Hey everyone. Here we are again with Twilight Creed. I know it's been a while, but that's how it goes. Anyhow, hope you all enjoy. R&R
The Legend of Midna: Twilight Creed
Chapter Three: Memory Sequence 2
"Mr. Fox!" Dr. Mason shouted. "Get up!"
I got out of bed, and nearly fell over from grogginess. "Jeez," I said, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, "what's up your ass, doc?"
"I'll tell you what's up my ass, Mr. Fox," he snapped. "The board of directors has been breathing down my neck since you synched up yesterday. Apparently they want this done soon, as in 'by next Saturday'."
"You know," I said as I made my way toward the animus, "you still never have told me what you guys are looking for."
"That information is disclosed on a need-to-know basis," he said, "and as it turns out, you don't need to know. Now get into the machine."
"Bene," Ezio said as I entered the main room of the Assassin's headquarters. "It's my job to train you to be an Assassin. Are you ready to begin?"
"I am," I said, bowing to show my respect for my new master.
"Please," he said, "you have no reason to bow. Do not think of me as your master. I will teach you, and you will learn, simple as that. Now, the first, and probably the most important, thing you will learn is the art of free-running. Sometimes you will have to move quickly to intercept a target, or you will need to flee and escape the guards. Free-running can literally save your life."
"I'm ready, ser Ezio," I said, using the phrase I had heard other Assassin recruits saying.
"Va bene," he said. "In addition to free-running, you will also learn how to gather information like an Assassin should. Come with me." He led me through the hideout to a grated structure at the end of a corridor.
"What is this?" I asked.
"It is a tunnel entrance," he said. "These are scattered all over Roma, and they make travelling through the city much quicker. When I first came to this city, I had to either walk or go on horseback. Roma is quite large, as I'm sure you've discovered already. We need to use this one now, as where we are going is on the opposite side of the city."
We traversed the tunnel system, and I couldn't help but feel as though we'd only gone twenty feet when we were already climbing up a ladder. Once we were out of the tunnel, I found myself in what seemed like a tiny self-contained community. There was a tailor, a bank, a blacksmith, and horse stables, but the focal point was the tavern. That's where we were headed. Inside it was a sight to behold; rough around the edges, full of ruffians and people of generally ill-repute, et cetera. In short, it was a fun place to be. However, we were not meant to stay in the tap room, as Ezio led me to a room at the back, where a man in a hooded cloak sat at a bench-seated table.
"Ah, Ezio," he said as we entered. He stood and hugged his friend as though it had been years since they'd seen each other. "How have you been, amico mio? It feels like years since I saw you last."
"Sì," he responded jovially. "Unfortunately, this isn't just a friendly visit. I need to ask a favor of you."
"Anything for you, Ezio," he said. "How may I be of service to you?"
"This is…eh…Shweenog," he said, successfully mispronouncing my name. "He wishes to become an Assassin, and I could think of no one better to teach him the ways of the thieves than you."
"Of course you couldn't," said the hooded man. "There is no one better than me. Salute, signore," he said, addressing me this time. "I go by many names, but you can call me La Volpe."
"Bene," said La Volpe as we exited what I had learned was actually the Thieves Guild headquarters. "Now, we will begin with the skills required in free-running. I'm sure you know how to run and jump and climb around on things. Free-running is about traversing long distances in the fastest manner possible. Now, here is our route." He pointed out the route we would follow: onto the roof of the horse stables, then on top of the strip that contained the blacksmith, bank, and tailor, and then to the roof of the Guild.
"That's not too bad," I said.
"We're starting from over there," said La Volpe, pointing to an area a rather long distance away. "We will run from there, and then complete the rest of the course without losing momentum." I soon realized that this would not be as easy as I had thought.
We rode out to the starting area on horseback, and left them with two of La Volpe's men. La Volpe crouched, ready to fly at a moment's notice. I copied him, assuming that's what I should do.
"Sei pronto?" he asked me, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Sì," I answered.
"Very well," he said. "Begin!" As the words left his mouth, he darted away faster that the bolt of a crossbow. I couldn't believe it; I'd never seen anyone run that fast before. I fought hard, blood pounding in my ears, but still I could barely keep up with him. When finally we reached the horse stable, I knew things were about to become even more difficult. I ran against the side of the building, turning forward motion into upward motion, and for a moment I thought perhaps it wouldn't be as difficult as I'd imagined. It was then that I lost my footing and fell, slamming my chin hard into the roof of the stable. I fell to the ground, a bit dazed, but still aware of everything around me.
"You'll have to do better than that if you want to be an Assassin!" I heard La Volpe chide from farther along the course. I got to my feet, shook the dazedness out of my head, and tried again. This time I was successful in reaching the top. It was then just a matter of making my way around the course, until finally I was faced with climbing the building to reach the roof of the inn.
"Remember," La Volpe called, "there is always something to grab onto, no matter how unlikely it seems." I took his words into consideration, and began to climb, using overlarge bricks, window sills, anything I could possibly grab onto. I was just about to reach the top, when the brick I had a hold of came loose, and I fell. Before I could plummet to my death, however, La Volpe's hand shot out and caught mine, and he pulled me up.
"Not bad for your first time," he said approvingly, "but remember: out in the real world, no one will be there to catch you." I nodded, saying nothing, and we made our descent down the building.
"Alright," said La Volpe, as we stood on the roof of the Tiber Island headquarters. "You have learned to free-run, and with practice you will be fine at it. Now it is time for you to learn the skills necessary to gather information."
"I am ready, signore," I said.
"Good. Now, there are three main skills you will need to learn: eavesdropping, pick-pocketing, and interrogation."
"Interrogation?" I asked. "I thought part of being an Assassin was remaining unseen."
"Sì," said La Volpe, "but, unfortunately, sometimes that isn't possible. Which reminds me, before I tell you any more…" He rummaged around in his belt before producing a dagger. "Take this," he said. "Now I will tell you how to execute each of these skills. To eavesdrop, you must remain inconspicuous, either by hiding, blending into the crowd, or sitting on a bench near your target. Then all you have to do is listen. To pick-pocket, follow your target and take what you're after while he's not looking. If he stops, you must pretend as though you have no interest in him. Interrogation is more involved. You must follow your target to a secluded area, away from where people can see you, and then do what you must to force him to divulge the information you seek. However, once this is done, you can't allow him to live, as it would compromise the Brotherhood. That is why I gave you the dagger."
"I am ready," I said.
"Not quite," said La Volpe. "You know how to gather information, but you will still draw too much attention. In case you hadn't noticed, you are the only person in all of Roma with blue skin and green hair. Those affiliated with the Brotherhood do not shy away from you because they know who and what you are, but the rest of the world does not. Lucky for you, Ezio can solve that. Come." Together we went back inside the headquarters.
"Ser Ezio," said La Volpe. "I have instructed our new friend on how to gather information. I believe now the only thing he is missing is a way to remain discreet."
"Sì," Ezio agreed. "Schweenog, it is time you were presented your Assassin robes. From this point on, you are an official Assassin recruit. Now, there is something important we must do. Go put on your robes and then meet me back here."
I took the bundle of clothes from him and went off to the back of the hideout. I held them out to admire them before I put them on. Ezio's robes were white, with a red lining to his cape. It seemed Machiavelli had taken my Twili heritage into consideration when these were designed, however. They were essentially the same design as Ezio's, in the style of the Italian Renaissance, except they had shades of midnight blue and deep purple, with a green lining to the cape. There was also a pair of leather boots and gauntlet-style gloves. I put on my robes, boots, and gloves; it felt strange to wearing so much clothing. I then went to admire myself in a mirror. I felt intimidating, like I was a real Assassin. The best part, though, was that the hood obscured enough of my face that no one would notice my blue skin. I tucked my dagger into a sheath at my hip and returned to the main room of the hideout.
"Well, look at you," said La Volpe. "You look like an Assassin." I gave no response, but his words meant a great deal to me.
"You have nearly everything you need," said Ezio. "There is just one thing missing. However, we will have to travel in order for you to receive it. Gather your things," he said. "We leave immediately for Milano."
I was very tired once we finally reached Milano, and was grateful to be able to stretch my legs again. All those hours in the carriage were miserable, and I dreaded the thought of returning to Roma.
"He'd better still be here," I heard Ezio mutter to himself. He was heading towards a brick building some distance away, and I followed, assuming Ezio knew where he was going. He went up and knocked on the door, which was soon answered by a bearded man in a red velvet beret.
"Ezio, fratello mio! Come stai?" said the bearded man.
"Sto bene, e tu?"
"Bene," he said. "And who is your friend, Ezio?"
"Ah, yes," Ezio said. "This is…eh…"
"Llwynog," I finished for him.
"Grazie," he said. "I would like you to meet my best friend, Leonardo da Vinci."
"It is an honor," said Leonardo. "Any friend of Ezio's is a friend of mine. What can I do for you?"
"Shweenog needs a blade," said Ezio. "I was hoping you could build him one, like you did for me. Also, I was wondering if you had reconsidered my offer to join the Order."
"Per piacere, but my answer is still no," said Leonardo. "I respect the Order's goals, but that life is not for me." He paused for a moment. "However, of course I can construct a blade for him. It will take no time at all. Please, come in. La mia casa è la vostra casa."
Inside was like nothing I had ever seen before. It was like an art museum, a science lab, a workshop, and everything else in between all mixed into one, as well as having all the furnishings of someone's home. Leonardo had already set to work.
"You're lucky you came when you did," he said over his work. "A few more days and you would have missed me."
"Di cosa parli?" Ezio asked.
"I'm leaving for Francia soon," Leonardo replied. "Re Francesco…scusa, Roi François - I suppose I should get in the habit of saying it in French now – has contracted me to work for him now. He has given me Clos Lucé, so that's where I'm going."
"What is that?" Ezio asked.
"It is a manor house near to the Château d'Ambroise."
"Well," said Ezio, "that sounds like a good deal."
"Sì, I thought so," said Leondardo. "Plus, he's the King of Francia. What was I going to do, tell him no?"
"He has a point," I added.
"You don't say much, do you?" Leonardo asked, addressing me this time.
"I learned a long time ago that it's better to keep my mouth shut."
"That seems wise, anymore," he said. "There we are, finished. Would you like to do the honors, Ezio?"
"No, I think you should," Ezio said. "After all, we might never see you again."
"Very true," Leonardo agreed. "Very well, come here, Llwynog."
"You said my name right," I said, a bit incredulous. So far, no one had been able to get the initial sound right.
"I am a man of many talents, signore," Leonardo said. "Now, give me your left forearm." I extended my arm, not sure what he wanted me to do. "Turn it over," he said, "so that the palm of your hand faces up." I did so. "Now, here we are," he said, and fastened a leather bracer to my arm. Then he fitted some other mechanism to the straps that held it on.
"What is this?" I asked.
"It is something that all Assassins use," said Ezio. "I know how to build them, but after what Machiavelli told me, I knew I could never forgive myself if I gave you one of my construction. You need the best, and the best only comes from this man."
"You flatter me," Leonardo said, "but I appreciate your sentiment. Now," he said, turning to me, "you see this trigger? That is how you operate this mechanism. Give it a try." I used the trigger he showed me, and from my forearm sprang a small, but incredibly sharp blade. Using the same trigger, I retracted it.
"This is the hidden blade," said Ezio. "You will find it invaluable as an Assassin."
"This is incredible," I said.
"Grazie, Leonardo," Ezio said, "but we must return to Roma. I wish you could come back, but I understand your situation. The best of luck to you."
"Grazie, Ezio," Leonardo said. "I hope your endeavors prove fruitful."
"Are you ready for your first mission?" Ezio asked me, once we had returned to the Tiber Island headquarters.
"I am," I affirmed.
"Bene," said Ezio. "Here is what you must do. We have gotten word that someone is planning to strike the Assassin Order. They know that this is our hideout, but we know nothing more than this. Use the skills you have learned to discover who is behind this plot, so that we can take them out before they are able to act."
"As you command, ser Ezio," I said. I set off into the city, keeping my eyes and ears open to anything that might give me a lead. It wasn't long after I'd crossed the bridge into the city that I overheard two men talking.
"…when we strike against the Assassins," I heard one say in passing. This caught my interest, so I sat down on a nearby bench and listened.
"Are you sure about this? What if they already know?"
"There's no way they can," said the first one I'd heard. "Even if they do, a message is being delivered to the docks as we speak. Once it's changed hands, there's nothing they'll be able to do."
The docks, I thought. I have to get there quick. I took the first alley I came to and climbed a ladder up to the rooftops. For there, I took off running, jumping when necessary, in order to reach the docks in as little time as possible. When I reached them, I waited on the rooftops, looking for someone who might be carrying a message. I saw a man standing alone, so I kept my eyes on him. Sure enough, someone else approached and handed him a piece of paper, which he tucked in the back of his belt. I climbed down to the street and followed him. While he wasn't looking, I quickly filched the paper from his belt and continued off in the opposite direction. I took a look at it to see if I could find out what they were planning.
Dammit, I thought to myself. It's coded. Maybe one of the other Assassins can figure it out. I continued to keep a lookout for anyone I could gather any kind of information from. Eventually I passed a man spouting off in front of a crowd about the Assassins.
"The Assassins may have freed us from the Borgia, but they continue to take the lives of men and women all across the city. Indeed, all of Italia is in danger of their blade. They are a menace, and as long as they remain here, no one is safe!" When he was finished, he turned and headed off into the center of the city. I followed him, and when no one was looking, I grabbed him by the collar of his doublet and tossed him into a deserted alley. I took him by the chin and held my dagger to his throat.
"Tell me what you know about the conspiracy against the Assassins!" I said in his ear, loud enough that he could hear, but no one else.
"I have nothing to say to you," he said through gritted teeth, "other than 'well done'."
"What did you say to me?" I demanded.
"I said, 'well done', Shweenog," he said.
"Who are you," I demanded, "and how do you know my name?"
"It's me," he said, "La Volpe."
"La Volpe?" I asked, incredulous. It couldn't be La Volpe; he wouldn't betray the Brotherhood like this. Then he turned to face me, and sure enough, it was him.
"You did very well," he said. "We have been watching you this whole time. Everyone you've gotten information from has been my men."
"What are you saying?" I asked.
"This was all a test," said La Volpe. "This was designed to see how you would do in the field, and you have performed excellently. There is no plot against the Assassins."
"So none of this was real," I said.
"Exactly," said La Volpe. "Come, we should return to la Isola Tiberina. I believe Machiavelli has plans for you."
As I walked with La Volpe, my vision started to blur until I was blind. When my vision finally returned, I was once again at Abstergo Industries.
"That's all for today, Mr. Fox," said Mason. "You've done very well. Now go get some rest."
A/N: The sound that the name Llwynog starts with, that everyone but Leonardo mispronounces, is a sound that as far as I know only occurs in Welsh and Nahuatl. To do it right, the tongue should be in place to make an 'L' sound, but instead of that, air is forced out. That's why the Ezio and La Volpe say it like 'sh'.