Prologue II
(January 18th, 1459. Warners' House. Living Room. Afternoon)
(Zack: Age 5. Sam: Age 3. Gabby: Age 1)
*Zack and Sam are sitting on the floor making goofy faces at each other. Gabby is sitting by them and observing*
Zack: Bleh!
Sam: Bleyayayah!
Zack: Blyaaaaah!
Sam: Blabadablabadablabadablah!
Zack: Hmm… *Pulls his ears down and continues to make a goofy face* Bleeeeeeh!
Nicolas: *Laughs* You two are crazy.
*Gabby tries to imitate Zack and Sam's faces*
Nicolas: And now you have her doing it too.
*Nicolas leaves the living room and heads upstairs*
Sam: Dad is weird.
Zack: What else is new?
*Time passes to dinner time. Everyone is sitting at the table. Zack, Sam, and Gabby are still making funny faces at each other*
Nicolas: Would you three just eat your dinner!
Gabrielle: I think it's cute.
Nicolas: Well… I think it's funny too, but they still have to eat!
Gabrielle: Heh heh. Alright kids, stop playing for a bit and just eat your meal. After that, it's a bath and then off to bed.
*Time passes to bed time. Gabrielle is getting Zack, Sam, and Gabby ready for bed*
Gabrielle: See you tomorrow, kids.
Zack: Wait! The story! You promised!
Gabrielle: Oh that's right. Silly me, I forgot. Let's continue where we left off.
(June 6th, 1457. Warners' House. Living Room. Afternoon)
(Zack: Age 4. Sam: Age 1)
Zack: You asked for it, Brother!
Sam: Heehee.
*Zack tackles Sam to the floor and both of them start to wrestle each other*
Gabrielle: Don't play too rough, you two.
*Zack and Sam continue to wrestle for ten minutes before Zack pins Sam to the floor. Sam struggles to escape Zack's hold*
Zack: *Breathes heavily* Sorry Bro, but I got you.
Sam: Grrrrrrrr!
*Sam struggles to break Zack's hold again, but fails and breathes heavily. Sam then closes his eyes, falls asleep, and snores*
Gabrielle: Thanks for tiring him out, Zack. I was going to put him down for his nap in a few minutes and you made the job much easier.
*Zack looks at Gabrielle and smiles while breathing heavily*
Zack: No problem.
*Zack crawls off of Sam, lays next to him and falls asleep from exhaustion*
(August 10th, 1457. Warners' House. Bathroom. Night)
*Gabrielle is bathing Zack and Sam*
Gabrielle: C'mon boys, no roughing around in the tub.
Zack: Tell him that! *Pushes Sam off of him*
Sam: Bro! *Jumps on Zack*
Zack: Whoa! *Catches Sam*
Gabrielle: Sam, just sit quietly, please.
*Sam smiles at Gabrielle*
Gabrielle: I've been meaning to say this to both of you since Sam was born. You both look a lot like each other. I wonder if people would mistake you for twins if I took you both out in public. Heh heh.
*Sam takes a back scrubber and hits Zack on the head with it. Zack rubs his head and takes the back scrubber from Sam and hits him on the head with it*
Gabrielle: Hee hee. You boys always make my day.
(November 19th, 1457. Living Room. Sunset)
(Zack: Age 4. Sam: Age 2)
Gabrielle: Okay, little boy, let that air-dry for a bit while I go throw this away.
*Gabrielly heads upstairs. Sam looks at Zack with a smile then walks towards him with open arms*
Zack: Ah! *Holds his hands out and pushes Sam away* No! Don't jump on me! You're naked AND wet from the waist down! …You know, you never wear anything over your diapers. What are you gonna' do when you're potty trained, run around without any pants on?
*Sam nods and Zack laughs*
Zack: As if Mom and Dad will let you do that.
Gabrielle: *Enters from upstairs* Okay, let's get this on you. *Crouches down and puts the new diaper on Sam* All good to go!
Zack: You can jump on me now.
*Sam tackles Zack to the floor*
(November 20th, 1457. Doctor Michael's office. Afternoon)
*The doctor, Michael, is performing a check-up on Zack and Sam. Michael takes a flat stick out of Zack's mouth*
Michael: That's a brave boy. *Zack smiles at Michael* I only wish your brother was as brave as you are when it came to the gag.
*Michael pulls a flat stick out of his pocket that has been bit in two pieces and is drenched in drool*
Gabrielle: How are they, Doctor?
Michael: They're both as healthy as ever.
Nicolas: That's good.
(November 23rd, 1457. Warners' House. Living Room. Sunset)
Gabrielle: Let's get this off of you, Sam. *Lies Sam on the floor and undoes his safety pin* Eight months pregnant and that still doesn't make diaper changing any better.
Zack: Can I help?
Gabrielle: *Looks at Zack and smiles* You don't have to help, Zacharias.
Zack: Please?
Gabrielle: Well okay. Can you throw this old diaper away for me?
Zack: *Makes a frightened look with a white face* Uuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhh… Can I help with something else?
Gabrielle: *Laughs* Okay then, why don't you help me set the table later?
Zack: Sure thing!
Nicolas: *Shouts from upstairs* Gabrielle, come up here!
Gabrielle: *Shouts at Nicolas* Okay! I'll be up in a minute! *Directs her voice to Zack* I'll be back, Zack.
*Gabrielle carries Sam upstairs. A few minutes pass and Gabrielle comes back down and sees that Zack has set all the plates on the table. She gives him a surprised look. Zack looks at Gabrielle and smirks*
Zack: What?
Gabrielle: You set the table!
Zack: You told me to.
Gabrielle: How did you reach the plates? They're way too high up for you!
Zack: I jumped on the counter.
Gabrielle: Oh, how resourceful! *Crouches down and pets Zack on his head then kisses him on his cheek* Since you got that done, I guess I'll cook dinner. Go play with your brother and distract him so he doesn't get into any of the food. He's upstairs with your father.
*Zack nods and runs upstairs*
(December 26th, 1457. Warners' House. Living Room. Morning)
*Nicolas is helping Gabrielle down the stairs and sees Zack and Sam wrestling each other. He glares at them*
Nicolas: Can't you boys go one day without wrestling each other! It's the day after Christmas for crying out loud!
Gabrielle: Just leave them alone, Nick. Sibling rivalries just mean that they love each other.
*Gabrielle collapses to her knees with a gasp. Nick tries to help her up*
Nicolas: Are you okay, dear?
Gabrielle: It's time!
Nicolas: Time for what? Lunch?
Gabrielle: No! The baby!
Nicolas: It's coming now!
Gabrielle: Yes!
Nicolas: Can't you hold it in for a little longer!
*Gabrielle gives a very dull stare*
Gabrielle: Both of the last two times I had a baby, you asked the same question and I gave you the same answer, so what would make you think the answer would be different this time!
Nicolas: So is that a "yes"?
Gabrielle: Nick, for the-
Nicolas: Okay, I get it! *Picks up Gabrielle and carries her to their bedroom* It's going to be alright. Zack, Sam, keep your mother company, I got to go prepare some things.
Zack: Yes sir! *Salutes Nicolas*
Sam: What's wrong?
Zack: She's having the baby.
Sam: What baby?
Zack: Heh heh.
*Time passes*
Zack: Mom will be okay, Little Brother.
Gabrielle: AGH!
Nicolas: Something is coming out, we might want to put that back in. Heh heh heh.
Gabrielle: YOU DO AND I'LL TEAR OFF YOUR LEFT EYEBROW! AGH!
Nicolas: Got it!
*Nicolas stands straight up with the baby in his arms*
Zack: Yay!
Sam: Faboo!
Gabrielle: *Breathes heavily* Nick.
Nicolas: Are you okay!
Gabrielle: I'm fine. Just tell me. Is it a boy or a girl?
Nicolas: *Checks the baby* It's a boy.
Gabrielle: Another one? *Sighs* Who knew we were bound to have a boy three times in a row? Give him to me.
*Nicolas hands the baby over to Gabrielle*
Gabrielle: Anything I said doesn't mean I love you any less though, my- *She gives a surprised look then glares at Nicolas* You liar!
Nicolas: What!
Gabrielle: You told me it was a boy!
Nicolas: It IS a boy!
Gabrielle: It's a girl!
Nicolas: But it has a-
Gabrielle: That is her tail!
Nicolas: Oooohhhhhhhhhhh…. Oh.
Gabrielle: Yes! I have a girl! Zack, Sam, you guys have a little sister! I'm so glad to have my own baby girl!
Nicolas: *Smiles at Gabrielle* I'm glad you're happy. I got to name Zack and Sam. You get to name the baby this time.
Gabrielle: After myself and my mother of course. Gabrielle. Her name will be Gabrielle Contessa Louisa Francesca Banana Fana Bo Besca Warner Di Venezia III!
Nicolas: Uuuuuuhhh… Give me a while to write that down.
(May 24th 1458. Warners' house. Afternoon)
(Zack: Age 5. Sam: Age 2. Gabby: 5 months)
*Gabrielle enters the Warners' house with Zack*
Gabrielle: We're back from the market! Nick, help me pack this into the kitchen!
Nicolas: Yes, my dear.
Sam: Food!
Gabrielle: Sam! No! Bad!
Sam: Aw…
Zack: Brother. *Signals Sam to come over to him. Sam walks to Zack and Zack speaks quietly* I have something for you. *Gives Sam an orange he was keeping behind his back* It'll keep you tied until dinner.
Gabrielle: *Looks at Zack and Sam and notices Zack giving Sam the orange* Zack, just where did you get that orange?
Zack: Uuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhh… *Starts to run away*
Gabrielle: Stop! *Zack obediently stops in his tracks* You stole again, didn't you!
Zack: Would you look at the time?
*Zack starts to run away again, but Gabrielle catches Zack by his tail and reels him in to her. She gives him an angry stare*
Gabrielle: Go sit at the dining table.
*Zack gulps then sits at the dining table. Gabrielle then takes a seat across from Zack*
Gabrielle: Now how do I go about this? *Puts her hand to her chin and thinks for a moment* Alright, put your hands on the table.
*Zack places his hands on the table in front of Gabrielle*
Gabrielle: Your acts cannot go unpunished. *Takes a deep breath* Hold still.
*Gabrielle cracks one of Zack's knuckles*
Zack: Agh! *Breathes deeply through his teeth. Gabrielle cracks another knuckle* Aah!
*Gabrielle continues to crack Zack's knuckles until she cracks them all. Throughout this whole punishment, it becomes gradually harder for Zack to supress his screams of agony. Sam watches the whole thing with a worried face and Gabby crawls under the couch*
Gabrielle: Okay. We're done. Go to your room.
*Zack walks upstairs to his room while closing his hands together*
Nicolas: Was that really necessary?
Gabrielle: He has to learn somehow.
Nicolas: Don't you think that was a bit rough though? I mean, cracking knuckles might not be a big deal for us, but he's still a kid.
Gabrielle: I know, that's why I did it. That's my remedy for thievery. I don't want our son to be a kleptomaniac.
*Gabby crawls out from under the couch. Nicolas picks her up and attempts to comfort her while she wimpers in fear*
Nicolas: Well you could've at least let me take the other kids out of the room first. You should really be careful about what you do around your daughter.
Gabrielle: *Sighs* I know. I'm sorry. I was just furious.
Nicolas: Instead of just punishing him, you should talk with him about this.
Gabrielle: I know. I'll go do that once he's calmed down. *Looks at Sam and Sam is making a worried face* Don't look at me like that, Sam, please.
Sam: *Walks upstairs and enters the Warner siblings' bedroom. Zack is sitting in his bunk* Big Brother, you okay?
Zack: Yeah. Just hurt.
Sam: What did Mother do?
Zack: She cracked my knuckles. It hurt.
Sam: I'm sorry.
*Sam sits next to Zack in his bunk*
Zack: Don't be sorry. I took my own risks and paid the price. I have only myself to blame.
Sam: What risk?
Zack: I stole that orange from the market today. I knew Madre would only put the food away to save it, so I got the orange for you.
Sam: *Hugs Zack* Ti amo, Fratello. (I love you, Brother) Thanks.
*Gabrielle walks into the bedroom. Zack glances at her as she walks in but then looks away. Gabrielle sighs*
Gabrielle: Sam, could we be alone?
Zack: Okay.
*Zack gets out of his bunk and starts to walk out of the bedroom*
Gabrielle: Not you! I want to talk to YOU alone!
Zack: Oh okay.
*Zack sits back down in his bunk*
Gabrielle: Sorry Sam. *Picks up Sam and carries him out of the bedroom. Gabrielle sets Sam on the floor then walks back into the bedroom and closes the door* Zack. Zacharias. My son; we need to talk. *Sits next to Zack in his bunk*
Zack: What's there to talk about? I did something bad and you punished me for it. Simple as that.
Gabrielle: No it's not. Why did you steal, Zack?
Zack: I don't know.
Gabrielle: Think for a little. There must be some reason.
Zack: *Thinks while staring at his feet* I guess it's because we deserve much more than we have. *Looks at Gabrielle. She trances herself into his beady eyes* Father works hard everyday, so why do we still have to save food?
Gabrielle: Zack, it won't be like this forever. I promise. But I have to lay this down. No matter what circumstance we're in, you never steal. It's not the right thing to do. Understand?
Zack: Yes, Mother.
Gabrielle: Good. Let's go downstairs and have lunch.
*Zack hugs Gabrielle*
Gabrielle: Mmm. *Hugs Zack back, stands and lifts him up, and walks toward the bedroom door* I really only punish for the best. Trust me.
(June 1st, 1458. Warners' house. Afternoon)
Gabrielle: You can't have any food right now, you maniac!
Sam: But I'm hungry!
Gabrielle: *Reels in Sam from the pantry by his tail and picks him up* I'm sorry but that's how it's going to have to be for now!
*Sam starts wailing*
Gabrielle: *Sighs* Sounds like you need a nap. *Carries Sam to the living room. Zack looks at Gabrielle with a worried look* Don't mind me, Zack. Sam is just cranky. *Carries Sam upstairs*
*Time passes*
Gabrielle: Okay. I got that kid to sleep. *Takes a breath of relief and sits down on a chair while carrying Gabby* Okay, girl. Feeding time.
*Zack enters through the front door while soaking from rain and shakes his head dry*
Gabrielle: Where've you been?
Zack: Nowhere!
*Zack runs to the Warner Siblings' bedroom while dripping a trail of water on the stairs. Sam is sleeping in the crib instead of in his usual place in the middle bunk of the bunk bed. Zack talks to Sam quietly*
Zack: Hey Sam.
*Sam wakes up*
Zack: Why are you sleeping in the crib?
Sam: Mom punished me because I was hungry. She said I was being a baby.
Zack: Yeah, I saw you guys in the living room. I got something for you.
*Zack peels an orange and hands it to Sam*
Sam: Food!
*Sam devours the orange*
Zack: Enjoy, Little Brother. Mom shouldn't punish you. It's not your fault that you're hungry. *Turns around and sees Gabrielle standing in the doorway* Ah! Mother!
Gabrielle: Zack.
Zack: I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Sam was just hungry and I didn't want him crying anymore! Please forgive me! Please!
Gabrielle: Zack… *She looks at Zack begging then at Sam eating the orange ravenously. She sighs* Don't do it again.
*Gabrielle walks out of the bedroom and down the stairs*
Zack: What just happened?
(June 2nd, 1458. Warner's house. Sunrise)
*Spazzo enters the Warner Siblings' bedroom*
Spazzo: Zacharias.
*Zack wakes up then stands out of his bunk and stretches while yawning*
Zack: What?
Spazzo: Come with me. I have something for you.
*Zack follows Spazzo downstairs and into the living room. Gabrielle slowly opens her bedroom door and leaves her bedroom to spy on Spazzo and Zack*
Spazzo: I have something special for you. Don't tell your mother. She might kill me.
*Gabrielle hears the sounds of Zack opening a box*
Gabrielle: Hm… *Fakes a yawn and comes downstairs* What are you doing?
*Gabrielle sees Zack with a white robe he took out of the box. The tip of the robe's hood resembles an eagle's beak. Zack finds a sense of familiarity from the robe before him and Spazzo turn their heads to Gabrielle*
Spazzo: Uh…
Zack: Uuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhh…
Gabrielle: Spazzo… Is this what I think it is?
Spazzo: Ugh, no. Not at all. Heh heh heh. *Stares at Gabrielle for a moment. She stares back and he breaks down while remaining defensive* I'm sorry, but hear me out, Gabrielle, I think Zack is worthy to join the order. Now before you say anything else-
Gabrielle: Okay.
Spazzo: I'd just like to let you know that- Wait what?
Gabrielle: I said "Okay."
Zack: You mean it? I can be an Assassin!
Gabrielle: Of course, Zacharias. IF Spazzo promises to train you to defend yourself.
Spazzo: Of course I will. And I'll definitely teach him much more than that. He was meant to be born into it afterall.
*Zack puts on his robe*
Zack: Thanks Spazzo! Thanks Madre!
Gabrielle: *Smiles* At least now you won't have to worry about the rain while you wear that robe.
*Gabrielle pulls the hood over Zack's head. Zack looks up and smiles*
(January 15th, 1459. Warners' House. Living Room. Afternoon)
Zack: I'll catch her if she falls back.
Sam: I'll take her front.
Zack: C'mon Gabby, cammina (walk). You can do it.
*Gabby takes a few steps forward cautiously*
Sam: She's getting good.
Zack: Yeah, she's getting better. *Gabby falls forward and Sam catches her* But she's still a bit wobbly. *Gabby takes two more steps forward then falls forward and Sam catches her again* It's okay, Sorella. Just remember that no matter how much you fall down, you should always get up and try again.
Sam: This is fun!
Zack: I think we should give her some time without us catching her. Let's see how she does on her own.
Sam: Alright.
Zack: And remember what I just said, Little Sister.
Sam: Yeah and here's another tip. If you fall, try falling backward instead of forward; this way you fall on your butt and not your face.
Zack: Uuuuuuhhhh… Trust him; that hurts a lot less, Sis.
*Zack and Sam step away from Gabby and watch her walk on her own*
Sam: You can do it.
*Gabby walks a few steps and then starts to tilt. Gabby then tilts herself the other way and falls backwards*
Zack: She just needs more practice. *Walks over to Gabby and crouches down to her* You want to try again?
*Gabby nods*
Zack: Alright.
*Zack helps Gabby stand up then walks away. She falls again*
Sam: How about we give her a goal?
Zack: Good idea! Little Sister, come here! Walk to me and you get a hug!
*Gabby smiles then stands up, runs to Zack, and jumps in his arms*
Zack: Whoa! *Picks up Gabby and hugs her* Very good! I didn't think you'd get here that fast! I thought you would walk slowly! Way to go!
*Scene transitions back to the present*
Gabrielle: And that's the end for now, but the story goes on. You all just have to live your lives in order to fill it.
Zack: I loved the end. Teaching her how to walk was fun.
Gabrielle: Oh there's still much more to teach her. You're very fortunate. All three of you. I can sense that you will be a boy of many many talents, Zacharias. You have a strong will, much determination, and a compassionate heart. *Smiles then pets Zack on his head* These are incredible qualities you possess, and they will lead you through a very prosperous life.
*Zack smiles. Gabrielle then tucks him in bed*
Gabrielle: *Directs her voice to Sam* And you, my little scarfer! *Tickles Sam. Sam laughs* Your appetite tells me that you're going to be an adventurer; always trying new things just to see what they taste like. You have courage and you're a strong fighter, so danger won't be able to stop you on these adventures. *Tucks Sam in bed then walks over to the crib Gabby is sitting in* And you!
*Gabby looks up at her mother. Gabrielle picks her up*
Gabrielle: You are just the cutest cutest cutest cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuutest cutest thing in the world! Someday, the town, no, all of Italia (Italy), no, the whole world will know how cute you are and will completely adore you! Maybe you'll be queen of Venezia (Venice) some day.
*Gabrielle kisses Gabby then sets her down in the crib and tucks her in*
Zack and Sam: Goodnight, Madre.
Gabrielle: *Starts to exit the bedroom* I know you kids probably didn't get most of what I just said, but when you get older you'll understand completely. You three are my pride and joy, and I'm very happy to be your mother. Goodnight.