Chapter 9
(November 9th, 1462. Warners' House. Dining Room. Afternoon)
(Zack: Age 9. Sam: Age 7. Gabby: Age 4)
Zack: So how was that?
Sam: Best birthday lunch ever!
*Sam belches then licks the remains of his meal from his lips. Zack smiles at his brother's silly nature*
Zack: Felice Cumpleanno. (Happy birthday) I'm glad you liked it.
Sam: Oh, my belly's going to enjoy it for a while.
*Gabby places a plain white box on the table, next to Sam's plate*
Gabby: Open this present!
Sam: Ooooh! *Opens the box and takes out its contents; a small red-finished telescope* Faboo! *Gazes at his sister through the lens* Oh no! You got giant! *Zack and Gabby laugh. Sam pulls the telescope from his eye. His left eye bears a ring of black ink around it. Zack and Gabby cover their mouths snickering at the sight* What? *Makes a puzzled face, then feels around his eye, then pulls his hand away and looks at the ink on his gloved hand* Hey!
*Zack and Gabby break into hysterical laughter*
Zack: Where did you learn that trick, Sis?
Gabby: I just thought of it!
Sam: Haha! That was pretty good!
*Sam takes a rag and prepares to clean the ink, but hesitates and looks at the rag to make sure it wasn't another prank. After assuring himself, he wipes his eye clean*
(December 26th, 1462. Warners' House. Bedroom. Morning)
(Zack: Age 9. Sam: Age 7. Gabby: Age 5)
*Zack is sleeping in his bunk and wakes up to see Gabby sitting on top of him, giving a wide grin. He smiles at her*
Zack: How long have you been there?
Gabby: A while.
*Zack lunges for his sister and hugs her*
Zack: Happy birthday!
Gabby: Yay! You remembered!
Zack: Who could forget the most important day of the year! *Tickles Gabby slightly, forcing her to giggle* Do you know how old you are today?
Gabby: Five!
Zack: Five what?
Gabby: Five years!
Zack: Very good!
*Zack and Gabby exit his bunk and stand, ready to start the day. Sam drops from his bunk, startling his two siblings*
Sam: Happy birthday, Sorella!
Gabby: Thanks, Sam!
*Gabby gives Sam a tight hug. Zack makes his way over to the closet*
Zack: Hey Gabby, come here! Me and Sam have an extra special present for you!
Sam: We do? *Stares in confusion then widens his eyes in realization* Oh yeah! That! We got you a-
Zack: Zitto! (Shut up!) Don't tell her!
Gabby: What is it!
Sam: You'll find out in a bit.
*Zack reaches for a box on the top shelf in the closet, but can't reach it with his height alone. He climbs up the shelves to retrieve the box and jumps down*
Zack: Why did Spazzo have to put it up there! *Sets the box on the floor in front of Gabby* Open it.
Gabby: Why would I not open it!
*Gabby starts to open the box ecstatically while Zack gives her a smirk in response to her remark. She picks up the black clarinet contained within the box*
Gabby: What is this?
Zack: It's our mom's old clarinet. It was very precious to her. Besides, I figured that being a Warner, you have to be talented at some kind of instrument, so why don't we try this?
Gabby: Grazie! (Thanks!)
*Gabby then gives a puzzled stare into the box. She spots a book within and retrieves it*
Zack and Sam: What's that?
*Gabby flips through a few of the book's pages*
Gabby: Pictures of lines with spoons!
Zack: Spoons! What! Hahahahahahahahah! *Sits next to Gabby and stares at the book's pages* It's a lesson book, Sis.
Gabby: Oh, it's sheet music! Wait… I don't know how to read it…
Sam: Aw…
Zack: Don't worry, Sorella. I can teach you.
*Gabby looks up at her oldest brother with raised brows and a slightly surprised facial expression*
Gabby: You know how to read music?
Zack: I've been reading music before I could even read English.
*Gabby hands Zack the book. Zack flips to a random page in the middle and stares at it in confusion*
Zack: Hm…
Gabby: What's wrong?
*Zack smiles and blushes*
Zack: Sorry, Sis. I can only read percussion… Heh heh… *Turns to the first page* Oh wait, here's a tutorial chapter!
Gabby: Neat!
Sam: Hey, I wanna' learn to read this stuff too.
*Zack stands and walks over to his bunk. He sits down in his bunk with the book still in his hands opened to the first page*
Zack: Let's learn this together.
*The two younger siblings nod and accompany Zack*
Gabby: So, what's first?
Zack: Well, Sorella, this part I actually already know. This page explains note values. The hollow "spoon", as you call it, is a half note.
(May 4th, 1463. Warners' House. Nicolas and Gabrielle's Bedroom. Afternoon)
(Zack: Age 10. Sam: Age 7. Gabby: Age 5)
*Spazzo is skulking around in Gabrielle and Nicolas's bedroom when Zack enters the room with Sam following him*
Zack: Spazzo, what are you doing?
Sam: What's going on?
Spazzo: Just doing some spring cleaning and looking through your parents' stuff a little.
Zack: Spring cleaning in May?
Spazzo: I know; I fell behind.
*Gabby runs into the bedroom and jumps on Sam's back. Sam startles then catches her by piggy-back. Gabby takes Sam's cap and dons it*
Gabby: Why is everyone in here?
Zack: Spazzo is just cleaning. C'mon, let's go play hide and seek. Not it!
Gabby: Not it!
Sam: Not- Shoot!
Spazzo: Hm? What's this?
*Spazzo claims a book completely smothered in dust from a box*
Zack: What did you find?
Spazzo: *Opens the book and skims through the pages* It's your mother's diary.
Sam: Faboo!
Zack: Really?
Spazzo: Yup, a book about her life. There are quite a few interesting stories in here: How she met your father, each day you three were born, and even some funny stories from when Zack was a toddler.
Sam and Gabby: Really!
Sam: Gimme that book! *Gabby falls off of Sam's back as he jumps up and snatches the book from Spazzo's hand; she falls on her rear and quickly shakes her head* I want to read about Big Brother's toddler days!
*Sam flees as he opens the diary before him*
Zack: WHAT! Sam! Get back here! You are not reading my baby stories!
*Zack gives chase as Gabby stands and dusts herself off*
Gabby: I want to read baby stories too!
*Gabby follows her brothers downstairs. Spazzo gives a smile and a sigh of satisfaction*
Spazzo: You three have fun with that!
*Zack chases Sam downstairs into the living room. Gabby follows their chase*
Sam: Gabby, listen to this!
Zack: No! You're not reading anything from there unless I read it first!
Sam: But this story is funny!
Gabby: Share it, Sam!
Sam: *Flips through another page in the diary then suddenly stops in his tracks. Zack stops marginally behind Sam, but Gabby bumps into them and they all tumble to the floor* What do we have here!
Zack: Sam, give me that diary!
*Sam and Gabby quickly get up and look at the diary together as Zack gathers himself*
Gabby: Mom had a little portrait in the diary!
Zack: What is that a portrait of!
Sam: Hahahaha! It's you as a toddler!
Gabby: You look SOOOOO cute, Big Brother!
Zack: *Blushes* Give me that! *Reaches for the diary, but Sam steps back and points at his older brother*
Sam: Hahahaha! Look at how red he is!
Gabby: Hahahahaha! Come on, Fratello. Be a good sport. You were a cute baby.
Sam: Here, you can have it now.
Zack: Let's see where the first page starts off. *Sam hands Zack the diary. Zack flips to the first page then reads aloud* "May 5th, 1448. I turned 19 today. I was given this diary as a birthday gift. I still had to work at the flower shop today, even though it was my birthday, but at least some good came out of it. I met somebody today. He wasn't like the others. In fact, he was like me; the same kind I am. I think fate is playing with me, but the man and I became friends. We talked until somebody called for him. His name is Nicolas Warner. I hope I can see him again."
Sam: Is there more?
Zack: Yeah, I'm getting there. "May 6th, 1448. I went on a date with Nicolas today. We shared each other our life stories and interests. He has a strange personality, though. Strange but tolerable. I've grown attached to him. Perhaps fate was meant for us to meet each other. Will our relationship go farther? I guess later entries in this diary will tell you."
Sam: It's going to take a while to read through all of this.
Zack: Yeah.
(May 7th, 1463. Warners' House. Afternoon)
Spazzo: Zack! Come! To the blacksmith! Sam, hold down the fort until we get back!
*Zack, dressed in his Assassin robe, enters the living room from the stairs and walks toward Spazzo. Zack looks behind him; Sam and Gabby are following him*
Zack: Don't you two have anything better to do!
Sam and Gabby: Nope!
*The two siblings simultaneously smile looking up at their brother*
Spazzo: It's alright. They can come with.
Zack: You sure you want to go out there, Sibs? We're going into the city. There's going to be other people.
Sam and Gabby: Shut up and let's go!
*Zack first shows a disapproving look in his facial expression, but dismisses it and smiles*
Zack: Alright.
*Spazzo and the three Warner Siblings walk out of the house. The trio follows Spazzo. As they all walk through the district, other people stare at them; some of them back away and few others avoid staring*
Sam: These people are weird.
Gabby: Yeah, they're acting like they've seen a ghost… And they smell bad.
Sam: I know, I can smell them from here.
Zack: Don't get too close, Sibs.
Gabby: When is the last time they had a bath?
Zack: *Smirks* Let's just say that they don't even know what a bath is.
Gabby: *Shows a disturbed look on her face* DEEEEEEEEEEEESGUSTING!
*Spazzo and the Warner Siblings walk past a group of young beautiful girls. The two brothers smile and take a deep breath*
Zack and Sam: Helloooooooooooooooo nurses!
*The girls cover their mouths and giggle in flattery, turning toward each other. Zack and Sam start to slow down, but Gabby grabs and drags them back to pace*
Gabby: Come on! *Sighs* Boys…
Zack and Sam: Bye, ladies!
*Spazzo and the Warner Siblings arrive to their destination*
Spazzo: We're here. *Shouts into the shop* Vincenzo!
Vincenzo: Hey Spazzo, here you go. *Hands Spazzo his mended sword* So how've you been, amico?
*Everyone around the blacksmith shop is staring at the Warner Siblings. Sam looks around at the people apprehensively. Succumbing to his weak moment of anxiety, he tugs at Zack's robe*
Sam: Bro, everyone is staring.
*Zack and Spazzo take notice of the crowd around them*
Woman #1: Why is that girl topless?
Man #1: Why is that boy not wearing pants?
Woman #2: What are those things!
Man #2: Are those things spawned from the devil!
Zack: Spazzo, Sibs, we should go.
Spazzo: Alright. *Directs his voice to the crowd* You will all move, now!
*The murmuring crowd divides, creating a path for Spazzo and the children following him. As the people start to separate, Zack glares back with a scowl. The family arrives at the house*
Zack: I'm sorry about that, Sibs.
Sam: What happened there?
Gabby: Why were those people acting weird?
Zack: Don't mind them. They're afraid of our kind.
Sam: Why? What did we do?
Zack: Nothing. They just don't respect us because we look different.
Gabby: But I'm cute!
Zack: *Sighs* I know, Sis. I blame religion… completely.
Sam: Yeah…
(May 13th, 1463. Warners' House. Afternoon)
Zack: Spazzo!
Spazzo: I'm in my office!
*Zack makes his way into his mentor's office*
Zack: We need to talk.
Spazzo: What do you need?
Zack: I was reading through my mother's diary. I came across an interesting entry. *Reads aloud from the diary* "March 23rd, 1449." *Pauses to find the part of the entry of his interest* "I'm happy for Nicolas. He threw out that cullo, the former ruler of Venezia. I'm sure he'll go on to do great things, and maybe when I'm his wife, I can do great things as well." What is that about?
Spazzo: You didn't know?
Zack: Know what?
Spazzo: I thought you would remember. You were born when your parents ruled Venezia.
Zack: Whoa! Really! I remember Father telling me a story like that, but I thought he was just joking around.
Spazzo: I guess you don't remember. You were only two years old when your parents were dethroned.
Zack: How did they lose Venetian rule?
Spazzo: Uh… There was an impeachment against your father. That's when Vixenita took over and turned this city into a nightmare.
Zack: I think I remember having it all when I was a toddler.
Spazzo: Oh really?
Zack: Toys all around the room, a nap in the afternoon, and three meals a day. And every room was huge! A whole castle for me to explore!
Spazzo: You have a pretty good memory… except for the part about exploring the castle. Your mother would ALWAYS have someone watching you so that you wouldn't get hurt.
Zack: Hm, now that you mention it, I do remember a brunette girl very vividly.
Spazzo: You remember Kim?
Zack: So that's what her name was? Was she my baby-sitter or something?
Spazzo: Well, yes. She was your nurse. Your parents were very busy, so they needed someone to watch you.
Zack: Whatever happened to her?
Spazzo: She moved to Firenze after Vixenita became queen. You know, I would've told you stories about the castle earlier if I had known that you didn't remember. I'm sorry for-
Zack: It's quite alright. I now have something to think about tonight. I can't believe I'm royalty! If that's the case then we should go back to the castle and dethrone Vixenita!
Spazzo: It doesn't work like that.
Zack: Nothing ever works the way I want it to. *Makes a sad face* Goodnight, Maestro.
*Zack exits Spazzo's office*
(June 2nd, 1463. Warners' House. Zack, Sam, and Gabby's Bedroom. Night)
Spazzo: Goodnight, kids.
Zack: Wait!
Spazzo: What now?
Zack: I have a question.
Spazzo: You've been getting really curious about a lot of things lately.
Zack: This thought never occurred to me before, but…
Spazzo: Yes?
Zack: Why do you take care of us?
Spazzo: Hm?
Zack: You could just leave this house; leave all three of us to survive by ourselves; you have a choice.
Spazzo: Isn't it obvious? I care for you. I love all three of you.
Zack: Hm…
Spazzo: But there is another part to that.
Zack: Another part?
Spazzo: I owe your father a debt.
Zack: *Smiles* I feel a story coming on.
Spazzo: Ha ha ha. Okay, here's a story. Back in my younger days, when I was more involved with the order, I met a man who went by the name of Nicolas Warner; your father.
Zack: I know my father's name.
Spazzo: I think of him every time you make a remark like that. Anyway, we met a while ago. We became friends. One day, we were both sent on a mission. I won't go into details about the mission, but I was put in a tight spot: I was greatly outnumbered. I thought I was done for until Nicolas met back up with me. He said a few encouraging words and helped me fight off the Templars. Even though we were still greatly outnumbered, we pulled through. I guess he saved my life there.
Zack: I see.
Spazzo: There's more to it, Zack. A couple years after that mission, we got assigned another mission. By a very bad stroke of luck, the enemy got a hold of me with a knife at my throat. All of a sudden, I felt the enemy loosening his grip and lowering his knife… then he fell. I turned around and saw Nicolas with the Templar's blood on his blade. Once again, your father had saved my life.
Zack: Were there any more missions like that?
Spazzo: A few days after that, your father married your mother. They both became the king and queen of Venezia. After that, I didn't get very many assignments. After all, having an Assassin in power kind of lowers the Templar threat. It was a shame when Nicolas retired though.
Zack: So he was a good Assassin?
Spazzo: He was an excellent Assassin; probably the best I've met. Anyway, your mother and father were soon dethroned; replaced by Vixenita, who began to plunge Venezia into poverty by overtaxing. I soon lost my house because of it. Nicolas offered me to live in his house. It felt like I was taking advantage, and I tried to refuse, but he insisted.
Zack: That was the day you moved in.
Spazzo: Your father was a very very generous man. As you can tell, I owe him a lot.
Zack: I'll say.
Spazzo: Well, you should get to bed now.
Zack: Yeah. That was a good story. Buonanotte.
Spazzo: Just remember, I don't stick around because of a debt. I truly do care for all three of you.
Zack: I think I already got that. *Smiles* Good night, Maestro.
(October 13th, 1463. Warners' House. Warners' Bedroom. Night)
*Zack, Sam, and Gabby are sitting in a circle with a candle in the middle*
Sam: And then he took a look on the table… And his biscotti was gone!
Gabby: And then what?
Sam: That's it.
*Zack and Gabby give Sam a dull stare*
Zack: That wasn't scary.
Sam: It was to me!
Zack: *Sarcastically* There's a shocker.
*Spazzo opens the door and enters the Warners' bedroom*
Spazzo: What are you three still doing up? It's late!
Gabby: We're just sharing scary stories.
Zack: Yeah!
Spazzo: Zack, you have training tomorrow morning. You need your rest.
Zack: But it's my turn!
Spazzo: *Sighs* Alright, five minutes, then lights out.
Gabby: Thanks, Spazzo!
Spazzo: I guess I'll go occupy myself for the time being. I'll be in my office.
*Spazzo leaves the bedroom and closes the door behind him*
Gabby: Va bene, (Alright) Zack. Got any stories?
Zack: Hm… *Puts his hand to his chin then snaps his finger* I got the perfect story! *Holds the candle close to his face* This story is very scary though. Are you sure you want to hear it, Sibs?
Sam: Give all the dirt!
Gabby: Don't spare any details!
Zack: I don't know. You guys might want to go to the bathroom first.
Sam: I'll take my chances.
Gabby: Me too.
Zack: Alright. Here it goes. So one day, our mother and father…
*Time passes*
Zack: And that's how we were created.
*Sam and Gabby are staring at their older brother with widened eyes and slightly dropped jaws*
Zack: What? That's how it happened!
Gabby: You're a liar!
Zack: I am not!
Spazzo: *Enters the bedroom* What's with all the noise!
Zack: Nothing.
Spazzo: Whatever. Your five minutes are up. Time for bed.
Zack: *Sighs* Va bene, Spazzo.
Sam: I won't be able to sleep after that story!
Zack: Hahahaha! *Pets Sam on the head then climbs into his bunk* Goodnight, sibs.