November 30, 1524
"I wish I had more time with them." I said wistfully, looking at Sophia and Flavia as they turned from the stall they were shopping at, before the white fog around us blocked them from view.
"Don't we all, fratellino? But do not fret, Ezio. They will come to join you in a while." Federico said, "As all do." he added, a look of sadness crossing over his face momentarily before disappearing.
I would never forget my last glimpse of the living world. Firenze, beautiful Firenze, where I was born, and where I died, the streets full of people bustling about, oblivious to everything accept for their own little worlds. Flavia and Sophia looking at a mask at one of the stalls, Flavia babbling excitedly over something, her hands gesturing enthusiastically as she did so, Sophia nodding patiently at her, a warm smile gracing her lips. That was what I wanted to remember. I didn't want to remember the death I caused, or the chaos that came with the life of an assassin.
I turned my gaze towards Federico again. I couldn't believe it was him. He was exactly as I remembered, from so many years before. He was even wearing the same clothes I seemed to recall he was wearing on the day of his death. He watched me, amused, his arms crossed over his chest.
Suddenly I became aware of how much older I seemed than my elder brother. Federico was still twenty. I, on the other hand, was in my mid sixties. I reached out my left hand before me, spreading out my fingers, looking at how wrinkled they were, the spots that showed my age, and how the veins beneath my skin seemed to protrude slightly.
"How did this happen?" I wondered silently.
However, just as the thought crossed my mind, I felt a shiver go through me, and all of the signs of aging disappeared from my hand. I grinned, at the end, feeling younger than I had in ages. I was young once more. Federico returned my grin easily, and clapped me on the back, hard. I didn't care though. Even though I would miss my beautiful wife and my two children, I felt more relaxed and more at rest than I had in ages. I felt at peace. I felt... pure.
"It's a good life I lead, brother." I said, remembering an almost long-forgotten race to the top a church, so many years ago.
"But all good things must come to an end." Federico sighed.
We stood in silence for a moment or so. I watched the swirling, marble-white fog that surrounded us, obscuring where Firenze had been moments before.
"We should get going." Federico said finally, breaking the silence.
"Get going?" I repeated, reveling in how young I sounded again, "Get going where?"
Federico looked faintly surprised. "To see everyone else, of course. No doubt Petruccio wants to talk your ear off about something or another, and I know that padre e lo zio are eager to speak to you about your work leading the brotherhood. Not to mention," Federico's face split into a grin, and he elbowed me in the side. "there's Christina, too."
My eyebrows shot up, and I looked up at my older brother. "Christina?"
"Of course, she knows about Sophia, but-" Federico began.
"I don't care. I want to see her." I interrupted.
Federico nodded. "Of course." he punched me in the side again and continued, "Come on, Ezio. Lets go home."
I know, I know, it's rather short. Don't worry, though. Next will be dear old Altair, and then the series will be over. Although I may or may not do Malik, depending on what mood I'm in. Yes, I know Malik wasn't a playable character, and therefore the description would be a lie, but I think his death would be interesting to write about (even if it made me want to throw the Secret Crusade across the room when I read about it.) Just tell me what you think. :)