"I'll hand it to you, Eden." he said slowly, "Out of all the jokes you come up with that's your most insane one yet."

I sighed, expecting this. "Okay, what about the clothes I was originally wearing, or my my hair." I was referring to the fact that I cropped the back of my hair short, while the front locks were down to my chin.

"I admit, you won't find any clothes like yours around Florence, but that's no proof," He crossed his arms. "There are plenty female thieves that are dressed in male clothing with short hair."

"That's fair. Here, then." I took out my cell phone from one of the inside pockets of my jacket (the cloak was lying on the back of one of the chairs). I turned it on, and I saw him flinch slightly as it lit up.

"What is that?" He looked curious, though still skeptical.

"A..." I searched for words. "It's a phone. Like a communication device. Hundred times faster than mail. I can talk to other people with these through it, even on the other side of the world."

"Then why don't you use it?"

"Because no one in this time has one," I shrugged, "It's a thing from the future, it's not even invented yet."

I could plainly see he still didn't believe me. "Okay, that... thing is definitely not from here, but time travel is still impossible."

"That's what I thought, too," I explained, putting the cellphone away. "Fine. Still don't believe me? You see that convenient empty can on the window there?" I pointed at the said can that stood on the ledge of the window on the stairs, almost behind the corner. I looked through my bag, and took out the small hand gun, made sure it was loaded, aimed, and shot.

Well, needless to say, there was a violent reaction with the can. It bounced off the wall, onto the stairs, and rolled to my feet. I picked it up to show his the bullet hole. He stared at me, speechless.

"You know when you got rid of that guy, Uberto, when this all started? Ever wonder how I got rid of the archers on the roofs without moving?" I raised an eyebrow, putting the gun on safe lock and putting it away again. He nodded slowly.

"I... wondered that. But..."

"It's like with those Pieces of Eden, they're artifacts, right? And if Eden existed, then all this could be possible too, right?" He nodded again, unsure. "Well, do you believe me now?" I asked, trying not to get frustrated. His shock was understandable. He stared at me, frozen for a few moments, and I stared back. What do you do when someone springs something like that on you? Damn, he was still staring, as if seeing me for the first time. I clicked my fingers in front of his eyes, waving my hand from side to side. "Hey, that doesn't change anything, you know. I'm still the same Eden. I just thought you should know, after... well, everything."

"I think I just... need a second to-" he shook his head, rubbing his forehead, "That's a lot to take in."

"Well, yes, I guess it is. Listen, maybe I shouldn't have said anything," I suddenly said, biting my lip, "You can just go on pretending you don't know any thing about it."

"No, no..." he shook his head. "If you're sure that you... well, time traveled, I'm glad you told me."

"I told you because I know I've not been acting like the women here, and I just think I owe you an explanation to why." I rubbed the back of my neck. "Things are a whole lot different in the future."

"Just give me a moment to think." He shut his eyes tightly, leaning back on the chair.

I nodded, deciding it was best to leave him alone for now to gather his thoughts. Going to the nearest shelf and opening up drawers, I flipped through and examined sketches that were there. Leonardo didn't mind- I think he was flattered.

The sketches were mostly random. Little birds, different trees, people Leo probably saw while outside, buildings. There were a few pages with notes on anatomy, different diagrams of organs and such, some mechanics, theories, models... it was fascinating to look at. I never had the talent and patience for drawing, but I loved looking at other people's work. And to see the early notes of Leonardo da'Vinci... it was exciting, in a way.

Then I can across something that made me stop, my hands freezing on the thick, slightly yellow paper. And then I shifted my eyebrows together in wonder. It was a sketched portrait of a woman with long, probably light hair, and almond shaped eyes, staring from the page with a light, gentle and happy smile on her lips. The corner was labeled "Aria".

I looked into the penciled features of the woman. She looked familiar, though I was sure I've never seen her before. Her smile that lit up her face made me think of my mother. They looked nothing alike and yet were so similar. It was in that one motherly, cheerful, angelic smile I tried so many times to recreate, either in the mirror, and sometimes on paper. All of it was not right though; it wasn't hers, it was all mine. But Leo seemed to recreate it exactly, though from someone else. My heart ached a little, as I was also reminded of my sister, who looked like mother in every way, except for that smile. It was strange how two family members could be so different. And yet two women from different times looked so similar.

There was a movement and the door behind me opened. I looked around to see Leonardo walk in with a box in his hands full of different things, from random food to paint brushes. He set the box down at the table and glanced at Ezio, who was still sitting in the chair, thinking. I guess he had a lot on his mind, considering everything going on… and me dropping a bomb on him.

"Is he alright?"

"I think he's sleeping with his eyes open. Hey, Leo, who is this?" I showed him the drawing, and he squinted.

"That's Aria, a pleasant lady I met at the market one day. She graciously allowed me to draw her portrait, and even let me keep it," he shrugged, unpacking the box. "Will you two be staying for lunch?"

I stared at the food with a sad look, but shook my head. "No, I think it's time we got to the business we came here to do."

"Of course! And remember, my doors are always open should you need it!"

As I left, pulling Ezio after me, no one noticed the piece of paper that was tucked away in one of my countless pockets. I felt bad for stealing it, but somehow, I was afraid to let it go. And I was afraid of asking, in case Leo wouldn't have let me keep it. I'd find a way to repay him later.

We didn't talk for about five minutes as we set out in search of The Fox. I was expecting questions, but there were none, at least not at first. Now, thinking back, I must have sounded insane, saying I was from the future when it was established that it's not possible. I didn't even know how it happened that I just popped out here. In Italy, of all places, and this year, of all times.

The first thing that came out of his mouth surprised me a little. "What year are you from, then?"

"So you believe me?"

"I'm not sure." He was answering honestly, at least. And he didn't tell me to go be crazy somewhere else, so I took it as a good sign.

"Well, it was 2010. Will be. I don't know." I glanced around, making sure no one was listening, though I doubted anyone would take it seriously.

"So more than five hundred years in the future," he concluded. After a second, I nodded. I hadn't thought of that.

"Yes."

"And you know what's going to happen during this time?"

"Dangerous territory, there," I warned, "This is as unnatural as you can get in the first place. And telling you what little I know of history... that would be catastrophic."

"Hm," he hummed. "So there's no way other than that phonie thing to prove it?" He didn't ask about the gun, so I figured that something close was already invented. Just... bigger. Loads bigger. Like a canon. So technically, it wasn't that strange other than the fact that it was so small.

"Phone," I automatically corrected, "And I guess no, there's no way. You'll just have to trust me."

"Hm," he made the noise again.

"Listen, I know I sound insane. And it's... well, very hard to believe. But why would I lie about something like this?"

He seemed to actually think about that. "I don't know." I crossed my arms, not sure how to continue this conversation anymore.

"Well, just please don't tell anyone. People would think I'm a witch or something. And frankly, I rather like not being burned alive at the stake." The corner of his mouth barely pulled up, but he didn't reply. We continued to walk through the city, now in silence.

Soon, we entered a small market and stopped at the arches, out of sight from the guards.

"What does this Fox look like?" I asked, watching the stampede of thieves run away from the group of guards, waving their swords in the air in a menacing fashion, though to me they looked extremely stupid. He shrugged.

"Last seen wearing bronze robes with a hood. That's all I can offer. I'll know him if I see him, though."

"Fine, then, you do that." I nodded and detached myself from the wall.

"Wait, where are you going?" I paused, looking over my shoulder.

"Shopping. When you're done, meet me by that lovely little fountain over there."

"What-"

I turned around to him again, readjusting the strap on my bag so it now crossed over my chest. Just in case. "You didn't want me along in the first place. Besides, if this guy is a thief or something, it'll be harder to catch him with me. So you go do your investigation thing, and I'll go do my girl thing for once. I've been meaning to visit the tailor anyway, and there's none in Monteriggony. I stick out like a sore thumb around this place."

He debated it for a moment while I started to get a little impatient. Wasn't he the one planning to leave me at the villa in the first place? Then he sighed, and nodded. "Alright. I'll... see you."

"And-" I stopped, taking a deep breath, "Just... be careful, alright?" He looked at me surprised, but I turned on my heel and walked away. It took me a few steps to look back at him, but the wall was now unoccupied, the assassin nowhere in sight. I couldn't hold back a slight grin.

Seemed like Mario had been teaching him a few things on the side.

I headed for the tailor first thing. I was wearing a long, borrowed cloak around me, but I desperately needed some clothes that wouldn't make me look so out of place. The training tunics and trousers were meant for much... bigger men, unlike my last boyfriend. I didn't like the idea of letting my clothes go- each pocket was stuffed with things I might need on short notice. But maybe I could think of some compromise.

Ezio moved through the crowd, gently moving people out of his way. He already readjusted his eyes to the talent that he and his father shared, what he called Eagle Vision. Everything around him became darker, but at the same time as clear as crystal- he discarded all the useless details, focusing on the people and their intention.

Most glowed with a neutral gray, not friends, not allies. Just random people that'd never seen him before in his life. The guards shone in a dim red, their eager willingness to attack at any disturbance or suspicious action evident. On the other side of the spectrum, four of Paola's girls in he corner of the market glowed blue. His allies, they would land a hand if he needed it.

He found his target easily that way. A man, seemingly hidden from sight behind crates. But this was not Le Volpe. This was just a thief, wearing dirty, ripped clothing and barefoot.

He blinked, and the scene changed around him, The normal color flooded back to him, making his shut his eyes from the brightness for a second. At the next moment, he felt someone crash into him.

It was the very same thief he saw shining in yellow, already running to the archway that he and Eden came through.

"Hey! Watch it!" He looked down and then up again, irritation building in him, "And give me back my money!"

"I don't have your money!" the thug laughed, which confirmed that yes, he did have it, and no, he was not giving it back. Ezio cursed as he gave chase. Eden would get an earful after this is all over...

The woman that greeted me was a somewhat stern lady that looked over me with a critical eye, shaking her head and muttering something to herself. Before I could even tell her what I needed, she ushered me into a fitting room.

"You have such a lean body, and yet you cover it with all those clothes!" She lectured me as she measured around my waist. I was once again reminded of my mother, who used to try and get me out of my baggy clothes. "You would look simply wonderful with long hair and a dress! Noble material!" I nearly snorted at that. Considering I had a few visible scars across my face, I doubt I would ever pass for a noble woman.

"I prefer comfort and practicality to looking good," I told her, "I suppose you can say I travel a lot."

She gave an irritated snort, and poked me with the pin, apparently on accident. "Traveling... girl, who are you hoping to fool? I see those scars and wounds, you know."

"Well, I'm off my rocker, then. Just please, I need something to wear. And I don't have time to argue on my dress choice."

Another poke of the needle. I nearly jumped.

"Well, alright. The custumer is always right, they say. I'll try to make what you're asking for," she sighed. "But really, Signora, you have to take better care of yourself. Eventually, when you stop this foolishness, what will you do then?"

"What do you mean?" I didn't understand. "If it ever comes to that, I'll just..." I hesitated. I had never thought of it. It was never an option before. "I suppose just live my life."

"But not many men would want someone this scarred, my dear. How do you expect to get married when you can barely tell you're a woman?"

I swallowed hard, suddenly feeling sick. "I don't think there's a sane man that would settle for me." Especially in this time.

"Well, that's not true, if you grew out your hair, and invested in some proper clothes, then-"

"Never mind. It's... not that." I still felt uneasy. I didn't like this conversation, so I hurried to change the subject. "Don't worry about it. Just please, finish this shirt up before I bleed all over the material. Those pins are very sharp."

"Who are you?" Ezio finally regained his breath, staring up at the man who just intervened. He seemed middle aged, but still agile, considering he caught up with the chase.

"Oh, I have many names." The man took the money pouch from the dirty thief, and threw it back into Ezio's hands. "Murderer. Cutthroat. Thief. However, I go by Le Volpe."

"The Fox?"

"Yes. Now, what can I do for you, Ezio?"

"How do you know of me?" the young man was a little alarmed, but The Fox chuckled.

"It's my job to know everything in this city, which is why you seek me out." He dismissed the thief beside the two of them with a lazy wave of the hand. "So what is it?"

"I'm searching for Francesco de'Pazzi. I want to know where he'll be before even he knows it."

"Well," Le Volpe seem to think for a moment, and began pacing. "There was a caravan from Rome. I believe they are holding a meeting tonight. He's sure to be there."

"And do you know where the meeting place is?"

"I can lead you to it."

"Then do so."

"Shouldn't you find your... charming friend?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Eden? She's letting me handle this."

"Letting you?" There was a certain amount of surprise in his voice.

"She decided that shopping was more important at the moment."

"Ah, women. They wear different masks, but they're all the same by nature." The Fox looked somewhat sympathetic.

Ezio sighed, but didn't argue. Eden Cleare was definitely not an average woman.

What the hell...? I wondered as I moved through the crowd towards the center of everyone's attention. Feral growling could be heard through the awed conversations.

"Did you see that?"

"How long did they starve them for?"

"Good Lord, if they went loose right now..."

"They're on chains, don't worry."

I finally broke through the first row of people, and froze, suddenly realizing why everyone around me sounded so awed and scared.

The creature who's growling could be heard on the other side of the plaza were dog like... things. There were five. Huge, a lot bigger than any hound I knew of. A new breed, perhaps. Black fur, long fangs and claws, stubbed tails, these things looked like they could easily crush you with their front paws. The huge chains on their collars certainly didn't give much reassurance. The people holding them were nasty looking soldiers, all wearing full armor and trying to make their way through the plaza. Though they had little problems; people jumped away as the dog-like creatures came anywhere near them.

I watched them walk away, an unpleasant trickle of fear sending shivers down my back. Why would anyone want to create something like that? Who could create something like those dogs? They weren't attacking the owners, though they did make menacing sounds when they yanked on the chains. I licked my lips nervously- if those things attacked, not even five bullets to the head will help.

But what on earth are they for?

After the soldiers passed and disappeared into the next street, the crowd slowly dissolved, people rushing home to their friends and families of this, no doubt. I made a mental note to tell Ezio when he got back. Quickly calming down quickly after the soldiers and their... hm, pets left, I stretched, looking around, the incident already flying out of my head.

I decided I liked Florence. It had its share of unpleasant things, but over all, it was nice. The buildings looked clean, the people were... well, mostly okay, and it was so sunny here all the time. It looked cheerful, even at night. It was a huge change from the backstreets of New York, that's for sure. I guess I hadn't done much sight seeing the first time I was here. But now, casually walking through the crowds and no longer caring about the guards, I was amazed by how alive and... happy, I guess is the word, it was.

There wasn't much else to do though, and nothing I needed desperately. But I did stop at the armorer's, taking in the different daggers with a dazed look. I didn't even spare the swords a glance. Some were well made, but they just didn't have the charm that the short blades had for me.

"Something catch your eye, Signora?" the blacksmith finally asked me, and I nodded.

"Yes. Those are really well done."

"You have good taste, then," he said approvingly. "Not many women bother with weapons nowadays. It's all dresses and jewelery for them!"

"Wow, differences in opinions around here, it seems..." I muttered. "The woman at the tailor shop just told be that it's not a woman's thing."

"Ah, Leona. Don't mind her, Signora, she's just bitter that she has to work in her husband's business," the blacksmith chuckled. "But look at it!" he thrust the hilt of the blade to me, and I picked it up, twirling it in my hands. "Silver and steel, a masterpiece in itself! Perfect balance! You can use it as either a throwing knife of a dagger!"

I sniffed slightly, barely listening to what the armorer was claiming about the balance and how far it was on the Shiny Objects That Glitter or SOTG scale. It was definitely not silver and the balance off- the hilt was too heavy. The blade was sharp, but not the best work I've seen.

"Actually, just steel, some bits are simply more polished, shined and painted as decoration. It's in good shape, so I'd say the blade is up to a few months old. The balance is okay, but not the best. It's a good blade by itself, I admit," I said, more to myself than him as I put it back onto the counter, "But it's not the blade you're describing."

The smith stared at me for a full minute, and began laughing suddenly. "Smart woman, you seem to know your way around the weapon rack! Forgive me, it was a test. Most of the people around here only want things like this for collections, and decorations. It's a shame wasting material on such things when they'll spend their years on display." He smiled widely at me, and I smiled back.

"My collection is more practical," I tapped my nose. "I just lost two of my knives on pigs that didn't deserve it."

"You'll find better in my store!" he nodded enthusiastically. "Well, I won't waste any more of your time. Here, I rarely bring out this stock. It's been collecting dust under the counter for a while now."

He put a fairly large box in front of me, and my interest peaked, the kleptomaniacal gleam returning to my eyes. I picked up each of the weapons, examining them, sometimes just staring at them in awe. The smith, apparently pleased with my reaction, didn't rush my progress, probably reveling in my attentiveness to his work.

One stayed in my hands the longest. It was long, thin, elegant and sharp as death. The handle fit in my hand as if it was made for it. The metal strong, a single emerald stone in the guard. My fingers traced the design on the hilt gently.

The smith noticed my raised interest. "Ah, yes. Quite a beauty, isn't it? It was originally made for a woman like yourself, on special order and made to deliver poison. See the little scabs at the base leading down? The first blade I ever made for a woman's hand. Anyway, it found its way back into my possession a few months after I sold it."

"By chance?" I asked, not taking my eyes off the gleaming blade.

"Perhaps," he shrugged. "I don't believe in fate, Signora, but maybe this blade was meant for you in the first place."

He was just trying to convince me buy the dagger. but I was already close to it. Such a master piece only came around once a lifetime. I sighed heavily and reluctantly put it back on the table. It must have cost a fortune.

"I'm afraid I just spent most of the money I had on me."

"Then come back tomorrow! I assure you, it will still be here." I smiled, nodding, and with a final glance at the blades, walked away, heading towards the fountain I was supposed to meet Ezio at. I wouldn't be able to come back, for the blade must cost more money than I ever held in my life. And considering Ezio's talent for finding trouble, we might not even be in Florence tomorrow.

"Hm. Bones everywhere," Ezio thought absently as he jumped down into the catacombs.

Yes, an amazingly accurate statement, Eden's voice in his head smirked. Growling to himself, he could almost see her rolling her eyes. Bad enough he had to endure her in the real world. He didn't need her voice mocking him every step of the way.

Yes, there were bones. Lots of them. They crunched under his feet, they were lying in open coffins, they were imbeded in the walls. He didn't mind the dead, but the fact that there were so many made him a little uneasy. It was as if this place was stormed by scavengers who looted the graves and left without bothering to put everything back in order. But who? Grave robbers? Or the soldiers that patrolled the main passages?

Aside from the few guards, random hay stacks, and the large number of skeletons, there was nothing worth of note in the dungeons under the chapel. Or at least he thought so at first.

I sneezed violently, taking a deep breath.

"Bless you."

"Thank you," I replied automatically. Then I suddenly turned to the voice and raised an eyebrow at the small child sitting on the bench behind me. His eyes were red from tears. "Why hello there." The boy looked at me as I knelt down to his level, my voice soft, reassuring. "What's your name?"

"Mama told me I shouldn't talk to strangers," he blinked at me somewhat owlishly.

"Well, my name is Eden. I'm not so much a stranger anymore, am I?"

He seemed to think, and then shook his head, "No. I'm Alexandro."

"And where's your mother?"

"I- I don't know." he sniffed, and I felt a pang in my chest.

"Well, we should find her, then." He sniffed again and nodded, jumping off the bench and grabbing onto my hand. I ran my free hand through the brown curls on his head soothingly. "Come on, don't cry! We'll find your mom! Can you tell me what she looks like?"

"She's..." he thought for a moment, forgetting about tears, "She's tall."

I sighed. "Well, okay. So we're looking for a tall woman with brown hair and green eyes?" I took a guess, and he shook his head, giggling a little. I smiled at the sound.

"Mama has brown eyes!"

"Okay, so tall, brown hair and eyes." He nodded up at me, and I glanced around.

"And she wears a red dress!"

"Is it the tall woman with brown hair and a red dress on the other side of the plaza, looking for someone?" I barely noticed her through the crowd, but her dress did stand out a bit. The woman was dashing around, asking strangers about something desperately. But the people just shook their heads and shrugged, passing by.

"Mama?" he stared trying to see around the crowd, but I held his hand tightly so he wouldn't get lost again.

"Come on, I'll get you to her."

The woman was nearly in tears when we finally broke through the crowd to her, clinging on to people that passed and asking them if they'd seen her son. The little boy rushed to her the moment she was in sight. She exclaimed in relief, throwing her arms around her son, hugging him close. I simply stood there, unsure what to do.

"Alexandro! I told you to stay close to me! Oh, if I couldn't find you..." she was sobbing, coming to kneeling at his level as the little boy reached up to pat her on the head. "And there were those horrid dogs, oh, if they went loose..."

"Eden found me!"

"Who?" the woman looked up, but I was already gone, lost in the crowd. Tears suddenly swelled up in my eyes. But I forced myself to take a deep breath and calm down as I slid in between the people, heading back to the fountain on the other side of the plaza.

At the back of my head, I wondered where Ezio was. I was already beginning to worry.

"They're all here! Our troops want nothing more!" The fat man in colorful clothes said, waving his hands around the weapons on the table. Ezio recognized him as Bernando, a banker.

"So this token means that the Pope has given his blessing?" Jacobo asked.

Jacobo de'Pazzi, as far as Ezio remembered, a successful and aggressive banker as well. His father had mentioned him a few times, and never in friendly tone. He was old, rich, powerful, and a Templar, which automatically put him in the enemy category.

The Maestro nodded, "He said we can do what needs to be done..." he paused. And then with a chuckle, continued, "As long as no one gets killed."

"The bait was laid out, though it was difficult," Francesco suddenly spoke, "His brother keeps changing his mind."

"The Medici family are either stupid or arrogant."

"Actually, it's a bit of both." There was general laughter, though Ezio failed to see the joke.

"Do not underestimate our enemies." It was the priest again, "Or do you forget already how your son was murdered?"

That silenced Francesco.

"I trust the plan will go without a hitch?"

Suddenly, Ezio recognized that voice from under the hood did not speak with the usual accent. More northern, as though of somewhere along the Iberian Peninsula. Spain? he thought to himself, not daring to even whisper in fear of being discovered.)

"There's a few more things I need to take care of before I leave for Rome," the apparent Spaniard continued speaking. "Gentlemen, tomorrow, a new sun is rising over Firenze."

With that, he left, and the others slowly followed.

Ezio was left alone in the secret passage with his worried thoughts. A plot against the Medici family was a serious thing. And it was likely to work, too. If they managed to put one of their men in power, Firenze would be under Templar control, which would make things a lot harder.

Damn it, what are you planning?

He glanced around, unsure how to get out of the place. Going back was not an option. It would take him a long time to find his way around the catacombs again, considering most of the doors closed behind him. So there was only one way- forward.

The remaining passage was surprisingly short before he walked into a bright room. It took him a few moments to realize that he just found one of the assassin tombs his uncle told him about.

He couldn't believe his eyes. The room was small, banners handing down from the ceiling. Made out of pure white marble, though very dusty, was a statue identical to one of the ones under the Monteriggoni villa. There were inches of dust covering the entire room, the chests, the vases, the floor, swirling about lazily the air. But most importantly, there was a sarcophagus resting in the middle of it all.

His footsteps didn't echo as he stepped onto the dusty floor, sending little clouds everywhere. Even though the room was very old, it was still beautiful, the white of the statues making the room seem bright and holy, almost. Approaching the coffin, he kneeled down in front of it, first in respect, and then to pull the stone skull switch that moved the lid aside.

Inside, the long-passed assassin was bound in the standard burial shroud, save a red ribbon stretched out the length of him. On the chest lay a round stone seal that he recognized as being one of the keys to the gate that lead to Altair's armor. He muttered a prayer, apologizing, and took the seal from the coffin, moving the lid shut again.

Respecting the dead, he ensured that everything was the way he found it before leaving. The former assassin could rest peacefully now.

Absentmindedly playing with the water in the fountain, my eyes kept wandering to the people that passed by. Most were women, going shopping for food, flowers, medicine, and clothes. They walked along the rows of merchants, some pulling children along, others walking with their husbands, some banding together and chattering loudly. Farther along, two kids were running through, nearly knocking a merchant over and laughing loudly. A man was sitting by the walls, his clothes ripped and dirty, his face smudged with dust and mud, begging the people that passed to spare a few coins. Two men argued loudly on the outskirts of the market, not minding the gathering crowds.

I felt a painful tug in my heart as I watched a young woman buy her daughter a candy from one of the vendors. The child nearly squealed from excitement, the mother's face lighting up at her kid's laughter. I tore my gaze away, looking back to the water. The little tiny fish that occupied the said fountain flinched away from my hand at first, but came closer after a minute, as if in a daze.

Contrary to popular belief, I loved children. And the fact that I'd never have any of my own made it all that much painful to watch as other mothers fawned over theirs. Those heartwarming displays of affection summoned reactions in me I didn't even get in the face of death, gnawing at my heart and making me regret my every decision more than ever.

~"I'm sorry. There's still a possibility, but the chances are slim. We did the best we could, but there's simply nothing else to be done. I'm... really sorry."~

Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I stiffened.

"You're back." Ezio sat down beside me, but I didn't turn away from the fountain. "I didn't even get the chance to miss you. How did it go?"

"Oh, you know, chased a few thieves, crawled in a tomb, listened in on a meeting, found out about a plot against the Medici family, discovered an assassin's resting place... nothing big." He barely even chuckled.

"I'm sure you're eager to fill me in on all of it. Let's go."

"Are you crying?" I brought my hand up to my face, and with surprise noted the long wet streak on my face.

"No."

"Liar," he gently said. I ignored that comment, preferring not to answer.

"Come on, let's get out of here. My hand is getting numb." For some reason, I didn't think about pulling it out of the water until this moment. I didn't look at him as we walked in silence, for once.

I hated myself for going into that rage. I hated myself because I got in the way of that knife. I hated myself for killing the last reason for my existence that was left in me after my sister turned away. All because of a stupid mistake, that one single fall that I could never get up from, I ruined the last chance that was given to me.

There was no one in the world that hated me more than I did.

She led him to a small room that she'd paid board for while he was gone with the money they split at the beginning of the day. Maybe she was a Seer, as well as being from the future, because it was close to the Plaza where the crowds, as well as the Medici family, would gather for the morning service.

She dropped her bag onto the bed. He already noticed that she never let it go. Not trusting anyone else with it, she stubbornly carried it around with her even though it slowed her pace down considerably. It must have tired her out greatly.

"You're hurt," she suddenly stated as he stood at the window, examining the barely visible plaza.

"Huh?" He'd only just became vaguely aware of the pain in his shoulder blade. "Really?"

"No, I'm only joking," she said sarcastically, "Alright, shirt off."

"I'm sorry, what?" he stared at her with an eyebrow raised.

"It's a pretty big wound. If it slows you down and in turn gets me killed tomorrow, I will come down and haunt your ass," She seemed to be kidding. But she always said these things with such a serious face that he still couldn't quite tell. Maybe she actually mocked him. Or maybe it was her way of showing concern. He tried to find an argument to that logic, but then decided it was easier to just do as she said. Pulling off his armor and shirt, he took a seat on the bed.

"Hm," she hummed as she prodded it lightly. He hissed at her, but she ignored him. "How did you manage to walk down the street with this?" She stood up for a moment to get the bowl of water on the table, and then she took some stuff out of her bag. "What happened to you, anyway? You were gone for a few hours."

"Like I said, nothing too grand. Just general sneaking, killing and eavesdropping," He attempted a shrug, but she forced his shoulder to stay still as she cleaned the scratch, "The Templars are going to attack the Medici family at the morning service tomorrow."

"I always knew that religion was going to kill us all…will you stop moving?"

"Sorry."

"Anyway, it seems like the Templars are going on a killing spree against the nobles. First you, then the freaking ruling family...by the way, you're pretty lucky. It's not infected," It took him a moment to figure out what she was talking about, "Where's that medicine you have? It'd be pretty useful at the moment."

"What? Oh, right," he searched the belt pouch with one hand (she still didn't let him move), and drank the contents of the little vial. "And it's not a noble killing spree. They kill the ones that get in their way."

"Is that what happened to your family?"

"Yes. Father had evidence against Francesco de'Pazzi. Without it, he went free," his fists clenched. She didn't reply for a moment.

"So what's wrong with the Medici? As far as I remember, they are pretty powerful. Killing them won't go unnoticed. Obviously people won't be too happy. So then what's the point?"

"I think they have a means of putting their own people in power. If Lorenzo and his brother are out of the way, then they'll take control over Firenze."

"And what will happen then?" She seemed curious. "I mean, aside from the fact that they'll most likely kill us?

"They'll have an army, for one thing." Finishing her work, she finally told him he can get dressed, packing her things away while he pulled on his shirt. "And, like you said, they'll be able to hunt us down and kill us."

"Well, then. What a cheerful future we have if we fail tomorrow."

"Technically, if I fail tomorrow. You don't have to be there."

"Ha! And let you have all the fun?" She thought about it for a second, before adding, "Though this fun sounds like getting yourself killed, I'm coming whether you like it or not. Even if it's just to clean you off the streets."

"You're impossible," he rolled his eyes, even as he forced himself to hold back a smirk.

"So I'm told. Alright, before we get into a pointless argument over this, I take the bed and you take the pillows," she said as she finished up with the bandage.

That statement worried him. When did she ever want to avoid a pointless argument? Wasn't she the champion at getting him to bicker with her until he was ready to either kill her or himself?

As she slept on the bed, he sat on the floor. His back against the frame, he stared out of the dark square of the window, trying to think of some plan for the next day. It was the dead quiet that tipped him off. He doubted she was sleeping, as he couldn't hear her breathing, even in the silence of the night. She didn't even twitch, lying stiff as a board. She wasn't sobbing, or even sniffing, either. However, eventually she went to sleep, her breathing evening out after a long time.

Looking over his shoulder at her, he saw she was sleeping fully dressed, except for her weapons, which lay beside her. Taking them in, he suddenly wondered where the hell she kept all of them. There were around ten throwing knives, two daggers, the sword she got back in Monteriggoni, and one of those miniature canons she demonstrated back in Leonardo's workshop. Most of them were out of sight up until the point where she used them, too. And how many more weapons were in her bag? She never let anyone else touch it, much less look inside, as if out of habit.

He glanced at it, but resisted. He respected her privacy. If she didn't want him to look inside, he wouldn't. And perhaps there were things in there he didn't even want to know about.

Sighing to himself, he leaned his head on the bed again. Might as well try to get some sleep, or things would be a lot harder in the morning.