"It's finished!"
"Wha-" The voice came through haze. Who? What? When? "What's finished?"
"The blade! Once I translated the codex, it told me exactly what to do!" Leonardo seemed very pleased with his work.
Oh. Right. Leonardo. Blade. People need killing.
"...Ri-i-i-ght. Okay." The fog cleared for Ezio and he immediately felt a change. He looked down to his arm and saw his father's wrist blade gleaming on top of the white of his sleeves. Ezio extended her blade, examining it. Then he looked around.
"Where's Eden?" She was nowhere in sight.
"Right here!" She suddenly called cheerfully, coming out of the back room, carrying a rather large butcher knife. "Here's that knife you wanted, Leo." There was something in her malicious grin that he didn't like. That woman managed to her the hairs on the back of his neck stand up when she bared her teeth like that...
"Right, now all that's left is to cut off your ring finger." Leonardo said quickly, taking the knife from her. "I'm sorry, Ezio, it's the only way. The blade is design to ensure commitment of the wearer."
He looked from Leonardo to Eden. She was still smirking menacingly, while he had an apologetic look to him. Ezio sighed, resisting the urge to cradle his hand to his chest, away from harm. Eden picked up on his hesitation.
"If you want, I'll do it. Though it would be ten times as painful." The look in her eyes proved that to be true, and he laid out his hand onto the table.
"Fine, Leonardo, do it quickly." He shut his eyes, tensing in preparation. A short intake of breath and he heard the whistling of the blade through the air. But the pain never came. He opened his eyes to see all his fingers still intact, the blade inches away from his hand, and Eden slowly sliding down the wall in laughter.
"I was only joking with you." Leonardo said cheerfully. "If the blade required a sacrifice, it has been altered since then. You can keep your fingers."
There was a pause. Then Eden asked mockingly, "Well? I don't hear you rushing to thank me for not cutting off your finger. For all you know, the blade could still require such a sacrifice."
"I'll thank you when I sink it into Uberto's neck." he growled as she looked at him with a spark of respect. Leonardo looked from one to the other, unsure what was happening and where his part was. He was saved by the bell, or, a knock, that echoed along the brick walls. "Open up, by the order of the Florentine guard!"
One moment, please," He went to the door while Eden moved closer to Ezio so she was out of line of sight. She put a finger to her lips, as if he needed a reminder, and he was about to snap at her when he heard another voice from the door.
"Leonardo da'Vinci?"
"Yes. Is there something I can help you with?"
"I need to talk to you."
"Of course, right away." he gestured to us to stay put behind his back and shut the door after him. Eden suddenly moved upstairs to a window that opened up to the small courtyard beside the building and waved her hand, telling Ezio to follow. He stood up, confused.
"I don't trust them," she whispered. "It's a guard. If they know you're here, they might arrest Leo. Plus, you have a chance to test out that weapon of yours." She looked at his arm with some envy, and then leaned out the window to get a better look.
"-consorting? Preposterous!" Horrible acting on the artist's part, but the thought was appreciated.
"When was the last time you spoke with Ezio Auditore?"
"Who?"
"Maybe this will refresh your memory?" Ezio's anger flashed as the guard punched his friend in the stomach, making him fall, continuing on kicking him in the ribs. Eden gave him a strong nudge towards the window.
"Do it!" she ordered urgently, "But be quiet about it! And aim for that spot between his shoulders, as close to the heart as you can get." Nodding in understanding, Ezio lightly dropped first to a balcony under the window, then to the ground, soundlessly moving behind the guard.
The kill was a lot easier to do than he expected. Almost as if he knew the skills for it already, following it on instinct. He silenced the guard with his hand at the same time as sinking the blade into his heart from behind. The man jerked, but then went limp.
There was applause from above.
"Wonderful job, I barely heard a thing. There's hope for you yet, kid." Eden said cheerfully, unfazed by the display. "Now we just need to get you to take a bath and you're all set!"
He rolled his eyes, helping Leonardo get up.
"Thank you, friend, that was more than timely."
"What should I do with the body?" he asked, looking at the man at his feet. The artist waved him hand.
"Just bring him in and put him with the others."
"Others?" Ezio lifted the body, throwing it over his shoulder.
"The city gives them to me, for research."
"Oh."
"Lovely." I poked the dead man's cheek. "Look at that, you managed to kill him without alerting the entire city. Well done."
"Do you ever say anything nice?" Ezio snapped at me, lying the man down on the floor beside the other bodies.
"I was actually kidding." I replied, surprised that he took is so hard, "I don't think anyone would have tried to look into it even if the guard screamed his head off like a pig. I'm actually impressed- I was under the impression that you were new to all this."
He just dismissed my comment, causing me to narrow my eyes. Well, so much for attempting some niceties. "I think we should be getting back to Paola," he declared.
"Right on!" I made a superman worthy move, though both of them stared at me with a mixture of confusion and amusement. I quickly lowered my arm. "Or, you know, your call."
"Thanks for all your help, friend." Ezio turned to Leo. Yes, I'm calling him Leo, something that surprised him the first time I tried, but it just sort of spilled out. I used to know a Leo, actually, and I guess Leonardo reminded me of him a little. The same eyes, I think.
"It's not problem. And if you come across any more of those codex pages, bring them to me!" Then the artist turned to me, and I pulled the corner of my lips up in an imitation of a smile. "And Eden, if you ever want to drop in, my doors are always open to either of you. You seem to have a knack for these things," he waved his hand to the mass of gadgets on the table.
"Well, I wouldn't say that, I just know how things tick." I shrugged, avoiding the compliment. "You know, maybe I'll come hang out here afterward. I'm sure we have things to tell each other."
He smiled at me cheerfully. "It would be an honor!" He raised my hand to his lips in courtesy. Though it made me uncomfortable, I didn't pull my hand away. Ezio coughed, and I looked at him, startled. He was standing by the doorway, waiting.
"Right!" I sent Leo another crooked smile and left the building with confidence, a giddy feeling in my chest.
"You two seem to get along," Ezio noted as we moved past the buildings, this time not climbing them. I raised an eyebrow.
"Amazing observation, but you don't need to sound so shocked. I can be quite likable when I'm nice," I smiled easily, not affronted one bit.
"You're not nice to me." He was almost pouting.
"That's because I don't like you." I shrugged. This was strangely fun. He probably hated me by now, but it didn't matter. It didn't sound like he'll be sticking around for much longer anyway.
"And what did I do to offend you so?" he wondered. I shrugged.
"There's just something about your face... Or how I can feel my brain cells dying when I talk to you." I crossed my arms, slipping past a rather large group of guards and blocked from view by a passing group of people, and Ezio walked unnoticed as well.
"Brain cells?"
"Yes, you know, the stuff that makes up the brain? Wait, you don't have one, so I guess that information is lost to you." I easily turned a simple question into an insult. He made it too easy.
"Good. Don't think I want to remember this, anyway."
I snorted, knowing that he referred to his father dying and general mayhem that happened in his life. He raised an eyebrow. "Something funny?"
"Why, yes. You're so naive I want to bash my head against he nearest wall." I replied, sighing, and looking at the "nearest wall" with some interest.
"That's not a bad idea." he replied sharply, and I mentally applauded him. "And what do you mean?"
"You really think that killing this Uberto guy is going to solve all your problems?" I asked as I swiped an apple from on of the stands as we crossed the market district. "He's probably not alone, otherwise he wouldn't be able to pull this off so easily."
"I don't care." he glared at me, "Once he's dead, I'm taking Claudia and Mother out of the city."
"So you're running." I concluded. I don't know where I was going with it, it's not like I had a better idea of what to do. I wasn't even a part of this whole affair. I sighed. I'm an idiot. Taking his family out of the city is the smartest thing to do now, yet I plowed on. What did I hope for? To convince him to stay? But the words were already out of my mouth before I could even stop them. Lovely. In just one swoop, I accused him of being stupid, naive and cowardly when he was actually handling things better than some people would in this situation.
My mother was rolling in her grave right now.
"Now, liste-"
"Shut up!" I suddenly hissed, perking my ears.
"I've seen that face before..."
"Wait a second, isn't that-"
Without waiting to see if they were talking about us or the Pope, I pulled Ezio's head down so it wouldn't stand out in the crowd so much, pushing him towards the center of the market, heading to the other end. As we walked, I latched myself onto his left arm, concealing the cape with my body, and ripped down his hood, then wrapping an arm around his middle, covering the belt.
He stared at me, bewildered, and I dug my fingers into his side painfully, whispering, "Keep moving! The guards recognized you! If they find us, I swear the god, you're on your own!"
"Now who's the coward?" he blithely declared. Dammit, he was right. God, I hated myself sometimes. However, he nodded curtly, playing along as we moved in this awkward position to the end of the plaza. I don't know how those lovebirds do it, really, but this was just uncomfortable. Including the fact that I was playing one of those clingy girlfriends that I hated the most in this world.
Damn him and his stupid costume. They never make it easy, do they?
When we finally got to the alley way leading to the brothel, I pushed him away from me and brushed off the imaginary cooties.
"I'm not contagious, you know." He seemed hurt, and I sighed.
"I disagree. How many?"
"How many what?"
"How many girls have you slept with in the past week?"
"Wha-" he suddenly shut up, and I nodded in satisfaction.
"Exactly. But I guess considering I'm not going down the same road, I guess I'm out of danger." I left him to chew it over, heading to the big flashy building of the brothel.
"You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were jealous." he suddenly caught up with me smirking. I raised an eyebrow, unfazed.
"Oh yes, I'm just dying to get in your bed. Because the one thing I need to make my life complete is an idiot who probably doesn't even know what to do with a woman."
"Your words, they sting." he put a hand on his heart. For the first time he replied with humor, too.
"I can end it quickly, if you wish." I offered, "Then you won't have to deal with the horrible heartbreak that is rejection."
"As if I'd want a woman as flat as a board and with the curves of a straight line."
"And as if I'd want a man with a dick the size of a needle."
At that point, he looked ready to kill, but thankfully, we finally arrived at the doorsteps of the brothel. I glared up at one of the archers on the roofs, and then suddenly realized what action would hopefully speak louder than words, "Now, if you're done trying to trade barbs with me and failing, listen up. I can help you get to this Uberto guy." I really would have to cut my tongue out one of these days. I've got to shut up.
"Wait a moment, so you insult and mock me this entire time, and now you want to help me?" He still seemed angry, but my smile did not waver, as he seemed to actually consider my offer. Immediately, I regretted riling him so badly. "Why do you care?" he continued, "You're just a rather irritating, but otherwise innocent bystander that's not obligated in any way to do anything. Truly," he sniffed, "It's none of your business. Right?"
I let out a breath, refusing to admit out loud that he was right and I was lying to myself. I was going to help either way. If not for his safety, then at least for his sister and mother. "I don't know who he is," I slowly began, "But I do know that if a man can simply kill three innocent people without remorse and attempt the murder of another, he deserves to die," I sighed and knocked on the door of the brothel. "I can clear the way in and out if you just let me collect my bag."
After a moment, he took a reluctant sigh, surprising me with the answer.
"Fine."
"Good boy," I patted him on the head and he swatted my hand away. "Don't worry, I'm sure this Uberto will satisfy your blood lust."
Before he had time to reply, I pushed the door open, noting along the way that I barely felt the change in the odor, I was so distracted by Ezio. Well, I guess this place can be almost bearable providing you have the right distractions, then. And I'm sure the women had plenty of those around here. I went upstairs, as they greeted me cheerfully. I entered Maria's room, and immediately, I was hugged again by Claudia.
"God, you're alright! Is Ezio-"
"He's fine." I looked over my shoulder towards the doorway absently. "His ego suffered a blow, but he'll get over it. Hopefully."
"And the weapon Paola sent him to fix?" there was a gleam in her eye that was similar to her brother's. I grinned wider.
"Fixed and ready to take lives."
"Good." She looked around to her mother, who was still in a praying position. "She still won't move. She spends hours in front of those feathers."
"Why?" I shifter my eyebrows together, "What are those feathers?"
She sniffed, but held back the sob. "My little brother used to collect them."
"Oh." I was a little confused. At the back of my head, I wondered how old her brother was. They wouldn't kill a child, right? I mean, even I know that's just inhuman, immoral, and all the other words to describe such a horrible act. "And I assume he's-"
"Yes." She nearly started crying again, I could see the line being crossed.
"Stop that." I scolded, desperately trying to keep that floodgate closed. At least until I'm gone. "Crying won't do anything, and it'll just upset your mother and your little sister."
She looked at me bewildered, forgetting about tears for a moment. "I don't have a sist-"
"I assume she means me."
"Ezio!" She rushed to hug her brother as he appeared in the doorway. He glared at me over her head.
"We were just having a pleasant conversation about your gender." I grinned at him innocently, but his expression didn't change. I sighed, "No sense of humor, I swear!" Grabbed my bag that sat in the corner of the room and taking my jacket out and putting it on, I felt for the familiar handles on my pockets. "I'm all set! Let's go, my little assassin. I have guards to shoot and you have a certain asshole to kill!" I held up an imaginary sword. He stared at me for a moment, but then I saw a twitch in his lips as if he was about to smile. Good, we couldn't have a man that's about to burst into tears at any moment. Or unscrew my head. Unnerving, I hear.
As we left, he paused by his mother, running his ungloved hand gently through her hair as he whispered goodbye to her. I bit my lip at the sentimental display, pulling his sleeve. "Come on, there will be time for this later," I quietly said. He nodded, setting his face into a cold mask. I nodded approvingly. At least now, he had somewhere else to direct his rage.
Hopefully, he would be the better for it.
"Hey girls!" I greeted the group cheerfully as they all smiled at me. I think I saw them around the blending lesson. "Care to show off a little?"
"Of course!" They chirped, and I grinned.
"Good to hear it." Nonetheless, I handed one of them a purse I got off that one guard on the roofs. "See those nasty walking tin cans guarding the entrance there?" I jerked my head in the right direction, "However surprising, there are men under all that armor. What we need, is a distraction." They all grinned, nodding. "Then work your magic, girls!"
I looked up where Ezio waited on a nearby roof. I barely saw a hint of his white hood, and I nodded to him. Lightly, he jumped down, grabbing onto one of the balconies on his way and then landed as quietly as a cat. "Plan clear? Go in. You have five minutes, if you're longer than that, the guards will return to their posts." We discussed it minutes earlier, so I was pretty sure he remembered it. Nervously checking my equipment one last time, I nodded at him.
"And if it takes longer than that?" he raised an eyebrow, somehow managing to blend in with the shadows as I escorted him around the guard now whistling at the four girls. Disgusting. I guess men don't change no matter what century it is.
"Then we'll have to improvise," I replied, "I'll be on that roof. If anyone gives you trouble... Let's just say they won't be breathing for too long."
"I can fight my way out," he snapped.
"With what? That knife of yours?" I raised an eyebrow. Don't get me wrong, I loved the blade. It was very original and I'd never seen anything like it. But if people started shooting, there was nothing he could do. He might run and climb fast, but you needed to get close to someone to stab them. "It's only effective if the enemy doesn't see you coming," I reminded him, "But do as you wish. Either way, I'll meet you up there. Now go, we're wasting time!"
He nodded curtly, though he gave me a glare that could curdle fresh milk. Great, it was only a matter of time before he'd snap and tell me to shove off. And I'd have no one to blame but myself. I needed to be more careful.
But there was no time to think on that. Especially as he walked fast by the wall and slipped right into the entrance behind the guards' backs. Taking a deep breath and adjusting the strap on my shoulder, I made a run to the roofs.
Killing Uberto was easier than Ezio could have imagined. Everyone always said that killing someone you know is harder than it seems, that taking someone's life was not all that simple. That regret was human. He never killed before this point, outside of the nameless guard that was attacking his friend.
Knowing that his father's last threat was fulfilled and that Uberto paid dearly for his betrayal made it easy. Satisfying, even. Ezio found himself not minding the blood, or the sound his blade made when he sunk in into the traitor's throat. Uberto's last words did not bother him in the slightest, his pathetic excused barely even registering in his mind. He suddenly felt the need to send the message, so he turned to the scare crowd and yelled that Ezio Auditore was still alive and ready to take revenge on his family's murderer's. The fearful gasps of the crowd were satisfying in their own way, too.
He thought that Eden was simply hardened by her life. But now he was beginning to realize that whatever it was, just how she made it seem so easy, even enjoyable. Now he understood she was no more heartless that him when it came to killing. Not to mention her agreement to help him went a long ways to ignoring her constant stream of pithy retorts, at least for now.
Dumping the body on the ground, he made for the way he came, only to realize that that wasn't going to fly- three Brutes were advancing, screaming in rage, the sounds echoing in their helmets. It only took his a second to figure out that the only way out now was up. He turned on his heel and ran, leaping up to the convenient lamp ledges around the perimeter of the building.
Climbing up was easy enough and gave him time. Those knights in shining armor would have a lot harder time getting up, but shouldn't there be...
His eyes fell on the corpse that was about to fall off onto the street.
...archers?
Without time to figure out how that happened, he made run towards the nearest roof. Landing painfully, but bearable, he picked himself up and tried orienteering. Eden said she'd wait on the building over there, but...
There was a faint popping sound. Something flashed and he spun around to see another guard that seemed to be aiming his bow at him fall down. What the hell?
Running out of time, he turned and ran to the next roof and then the next, climbing up. Somewhere behind him he heard the screaming of women and shouted orders of guards. General chaos erupted in the district, but luckily, he reached their meeting spot before the slightly more agile guards figured out where he was.
Eden was sitting beside a shelter, two bodies lying not three feet away from her, both with stab wounds. She had a case laid out open beside her, and she was packing some sort of fragments away. Shutting it with a click, she stuffing it into her bag.
"Finally!" she got up, swinging the bag onto her shoulder, "Let's go!"
For a second he was offended at her attitude, but then decided this was not the time to get into an argument. Especially considering the sounds of chaos were getting closer. They ran together on the roofs, he was surprised to see her keeping pace, though her bag looked heavy. However, when they stopped to take a breath, he offered to carry it for her.
"Ever the gentleman," she replied through clenched teeth, though he could hear her uneven breathing even when his cleared up, "But no thanks,"
"I'm not going to steal it you know!"
She stubbornly shook her head, thoough. "I'm used to it," she explained, voice slightly less annoyed as they began running again. He shook his head, cursing her pride, and ran after her. Dammit, that woman was going to be the death of him, he was suddenly sure of it. Not the less-than-friendly guards chasing after them, not Uberto's allies, but this utterly strange woman!
He only found out later that the reason she always kept that bag close was because it held the only belongings she had. At the time, however, he just cursed her for being so stubborn, and kept running.
"Ha!" She laughed cheerfully as they finally stopped by the doors of the brothel, nearly missing it, "This is definitely more fun than back at home!" She pushed open the door, nearly collapsing on the nearest bench.
"And why is that?" he leaned onto his knees, trying to catch his breath. She looked at him, her amber eyes shining with adrenaline. He already learned that her moods changed rather quickly. If one moment ago she was yelling at him to run faster, now she was acting like a child in a game of tag.
"The walls are more claimable," she held up one finger. Despite the heavy breathing, her hand didn't shake. Is that how she got rid of the guards? Where did she put the bow, though? Or did she use a crossbow? "The guards are more stupid and they can't shoot back at me. And I'm doing this willingly!" Three more fingers joined the first, and her hand dropped to her leg.
"Do you take anything seriously?" he finally snapped, "What is this, some sort of game? We just ran away from a murder scene with half the guards in Firenze looking for us, and you're acting as if it was child play?"
"Why not? So I turn into one of those grumpy people that put a damper of everyone's day?" she asked, her smile still in place, though her eyes widened in response to his flurry of rage-laden words.
"Do you ever stop smiling, you devil woman?" he demanded, and she shrugged.
"Life's a lot easier when you don't take anything seriously."
"We're lucky they didn't have archers, because the holes might have made you reconsider that philosophy," he pointed accusingly at her. She bared her teeth in that unique way of hers that made an unpleasant shiver run down his spine.
"And why do you think is that?"
"You-"
"Ah, you two are back!" Paola came into the room, Claudia and Maria tailing her. The sight of his mother's emotionless, empty face made his heart clench, Eden's smile dropping, as well, as she looked away, crossing her arms as if her chest tightened like his did. Their argument was quickly forgotten at the sight.
Those bastards...
"And Uberto is dead." Ezio confirmed.
"So we heard." Paola nodded her head. "You did well."
"Now, we have to leave." he concluded.
"Where will you go?" Paola asked, raising an elegant eyebrow. Ezio thought about it for a moment.
"Uncle Mario's villa, I suppose. We can stop there and then move farther, beyond the reach of Uberto's co-conspirators," he said thoughtfully. Paola didn't seem pleased with the answer, but nodded in agreement.
"A wise move. But you're still a wanted criminal. Once this chaos dies down, then you can leave safely." She paused, chewing on her lip. "You can tear down the posters, they hang around nearly every corner, and people will forget your face. You can bribe the heralds to silence them, or... permanently silence the corrupted officials that lead the search for you. That should be enough."
Claudia, meanwhile, looked at me. "Are you going to come with us, Eden?"
I shifted my eyebrows together. "I don't think I'm welcome, considering that your sister still hasn't stopped glaring at me." She laughed lightly at my comment, the first time I heard any humor in her voice, which made me smile. After all that happened, laughter is the best medicine. Or was it breaking things? Or both? I couldn't remember.
"I thank you most kindly for helping my family," she replied, "whatever is left of it. You didn't have to, and yet, you did."
"I don't know who you think I am, really," I said, uncertain of what to say. I didn't expect to be praised. "But I simply can't stand to watch a woman in shock like this. My mother would have never forgave me, and my sister would lose what little respect she still has left for me. And as for your sister..." I looked at him in thought as he talked to Paola, though I noticed his eyes flickering to me, "He doesn't like me."
Claudia let out another controlled chuckle, like a true noble born woman. "You're the first woman he doesn't get along with, it seems."
"I don't think he even considers me as a woman." I shrugged noncommittally.
"It is a shame. I think his ego needs a little deflating." she sighed, and I smiled at her.
"I did what I could."
"You should come with us!" she suddenly pleaded, "We're in your debt for everything you've done!"
"I haven't done that much, Claudia, and I don't think I'll be of much use further." I quickly retorted. "And don't be so ready to announce debts to people, no matter how trustworthy they seem. Some day they might collect, and the price may be too high." She bowed her head, understanding. "But, I think I trespassed on Madam Paola's hospitality a little too long. Besides, the smell is starting to get to me."
"And where would you go?"
I thought about it, not for the first time. I could go to Leonardo's, of course. I'm sure he'd like an assistant who actually knows something about mechanics. He was interesting to talk to, too. But... I couldn't just let the three leave like this. Not when there were still people after them. Maybe once they left for Spain, I could come back here. I just didn't know. I needed more time to think. So for now, the best way was on the road. I didn't have anywhere to rush to, might as well see some sights along the way.
"Oh, in any direction, really, but I guess for now I'll settle with escorting you out of the city," I finally replied.
She giggled lightly. "Then you'll come?"
I worried my lip before replying. "Not like I have anything better to do. Besides, your little sister seems to be attracting trouble. If nothing else, it's nice to have a back up plan."
She grinned, and went to hug me, and I didn't stop her. Maybe I was just still giddy from the adrenaline, or I didn't want to hurt her feelings. Despite that, it was a strangely welcoming feeling. Something I could get used to, dare I say.
"Well, my little assassin!" I exclaimed cheerfully. Ezio tensed, turning to me. "I have excellent news. After much careful consideration and a lot of weeping on Claudia's account, I decided to come with you."
He groaned and I grinned, taking it as a yes. Not like he could do anything to stop me, anyway.
Apparently, we were now in this together.