DISCLAIMER: I do not own any characters from any of the Assassin's Creed games nor do I claim to do so. Any fictional characters (such as my OCs) are not meant to have any likeness to actual people. If they do it is circumstantial.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I have played the games and I know that most of this stuff is made up. The point of this fanfiction is not meant to be historically accurate or to follow the actual game plotline. If you notice any problems, such as date disagreements etc., please try not to point them out unless they're fairly huge. As well I'd also like to say that criticism, so long as it is constructive, is welcome. I hope you enjoy my first fanfiction and story on Fanfiction! :D

OTHER STUFFS: Okay, let's get this straight. I'm trying to be accurate as to how Ezio would possibly have the time to do this stuff. So right now it's the year mentioned below, 1484. Ezio's twenty-five and Valencia is fourteen. Ezio just assassinated that dude, Emilio or something or the other, and is resting for two years when he meets Sister Teodora. Hopefully that's on track. o_o

The stairs creaked ominously as we made our way down the stairs. I couldn't keep my eyes from flailing around wildly in their sockets as we headed through the house. Though small, from what I could see, the décor was tastefully chosen and there was an all-around bright atmosphere. Unique wood panelling decorated the walls in a whole kaleidoscope of twists and whorls.

"You have a beautiful house Alessa," I commented as we turned down a smaller hall, tightening my grip on her hand in apprehension.

"Grazie, dear," she replied with a kind smile. "Ever since my husband passed this place has been my pride and joy. And my children are grown up and have gone their own ways now."

"Beware Alessa," came a youthful voice from the room we had just entered. "She'll feed you up until we have to roll you from this house. Though you might not fit through the door." Chuckling Ezio stood and grabbed my hand, kissing it delicately.

"Our sleeping beauty awakes!" he announced loudly, a grin on his lips. Flushing I turned away and looked at the second man in the room. I knew him. It was La Volpe from the games! Blushing again when the man noticed I was staring I tried to distract myself by watching the fire, wondering what would happen now.

La Volpe's clear voice broke the silence after a few minutes. "Valencia, child, do you have any questions before we begin?"

Did I have questions? Of course, but how was I supposed to get them to believe that they did not exist? That I was probably in a coma and being treated in the hospital instead of gallivanting all over Italia. This…will be difficult.

Nodding slightly I let go of Alessa's hand and crossed my arms in front of my body, as if to protect myself. "Where am I?" I began, my voice quavering slightly.

"Firenze," came the curt reply. That was La Volpe again. "Mmm," I hummed, curious. I had been in Firenze when I was playing the game, so this was an odd coincidence. "And…what year is it?"

"1484, madonna," Ezio said in a faintly amused tone.

"Okay," I said, too shocked to ask anything more. Letting Alessa guide me to one of the comfortable chairs she then stood behind me, one hand resting on my shoulder as a reminder of her support.

"If you do not mind we will ask you some questions now. To begin with, what do you know of the Templars?"

I could feel the hairs along the back of my neck prickle. They thought me to be a Templar spy! "Nothing," I said through clenched teeth, watching La Volpe stare at me silently for a moment.

"Can you explain how you ended up covered in cuts and scratches on one of the rooftops in Firenze, then?"

This was a tricky one. Seeing as I had no idea what had happened, I opted for a slightly believable lie. "I was…uh…playing around with some friends and we dared each other to climb the building. Winner won some florins." Shrugging I continued when Ezio motioned at me silently. "And, ah, well, I fell, and got knocked out or something. I dunno."

The disbelief was pretty evident on their faces. I do not know why they didn't question it, but I suppose it was the miserable look on my face and the fact that I was a young girl with no obvious protection or family who had just appeared one day without notice. To them I wasn't a threat.

"Climbing the roofs," La Volpe echoed thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. "Ezio, do you…?"

Ezio's demeanour was now serious, I could see, and I wondered what they were implying. Yes, I could climb roofs in real-life, but how was that supposed to pertain to anything?

"If she has the killer instinct we'll have roped ourselves another member," Ezio said, a grin splitting his face suddenly.

Oh lord. I knew what they talking about. And I didn't think I wanted any part of it. "Abso-" Alessa's hand covered my mouth and she glared at me. Obviously I wasn't allowed to help choose my fate here. Shoving her hand away I glared at the two men, who were staring at me now.

"You had better not be thinking of what I think you're thinking," I growled fiercely, fixing Ezio with a particularly hard look.

"If you don't want us to then we aren't," Ezio replied smugly, patting my knee in a show of pity. Slapping that away as well I heaved a sigh and crossed my arms. "Then do explain."

"No sense keeping her in the dark," La Volpe said soothingly. "Signorina, we would like to as you if you wish to train as an assassin. You have the necessary skills if your story is anything to go by, as well you do not seem to have any family here in Firenze. Young girls should not be alone on the streets."

His fatherly air bothered me, but I knew he was right. I'd be raped within hours of getting out of this house, once the predators of Firenze saw that I had no one to protect me. Shifting awkwardly I nodded in silent acquiescence.

"So you'll do it?" Ezio asked excitedly, making me nod again just to get the point across. I was starting to think this wonderful assassin was lacking in the brains department.

"Wonderful. Ezio, you will train her for a few weeks until we can find somewhere for her to stay. Alessa, will it be any trouble to ask you to let Valencia make berth her for a small while?"

"Of course not," Alessa said gently, squeezing my shoulder. Nodding with approval La Volpe stood and walked out of the room swiftly.

"Now what?" I asked, confused. Everything was happening so quickly. Ezio stood and held out his hand, probably for me to take it. Fumbling around for a moment I managed to get up without help, though I had to admit my back was protesting rather loudly.

"Such independence. Ah, it matters not. Piccolo, your first day of training begins. You should take care of your wounds while I hunt for some better clothes." Alessa stuck her hand to my back and pushed me out of the room as Ezio departed in a different direction.

Somehow, I had the feeling my life was going to get a lot harder.