Chapter 2
Nice to meet you
Cole walked with his head hung low, not looking up to see where he was, he already knew this place like the back of his hand. Some of the assassins gave him their usual side glances when they saw him, he let his hood down and his dark, ebony hair fell over his face as he marched towards were he thought Ezio would be, if he was even here. Seeing one of the newer recruits, he walked over. "Do you know where Mentor might be?" the man looked at his for a moment before pointing behind himself. "He is meeting with another assassin. But I'm not sure-." The man was cut short as Cole walked passed him, ignoring what he had to say next. Why does everyone insist on speaking English? Cole weaved past a few more of his brothers and sisters, still keeping his head down and his eyes away from their judgemental faces. Most of them were older than himself, they had been picked up from the streets as adults while he was born into the brotherhood and started training at a very young age. They envied him for his 'special treatment', he was trained by Mario Auditore with Ezio before he died, though there was a large age gap between the two they grew to be close friends, Ezio was also very close with his sister, Catarina Sforza. The others also judged him because of his sexuality and the fact that he was allowed to have a relationship with another one of their own even though it was not allowed.
A large arch came into view and he knew that if Ezio was meeting someone, he would meet in there. It was away from the hustle of the daily comings and goings, it was close to a back exit in case they needed to make an escape and it was the office where the information and artefacts were kept. The cream colour of the walls always bored Cole and the red drapes that hung around rooms needed to be changed. He understood that they had more important things to worry about rather than the décor of an underground hideout but he could amuse himself with the thoughts. When Ezio had heard of his complaints, he promised to buy a portrait of each of his dead targets. Cole knew that the people Ezio killed were important and the artwork would be expensive but he couldn't help but accept it out of glee.
Cole walked slowly through marble archway and inspected his surroundings. He didn't have to because he'd been in the room a thousand times before but it was drilled into him that now its second nature. There were large and dark bookshelves all around the room, lamps and candles were scattered across the room making it bright and to the far side was a large oak desk, some chairs and another archway that led to the back exit. Standing in front of the desk was his Mentor, Ezio Auditore da Firenze. And standing right next to him was a man, he looked about the same age as Cole with dark brown hair, tanned skin and red and black robes. You could tell that he was a skilled assassin not only by looking at his weaponry but also at the way his stance changed as soon as Cole walked in. when he turned his face Cole looked over his features, he was a handsome young man with golden amber eyes and a small scar that did slight damage to his left eyebrow. He didn't have much time to admire the other man as he turned his full attention to Ezio who stood looked at him with his lips pursed. He did not look happy and if Cole was afraid of his Mentors wrath before, he was terrified of it now. "Now is not the time." He said sternly with the common Italian accent. Cole looked around the room, anywhere but into his eyes, he didn't even know what to say really, "Its important." He replied and he felt the other man eyeing him down. "You were already late with your assignment, I think it can wait a little longer." Ezio's cold reply cut deep and Cole debated whether he should just follow his orders and leave it for later. But then the thought better of it. As much as he hated speaking the language, he wanted their guest to know that he was serious and he didn't feel like being rude right now. "But Mentor, this-." He was cut off by angered tone, to anyone else it would have just sounded stern but Cole knew. Now was not the time to be bothering the assassin. "No, I am busy right now and whatever it is can-." It was his turn to be cut off now.
"Danillo is dead. He was assassinated by one of our own." Cole eyes once again became cloudy with unshed tears as he uttered the last words while trying to keep his voice from cracking. The other man looked confused, he probably didn't understand Italian, and it was also probably Cole's heartbroken expression. Ezio understood though, he could see the hurt that flashed over Cole's face, he saw how shattered his heart was and how much strength it must be taking now to cry in front of their guest. His jade eyes were glossy and his face looked flushed. To keep matters private, Ezio decided to speak in his native tongue as well, to comfort Cole. "I am sorry for your loss, I know how much he meant to you." Cole breathed in and calmed himself, "He gave me the information. You might want to look over it before tomorrow morning." Cole blinked his eyes and he forced his tears down, then he looked over to the other man standing awkwardly to the side and immensely confused.
Cole turned towards the man and laughed a little. "I apologise for my sudden intrusion sir, my name is Cole Sforza da Roma, assassin in training. It is a pleasure to meet you." He held out his hand to shake and Ezio smiled at Cole's formal greeting. He man, still confused, looked down at the hand and took it firmly in his own. "The pleasure is all mine, my name's Kai smith." Kai's hand was a little rougher against Cole's much softer one, Cole looked up expectantly at the brunette as if he left out something in his introduction. Ezio smiled at Kai's confused expression and decided to help him out. "Where were you born?" He asked calmly. "Um, in (insert info here). Why?" Kai answered. "Then that means your full title is Kai Smith da (city)." The foreign name sounded out of place with Cole's heavy Italian accent, and the raven boy slightly cringed as he struggled pronouncing some letters. "Oh! And your born in Rome then." Kai then asked as he realised their customs. "Yes." Cole simply said. Ha did his best to smile, showing his pearly whites off but the pain behind his eyes could not be mistaken. Kai seemed to understand that even though he didn't exactly know what had caused it. Ezio stood to the side as he observed the friendly exchange. They were around the same age, Kai needed to get to know the city, Cole was born here so who better to know than him? Plus Cole looked like he needed to get his mind off the death and Ezio needed time to sort out this rogue assassin problem. This was the perfect plan.
"Cole, would you mind doing the brotherhood a favour." He inquired. "The brotherhood?" he replied with a grim look on his face. "Yes, the brotherhood. I would like you to please show Kai around the city so that he can get to know who and were we're fighting." Cole's features looked indecisive as he thought about the offer. He didn't really want to play tour guide at a time like this but from the look his Mentor was giving him, he didn't have a choice. "I'd be happy to show our guest around." He answered as he pursed his lips and forced a smile, a very unbelieving smile. He bowed respectfully and then looked towards Kai. The brunette nodded and they both walked out of the room as Ezio watched him with a pleased smile across his face.
Cole let the assassin through the halls and past a few of the brothers and sisters who all eyed him sceptically when they saw the person following him. Cole wanted to get them off Tiber Island and far away from any of them before they could make their assumptions and judge him even further. Kai was oblivious to Cole's anger and rather looked around, smiling at some assassins as he kept up with the raven's speed walking. Cole led him to a small dark brown wooden door that had the assassin symbol above it. "These are the tunnels, we use them to get around Roma." He explained while motioning to the door. One inside Kai could survey his surroundings but he wasn't sure that he liked how it looked, or how it smelled. Cole led him through a maze of underground tunnels filled with torches and gates until they finally reached the one they were searching for. "This one brings us close to the Vatican City." Kai raised an eyebrow in question. "Why are we going there, shouldn't you be showing me around Rome?" Cole turned around and continued up a ladder which led to a gate that he walked through, with Kai following behind. "You'll see now." Once they emerged from the dark tunnels, they saw no difference in the equally dark night. The sun was set and the streets were being lit by lanterns while some people carried candles in their hands. It wasn't much later when the two men were being pushed around by the throngs of people going to church. The red and white mod looked unconcerned as they shoved them aside and continued walking, some people's horses almost trampled them both. "Come, we should get to the rooftops." Cole wrapped his hand around Kai's arm as he dragged him to the nearest building, there was a slight tingle that came with the contact that seemed to make Kai feel a little giddy inside. The night was warmer than the day had been and it didn't help when his body heated up even further at the others touch. No, he shouldn't be thinking about these things, he was in an unfamiliar country with no knowledge about it whatsoever, the last thing he needs to think about was how one man's touch made him get butterflies.
The boy in black and silver scaled the wall and easily hoisted himself to the top before turning around and beckoning Kai. As the assassin in red and black did the same, he looked over the crowds of people walking together to a large bridge that led to a massive building. "We can get a better view from up there." Cole said as he pointed the roof as of a tall church. As Kai had been doing for the entire time since they left Ezio, he followed. Once they reached the very top, they could see most the city from across the water and even more of the Vatican. Cole saw people gathering outside the churches and the soldiers keeping watch for anyone –assassins- from sneaking in. The candle light coming from the people made a wave of light whist their eyes travelled over. "It's beautiful no?" Cole spoke as the two of them sat peacefully. Cole had his legs pulled up slightly while Kai had his stretched out in a relaxed manner. "It sure is." Some time passed before the deep rumbling of an organ could be faintly heard, it was a soothing sound but it was still powerful enough to travel a distance and make its voice heard.
"What are we doing up here?" Kai asked after a while, Cole tensed a little when he thought about it. "Umm, this-this is actually the home of the Templar leader and his children." Cole added the last part quickly when he got a sceptical look from Kai. "Really, they live there?" He asked as he pointed to the great church in the distance. "Si, that's why there are so many guards." Kai followed Cole's line of sight and spotted three groups of soldiers patrolling the area. One just before the bridge, one along the bridge and the other was spread out on the higher balconies and rooftop. "We should get back to going around the city, I want to know where I'm fighting." Kai stated as I got up from his seated position. After a sigh, Cole followed his lead and then both climbed down. They proceeded through the tunnels again until they emerged inform of a decorated building. Girls stood dancing in the street around it. "This is the Villa Rosa. Where all the whores come from." Cole explained when he began walking towards the structure. He knocked on the door and waited until a middle aged women dressed in dark maroon and gold and covered in jewellery opened the door for them. "Ah, Cole, it's good to see you again." She spoke in a cheerful voice as the music behind her poured through the door. "It's good to see you too (insert name here)." He replied, she raised a questioning eyebrow at him for his choice of language. He acknowledged her confusion and spoke again. "This is Kai, he has come to Italia for… I don't really know, Ezio can tell you that." Realisation washed over her features as her smile returned. "Oh yes, I have heard of him. His sister is staying with us." Kai perked up as this. "She is? Can I see her." Kai pushed past Cole and (name) to get inside. "What happened to touring the city?" Cole grumbled unhappily, he never did like the Villa Rosa. "Someone's having a bad day." (Name) spoke after Cole entered the building. "Don't ask." He replied coldly. "Nya!" Kai called over the conversations and music engulfing the room. Not long after a girl slightly on the young side come running from upstairs. "Kai!" she called back. The girl had a short dark bob with red silks as clothing, at first sight you would never have guessed that those two were siblings. Cole left them alone to bond for a little while as he spoke to (name). "Has any news been heard of my sister?" he asked grimly. "We know that she's being kept in the dungeons under the watch of Lucreazia." Cole's face seemed to fall even more and his shoulders sagged. "Cole, everything will be okay. Ezio is working hard to get her back." She reassured him and in response, he sighed. "I know, it just… She's in danger and I can't do anything to help her." She rubbed his shoulder gently in comfort. After sighing again he regained some of his past energy and turned to face the siblings. "Kai, we have to leave. We still need to visit a certain artist." Kai regarded him with puppy dog eyes before looking down at his sister again. "I'll see you soon okay." He said as he hugged her one last time. "Okay." She replied. The two assassins left after giving their good-byes.
"So, who is this artist?" Kai inquired. "He's name is Leonardo da Vinci. He's a talented artist and the smartest man I know." Cole explained as he walked with Kai through the empty streets. "Oh. He sounds impressive." Cole nodded in agreement. "He has an impressive mouth as well, almost never shuts up. His assistant is even worse." Kai laughed a little at that. "I can't wait to meet them."
