15
Strings of Fate Intertwined by Death
By Gillian
Chapter 1: Unknown Fate Discovered by Chance
I don't remember much. Even what I know is blurred, fading yet still so real. I remember the pain, all over my body, my screams, the smell and taste of blood, mine and another's. And yet, I remember a strong feeling of guilt and shame, that I had ruined something that could have very well cost me my life at that moment. I had failed in some way. I recall the white robes I wore, covered in blood and a familiar face laughing at my defeat. He called me something I know to be false and yet the images seem so real I'm unsure and I can't even remember what it was. He holds a blade to my throat, a blade somehow so familiar to me yet I don't know where. This is how my nightmare always is, how I wake up each morning.
And yet, I awoke to the birds singing as usual. I got out of bed and opened the window, letting in the sunlight and morning air. I looked down to my hands that were placed on the window sill, the same unusual mark on my ring finger. It was a burn, that much I was sure of but to be so perfectly shaped, how on earth would I have gotten it? As I think of this I have a flashing memory of the only part of my past I know. And yet I'm unsure if I can still believe it.
There are also times where my vision seems to… do strange things. City guards are red and some people are white and some objects as well. But there has been one strange man that I have only spotted a few times into the night wearing white robes. Much like I noticed myself wearing in my past memories. When my vision would change to being the strange colors only this man would be blue and myself as well.
I was dragged out of my deep thoughts as I heard yelling and fighting from below in the streets of Firenze. A large group of men were yelling at each other. I should've just stayed inside but I was much too curious to watch from the windows. I left the room I was staying at in the inn. I'm 17 years old and living on my own. I get many strange looks and many people ask if it's safe for a young woman to be walking about alone without a man at her side. I simply say that I'm doing just fine on my own. I didn't realize how wrong I was until today.
I saw the crowd in the street. The group exchanged insults. To one side I saw a young man about my age wiping blood off of his lip. I figured someone must've thrown something at him. Just then they charged at each other and the fighting broke loose. I did plan on going to the market but didn't see how I could get there with these boys blocking my way. So I stayed, waiting patiently to the side of the street until the fighting seemed to calm down. I noticed another boy come up to the one with the bleeding lip and laugh and talk with him. They looked to be related. I just shrugged and saw this as my chance to cross. But more men came charging.
I should mention that I never was one for dresses and woman's clothing. So here I was dressed in pants, a shirt and a cloak. I froze when a man charged right for me. I stepped back to turn and run but was too slow as he grabbed me and lifted me up into the air. I opened my mouth to scream and tell him that he had the wrong idea and that I was a woman but he was quick to stop me from doing anything and he punched me in the face, causing me to scream and fall to the ground in pain, bleeding.
My hood fell causing my face to be seen. It was obvious to him now that I was a girl.
"Mio dio è una donna!" He said.
"Sì, è stupido stronzo! Watch it! Ah, I think you broke my fucking nose, idiota!" I screamed.
My screams and ranting was heard and I heard footsteps came rushing over. I looked up to see the two young men I thought were related. One looked to be my age, the one with the bloodied lip and the other looked older but I knew they must be brothers.
"What's going on here?" The older one asked.
"What does it look like? This maniac punched me in the, ow, nose!" I replied as I stood up and brushed myself off even as blood continued to flow from my nose.
"Federico, you protect her I'll take care of this." The younger brother replied as he stepped up and began beating the man who punched me.
Federico turned to me, "So, what is a giovane e bella donna such as yourself doing getting caught up in fights?" He asked with a sly smile.
"Well, if you hadn't noticed, I'm not your average woman." I replied as I took off my cloak, fully revealing that I was wearing, well, man clothes.
We turned back to see the man from earlier on the ground in pain. The younger brother came back to us.
"So did we ever learn as to why our bella here was dressed like a man?" He asked Federico.
"Well, I've never liked dresses and it makes climbing the roofs a lot easier." I replied.
"Interesting. Well, in any case, this is my brother Ezio and as you know I am Federico. We are of the Auditore family here in Firenze." Federico said. "Would you like us to take you home then miss-"
"Oh, right. I'm Alessandra DiRossi and I'd hate to trouble you but could we maybe go to the dotorre first?"
Fedorico laughed, realizing his mistake. "Ah yes, how can I be so stupido? I have two ruffians on my hands that need to take care of their battle wounds."
"Yeah, that idiota got me pretty good." I said, lightly touching my nose.
I could feel it swelling already.
"I'm just impressed that you haven't been crying these past moments and actually started to fight back. Most women would say they're dying by now." Ezio said.
"Like I said, I'm not like most women." I replied with a smile.
"Well come friends; let us head to the doctor."
"But, it's not necessary. Besides, I've no money for this doctor of yours." Ezio said.
"Ha, wasted it on women and wine, huh?" His brother replied with a laugh.
"I'd hardly call it wasted." Ezio said with a smirk, "Lend me some florins then. Or have you done the same?"
The two brothers laughed heartily. Great, I mentally sighed, a couple of rough housing, sex driven rich boys, ugh. That's the last thing I needed.
Federico suggested his younger brother search their recent beating victim's pockets for some money to pay the doctor.
"I'm without money as well, should I go take some?" I asked.
"Nonsense, a bella donna such as yourself will most likely get away free of charge I'm sure with the way most men are."
I laughed a little, "I suppose I'll take that as a complement, given my current state." I said as I noticed how my shirt and face was covered in blood.
Federico seemed to notice as well and smiled, "Here, this should help some."
"Grazie." I said as I took the cloth he offered me.
I wiped most of the blood off of my face and looked a little better. Ezio came back with a small bag of florins. We headed into Firenze and found the nearest doctor. I had to restrain from giggling at his bird-like mask. I knew very well that it served as protection from the plague but it just looked funny. He treated Ezio's lip and took the money and waved us off. Ezio turned back,
"Wait, signore. Could you perhaps treat our friend here as well? You see my brother and I found her being robbed." Ezio said convincingly.
The doctor looked me over. I made myself cry for good measure. He waved me forward.
"Bene. Let me take a look." He replied.
I stepped up to him. He lifted my chin up to him and looked at my nose. He wiped away the remaining blood and tapped my nose. I sucked in a breath and winced. "Sì, as I thought, it is broken. I will need to reset it and I'd suggest something cool to place on her nose later to reduce the swelling. Are you ready?" The doctor asked me as he placed his hands on my nose. I nodded.
"Here." Ezio said suddenly, offering me his hand to hold.
I thought that was kind of him, judging by how arrogant he seems to be. I took his hand in mine and gripped it. I took a breath. The doctor made a quick jerking motion and I heard the sickening crack. I squeezed his hand tightly. The doctor moved his hands away. I muttered curses under my breath and rubbed my nose carefully.
"It is done. I'll let you go free of charge this time." He said.
We thanked the doctor and headed off. We were about halfway down the street when Ezio elbowed me. I looked up at him.
"You can probably let go of my hand now, Alessandra." He whispered.
Blushing, I quickly removed my grip and looked away, "S-sorry."
"Nessun problema," He chuckled as we walked on.
I had momentarily zoned out as I heard the brothers laughing and talking. I looked around at the people and the markets. I made a reminder to myself that I hadn't eaten today and needed to find a way to steal a meal later. I hadn't even noticed anyone talking to me until I heard someone shout my name. I turned to see the two brothers waiting for me by some crates near an alley. I ran up to them.
"So, Alessandra," Federico said, "I was just challenging Ezio here to a little race to the church rooftop. Care to join? That is, if you can keep up?"
I smirked, "Just because I'm a woman and one man got a hit on me, doesn't mean I can't take care of myself."
"Alright then…Uno, due, tre!" Federico shouted.
I laughed and shoved the boys aside as I darted forward. I leaped up the crates and swung my body at the pole, landing on the rooftop. Now I just needed to sprint to the roof and- what the? I was on my butt on the roof. I looked to see Ezio speeding ahead, laughing. That little bastard! I got back up and chased after him. He made it just in time and with Federico close behind me.
I was about to congratulate Ezio on the win when I saw Federico go and climb up the bell tower of the church.
"Where are you going?" Ezio called.
"You'll see."
I just shrugged and followed after Ezio as he went up the tower to his brother. Federico helped Ezio and I up as we reached the top of the tower. The eldest Auditore wrapped his arm around his younger brother,
"It is a good life we live brother."
"The best, may it never change."
"And may it never change us." Federico said as he and his brother looked out to Firenze.
I didn't want to ruin their moment so I felt this a good time to leave. I put my hood up and headed down to begin my descent down the tower. It was nice meeting these boys but I think it's best if I just continue my life as I have been, alone. I was about to begin climbing down when a voice stopped me,
"Alessandra? Where are you going?" I heard Ezio ask.
I turned to him, "Back to my life. Being alone has kept me out of trouble so far."
I turned on my heel, intent on leaving these boys forever until Ezio grabbed my wrist firmly yet not as to hurt me. I spun to face him. "I-I'll be fine, really. I'm staying at an inn for now but since I can't afford it I'm leaving tonight and I'll just move onto the next one. I've been living this way for as long as I can remember."
"Wait. What do you mean? Have you no family?" Federico asked.
"I don't know. My memory only goes as far back as four months ago but anything before that is hazy."
"Well then, why don't you come stay with us for a while, it'll save you the trouble of going from inn to inn. And from the looks of it, you haven't eaten anything in quite some time." Federico suggested.
I paused. I wasn't so sure if I could trust these boys. But, they do seem kind and if worse comes to worse I know how to get myself out of trouble.
"Well, maybe just for a little while." I replied.
"Come on then, Ezio. We really should be getting home."
"Wait." Ezio said as he glanced down to a house in the street.
"Ezio," Federico scolded, "Let Cristina sleep."
"There will be time for that…later." Ezio smirked as he jumped off the roof and into a hay stack below.
"Well, well, who's Cristina?" I teased.
"Ha, it's not serious. He's just happened to sleep with her more than once."
"Oh, well. Nice to know the kind of guy Ezio is."
"He's not all bad. He really cares about the people he does love. And I don't just mean those who really just love his penis." Federico laughed.
I couldn't help but burst out laughing myself. "We should head home, my father will be worried and my family will want to meet you."
I watched as he prepared to launch himself off the building. I had a sudden flash in my memory. Someone in white robes jumped off the building with their arms spread out and I took a step to do so myself. I snapped out of my thoughts to Federico's voice.
"I asked if you wanted to hop on my back to take the jump."
"What? Oh, yeah thanks." I said as I wrapped my legs around Federico's waist and wrapped my arms around his chest.
"Hold on tight." He smiled as he ran off the ledged and impressively was able to flip us both so we landed on our backs into the hay stack.
I popped my head back out to have him help me out. I picked the bits of hay out of my hair. I brushed myself off only to see that my shirt was still covered in blood. I was about to ask if I could have something to cover it up but we reached the door all too quickly.
Federico knocked on the door and then entered. A woman was sitting at a small table in the next room embroidering something. She stood up and came to greet us.
"Federico, mio figlio, I am glad to see you home. And my with a woman, that's usually I'd suspect from Ezio but- mio dio! My dear, what on earth have my sons gotten you into?" She exclaimed as she must've taken in my appearance.
"I'm fine, I assure you. In fact, signora, your boys saved from well, being in the wrong place at the wrong time." I explained.
"Ah well, that's quite chivalrous of them. You may call me Maria and what is your name, dear?" Maria inquired.
"Alessandra DiRossi." I replied as I gave her my hand.
We shook hands and she smiled. She seemed like a kind and loving mother, a woman I could trust. We sat talking in the room for a bit and I explained my strange situation.
"Hmm," Maria pondered," You said you and the boys did a little walking around Firenze. Did anything jog your memory?"
I felt I could trust Maria in some strange way, as if I knew her but I still wasn't sure if I should discuss such things with people I barely know. I took a breath and figured why not? It's not like they'd know anything about jumping off buildings, right?
"Well, they boys and I climbed a rooftop and jumped off of it and I had a certain memory of doing it before with…other people." I said.
I didn't want to be so specific as to mention the white robes and dig deeper into my more traumatizing memories. And yet, when I said this, a strange look crossed Maria's face. She looked as if she was in dis-belief and yet at the same time saddened and, afraid. As quickly as it came she returned to normal.
"Perhaps you should speak with my husband Giovanni. He may be able to help you, and he'll want to meet you and know you'll be staying here for a while anyway. He should be in his study. I'll have my daughter Claudia show you the way, you'll have a chance to meet her as well. Claudia?" Maria said across the house.
A young girl, maybe just a year or two younger than me came down the steps. "Yes mother?"
"Claudia, could you show our guest, Alessandra, to your father, please?" Maria asked as she gestured to me.
I smiled politely. "Sure. It's this way." She said as she pointed up the stairs.
I got up and started to follow the Auditore girl. "Nice to meet you, Claudia." I said as we headed up the steps.
"And you as well. Are you with one of my brothers or something?" She asked, almost annoyed.
With a brother like Ezio I could see why she would be a little annoyed at probably yet another woman coming into the home. I laughed, "No, nothing like that, I have no place to stay so they offered to let me stay awhile and felt I should let you father know and introduce myself."
"Reasonable…for once." She laughed suddenly, " Ha, I wish you could've seen when Ezio tried bringing a courtesan into our house! Mother was ready to disown him! The rest of us were just having a good laugh" She chuckled.
I smiled. We had come to a stop at a large door near the end of a hallway. "Well, this is it. Let someone know if you want tea or anything to drink later, okay?"
"I will, thank you, Claudia." I replied as she turned to head back downstairs.
I took a breath and knocked on the door. A tall man with shoulder length brown hair opened the door. "Ciao, Signore Auditore. Maria felt I should introduce myself and ask if it was alright if I stay here awhile. Oh I'm-" I started.
He held his hand up to stop the rambling I surely would've started, "Please that is perfectly alright. I'm just glad you aren't some courtesan my son tried to bring home." He said with a smirk.
"Ha, your daughter, Claudia told me that story." I chuckled.
"Please, come in, sit." He motioned me into the room and I took a seat.
"Well, now that the other matters are cleared up, Maria also felt that you could somehow help me with the fact that I can't remember anything of my past since before about four months ago." I stated.
Giiovanni simply listened to me as he stared out his window, thinking contently as I talked.
I continued on and simply started by saying that I first of all have the strange burn on my ring finger. But I was stopped mid-sentence by Giovanni whipping around and staring at me with wide eyes. I didn't even get a chance to ask him what the matter was because he simply dashed over to me and grabbed my hand and looked at the burn on my finger. I was utterly confused.
"Um, G-Giovanni? What is it?" I asked in a whisper.
"This mark… What did you say your name was?" He asked, looking into my eyes now.
But then he gasped and even looked pale. "It, it can't be." He whispered.
I was worried now. "G-"
"Alessandra? You're alive?"