I don't own Assassin's Creed, all credits to Ubisoft for this amazing series!

Please enjoy the next chapter! I hope you all are liking the story. Already chapter ten and we haven't even killed the snake Vieri. ahaha, anyways, not much to say. xoxo other than thank you for all the subscribers and reviewers. yOu guys rock and I'm so happy to have people reading this.

Chapter Ten: Attack on San Gimignano

Mario hovered over his desk, looking over maps of Tuscany and more specifically, San Gimignano, as he had been for the last few weeks now. Because Trinity was now training Ezio, he had much more free time to work on his plans to invade San Gimignano.

"May I come in?" asked Trinity, head peering around the open archway to his study from outside.

The elder Auditore looked up at her and smiled. "Of course, of course," he said airily, waving for her to enter. Trinity smiled and strolled in. "Did you give Ezio a day off?"

She snorted. "No," she replied shamelessly. "He's out running the ramparts right now."

Mario laughed lightly.

Trinity had been pushing Ezio much harder than he ever did for a little over seven months. Not only did she work on fine-tuning Ezio's combat skills, but she helped him build up a strong stamina, perfect the art of stealth, and free-run even quicker than he had before. Ezio's dexterity has increased immensely, as well as his overall speed. These were things that Mario would never be able to train Ezio in because though he was part of the assassin line, Mario wasn't much for stealth and free-running as his younger brother had been.

Mario had noticed that Ezio had been putting far more effort into his training while working with Trinity too. Mario knew why though; he was perfectly aware of the bet placed between them and what the prize entailed.

Speaking of the bet, Ezio had yet to win a duel thus far. Recently, he's been closer…but he always lost to Trinity in the end. Mario had the distinct impression that Trinity would toy with Ezio, letting him think that he had some sort of chance…only to catch Ezio off guard and take the win at the last moment.

Ezio never lost hope though, as he continuously challenged her to duels nearly every day. Mario always oversaw each duel because they wanted a fair judge to make sure the other wasn't cheating. He had lost count of how many duels he had watched in the past seven months. There were only a handful of times that the end result was a standoff between the two…but that was not winning, and therefore Ezio could not claim his prize.

The pair's relationship had neither worsened or improved either in the last several months. Though Ezio was nearly two decades old and Trinity being one who has been alive for eighteen springs, the two teenagers still were at each others' throats day in and day out, acting like small children. At this point, the entire city learned to ignore their shouting matches, be it on the battlements in the early hours of the morning, throughout the streets while they were practicing free-running, or during meal times in the villa. Needless to say, no one paid much attention to their bickering, though if someone did, neither of them would have ever noticed.

Mario was actually impressed with the array of insults they had for each other; he frequently heard many new ones every week that passed. Though it was generally amusing to watch them, he vaguely wondered when they were going to outgrow this phase of their friendship.

He couldn't help but chuckle.

If he had said they were friends to their faces, one of them (and he didn't know which, if not both) would slit his throat for even suggesting such a thing.

"So if Ezio is running the battlements," said Mario to make conversation, "what are you doing?"

Trinity glanced around for a moment before dropping her voice. "Hiding from Claudia," she whispered, her eyes darting back to the archway. "If she finds me standing around idly, she has the tendency to push chores on me."

Mario laughed, knowing all to well what she was talking about.

"But when I do the chores she forces me to do, I still get yelled at because I didn't do it her way," joked Trinity.

"You have to give her credit though," said Mario. "She does keep the place clean."

Trinity agreed, rolling her eyes, before she glanced at the large parchments on his desk. "Mario," she said hesitantly, "I've noticed you've been pouring over these maps for months now…but I can't figure out why…"

The Auditore took a moment to let his dark eyes search the room like she had.

"I am planning an attack on San Gimignano," he replied quietly. "I haven't told Ezio yet. I don't want him getting distracted from your training."

Trinity raised an eyebrow in confusion. "An attack?" she asked. "Perché (why)?"

Mario growled contemptuously. "That succiacazzi (cocksucker) Vieri de' Pazzi has been harassing the damn city for the last two years," he said irritably. "And I've had just about enough of his ill attempts to overtake Monterriggioni."

Trinity made a noise of indignation. "So, that bastardo survived…" she sighed to herself, causing Mario to eye her curiously.

"Did someone try to kill him?" he asked.

"Yeah…" she growled contemptuously, her eyes darkening a shade. "I did…right after I left Monterriggioni."

Mario looked like he was taken aback by this news. "Really…?" he said thoughtfully. "I was never informed that he had been attacked. He kept it quiet."

Trinity smirked to herself, knowing that Vieri would probably have thrown a hissy fit if someone had spoken of the incident between them; Vieri wouldn't have wanted the news to get out because it would have shown that he was weak. She relayed the story quickly to Mario so he understood what she was talking about.

Mario roared with laughter at the idea of Vieri being confronted by an assassin in mid-thrust…and that assassin being female, no less.

"That boy has bad luck!" he exclaimed, clearly amused.

Trinity felt herself smile.

"Although," she said in realization, "perhaps that's why he has been attacking Monterriggioni so often. Vieri assumed that I had still resided here and wanted to get revenge for my attack on him. Mi dispiace, Mario…. I didn't realize the repercussions would be so large if he had survived."

Mario shook his head dismissively. "Don't apologize," he replied, unconcerned. "It's not your fault. Vieri would have mounted attacks on us even if you hadn't. My guess is his main objective is to kill Ezio, since Ezio was supposed to have been hanged with the rest of his family, not escape Firenze, and death entirely. Your assault on Vieri only fueled him."

He had a point.

"When will you be invading San Gimignano?" Trinity asked after a moment.

Mario was thoughtful.

"Sooner than later, giovane (young one)," he admitted. "I've been gathering my men together and modifying my battle plans before I head out."

"Time estimate?" she pressed.

"No more than two weeks…at most," he replied gravely. "But I'm pushing for a week, if I can."

Trinity smiled, her own mind turning. "Bene," she said, patting him on the shoulder. "A week is perfect."

Mario was confused as to what she meant by that. "Eh? And why is that" he asked the young assassin.

Trinity had been walking away to leave the room when she cast a bright smile back at him, her eyes gentle but showing she was pleased about something.

"Because Ezio is no longer in need of anymore training."

Ezio panted heavily as his uncle and Trinity circled him like sharks with swords drawn. His eyes darted from each of his opponents, waiting for one of them to make an indication that they were about to strike.

He felt them both move simultaneously, both swinging their blunted swords at him, Trinity in front, and Mario behind him. Ezio quickly dove to his right, avoiding the swings by half a foot. Trinity and Mario's sword clashed together now that Ezio was not standing where he had been.

The day before, Trinity had arbitrarily told Ezio at dinner that he was to have a fight with his uncle and her the next afternoon. Ezio had been confused to this, as she also said that she was letting him have the day to himself until said fight

Trinity never in the last seven months let him have the day off. Yes, some days were far easier in training then others, but had not been able to sleep in since the day she returned to Monterriggioni. However, she had told him that he was finished with his training, that there was nothing more that she could teach him. The last test he had was to see if he could hold his own against Mario and her, and then he would truly be done with everything.

Presently, Ezio was fairing quite well in his fight. Both Trinity and Mario had been able to get a few hits on him, but very few…and Ezio in turn, was able to return the favor to both of them. They had been fighting for the last ten minutes or so, which doesn't seem like a long fight at all but the majority of the time, there was always a winner within the first six minutes.

Trinity and Mario glanced at each other before lowering their swords, signaling the mercenary that was watching the fight to call the end of it. Ezio eyed them, confused as to why they were letting their guard down.

"Ben fatto, nipote (well done, nephew)!" said Mario, beaming at Ezio. "You've really come into your own."

Ezio lowered his sword and smiled a little. "Thank you, uncle," he said, walking over to him and putting a hand at his shoulder, "for all you have given me."

"You're family," replied his uncle. "Such is my duty and my desire."

Trinity, who was standing beside them, cleared her throat purposefully. "You're forgetting someone," she said teasingly with an expectant look.

Ezio smiled slyly. "And grazie to you too, monello (brat)," he replied, using the nickname he had been calling her for the last few months. "If it wasn't for you putting me through Hell and back, I would not be where I am today."

He held out a hand for her, and she shook it. "Damn right," she said with a smirk.

Her counterpart laughed dryly. "I will beat you in a duel…"

Trinity waved him off dismissively. "Yes, yes," she replied airily. "You've said this many times already."

Mario, however, was eying them. "I'm impressed," he said, causing the two of them to look over at him with confusion. "I think this is the first time I've seen you two have a conversation with out arguing."

"E 'ancora stupido (He's still stupid)," said Trinity indifferently, promptly punching Ezio in the arm while she looked at Mario.

"E lei è ancora fastidioso (And she's still annoying)," finished Ezio, pushing Trinity roughly to the point that she nearly fell over.

At this, they both started to bicker about who is more aggravating than the other, causing Mario to smile to himself, though unnoticed.

"Children…" he sighed after a minute. They abruptly stopped arguing, hearing the tone in their elder's voice.

"Anyways," said Ezio, throwing a dark glare at Trinity for a second. "I'm glad you had me stay."

"Good! You're reconsidered leaving!" exclaimed Mario, looking pleased.

Ezio immediately felt the guilt rise in his throat and he turned away from his trainers' gazes. He didn't care what Trinity thought…but his uncle would be upset, he was sure.

"…We sail for Spain," said Ezio slowly, turning back to look Mario in the eye, "in three days."

Ezio had arranged all of this that morning, having told Claudia and his mother that he was finishing his training today. Claudia had been very excited about this, never having been thrilled about staying in Monterriggioni for so long. Maria, as expected, was silent on the subject, though her body reaction did not tell what she thought of either situation.

Mario stared at Ezio for a second, whereas Trinity's expression looked a little more irritated than shocked.

"But nipote," said Mario, stepping towards him and trying to remain calm. "Trinity and I have given these skills that you might be better prepared to strike against our enemies…"

"And if they find me, I will," said Ezio firmly.

Trinity scoffed and crossed her arms behind Mario, her demeanor displaying that she was only growing more furious as the seconds passed.

"You want to leave, Ezio?" snapped his uncle, his battle scarred face hardening in his anger. "To throw away everything your father fought and died for?"

More guilt. "Uncle-" Ezio tried to cut in.

"To deny your heritage?" pressed Mario over Ezio in a hard tone. "Fine! Come vuoi. Arriverderci e buona fortuna (So be it. Good-bye and good luck.)"

Mario turned on his heel and stalked away up towards the villa in his sudden rage.

"Uncle, wait!" Ezio called in confusion, but Mario ignored him. His eyes caught the dark look that Trinity was giving him.

It was clear that she was also angry…but more disappointed in him than anything. In all honesty, Ezio did not like the way she was gazing at him.

"Arrivederci, Ezio," she said, dropping her arms before she started to turn away from him. "Il percorso si può camminare al sicuro (May the path you walk be safe.)"

She paused before she turned her back to him and walked away. Trinity leapt over the wall that made the fighting ring and followed Mario up towards the villa, leaving Ezio standing there with the mercenary in utter mystification.

"I don't understand," said Ezio to him. "Why are they so upset?"

The mercenary shrugged indifferently. "How can he not be?" he said, glancing up at the pair disappearing into the villa. "Vieri's been harassing us ever since you two first arrived."

Ezio was taken aback by this news.

"To be expected, I suppose," continued the mercenary, not noticing Ezio's contemplative look. "Given his heritage."

The young assassin lowered his eyes to the floor for a moment, unsure of what he should do.

Trinity rubbed her right temple to relieve her slight headache as Mario still continued to growl and complain about his nephew's stupidity for the last two hours.

"I did say he was stupid," she replied idly, not paying much attention anymore to what he was saying.

The had just set across Tuscany as she, Mario, and a handful of his men were waiting in a small little village outside San Gimignano. They had ridden out of Monterriggioni after their fight with Ezio, having been planning the attack on Vieri for the last two weeks.

Trinity understood that Mario was hurt by Ezio's decision to run off to Spain, and granted, she was also angered by this herself, seeing that she felt like she has wasted the last seven months of her life training the idiot. She could have spent her time tending to her own problems than have spent it on Ezio.

She shook her head. Stronzo, she cursed him.

As she walked around the temporary camp, she went about ordering the men to ready their weapons and armor while Mario and her went over battle plans on invading the city. The men agreed, setting about sharpening their swords and axes and checking their armor to make sure there were no defects.

Vieri's scouts had seen them coming and sealed all the gates to the city, having his guard watch the entrances to each of them. Trinity and Mario had sent scouts of their own, to see which gate was weakest so that she could open it from inside.

By the time the moon was high in the sky, signaling that it was late, more men had arrived from Monterriggioni at the camp.

"Pronti (Ready?)" asked Trinity to Mario once she had generally checked everyone's weapons.

Mario opened his mouth to reply but he was cut off by a set of hooves that came through the camp. Trinity and Mario looked over, finding Ezio climbing off a white mare and approaching them.

Somehow, Trinity was unsurprised of his appearance and smiled to herself.

"Ezio?" said Mario surprised, though wary. "What are you doing here?"

"Taking responsibility," said Ezio firmly once he was close enough to them. "Vieri troubles you because of me."

Trinity and Mario laughed darkly at this statement.

"Vieri troubles us because he is a Templar and we are Assassins," clarified Trinity, walking up from behind Mario.

"Either way," said Ezio, glancing at her, "I wish to help."

He saw the look of appreciation that the both of them held. "Va bene (alright), then listen closely," said Mario, bringing Ezio over to the map of San Gimignano. "First, we must find a way into the city…thought we have been informed that Vieri is expecting us…. He has sealed the gates and sent his men to guard them."

"Fortunately for us, the city is larger than his host. The southern gate suffers for it," said Trinity, pointing on the map to show Ezio what she was talking about. "So, that's where we will strike."

After a few more minutes of discussion, and rallying the men, they were ready to move out and execute their attack.

They ran about quarter of a mile around the San Gimignano walls silently, Mario in the lead. His men, Trinity, and Ezio followed obediently, making every effort to skirt any guards they saw.

"He is pleased…" said Trinity quietly as she ran alongside Ezio. He looked over at her for a second.

"Who…? Uncle Mario?"

He saw her smile under her hood. "He's happy you have come to help us."

Ezio made to reply but Mario had stopped, the southern gate coming into their view. Ezio and Trinity, as well as the others, all slowed to a stop as well.

There was a large pile of crates against the city wall and above it, bricks had fallen and decayed, leaving an opening for them to climb to.

"Alright, Ezio, this is how it's going to work," said Mario, turning to him and Trinity. "My men and I will distract the guards. Once we have engaged them, get yourself over the wall and find a way to open the gate."

"I'm ready when you are, uncle," said Ezio.

"Here," said Trinity, handing him four small knives. He eyed them, confused. "Take these throwing knives and use them to dispatch the archers guarding the gate. One dagger should be enough unless they have on armor."

Ezio nodded. "And you?" he asked her. "You're coming with me?"

She smirked at the statement. "You're an Assassin now, Ezio," Trinity replied. "You don't need me to babysit you anymore."

He glowered at her under the shadow of his hood as she jogged away with Mario and his mercenaries.

Even before battle, Trinity had the audacity to mock him.

Once they rounded the bend towards the gate, Ezio heard Mario yell out a battle cry for his men to begin the attack. Within a minute, there was a massive amount of noise of metal ringing against each other and shouting from the men.

Ezio climbed the ramparts of the city by means of the crates and easily hoisted himself up onto the wall. Immediately, he saw an archer standing on a roof across the way, bow ready and pointing towards the gate.

Since the archer was in throwing distance, Ezio gripped one of his throwing knives that Trinity had just given him just as the archer saw him.

Ezio threw the knife and dug itself into the chest of the guard, causing him to drop to his knees from the force of the throw and fall off the roof to his death. Thankfully it was already late, and the majority of the townspeople were already in their homes asleep, so he did not attract any attention.

The young assassin quickly dispatched the other two archers on the roofs before he saw the pulley system that would open the south gate. Ezio leapt off a low roof, landing on the street below with a roll to a stand.

He sprinted over to the lever, seeing a flash of white out in the midst of the fighting. Of course, Trinity preferred being in the middle of action then to be doing any sort of stealth work.

It took a minute to get the gate open and Ezio immediately unsheathed his sword to help finish off the rest of the guards.

There were about seven of them left and the majority of them injured. Though he had withdrew his sword, there were more than enough mercenaries to take care of the rest of the San Gimignano guards and he felt he might be in the way more than helping.

He noticed Trinity, fighting off two guards with her twin daggers. There were another couple mercenaries around to help her, but they already knew that she had them covered.

Trinity, as expected because she was female, was fluid in her movements, almost graceful. It appeared to be more of a dance to her than a fight. Comparing her to Mario, who had heavy swings and wasn't quite so lithe, she made fighting look easy.

"Are you just going to stand around, idiota?" she called to him with an amused voice when she noticed him. Trinity ducked a swing from the guard behind her and slashed at his throat as she came back up.

"I wasn't aware you were in need of my help, monello!" Ezio shouted back, running to her last guard and stabbing him through the back with his sword.

She flashed him a sly smile but didn't reply as she dashed to the next guard.

After another minute, they finished them all off and Mario approached the gate.

"Well done, Ezio," he said. "We're in! This way, men."

They all ran past the gate into the courtyard after it. There were no civilians around and was quiet as they moved further into San Gimignano.

Trinity quickly ascended the buildings to scout out patrols, signaling two on the ends of the street. They were easily dealt with and thus the alarm was not raised that city was under attack.

There were about ten guards up the street and Mario stopped all of them.

"Ezio, distract those guards and keep them from raising the alarm," he ordered just as Trinity leapt down to join them. "Hopefully, it will buy me enough time to find and silence Vieri."

"Va bene," said Ezio, beginning to walk towards them.

"Wait, grullo (stupid)," said Trinity, gripping his collar to halt him. "I'm going with you. You may be a better fighter now, but let's not jump into a fray so eagerly."

Ezio didn't object, and neither did Mario.

His uncle took his men down a side street, around the guards, leaving the two assassins behind.

"Pronti (Ready)?" she asked, eying the guards far up the street. Ezio smirked at her.

"Andiamo (Let's go)," he replied, running up a side of a building and reaching for the roof. Trinity smirked as well and followed after him.