Building & Crashing

Chapter 3: Building Trust & Crashing Parties

Of all the god damn luck. I have to be face to face with him… again. He definitely is looking to kill someone with how pissed off he looks. He definitely was in one hell of a fight. There's a lot of blood dripping from his lips.

"It's you again." He spoke up

"Y-Yes…"

"Again, I ask you; who are you?" He had a slight menacing tone to his voice. He's already ticked off so I better pick my words carefully here.

"I mean no harm, honest. I'm just here to enjoy the celebration of Carnevale." There was no attempt of trying to bullshit, no attempts at deceiving, all genuine. Besides, I don't think it would be nice to be stabbed by one of those nice looking blades there.

"Hmm…" He stared intently into my eyes, as if he was trying to look into my soul, probably trying to analyze it. I have a good soul; I gave my life and saved millions of people around the world. I'm a selfless good person. Yeah…

"What did you say your name was?" He asked me while putting his blades away. That's a good sign.

"Cole MacGrath." For some reason, saying that name didn't sit right with me…

"Why did you run earlier?"

"No offense, messere" There goes that Italian. "You are quite intimidating."

He gave a knowing smile. "Va bene, come with me."

He began to walk, I followed him.

Best not to disobey him if I want to stay on his good side. I am on his good side right?

"Citizens of Venezia! Heed my warning! A ruthless, heartless, demon walks the streets! The only way for our streets to safe once again is for him to be brought to justice! If you spy a hooded man, keep your distance and quietly and calmly inform a guard!"

"Huh, wait here." He walked up to the man making the public announcements. He pulled him to the side, appeared to whisper something in his ear then slipped him a small pouch.

"Do not forget to try your hand at Carnevale! The chance to attend one of the largest parties of Carnevale! A party hosted by the one and only, our beloved Doge, Marco Barbarigo! Test your hand to win the only way of admittance. The coveted golden mask!"

What the hell just happened?

The man made his way back over to me and noticed my confused expression. "These heralds will often sing another tune with the right amount of money." He explained.

"Oh, that's interesting." The tone in his voice has less of a hostile tone to it. But I don't think I'm completely off the hook yet.

"By the way, I didn't catch your name?" Might as well get his name.

"Ezio Auditore Da Firenze."

Damn that is a long name.

"Do I have to say all of that when addressing you?"

"Only if it pleases you to do so, but Ezio is plenty enough."

"Fair enough Ezio. Ah, shall we continue on?"

"We shall. Come."

Wow a conversation where it doesn't sound like my life is being put on the line. You're on your way Cole.

Of course this could still be trap.

~AC~IF~

After walking in a comfortable silence we finally arrived at a building. Ezio knocked on the door before opening the door and walking in. He beckoned me to come in as well.

"Oh Ezio, who is this?"

"An acquaintance, meet Cole MacGrath. Cole, meet Antonio and Sister Teodora."

"Nice to meet you." Antonio came up to me and shook my hand as well as Teodora. Now I've never seen a nun dress like that .

When we turned our attention to him, Ezio was pacing with an impatient look on his face.

"Ezio." Teodora began. "I apologize Ezio. We did not expect for Silvio to cheat as he did."

"You should have Ezio. That man is as slippery as they come." Antonio spoke to Ezio.

"Teodora!" Another woman came rushing in. Now there's an, ahem, interesting get up. "That rottinculo who stole the golden mask is on his way to the Doge's party!"

"I will go." Ezio spoke up. "I can get to him before he gets to the party and take back the mask."

"How, by killing the poor stronzo?" Antonio replied.

"Yes, we have no choice. You know what is at stake." Ezio replied.

"No. Word will spread quickly that he had been killed and the party will be canceled. Marco will retreat to his Palazzo, unreachable. All of this would have been for nothing. You must steal the mask, but do so quietly." Antonio spoke.

"My girls can help; they are well on their way to the party. They are all over the place, they can help distract him while you take back the mask." Teodora spoke.

"Va bene, I can do that."

Despite throwing one of the biggest parties here, this Marco sure sounds like a bad guy.

"Cole." Ezio turned to me. "Go find a guard and steal his clothing so that you can covertly gain access into the party. You may be of good use."

"I can do that."

"Be sure to not be detected Cole. Once you are dressed accordingly, come find me inside the party." Teodora instructed. "And if you run into trouble with the guards, find my girls on route. They can distract the guards while you slip inside."

"I understand."

"Alright, let's go."

~AC~IF~

Alright, don't be detected. I have to do this without being detected. Seems easy enough, right? Maybe there are some guards on the roof. If there are, I can take one out fairly discreetly.

I climbed up a nearby building and searched the rooftops. There's a guard a few rooftops away. Alright, this has to be a very clean kill, sterile even. I double checked that there were no guards nearby. Time slowed down as I zoomed in on my target. A shot to the face is the best and cleanest way to go. Here we go.

I sent a strong and precise strike to his head. He fell over dead. Nice.

"What was that light?"

Oh merda…

"The light came from up here!"

Double merda…

I quickly ran across the rooftops. Grazie dio for my static thrusters.

I ran towards the dead body, grabbed it and jumped into a nearby rooftop garden. How convenient.

I heard the guards' footsteps coming closer and closer to my location. Eventually I saw one of them standing right next to my hiding spot.

Please just drop it and go away…

"Huh… I must be seeing things."

The guard gave up and left. As soon I didn't hear any more footsteps on the rooftop, I jumped out. Talk about cutting it close.

I stripped the dead guard his clothing and changed into it. Not too bad of a fit, not too loose, not too tight. I would keep this look if it weren't for the ridiculous appearance. How could anyone be feared while wearing this?

I'm in Venice, Italy, year 1486. I guess anything is possible.

The pouches the guard had for weapons were large enough to hold my original clothing. I carefully and meticulously folded my robes, shirt, and pants and fit them into the pouches. I placed the pouches at my side. I grabbed his sword and placed it in its holder. Got to complete the look.

I am good to go. Most likely looking like an idiot, but good to go.

Let's do this.

~AC~IF~

I was able to get into the party with no trouble. The guards were none the wiser and they let me in without any question. That's one less thing to worry about.

"Cole!" I turned in the direction of the voice and found Teodora.

"Good job, now stick with me." She began to walk and I followed her.

"You lucky bastardo…" Was the coy comment said to me by a fellow guard who walked by. Then a group of guards frantically approached us.

Uh-oh.

"Remain on high alert, signore. Ezio is rumored to have gained access in. If you spot him, do not hesitate to take him out. The group of guards walked away.

"Just as I feared. The guards are on high alert, looking for Ezio. If any guard looks suspicious and is investigating Ezio, take them out. But do so quietly. This may be the only chance we have." Teodora instructed.

"Will do."

I spotted Ezio within a crowd of women.

"Come!" Teodora said. I followed her.

"Ezio, the guards are on high alert."

"I know." He responded. They turned to the old man on the boat who was in the middle of giving a speech. This man must be Marco Barbarigo… the target.

"Merda. He is not leaving the boat… I will have to swim out there…" Ezio mused.

"I wouldn't try it. You would be spotted right away." Teodora responded.

"Then I'll fight my way out th-"

"Wait." Ezio and Teodora grew silent. I looked around, making sure we weren't being investigated by any guards. The guards noticed us and would briefly investigate us, but their attention on us did not last long as they returned to other matters.

"That's it your pistola! It's as loud as those explosions. Time it right and you'll walk out of here unnoticed." Teodora spoke up.

"I like the way you think, Sister"

"Cole, watch Ezio's back. Remember if any guard's suspicion seems to be growing, take him out quietly. I will be waiting for you two back at the brothel my sons. Buona fortuna."

"On my signal, escape the party and meet us at back at the brothel." Ezio spoke to me.

"Bene, but what will be your signal?"

"You will know when it happens." Ezio walked on ahead, trying to get into a good spot for the kill. I moved out to the side, keeping eye out on the surroundings. Clear so far…

Ezio walks up to the boat.

The guards are getting suspicious…

Ezio raised his hand, taking aim at Marco.

The guards are suspicious! Take the shot already!

The guards pulled their swords, ready to attack. I've got to do something.

I moved closer to Ezio, taking aim at the guards. Screw being stealthy.

Just as I took a shot at guard, I heard the distinct sound of a bullet being released from its chamber. The bullet hit Marco dead on. Finally.

But then everything started fading out and breaking down. Then there was nothing but a white landscape. I looked over and saw Ezio with a mortally wounded, dying Marco in his arms.

"No! It's too soon! I'm not ready!" Marco cried out.

"We rarely are." Ezio responded. "Che la morte non sia crudele. Requiescat in Pace."

Marco fell back dead. I felt chills go up my spine when I heard Ezio speak those words. I barely knew what he was saying but at the same time, I did. It's a strange feeling…

Requiescat in Pace…

Requiescat in Pace…

Everything faded out again and things started rebuilding itself. Soon, everything was back to normal.

Well that was one hell of a signal.

There was chaos everywhere. I took advantage of the chaos and ran out.

"Hey where you going?! Get over here ora!"

I ran around the corner. Time to put one of Ezio's tactics to the test.

I ran towards a cart of hay and climbed in.

And now we wait.

"Cazzo, I lost him…"

Yes, yes you did.

I heard his footsteps fade away. I peeked out of the haystack and saw his retreating figure.

Heh, imbecille.

Across from me was a secluded area, the perfect area to discreetly change back into my clothes. Finally I can get out of this ridiculous get up. Seriously, kudos to them for being able to pull this off confidently. I changed back into my normal clothes and put my robes back on. I decided to hang on to the sword and dagger and put them in their respective holders. I tossed the guard outfit into the hay pile. Food for the cows.

I made my way back to the brothel. I knocked on the door before entering. Antonio, Teodora, and Ezio looked very pleased.

"That was a job well done, Cole." Teodora praised.

"I did not do anything. It was all Ezio."

"Such a humble man. Come, relax, you look exhausted."

Well now that she mentions it, I do feel a little winded.

"My sons, I feel your tired bodies in need of comfort and succor."

"We may need a great deal of comfort and succor." Ezio replied… while softly stroking her chest.

He sure as hell has a way with words.

"That can be arranged-Girls!"

He really has a way with words.

We were quickly surrounded by women, all eager and willing to provide us with comfort and succor, whatever that is.

In my lifetime, I've had a great deal of wild, crazy, and unforgettable nights. This one definitely takes the number one spot.

~*Memory Synched: Sequence 9 complete.*~

Synchronization rate: 11%

Though Cole didn't really do much here, don't fret he will have a much larger role as the series goes on! =)

Hope you guys liked this chapter. Please favorite, alert and, review =)