun starting to disappear...
While the scene was getting darker, Basito and I stood on the roof of a building right next to the Grandillo Fortress Tower. We had already killed off the archers, allowing us access to the rooftops. I waited for the signal. I heard a soft whistle followed by three more in succession. That was the sign. I instantly threw down the small package Vincenzo had given to me. I had specifically aimed it at the feet of the four guards protecting the entrance. Instantly there was a loud "BOOM," and smoke filled the air. Both Basito and I jumped down and quickly assassinated the stunned guards. We instantly entered the fortress. When we got there, we found Dario sitting on a table with tea with several guards surrounding him. "Hello Assassinos, I have been expecting you. It seems that you, the blue one, called for help, eh? Interesantes, but your ally will not save you from the torment to come. Guards, attack!" While the guards came at us, we ran at them. Immediately, I killed two with a blade in each neck. I turned around and used my wrist blades to stop a sword coming from another guard. I kicked him and stuck both wrist blades in his head. Then I heard a yell and the guards saw a large group of thieves storm the building. I took advantage of this situation and quickly killed another guard. I looked up to see Dario open a door and rush up a set of stairs. I looked to Basito and nodded to him. He understood and I ran through the mob of guards and into the staircase. I followed Dario up the stairs, taking two to three steps up. This staircase went on forever. I decided to draw my sword just in case, but I found it missing. Dammit, it must've fell off when I was fighting. I cursed again and continued to climb the stairs. When I reached the top, I found the door to the top open. I crept out the door to find Dario looking at me with fear in his eyes. He tried to draw his sword, but I already inserted my left wrist blade into his stomach. Then the head, silencing Dario's wailings. Just then, I felt a small sting on my neck. I instantly turned around to find a well armored man with two soldiers to his side. He looked like the man I had just killed... Then it dawned on me that he was the true Dario. I started to feel drowsy. The true Dario said, "It seems my little trick worked. I lured you here and even got to poison you." I jerked my head to the side to see a broken syringe on the ground. "But do not worry Assassino, this will only put you to sleep, the pain shall come." By then, I started to teeter, and fell to the ground. As the world started to blur and fade to darkness, I heard Dario say, "Bring him to the torture room..." I woke up to find my arms, torso, and legs bound to a vertical platform. The room was candlelit. Suddenly I recalled what had happened. I could barely see what I was wearing. They had stripped me of my Assassin Armor and left me to wear a red, scratch cotton blouse and some worn trousers. I saw Dario holding a club of some sort. "Hello and welcome to my torturing room, Assassino. I hope that you can tell me more about your little Brotherhood or else I will be forced to beat you, young child." I found my throat dry, but managed to curse at the Templars. That earned me several beating, and when he inquired further I again cursed the Templars. He beat me several more times, the pain becoming unbearable. He then grabbed a small knife and was about to cut me with it, but another man interfered and drew Dario's sword. He gave me a cut across my right cheek, directly under my eye. He went on to give me several more cuts across the body, all bloody and painful. "That is enough, he is finished. Let him die and rot in the alley, throw him out. And have his armor loaded onto my carriage. It shall come with me back to Venezia." Then he left. The guards undid the ropes and I acted acted dead. The guards put me in a cloth and threw me out a window in the other room. I fell, but used my arms to cushion the fall. When I hit the ground, part of my head hit the ground hard enough to knock me out... I woke up to find myself in a bed, my wounds patched up. There was a young woman sitting next to me. When she saw me, her expression lightened up. "You have finally awakened Señor!" I tried to sit up, but I found it painful. "Please be careful, the wounds are still healing. Anyway, who are you?" I tried to speak, but a raspy noise came in it's place. "Oh I'm sorry, I forgot, you need water. After all, it's been three days since I found you in the alley. What had happened?" She got up and returned with a water bowl which she held to my mouth. I drank it all down. It felt refreshing. I said, "Thank you... My name is... Ezio... I... The... Dario... He was beating me with... A club..." Instantly images of the torture flashed in my mind. "Ahh hello... Ezio. My name is Allegra, an I work as a bar maid in this tavern. I found you lying in a linen cloth, your clothes bloodied and tattered, but you were still alive, so I brought you here so that you could heal up." "Thank you... Allegra. I, um... Appreciate your kindness Señora." She smiled. "Oh I need to give you your herbal medicine," she said as she grabbed a bowl and took a chunk of the green medicine,"you'll need this to get better." As I ate it, I found it very bitter and made a face while I swallowed it. She laughed. I stayed for a few more days, and got to meet her father, Giovanni. He, like her, welcomed me quite nicely. I also learned that Allegra had lost her mother to disease. When I could move around better, and against Allegra's protests, I started to help Giovanni fix up the tavern and load the wine kegs into their places before the tavern opened. After about a week and a half, I told them both that I had to move on. Allegra took it pretty hard, but Giovanni said, "It was a pleasure to have you here. It was almost like having a son. Remember niño, if you ever need a place to stay, we'll always have a spot for you. Now you may want to go say a proper good-bye to Allegra. She is probably in her room." I nodded and found my way to Allegra's room. I opened the door to find her saddened. "Oh, you, what do you want? I thought you have to go?" "Yes, I must go, but I think I need to properly say thanks to my savior, and bid good-bye to my sister." She got up and hugged me. She whispered in my ear, "You better comeback and help run the tavern, it's what any good son should do." I smiled and said, "I promise that I will after I finish some business." "I'll hold you to it then, brother." That day I left, searching for a certain place... Vincenzo's base of operations. I started to trace the route I took when I followed Nemora to Vincenzo. After a few minutes, I started to follow the worn path I remembered. While I walked the path, I saw a mirror and found that I had a scar where the mysterious man had cut me. I smiled. I liked it. It made me look weathered and grown, which I had done indeed. While I had been in the company of Allegra and Giovanni, Giovanni also had me working out to get me into shape after the days I had been recovering from. I looked at myself again. Gone was the young and innocent boy. Replacing him was an older, stronger version of himself. One that would destroy the Templars. I continued on my path until I reached the place I was looking for. I knocked and a burly man opened the door. I recognized him. He said, "What do you want here, boy?" "I am searching for Vincenzo and Basito." The burly man's eyes widened. "How do you know of them?" "Because I myself am an Assassino just as them. I am Ezio." The man's eyes twinkled and he swiftly pulled me in. "Where have you been Ezio?!" "I must only tell Vincenzo and Basito." "I see. I shall lead you to them then." Instead of meeting in the dinner room, I found both me discussing at the living room. When we entered, Vincenzo said, "Enesto, what is the meaning of bringing this boy to us?" As Enesto was about to speak, I stepped forward and said, "Have I changed that much since I last saw you, Vincezno?" "Ezio...?! Is that truly you? But we thought you had died when Dario returned from the stairwell. We were forced to retreat..." Basito, his blue hood down, got up and said, "You truly are okay, brother. You look even better that before... Excluding your armor... You must explain to us what had happened to you!" I went ahead and told them of what had happened, about the mysterious man, and lastly that all my armor had been shipped to Venezia. When I finished, the room hung in silence. Then Basito said, "Oh, also, I found that you had dropped this during the battle." He handed me my sword-gun. "Many thanks Basito. Now," I turned to Vincenzno, "may I have some florins to spend. I am going to be using my own, new armor for myself. I have realized that my father's armor must be protected. I will need my own set of weapons, clothes, and weapons to continue my quest." Hearing this Vincezno chuckled and said, "We are not thieves for nothing. How much? 10,000 florins? 20,000 florins?" I smiled and said, "I will use 15,000 florins." Vincezno snapped at Enesto who quickly left and returned with a pouch of florins for me. I said, "Thank you. When I return, I have a plan to finally defeat Dario. You," I pointed to Basito, "will be the one to kill him. At nightfall I shall inform you both on the details." As I left, I went to a tailor and ordered a black Assassin-style suit-hood along with a medicine pouch, and smoke bomb pouch, and a throwing knives set. While the tailor started his work, I found a blacksmith and bought all-new armor. I also ordered a set of throwing knives. I left while the blacksmith prepared my order. I found a small-time vendor and bought a black cape with red lining on it. I took it with me, folded. When I returned to the tailor, he had already finished my clothing, and I tried it on. It fit perfectly, and I bought a facial cloth to cover the bottom of my face, being half of my nose and down. It allowed me to still show my scar, which was parallel to it. I thanked the tailor and also attached the cape on the right half of my upper-body. I returned to the blacksmith who had also finished my order, and he placed the armor on me. It felt perfect. I had my own armor. I had my identity back; no identity...
I returned to Vincenzo and Basito. When I got there, I laid out my plan. "I will ask that you live as a rich man just moving into Dénarra, after hearing of the capture and death of the Assassino. I want Esprit to lie low and stop thieving. Instead, have them act as normal citizens and try to have them hold cheers praising Dario upon his success. This will all go to his head, and into our hands. Several days later, you, Vincenzo, acting as the rich man will invite Dario to dinner. Assuming he accepts, allow him and his personal guards to enjoy some food and wine... Poisoned food and wine. Make sure the poison will throw them off their guard. As they are leaving, Basito will follow them and assassinate them. Finally, you and Esprit will take over the tower, and it shall be done." Thinking this over, Vincenzo said, "It seems risky, but I think it will work. What is your opinion, Basito?" "It shall work. But, how long will this whole act last before we finally get rid of Dario?" "That, Basito," I said heading out the door, "will probably take a few months or so until Dario is completed absorbaded in his... Idéas." Then I left, allowing them to plot the Dénerra scheme. I still had some business in the main part of Roma, so I headed back to the start of my quest... The following day, I reached main Roma late that evening. I made my way through the moonlit rooftops I had traveled up for so long, until I reached a balcony. Lucina's balcony. I saw that it was open, so I lightly jumped down to see a guy about my age locking lips with Lucina. I came forward. "Who is this man?!" I yelled in anger. The couple looked at me, surprise on their faces. The guy said, "Who are you?" While he reached for his sword. At that same time, Lucina grabbed some throwing knives from her side table drawer. The guy spoke again, "So, answer us, stranger. And why do you adorn the armor styling of an Assassino?" I laughed and pulled off my hood. Lucina gasped and ran to me. The other guy stood, confound. "Oh Ezio! I had heard that you had been killed..." She came to hug me, but I pushed her away. "I do not want the sympathy of a cheataro." The guy said, "Ezio?! Ezio Auditore?!" I looked at him and said flatly, "No idiota, this woman doesn't call some random guy 'Ezio' for no reason." "But is it truly you, Ezio?" "Yes, it's Ezio Auditore la Seconda. Now, I'll leave you two," and I made sure to emphasize the 'leave', and left through Lucina's door. When I got to the main living room, Rulio was there. He said, "So you are alive, eh? I wasn't just hearing things." "Yes, I am alive. And who is that bastardo your sister is with?" "Ermm... He's another... Assassino. He was just recruited and well... He came to us after you... You know, supposedly died and um..." "That doesn't matter now. I must speak to Salvatore." "Ahh that. Follow me." Rulio lead me through a series of winding passages until we reached a room. I found Salvatore reading some paper. When he looked up, his face changed from surprise to content. "Ezio! You are alive! It is truly you!" "Yes Salvatore, it is great to see you too." "But it was said that you were killed," responded the blacksmith. "I was captured and tortured by the Templar in Dénerra." I then repeated the story to the two of them. "So there was another Templar... But of Venezia... But it's good to see that you are still in one piece and that the Templars did not discover anything." "Yes, but they have my father's armor and hidden blade gauntlets..." "Truly a shame," the blacksmith's eyes looked at my armor, "but what mediocre armor are you wearing?! What forge did you buy this crap? Alas, give me all your armor and I shall great armor that is a masterpiece." Salvatore took my armor and left to go work on the armor. Rulio lead me out the winding passages and back to the living room. "So what shall you do now, Ezio?" "I must find Luigi. Do you know any clues as to where I may find him?" "Yes, he usually is hanging around Gratoma Glacia in the morning. I think the place has a special meaning to him..." "Ahh I thank you Rulio. I will see you soon." I started to leave through the door until Rulio called out, "If you need a room to stay at, just come back, mi amigo." "Thank you for the kind offer. I will put it in consideration." As I left I knew where I needed to head to first, Olivia's bar. I had to talk to her before I was to meet Luigi...
When I got to Olivia and Maria's bar I found that the door had been busted open and that there was some some voices speaking. I packed in slowly and I looked around and found two guards, drunk, yelling at Maria. I silently drew my sword and stabbed one of the guards through their chest. The other guard, his reactions dulled, took a little glance at me before I kicked him in the face. Then I yanked my blade out of the first soldier's carcass and quickly killed the other one. I turned to Maria as I replaced Preforare into it's sheath. "What happened, Maria," I asked hastily. The place was a wreck with the tables overturned and all kinds of garbagé strewn around. "Ez-Ezio?" Asked a frightened Maria. "Si, that is I," as I pulled off my hood and looked at her. She was white as a ghost, but her face flushed red when she saw me. "But they said you died! And did the Templars take your armor? What of the scar? Oh, I was so worried!" "It seemed as if I died. And yes, they took mi Padre's armor. I intend on getting it back. And this scar? It was a gift from a Templar." She hugged me and asked, "How will Lucina be able to kiss you with that face mask?" The question seemed somewhat forced and sarcastic. "She and I are no more. But that isn't the matter. What happened here and where is Olivia." She lead me upstairs into her bedroom and had me sit on her bed. Then she recounted the events. "Madre had discovered that Luigi had been caught by the Templars and she knew where they were holding him captive, so she rushed to find him, but she was caught. I know this because it was announced that two people would be hanged today. They were sentenced to hanging in the town square. It is scheduled for tomorrow morning..." I came to Maria and put my hand on her shoulder and said, "I promise that I will save Luigi and Olivia tomorrow morning. But it isn't safe for you to stay here. You must come with me and we will return to Salvatore's house." She nodded and said, "Okay, but I must get something done first. It will only take a few minutes. Just wait downstairs." I left and returned to the ground floor. Maria emerged a few minutes later, but not as a young woman, but as an Assassino. She had a white suit and hood covering her with emerald green armor. She also had several small blades strapped to her back, a sword, and two curved blades on either sides of her hips. She noticed me gawking and said, "What are you looking at, Ezio, we need to go." "Ahh, ahem, of course." We returned to Salvatore's and were greeted by Rulio at the front door. He seemed to know that Maria was with me. As we were sitting, he said, "It is very late. Maria, there is a room across from Lucina's, you can rest there, for we have important matters." She nodded and bid us both good night. Rulio turned back to me and said, "Padre is nearly finished with the armor. I on the other hand have something else. Please follow me." Rulio lead me to a room that had a black, tight suit on a table. He motioned to it and said, "I prepared somethings that may help you. This is my favorite item. It is an undersuit for you to wear under your robes and armor. It is woven from thin steel fragments and thread. It will protect you from small weapons such as daggers and needles, it can lower the damage a sword would deal, but it can't completely block a sword slash or a bullet. I also made it all the way up to were your face mask reaches on your face, so it is also protected... Not that you would usually get a dagger in the face..." "This gift is most appreciated my dear comrade! Gracias!" "Denadas, the pleasure is mine, now let us put it on you." After we finished, we had successfully put the undergarment on. It was a perfect fit. I had no need for the face mask as this already had one. It was a little stiff since there was also steel in this, but it felt alright. He then lead me to another table. It had a throwing knife set, some smoke bombs, medicine, and a set of boots. Also, there were this black gauntlets with blades sticking from the top. "Here, Ezio, I have many of the usual items Assassinos use, but I have also made some other things. This," he said as he lifted on of the boots, "has a small hidden blade. There is a slit in part right under your middle toe. Just press down on your middle toe and the blade will pop out. To retract, just press again." He handed me the boots and I marveled at the ingenuity. "Amazing, Rulio. You truly are an inventor." "Ah, thank you. Those are some very dangerous weapons," he said smiling. "Now do realize that I couldn't replicate your father's wrist blades, so I just used whatever I had. So I made gauntlets that have a single obsidian black blade coming from the top of the gauntlet. It was the best I could come up with. I had actually been making these devices as ideas. They do work though." "I cannot express my gratitude eno-" "Actually you can, by letting me come with you and Maria tomorrow when you storm the town square." I thought about his proposition. "Fine, fine, you may join us." He grinned and said, "Wonderful, but I will be doing my own thing, so don't bother, okay?" "It's the least I can do." He nodded and helped me put on all my new weapons gifts. Afterwards, we went to Salvatore's secret room where he was applying the finishing touches to a shinguard. "Aha, Ezio, what perfect timing. Let me equip the new armor. I just added a small design to them." As we placed them on, I found that they were indeed newer, swifter, lighter, and had the Assassino Emblem engraved into them. "Thank you so much. You and Rulio have assisted me. It is very much appreciated." "Well, our daughter did trade your heart for another's... I apologize, Ezio. No forge or flame can mend a broken heart," said a solemn Salvatore. "I don't care much anymore. I have set my sights on a new woman." "Who is it Ezio? Can she possibly be more beautiful than Lucina?" Asked an intrigued Rulio. I laughed and said, "Maria has captivated my heart." Both men raised and eyebrow and Salvatore said, "Erm well she certainly does have her... Umm. Strong points in beauty." Before anymore could be said, Rulio threw in, "It's awfully late. We ought to get some rest. We have an important day for us tomorrow. Rulio lead me to my room, which was next to his and he said, "Sleep well, mi brother." I gave a likewise answer and retreated to my bed... The following morning was rushed. Rulio had suited up in an Assassino armor which was colored blood red. He told me briefly that someone named Nemora had come early in the day and had told Salvatore that Vincenzo had successfully captured the Dénerra guard tower, but Dario was already gone. He had left a guard captain named Vincento in charge, and Vincento was actually one of Vincenzo's spies, so they easily took control. I thanked him for the interesting news and continued on. Within a few hours, we all found ourselves in the town square. A man was yelling the charges against the two figures on the podium who turned out to be Olivia and Luigi. Instantly I recognized that distinctive voice. It was the voice of the man who had given me all the scars on my body. The man who had mi Padre's armor. I charged from my place and ran through the crowd, my aim being the podium. As I reached there, I had used my new gauntlet blades to kill some guards. When the my torturer saw me, he yelled a command to kill them both. I threw two throwing knives at the ropes holding my comrades's necks. I managed to cut both of the ropes. When the man saw this, he started running towards a horse-drawn carriage, screaming for the driver to start up and get him to the docks. I killed a few more guards as I started to give chase. I found one of the guards on a horse and easily killed him. I took his steed and chased after the Templar. I gave a quick glance back to see Maria helping her mother and Luigi while Rulio had appeared from nowhere and was covering them. I looked back forward, focused on chasing the man. After a series of alleys and turns, I made it to the docks, but the man's carriage was nowhere in sight. I scanned the area for any clues for the man's possible means of escape, but there were too many ships all over Roma's primary sea inlet. I found a warehouse with two guards and I slowly approached from their blind said and quietly assassinated both with a quick blade to the necks. I opened the warehouse's doors, which groaned. This warehouse was lit by the windows it had. In the middle of the room was mi Padre's armor with the wrist blades and robes too. Also, I found all my previous belongings. I checked the pouch where I kept the important documents, but I found it empty. Dammit, the Templar had the map... Scanning the table, I also found a scroll. I unraveled it and started to read. It said: "Dear Assassino, it seems that you have found my little parting gift for you. You see, we Templars are finished with Italia, and we are moving elsewhere to pursue our own tasks. If you think you have won in Italia, think again, Assassinos, we have only begun. Sinceramente, Giovanni" So the Templars actually had an ultimate motive! What was truly happening?! I didn't understand. I packed up my father's armor and took off Rulio's wrist blades and replaced them with mi Padre's original wrist blades. I went outside and mounted my horse. I was on my way back to Salvatore's. I passed the town square where the place was piled with dead bodies of soldiers. I noticed that many had arrows sticking out of the corpses. As I closed in on my destination, I dismounted and continued on foot. I knocked to find Rulio, tired looking but smiling. As I entered, I found Olivia sitting with Maria on the couch and two other Assassinos standing side by side. I recognized them both as Lucina and the other man she was with. He said, "I am Xiaz, another Assassino." I nodded him, but inside I resented him. Rulio said, "It's great to see that you are alright. Now were you able to catch that man?" "No, he escaped in the harbor, but he left mi Padre's armor and a letter." I handed the letter to everyone to read. Olivia spoke up, "Thank you all for saving Luigi and I. As you, I was captured trying to save Luigi, but I found out something before they found me. Whatever the Templars were planning, they were heading to Espania." "Espania?! What business do they have there," blurted out Rulio. Xiaz answered, "I believe they plan to use the Spainard Inquisitors to their advantage... Or what's left of the Inquisitors." "So then I must pursue the Templars and travel to Espania. I must discover their dastardly plot," I firmly stated. "No," responded Maria, "you will not be going alone. I shall accompany you." Rulio, Xiaz, and Lucina all joined with Maria's answer. I nodded. Then a voice said, "As will I." We all looked to find an Assassino clad in blue robes. "Basito," I said, "how have you been my friend?" "Great. It seems I came at the right time because I found Xiaz and Lucina sneaking out of here to join the Town Square rumble. I went with them and we struck from the rooftops. I had just arrived from Dénerra. I was just with Salvatore who was treating Luigi. He was badly wounded, but he will recover." I looked at everyone gathered and said, "Thank you my brothers and sisters. It seems that we, and undivided Brotherhood of Assassinos shall track down those cowardly Templars and finally end them!" We all agreed in support. We were going to chase the Templars to Espainia... This concludes the first part of Ezio Auditore la Secondo de Venezia's saga as he lead the Brotherhood of Assassinos. To be continued...