I was a bit restless this evening, I couldn't sleep. It wasn't that I was too uncomfy-the grass was surprisingly soft- but I couldn't help but think something was going to happen. I didn't know what, but I had the feeling it would. Call me paranoid. So I laid awkwardly, trying to either fall asleep or distract myself enough so that I would. Ezio seemed to be asleep from what I could tell, but I also knew that Assassin's were trained to be very light sleepers. Myself included- although I always have been a light sleeper, waking up at the quietest noise.

Argento and Leale were lying down, and I could hear one of them snorting softly in their sleep. The skies were dusky- the entire area peaceful save for the whistle of the wind, and the cawing of restless birds. I clench my fist, and my Hidden Blade emerges loyally. Sometimes I can't help but think that it's all a dream. That one day, I will wake up in jeans and a t-shirt, no hidden blades, weapons or robes in sight. I'll be lying on my bed, wrapped up in my duvet, preparing for my day at University. Bag laying over in the side of the room, books spilling out, the sounds of cars driving past my house. I yawn, before being dragged back to the present. I lay on my side, and absentmindedly ran my hands over the scar that was there. It seemed like so long ago that I arrived here, lonely in the world, with no friends to my name. But then Ezio saved me from the guard- and has looked after me ever since. Even trained me in the ways of the Assassins- a secret dream of mine ever since I played the original Assassin's Creed. My prayers had been answered- albeit in a different way I was expecting. I listen to Ezio's steady breaths, not too deep or too shallow, but I could tell the lightest thing would awaken him. I close my eyes, hoping I could get some sleep before we continue our journey tomorrow- later today I mean.

I couldn't fall asleep no matter what I did, so I sat reading in order to pass the time. I gave up on sleep a few hours ago. If I was lucky, I would fall asleep reading. It was a book written by Aristotle, and it was interesting even if it was out of my taste. I like fantasy books, but also novelised versions of video games. Always good to read. As I read, I realised I could hear footsteps. Faint, but easily loud enough for me to hear. Thinking they were just people travelling, I ignored them at first, instead choosing to read. But as a short amount of time passed, the footsteps became louder, and I could tell they were closer then before. Call me paranoid but were they approaching us? Were they after us? I craned my ears trying to hear them. I wanted to determine whether they were hear for us or fellow travellers before I woke Ezio up. He needs as much sleep as he can get.

Even in the silence, it was difficult to hear. But I just about heard them muttering harshly. My necklace began to glow subtly, and I glanced at it harshly. I appreciated it's help, but I didn't need it giving me away because of the harsh light. It seemed content to just glow dimly, before it flashed dully, startling me for a moment. Whenever it flashes like it does, it generally means something unbelievable happens. Case in point, a large orange fox emerging from it. It was translucent, which reminded me of when I saw Ezio as the eagle. It sat, and cocked it's head at me. Foxes are usually timid..but for some reason it wasn't scared of me. And from what I could tell it was some sort of spirit. It approaches me, and I hold my hand out to it. It muzzles me, and I enjoy the warm feeling that it emits. It reminds me of home. Suddenly, it tenses, before jumping at me, and although I quickly recoil backwards, it manages to land on me. Similar to what Ezio said, it disappeared into me, and the feeling of detachment arose within me. I blinked, and looked at my hands. Orange fur lined them, along with black claws sticking out of my now digitgrade hands. I didn't have much time to think, because something at the back of my mind nudged me in the direction of Ezio.

'Wake him up.'

I was startled by the line of thoughts that emerged in my head. They weren't mine..so where did they come from? Was it the necklace? I didn't know, but I hurry over to Ezio. I pause, realising I don't have hands to shake him awake with. Using the first thing that came to mind, I nudge him awake with my (strangely feeling) muzzle. He jumps awake the minute my nose (that sounds so strange) made contact with his neck. He looks around quickly, before finally noticing the orange creature next to him. I'm not exactly inconspicious. He looks over to where I was previously laying and looks at me worriedly.

"Do you know where Isa is?!"

I huff. I'm flattered that he's worried about me, but I'm also surprised he hasn't noticed the necklace round my neck. I make a weird noise, but look pointedly at my own chest, swelled up with orange and white fur. It's hard to point to your own chest when you have to use four hands..legs..limbs to walk. He glances at me, looking down at my chest (thank God for fur I guess) and he sees my necklace around my neck.

"Non può essere..Isabella?"

I nod triumphantly. Now, how to point out that there is enemies. I never was any good at charades. Considering I'm quadrupedal now..it makes my life a bit more difficult. My mind flashes through memories of films, before one thought settles in my mind. Could I scratch the word 'enemies' out?

It's too many curly letters though..which would be difficult to scratch out. What about the word in Italian? Less curly letters..I'll try that. I painstakingly unsheathe one claw, and scratch out a straight line in the dirt. I had to make this quick..they were coming closer and closer. I quickly draw a wavering diagonal line, before doing another straight up. 'N'. I try to do it as quickly as possible so that we have much time as possible before they come. Fortunately, thank God, Ezio quickly guessed the word from just writing 'Nem'. He speaks the word aloud, and I nod in confirmation. He quickly drops down into a crouch, and I direct him to where the sound is coming from. We both hide in the grass, looking at the group of eight people who stand there.

"So. They will be here?"

"Yes. Just a few metres are where they rest."

"How does he know this?"

"Rodrigo stares into the ball and it tells him things. Strange things."

Oh merda. How the hell does he have the Apple already? He shouldn't have it until at least a few years. How bad have I fucked up the timeline? Ezio hasn't saved the Pope yet, hasn't even been to Venice, hasn't done a lot of things he was supposed to do. Maybe it is a different Apple? I don't know what would be worse, them having two Apples or just having one earlier.

"But he says the ball only tells him certain things. The rest of the time it tells him nothing."

"So it is unreliable?"

The guard nods, and they all unsheathe their swords. I suppose it is reassuring if the Apple is faulty. Then he can't spy on all our plans. Or at least not all of them. The leader turns to the rest as I ponder, and nods in response.

"Let's go"

Well they are going to have fun when they realise we aren't there. Ezio turns his head to me, and looks to the two guards passing in front of us. They can't be seen by the rest, and provided we take them out at the same time, that means that we can take them out sneakily. We edge forward, and I watch Ezio lunge, his blade coming out with a snick. I jump, and let the nagging feeling in the back of my head guide me. My dagger like teeth snap onto their neck, and I apply pressure. I taste copper blood, but don't let that deter me. The slightest release of pressure could end up in death for me and Ezio. I snap my head to the side quickly, forcing the man's neck to follow, and drag him into the bush. He lays still, beads of blood dribbling down his neck, but his chest is still.

Ezio glances at me quickly, before we stalk further ahead. There are still 6 guards for us to kill. Kill..does killing make me a monster? Someone who is unfit to be around? I wonder what it was like for Ezio to kill for the first time..does it feel so horrible? I swallow, I don't have time to be distracted by philosophy. There is still six men to take down..I can ponder..and think, after the danger has passed. Me and Ezio separate with a flick of his hand, me going to one end, Ezio hiding in a bush near me. The plan was for me to lure two of them over to him, so he could take them out. He was very opposed to this plan, unwilling to put me in danger, especially the way I am now, but I insisted (mainly consisted of me headbutting- couldn't exactly speak English or Italian at the present moment) and so he gave in. Very reluctantly. But I was honestly expecting something more difficult..not for him to give in so easy.

So here I am. Running infront of our would be murderers, and yipping like a cat high on catnip. Which poses a question..is a Fox closer to a feline or a canine? Foxes always looked more like a cat to me..but I remember reading somewhere that they were a member of the wolf family. Anyway, I yowl and yip and make various other noises I was unaware I could make. There was that nagging feeling in the back of my mind, telling me to continue with our plan. My tail...that felt so strange to say..swished placidly, and it felt like I had (had) the limb all my life rather than for half an hour.

"What is that?" Guard Number 1 asks.

I fight the urge to roll my eyes, instead focusing on getting their attention. How many animals did they know that had a bright orange coat? It took me a short amount of time to realise what I was..so either I was smart (which I'm not) or they were dumb (still seemed more likely then me being smart).

"Una volpe" Guard Two mentions, before pausing for a moment. "Idiota"

"What's it doing?"

'It' happens to be a she, thank you very much. And in regards to what I'm doing? I'm trying to lure two idiots over to my friend who is waiting to introduce them to his friend, Blade. Or at least, that is what I would say if I could speak.

"...I don't know. But it would make a good fur coat. Let's kill it"

What a tone change. I crouch down, and wave my tail, and bounce away. They look at me, and I bounce back, before diving away as a sword swings down. Too slow. I jeer at him..in foxish- what I'm calling it now- and as the two idiots chase after me, I dive towards where Ezio is concealed.

"Where'd it go?" I yowled from behind Ezio, guiding them towards him.

"I think it came from over there!"

They walked towards Ezio, who waited until they were close. Then, he sprung, blades shining in the dusk. They found their place in the chests of the two guards, similar to what it was like when Ezio saved me oh so long ago. I assisted Ezio in hiding them in the bushes, before we went after the last four. Both me and Ezio agreed that we should take them out in open combat- they were in an area where it was impossible to be stealthy, and there was only four of them. It wouldn't be too hard. We both crouch once more, sneaking up behind the first two people. As Ezio goes towards the first one, I leap onto the second guy, his red coat not protecting him from my claws. My teeth clamp themselves around his neck, and I tug this was and that.

His comrades spin around and I see Ezio fighting with them, his sword withdrawn for once. I get off the man, trying not to think about how I killed him, and circled them. I feinted for one's wrist, before actually going towards his ankle. My teeth make contact and I keep the grip tight, as he flails his leg out furiously. I keep hearing swords clash in the background, and I know Ezio is still fighting the second-to-last guard. My split second distraction allows the guy I'm fighting to slash me with his sword, but I jerk back so it is only a flash wound. I snarl bearing my blood stained teeth. That hurt goddammit! I lunge towards his hand to try and get it out of commission, but he shifts his hand, and I grab his forearm instead. I hate fighting as a bloody fox. Sword to sword or hand to hand would be so much easier. But all I have to rely on are my teeth (ew) and my claws. Still, I guess Assassins were trained to be adaptable so I shouldn't exactly complain. Biting deeply and tasting blood, I land back on my paws, learning from last time not to keep biting for too long. He yells cusses at me, and I realise that Ezio has finished off his guard. He approaches the guard I'm fighting, as I duck to the side, before headbutting the guy's leg, hard. It was an attempt to unbalance him, and it did. But my head also hurt now. He kicks me in the ribs in retaliation, but this allows Ezio to slide his sword into the man's guts. He collapses to the ground, blood pooling around him, and Ezio crouches down. He closes his eyes, and stabbing his hidden blade into the man's throat, whispers a final;

"Requiescat in Pace"

As I limp over to Ezio, my ribs aching painfully, he looks at me, before picking me up gently. He picked me up like I was a feather. Ridiculously light. How strong was he? My eyes were drooping- I was so tired all of a sudden. Maybe it was because I didn't sleep?

"You are feeling tired, sì?"

I nod, snuggling into his chest. A feeling of warmth surrounds me, as the feeling of detachment fades. As I feel even more lethargic, I faintly see the spirit of a fox, who nods at me, before disappearing into my necklace once more. I feel Ezio adjust his hands to get a better grip, and he moves me slightly. I'm too tired to care at the moment, but I fight the instinct to fall asleep.

"I believe a side effect of-whatever our objects do to us- makes us tired. Perhaps we will find out more when we find the scroll. But for now, rest Isa. I will look after you."

With Ezio's approval, I finally stop fighting and drift off into sleep, the feeling never being more welcomed then it was now.

Ugh, why is everything moving? Bumping up and down and giving me vertigo. It's making me feel sick. Something that feels warm is wrapped around me, and I can feel my robes as they cling to my body. I force open my eyes, and notice that the first thing I see is Ezio. I blink, do a double take, and quickly try to figure out if I'm dreaming or not. As far as I can tell, we're on Leale, but we could easily be on Argento for all I know. I can't twist to see who I'm on.

"Ezio?"

I murmur sleepily. The sun is shining overhead, and as I shift awkwardly I register a dull aching pain in my ribs. I glanced down, but they were just badly bruised.

"...Sì Isa?"

"Am I dreaming?"

Oh my God I probably sound like a drunk person that has a concussion. And yes, I do know what that is like. I have experienced it. Ezio's chest moves in and out quickly, and I realise he is laughing.

"No, Isa. You are not. Am I really that dreamy?"

"Yes.."

I say half haphazardly. Why did I say that?! Stupid brain is still half asleep. Heat rises into my cheeks as I blush, and I automatically go to duck my head, before fighting the instinct. Plus, I had nowhere to even duck my head to.

"Well I'm flattered, Bella."

Well this isn't awkward at all. Sometimes I wish I wasn't so out of it when I was asleep.

"Why is everything jumping?"

Aaand I sound drunk again. Go me. Ezio simply smiled crookedly, before he shuffled me in his arms. Wait a minute, Is he holding me in his arms again?

"We are on Leale, Isa. Argento is riding along us at the side. He is very obedient. We have been travelling for about three hours, and you have been asleep for about 9."

Nine hours? Jesus I haven't slept that long in forever. I must have been exhausted after last night if I slept that long..plus the fact I didn't sleep last night.

"Do you think you can ride by yourself Isa?"

Of course..if he had been holding me for three hours, I imagine it was uncomfy for him.. And now I feel guilty. I nod, and he slowly pulls Leale to a stop, and Argento stops similarly. I really should applaud whoever broke these two..especially ifArgento can just stop and ride of his own accord. I jump off clumsily, before mounting Argento. Ezio is shaking his hands out, before looking at me as I shuffle and get myself comfortable. He guides Leale into a sprint, and I spur Argento in suit. Soon we are at the pace that we were originally, and we just ride in awkward silence for a time. Damn my brain cursing me with these inappropriate thoughts.

"We should be in Orvieto soon-" He pauses, before adding on, "We can sleep in a proper bed and have proper food- my treat"

If that wasn't something to look forward to then I don't know what would be. But I hate that he is always buying and treating me, but I can't even contribute or offer anything in return. I'll find a way to repay him..some day. I look forwards as we continue to ride into the sun, like something out of a western movie.

Translations

Attacco a Sorpresa – Surprise Attack

Non può essere – It can't be

Nemici – Enemies

Una volpe – A Fox

Idiota - Idiot

Author's Note

This is another chapter I really hated writing. I also fear that I got a bit too AU'y in this story..considering all the weird stuff that happened in this chapter. But when they eventually get to Rome (next few chapters or so) we will have explanations and a bit of deviation from the games. I promise there is some sort of canon explanation. Just maybe not a good one. Next chapter will feature Ezio and Isa exploring Orvieto, and hopefully, hopefully, some relationship exploration.

Also tried cleaning up the format, so hopefully it is slightly easier to read.

Hope you have had a great day/night

~Cait