The Night of March 29th, 1503

After a nice evening stroll, Giovanni finally made his way back to the hideout. Shooing away a few obnoxious beggar women, he tried to open the door as quietly as possible. Of course, it just had to give the most godawful screeching noise as the old hinges creaked open.

Instantly, he felt nine pairs of eyes on him. He froze halfway inside the base door, not sure if they were looking at him with apprehension or plain curiosity. The moment of awkwardness was broken as Annetta recognized him and bounded up the stairs, pulling him towards the other apprentices.

"This is Giovanni Gugliemi, everyone! Let's give him a warm welcome."

Suddenly, Giovanni found himself in the midst of welcoming voices and an endless line of claps on the back. Cautiously smiling, he let them lead him to an empty seat at the table. Usually covered with papers, the table was cleared off and set with rough cutlery and wooden plates.

Annetta sat next to him and Ugo Ubaldi. Then, a heavenly scent wafted into the room.

The beautiful scent of The Signature Assassin Delicacy Lasagna.

Alfonso carried it into the room like a holy relic, taking slow steps. Finally, he set it down in the middle of the table. Just as the Assassins were about to eat, however, the entrance to the tunnels of Roma could be heard opening. Instantly, everyone was on high alert until the Maestro himself swept into the room. A huge grin upon his face, Ezio Auditore da Firenze took a seat at the head of the table.

"Alfonso! You have outdone yourself this time."

The recruit bowed, almost looking serious in his stained cooking apron. Almost.

"Grazie for the meal. I believe you have all met Gugliemi, here?"

Nods all around. Ezio smiled. "I am glad to have so many dedicated apprentices. I want to congratulate all of you on your latest successes. Mangiamo!"

Instantly, the lasagna was attacked by unmerciless opponents from all sides. Hidden blades were used to spear as much food as possible, cutting away large portions of the cheesy food, and within minutes, the lasagna had been (not very) evenly dispersed to everyone.

After the feast, Ezio called for everyone's attention. The lines in his face became more apparent as he leaned forward. "Il mio apprendisti, I am sorry to say I must send you out again."

Almost everyone's face fell. They generally had two or three days of relaxation in Roma before a new contract.

"There is a new enemy in France. This man, Pierre d'Aubusson, has been terrorizing the Jewish popolazione, and we fear he has allied with the Borgia. He is a powerful politician, rich and consumed by his greed."

The Assassins began to mutter amongst each other. Francia? How many of them would travel there? How dangerous was this mission?

Ezio continued. "I need at least five of you to travel to Rhodes and eliminate him. The bastardo is killing people and separating families, and I fear he will send hundreds of troops to Borgia."

Defeated sighs escaped from a few of the recruits. Who would be sent on this?

The Maestro continued. "I have chosen which apprendisti are travelling already. The group will consist of Annetta Abeta, Ugo Ubaldi, Alfonso Albarenna (groans emanated from everyone- they'd have to endure Ezio's attempts at cooking) , Desideria Donati, and Giovanni Gugliemi."

Desideria groaned. "You're giving us the nuovo ragazzo? The one who screwed up his first contract?"

Giovanni tried to sink in his seat, but failed when Annetta elbowed him hard. In the stomach. Coughing, he sat up and shot her a glare from under his thick eyebrows.

Ezio stifled a chuckle. "Yes, the nuovo ragazzo. He needs the experience, and who would be better at teaching him?"

The grumbling from the set group didn't stop, but it quieted down a bit. Giovanni stood to help Alfonso with dishes. Outside, they rinsed them out in the Tiber River. Of course, Giovanni managed to trip over the washing bucket and of course it sent him hurtling into the Tiber. Then, just because the universe hated him, it was Ezio himself who had to haul him back to the dock.

Standing beside the soaking wet Maestro, Giovanni turned to him in confusion. "Why did you send me on this mission when I can't even gather information on a politician?"

Ezio clasped his shoulder. "I sent you because I think spending time around four of my best recruits will help you. Plus, moping around the hideout won't exactly improve your skills.

Slowly, Giovanni nodded. " I will try my best, Maestro, but-"

Ezio waved him off. "No buts. I expect you to try your hardest." With that, Ezio began walking back to the door of the hideout.

Giovanni finally nodded in resignment. "Oh, and Ezio?"

The Master Assassin turned around. "Yes, Gugliemi?"

"The woman working at our food supplier? Vuoi vederi di nuovo.

Ezio paused for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Good luck to you, Giovanni. I apparently have a beautiful woman waiting for me."

…...

I hope Ezio seems in character; I tried to make him more serious, and I think he would truly care for all of his protegees.

This is definitely not the best chapter yet, but the next one should be considerably better.

Reviews are DEMANDED AT (hidden) GUNPOINT!

And you get a hug. Srsly, it's a win/win situation!