Disclaimer: I do not own Assassin's Creed. I only own the names; Gaspare Vespucci, Cattocchia Vespucci and I only own the characters: Carlo Fuorilegge, Matteo Angelo & Pietro

Chapter 16: The Doge is dead!

Venezia (Venice) – September 14th 1485.

The clocktower struck 10 AM. At a square, near the Santo Stefano church, Carlo Grimaldi, member of the Council of Ten and secret member of the Templar Order, was sitting at a bench, waiting for his associates to arrive.

Unknow to him, the two Assassins, Ezio Auditore and his wife Cristina, were spying on him as they blended in the crowd.

A few minutes later, Silvio Barbarigo, who's Emilio Barbarigo's cousin and inquisitor of Venice, walked over to Carlo Grimaldi and asked him "Where's Emilio?" clearly Silvio was also a Templar and joined the meeting.

Carlo Grimaldi glanced at Silvio and stated "I told him to be here."

"You told him yourself? In person?"

Carlo Grimaldi nodded as he stood up "Yes, myself, in person… I'm concerned that you don't trust me."

Silvio glared at Grimaldi "As am I." he then looked around him, not seeing Emilio or the other Templars, he suggested "Perhaps he'll arrive with the others. Walk with me…" both him and Grimaldi walked together away from the square.

Ezio and Cristina gave a short glance and both gave a nod as they tail the Templars and eavesdrop on their meeting.

As the two Assassin lovers kept blending in the crowd, they heard Silvio asking Carlo Grimaldi "So, how go things in the palace?"

Grimaldi sighs as he states "Honestly, it's difficult… Mocenigo keeps his circle close. I have tried to lay the groundwork, making suggestions, but he has other voices at his ears."

"Then you must work harder, you must become part of his inner circle."

Grimaldi nods "Si (Yes). I understand. But it's harder than I expected."

"And why is that, Carlo?" Silvio Barbarigo asks, but already knowing why Grimaldi is failing his mission to get close to the Doge.

Both Templars stop as Grimaldi states "I don't know! He just a… The Doge doesn't like me."

"I wander why." Silvio says while rolling his eyes as they moved on.

Grimaldi becomes frustrated, as everything he did to please the Doge, it was still not enough.

Ezio and Cristina carefully eavesdropped on them, while paying a few courtesans to distract some guards who guarded the way where Grimaldi and Silvio Barbarigo were walking to. Luckily for the two assassins, Silvio and Grimaldi ignored the courtesans while the guards were distracted by their flirting.

Grimaldi speaks out his frustration to Silvio "It's not my fault! I keep trying to please him. I learn what he craves, and I have it delivered: The finest jams from the orchards of Sardinia! The newest fashions from Milano-"

"Yes, and that's called being a sycophant." Silvio called Grimaldi, interrupting him, calling him a sycophant.

Carlo Grimaldi did not took that kind of insult from Silvio "A what? What did you call me?!"

Silvio kept further insulting Grimaldi by calling him more things "A doormat. A flatterer. A bootlicker. Need I go on?"

Grimaldi then angrily states "Bastardo… You don't know what it's like. You don't understand the pressure in there-"

Silvio then faces Grimaldi, interrupting him "Oh, I don't understand pressure!?"

Ezio and Cristina, having split up for a moment, disappeared in time into the crowd while the two Templars stopped and Grimaldi argued with Silvio "No! You have no idea! You are a government official. I am two steps from the Doge himself! I am beside him day and night! You WISH you could be where I am!"

"Are you done?" Silvio said as he moved on.

Grimaldi followed him while answering "Hardly. You listen to me now. I'm close! The Doge can be recruited to our cause. I'm sure of it. I just… I need a little more time."

Silvio however disagreed as they can't wait any longer "Time is not a thing we have in great supply."

For the next few minutes, no further words were shared between Carlo Grimaldi and Silvio Barbarigo. Meanwhile, to clear the way of more guards, Cristina told a group of Antonio's thieves, who were present at that time, to distract them, clearing the way for her and her husband. Once the guards were distracted as the thieves pushed a few of them over, making them to run after them, Ezio and Cristina kept tailing the two Templars from a distance.

Grimaldi sighed as he walked slower when they approached the square in front of the Basilica Di San Marco "My feet are killing me. Can't we sit down inside somewhere?" he asked, wandering if they could sit and rest somewhere inside the government building of Venice.

Silvio sighed in annoyance "Do you know anywhere truly safe to discuss things such as these?" he stated as sitting at a public place such as the Basilica is considered to be a very bad spot to hold a secret meeting.

Seeing that his associate had a point, Carlo Grimaldi kept his mouth shut as they entered the square near the Basilica and stopped where the gallows were at.

Ezio and Cristina blended in with some people while keeping their eyes on the two Templars.

A minute later, Carlo Grimaldi and Silvio Barbarigo were approached by two men. One of them, who was a fancy clothed 72 year old man with a long white beard, was Marco Barbarigo, Silvio's cousin, joined by his simple-minded bodyguard, Dante Moro.

Marco friendly greeted his cousin and Carlo "Buon giorno (Good day), cousin. Signor Carlo."

Confused to see Emilio not with Marco and Dante, Silvio asked his cousin "We thought Emilio would be with you?"

"Emilio is dead." Marco stated.

This news shocked both Silvio and Carlo Grimaldi "What?! How?!" Silvio asked.

Carlo however already had a feeling who it could be that killed Emilio "The Assassins! The same ones who hunted down the Pazzi! They're here, in Venezia."

Marco nodded, confirming that it was Ezio Auditore and his wife who killed Emilio "È cosi (It is so)." Marco then turned to his cousin, wandering why he didn't knew about the death of their fellow family member "Silvio, did you not know?" realizing that the Assassins could be around, he warned the others "They could be anywhere. They could be here right now, and we might not even know. They struck Emilio inside his own palazzo!"

"And so, what of our plans?!" Silvio asked with a bit of sense of panic, having the thought of being spied on.

Marco stated "There is no longer time to subtlety, my brothers. We must act now."

Carlo Grimaldi however asked to give him more time to turn the Doge to their side "But, Marco. I'm so close. Give me a few more days and I can-"

"No! It happens this week."

Ezio and Cristina both exchanged a glance of confusion, with Cristina whispering to her husband "What plan? What are they talking about, Ezio?"

"I think we're about to find out soon enough." Ezio whispered back to his wife.

Marco's bodyguard, Dante Moro could somehow sense that they were being watched and advised the others "We should keep moving."

Thinking it might be best not to stay at one place, Marco and the others followed Dante out of the square. Ezio and Cristina kept their distance, but close enough to hear what else the Templars might be sharing.

Being curious of deciding to change their approach to gain more power, Silvio asked "And what does The Spaniard have to say of this change of plan?"

Marco ensured him with a smirk "You can ask him yourself soon enough."

"He's here!? From Roma?" Carlo Grimaldi asked with some shock.

"So I've heard." Marco answered with a simple shrug.

Hearing that the Spaniard, Rodrigo Borgia, the man responsible for the death of his father and brothers was going to be attend at the wedding made Ezio's blood boil. Knowing how much Ezio wants to avenge his family, Cristina held his hand to try to calm him down, which helped a little bit as Ezio nodded to his wife.

Back with the Templars, Silvio however was glad to hear that their Templar master will join the meeting "Good! Then perhaps he's made a decision."

"About what, cousin?" Marco asked.

Silvio chuckled as he explained "About which of us shall step into the robes of Doge, cousin."

Marco raised an eyebrow as he glanced to his cousin while all walked out of the square "I didn't know there was a decision to be made. Surely the choice is obvious to all."

Arrogantly, Silvio spoke "Obvious, indeed. It should be the one who organized the entire operation. The one who came up with the idea of how to save this city!" clearly he was stating that he deserves to rule Venice.

Marco was not taking this from his cousin and stops him in his tracks, which made the others stop too "There is no lack of value in tactical intelligence, good Silvio. But it is wisdom one needs to rule. Do not think otherwise." He finished with a warning, which Silvio wouldn't take to lightly from Marco.

Carlo Grimaldi tried to ease the situation "Calma! Calm, amici (Calm! Calm, friends), please. There's no need for this. You know, it's not up to either of you… for all we know, he may not even choose a Barbarigo." Carlo stated as it is up to the Spaniard who chooses who rules Venice, but clearly prefers himself to be more fit to rule. That statement made Silvio to laugh.

Ezio and Cristina carefully kept their distance, using the cover from a group of courtesans as not to attract any attention on them.

Grimaldi was getting angry of being laughed at, thinking he's more fit for the office of Doge of Venice "And why not me? I'm the one who's done all the hard work."

Marco had enough of this nonsense as they walked into a narrow street "Basta (Enough). We wait for his arrival."

"Are you sure he's coming?" Carlo moaned.

"Yes!"

Dante Moro then looked back, spotting a few distracted guards going away from their posts, but couldn't see the two Assassins. But sensing that they were still being watched, he stated "Signori (Gentlemen), we should move a little faster. I feel eyes on us."

Marco nodded as he could trust his most loyal servant "Thank you, Dante. We will move at your pace." And all walked a bit faster.

Ezio and Cristina tried their best to keep up without the Templars getting to notice them.

Silvio was impressed with Dante's skills and asked Marco "This guard's a good find, cousin. How much did you pay for him?"

Proudly, Marco answered "Perhaps not as much as he deserves. He's saved my life on two occasions. Though he's not much of a conversationalist." He stated as Dante doesn't speak that much.

Marco Barbarigo however was responsible for Dante being at this state, as Dante Moro was once a respected captain of the city guard, Marco wanted his wife, Carlotta to be his own and ordered an assassination on him. But miraculously, Dante survived after being stabbed twice in the body and once in the head. Recovering from severe brain damage, Dante becomes like a child, making Marco easier to pursue him easier to become his personal bodyguard and annulling his marriage with Carlotta, leaving her heartbroken as Marco takes her as his wife.

For some minutes, the Templar group took a break. Suddenly, all were surprised to see their master, Rodrigo Borgia approaching "Enough with you inane prattle!" clearly he wasn't pleased with the changing plans his fellow brothers made without his consult "The choice of Doge was never up to any of you.. and you were never given permission to make plans!"

Ezio was on the brink to attack them and avenge his father and brothers once and for all. But Cristina calmed her husband and whispered "Ezio, please calmati (calm down). Think of our creed. We cannot expose ourselves."

Though his desire for revenge was hard to hold himself, Ezio tried to listen to his wife's words and nodded "Va bene (Alright). Forgive me, Cristina."

She nodded with a smile and planted a kiss on his cheek.

Back with the Templars, Marco Barbarigo apologized to his master for making hasty plans without informing him "Forgive us, Maestro. We wish only to serve."

Rodrigo then told how the plan would be "The plan is this: Doge Mocenigo will die tonight. And once the deed's been done, Marco shall take his place."

Marco felt overwhelmed that his master choose him to take the mantle of Doge of Venice once the other Doge is dead. He made a humble bow, feeling honored "Vi ringrazio umilmente, Maestro (I humbly thank you, Master)."

Both Ezio and Cristina were shocked to hear what the Templars are planning as both exchanged a glance of shock. Ezio knew they had to keep close to hear how they're planning to kill the Doge.

For a moment, Silvio wanted to speak out against his master's decision to have picked his cousin over him. But at the last moment held his tongue as Rodrigo gave him a serious look.

Seeing that Silvio won't speak out against his decision, Rodrigo gave a nod "Good!" he then turned to Carlo Grimaldi, telling him what to do "Messer Grimaldi. You are closest to Mocenigo, your work the most vital. Serve us well and it won't be forgotten." Carlo gave a nod before Rodrigo Borgia instructed his fellow Templars "Walk with me."

Ezio and Cristina kept their distance while keeping listening to what they were saying.

Rodrigo then advised Carlo how to act on killing the Doge "I don't want any blood spilled. You understand? It must appear to all that he goes quietly."

Carlo understood his master's orders "Certo, Maestro…"

"When are you closest to him?"

Carlo thought for a short moment and then told his master "I have full run of the palace. He may not care to hear what I have to say, but he trusts me by now as one of his own."

Rodrigo patted Carlo's shoulder "Bravo. Then I want you to infiltrate the kitchen and poison his meal."

"So be it." Carlo Grimaldi nodded.

Rodrigo then asked Marco Barbarigo "Marco. Can you furnish us with a suitable toxin on short notice?"

Marco stated "I defer to my cousin. That is really his area of expertise."

Rodrigo then glanced to Silvio "Ah Silvio…"

"I am at your service, Maestro." Silvio made a small bow.

"What can you bring to get this done?"

Silvio knew what to do, and which poison would be the best to use "I will confer with my associates in the streets. But chances are good that I can procure some Cantarella…"

Curious to what kind of poison that is, Rodirgo asked "Yes, and what is that?"

"It is the most effective form of arsenic and difficult to trace."

Rodrigo like that idea "Ah…! Va bene, va bene (Alright, alright). Then it's decided."

After a few more minutes, all stopped at the middle of the Ponte Di Rialto bridge, with Marco asking his master "Forgive me, Maestro. But is this not perhaps a tad dangerous for you? Involving yourself so intimately with the minutiae of our plans?"

Turning to Marco again with a serious expression, Rodrigo stated why he wanted to be more involved into this "I feel the need to involve myself more directly… The Pazzi disappointed us in Firenze. I pray you will not do the same." He warned them, hoping that the Barbarigo family won't go down as the Pazzi.

Silvio ensured his master "Don't worry this time. The Pazzi were a bunch of foolish…"

But then Rodrigo nearly angrily stated to Silvio "The Pazzi were a potent and venerable family, reduced to rubble by two young assassins. Do not underestimate these troublesome foes – who now haunt your city – or the same fate will befall the Barbarigo. I want this done promptly."

All gave a small nod, understanding that the Pazzi still deserved their respect and won't try to make the same mistakes as them.

Rodrigo looked around for a moment, seeing if anyone was watching the meeting. Luckily, for Ezio and Cristina, the Spaniard didn't spot them. The master of the Templars then turned back to his associates "Bene I must return to Roma. Time is of the essence. Do not fail us." All made a small bow to their master before Cardinal Borgia walked away. Shortly after, the other Templars walked away, knowing their orders.

After all were gone, Ezio and Cristina appeared out of hiding. Cristina was shocked after what she and her husband had heard what the Templars are planning "Ezio… this is terrible. They… they plan to kill the Doge!"

Ezio cursed himself for not having paid any attention to how further deep Emilio or the other Barbarigo's ambition went to "Che idiota sono! (What an idiot I am!) I should have kept my eyes on them." he then seriously glanced to his wife "Cristina, we need to go and see Antonio if we've any hope of salvaging this mess we've made."

Cristina nodded "You're right, my love. Let's go!" and both ran towards Pallazo Della Seta, where Antonio no doubts is there to turn Emilio's former palace from a beacon of fear, into a beacon of equality and peace.

After an half hour, Ezio and Cristina arrived at Pallazo Della Seta. With Emilio gone and his thugs being rid of, it was like a cake walk for Ezio and Cristina to enter.

When the two assassins entered the Pallazo, where some of the people from the thieves guild have set up shop and restore the wealth back to the people, Ezio and Cristina were surprised to find their little son, Pietro, who was looking around with amaze. But when the little boy saw his parents, he happily ran over to them "Mamma! Papà!" and hugged them.

Both parents returned the hug before Ezio asked their son "Pietro, what are you doing in here?"

That was when Rosa walked over to them and stated "Pietro really wanted to see the inside of the Palazzo. I thought you wouldn't mind?"

Cristina formed a small smile, ensuring her "No, we don't mind it all, Rosa."

Ezio formed the same expression as his wife, but then stated "Is Antonio around? Me and Cristina need to speak to him. It's urgent."

Rosa nodded and called to the leader of the Thieves Guild "Antonio! Ezio and Cristina are here!"

The curious little boy wandered what was so important and asked his parents "What's the matter, mamma e papa?"

Knowing that this wasn't something for children to get involved in, Ezio told his son as he bend a knee "Pietro, why don't you go and help the other thieves in the Palazzo, while me and your mother talk with Antonio?"

Pietro wasn't sure what this was all about "But… maybe I can help?"

Cristina sighed and told her son "Pietro, just do what your father tells you."

Pietro sighed before giving a nod "Bene… (Okay…)" and went over to a group of thieves, busy to hang up some new banners outside.

Antonio then approached Ezio and Cristina, wandering what was going on "Ezio! Cristina! Is everything alright?"

Cristina was the first to tell what she and her husband had learned from Carlo Grimaldi's meeting with the other Barbarigo's "Carlo Grimaldi and the Barbarigo are in league with the one they call The Spaniard."

Antonio was surprised to hear about this, as he's familiar with Rodrigo Borgia, aka: The Spaniard and what dirty business he's involved with.

Ezio nodded as he added "Me and Cristina overheard that they're planning to murder the Doge and replace him with one of their own. They will have all of Venezia – her entire fleet – in their grasp!"

"And they call me a criminal!" Antonio angrily called out after hearing all if this.

"Then you'll help us?" Cristina asked him.

Antonio ensured them both "You have me on your side. And the support of all my men."

"And women." Rosa added with a smile.

"Grazie, amici!" Ezio stated as he was happy to have the support of his friends.

But knowing how difficult it was going to be, Antonio told them both "But, Ezio, Cristina, I must warn you both. It's not going to be easy this time. Palazzo Ducale is the most heavily guarded building in Venezia."

Ezio however said with full confident "Nothing is impenetrable."

Cristina agreed with her husband "Si. Ezio and I have been able to sneak into almost any fortified building in the past. So shall we be able to find a entrance into Palazzo Ducale."

Rosa liked Ezio and Cristina's optimism "This is why we like you two to have on our side!"

Antonio then gestured Ezio and Cristina to follow him "Come! Let's go take a look at the Palazzo. We'll come up with a plan."

Ezio and Cristina followed Antonio to the Venetian government building. Along the way, Antonio stated how he felt about this conspiracy to kill Doge Mocenigo, though he wasn't surprised as how close he knew how the dark side of politics was played out "this business with the Doge… terrible. Though treachery like this no longer surprises me."

"Sounds like you're talking from personal experience, Antonio." Cristina asked him.

Antonio nodded as he told about his past "Si. When I was a child, we were taught that the nobles were just and kind. I believed it too. Though my father was only a cobbler and my mother a scullery maid, I aspired to be much more…. I studied hard. I persevered – but the nobles would never have me."

"Really?" Ezio asked "How come?"

"Is it not obvious, Ezio? If you are not born one of them, acceptance is impossible."

Though the felt sorry for Antonio that no matter how hard he studied when he was young and inspired to do the same righteous and just work of the nobles and become like one of them, Ezio and Cristina both understood that if you're not born into a noble family, it would be very, very hard for someone of the underclass to make it to the top.

Feeling a bit angered of how he was treated in the past, Antonio seriously asked his assassin friends "So I ask you, Ezio and Cristina Auditore, who are the true nobles of Venezia? Men like Carlo Grimaldi and Marco Barbarigo? No! I say WE are: The thieves and mercenary and whores."

Both Assassin lovers glanced to each other for a moment, both giving a nod as Antonio is right that the true nobility are the lower class and not the elite of Venice.

When the three of them arrived at the square in front of the government building, they stopped as Antonio stated "We need to scout the palazzo carefully, see it from every angle. We just might find a way in. I know of a Campanile behind the palazzo or we might find a way to climb the back of the Basilica. Do you two have any ideas?"

Thinking of an alternate way into the palazzo, Ezio suggested with a grin on his face "I assume the front door is out?"

Both Cristina and Antonio chuckled of Ezio's suggestion, with Antonio agreeing to see if the front door is perhaps an option "Va bene! We'll try the front door as well, saputello (wise ass)."

For the next hour, Ezio, Cristina and Antonio searched for a way into the palazzo.

The front door was impossible, as their too many heavily guards, making them too hard to get in before stopping Grimaldi from murdering the Doge.

Next they climbed the Campanile close to the government building that Antonio suggested. But seeing dozens of archers on top of building and the walls impossible to climb from their side, they decided to try the other side of the building.

However, when climbing down, Cristina noticed an odd marking on the side of the walls of the Basilica Di San Marco. Using her instincts, she was surprised that it was the symbol of the Assassins with a skull in the middle of it, showing it was the entrance to another Crypt!

"Ezio! Look." Cristina pointed to the part of the building she saw the symbol "Could it be… another Crypt?"

"Yeah… I think you're right, Cristina!" Ezio said with some enthusiasm. But knowing they have to safe the Doge first, he told his wife "We'll leave it for another time. First we must stop Carlo Grimaldi."

Cristina agreed with Ezio "Capisco (I understand). Lead the way, amore mio (my love)."

When arriving at the side of the Basilica, Antonio saw that there's a perfect path up the scaffolding to the roof of the Basilica. But when they made it to the roof of the Basilica, they couldn't enter the Palazzo as their way was blocked by an iron spiked wall, making it completely impossible to climb over it.

Then, Antonio glanced down into the center of the Palazzo, spotting Doge Mocenigo walking along with the Templar, Carlo Grimaldi "Ezio, Cristina, look! Isn't that him, Grimaldi?"

Carlo, following the Doge like a pet dog, begged Mocenigo to reconsider his offer to join the Barbarigo's 'noble cause' as a last effort to pursue him before considering killing him "Don't you understand what I'm offering you, Signore! Listen to me, please! or this will be your last chance!"

Mocenigo didn't liked this way of threatening from his loyal advisor and glared at Grimaldi "My last chance! You come here into my Palazzo and all you're doing is begging before threatening me!? How dare you!"

Carlo Grimaldi trembled before he begged for forgiveness, like the coward he truly is "I'm sorry, mi dispiace (I'm sorry). I meant nothing by it. I'm only looking out for your safety…"

That earned a laughter from Doge Mocenigo, thinking that Carlo can protect him by joining his cause "My safety? Hahahahaha…! Carlo, Carlo. Palazzo du Cale is the most heavily guarded and most protected building ever constructed in Venetian history! Nobody has ever been able to enter to attempt to kill the Doge."

Carlo Grimaldi gave a small nod before making a bow "Yes… of course, Signore." As both walked further, discussing some government issues, Carlo formed an angry look on his face, mentally thinking 'I gave you the chance to reconsider, bastardo! But it seems you will meet your end… very soon.'

After a few more minutes of climbing down from the Basilica without causing anyone's attention, all three gathered at the square in front of the Palazzo, seeing what other methods they could use to enter it and safe Doge Mocenigo from being killed. But seeing that their were no options, they felt hopeless.

Antonio became frustrated "It is impossible! There's no way in or out for men – only birds!" he then nearly kicked a few pigeons, making them fly in panic away.

That was when both Ezio and Cristina remembered something "Yes… birds…" Ezio said, before he was about to leave

Cristina asked him confused "Where are you going Ezio?"

"To see our friend Leonardo." Ezio answered as he stopped.

"Leonardo? What could he…" Cristina wandered, but then remembered Leonardo's flying machine from when they helped him to move through the mountains on their way to Venice "Yes of course!" as she went after her husband, she instructed Antonio "Come and see us at Leonardo da Vinci's workshop if anything comes up!"

They left Antonio in a confused state. But would do as Cristina told him and went to see some of his fellow thieves.

After an hour of walking and running through the streets, Ezio and Cristina arrived at their friends workshop. Both removed their hood as Ezio knocked on the door before they entered.

Leonardo was working on some new sketches when he heard a few people enter his workshop. He turned himself, seeing it were his friends, Ezio and Cristina.

"We need your help, Leonardo." Cristina stated.

"Does it work?" Ezio asked while pointing to Leonardo's invention.

"What? What are you asking?" Leonardo asked with a confused look on his face.

"Does IT work, Leonardo? Can it really fly!?"

Leonardo however was unsure as he shrugged "I don't know… it's only a prototype. An idea. It's not yet finished."

"Have you tried it?" Cristina asked him.

Leonardo shook his head instantly as it was a mad idea to have it tested by someone "No! It's too dangerous. To test it, you'd have to leap off a tower! Who would be mad enough to do a thing like that?"

Ezio smiled as he crossed his arms "Leonardo… I think you just found your madman."

Leonardo looked for a moment with a shocked expression at Ezio that he was really volunteering to test out his prototype of his flying machine. But seeing Ezio's willingness to try it out, Leonardo agreed.

While preparing to take his invention out to be tested, Leonardo did wander why Ezio and Cristina were so eager to test out his flying machine. Cristina first stated that it was so that she and Ezio could enter the Palazzo Ducale to see the Doge, but not wanting to get too involved in this, Leonardo didn't asked any further questions, but knew that whatever his friends' business was with the Doge must be for a good reason.

An hour later, Leonardo, with help from a servant of his, and Ezio and Cristina's help, they managed to take Leonardo's flying machine on top of the nearest tower.

"So, how does she work?" Ezio asked.

Leonardo stated while asking Ezio a question back "Have you ever watched a bird in flight? It's not about being lighter than air… It's about grace and balance! You must use your body's own weight to control your elevation and direction."

Taking a closer look at the machine, Cristina asked Leonardo "It doesn't exactly look like that me and Ezio can use it together."

Leonardo shook his head as he apologized "Mi dispiace (I'm sorry), Cristina. But my prototype was only designed for one man. If it was for two, I would have built a bigger one."

Cristina understood before giving a pat on Ezio's shoulder "Well, go ahead madman. See if it really can fly."

"Good luck, Ezio." Leonardo told his friend.

Ezio climbed under the flying machine and held it tight and jumped down with it…! Both Cristina and Leonardo were beyond words as Ezio was able to fly it elegantly through the air.

"It works…" Leonardo states, before cheering with such great spirit "IT WOOORKS! He flies! He really flies!"

With Ezio, he truly felt like a bird, feeling how wonderful flying was. But keeping his head on to reach the Palazzo, he tried to remain in flight while heading to the Palazzo.

However, Ezio soon realized that he was loosing altitude, despite his attempts to keep it in the air, making him more frustrated "Aaarggh! Why am I crashing!? This is ridiculous! The Palazzo is too far away!"

Seeing there was no point on keeping the machine in the air, Ezio slowly descended down on the roofs "Diavolo! (Damn!) I give up! I'm gonna end up killing myself before I ever kill another Templar."

It didn't took long before Ezio was met with Leonardo's servant, who took the flying machine back to his master's workshop. Cristina met with Ezio too, jumping on her husband while hugging him with joy "You did it Ezio! You actually flew!"

Ezio nodded with a smile, but then stated while his smile vanished "Si… but not really far."

Cristina calmed Ezio down "Hey, don't worry. I'm sure Leonardo can think of a solution."

Seeing she was right, Ezio gave a nod and both helped the servant to carry the machine back to Leonardo.

After some time, Leonardo was still as overjoyed and enthusiastic of what he just witnessed, like he'd made history "I still can't believe it! it worked! It really worked! You flew, Ezio! You flew!"

"He sure did, Leonardo." Cristina stated before asking him "But, why could Ezio not fly any further then where he landed?"

Leonardo gave a shrug "Well, what were you expecting? The machine wasn't designed for distance."

"Can you find a way to extend the flight?" Ezio asked with a more calm tone.

Leonardo thought for a moment before walking over to his desk, checking the old blueprints of his flying machine "Perhaps… Alright, let me go over my plans here. Maybe I can find some sort of a way to extend the duration of the flight."

For some minutes, Leonardo searched through the blueprints to find a way to extend the flight, but still couldn't find any, which slowly increased his frustration.

At that moment, Antonio came into the workshop, telling what his men had told him "Ezio! Cristina! My men tell me Carlo has the poison. We must hurry."

Feeling he should introduce both men, Ezio said "Antonio, this is Leonardo da Vinci. The master inventor who built this… flying machine."

Antonio was surprised when he took a look at Leonardo's invention "Really?! It can really fly?"

Cristina nodded "Si! Ezio just tested it. He leaped together with it over the tower and … he really flew… just like the birds! But… he couldn't stay in the air for too long, so… now Leonardo is trying to fix that."

Seeing that they're running out of time, Ezio asked Leonardo "Well? Any luck?"

Leonardo gave a loud sigh "No, not yet! I've checked and rechecked my blueprints. It's just impossible! I don't know how to extend the flight!" angrily, he wrapped the blueprint and threw it into the fireplace "Ah, che idea del cazzo! (crazy fucking idea!)"

Ezio, Cristina and Antonio exchanged a short glance while Leonardo sat at a seat, trying to think deeply. But then Leonardo noticed that the paper he threw into the fire was lifting up above the fire itself. The master inventor's eyes went wide as he had found the solution "EUREKA! Of course! Genio! (Genius!)" he jumped off his seat and made some quick drawings.

"What is he doing now?" Antonio asked with a raised eyebrow. Ezio gave a shrug.

Leonardo explained while still made the adjustments on the blueprints "Heat rises. It needs fire! Heated air under its wings will lift the machine…"

"Leonardo… what good is one fire going to do?" Ezio asked his friend.

"Not one fire, Ezio. A dozen! Built all across the city! Enough to carry you from here all the way to the Palazzo Ducale."

Cristina formed a smile while all checked the planning "Leonardo… you're a genius!"

Antonio understood the plan and stated how he and his thieves can be of assistance "Yes. My men can place all those fires. But you're forgetting about the guards."

Ezio ensured Antonio "Don't worry. Me and Cristina can take care of them." Cristina nodded.

"I'll give the order to have my men move in behind you, and hold the locations. They'll light them all up the second the sun goes down over San Marco…"

For the next few hours, Ezio and Cristina used their Assassin skills to clear all the locations from any guards, making way for the thieves to set up the fires when Ezio was ready to use Leonardo's flying machine to fly all the way to Palazzo Ducale.

Once the last guards were taken care off, Ezio and Cristina went back to the top of the tower near Leonardo's workings shop. The sun was about to go down. All the thieves were in position and lighted up the fires.

"It's time." Antonio stated, who was on top of the tower too.

Leonardo was impressed with what Ezio and Cristina, along with the thieves guild managed to accomplish "You did it! It's beautiful!"

"Si! Now let's hope you're idea works. Because we're nearly out of time."

Leonardo nodded before explained to Ezio "Listen close Ezio: You're going to want to fly from fire to fire. The heat of each one you pass over should lift you back up in the air again."

Ezio gave a nod "Bene. (Got it.)"

Antonio however warned Ezio "Careful though! There's archers out on the roofs tonight. Avoid those arrows, or it'll be a short trip."

Seeing a solution to get rid of some of the archers himself, Ezio spoke "I wish there was some way I could use my sword while flying this thing."

"Well, you do have your feet free." Leonardo stated "If you get close enough without taking an arrow in the head, maybe you could kick them off the building."

"Nice." Ezio liked that idea.

Cristina then told her husband with a bit of sorrow "I'm sorry that I can't join you this time, Ezio."

"It is alright, Cristina. I understand." Ezio ensured his wife.

Cristina smiled and planted a kiss on his lips "For good luck."

Antonio patted Ezio's shoulder, telling he should go now "It's now or never, amico mio (my friend)"

Once again holding Leonardo's flying machine, Ezio leaped off the tower and flew off!

One archer on a few roofs away, was shocked beyond belief to spot a flying man "Ma cosa!? (What the-!?) Shoot! Shoot the flying demon!" he and the other archer took aim at Ezio.

Doing his best to avoid the archer fire, Ezio flew from fire to fire, giving him more lift to reach his destination.

Down below, people were shocked to what they saw, thinking it was truly a demon flying over their heads, not realizing that it was only a man using a machine.

One arrow hit the right wing, but Ezio kept it steady.

The Palazzo was in range, with more archers trying to shoot Ezio out of the sky!

When he was above the Palazzo roofs, flying over the iron piked fences, Ezio jumped off the flying machine, letting it soar through the air by itself till it crashed back on the roof, taking two heavily guarded from the roof along with it till it crashed down into bits when it hit the water!

Hearing the loud bang, Doge Mocenigo, who was playing a game of chess with Carlo Grimaldi, shockingly stood up from his seat and looked out the window "What was that?!"

Not wanting to lose his one chance to kill the Doge, Grimaldi shoved it off while pouring in two glasses of wine "Don't worry. Probably just kids with firecrackers. Come, it's you move."

Being a bit worried, Doge Mocenigo trusted Grimaldi and sat back on his chair, continuing their game.

When Grimaldi offered him the glass of wine, the Doge took it "Grazie." He sniffed the wine for a moment "Hmmm. Smells like a good wine."

Grimaldi smirked while stating "Yes. Only the best for you."

Though he was used to Grimaldi's ways of him being a bootlicker just to get more influence, Mocenigo gave a short chuckle "I'm sure." but wanting to take a few more moves of chess, he placed the wine down and moved his Queen, taking Grimaldi's Knight.

Grimaldi, though forming a fake smile, was getting more angry in his head 'Bastardo! Just drink the damned wine already, you old pig!'

On top of the roof, Ezio did his best to avoid the archers and trying to find a way to get down to the room where Doge Mocenigo and Carlo Grimaldi are. Mentally, he thought as he quickly reached a ladder, bringing him down 'I hope I'm not too late!'

When he got down, he leaped to the window, spotting Carlo Grimaldi, who thought of his next move on the chessboard, while Doge Mocenigo raised his wine glass and was this close to take a sip. Ezio quickly entered and warned the Doge "STOP! Signore, don't drink that!"

Surprised, Mocenigo looked at Ezio, confused to why he was warning him of the wine he held.

But then, Grimaldi rose from his chair with an evil smirk as he overthrown his own King piece "You are too late. The Doge is dead." He stated, as Mocenigo had already drank the wine.

Shocked, Mocenigo rose from his chair, not believing that his most trusted friend and advisor planned to betray and kill him "What?! Carlo…?"

Grimaldi made a little bow, still showing an evil smirk "Apologies, Signore. But you should have listened to me when you had the chance."

Mocenigo dropped his wine glass out of shock as he quickly felt the effects of cantarella and began to suffocate.

"Seems you have failed, Assassin." Carlo said before leaving.

Ezio apologized to Mocenigo "Forgive me, Signore. I tried…"

Trying to get back his breath while holding the table, Mocenigo asked "Why…? What was it all for…?" he then began to cough out blood, feeling he was slowly dying.

Carlo then ran down to the courtyard, calling the guards, faking he called for help "Assassino! Assassino! He's killed the Doge! The Doge is dead!"

With his anger boiling over, Ezio jumped back to the window and leaped over to Carlo, drawing his Hidden Blade and stabbed him in the neck! Both Ezio and Grimaldi fell down the stairs with Ezio's Hidden Blade still in Grimaldi's neck.

Ezio held him by the collar. Though he was angry that he wasn't able to safe the Doge in time, he faced Grimaldi with a serious face "It takes one Assassin to kill another, it seems."

Slowly dying, Carlo Grimaldi asked him "We kill thinking it's best for us, do we not, Messer Ezio…?"

Ezio however shook his head "I do this not for myself." Carlo Grimaldi then breathed out his last and died. Ezio then spoke his last rites "Compio questo sacrificio per il bene superior. (I make this sacrifice for the greater good.) Requiescat in Pace (Rest in peace.)"

Shocked, all the guards stared at Ezio who killed Carlo Grimaldi. Some drew their swords, ready to arrest the Assassin for murdering a member of the Council of Ten.

That was when a dying Doge Mocenigo walked out of the room, his clothes messed up by his own blood. He grasped for air while dying from the poison. In his fury, he pointed to the now dead Grimaldi "You… You killed me? You killed ME!?" he then fell to on the floor, dead.

All the guards, thinking that Mocenigo pointed to Ezio to be his killer, drew their weapons and charged on the 'murderer of the Doge' "GET HIM! KILL HIM!" a captain called while the main doors opened and many heavily armed guards stormed inside the Palazzo!

Ezio quickly sprinted to the exit, heading towards the heavily armed guards. With a smoke bomb, Ezio managed to quickly bypass the guards and raced out of the Palazzo, with now every Venetian guard on his tale!

After running through many streets and avoiding the archers and guards, Ezio managed to hide in an alleyway. He tried to catch his breath once the guards were out of sight. Slowly, Ezio left the area, heading to the thieves guild.

After a few more hours, Ezio managed to reach the thieves hideout. Cristina, who was waiting for her husband to return, was shocked and relieved to see Ezio alright and ran towards him and hugged him "Ezio! Thank God you're alright!"

Antonio, Rosa and few thieves ran to him as well, with Antonio saying "We heard that the whole Palazzo Ducale was in chaos. What happened?!"

Ezio sighed as he shook his head, stating "I failed… I was too late to save the Doge." Cristina gasped in horror "I managed to kill Grimaldi, but… Doge Mocenigo had drink the poisoned wine from Carlo Grimaldi. He's dead…"

"Oh, Ezio…" Cristina hugged him again, being there for him while feeling guilty too as she too felt they'd failed. In fact, Antonio, Rosa and the other thieves were in shock too, not believing that despite their efforts, they still couldn't save Doge Mocenigo.

That was when Ezio broke the hug and told more bad news "It's even worse, Cristina… when the Doge died, all the guards thought I did it. And now… Now I'm the most wanted man in Venezia."

Rosa almost couldn't believe that this was real "Dio Mio… (My God…) this is terrible!"

Antonio then stated in anger "Now those foolish council members will elect Marco Barbarigo as their new Doge! This is bad… this is really, really bad!"

An hour later, while they sat on their bed in their bedroom, Cristina was there for her husband, comforting him.

Knowing what they needed to do, though as painful as it is, Ezio told his wife "We need to leave the city, Cristina. With all the guards looking out for me, it's dangerous for the both of us, even for our little Pietro."

Cristina sighed, knowing that her husband was right. She then softly signed, feeling deep down how hard it would be for Pietro to leave this place as he was born here and felt like Venice was his home. She then suggested "We should leave by tomorrow. The sooner the better."

Ezio nodded, agreeing with Cristina's suggestion.

The next morning, Ezio and Cristina had informed Antonio that it was best for them of their plans. Seeing that it was indeed better for Ezio and Cristina to leave the city, till the heat goes down, Antonio offered his help to smuggle his Assassin friends out of the city.

Later on, Ezio and Cristina informed their son of what had happened and it was too dangerous for them to stay. Though Pietro was really sad that they had to leave the thieves guild, which he loved so much, he too began to pack some of his belongings, with Rosa helping him.

A few hours later, Ezio and Cristina said goodbye to everyone in the thieves guild, thanking Antonio and the other thieves for all they've done for them.

Pietro was having an emotional goodbye with his godmother.

Rosa, hugging little Pietro while rubbing his back, softly said "I'm really going to miss you, piccolo (little) Pietro." Pietro began to sob, with Rosa telling him "Hey, hey, come on now. Big boys like you don't cry."

As tears fell from his eyes, Pietro asked sadly "Will we ever see each other again?"

Rosa formed a small smile, ensuring him "Of course we will. This is not a farewell, right?"

Pietro shook his head and both godmother and godson hugged again.

A tear fell from Rosa's eye while still in embrace "Take good care, Pietro."

Slowly, they broke the hug and Pietro joined his parents.

Being carefully not to get spotted by patrolling soldiers, Ugo and a group of thieves managed to smuggle Ezio, Cristina and Pietro into a boat, leaving for Forli. Ezio and Cristina shared one last hug with Ugo and told their goodbyes.

Four days later, at the Auditore Villa…

Riding inside a carriage, Ezio, Cristina and Pietro had arrived at the fortress of Monteriggioni. All three stepped out of the carriage and entered the now very much improved town, as thanks to Ezio's investments and Cattocchia's ideas it was now shining like the old days. The town's population were happy to see Ezio and Cristina, along with their son back again.

At the steps of the Villa, Mario, Maria and Cattocchia were waiting for Ezio, Cristina and Pietro to arrive. Once they made it up to the villa, all were greeted with a big family hug.

"Ezio! Welcome home." Mario said with a bright smile.

Cattocchia hugged her daughter before raising up Pietro and gave him a big kiss "Hello Pietro. My goodness, you've grown!"

Pietro wasn't that sad anymore and was now smiling bright to be with the other Auditore family, much to Ezio's and Cristina's relief.

Maria shared a few kisses on Ezio's cheek.

Mario then told them "We've… heard what happened in Venezia. Terrible."

"Does that mean we can stay?" Ezio asked.

Mario laughed "Hahahaha! Are you kidding me? This is your home! You can stay as long as you like!" both shared another hug.

That was when Ezio's sister, Claudia, now having a 4 month pregnant belly, came over to them, smiling bright of seeing her brother and sister-in-law again "Ezio! Cristina!" and all shared a hug with her "So good to see you again."

"Hello, Claudia. You're looking well." Ezio complimented her.

Claudia gave a small chuckle "Yeah, I'm doing better now since I'm not suffering from morning sickness anymore."

"Where is Matteo?" Cristina wandered.

"My husband had some business in Toscana. No worries, he'll be home today."

"He better be." Ezio added as a warning, hoping that his brother-in-law had other things in mind as what he called business to discuss.

Angrily, Claudia placed her hands on her hips as she faced Ezio with a serious look on her face "Ezio!"

Ezio chuckled as he raised his hands "I'm kidding! I know how faithful Matteo is to you."

Maria then suggested as she took little Pietro's hand "Come now. You all must be tired from the long trip." And all went inside.

And indeed, later in the evening, Matteo had returned to the Auditore villa, now wearing an Assassin outfit, much to Ezio's and Cristina's surprise. After a short greetings, Matteo stated that he decided to become an Assassin too and help the order. Ezio and Cristina were both glad that Matteo had decided to help the Assasssins.

And so, as the days went by, Pietro was feeling better and felt like home again. Though he truly missed the thieves guild, he was sure he was going to see his friends again, and so his godmother.

Venezia (Venice) - September 30th 1485.

The Council of Ten had been gathered for a special meeting: to elect the new Doge of Venice. After a few short speeches, the Council members, with massive support, voted in favor to appoint Marco Barbarigo as the new Doge of Venice (but clearly, most councilmembers were either bribed or threatened by The Spaniard's wide resources to make sure that Marco would be elected Doge)

After pledging his vow when inaugurated, Marco Barbarigo took the mantle of Doge with pride.

Not long after, he'd moved into the Palazzo Ducale. His wife, Carlotta, with her head down entered their new home.

While making sure that the servants would put everything in place as their new master wanted, Marco asked his wife with a big smile on his face "What do you think, Carlotta? Is this not a worthy home for the new Doge of Venezia?"

Carlotta gave only a small nod "Si… it's… lovely, husband."

"Lovely?" Marco asked surprised but then stated "It's better than expected!"

Then, Dante Moro, Marco's personal bodyguard entered the new living space of Marco.

Carlotta gave a short gasp when she saw her ex-husband. A small smile of hope grew on her face, still hoping that the same Dante she fell for and loved would come back to her. But to her sadness, he was still showing the same uninterest.

Marco told Dante "I want all patrols to be doubled, here at the Palazzo and on the streets. I want this Assassin to be brought before me on a silver platter!" while Dante gave a small nod, Marco then asked a servant "You! I want these walls to be redecorated at once! I want it in blue, not dark red!"

The servant nodded heavily, frightened, and went on his way to fix it "Si, Singore! I'll get it fixed right away, Signore!"

Marco chuckled as he asked Carlotta "You see, wife? Only a day Doge, and already being respected and listened to as I was always supposed to be. Ha!"

Carlotta sighed while stating sarcastically "Sure. Very fit for a Barbarigo. What new is there."

This sarcasm didn't suited well with Marco as he marched over to her and slapped her face! "You dare to speak to me like that!? You will show me and your new family proper respect. Do you understand?"

Giving a small sob while rubbing her hurt face, Carlotta nodded.

"Good. Now get out of here. I have more work to do."

Carlotta began to leave. She glanced at Dante one last time, hoping that he would show some worry, or sorry for her being in this state. But as always… he showed no interest or any emotion. Sadly, Carlotta left, feeling that the only man she ever loved was truly gone. But deep in her heart, she still had hopes that he would return to his original state before his attempted murder.

A few days later, at the Vatican…

Cardinal Borgia was reading a letter he'd received from his Templar brother, Silvio, stating that Marco was now installed as Doge of Venice.

Rodrigo chuckled evilly as he was about to write another letter and told a very trustworthy messenger to deliver it.

While he left his office, Rodrigo Borgia grew an evil smile on his face "Now… the real work can begin."

A/N: Hello all! Glad to be back to this story after some time. My apologies for the insane long waiting, but as I had other things on my head, including other great ideas I wanted to use as new stories or new plot lines, I couldn't find the time to write this chapter. I first intended to make and post this one in December, but now that it is finished I feel very much relieved.

The next chapter, where Ezio and Cristina will attend Venetian Carnival and get rid of the evil Doge Marco Barbarigo, I have something else in mind for that chapter that would surprise you all.

I can't say when I'm going to post that new chapter, as some of you might have noticed that starting from 2022, I'm making every time a list of stories where I'm going to working on, including my new stories. Explanation of how these lists work you can find it on my profile.

So, I'll be looking forward to all your reviews and likes. Be patient and hopefully I'll see you all soon.