The piercing sound of a horse's neigh abruptly woke you, making you squint your eyes slightly to the noise. You push yourself up to some extent, barely being able to hold your body weight: the Animus made you weak.
As you look around, allowing your eyes to take in the scenery, you notice the Roman Stone roads that were practically wearing away along with a tall, familiar architecture. Your facial expressions fall into an awe as you realise that the brilliant construction standing before you was the well-known, beautiful Colosseum.
"Wow..." you whisper to yourself, amazed by the sight.
"Madonna?" You hear, catching your attention.
You look up to where the voice occurred, seeing a rather wealthy-looking man sat on a horseback. His clothing had beautiful patterns that represented Renaissance Italy and were stitched perfectly onto the fabric of his gown. His dark-brown hair was long and thick, reaching to behind his ears as he brushed a hand through. You noticed the mystery filled within his hazel eyes as you realise he was looking down at you a bit oddly, as though you were confusing him. You didn't know why the man looked so confused... until you realised that you were lying on the ground completely nude.
"Oh my Gosh!" You shriek, quickly sitting up and trying to cover yourself; why on Earth were you naked?!
It took a mere second for your cheeks to burn up to a full 500 degrees (or so it felt), and your face to flash a bright colour red. How embarrassing!
"I-it's quite alright," the man assures you, jumping off his saddle and handing you a cloak to hide your body with. "What happened, Signora?"
"I-I... I'm not, I - " you stutter, not being able to collect your thoughts because quite frankly, you had no idea what had happened; it must have been the way the Animus worked, considering it was making you appear at a time that you didn't appear - obviously it wasn't in the code to clothe you.
"Sh..." the man hushes you, helping you stand. "I understand. You must have had too much to drink last night, eh?"
Before you could reply in complete denial, the man chuckles and shakes his head in amusement.
"I know how you feel," he says, patting the saddle on his horse. "Come. Jump on. I'll take you somewhere safe and out of public."
You pause for a second too long before hesitantly agreeing to mount the horse with the man, taking him up on his offer. After all, you had no idea where you were going; you've never visited Rome before. Hell, you hardly speak Italian. The only words you recognise really, are Signore and Madonna - which means 'Sir' and 'Madam.' Besides, you surely wasn't willing to stay out in public nude.
"Where were you off to last night?" The man questions, signalling his horse to resume trotting. "If you don't mind me asking, that is."
"I uh... I was, out. Walking. Nowhere in particular," you reply awkwardly.
The man pulls a confused face as you talk, stating a rather odd statement. He knew that you were lying, but what else could you say? You couldn't tell him that you were from the year 2018 being sent back to 1530 to befriend a deadly Assassin in order to locate the Apple of Eden and hand it over to the Templars so that they could have power and control over society... now that you think of it, it's sort of a mouthful to even put into basic format.
'Jesus. What has my father gotten me into?' You think to yourself, sighing heavily in both annoyance and confusion.
"Are you alright, Signora? You seem... confused," the man asked, sounding concerned for you.
"I'm fine," you tell him, unaware of the risks back in Renaissance Italy and how the rights of women were unfairly low. "I just had a rough night, that's all."
"Do you think you were... assaulted?" He hesitates to ask.
"Assaulted? Why would you - " you stop, knowing why he thought you might have been assaulted - sexually assaulted. "No... I wasn't. But thank you for sharing your concerns with me."
The man gives a simple nod as a way to show his regards and that he understood. He didn't want to push it any further with his questions; he's already asked you enough and if he was being honest with himself, he wasn't getting much of a response considering you were confused yourself.
Along the way to his 'safe place,' you look around and admire the Roman Ruins that still stand in the year 2018. It was unbelievable how such architecture could stay standing in such brilliant conditions. It's also very fascinating how after all these years, the constructions were still very popular touring sites. The best part about being back in the year 1530, was that there were no restrictions on the Roman Ruins; you could literally 'hang out' at the Roman Pillars or sleep in the Colosseum's archways without being fined, imprisoned or banned by the City's Guards.
"If you'll allow me to ask, what is your name?" The kind man asks you, turning his head to the side slightly so he could see just over his shoulder.
"(Y/N)," you reply, adjusting the cloak that covers your body.
"Oh?" He utters sounding rather disoriented.
"Oh?" You question his tone.
"Si... that is a peculiar name. I don't think I've heard it around here before," he states. "Are you from Roma?" He guessed not considering your accent.
"No," you tell him, forgetting that there were no such thing as planes nor ships that could travel from such a distance back in 1530. "I am from... Venice."
"Ah, Venezia," the man says in awe. "Such a beautiful floating city."
"I agree," you smile, knowing of nothing; you couldn't tell him that you were from the United Kingdom - how could you have possibly travelled all the way down to Rome by yourself? "May I ask your name?"
"Federico," he replies calmly. "Federico Auditore da Roma. I was named after my Nonna's brother who was sadly executed. But I see no shame in being named after a brave man."
"Nonna?" You question, feeling embarrassed to not know Italian - the whole of Italy speaks the language; you feel like the only one who doesn't and can't understand.
"Si. My Grandmother," Federico replies, tugging on the horse's halter to guide it through the streets of Rome.
"What was her name?" You ask curiously, striking up a conversation.
"Claudia Auditore da Firenze," he answers proudly. "She and her brother Ezio were very popular around Italy. You might have heard of them."
"Ezio Auditore da Firenze?" You repeat, knowing that name from somewhere. "Say... do you have a brother?"
"Indeed I do," Federico replies. "Why do you ask?"
"Your surname just sounds familiar to me," you respond, trying to not raise suspicion. "What is his name?"
"Remilio. But we call him Remi for short," he informs you, slowing down his horse in front of a large building.
'That's him!' You almost squeal to yourself in your mind. 'Remilio.'
As you look up to the structure that Federico had just stopped in front of, you notice how familiar it looked. Almost as though you've been here before, but how could you have?
'Wait!' You think to yourself.
After finally realising how you recognise the building, you conclude that you in fact have visited the construction before... as Remilio in his memories. It was the Assassin's Guild!
"Dai," Federico says, jumping off his horseback and held out his hand to you. "Come. We need to get you inside and dressed."
Without disagreeing - because you didn't disagree not even one bit - you took his hand in yours and dismounted the horse with Federico's help. After tying the horse's leather halter to a nearby stand, Federico guided you inside the Assassin's Guild.
With the cloak still tightly held around your body, you manoeuvre yourself carefully through the bunch of people in the room. Weirdly, they were all dressed the same - in white robes with their hoods up. Some even wore expensive-looking armour, which indicated that they were fighters in battle. Were all of these people... Assassins?
Federico led you to a spare room and closed the door so you were off-sight to everyone else. He quickly rummaged through the old-fashioned storage drawers and pulled out a wonderful dress, handing it over to you. For a dress that was made and worn through the year 1530, it was absolutely stunning! Along with the dress, Federico threw a small, 'granny-looking' pair of underwear over to you, not thinking much of it. But to you, just looking at the panties made you gag; sadly, there was no other option. You knew that even if you searched all around the World at this point in time, you would never find a decent pair of underwear.
"Thank you Federico," you thank the young lad before going behind the large screen divider, dropping the cloak to the floor and dressing yourself.
Once you step out from behind the screen, Federico's eyes lit up in delight as he saw you. The dress really complimented your figure, making you look like a woman of all tastes. Federico couldn't even bring himself to speak; all he could do, was let his eyes see such wonders as he admired your beauty.
"Wow..." he whispered under his breath. "You look amaz - "
"Federico!" You both hear someone call before he could finish his sentence.
Federico quickly made his way into the main room of the hideout in response to the call; you followed on behind him slowly and stood in the doorway to the room to avoid attention. You - at this point - just preferred to hide in Federico's shadow instead of announcing yourself to the rest of the Assassins.
"Tell your idiota of a brother that sending my men into battle would not have been wise," La Aquila ordered Federico.
Just before Federico was to reply, a forced grunt was heard from afar. You position yourself slightly to the right to get a better view of what was going on and where the grunt came from, though you had an idea and hoped you were right.
"Why should Federico listen to you? A bastardo - just like the Templars," Remi insulted, making almost everyone in the room gasp in disbelief.
"How dare you defile me like that," La Aquila marched towards Remi and pointed a finger in his face. "I am being logical here. Not like anything you know."
"Of course not," Remi chuckled sarcastically.
"Will you both just quit it?!" Cordelia yelled at them. "You've been at this for hours."
"Oh, mi dispiace (I'm sorry) Cordelia," Remi once again speaks with a very sarcastic tone. "But being beaten and tortured whilst you and La Aquila were relaxing back here at the Guild was so encouraging for me to find out. I'm so glad to know that I have such a reliable team!"
"That's enough!" La Aquila scowls at Remi, filling the room with silence. "Your mother is returning from her journey today. So you better drop this cold and reckless act before she gets here."
With that, La Aquila stormed off out of the Assassin's Guild and slammed the door shut behind him. The hard impact from the door echoed through the Guild and made you jump lightly - you didn't like the intense atmosphere between Remi and La Aquila at all.
"Thanks for your help Federico," Remi scornfully mutters, glaring at his brother.
"Hey, it wasn't my fault. I was about to defend you before you rudely interrupted," Federico crossed his arms as his eyebrows slowly merged into an arch.
"Sure. Blame it on me. Just like everybody else in the damn Brotherhood," Remi emphasises the word 'Brotherhood' to show his doubt and discouragement.
"Please, Remilio. Stop with the sparring," Cordelia pleads.
Remi shoots a sharp and icy stare at Cordelia before he - without any other curses or accusations - leaves the main room and enters his own. It was then, Federico turned to you and placed a comforting hand on your shoulder with a distressed expressed in his eyes.
"Mi dispiace (I'm sorry). My sincere apologises (Y/N) for everything you have just witnessed," he apologises to you for his brother's behaviour. "Remi can be... a bit hot-headed at times. As for La Aquila, he just needs a few moments of air is all."
"It's alright," you assure him. "You don't need to apologise to me for Remi's behaviour. In fact, I think he should be the one apologising to you. After all, you were going to defend him, right?"
It takes longer than expected for Federico to reply, but he finally answers with a short, "Right," making you covertly question his loyalty to his brother.
Remilio's POV (Point of View):
The soft glow from the candlelight flickers as Remilio slips off his boots and climbs into his bed, releasing a heavy and relaxed sigh. He listens in a satisfactory manner to the peaceful burning and dancing of the candle flame, letting his eyes close and a small, content smile appear on his lips. Despite the tortured beating, back-stabbing and bickering, Remi was safe to say that he felt warmth and comfort from the amicable candlelight flutter.
He wasn't sure how to feel about everything that had happened and everything that was said in the last hour or so. Sure, he enjoyed picking a fight and aggravating the Templars, but was La Aquila right? Does he always go looking for chaos whenever the given chance? To some extent, he understood why La Aquila didn't send his men into battle - especially an unnecessary battle which would risk each and every one of the mercenaries and other Assassins. But that's what a Brotherhood was for - to protect one another whenever they are in need of a helping hand.
Remi knew that his capturing was purely his fault. If he hadn't wound up the guards, then they wouldn't have chased him. Of course they didn't outrun him, but the slippery bastards tricked him into thinking that they had lost him. Once Remilio jumped out of the shadows and began his stroll back to the Guild, the Templars seized him, brought him back to their safe house and tied him to a damn chair to beat the location of the Apple out of him. Just thinking about the way he was captured made Remi feel awfully ashamed. He was better than that and he knew it, but lately he has been irresponsible and arrogant - like he's been sticking one's neck out and attacking fire with fire. He wasn't entirely sure why, but he was almost certain that his mother's return had something to do with it.
Suddenly, the door to Remi's room flung open which forced a gush of wind to blow out his candle flame. The angry Assassin threw a glare at the individual who interrupted his pleasant relaxation - it was Cordelia.
"Remi, la Baronessa (the Baroness) is here to see you," she informs him.
Immediately, Remi stood up from out of bed and shoved his boots and Assassin robes back on, along with buckling his belt over the robes. The Baroness was an important ally within the City of Roma; Remilio knew that being friendly and aiding the Baronessa would benefit his Brotherhood.
'La Aquila probably wouldn't do the same,' he thought to himself in repugnance.
Your POV (Point of View):
As Federico was explaining to his fellow Assassins about his discovery this evening, (you), you wait patiently on one of the handmade wooden tables. You knew that at some point today, the rest of the Assassins were going to have to know of your appearance, so why not now?
"Here Signora," you hear, making you glance up at one of the Assassin's who was holding a mug with both hands. "You must be exhausted. I heard what had happened and how Federico found you. I thought you might need this."
He extends his arms out to offer you the cup of coffee he held. You smile softly at the kind man before grasping the handle of the mug lightly. Your mouth watered slightly just to the thought of coffee - it feels like you hadn't had a cup in years! The smell lingered through the air and practically wrapped around the tip of your nose, teasing you. The steam from the coffee danced in upward waves as your patience declines almost dramatically. You take the first sip, letting the dark taste flatter your tastebuds before swallowing the warm and satisfying beverage.
"Mm, thank you for this," you look up to the Assassin, thanking him before he bows to you and makes his way back over to Federico to hear more of the story.
You listen to Federico, hearing the dramatised tone to his voice as he informs the others of the events earlier on that day. He was telling them about his journey and how he discovered a small chest full of treasured jewels and ammunition through gangs of City Guards, but he described you as his 'lucky find.' You felt your cheeks glow a hot pink as he spoke so charmingly of you. You had no idea why you were giving in and blushing - wasn't this meant to be a mission? It felt more like a new start to a new life... and a better one at that.
At that very moment, Remi made an appearance in the main room of the Guild and almost dashed towards the front door. He opened the door and stepped outside, looking tidy and formal unlike his style before he stormed off to his room. His usual demeanour was casual; even if he wore the same robes, he looked different all depending on the glimpse in his eyes. In other words, you could tell he had made at least 10% more effort in his appearance... but why? To impress who?
Remilio's PIV (Point of View):
"Ah, Remilio Auditore da Roma," The Baroness utters, receiving a soft kiss on the back of her hand from Remi. "What a pleasure to meet with you after such a long time."
"The pleasure is mine Signora," Remi bows his head slightly in respect. "You seek my services. Why?"
"I have a target that I need you to take care of," she begins to explain. "Silently and quickly."
"What is the profilo (profile) of this, target?" He asks, raising an eyebrow to the woman.
"His name is Eduardo - Eduardo Alfonsi. This man is a thug that roams the streets and terrorises my people," she explains further. "He's stolen, raped, murdered and abused the good citizens of Roma. I also fear he may be working for the Templars as an informer."
"Despite the inappropriate behaviour, what makes you state such an accusation?" Remi questions her assignment.
"I spotted a peculiar mark on his upper arm," she describes. "It was of a cross - the colour being a dark shade of red; it looked awfully familiar. If you do not believe me, check this mark first before sealing the deed."
"As you wish," Remi agrees to the request, being handed a bag of florins; the weight was fairly heavy.
On his way back inside the Assassin's Guild, Federico stops him before he could proceed with his task. Placing a palm on Remi's chest-guard, Federico questions the look in his eyes. The young man knew that his younger brother was off to assassinate a target, but he also knew that Remi didn't like to inform him on his contracts - the lad knew that Federico didn't like him doing the dirty work.
"I'll be fine," Remi states, his tone sounding rather aggressive.
Brushing past Federico, Remi makes his way over to the armoire to collect a pouch full of throwing knives and bullets. You watch him as he manoeuvres himself through the handmade tables and equips himself before he turns around, accidentally locking eyes with you. You're not sure why, but your face feels as though it has just been set alight with fire. Remilio hasn't even said one word to you yet, and already you're getting the hots for him. I mean, who wouldn't like a mischievous, bad-boy Assassin who enjoys spending his time being surrounded by mystery, adventure and playful memories? Though right now, Remi seemed to be in a foul mood - but who could blame him? Everyone seemed to be taking sides, and the sides they were taking were completely opposite to his; even his own brother seemed unsure when it came to defending or supporting him.
Speaking of his brother, you realised that Federico had been attempting his charm on you which has been working... however, Remilio gave you one look and you've already melted into his palms. Despite this, you try and hold yourself together as you watch Federico approach Remi, noticing the brief tension between you and his brother.
"She's a beauty that one," he says, nudging Remi's arm.
"Qual'รจ il sua nome? (What is her name?)" Remi asks, his tone sounding almost in admiration.
"(Y/N)," Federico replies. "Why don't you go talk to her?"
Remi glances to Federico for a split second, frowning at his response before bringing his eyes back to you. He didn't want to speak to you, not because he disliked you, but in fact the entire contrary. Federico could tell that Remi was in a state of total awe, and so decided to spice things up a little.
"Hey, why don't you take (Y/N) with you on your little quest, brother?" He suggested very, very loudly.
As soon as the words escaped his lips, you almost spat your coffee out before feeling your stomach flip due to nerves. Go with him on his quest? Does this mean you'll witness a murder? Or should you be focusing more on the fact that the plan of befriending Remilio was falling perfectly into place?