TMWolf: So, uh, I meant to update way sooner LOL oops! Sorry! But in my defense I was very busy enjoying a week of Birthday celebrations and spending time with my bff who came to visit so it's been a busy one! It was such a good week, too, and probably my best b-day every, so yay being 26 for me! xD Anyways, here's an update for you all! And just have to say, this was probably one of my favorite, if not THE fav chapter to write of the story X)

Thanks for all my readers giving their reviews and comments and enjoying the story! :)

This chapter's song is Lana del Rey (ft. the Weeknd) - Lust For Life. Not absolutely perfect with the lyrics, but I thought it was so good for it. Sia - Human was another good contender, but I thought Lana's song was a bit better. That or her Love one which I adore, although probably fit Chronos better xD Just gah! So many good songs for it.

Oh, by the way-A BIT MORE R-RATED AT THE END, SO DISCLAIMER I TOLD Y'ALL XD

24 – Lust For Life

July 10, 1501

Roma, Italy

Catherine inhaled deeply as she adjusted her gauntlet, a small piece of her Assassin attire, but it made everything come together. Then again, she wasn't an Assassin anymore, so she probably didn't need her Hidden Blade equipment, but it felt wrong not to wear it. It was the gear she'd worn for decades now, and she felt strange in anything else. Besides, she'd need it for today—it was time to properly initiate their former recruits and she had to dress the part. After that was more training, too, and assigning first mission, so it was appropriate. Still, her doubts lingered, and when she glanced to the wolf head on her vanity, the stab grew sharper. Looking away helped, but she swore she could still hear them—the whispers.

The redhead shook her head as she stood and adjusted her things once more. A knock came at the door, and when she looked up Ezio had opened it to pop his head in. Seeing her decent, he pressed in and came to stand before her. He took her chin gently in his hand, lifting her head up while he tilted his slightly to the side and hummed thoughtfully.

"You don't need to speak if you don't want to," he spoke softly, ever able to read her—just as she could tell there was more that he meant to the question than he let on.

"No, I do. I know what you said, but… I owe them an apology for my actions—and they need recognition of their work from their Mentor. You remember how proud you were every time Mario commended your work," she chuckled, raising a slightly challenging brow.

"…Fair point," Ezio chuckle back and kissed her forehead. "Well, they should all be down there, and I put the kids to bed, so everything is ready to go."

"You got them to go to sleep?"

He scoffed, "I am quite capable, thank-you."

"So I see," she smiled and reached up to squeeze his hand gently. "Alright. Let's go. I've kept them waiting long enough."

Ezio stepped aside, and Catherine walked by. Her feet took her through their door and down the stairs to the lower floors. Diana and Mario were asleep, and so their room remain closed as they went by. The main floor was empty of anyone and the torches had been dimmed for the night, giving a somber shadow to the grand abode. There was an almost eerie silence that made her feet heavy with her guilt, but the presence of her lover behind her—the clack of his boots' heel against the stone—gave her resolve. He wouldn't let her turn back, and so she would not. She instead turned into the hallway leading to a second stairway that led lower. It was a bit off to the side to conceal itself some, but she knew it well. The stairs only went one way to a lower chamber—the very one used for training, although today it served another purpose.

Torches lined the room and were lit with a tall, bright frame that illuminated the stone walls in a mixture of red and gold and orange. Red banners spanned the length, the Assassin sigil etched in gold on the front. It was a callback to their own family emblem, but now served a greater purpose. Along the floor ran a rug, also painted red and flecked with gold patterns in its make. It stretched all the way to the upper section of the back, nestled between four pillars. All along the side, their recruits stood, arms clasped behind their back and chins held high. Their once meager attire was replaced with better gear—provided by both Niccolò and Leonardo. They looked like proper Assassins, and tonight, they would be.

Catherine looked to the nobleman who had helped him, the older man standing reverently in the center of the pillars where the rug ended. Before him was a small pyre, lit with a small flame. Its embers twinkled brightly, and a pleasant fragrance came from the smoke. It was said to be have been part of the ancient right since forever, although the Italian Order now used it to make a mark as opposed to simply a ritualistic smell. That, and a burn made a good replacement for the loss of a finger, although she'd heard some of their brother sects elsewhere in the world still did so.

But that was a notion to ponder another time. Tonight, she had another goal to make good on as she and Ezio approached Niccolò, nodding respectfully, and then turned to face the crowd. The recruits moved their position, aligning themselves parallel to their Mentors. Catherine regarded them all closely, the silence deafening and making her heart race. Piero. Giotto. Belloza. Carlo. Jacopo. Allessandra. Six Assassins. With her and Ezio, it made eight. Just years ago, they had been the only two working in all of Italia, and even then her husband had often worked on her own while she cared for their child and watched over their home. But now? Now they had quadrupled, and it seemed like a dream. All of it—even the fall of their city. Their former home. Yet, she knew this was real; so very, very real. A mixture of sorrow, pride, and a small glimmer of hope came over her, and it did well to bite back the guilt she felt when she met her former students' eyes.

"You have been summoned here today for a… momentous occasion. Today you will truly join us. You will no longer be recruits but Assassins of the Order. Brothers. Sisters. You will be those who work in the dark to serve the light. From this day forth you will act on your own for the Order. You will take down your targets on your own tenants. Your actions will be your own. Your choices will be your own. Your consequences will be your own. No rules will bind you, save the three tenants of our Order. You will do what no one else can, and with this power you will create the change that frees not only Roma and her people, but all of Italia and those around us. Our Order does not pertain to one place. Just as the tyranny of the Borgia can be found elsewhere, be it another name, another cause, we will be there to fight it. For we are Assassins, and this is the gift of power we have been given.

She paused to take in a shaky breath, "But… with this power comes consequence. Responsibility. As I told you, your consequences are your own, and you, above all others, know what power may do to a man. We are but human, and we can be weak. And when a weak man—or an even weaker woman—gains power… it corrupts. Corrodes. It makes you sick and makes you lose your sense of self. What you once used for justice is now used for tyranny. Laws are bent, broken. A blade stayed from the innocent no longer knows the difference. A call for the death of a tyrant cannot tell who is the oppressed. Your eyes become clouded with hate and greed and madness."

Catherine's gaze faltered, the silence thickening, but she licked her lips and went on, "I tell you this because I succumbed to that madness, and I was one of the lucky few who managed to find myself again—to pull away from the dark lull, and it is a terrible, addicting thing. I let the power change me—change what I stood for, and I have done terrible, cruel things… and I stand before you now both as your Sister, your Mentor, and your example. Do not forget the depth of the power you hold. Do not forget what you have been blessed with this power for. It is not for ourselves. It is not for your vengeance, your retribution, your recompense—whatever you want to call it. Our power is for the oppressed—to free them off their chains and ensure that the people are free. And so, in the wake of my warning, I ask for your forgiveness for what I have done and swear that I will do all I can to repay you all. For now, I hope to do so by teaching you all I have to offer and any new Sisters or Brothers who will join you one day… should you allow it."

The silence came back, but there was an awkwardness to it as the former recruits glanced amongst one another. Many brows raised and odd looks were exchanged.

Ezio coughed, "She's asking if you still want her, after having just about broken the tenants of our Order, to be your mentor and teach future recruits."

"Er… sorry for our confusion. It's just… there was nothing to particularly apologize for to begin with," Piero hummed, head tilting. "You'd explained things before to us."

"I mean, we do definitely understand why you did what you did," Alessandra shrugged. "We've all lost someone. And after everything that happened…"

"Not that we don't appreciate it, Mentor, and we're glad you're better, although it's pretty strange to have you not yelling at us as much," Giotto added with a grin and a shrug of his own.

Jacopo scoffed, "You're still a better fighter than us, so probably best you keep teaching us."

"Ha! You finally admit it!" Carlo bellowed, slapping his shoulder.

"Oi! Keep in line man, we've got our chance to answer, but we're still in a ceremony for God's sake! Lord Machiavelli is even here!" Belloza scoffed, sending searing glares that brought the motley crew into line ago. She turned her now neutral gaze to meet Catherine's. "You are our Mentor, Lady Auditore. You always have been, and we will heed your warnings and do all we can to uphold the Creed. We fight for the people, no longer ourselves."

"It seems you have your answer," Niccolò mused from behind, and when the redhead looked back, she could see the smallest flicker of a smile on his stalwart visage. Catherine couldn't keep her own back as a weight was lifted, although some still lingered. It was lighter, though, and she could hold her head high as she regarded her new comrades.

"Then so be it. I will remain as your Mentor, both providing your training and your missions," she spoke—more proudly this time, and then turned to Ezio. "Just as Ezio will be your Mentor in our ways and our Creed, helping you to walk this path and not waver from it, just as he did for me. He will also be the one to properly induct you into our order."

With that, the redhead back up to stand by Niccolò, arms braced behind her back while Ezio came forward, his face beaming with joy and pride. The nobleman shared a look with her, and then returned forward as the Master Assassin began to speak,

"Laa shay'a waqi'un moutlaq bale kouloun moumkine," he began, his voice echoing through the solemn halls, a quiet settling over them. "The wisdom of our Creed is revealed through these words. We work in the dark, to serve the light. When you undertake our oath, you will devote yourself to this life, and to following our tenants. They are the three rules that bind us, not only to protect the people, but to ensure the success of our work, the mastery of our emotions, and the safety of our Brotherhood. Listen well and remember: Stay your blade from the flesh of an innocent. Hide in plain sight. Never compromise the Brotherhood. Know these. Engrave them in your mind and upon your blade. Never forget them. And never forget that which guides us most: Nothing is true; everything is permitted. Most of all, though, know this: We are Assassins.

He paused as the former recruits repeated their maxim, his chest swelling with joy, "Now, may the first come forward, and earn your mark."

Piero was the first, and he walked up the steps with a bright smile on his face, a young man proud to do this work. He was as much of an asset as any of them, and Catherine knew he would go on to do great things. He took the burn on his ring finger with but a wince and a chuckle and that was it.

He was an Assassin.

And soon enough, they all were, marked by the dark ring on their hand. All that remained was one, final task—the one that proved one's true worth as an Assassin. For it, though, they had to venture all the way back up to the rooftop, ascending stair after stair until they reached the door and opened it to reveal the dark, moonlit sky. At the edge of the tower's top was a platform, and down below, the water of the Tiber River. They had already spoken of the final step before, and so Piero, first to receive the mark, was the first to come to the wooden construct. He didn't hesitate as he spread is arms—like wings—and took flight. His faith in his Brotherhood—in their assurance he would survive—was confirmed with a leap and a resounding splash below.

The others followed in suit, one by one, until only Ezio, Catherine, and Niccolò remained. Like the Lord Auditore and even herself much later, the six individuals had become truly a part of the Order. They were Assassins, and from then onward, they served a much higher purpose.

Catherine, of course, was just relieved to have found only understanding with her former trainees, and no longer felt unsure of her footing. There was still a ways to go, and the guilt would serve as a reminder, but it was clearer now—the path. She had her husband and allies to help her, too, and just looking into Ezio's eyes as he took her hand once it was all said and done gave her strength. It carried her all the way back to the main floor of the hide out, where their Assassins were gathered, dripping with the waters of the Tiber. They looked like a soppy mess, but their grins and chuckles made for a different story.

"You are all free to celebrate as you wish… but remember that your families and loved ones cannot know—for their own safety. There are exceptions, but we ask you come to us first. It is not an easy life to live. I never knew of my father's work as an Assassin until after his death and it was… difficult to understand—at first. But know it is for a greater purpose and for them. You fight for them. Never forget," Ezio spoke, his voice echoing again. He grinned not a moment later, though, "But tonight feel free to forget the pain and enjoy yourselves… and dry off. Just report here first thing tomorrow for your first proper missions."

"Yes, Mentor!" came their unison cry, and that was that.

"I have much work to do, so I must take my leave now, but I first I offer my congratulations. You both did well, and you have found good, strong Assassins. You should both be very proud of what you have accomplished here," Niccolò spoke up once they had reached the stairs, bringing the two Master Assassin's focus to him. "I admit… while I had confidence in your abilities… I was not certain it could be done, and yet here I stand. You will need more Assassins, though—if you wish to truly end the Borgia's reign and that of others."

"I had planned to search for more recruits starting tomorrow, and to have our new Assassins find them, too. With luck, we'll find six more and Catherine can whip them into shape in time," Ezio chuckled, moving his arm from her hand to around her shoulder.

"I have a better idea of how to train them all now, too. Although, I suppose we need to figure out what to do with all of them by then. We really only need the six for here, I would think."

The nobleman hummed, moving past them, "I will leave that decision to you—they are yours to command, after all."

"Of course. I imagine we won't see you quite so much around here then… But do come back to visit Diana—she always enjoys your company

"I will do my best, although I may be even more occupied soon with matters of the fairer sex."

Catherine paused, torn between shock and confusion, "'Matters of the'… Oh! Oh. Niccolò, are you getting engaged?"

"Perhaps. If all goes well. A fine noblewoman. And rather keen. I have been lucky enough to enjoy conversation with her, and I find her quite handsome."

"Oh, boy… If you ever need tips on wooing a woman, let me know, Machiavelli," Ezio chuckled, although his wife rolled his eyes.

"No, come to see me. Ezio will just tell you sleep with other woman and make sure she knows so she gets jealous which is supposedly meant to make her confess."

"I appreciate the offer, but I am quite alright," the nobleman chuckled, shaking his head. He straightened his shoulders and adjusted his tunic. "Now, I must be off. I will send any requests or missions via the pigeons… and will make a point to see Diana more if I am able. Until then, safety and peace be to you both."

"Safety and peace," Catherine hummed back as her husband did, and once their friend was gone, she let out a deep sigh, and fell into Ezio's side. He chuckled, squeezing her shoulder and kissing her brow.

"I know how you feel. That was very brave of you. But I told you that you didn't need to worry," he snickered as he urged her forward. She followed him down the steps.

"I know, I know, but… ah, well, it's done and over with. We have new Assassins, more recruits to come, and plenty of work to do. I just hope we can make waves against the Borgia sooner rather than later."

"Sadly, I imagine it might take a long while—even years. You remember how Venezia went?" Ezio sighed, pausing to let his wife make an unhappy sound. "Regardless, we need to focus on our efforts. The stronger we make the Order, the stronger we'll hit Cesare and his Templars."

"We'll have plenty to do. Leonardo does need us to destroy his War Machines. It could take months at a time to do that," the redhead also sighed, tilting her head slightly. She shrugged a moment later. "Ah, let's save it for tomorrow. I want to sleep, truth be told. That took a lot out of me for not doing much."

Ezio chuckled, kissing her cheek, "Same. Come, then. Let us rest our bones."

"It sounds so morbid when you say it like that. I'm not that old. And neither or you," she snorted, patting his belly, which was still firm even under his belts.

"Ah, but beautiful women are blessed with youth, unlike us men," he hummed as he made for the stairs, walking up with her one step after the other.

"Yeah, save that for when you hit sixty, buster. You're fit as a fiddle still, and I don't want my recruits thinking their Master here is old and feeble. It sets a bad example."

"Oh is that why? Well, I'll do my best to keep in shape then," he laughed, shaking his head.

She laughed with him for a moment before settling into a calm silence, the only sound the echo of their heels on the wooden steps. The squeak of their door soon joined it, along with the thud of armor and equipment being pulled off and set down. Both collapsed down onto their bed once down to but their undershirt and pants and let out deep sighs. Catherine sat up after a moment, a small smile on her face that caused Ezio's brow to raise.

"What is it?" he asked softly, reaching over to brush his thumb across the top of her hand.

She shrugged, "Nothing, I guess. Just… feeling… good. Yeah."

"Good. Get some sleep then. You have to wake the children up this time," he snickered playfully, earning a look and a snort.

"Uh-huh," she snickered as he settled down himself. She knew he was waiting for her fully, but she waited a bit. Her eyes peered into the dark—to the single, gleaming yellow orb. Her body felt cold as fear seized her; the icy anticipation of what was to come, yet there was a small flicker of hope.

For a moment, she thought it was done.

But then—a whisper. Quiet, and weak, but there.

It was still there; still calling her.

It wasn't enough.

She had to do more—but what?

Catherine withheld her sigh as she lay back, squeezing her eyes, and wishing it would stop. She had made it better, but what more was there to be done? How could she be rid of the voices? The call? The reminder of what she had been? She had to get rid of it somehow. She couldn't risk hearing the lull; couldn't risk falling back to that dark place. She had to be free of it and grow into something better than who she truly was.

The answer confounded her as the hour waned, and no sleep would come. There was only the occasional call for her from the wolf's maw, and her caterwaul to push it back. She was stronger, she was certain, but who knew what countless blows could do? How long could she hold strong? What if the Borgia did something to her again? To Ezio? To her children? Her family? Would she ignore the Wolf? Would she remain strong? Or would she crumble and succumb to madness at its beckon?

She had to be rid of it.

Catherine sat up, having been tossing and turning in her fruitless attempt to sleep. She brought her knees to her chest and stared at the mask. It was calling to her, even now, and she could recall clearly the pure joy she'd felt killing her enemies; the insatiable lust for their blood. She had wanted it so badly, but now? Not it frightened and disgusted her, and it didn't feel enough to simple toss away the white pelt. No, she'd always remember it somehow—she'd try to find it. Maybe. Probably. It was impossible to say, but just the possibility was too much.

She had to destroy it. Completely. Utterly.

Her head lifted, a shine to her iris as she sucked in a quiet breath of air. Beside her, Ezio stirred, jolting a little, but then calming. He looked to his wife, calling her name softly. She didn't look to him—not right away, and it worried him. But then she turned to face him, a look he hadn't seen before in her eyes, and took his hand to squeeze it, almost like a vice.

"I need you to come with me."

He opened his mouth to ask why, but then closed it, took in his wife, and nodded instead, "Alright. Armor?"

"No. Just your shirt. And boots," she explained, slipping from the bed to button her shirt proper and slip her shoes on. He did the same and turned towards her just as she approached the wolf mask. His heart thumped quickly.

"Catherine?"

She breathed in slowly, the call stronger, but her resilience was stronger, "Go ahead and ready horses for us—I'll be right behind you. Promise."

He watched her for another moment, then gave a quiet "alright". She was left be, just her and the mask. She'd been alone before, but it felt different now. It was trying so hard to make her submit. It wanted her to come back rather than be rid of it. It was a strange thing, thinking how hard it wanted to survive; how badly it wanted to live.

Vengeance was a poison that didn't want to be cured.

Catherine closed her eyes, breathing in deeply, and when she opened them again, the wolf pelt seemed different—less than it was. Just white fur, stained with red, and a single eye. The voice was there, but weak, and when she grasped the matted fur in her hand, it felt cold. She turned, the hood dangling by her side, and didn't stop walking until she reached the stables where Ezio had her horse ready and waiting. He didn't ask questions as she took the reins, paused to look at a nearby lantern, and pulled it free from it's hook. She hoisted herself up, tethering the wolf mask to the saddle while handling the light in one hand and her horse with the other. She met her husband's gaze as he, too, mounted, and then spurred her horse onwards at an easy trot through the streets.

The hour was late, the crescent moon high, and the cobbles stone roads empty, giving an eerie quiet to the city. Catherine's mind made little note of it, though, as she pushed her steed through a short section of the middle-class area of Roma and over the river to the countryside. There, buildings gave way to long stretches of flat roads nestled between tall hills and ridges. In the distance was the enormous Colosseo, standing tall and strong even after so many years had passed. It was to there she rode towards, minding any guards on the road by steering clear. She veered southward along the outer rim of the structure, heading towards a section of abandoned homes. There, she finally brought the horse to a stop, staring at one in particular. Ezio came up beside her, watching her intently in the silence.

She breathed in deeply and slowly, "This was where they took me—threw me to the wolves."

Ezio felt his heart hammer and blood run cold, and he thought she might go on, but she didn't. His gut twisted with the guilt, of realizing how he might have stopped it, and yet knowing he couldn't have. He watched her as she looked to a higher hill further off to the south, away from prying eyes, and turned her horse towards it. He followed her lead, never questioning a moment as she came up to a nearby set of thick brush and trees. No guards would easily notice them as they dismounted. Catherine gave her reigns to Ezio, picking sticks and branches into her hand instead. The wolf hood was fastened to her belt as she worked, the lantern on the other. It took longer than she'd like, and Ezio thought of offering to help, but her movement were with great purpose and need, so he let her create her hearth, forming a dirt spot to set the wood in. Once it was complete, she pulled the lantern free and tossed it on the center.

The shatter of glass sparked a small flame that soon grew bright and big and hot. It crackled loudly, and, after another long moment, Catherine took her wolf hood and tossed it into the fire.

She heard the scream.

It was deafening; a final caterwaul; the dying cries.

It begged her to save it—to surrender and return to the madness. But it was only for a moment, and then there was only the sound of the fire crackling. She breathed in, not realizing she'd been holding it, and it was like a weight had lifted. The voices were gone, shattered, and burned. The pelt was turning black in the flame, and the eye was shut.

The tears came without her realizing it, and they didn't stop. She chocked back a sob, but then let the next go freely. Ezio was by her at once, taking her hand in his and reaching up to cup her cheek, turning it towards him. She leaned into the touch, squeezing her eyes shut, though it did little to ebb the stream.

"I did terrible, awful things—to people. To Diana. To you. I let myself get lost and hurt you. I hurt you, Ezio. I did those terrible things to you. I almost lost all of you because of what I did. I almost got our Assassins killed. I don't deserve to be here—I don't deserve you or Diana… or even Mario."

"No, Catherine, you do. Believe me, you do," Ezio smiled softly, never breaking her gaze.

"How can you say that?"

"You know why, and but I'll tell you again," he chuckled, pressing his forehead to hers. "Because you came back. You didn't give in. You didn't kill Lucrezia when you wanted it more than anything. You stayed your Blade, and you came back. You didn't give in. Not completely. You resisted all this time, and you've already started working to become better. That counts more than anything."

"Still… how can you forgive me for what I did? How can Diana?"

"Because Diana loves you, and just wanted her mother back. And because I love you, Catherine. More than anything. And I will never give up on you. Ever. So look to me if you need strength, and know we will always forgive you," he smiled, stroking her cheek as he wiped away a tear. Catherine couldn't help a blush, hidden by the dark, and smiled back. She reached up to touch the side of his face as well.

"You're too good to me," she replied softly, and pressed her lips to his. He returned it in kind, dropped his hand to wrap his arms around her waist. They savored the moment, a different flame kindled, and pulled back to remain at an embrace.

"And I'll never stop being good to you. Now… are you… alright?" he murmured, keeping their foreheads touching.

"…Better. And tired. Definitely better, though—more than before."

He grinned, "Good… then let's head back."

Catherine smiled, "Yeah. Let's head home."

They left then, the fire burning low, but burning true; turning the white fur to ash, and in the night, there was only silence.

-O-

August 01, 1501

Rome, Italy

"Wait—you're teaching us to fight?"

Catherine almost laughed. Almost. Her lip did quirk upwards, though, as she regarded the young upstart. He was probably the youngest of them, perhaps barely eighteen with only a bit of a beard growing. He had some bulk to him already, though, and wore clothes dirty and scruffy like he'd been working on a farm. It's possible he had been. He had oddly dirty blonde hair with lighter eyes, but his skin was golden tan. He reminded her a bit of Ezio in terms of physique, which would work well in his favor. Next to him was a woman, perhaps in her twenties, and rather lithe. It might not go well for her during the training, but Catherine would do what she could to ensure she succeeded and thrived—should she stay.

"Yes, I am your Mentor. Just as I have trained your Brothers and Sister here today," the redhead replied, motioning to Piero, Giotto, and Belloza. The others had been sent on missions, but the trio had decided to meet the new recruits and train some more. "Under my guidance, they have become fine Assassins… and so too, will you both, should you prove your worth. The training will be grueling and test you in ways you never have been before. If you choose to back out, none will hold ill will, but if you endure… well, let's just say the Borgia will have another reason to watch over their shoulder."

"If you don't believe her, then take it from me, kid—she's the real deal. And she'll prove it, too," Piero snickered, nudging the young man, who shot a quick glare, then regarded the redhead.

"Alright. Yeah. Prove it."

Catherine sighed and stepped down towards the young man. Her Assassins grinned among themselves as they backed off—Piero tugged the new girl to give her the memo, which she did a bit shyly—and she took up position across from the young man.

"Your name?"

"Alfonso," he barked, keeping stiff in his lack of stance. He didn't look a fighter, but Ezio had seen potential in him.

"Well then, Alfonso. Come. Allow me to prove myself," she smirked, ever so slightly. "Or are you all talk?"

The words hit him as she expected, and he made his first strike. It was very sloppy, but it had strength behind it, which was probably enough for the Borgia goons—especially if he wielded a bludgeon of some kind. But it wouldn't always work, and if it was a Captain, he'd be dead. So, it was almost too easy for Catherine as she dodged and tripped him, sending him tumbling. He was shocked by it, but scrambled up, thought better about his attempt, and tried again. This time she made a point to grab his wrist when she dodged and twisted his arm back. A swift kick to the back of his knee and he went down. She grabbed his shirt collar, too, pulling him back.

"Well?" she chuckled.

"Let go! That hurts!" he hissed but didn't struggle much. Catherine smirked a little as she relented, releasing his limb and letting him up.

"…Wow, you went easy on him. Where was that when we're recruits?" Giotto snorted, folding his arms.

"I've… decided to change my methods," she replied wryly. "Don't pout. And as for you, Alfonso… have I made my point?"

"Ah… yeah," he grumbled, rubbing his wrist.

"Good. Well then, since we do have our veterans here… how about a special type of training for you three—you will train them."

"Huh?" came the unison reply.

The redhead laughed, "With my supervision, of course… but what better way to prove you truly know what you know until you train another? I'll give you the exercise and the movements, then you need to work to improve them. I'll adjust as I see fit and keep track of progress. I don't have much anything new to teach you, anyway—at least not until our Architect makes any new gear for us."

"Seems fair enough," Belloza shrugged.

"Then what say you two? Care to be taught by your Mentor and practice with the best I've to offer you?" Catherine inquired of her two new recruits, whom didn't say much beyond somewhat unsure nods. "Then it's settled—well, except for one thing. What is your name, my dear?"

"Ah, it's, um, M-Mella," she replied softly, rubbing her arm nervously.

"Good. A fine name. Now, come. Let us begin and see what kind of Assassins we can make of you."

It was a decent idea, and she found it worked well enough. Catherine had Belloza pair off with Mella to begin with, figuring the young woman would be more comfortable with another despite Piero matching her physique more. Alfonso was paired with both men, trading off as needed depending on what he was working on; either speed or strength. Catherine focused first on their stances and movements, and then pushed them towards particularly close combat maneuvers, since they would be most beneficial with the Hidden Blades and when escaping someone who might catch up to them. Of the two, Mella struggled the most, and, again, the Mentor had her doubts, but she wouldn't quit until the woman did. Alfonso had more potential, but she could see it was all a bitch much, but then again, it always was the first day. She was exceedingly glad—and proud—to see her former students doing a splendid job of instructing. Even Belloza, who was not a patient woman, was taking great pains to ensure Mella succeeded. It was a good sign, and one that proved her worth as a teacher herself.

It did her heart good, and it was made even better when she heard voices from the stairway. She looked up just as Ezio descended, Diana holding his hand as she walked beside him and Mario nestled in his arm. He'd had the children today, tasked with taking them to their Aunt and Grandmother's, and visiting Leonardo if allowed. The artist finally met them but a week ago, and their daughter was adamant about seeing him, too.

"Mama!" the redhaired child squealed as she released her father's hand and took a leap into her mother's arm. She swung her around, smiling brightly as she placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Ah! My sweet little girl! How was your visit?" she inquired, though paused when she noted her daughter had her boy's attire on. She raised a brow at her husband, her smile turning wry. "And how did your Aunt and Grandma take you not wearing a dress?"

"They were cross!" she giggled impishly. "But I felt like looking like you and Papa today!"

"It was fine. They knew it was coming, and Federico vouched for her despite his mother's glare," Ezio snickered, coming close to kiss Catherine's brow.

"How's he doing?"

"Good. Still… not what he was, but he's happy to help his mother protect the girls and get rid of the rowdy customers. He can do that well enough, and Giovanni visits more."

"That's good to hear. Claudia must be so happy—Maria, too."

"Me, too! 'Vani never comes here much but now I can see 'Rico whenever I want!" Diana grinned, though paused to look at the trainees. "Oooh, Mama, are those new recruits?"

"Uh-huh. Mella and Alfonso. I'm having Piero, Giotto, and Belloza do the hard work this time, though—to prove I did a good job. I'm hoping for some great things from them."

"Ooh, clever. Not a bad thing, considering we didn't have much for them to do this week," Ezio hummed, shifting Mario slightly.

Catherine reached over to brush his head gently, "Unfortunately… it's as I feared—Roma is too big for six and more to come. We need to think of something to do about it."

Her husband grinned, "You'll come up with something, no doubt."

"Uh-huh. Leave me with the hard work," she snorted, giving him a look, but then turned her attention to her daughter, whom clutched her shirt tight as she looked at the group. "What is it, Diana?"

"Um," she started, fingers rubbing nervously. "I… I wanna train, too!"

"Ah," Catherine mused, looking to her Assassins. Her lip curved upward after a moment, "Well… I suppose it couldn't hurt—we did promise we would let you. And it may not be your next birthday, but I think we can let that slide."

Diana's eyes went wide—Ezio's a little, too, though he grinned—and she let out an excited squeal of delight, bouncing in her arms. Catherine laughed as she put her down, taking her hand in hers to just keep her in place. She turned to her husband with a smirk.

"Seems I have a new recruit."

"Seems you do. Go on then, we'll watch. Do your best, Diana," Ezio beamed, much to his daughter's delight.

"Yes! Come on, let's go, Mama!" the girl laughed, tugging Catherine along. She laughed right on with her, and after giving a quick explanation to her Assassins—whom found it amusing, knowing Diana quite well now—began to work the young girl.

It was, perhaps, her greatest test as a teacher. Diana wanted to do anything and everything all at once, her attention every which way. She was eager, though, which was good, and Catherine mostly struggled to keep her still long enough to work on her stance. Once that was settled, it drifted into close combat like the rest, which was a bit trickier for her to manage, but she was putting all her effort into it. She was a promising trainee, that was for sure, and Catherine knew she'd received the fierce resolve her parents had. Again, the redheaded mother's pride swelled, though tenfold this time around. This was her daughter, after all, proving to be capable of being both an elegant lady in the making, and a fierce warrior to come. And when she looked to her husband, she could see him smiling with the same pride and joy, and even if his sister or mother might disapprove, they would gladly teach Diana all she desired and bring her into the fold when she came of age and was ready.

Catherine wiped her brow, sweat dribbling off it in nearly droves after hours of practice. Her recruits were equally exhausted, collapsed on the ground, panting hard and sweating even more than she was. Her Assassins were tired, too, but holding it together. And her daughter? It seemed she had boundless energy as she stood there, eagerly waiting for more and more and more. It was enough of a sight to bring a laugh out of her as she pat the girl's head gently.

"I think that's enough for today, my dear," she chuckled, standing upright to roll her shoulders and turn to her students. "Alright, well done everyone. You survived your first day, that's something to be proud of. Go on and get washed off, grab some food, and return home to rest. Trust me—you'll need it. And do your best to be here on time tomorrow."

Mella and Alfonso could only nod and weakly rise as the others gave their congrats. Diana pouted, but that was to be expected, and her mother only grinned as she took her hand and returned to her husband's side, whom still wore the look of pride and deep affection. It made her heart flutter.

"If you would be so kind, dear husband, I am sorely in need of a bath after that. Diana is, too, truth be told, so if you could take care of that while I clean up?"

He took her free hand, kissing the knuckles, "I may be of service for that."

"Thank-you," she grinned and then gave Mario and Diana both a kiss before ascending the stairs ahead of them. She didn't worry for her recruits, both having been given a proper talk about the Order beforehand, and certain they would be fine getting home on their own. For now, she focused on making it up the stairs, her body a bit weary from practicing for so long. Thankfully, she did make it, and had to snicker a little at how late the hour had become—moonlight was flickering through the windows and her room was dark. She quickly mended that by lighting a few candles and then started the flow of water to the tub. It would take some time to fill, so she used the moment to stretch her limbs and get off her main gear.

"Mind if I help?"

Catherine jumped, clutching at her chest, and laughed, "Ezio! Geez, you spooked me."

"What? Me? But I'm such a sweet, innocent man," he winked, sauntering closer as she began to unbutton her vest

She rolled her eyes, pulling the blue material off, "Oh, please. You're the least innocent man in the world."

"And you love it," he purred in return, reaching for her shirt before she could and plucking the first button free. "Or have I been mistaken all these years?"

"Tsk. You know I can't say I don't," she pouted, although couldn't help noticing how his eyes roved over her ever so slightly. Her heart raced again, cheeks growing warm.

"Good, because I love being your naughty, naughty man," he chuckled, motioning with a hand for her to turn around, which she obliged. He gingerly pulled her undershirt down, but instead of tugging it completely off, his hands lingered along her nape. He drew them down slow and gentle, caressing her skin with his fingertips. Her body tensed, eyes closing, and when his lips found her neck a moment later, she instinctual gasped. Her heart beat faster as hands and mouth drew lower, placing distinct kisses and touches on the scars there. Her shirt fell to the floor once free, and she found herself before him. His eyes found hers, and the intensity there stole her breath once again. His lips came close to hers, but strayed just enough away she couldn't take them in. His hands trailed along her sides and belly, making sure to find each and every scar until they latched onto her belt, undoing it, and urging her pants down.

"Your bath is ready," he hummed, rather impishly, and moved past her to turn off the water. She huffed slightly, cheeks hotter than the water, and shimmied off her clothes. She made a point to hold her head high as she came to the tub, leaning her hands on it, and gave him a look.

"What? You're not going to join me?"

"Oh, no, I am… I just simply wish to enjoy the view first," he smirked back, an approving look as he ogled her form again. It was almost wrong how easy he made her feel both incredulously shy and yet endlessly confident under his gaze. Either way, she reached over, tugging his shirt.

"That's funny—so do I. Don't keep me waiting now."

"As you wish," he growled softly, and relented. She, too, took her time savoring the sight of him, while also helping with the buttons. It made it all too easy to draw her own hands across his torso, his chest and abdomen still perfectly toned after all these years. She'd dare to say he'd gained some bulk, too, broadening his shoulders some, and filling his biceps out a bit. It was enough to stir something within her loins that had withered for some time and gave her a thrill as she stepped back into the tub, using a finger to summon her husband in as he slipped his pants and boots off.

"Careful, you're awful tempting right now," he cooed, stepping in and settling down at the rear. With a small tug he turned her around and set her in his lap in front of him. He took the towel on the edge once she was comfortable, and slowly drew it along her body, wiping the grime and sweat away. While his hands worked, making their way downward, his mouth found her neck again, lips brushing her skin, and making her blood burn in the best kind of way. A sigh escaped her, and she felt his own loins stirrings as well. "Have I told you how beautiful you are, Catherine?"

She shifted in his lap, turning around to straddle him, and ran wet fingers through his hair, "Many, many times…. But you haven't shown me."

"Well, allow me to rectify my grievous error," he husked, hand tangling into her released hair, and kissed her hard, deep, and passionate. She returned it in kind, latching her arms around his neck while his other hand found her leg. A fire was started, and it wasn't to be contained within such a small tub. Indeed, it wasn't long before he had her up in his arms, and then settled back onto the smooth sheets of their bed. The passion hardly ebbed, but rather increased into an inferno that quickly and surely consumed them in a flurry of moans, joyous cries, inexplicable pleasure, and the twisting and entwining of bodies. And when it passed, they were left tired and filled with the fading embers of ecstasy's aftermath. There Ezio had shifted them to be embraced under the sheets, his arm across her belly while he lay on his own, making it easier to look at her peaceful expression.

"It's been far, faaar too long," she purred, thumb brushing over the hand he kept on her belly while the other rubbed his beard.

"Indeed… I have missed this… and you more," he spoke softly, to which she returned a small smile and leaned over to kiss him gently.

"I know. Me, too… it's good to be back. Really back…"

"You were definitely yourself today. I could see it—when you were training them and Diana. She was shining, but it held no candle to you. She'll become a great Assassin. And… well, as much as I hate to say so, our enemy will last, so I will be happier knowing she can defend herself. The others, too," he chuckled a bit ruefully.

"With luck, we can protect her from it, but… yes, it's better she has the power to stand strong. Although, really, I'd rather we just go on those adventures like we originally planned, even if means involving Pieces of Eden," Catherine laughed.

"It might not be such a bad idea—traveling the world. Going to other countries. It would expand our knowledge, and who knows? We could finally connect with some of the other Orders finally," he shrugged before pushing up to hover over her and then descended on her neck, mouthing and nipping playfully. "But for now, my dear kitty-Cat… I think we should do a different kind of exploring…"

"Is that so?" she purred back, fingers drawing along his back as his mouth moved to her collar and then further down. Yet, even as her senses started to focus on the pleasure growing at her breast, a revelation came to mind. "Oh. I just figured out how to deal with having too many Assassins here."

Ezio made a groan that was mixed between annoyance and strained disappointment, "I'm here pleasuring your breasts, and that's what you're thinking of?"

"Oh, hush, and listen: we'll have too many Assassins here at the rate we're recruiting, so let's send them elsewhere. Spread them around Italia, forming new branches, bringing in new recruits. Let's send them to the other Brotherhoods across the continent—connect them all. We'll have the numbers to send out with how we're going. We can make it work. It'll take years, probably, but it's a good solution."

He wanted to be upset. Really, he did, but he saw the ingenuity, and so sighed and flopped on his back next to her. She grinned impishly as she turned onto her side, posting on her elbow, and making circles on his chest with her fingers. He glanced at her from the corner of his eyes, then to the ceiling and waved his hand.

"Yes, yes, it's the right idea, and we should do it—starting tomorrow. Now let me be a little upset you interrupted me."

"Such a baby," she sighed, rolling her eyes, but before he could retort, she shifted and slipped over him so she straddled his hips. That got his brow raised curiously. "Now, don't ever say I wasn't good to you. Here's to repay you for being a good boy and listening."

"And pray tell what that—," he began, smirking, but was caught off as she kissed him hard. He hummed happily and kept on doing so as her kisses moved to his jawline, then his neck and collar, to the chest, and lower still. He closed his eyes as she inched further down and grasped the sheets tight.

"Oh."

24 – End

TMWolf: Now THIS was a fun chapter, hehe... Catherine is finally rid of her demons and can completely heal. She's on a good start, too. So not too much this chapter, but some important set up for things to come, aaaaaaand most importantly... Don't know if anyone noticed, but this is the first time they'd had sex since before Monteriggioni fell. Ezio and 'Cat haven't been intimate once beyond kisses, so this is a huge step and repairing their own relationship X) They're on the mend for sure hehe

So until next time~