To the guest reviewer: ALL my Italian comes DIRECTLY from the game's dialogue. The only Italian I attempt to translate myself is the Italian chapter titles. And, for the record: I do not claim to own ANY of Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed creations, such as characters, dialogue, plot, etc. I do own Audra, Bella, Niccolo, Uma, and the awesome pairing of Leonardo and Bella. Oh wait. Sorry.
BUT, thanks SO SO SO much for all the reviews. A special shout out to EpicCritic, who makes my story more interesting to write and read. Grazie! – McKenna
Firenze, Italia
1478
A massive swarm of people filled the area around the Palazzo della Signoria. Shouting and bodies filled the excess space, not to mention the bodies of the deceased. The air surrounding the Palazzo was thick; Ezio Auditore felt like he would suffocate in it. The smell of already decaying bodies hung in the air, along with the sultry mix of sweat and blood; the clanging of metal between swords still rung in the stiff air. Ezio cringed, but still he stayed, watching the crowd's protest, led by Jacopo de' Pazzi himself. He trotted around on horseback, lifting a fist into the air, leading the people in chants of liberation.
He perched himself securely on the ledge of the prison, hiding in the shadows. He had sent Leonardo home a while ago, and hadn't heard from him since, but made a mental note to check on him before venturing away. However, Ezio's mind was quickly ripped away from Leonardo and placed back to the protesting before him. Jacopo pranced around, seemingly pleased. What he didn't know…
Suddenly, Francesco's body was flung off the top of the Palazzo, but caught by the noose around his neck. He was naked, save for his under garments; pale, save for the splotches of dried blood covering his body. Seconds passed before Jacopo stuttered out his son's name in horror. Tension crept upon the crowd as the silence filled gaps in the space. The only noise to be heard was the cheering of the Medici followers, pointing and boisterously laughing at the hanging corpse. Ezio watched the Medici followers warily, but his eyes followed the sound of horse hooves slapping the stone on the streets. His eyes trailed behind Jacopo's path, and his face dropped to a scowl.
Now was as good a time as ever to leave, and so he did.
In the next few days, Ezio met up with Lorenzo near the canals. Lorenzo greeted him with a kind smile and small nod of the head, and gestured for Ezio to come closer to the railing near the water. He stared out for a moment before sighing.
"When I was six years old, I fell into the Arno. I soon found myself drifting down and into darkness, certain my life was at an end." He paused to look up at Ezio, chuckling at the memory. "Instead, I woke up to the sound of my mother weeping. At her side stood a stranger, soaking and smiling at me. She explained that he had saved me. And so began a long and prosperous relationship between two families: yours and mine." Lorenzo placed a hand on Ezio's broad shoulders, smiling proudly.
Ezio chose to stare out into the scenery instead. The sunlight caused the smooth and mellow water to reflect a spectrum of dazzling colors. The washed out, bland colors of the buildings across the river looked nearly majestic the way they stood. It seemed almost never ending. The scenery filled Ezio with a lust- one that could never be obtained, of course. It was disheartening for him to want to have his life back. His normal life. It had been two years, why was it so hard to get over it? It hurt just to be back in the damned city, just like it hurt to hear about his damned father. Ezio suppressed a sigh; he didn't want to get into this battle at the moment. He instead turned his attention back to Lorenzo, clearing his throat in a half-assed apology for his lack of response.
"I am sorry I could not save your father and brothers."
Lorenzo's face softened. "You have nothing to apologize for…"
"I believe Jacopo de' Pazzi played a part in their deaths. The attack on you as well. I need to find him." Ezio replied, hoping to get back to the real mission at hand soon.
"The coward fled before we could arrest him!" Lorenzo shouted, frustrated.
"Have you any leads?"
"No, they've hidden themselves well…"
Ezio cut him off, waving a hand. "They?" He mumbled.
"Jacopo was not the only conspirator to escape." Lorenzo answered, sighing in a feeling of defeat. He leaned on the railing, gritting his teeth.
"If they work with Jacopo, they were surely involved in the plot against my family as well. Give me their names."
"Antonio Maffei, Archbishop Francesco Salviati, Stefano da Bagnone, and Bernardo Baroncelli." After listing off the names, Lorenzo pushed himself off the rail, and faced Ezio.
Ezio considered the names, thinking deeply about his next moves. He clenched and unclenched his jaw, fighting the options. "Bene. I will go and see my uncle. He has men stationed in the countryside." Ezio nodded to Lorenzo, again a half-assed attempt for thanks, and began to leave when Lorenzo caught his arm.
"Wait, before you go." He handed him a Codex page with a small smile.
"A Codex page!"
"I took it from the files of Francesco, seeing as he clearly no longer needs it. I've always had an interest in things of antiquity. So did your father." Ezio thanked him, and once again tried to leave. "Just one last thing Ezio. Give my regards to the Paravicini sisters. They lost very much in little time. It was a treachery for us all. I give them my respect, and they are welcomed here at all times, just as you are." Ezio genuinely smiled at the mention of the Paravicini's.
"Thank you, Lorenzo. That is kind. I will pass along the message." Lorenzo clasped Ezio's shoulders, and Ezio returned the action. Lorenzo squeezed his shoulders gently, and smiled briefly, letting him go.
Ezio decided to walk through the crowds to Leonardo's to have the Codex page analyzed, as well as check up on his dear friend before leaving for another long period of time. He had hoped that Leonardo had gotten home safely. Ezio couldn't help but chuckle, remembering how Leonardo had intended to help someway. Ezio just stayed by him, as Leonardo was no real master with the sword. It was then that Ezio realized what great a friend Leonardo really was. He was willing to risk his life to aid Ezio, no less, in battle, which Leonardo knew he wasn't skilled in.
Ezio reached the palazzo by late evening, frowning, for he had not wanted to travel back to Monteriggioni in the night. Ezio paused before knocking, staring out at the horizon. The sun was setting behind Florentine houses, and in the bizarre and heavenly-like light, the silhouettes of guards pacing could be seen. He allowed a small smile to set upon his lips. The sunset reminded him of his youth- something that wasn't lost too long ago, but it surely seemed like it. Two years ago, Audra and he would be sitting upon one of these building, watching the sunset and talking. Sometimes they would gossip about their siblings, their enemies, or even the people they fancied. That was how he told Audra that he was seeing Cristina Vespucci. Ezio grunted, leaning up against the house and slowly losing himself in thoughts. He hadn't seen Cristina in two years. The last thing she had ever heard of him was her father screaming at him the morning after they had sex. He didn't know how to feel about her. She was the first woman he loved, but was she really a woman…after all, she was only seventeen. Was her heart really his?
How was he to know now? Besides, Ezio didn't have the time to maintain something like that. The only girl he could only see himself with ever again would be Audra, but-
Ezio's ears began turning pink, embarrassed at the thought. He didn't want to get into thinking about Audra like that again, so instead he turned to Leonardo's door and knocked. The door cracked open, and two beady, bloodshot eyes stared out at Ezio.
"Leonardo?" Ezio asked softly, attempting to peer into the room. The smell that was drifting out from the room was horrid, and the room was torn apart. Papers were thrown everywhere, but not in Leonardo's usual scatter-brained mess. Chairs and tables were flipped upside down, some had legs broken off.
"E-Ezio." Leonardo whispered, his voice raspy and rough, as if he hadn't used it in days.
"Leonardo, what is wrong?" Ezio demanded, pushing through the threshold and walking into an entirely new world. "Where's Bella?"
Leonardo howled, and tried to suppress a sob. "Ezio, p-please come in." He stuttered out, shuffling to some overturned wooden chairs, and standing them upright.
"Leonardo, what's happened? What's wrong? Why is your place overturned? Were you robbed?" Ezio grasped the shorter man's shoulders, shaking him gently. Leonardo's pale face and bloodshot eyes scared Ezio. It was more than a simple robbery. Ezio pushed Leonardo down into a chair and sat in a chair facing him. "Start from the beginning."
"The day Francesco de' Pazzi was assassinated. I came to assist you." Leonardo began his voice no more than a whisper still. Ezio nodded, encouraging him to continue. "I told Bella to go home and stay there, and she obliged. I assume a few hours afterwards, however, someone came knocking at the door. Bella must have assumed it was us…and…she…they stabbed her! They stabbed my Bella! And she died right as I came in, she died in my arms! Bella is dead." Leonardo shouted, wailing, sinking to his knees and crying out in a pain that Ezio knew well.
Ezio didn't know how to feel. He was angry that Leonardo did not know who had killed her. He felt sadness, as he grew up with Bella Paravicini. Hell, she was his first kiss.
The worst part of it all, however, was Audra. How was he to tell Audra that her sister is dead? And now, unbeknownst to her, Audra was the only Paravicini left.
Ezio rubbed his temples, feelings tears sting his eyes. There were no words that could be passed between the two weeping men that could make the situation any better. Leonardo lost the love of his life, while Ezio just lost another piece of the one thing he still owned to himself: his best friends and almost family. It was just another damned way for Ezio to lose another part of himself. Once he dried his tears, he began piecing Leonardo's house back together. The men hardly spoke, but Ezio stayed the entire night. When morning came, Ezio asked Leonardo if he would like to accompany him back to the villa and stay with the others for some company.
"That is very gracious of you, Ezio. But, no. I will stay here, and mourn the loss of Bella. But, I will get better, I will go on, and I will expect to see you again. I've arranged for a carriage so you may take her body back to Audra. I also want you to give this painting," Leonardo handed Ezio a canvas with a portrait of a beautiful woman, that he had come to realize was Bella. "To Audra. Gazie, Ezio. For everything. I will hope to see you in the near future."
"Stay safe, Leonardo. I will drop by as soon as I can." Ezio began to leave, when Leonardo piped up once more.
"Please tell Audra that I'm sorry. All I ever wanted was to love and be with her sister."
Monteriggioni, Italia
1478
"Come on, Audra! I want to see you with the throwing knives! Mario says you've been excelling with those lately!" Angelo, one of Mario's mercenaries, called, interrupting Audra's daily sword practice. She smiled at Angelo, who had become a sort of brother- like friend to her in the past week or so. Many of the other mercenaries hadn't taken an extreme liking to Audra, but Angelo was quite friendly.
"I think I've been getting the hang of it. Easier than the swords, at least." Audra replied, coming towards the edge of the practice ring to greet him.
"Then maybe we should start with that, yes?" Audra agreed, and they set to practicing again. Audra hadn't made much improvement in the week she had started her training. Mario had her run laps around the town every day, and then she had to run laps around town on the roof tops. She found running across the roof tops too enjoyable to view it as a laborious treatment, so it came naturally to her. Sword fighting was causing her difficulty, as the swords were sometimes too heavy. She preferred throwing knives, daggers, and the hidden blade. She understood the practicality of the sword, however, and worked hard to gain better arm strength.
Her muscles had been sore for the first couple of days, but now were becoming more tolerant of the workout that stressed them every day. Audra was proud of herself, but she had much more to learn. Mario promised that if she was at any way of possible use to Ezio once he checks in with them, she'd be allowed to start her "field training". Audra also couldn't wait for Bella to come home and see all the progress she had made. She felt like a new chapter was starting in her life, and she couldn't wait to relinquish all the details of her newfound "chapter" to her older sister.
Lost in thought and giving her impromptu training little attention, Audra barely noticed Angelo's attack. She caught herself at just the right moment, swinging herself out of the way and gasping. When she turned back to Angelo, he was doubled over, laughing and clutching his sides. "Oh, Audra! You should have seen your face!" He spat out between laughs. Audra crossed her arms and watched him with a light smirk.
"Ay, Angelo! Audra! Ezio's back!" Another Mercenary shouted, running up to the practice ring. "He just got in!"
Audra dropped the sword she was holding loosely in her hand. She hadn't even thought of what she was going to say to Ezio and Bella when they arrived. Of course, Claudia and Audra had been working all week to prepare them a great meal. The girls took shifts collecting eggs from the hens and collecting berries from the surrounding trees. Claudia took to redecorating the dining room, creating a whole new atmosphere. She polished the table and chairs, and set out a new, beautiful centerpiece.
Angelo glanced at Audra, just waiting for the girl to sprint to the front gates. She breathed in and out deeply, anticipating. She darted out of the ring, running toward the villa. When she burst into the villa, she ran into Mario and a few other men. Claudia stumbled out of the work room, looking for the source of all the noise. Audra grasped Mario's outstretched arms, meant to stable the girl. "Ezio and Bella are back!" With that, Audra raced to her room. She threw off her grimy work clothes and put on one of her dresses, not paying much attention to which one it was. She hurried to her mirror and ran a hand over her tight, brown curls. She smiled in spite of herself, poking a finger into a hole in her dress.
She heard the doors of the villa open and close, causing her to jump. She squealed excitedly and thrust herself out of her room, leaning over the railing of the staircase. "Ezio!" She shouted, pushing off the railing and running down the stairs. She ran into Ezio, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. He patted her back lightly, and then pushed her away.
Trying to drag away from the awkward moment, she cleared her throat and looked around. Claudia, Mario, and Maria, as well as several Mercenaries stood around, all wearing grave expressions. Audra tried to keep the persistent smile on her face, however. "Ezio," She grabbed his arm, pulling his attention towards her. "Where's Bella?"
Ezio hesitated, and a flash of pain invaded his perfect features. Audra was confused. "Ezio, where is she? Is she outside?" Audra moved past Ezio, but was caught by Ezio grabbing his dress and pulling her back to him. He folded her up in his arms. His warmth flooded over Audra's skin, giving it the oddest sensation. Audra chuckled into his chest, moving herself to face him. They were still so close. She could feel his warm breath on her.
"Audra…"
"Ezio, what's the matter?" The pain that set into his eyes officially scared her. It wasn't until there were tears forming in his eyes did she know the severity of the situation. Audra pushed away from Ezio. The world felt like it was spinning. At least, the room did. Audra turned to Claudia and Mario, desperately holding out for support. "W-Where's Bella?"
Ezio grabbed Audra's slim wrists and held her face close to his. "Something's happened."
Audra closed her eyes. "Please tell me Bella's decided to stay in Florence." She whispered back.
It felt like the two of them were the only ones in the room. As if everyone who was in the room was suddenly gone, and Ezio and Audra were alone in a wide, large room. Both stared into each other's eyes, discussing and debating silently. Ezio moved a rough hand to her cheek, which was hot with fear.
"Bella's dead." Ezio whispered.
The floor was cold, and as Audra sank to it, she screamed. She screamed as if her heart was torn from her chest, as if her vocal chords were being strung out. Everyone in the room cringed at the sound, but the only one who moved to her was Ezio. He sank the floor next to her, but dared not touch her. As she let out more heart wrenching screams, she clutched her sides, trying to keep herself from being undone. Audra felt like she had nothing else to live for. She did feel undone. She felt left behind and betrayed. She began yelling out Bella's name between loud sobs.
Ezio stood and faced Mario. After a brief moment, Mario cleared out the room and knelt down to Audra, taking her hand. "Her body is here. We'd be honored for her to be buried in our catacombs. It is up to you." Mario ducked his head down further to Audra's ear. "Be strong, little Audra. You are never alone in this Brotherhood." He whispered before standing up and leaving to his study. Audra wailed on, and when Ezio approached her, she allowed him to help her up.
But then, she began pounding her calloused fists on Ezio's chest. She beat on him, hitting him, cursing him. He stood strong, taking all her blows, occasionally allowing a tear to escape. He knew so well how she felt. He knew how it felt to need to lose all control. He listened to all her screaming and shouting, and all though he knew she didn't mean any of it, he knew that she did somewhat mean it.
"How could you let my sister die? Where were you! Why was she alone?! Why? Why is she dead?!" Audra screamed, hitting and now kicking Ezio, until she finally tripped herself and landed on her butt. She drew in ragged breaths, and then finally just cried. Just silently cried. Ezio sat down with her on the cold marble on the villa, rocking her back and forth.
"H-how did she die?" Audra eventually asked, curled into Ezio, watching the evening sun beginning to dip into the horizon.
"When the Pazzi caused commotion, Leonardo aided me in battle. Bella stayed in his palazzo, but on her way back home, she must have been spotted by a guard. I'd only assume that this guard had something to do with Niccolo and wanted to eliminate any…witnesses. She died in Leonardo's arms."
Audra didn't look up. The world seemed completely dead in her eyes. She was so tired and exhausted. "How?"
"Audra…"
"How, Ezio?"
Ezio hesitated. "Stab wound to the stomach. She bled out."
"Probably lots of pain." Audra whispered, adding to the impromptu autopsy report. She sighed. They say in more silence. Ezio didn't know what to say, and Audra was thinking, and thinking hard. "I want to make my sister proud. I've been training for about a week now. I'm going to keep going. I'm going to do what she never thought either of us could achieve. I'm going to a master woman Assassin."
Ezio glanced at Audra, watching the determination break into her dead eyes. For some reason, she glowed. Her light shone bright in his eyes- he absolutely, positively knew that she could do anything. He couldn't help but allow the ends of his lips turn up. "I know."
Audra looked to him, gazing softly. Her eyes welled up with tears again, and she covered her face with her hands. It took him by surprise; her once delicate and soft hands were calloused and scraped. He stared at them forlornly. When Audra sniffled, he brought his attention back to her situation, and clapped a hand as tenderly as he could on her back.
"You made us all proud of you, mi cara."