Chapter 3
-Siena -
Fiora came storming out of Castel Sant'Angelo walls, screaming curses in Italian. Caha and Cahin, were leaning up against the bridge of Castello's the entrance, secretly badmouthing guards. They perked up at her attitude, looking at each other confused. "Merda... Cazzo!" She cried, shaking her fists with an angry sigh, glancing back and forth at the clowns. "What?" "Nothing." Cahin held his hands up, blinking beneath his mask. "What's wrong..?" Caha began, still sitting on the stone ledge of the bridge. "Damn Cesare wants me to deliver this to Malfatto." She held up a letter, which was already crumpled from her freak out. "Malfatto?" The Harlequin tilted his head. "The doctor, but he's no ordinary doctor. He's completely insane..." She trailed off, pausing. "...a nightmare to courtesans."
The night air seemed thicker and muggy as the trio walked down the shabby, crumpling alleyways. The scenery of the slums was very intimidating; it wasn't a place to get swarmed in. There were poor souls intoxicated beyond help, mumbling stupid things to each other and sitting against broken walls. Fiora was shaking her head to herself, as if having an internal conversation. The Harlequin walked with his arms crossed, sensing the tension and fear through Fiora's annoyance. He kept his hellish front, scaring all that glance at him. Hellequin simply was looking around, less intimidating and watching everything. "Malfatto is supposed to be here..." Fiora staggered slightly, coming up to a stone platform in the ground, a part of an ancient building once. Hellequin's eyes traveled the premises but could not locate a soul.
Hellequin's eyes widened suddenly as something grabbed her. She reached for her daggers but she was too slow for once. She was caught by an arm now with something pointy and cold jabbing at her spine. Harlequin tore his daggers out from their sheaths instantly, facing a tall man with a slender bird mask for a face and hollowed holes for eyes. Harlequin felt no intimidation through his anger. All of the agents froze at that moment. Hellequin did not wanting to move in case this man did more, Cahin not ready to kill until it was needed, Fiora speechless and their new guest the doctor, unsure. In a smooth, dark and somewhat impatient voice he called out, "Are you the ones here to deliver something to me...?" He switched his gaze at everyone till Fiora caught his eye. He dropped Hellequin instantly.
The Doctor charged towards the Courtesan. Her eyes widened and as he was about to jump for her with his syringe she yelled out. "Cesare told me to give this to you!" She said it desperately, holding out the paper in one hand. Malfatto stopped, looking at the woman for a few more seconds before opening the letter, skimming through it and putting it in his medicine pouch. "Thank you..." He tipped his hat like a gentleman. "I still lust to kill you." He commented, cracking his knuckles. "You can't, we're on the same team." Fiora weakly said, letting out a breath. "Pity isn't it. I'll have to settle for the ladies of Rosa in Fiore." The doctor said nonchalantly in conversation.
The doctor turned slowly, about to walk away when he was caught off guard by the two jesters. He examined them carefully then clapped his hands together once. "Oh my, an introductory is needed." He chuckled, walking up to them as if previous events hadn't happened. He took Hellequin's hand and brought it up to where his lips should be, pretending to kiss it. "Now what do we have here, what's your name my dear?" The man seemed so polite; it was hard to believe he was a serial killer. "The Hellequin, at your service sir." She smirked with her purple lips while doing a crusty, watching his every movement. "The Doctor, my lady." "Killer of women..." Harlequin added in boldly. "No, no signore... killer to whores." The doctor said disregarding Fiora behind him.
"Though it would be delicious to poison a creature like you. Oh, yes... to watch the light leave that cheery little-" "Calm yourself." The Harlequin coldly stared through the white slits in his mask. The Doctor was intrigued by his hellish glare. "What a demonic creature." The doctor joked, "And you are?" "The Harlequin, or as my victims would call me, a walking nightmare." He slowly bowed. "What interesting characters and murderous at that!"He was amused. He turned back to The Hellequin, eyeing her. "My lady, you're related to this monster?" "My dearest twin brother...and don't be fooled, I'm just as capable." She smirked. "Are you now dear?" He leaned in on her, Harlequin gritted his teeth, placing a hand on a dagger. "Killing Assassins? I lust it." She crossed her arms, challenging him. "How feisty." He stroked under her chin, tilting her head up.
"Vanity is just as malicious." Harlequin cleared his throat to break up the electricity Malfatto was giving off. He was a little too close to Caha for Cahin's tastes. The doctor shook his head to break off his trance. "A pleasure fellow Templars." Malfatto collected himself and tipped his hat again. "Expect to see me again, Hellequin. You'll need a check up soon..." He passed through the two, walking off into the night. "Don't forget me, courtesan!" He called back as the other Doctors did, ominously, fading off. "I can't even begin." Fiora started, seeing it was safe now. "No need. I don't see his motive though." Cahin contemplated. He was being rather flirty..." Caha started, puzzled. "He's like that. Don't let it fool you; it's what will get you killed." Fiora huffed. "Mind walking me home?"
Caha and Cahin kicked off their boots when they entered their inconspicuous town house, going down the mini flight of stairs into the split level room. Caha smirked and automatically jumped up on one of the chairs, swishing her arms around. "Fear the demon dottore!" She announced, pushing the back of the chair to the floor with her feet and stepping off of it. Cahin laughed and joined in the fun, comic relief always worked. "So terrifying that he'll make Templar's shiver!" He looked around as if an audience was watching. "Killer of cocky courtesans." Caha said dramatically, Cahin finishing off, "And flirt to the lovely female jesters." He snickered, "Oh, I'd just love to inject you with my syringe!" Cahin mocked, grinning like an idiot until Caha hit him. "Not to be hypocritical, but he was insane." Caha said in a more serious tone, pacing as she pondered. "I know, we are insane..." Cahin paused for effect, "But he was insane." "Is it necessary to kill random courtesans at will?" Caha turned to her brother.
"Not unless they're the white hooded beasts." Cahin remarked, reminding them of their true mission. They were hired agents because Cesare took interest in their fighting abilities or unique traits. Assassin Templars, agents to surprise the Assassins and fight back as a defence, the Borgia guards weren't just going to do it alone. The Hellequin and Harlequin would do what needed to be done and ruthlessly at that but it was no use attracting attention by killing off helpless girls who probably already doomed themselves with syphilis. If the pattern continued, The Assassins would notice and no doubt come looking. Cesare had highlighted his dire need to keep the agents a secret to the Creed. "Doctor dearest could be setting up his funeral."
A few weeks had passed and the twins had respectfully built a reputation of being the best performers in all of Italy. Many people gathered around where they were to perform, they ended up entertaining for noble's parties and even weddings. One day during a routine act of throwing daggers, Fiora came to Cahin and Caha with news of a brand new mission from Cesare. The siblings eagerly accepted when they heard the location and event. There was a lead that the Assassins had something going on in Siena, during the carnevale. It was a perfect assignment for the duo; they packed up to leave within a few hours. The siblings travelled quietly through the countryside of Italia until they reached the grand event in Siena, the town beautifully lit with firecrackers and colors, perfect for jesters such as themselves.
A performance by some mediocre jesters was progressing on the main stage, doing tricks with fire. There were people all around; some dressed up much like Harlequin and Hellequin, but none like them. As excited as they were, they had to focus. Fiora had described how the Assassins would hide in plain sight and even though the ones they were after weren't experts like the damned Ezio Auditore they would be tricky. Cahin and Caha had complete faith in their abilities, they hadn't actually gotten their hands on any Assassins yet but intended to brutalize. It was all for the greater good for the Templar, for the war. Regardless, they couldn't help but to have just a little fun. They walked around the booths window shopping for new masks and costumes, awaiting any sign.
The crowd seemed to grow thicker as the night continued on. Harlequin and Hellequin decided to enter a throwing knives contest; it would give them the right to look onto a crowd and to show off their abilities. People went up and did a few simple things, unimpressive to them. "We can do better." "So much better." The Harlequin smirked as it was their turn to get up on center stage. They did their usual introduction, people marvelled at their masks, commenting graciously on them. There were folk such as themselves in the crowd. Fellow artists who would know to respect them and their experience. Caha pleasantly bowed in her dainty way before turning to her brother, who bowed to her before they began. "The Hellequin..." "And the Harlequin..." "...Twins..." "Extraordinaire."
They each did cartwheels, crisscrossing one another on the stage, people watched with excitement. Harlequin and Hellequin proceeded in doing back flips soon after and arranged themselves center stage via the tricks. Harlequin put out his hands behind Caha and she gave the crowd a sweet smile before flipping up onto Cahin's shoulders, drawing her daggers. This was too good for them. Harlequin readied himself, balancing his sister perfectly and she threw them up in the air, begging to juggle them in her hands. The crowd swooned at this but really began to roar when she tossed them to Cahin, who juggled them up to her in a breeze. Then, as Caha threw her metallic daggers up, Cahin pulled out his, adding more daggers to the deadly juggle. Finally, to finish Caha flipped off Cahin and caught all four daggers, striking a beautiful pose.
It was evident everyone was amazed and called for an encore. Cahin whispered to Caha secretly, their conversation muted by the people cheering. "I spotted a few hooded people." "Me too Cahin..." She trailed off, studying the crowd of colourful faces. "Left side, back row." Cahin nodded, taking a bow. Caha smiled brightly, following his lead. She glanced where he'd told her to and low and behold, there was a hooded woman standing silently. Caha nodded and spoke up, Cahin wasn't one to talk, he had to be the quiet one. "Bien sûr mes amis!"The Hellequin called out in French, nodding to the Harlequin. They began doing ridiculous acrobatic tricks, telling jokes all the while focusing on the hooded woman. They felt a jolt of nervousness but they figured it was eagerness more than anything to attack.
Steady, Harlequin lifted his sister and threw her up into the air. Hellequin threw her daggers at that moment, straight at the woman. She grimaced as it hit the lady dead in the middle of her shoulder, wounding her. The woman gritted her teeth and tossed the dagger aside, Hellequin rolling off stage after saying a goodbye to the crowd, nodding to Harlequin. He took a bow and then leapt from the stage, finishing their performance and starting their assassination smoothly. The crowd congratulated them and Cahin nodded and assured them it was nothing, while Caha began to stalk the woman, who was running away now, trying to disappear. They didn't intend on letting their first official kill escape.
As Caha moved in closer to her, she saw the flickering glint of metal and knew the symbol embedded in the lady's belt. Assassin. Her heart thudded against her chest, she could feel butterflies in her stomach from thrill, feeling a certain lock come onto her, as if nothing else mattered. Perhaps it was the adrenaline rush Malfatto had constantly, she begin to feel quite murderous. Cahin stalked from the top of tents, planning on cornering the female assassino. The woman grunted, "Cazzo, stupid jesters throwing daggers everywhere." She huffed an insult to them as she held her wound. The Harlequin, grim as ever was ready to pounce when he was caught off guard by another male assassin who met up with their target. He nodded to her and they spoke low, meeting by the horse stables.
"Did you kill him?" "Assassinated and finished clean. Signore Ezio will be happy." He nodded to the woman. "What happened to you?" "Nothing, idiota jesters being clumsy with knives." She scowled. Harlequin's eyes flickered, he couldn't stand watching anymore. The Harlequin jumped off the roof, pouncing down on the female unsuspectingly and pushing her to the ground, he was careful to avoid her hidden blade, swiftly mutilating her chest with his daggers. The Hellequin tapped the male Assassin on the shoulder as he was about to react to what just happened, he turned, drawing out his hidden blade to nothing and then felt the stinging of Hellequin's dagger go through his neck. The two of them fell, dead.
They felt alive, they felt powerful and they felt damn good. They discarded the bodies, throwing them out into a crowd while shouting in a change of voice. "A message from the Templar! Do not cross us Assassins!" They both cackled evilly, starting manic in the carnevale. People ran in the narrow walkways, going all over the place. Caha and Cahin jumped into the crowd, using a little assassin tactic themselves. Cahin spotted something peculiar through the running and screaming people crying of murder. He knew the form well, it had been programmed in his brain that night he saw it in their townhouse. The young man, standing with his back to Cahin, calm through the crowd. Cahin narrowed his eyes, he demanded to know who this was and went after him, beginning a chase.
Caha was confused when she'd lost sight of her brother. She remained calm and decided to run along the crowd, since that would seem normal in this situation, to look for him. She glanced up at the tents and roofs to see if he was waiting for her up there somewhere but saw no one. She switched glances, left, right, random faces of fear running around, masks of grinning, or frowning faces being pushed around everywhere, colors, confetti, lights, Caha became dizzy. She turned her head, catching a glimpse of green and blue stripes and knocked dead into something, or someone. She gasped but it was no use in the noise as she was pulled into a tent, away from everyone.
Cahin was growing tired of this man running about, he was swift, but Cahin was the Harlequin. Quickly, he saw his chance as he was turning a corner and jumped up onto the top of a green and yellow tent, cutting ahead of the man and pouncing down on him, pulling out his daggers. He heard a high pitched shriek and was about to dive the dagger down straight into the man's neck when suddenly, "I'm a girl!" he cried, shaking off his hood frantically to reveal... he was a she. "What the hell?" Cahin gasped, not expecting a woman. She grunted and struggled but couldn't get him off. "Let me go!" She jolted her head, a necklace falling out onto the ground. The flash of the metal caught Cahin's eyes. There, was a bright red cross charm on the end of the silver chain. Cahin turned to look at her again, putting his daggers down he grinned, "Templar."
Caha struggled with her capturer but couldn't get her hands on her daggers. Somehow, whoever this was knew that's what she was trying to get rather than break free from them. He pushed her down into a pile of hay while restraining her. The glare of a white mask shone in Caha's eyes for a moment as a hand was placed over her mouth, she knew who it was. "Shhh..." The doctor leaned in on her, placing a finger to his mask. "I won't hurt you my dear." He seemed to grin. Caha's eyes shot open but this was not noticeable through her gold mask. He would not be graced by her expressions of fear or shock. Malfatto rose up, reaching for his belt and fumbling with something, pulling out a vile of poison and opening it, taking out his syringe. Caha panicked. She knew he was mad but would he really go through all the trouble to come to Siena and kill her? She couldn't get at her daggers and he had her caught here, isolated and was filling his syringe with poison.
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dun dun dun! Yeah, that's right I left you hanging right there. XD. Don't worry i'll keep up with this story.
Will Malfatto poison her? D: What's his motives? If you're reading this before finishing the story shame on you! XD
anyway, this story is about 1000-2000 words per chapter and I will be going back to school soon but. I'll keep up.
Cause I'm addicted to AC. I hope you like it so far! :) 3
~konnie
