TMWolf: Oops forgot to post sooner! It just slipped my mind, haha. Well, back at it, here's the update and it's a good one! :) Catherine gets to have a dang good moment!

So. Thank you for the reviews! Always love getting your comments and questions and such! X)

This chapter is Karen O's - I Shall Rise, which I thought was a good fit for this chapter ;)

26 – I Shall Rise

August 1, 1503

Roma, Italy

The late afternoon air was surprisingly cool, Catherine couldn't help noticing from her spot by a series of columns holding up the covered walkway of the building. It stood to the right of the main courtyard of the Campidoglio and was as regal as the rest of it. Buildings lined opposite to her cover and adjacent, while stairs to her left led back down to the main roads of Roma. In the center was a fountain of innate design, and a magnificently sculpted statue of a man prostrating himself in an artistic way. He matched the rearing stallions by the stairway and was far more appealing than the general masses of noble men and women that either sauntered about or stood chatting idly amongst themselves. It was just a normal day for them after all, and they were happy to enjoy the small break in the summer's lingering heat.

The redheaded woman glanced to her husband, whose eyes had a familiar glimmer as he scanned the crowds. He was using his Vision from under his hood, and she envied him for it. She did not possess the gift, nor would she ever no matter how much she would wish for it, which was a shame. It was such a useful tool to have. At least, so long as the target was within sight. By his slight scowl and deep release of air through his nose, she knew their target hadn't arrived. It didn't help they didn't particularly know what this "Egidio Troche" looked like beyond a general description: portly, older, dark hair with gray coming in, and somewhat of a beard. Like all nobles, he wore fine clothing and complained—loudly and often.

"I admit, I'm a little surprised no one looks at us strangely in our gear," she chuckled, leaning a bit closer. She had her arm wrapped around his, giving them the look of a couple. Of course, they were, but when trying to remain conspicuous, it helped to look like it, too.

"It looks high class enough they won't think much. Hell, Cesare parades in his armor," Ezio chuckled, planting a quick kiss.

"His sister doesn't—prefers to parade her tits," she snickered, and he, too, laughed, though made a point to pinch her side.

"Now, now. Don't be mean. Besides, I wouldn't have minded seeing you in a dress. I think the last time was when you had Diana."

"Only because none of my tunics would fit," she huffed. "And, really, it's too troublesome to wear a dress with all our work."

He chuckled, "Oh, I know, I know. I just like to tease. That, and the only other time I saw you in one was our wedding, so, really, every time has left quite the impact."

"Oh, is that it, hmm?" she laughed lightly, giving him a look. He grinned impishly back, and she shook her head, "Alright, alright. I'll… think of some event to wear a dress for you at. If I can find one that won't suffocate me. I don't know how Claudia can stand hers. I want to breathe, thank-you."

"And thank God men don't have to worry about it," he smirked, and earned a pinch himself. She opened her mouth to speak but paused when he lifted the hand of the arm entwined with hers. He angled his head slightly to the left, and since he didn't look, she listened.

"Egidio's been asking for money again."

"What is it for this time?"

"Some proposal to diminish the frequency of public executions. He is also petitioning for an end to witness torture in the criminal courts."

"Like that is going to happen. He just wants the money to pay off his debts."

"Per usual. Ah, look, there he is. And seems trouble finally caught up to him."

Catherine and Ezio both looked down the opposite way where the two noblemen to their left had spoken. It took a moment or two, but then she spotted a more regal-looking man. He was older, overweight, and looked exactly like a noble. Around him was red, though, in the form of Borgia guards. Of course. There were three, although there could be more around the corner, and they all had their focus on Egidio.

"Well, looks like we found our senator," she hummed.

He sighed, "And trouble found him. Come on, let's make sure our asset stays alive."

"Oh, boy. They're manhandling him," Catherine scowled, breaking into a fast jog. Ezio was right beside her, and by the time the guards had began to assault the older man with blows to the gut, they were on them. Surprise worked well in their favor, and they both each had one guard down almost instantly. Her husband took out the next with a graceful charge, shoving his hidden blade into the man's chest and striking the heart. He tumbled back while she approached the Senator, who had stumbled back into he door behind him after being struck earlier.

"Senator Egidio Troche," Ezio spoke, a statement and not a question.

The man's shoulder slumped, "I do not owe you two money as well, do I?"

"No—actually, we're looking for the man you do owe money to: Cesare's banker," Catherine replied, earning a raised brow, then a scoff as he raised his arms in a mixture of disbelief and contempt.

"Ha. Cesare Borgia? And you are?"

"A friend of the family," her husband responded before she could, which was more civil than what she had to say.

"Cesare has a lot of friends these days. Unfortunately, I am not one of them.

"We can pay."

He lifted up his arms, "Well, is that not something? They fight guards and they give away money. Where are you been all my life?"

"Jokes aside, Senator," Catherine spoke up, motioning with her head towards a group of guards off in the distance. Thankfully, they hadn't seen them, "we should probably get you somewhere safe."

"I have a place… but you are going to have to protect me. The guards are not being very friendly, if you know what I mean," he half-chuckled, half-grimaced. "I can lead the way, but, please, stay close."

"Of course. We're right behind you," the redhead nodded, taking up point with the man, whom ventured towards the courtyard. He paused, though, noting a squad of guards in a corner, and made a point to go the farthest way around the fountain to take the stairs on the opposite side of the courtyard back down to the streets below.

"Someone really wants you dead," Ezio mused, noting the paleness of the Senator's face. The older man glanced back as they moved down an alleyway, towards back roads. A sigh escaped him, ripe with frustration.

"A few months ago my brother, Francesco, the Pope's Chamberlain—I know, I know, do not get me started—He told me of Cesare's plans for Romagna. I wrote to the ambassador of Venezia, warning him. One of my letters must have been intercepted."

"Then you are an enemy of his, too?" Catherine mused, and while the man didn't say yes, he didn't shake his head, either. "I understand. If it eases your mind, we both are his enemies."

"That I could already tell," Egidio chuckled. He paused as guards appeared, so they waited for a moment until they moved out of sight. The older man shook his head as he went onwards once more. "The Senate has nothing to do these days; the Borgia have taken all the power. You know what it is like to not have a fuck to do? It changes a man. I admit I have been gambling, drinking—"

"—and whoring," Ezio added, wry smirk hidden under his cowl.

"Oh, you are good, Sir. Was it the perfume on my sleeve?"

"Something like that," he replied, and this time Catherine smirked, barely withholding a snicker. They came to a stop in an alleyway, where the Senator briefly leaned against a wall to pant lightly. He'd been going at a slight jog after the first group of guards they found, and unlike the two Assassins, he was not made for moving so much. However, it was not safe, and when they made note of it—or, rather, the guards further down the alley—he sighed and pushed onwards.

"Senators used to petition about real issues like unlawful cruelty, abandoned children, you know. Now we write up legislation on the appropriate width of women's sleeves," he scoffed.

"Oh, no, mustn't show off any forearm, lest we cause you poor, feeble men to lose all control of your cocks, right?" Catherine snorted, and she was only a little more than amused when he gave her a bit of a huff. "I jest, although, I can guarantee my attire will most likely never prove appropriate. But, I suppose that's not a concern—after all, you're not like them are you?"

"Oh, no, no, he raises money for false causes to pay back his gambling debts," Ezio added with a hum, and the Senator stopped in his gate to turn around to face them.

He scowled, obviously offended by their accusations, "False causes! I am interested in pursuing them as soon as I am financially able to do so. You ever look at a grave and think: 'This is the most significant thing I will ever do'?"

"Yes—more than you know," Catherine replied, her smile sadder than she wanted, and she could see Egidio's face visibly falter. An understanding replaced his annoyance.

"Forgive me, you did risk your life earlier and still do so now. I suppose I am simply unused to such… situations."

"Don't worry about, Senator… Ah, Catherine, look," Ezio rumbled, motioning towards a set of guards that patrolled on high. They were out of sight now but they might be spotted.

She followed his eyes, then spotted a sight for sore eyes, "No worries. I see some of ours. Senator, stay close to my husband."

"Of course—wait… husband? She is your wife?" he guffawed as she trotted towards the gaggle of young woman. She didn't miss Ezio's chuckle and rather proud "yes", bringing a smile to her face as she pulled a small coin pouch from her belt. The nearest courtesan saw and was smooth in their transition to her side. A quick slight of the hand, and the coin was exchanged.

"See the guards? Make sure they don't see us, and tell Claudia the coin comes with love," she chuckled, and the young woman laughed before nodding and heading up the stairs. Giggles, coos, and proclamations of ardor soon echoed over the crowd, and the redhead motion for Ezio to come forward. With the plan in motion, they were left unmolested.

"We are not far," Egidio spoke up as they rounded another corner, then another. A few more guards barred their way, but another courtesan group was not far. Again, they proved useful, and the Senator jogged the rest of the way to an intricate iron-bar gate, barring the way into a small courtyard of an ornate home. There the Senator finally relaxed, panting lightly, and let his shoulders and head hang low. "Fucking letters. I should never have sent them to the ambassador. Now Cesare will murder me. Bah. Well, welcome to the home of my brother, Francesco. Thank God he is not here; we have not talked since he found out about the letters. Er—what did you want again?"

"Cesare's banker," Ezio stressed, and the man nodded.

"Right. I need to arrive with the money. Problem is, there is no money."

"Wait—you're meeting the Banker? Where? When?" the redhead pressed, stepping forward.

"I never know until I am there. I go to one of three places. Then his friends take me to him."

"Tsk. Of course that's how they do it," she groaned, rolling her eyes. "Well, we can't do anything without the money. You didn't lose the pouch this time did you?"

Her husband pouted, "That was one time in Venezia, and it was Rosa. Of course I have it."

"You still got your money stolen."

"Wait—what?" Egidio exclaimed just before Ezio pulled a coin purse off his belt and tossed it to him. His eyes went wide as he felt the massive amount of coin within, the red sack heavy in his grasp. "I cannot believe you would just do this! I had not dared to hope, and yet, here it is—in my hands!"

"There is a condition," Ezio replied, and the man gave him a look.

"I knew it."

"Just keep an eye on the politics of the city. I want you to report back to Maria at the Rosa in Fore about targets who are helping the Borgia."

"And what?" he scoffed, waving his hands. "You will make them disappear? Bah, I will be right back. I need to gather a chest to put the money in—for show, if you will. Just wait here."

Catherine waited until he was inside before letting out a deep breath of air, "Holy shit, we're actually getting good on a lead… I'm not sure if I'm excited or worried… or just more shocked the Senator didn't find it totally mind boggling I'm a woman doing this."

"Ha! I think he was more shocked we were married. I imagine he simply feels more indebted than perplexed; he's not a complete fool, just perhaps with his coin. Shame not all are so civil. But I am glad we have this lead. And, with luck, he will keep his word and report to Mother. We could use more leads where Machiavelli cannot provide them."

"That's for sure… although, I worry it might bring trouble. I guess good thing Federico is there," she hummed, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "Hnn… I might have to stay back some on this one—you can get a lot closer than I can as a man… God, that's so annoying. Probably the worst bit about being in the past. A woman dressed in pants gets noticed."

He laughed lightly, "Not that it ever stopped you. They always underestimate you still, too. So, I'd say it works in your favor. But—ah. Here he is. You are ready, Senator?"

"Yes, yes. My piece of shit brother may hate me, but he is still family. Bah. Okay, we go."

"We'll take to the roofs, just to be safe. Don't worry, though—we'll be watching over you," Ezio replied, and while the older man didn't like it, he also didn't argue. The two Assassins said no more as they scrambled to the rooftops—the Senator made an audible curse of surprise—and then waited and watched as their new comrade ventured through the streets.

The meeting place, thankfully, wasn't far, and they ended up on the roof of a decent-sized abode with a courtyard below. The roof was designed in a square shape with an opening done in the same way, making it easy to gaze down at Egidio, whom was accompanied by Borgia Captains. The conversation was civil enough despite beginning with a threat, and the trio of men were on their way. Catherine exchanged a look with Ezio, waiting a few seconds before tailing the men across the roofs. It was a much longer, and somewhat arduous journey to remain out of sight—lengthy jumps and jogs, coupled with archers that were eliminated—but it finally came to an end in, perhaps, the largest open area of all of Roma. At its heart was the Pantheon, and, as it so happened, it was to the massive building that the two Captains led Egidio.

Catherine groaned, "Of course it's in the Pantheon… dammit, we're going to have to climb up that, aren't we?"

"I've done it before—it's not that bad. There's an opening at the top I can slip through… ah, you can watch the guards at the front, though. Look, they have our new friend," Ezio replied, gesturing as he made towards the buildings along the side of the Pantheon.

"Damn, you're right… Okay, so, I'll make sure our new ally doesn't die, and you go take out the guy who just took the money. Looks like he's alone, and he's probably our best bet to get to the Banker. Only problem is getting back out."

"Don't worry, I have a plan."

She quirked a brow, "Let me guess: you're going to take his place?"

"Wouldn't be the first time," he smirkedback.

"It's Venezia all over again."

He chuckled, "Yes, indeed… but that means you'll need to tail me—watch my back."

"Naturally. I don't like having you go on your own like this, but… it's our only option, isn't it?"

"Come now, it's me. I can handle it. But I love that you worry," he purred, pausing to steal a quick kiss. "Just be ready for anything—and for the Banker. I expect I will be taken straight to him and I don't know what to expect…. But, Catherine… if you… should you feel… off…"

"I'll be fine—I won't leave you on your own… or at the very least I'll make sure you have back up, but… I feel… fine, truthfully," she smiled, touching his arm gently.

"Alright. I trust you. Now, let's go. We need to make sure to get him before they move on, and I still have to take off some of my armor."

No more was said as they vaulted from the rooftops to the Pantheon's wall, catching grips and clambering to the top. As Ezio said, a hole was there, with a clear view below to the beautiful ornaments within the structure. The lone guard was there with the money, too, and her husband moved quickly, discarding what outward gear he could to give to Catherine, and then slipped inside, using his honed skills to quickly, but carefully, work his way downward. Despite his claims, Catherine fretted some as she watched him go, and fretted still as she ventured closer to the entryway, and moving down the wall enough to remain hidden, but see where the Senator was. Thus far, he seemed alright, and no weapons were drawn, despite his fearful state.

So far so good.

She knew her husband hadn't failed when no commotion came up, and had to chuckle a little at the sight of him in Captain's gear. It suited him, to some extent, and helped him stand out. That, in turn, made it easier for her to keep an eye on things as Egidio was spared by Ezio's quick thinking and he headed off with his contingent of guards. He was, to her amusement, put in the lead, and she hoped he would figure it out. If not, then she was ready to take out the nearest guard as she followed by roof. It wouldn't be ideal, but they'd figure out where to go, or, if she was lucky, the other guards would have him escape to the Banker or something, thinking she was attacking them all—Ezio included. Whatever the case, she was prepared, and, as she came to notice, her mind was at ease.

It was a subtle note, but any time it flickered into the forefront of her mind, she was confident she was herself. There were no whispers; no bloodlust. She was Catherine Auditore, the girl from the future and now a part of the past. Wife to an adoring husband, and mother to two, wonderful children.

She was herself.

The confidence fueled her as she scoured across the rooftops, leaping from one to the other, always keeping her husband in sight. For technically being lost, he did a good job of listening to his "allies" and taking the correct route with only minor mistakes. She was proud to call him her husband, and only hoped things would go smoothly—or at least more smoothly than the next step of her trek.

It had taken the rest of the evening by the time they came to their destination, marked by the large contingent of heavily armored guards across a bridge that led to a section of the city far from the center, but not part of the poor district either. Ezio had no problems crossing the final obstacle with his disguise, but Catherine had to work her way further down from the bridge to cross the river in long leaps and clambering hands to grab ledges, so she didn't fall into the water. She was able to glance at her incoming trouble and groaned silently. There were a lot of guards—enough to where she wasn't sure she could get by unnoticed, especially not dressed as she was. Sure, the Borgia tended to underestimate her being a woman, but she was trying to be invisible. They were on high alert, which meant she would stand out like a sore thumb. Her only respite was that she could see plenty of courtesans—most of which, if not all, should be Claudia's girls.

"Hey!" she called in a hushed whisper, and when the young, dark-haired girl saw her, she and her group quickly came over. "I need to sneak in, but… this won't work. I need you to find Ezio, too—he's in Captain's gear, but has bracers like mine, see? His pants and sleeves will look slightly different as well, and he has a scar on the right side of his mouth."

"We can do that. Agnella, Bandecca, look for Sir Ezio. Chola, go get one of our spare dresses, I'll keep you hidden, my friend," the "leader" of the group smiled, and the girls obeyed. She was given a dress first—one befitting a courtesan. She immediately groaned, but knew it was her best option. It was going to make her job harder, but at least the guards wouldn't think much of her. That was the idea, and they needed to keep a low profile. She was tempted to just say "fuck it" and stick to the outskirts, but ultimately reminded herself what this was for, and that one night in a dress that didn't cover enough for her taste wasn't that terrible.

It, thankfully, fit snuggly, and since her chest was flatter than most girls, her breasts didn't threaten to topple over. The skirt was higher than she liked, but the dress was flattering in all the right ways. She let her hair fall free to boot and was pleasantly surprised to find it flowed longer than she thought—down to her shoulder blades now. It didn't seem so long ago that it barely went past her chin.

"Ah… here—to cover your back," the head courtesan spoke, holding out what reminded her of a shawl and cape mixed together, and Catherine had to think for a moment before it hit her. Her scars. Her back was covered in them, and they hadn't faded. She couldn't help the sigh, although her husband didn't mind, which was all that mattered—but what good was a damaged product to the other men? So, she took the cloth, secured it to her dress, and then found a fan held out to her. "For your face now. Sorry, it's just—."

"It's fine, I understand. And I appreciate it for tonight. Just… hold onto my gear alright? I'll be back for it once we make the strike," she explained and was pleased when the woman smiled and nodded. She meant to say more, but was interrupted as the other courtesans returned with none other than her husband trailing behind. "Oh-ho, my knight in shining armor."

She laughed when he paused, and he laughed, too, "Sorry, I'm just surprised to see you like that. You look lovely, dear, and I'll properly admire you later. First—."

"Your gear. I've still got it. Here, let's hurry. The guards thankfully won't be looking for you in your usual robes or me in a dress," she chuckled, and, thankfully, it was a quick process to undress and redress him into his full gear. Once settled, he held out his arm, and she was all too happy to take it. "Such a gentleman."

"Of course. Ladies," he spoke to the others, "We need to follow the chest coming through—I went ahead of them, but they should be coming by soon."

"We're on it. Madonna Claudia told us to always give help when asked. We'll make sure only our girls come to you as well. I do not know all of the courtesans here," the head woman mentioned as she motioned for her girls to circle around them, pretending to be his escort. Catherine, of course, was his lady of choice, hanging on his arm as she fanned herself slowly, keeping her scars hidden as she kept looking up at him occasionally. They made a point to set up their group not far from their hiding place, watching carefully for their target. Thankfully, as he'd said, the guard carrying the golden trunk appeared. With but a nod, Ezio gave his signal, and the stage was set. From there, it was only a matter of keeping as close as possible all the way to the location of the party. The guard led them through the winding streets, flush with people of all kinds and plenty of Borgia guards to keep the peace. It remained unchanged until approaching a set of stairs that led up into a section of ancient Roma, the Trastevere, that had been renewed to favor its latest reincarnation.

"Money is changing hands… You, see if you can walk with him, keep a good eye on him and lower his guard," the Assassin spoke to the courtesan on his right as he moved to stand off to the side, where he could pretend to give Catherine—and occasionally the other girls—attention. The redhead kept a close eye as the courtesan did as told, trotting over to get into position while the Lady Auditore hid behind her fan and a chorus of fake giggles.

"Tsk. The Vaticano dogs…. Normally they stay close to Cesare or the Pope…" she grimaced.

Ezio glanced at her, "Ah… they did mention Cesare was here."

"What?" she hissed, and her husband was quick to turn her around, so as to appear to push his "conquest" against the near wall, hands on her hips. "Sorry—I'm not… I'm fine… I'm just surprised."

"I know, but a few eyes looked," he murmured, keeping his gaze half way on the new money handler. "We're not ready to take him down yet… tonight is to take the Banker. Not Cesare. Not yet."

"I know—I won't. I promise. You're in charge this mission, anyways. You're the Master."

"Careful, now. You don't know how much I've wanted to hear you say that," he snickered, kissing her—in part for the show—and then held his arm out again so they could move once more.

She rolled her eyes, "If I wasn't married to you, I'd call you a pig…. Oh. Oh, dear Lord it's a sex party."

"I…Oh. Uh, yes. Yes, it is," Ezio hummed, having to work hard to hold in a laugh as they came across a sudden change in attire of the crowd. The denizens before had been fully clothed in many robes, but as they ascended into the party area, the people had discarded just about all clothing for but mere loincloths and skulls or other such strange attire. Some were even stark naked, prancing about with glass of wine in hand. She almost didn't think it could be worse, but it was proven wrong at the sight—in an alleyway so that they were somewhat obscured—of couples coupling. She didn't think anyone would dare considering proprietary of the times, but it seemed this party threw such decorum out the window.

"I'm no virgin, but… good lord. What kind of banker is he?" Catherine scoffed, shaking her head.

"Not the pious kind," a courtesan hummed. "This happens quite often, so you get used to it, but just bear it for a little longer. We're almost there."

For that, Catherine was glad, though the throng of either half- or fully naked bodies only grew larger in number. It was an erotic sight, to be certain, and while in some ways it was intoxicating, at the moment she was more repulsed by it. It was just too much, and the smell of alcohol and sex and sweat was leaving an unwanted stink in the air. Thankfully, it only took one more hill before they came to a multi-archway under which a man, wearing only a scarlet loin cloth pinned by a skull of all things, and a cardinal's hat stood with his guards. He was by no means pleasant to look at, but she watched anyways, as the guard handed the chest over.

"Money for you, Banker."

"I will take that," the plump, red-faced man replied, motioning to his personal guards, and then looked to their courtesan ally, whom he pulled to him, "and that. You are dismissed."

"It is an honor," their comrade purred, as if it were nothing to say to the enemy. It probably wasn't even though her loyalties did lie with Claudia Auditore and the Assassins.

"Welcome to my party. I am Juan Borgia," he purred back, and Catherine's heart raced a little. So. This was the Banker. One of the Borgia by blood to boot.

A guard suddenly came up beside him, "Cesare is about to speak in the main room, Excellence."

"Come," Juan mused, taking their courtesan's hand and leading her away. The guard with the money was left alone, and no others were in sight.

"Pull the guard away and get the money, quickly," Ezio hissed, keeping Catherine close to pretend he was joining in on the fun with her. The other girls moved swiftly, but not so much they garnered attention. There was poetry in the perfection they executed their ploy; a pretty little blonde girl stole the guard's attention and easily tugged him away with batting eyelashes and tilting her chest down enough so that he saw nothing but a pair of plump breasts. He was hooked, of course, by the temptation of a good time, leaving the other girls free to approach the chest, seal the lid, and walk away as if it had never been there in the first place.

Claudia had trained them well.

Catherine was proud, to say the least, but had to set it aside for the mission. There were more guards ahead, but it was simple enough to wave more girls over to their side. They had to keep close to Juan, anyways, to be able to make their strike. Thankfully, even with Ezio fully clothed, no one seemed to mind—and if the guards did look twice, the courtesans were there to distract them. Everyone else was too busy occupied by the pleasures of flesh, and the sweet nectar of wine that came endlessly. It was a strange madness in the night, and Catherine was only so glad she was sane enough to refrain from it. While she enjoyed the carnal pleasures, this was too much. Too chaotic. Too mindless. Of course, who was she to deny the people their fun? She might not take joy in the reckless wanting of lustful creatures, but that didn't mean they couldn't. Still, she would be glad when it was all over.

Once finally through the last throng of guards, the narrower passage opened up once again into a large courtyard flooded with people. It was oddly fuller of normally clothed people, but those lacking them were also great in number. Flags were strung from all the columns and walls, courtesans danced and swooned and flirted all around, coin was thrown, wine was spilled and imbibed, and food was enjoyed in the gaiety that had pooled before the large stone structure overlooking it all. It was from the doors of the very place, a familiar site emerged, and Catherine's blood ran cooler. Not quite ice, but it made breathing difficult for a moment, and there, just barely, a whisper. The remnants of the dark poison trying to take hold.

"There he is," she rasped. "They he is…. And Rodrigo, too."

"I see them… keep low—don't do anything reckless," he urged, squeezing her hand, and she was forced to remember herself. Right. The mission. Cesare's death wasn't today. Nor was Rodrigo's. Juan Borgia, the Banker, would be the one to die today.

"What better way to celebrate my victories than to join in the brotherhood of man?" Cesare spoke suddenly, his voice echoing over the crowd, which had paused in their frivolity to gaze upon him. Behind him, his father did not look pleased. "Soon, we will be here once more celebrating a united Italia and then the feasting will last for forty days and forty night! Begin now!"

Whatever whispers of death for the man echoed in her mind, they faded away in the same moment he vanished into the building with the Pope. The doors shut behind them, and guards barred the way. There would be no getting to him, and so she returned her focus to the target at hand. It was more difficult than she liked to regain her clarity, her thoughts lingering on the what if, but she forced them back and walked with Ezio into the throng of things. The courtesan he'd had before was gone from his side, though was not too far off. The Banker had lost interest then, and now paraded through his party, greeting denizens and grabbing women as he pleased. They didn't seem to mind. He had a guard with him, though, which would make it difficult. They needed him away from the soldier and preferably alone, but she doubted they could get him away from his party.

"I'll lure him off to the side and kill him—you take care of the guard and anyone else," she spoke softly, eyes set on their target, whom was walking ahead of them.

Ezio looked to her sharply, "What? No."

"I can do it."

"It's not that—," he huffed, tugging her a bit closer. It took her a moment, but she understood and chuckled.

"If he touches me, he's still going to die. It's fine. Just watch me back, alright?"

She knew he didn't want to, but he finally growled, "Fine. But I don't like it. I don't want him touching you…"

"I'll kill him for it, don't worry," she chuckled and made to leave, but was pulled back into a searing kiss. She enjoyed it, of course; she always enjoyed any time he became rightfully possessive. She made sure to leave a tender kiss after before sauntering away. He, likewise, slunk off to utilize another pair of courtesans to allow him to stalk his own prey. Catherine, meanwhile, approached the Banker carefully, face hidden by her fan, but her eyes intense, and made sure there was a sway to her hips. Or she hoped so, anyways. She'd never had to seduce a man like a courtesan, being that Ezio had fallen for her simply for who she was. Alas, her worries were for nothing; Juan Borgia turned and spotted her easily enough. Eyes met, and she feigned shyness, looking away quickly and turned aside just slightly, so as if to hide from him. She vaguely recalled Gita—God, she missed the woman now, and wished she knew what became of her—saying something about her girls doing the same to draw men in; something about a weak woman being the perfect "prey" for a man. Regardless, it worked, and the Banker's hand touched the small of her back as he rounded to face her.

He smelled disgusting. His lecherous smile was even more so. She lowered her eye slowly.

"Now, now, why hide such a pretty thing behind that fan?" he purred, reaching up to take it, but she shied away again.

"Forgive me, Sir, but I must—my former lover… he… he was so jealous and… and so cruel," she sighed dramatically. "I am not beautiful enough to be in your presence, I assure you. There are woman far more worthy."

"Ah, but a bit of hardship can make a gem all the more unique, come, my dear," he spoke softly, almost sickeningly sweet, and brought a hand to touch her fan. He pushed downward, and she let him, exposing her scarred face, including the faded scar on her collar. She looked down, as if ashamed, but he lifted her chin. "Now, now... none of that. Yes, you are a rare gem. Hair like fire, eyes like the sky meeting the countryside. Oh, no, my dear, you are more than worthy, now, come. Surely, I can make your night better. I could use such a precious gem at my side tonight."

"You are too kind, Sir. I am honored," she smiled, as if he were the light of her life. She held back her gag instead. "But—might we sit for a time? I admit I have walked a great deal tonight."

"Of course, of course! Here, my dear, sit, sit. Tell me, are you enjoying the party?"

"I was, though now it is even better than I hoped. There is so much to see and admire and… enjoy," she replied, purring the last words as they sat, his hand on her hip while she placed another on his knee. He liked that, it seemed. Her disgust broiled, and the whispers urged her to make it slow and painful and bloody—to gut the man who dared oppress the people and lead the death of her home. It would have been so easy to give in, to let the red consume her vision, but even as her hand itched towards the hidden dagger she'd kept on her leg, she remained steady. The voices would not win. She had a mission. A goal. She had to be smart and patient. Ezio needed time, and her children needed her to not give in.

So, she stayed strong.

"Oh, good. I spared no expense. You see, the finger things in life make power so rewarding. I see an apple, I can pluck that apple. No one will stop me."

"My, but certainly you cannot just pluck from any tree," she rasped, hand touching at her chest.

He took her hand in his, palm brushing along her skin, and drew her gaze to the crowd, "You do not seem to understand, my dear. I own all the trees."

The redhead looked out at the crowd quickly and spotted her husband. He was dispatching a guard silently, letting him slump onto a bench to appear drunk and simply out cold and not dead. She didn't see anymore around. Good. It was time. Allowing him to do as he pleased, tugging her ever closer, she reached up her skirt some. Her fingers found the leather hilt of her knife just as his found her ass. She could smell the alcohol on his lips as they came closer, but just before they found hers, steel met flesh. He jerked, gasping, but not crying out in pain. He looked down, eyes wide, and looked utterly perplexed to find a knife shoved to the hilt into his chest. His heart had been pierced, her aim true, and his face paled. He looked for help, for any guard, but none came, and realization came over him. He slumped, breathing haggard as he clutched at his chest.

"Ah… the things I have felt, seen, and tasted… I do not regret a moment of it," he sighed, gaze going far.

"Only because you are blinded by your greed. Men of power should not be consumed by their love of pleasantries if it at the price of the people," she replied, easing him down some.

He gestured to the patrons, "But… I gave the people what they wanted."

"No, you gave them what you wanted, and now you pay for it, Juan Borgia. Rest in Peace," she spoke, reaching up to close his eyes and return her dagger to its sheath.

So far none had noticed, and so she stood, hand on his shoulder. Then she screamed, lurching back, and drawing all eyes to her.

"He's dead! Someone murdered him! Assassin! Someone help! Help! Run! The killer is still here!" she screamed again, and the panic set in at once. Without many guards around, it made it much easier to not get caught or found out, and so Ezio was beside her in only moments, having pressed through the crazed frenzy of people trying to avoid some would-be Assassin. He made sure to help her go as quickly as she could in her dress, keeping others from knocking into her and making sure no guards got too close. Thankfully, they were all rushing to where the Banker was, allowing them to escape relatively easily to the same place they'd started. There, she found her robes right where she left them, but didn't put them on right away. Rather, Ezio urged her to keep going to a safer spot, and they raced onwards.

Sticking to back roads to avoid the new squads of guards racing to help the others, they managed to find a back alleyway with a small courtyard out of prying eyes. There, she finally found the time to rid herself of the silly dress and put her proper attire back on. Her husband was kind enough to pull her hair back for her into a ponytail.

"There, just the way it should be," he chuckled, turning her around to tilt her chin up, admiring her. His expression sobered some, tone lowering, "Did he hurt you, or—?"

"Just hand going a little too low on the back side, and a failed attempt at a kiss. It's done, though… and… it… it felt… fine, I guess. Or, okay, that's not what you say when you kill someone, but it was more how it should be."

"That… that's good!" he laughed, bringing her close to kiss her brow. "And we'll celebrate properly another time, but for now we need to head to the Rosa and make sure the money got there safely."

"Right, let's hurry then, and send word for our Assassins to lay low while we're there. Cesare and the others won't be happy about the loss," she smirked slightly.

Ezio laughed again, "No, no he won't. And Catherine?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm proud of you, and love you more than anything," he replied, and her heart swelled. They raced up to the rooftops to make the venture home, and all the while her smile shone bright in the dark.

26 – End

TMWolf: And there we go! Catherine is back fully in the game, guys! :) And she did it in a dress!

I don't think I originally planned to have HER kill the Banker, but that's how it ended up haha. The dress was a fun gimmick, too, but I figured it was the best course of action considering the setting. But, really, it worked for 'Cat, too, and now we have the aftermath... which we all know was a great scene xD

So hold tight-we got more stuff to come.

And only six more chapters to go! :0