Assassin's Creed Bloodlines

As Ezio gazed over the doomed city of Rome, he felt a sense of regret that he did not rally against the Templars sooner. The buildings of this once great nation were starting to crumble. The once proud landscape turned even more desolate every day. “I have a mission. I must carry it out.” Ezio said to himself, as he jumped onto the nearest bench so that he could reach the rooftop.

“What a fine night it is. Not a worry in the world. That Templar mail carrier has to be around here somewhere.” Ezio began to search vigilantly. His white cloak blew in the gentle night's breeze. Then he spotted a young man dressed in red. The man held a brown satchel which bore the Templar cross. “Enemy spotted. Now where are you going, Amigo?” Ezio watched as the carrier made his way into a small farm house. The wooden doors were no match for the strength in this man's kick.

“This can't be good. Time to go.” Ezio leaped forward. He would have fell to his death if it wasn't for the line of wire connecting the building that Ezio was standing on and the tower next to the farm house. Ezio pulled out his new hookblade and latched on to the wire and zipped across, but he was too late. Gunshots rang out. Blood curling screams pierced the one peaceful night air. Ezio dropped down from the zipline and barrel-rolled on the grass. Suddenly an even louder scream rang out, this one sounding like a little girl. “MOMMY!! DADDY!! WAKE UP! NOOOOO!” Ezio quickly flew into the house.

Elizabeth was only nine. Her dark brown hair and icy blue eyes were well known to everyone in the marketplace. She was born and raised in Rome. Her family always opposed the Templar's iron-fisted control, especially when the Borgia took over. It looks like her family finally paid the price for their insubordination. Elizabeth's mother and father lie dead in front of her. A bullet hole ripped apart her father's stomach. Her mother had a long sword sticking out of her chest. Blood dripped off of the ghostly white blade with every tick of the clock. “You are next little brat. Nobody insults the Templars. NOBODY!”

Just then a white-cloaked figure appeared before Elizabeth. “Picking on children is a coward's game. Face me you bastard.” Just as Ezio drew his blade, the Templar's eyes went blank. The sword that slain the woman next to Ezio was now lodged deep inside the Templar's gut. “You... You... BIG DUMMY!” The young girl was holding the blade. Tears streaked across her fragile face as she ended the murderer's life. Ezio bent down and checked for a pulse; when there wasn't one all he could do was wonder about the girl's future. “Requiescat in pace.”

Elizabeth could not stop crying. Her parents were gone. “Excuse me little girl, have you nowhere else to go?” Elizabeth couldn't stop crying long enough to give the strange cloaked man a definite answer, so she shook her head. All of her family was now dead due to the Templars. “Ah, I see. You were strong with that blade, Senorita. What is your name little one?”

Elizabeth's sobbing ceased. “I am not a little girl! My name is Lizzy! Who are you anyway?” Little Lizzy glared at Ezio as he removed his hood. “My name is Ezio Auditore. I am an assassin. The Brotherhood of Assassins is here to protect against the Templar's tyranny, so please do not be alarmed.” Lizzy pondered this for a moment. She remembered stories that the towns people told her. Stories about a white knight sent from heaven to protect the poor against the tyrants. “I want to become an assassin too.”

Lizzy watched as Ezio scratched his beard. “You are far too young. Being an assassin takes years of dedication and training, and it is a dangerous lifetime.” Lizzy looked at him with determination. “I have no family, no food, and no money. If you do not take me in right now I will follow you around until you do!” Ezio has never seen such willpower since he became an assassin. “Lizzy and I share a common origin.” Ezio thought to himself. “I just hope she doesn't become like me, and think about revenge all the time...”

Ezio patted Lizzy on the head. “Ok Senorita you have yourself a deal. Follow me back to the Assassin's Headquarters and lets get you something to eat. Your training begins tomorrow, but on one condition: never pursue revenge. You will find it will only give you pain.” Lizzy nodded and hugged Ezio tightly as they made their way out of the blood bathed home and onto the streets.

After the recent events the night air was never quiet again. Both the two Templars and the Politician alike quickly rallied towards the small farm house that Lizzy had once called home. “Cesare will not be happy to know what transpired here today. The Assassin has slain one of the Borgia's most beloved carriers.” The Templar knights purposely overlooked the two extra bodies that littered the once peaceful home. “The only logical way to handle the situation is to set this home ablaze. We must destroy the evidence as to not start a riot.” The three men grimly nodded.

The smoke could be seen from the northern-most district of Rome. Ezio held Lizzy close as they walked through the streets. “Mister Ezio how much farther, I'm tired and my feet hurt.” Lizzy let out a yawn and rubbed her eyes. “With that attitude you may never make it as an assassin.” Ezio responded with amusement in his voice. “Just you wait and see! I will be the best!” Lizzy suddenly blossomed with life and started skipping merrily next to Ezio, the folds of her dirtied silk nightgown fluttered in the wind. “My my to be young again. Here we are!”

Ezio led Lizzy towards a tall white building. KNOCK KNOCK. No answer. Lizzy grew worried that everyone was out or that they were in the wrong place. Then a woman's warm voice answered. “Who is it? What business have you?” Ezio chuckled. “Claudia my business is my own, now please open the door.” The metal door started to open, revealing a beautiful woman with dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a gorgeous red dress. “Ezio I didn't expect you back so soon. Who is the little one behind you, and why is she groping your backside? Honestly I thought you were into more mature women.” Claudia winked at Ezio.

“Claudia your sense of humor amuses me. This is Elizabeth. The Templars destroyed her home, killed her parents, and marked her dead; so I think it is ample reason for her to be staying here with us. And also she will receive assassin training first thing tomorrow. And dear sister, please feed and clothe this poor girl.” Claudia looked absolutely horrified at the thought of a young girl going through such hell. “Come here Elizabeth, we will tend to you.” Claudia motioned for her to follow.

“Excuse me big boobed lady, my name is Lizzy, and I don't want to leave Mister Ezio!” Claudia's cheeks burned with anger. “How rude you are! Let me teach you some manners to go with your assassin training!” Ezio couldn't help but laugh. “Our family just got larger.” Ezio thought to himself, with a smile.

The streets of the Bazaar were busier than they ever were this time of year. Merchants lined up just to sell their goods. “Cabbages get your cabbages.” A skinny man dressed in red robes ran by, quickly followed by a hooded figure dressed in all black. “ASSASSINO ASSASSINO!” The man ran for his life, nearly escaping death, or so he thought.

“So that is how you are going to play it?” Lizzy thought to herself as she ran after the Templar. “Well I guess I will just have to take the high roads!” As Lizzy ran past the flower shop, she grabbed the broom off of the ground and used it to pole vault onto the bazaar's rooftops. “Here dummy dummy dummy I'm coming for you!” Lizzy sat as quiet as a cat as she stalked her prey. As soon as she saw him turn the into an alleyway she knew that she had won. Lizzy crept along the boards until she was right on top of her prey. As graceful as a feline she jumped on top of the man's back and stabbed him in the chest with her hidden blade. “Requiescat in pace dummy.” Her target motionlessly fell to the floor. Lizzy reached into his satchel and pulled out the sealed Templar letter addressed to Cesare Borgia. “Another successful mission, Master Ezio will be so proud!” Lizzy put the letter in her bag and skipped merrily down the street towards the Assassin's Headquarters.

The doors to the Headquarters creaked open. “Master I'm home! And I got you a present!” Lizzy ran over to Ezio and embraced him. “Hello Lizzy, tell me, was the mission a success?” Lizzy threw the letter on the table. “You know it!” Ezio rubbed her on the head. “Good girl, now we know when Cesare will make his appearance in Rome.” Lizzy was blooming with excitement. It seemed that just yesterday Ezio found Lizzy in her home, in tears because of the Templar's evil. Six years have passed since then and Elizabeth has turned out to be a fine woman, and a finer assassin. Lizzy was almost sixteen. When she turned sixteen Ezio thought about letting her take the oath and become one of the youngest assassins. He was proud of her progress over the years.

“Master guess what? Claudia told me that I may need to wear a bra soon, can you imagine such things!” Lizzy's tomboyish attitude always made Ezio's atmosphere grow brighter, despite his work. Claudia looked angry at Lizzy's statement. “That is nothing you should be telling a man! Now come with me Elizabeth! We are going to the market to get you some proper lady's clothing. Wearing that ghastly black cloak day after day has really started to turn you into a man.” Lizzy looked pissed. “This cloak is an apprentice assassin's cloak, and I wear it because I kick ass doing it. When I take my oath I will start wearing white like Master Ezio!” Claudia's cheeks fluttered. “A lady shouldn't talk in such tongues, come with me this instant, you need undergarments!” Lizzy complied peacefully after Ezio nodded at her.

“Claudia have you finished decoding that letter yet?” Ezio anxiously awaited an answer. “Yes brother, I have most of it decoded. The date of Cesare's arrival is soon, but his sister is coming tomorrow.” Ezio looked worried. “That will have to do. See what you can do about the rest of the code, and please go easy on Lizzy she tries her best to please everyone.” Claudia looked at Ezio with amusement. “Everyone? Brother she tries to please only you! That girl is in love with you!” Ezio pondered it. “I am more a father to her than a mate. Nothing more. Nothing less. She will find love somewhere and hopefully our fight will end soon.” Ezio blew out his candle and went to bed. “Get some sleep Claudia. And Lizzy I know you are eavesdropping, so go to bed too.” Ezio winked into the darkness, only to hear a small gasp and feet running. “That girl is one of a kind.”

Tomorrow came and with it was Lizzy's Birthday. Claudia had it all planned out. First they would go to the marketplace and get Lizzy some new clothing, and then she would show Lizzy the proper etiquette of being a woman. Ezio, on the other hand, had other plans. “Claudia you can measure Lizzy and go shopping while she and I go on a mission together, alright?” Claudia's list of plans were ruined, but she agreed. “Have fun you two.” Lizzy was very happy. She was going on a top secret mission with her master. “Where are we going Master?” Ezio patted Lizzy on the head. “Wait and see.”

“Today's mission is an important one. The letter that you received showed that Cesare's sister is coming to Rome for a visit. Our job is to kidnap her, get her key, and free a woman named Caterina. We need as little bloodshed as we can manage. Kill Cesare and his father if we can.” Lizzy nodded with excitement in her already sparkling eyes. “Sounds easy enough, so where is this sister at?” An exquisite horse-drawn carriage, possibly made of gold, entered the city gates.

“Make way make way lady Lucrezia Borgia has entered.” The knight that announced her arrival gestured for the crowd to stay back. A blonde haired woman stepped out of the carriage. The aura this woman gave off was both stuck up and indecent, Lizzy thought, as Lucrezia made her way to the crowd. Her red robes were crafted from the finest materials. Gold dangled around her neck. Her cleavage was exposed, giving the men something to gawk at. “Hey Master, can the stuck up woman get any more indecent? Her big boobs are falling out of her dress!”

Then the guards pulled another woman out of the carriage. "This must be Caterina." Lizzy thought. Caterina's red hair was a tangled mess. She clearly hasn't bathed in days and was subject to torture. Lizzy couldn't help but want to yell something at the blonde haired bitch who slapped Caterina. Ezio quickly covered Lizzy's mouth and gestured for her to follow him. “We need to make it inside of the Castello, ready to get a little wet?” Lizzy followed her master as they jumped off of the bridge and on to a small boat, then one at a time they hopped from one stone to the next until they reached the Castello. “You've done well to keep up, ready to climb? Try not to be spotted.” Lizzy followed as Ezio climbed into the court yard and hid in a bail of hay.

“Be quiet a guard is coming. Get ready.” As soon as the Templar Knight came close to the bail of hay, Lizzy jumped out of the hay and stabbed him in he neck with her hidden blade. “Well done, now bury the body in the hay, we do not need attention.” Lizzy did as she was told and the two assassins started their climb. Another guard started to walk towards the hay bail. “Another one? I got this.” Ezio pulled out a crossbow and aimed. The bolt flew through the air at the speed of sound and hit it's mark, killing the guard on impact. “No fair I want one.” Lizzy pouted. “It's alright, when you graduate you get more gear. So maybe you can have a crossbow too.” Lizzy smiled.

They made their way on to the bridge when Cesare came out of the doorway below, accompanied by three men. “Forget the pope, you only listen to me. Roma is the pillar which holds our entire enterprise along...” The two assassins looked at each other with determination.

“Change of plans Lizzy. Cesare is here, so this means we need to deal with him. I propose we split up from here. You take Cesare's sister and I will take him. We will meet up in the concubines and rescue Caterina.” Lizzy agreed. “Yes Master.”

Ezio and Lizzy split up. Lizzy climbed the walls and Ezio followed Cesare. Lizzy used the windows to balance herself as she climbed higher sand higher. One guard remained vigilant over the wall. Lizzy quickly took care of him and tossed him over the wall. She jumped onto the wall and started towards the roofs, but an archer patrolled in front of her. “Now would be a great time for that crossbow.” Lizzy thought as she grabbed a throwing knife out of her bags. Lizzy took her aim. She tossed the knife at the archer and hit him in the back, off balancing him and making him fall to his death. “I'm going to have a little talk with Master Ezio about that crossbow.” Lizzy made her way towards the tower in the center of the court yard. “Time for a climb.” Lizzy thought as she made her way up the tower and into the open window.

The blonde haired woman was inside her room and so was her brother. Lizzy could see her master from the other window, Ezio gestured for Lizzy to be silent. “Eww are they making out! But that is indecent! Aren't they brother and sister!” All of these thoughts flooded Lizzy's once pure mind and she kept pointing at the incestrous couple. Ezio just shook his head and gestured at Lizzy to remain silent. After a brief kiss the couple started to discuss Caterina. The information was very useful to the assassins. As soon as Cesare left the room, Ezio jumped down from the window and grabbed Lucrezia's mouth. “Scream and we kill you.” Lucrezia was terrified. Lizzy jumped from her perch and landed next to Ezio. “That was nasty. Aren't you two related?” Lucrezia's eyes lit on fire with rage.

“Lizzy take her and free Caterina, I will go after Cesare.” Lizzy grabbed Lucrezia and held her hidden blade to Lucrezia's throat. “Hello pretty my name is Lizzy, or Elizabeth Auditore da Roma. Play nice and I will not kill you.” Lucrezia did not hesitate to fight back. “Little brat get off of me. GUARDS! GUARDS!” Four guards came marching in just as Lucrezia called for them. “Kill the Assassin!” The guards charged at Lizzy.

“Too easy!” Lizzy dodged them blow for blow and used her sword to cut their chain link armor to ribbons. Before it even began the fight was over. Two guards lie beheaded, the other two were pierced in the heart. “Now lady come with me.” Lizzy forced Lucrezia down into the concubines and made her lead the way. “Now where is Caterina?” Lucrezia pointed at a red haired woman who was sitting in her cell. The woman's undergarments were in full view and her dress was torn. “An assassin! At last! Now free me please!” Lizzy grabbed Lucrezia, reached into her bra, and produced a key. “Here you go!” Lizzy unlocked the gate and helped Caterina to her feet.

“Where do you think you're going, Senorita?” Ezio stood at the door way blocking Lucrezia's escape. “Master! Did you kill Cesare?” Ezio shook his head. “Sadly no. He escaped.” Lizzy was saddened by the news of Cesare's escape but thrilled that part of their mission was successful. “Lizzy put that woman in a cage where she belongs, and lets get out of here.” Lizzy tossed Lucrezia into the cell and locked it. “Sucks to be you!” Ezio and Lizzy helped Caterina to her feet and they left the Castello.

Ezio and Lizzy assisted Caterina on the long walk home. Caterina's ankle was injured and she couldn't walk properly. They entered the Assassin's Headquarters and led Caterina to the spare bedroom. “Claudia see to her leg.” Claudia got some medicine out of a box and went to tend to Caterina. Ezio looked over at Lizzy with a stern look on his face. “Lizzy I overheard you using my name as yours back in the concubines.” Lizzy's heart skipped a beat. “Are you angry at me Master? I used your name because you are the only family that I've ever known.” Ezio smiled at Lizzy. “No I am not mad. I am a bit flattered actually. Elizabeth Auditore. It has a nice ring to it.” Lizzy felt a warm feeling in the bottom of her heart. “Thank you Master.” Something still bothered Lizzy. The way Ezio looked at Caterina gave her a sense of longing. “You love her, don't you Master?” Ezio patted Lizzy on the head. “I used to. That was a long time ago...”

“Lizzy, tonight at midnight I want to promote you. You will take the oath on top of the highest tower in Roma. Then you can finally get rid of your black robes and bear the mark of a true assassin.” Lizzy was shocked at Ezio's decision. Her eyes began to water. “Do you really think I am ready?” Ezio bent down and hugged Lizzy tight. “I do not think so. I know so. You faced many challenges, and what happened today showed me that you think well under pressure. You are what made today a success. I failed my part of the mission, Cesare escaped. But you succeeded in rescuing Caterina. I truly believe that you are ready to graduate.” Lizzy started to cry. Her icy blue tears blended in with the hue of her cold eyes. “Thank you Master I will not fail you!” Ezio hugged her tighter. “You never have.”

Ezio called for his second in command to enter. “Machiavelli call together everyone. Tonight Lizzy will climb the ranks as master assassin.” A man silently stepped out of the shadows. The man wore a red cloak with black trim, a leather belt, and carried a thin blade. “Yes Ezio, But is she ready?” Ezio patted Lizzy on the head. “More than ready.” Machiavelli nodded and gestured for Lizzy to follow.

Machiavelli walked much faster than Ezio. It was hard for Lizzy to keep up without sprinting. “Ezio sees much potential in you young Elizabeth.” Lizzy strolled on next to him with her head held high. “Tonight you will become a master assassin at only sixteen, I do not think there was someone this young.” At last their walk was at an end. A very large tower was in front of Lizzy. The walls appeared to have unblemished and unclimbable edges. “Find your way up the tower young Elizabeth. Ezio and the others are waiting on top.” Lizzy looked up only to see three shadows on top of the tower. “No sweat, if Master Ezio can do it, so can I!” Lizzy lunged at the tower to begin her climb, only to find that there wasn't any holes that she can dig her fingers in. Lizzy slid back down. “Sometimes an assassin must use a tool of some sorts to climb the unreachable.” Machiavelli walked away, leaving Lizzy there to contemplate his words.

A new idea dawned on Lizzy. She pulled two throwing knives out of her pouch and stabbed at the wall. The first one went in. Then the second. She used her knives to climb the wall inch by inch until she couldn't see the ground anymore. “I really hope I don't fall.” Lizzy said out loud as she inched up the wall. Almost to the top, Lizzy noticed that the wall had openings now. Little tiny windows were engraved in the top of the tower. Lizzy latched onto the window and used her feet to push herself up to the next window. “Almost there.” She finally saw the ledge. One final jump landed her on top of the tower and next to Ezio, Claudia, La Volpe, and strangely enough Machiavelli too. “How the hell did you beat me up here?” Lizzy was still catching her breath. “With skill, young one.” Machiavelli replied.

Ezio stepped forward with a white-hot iron and gestured for Lizzy to hold out her hand. He dipped the prongs into the fire and recited the assassin's creed as he clamped down on Lizzy's ring finger:

"Laa shay'a waqui'n moutlaq bale kouloun moumkine. The wisdom of our Creed is revealed through these words. We work in the dark to serve the light. We are Assassins. Nothing is true, everything is permitted."

The fiery pinch burned Lizzy's skin. The pain was unbearable,but somehow she felt it necessary. Ezio's words rolled through her heart like thunder. The creed is what she lives for. She is an assassin.

“Elizabeth Auditore da Roma take your plunge into the unknown. Leap of faith into the ocean below us. If you fail, you will die. Pass and you will be of our ranks. A master assassin." Lizzy took her stance facing the sea and jumped. She fell gracefully like an eagle moving in for the kill. The only sound was the splash of the water and the cheers of her assassins. The other assassins followed in a symphony of splashes. As Lizzy came up for air only one question came to her mind. “Hey Master, now that we are equals, wheres my crossbow?” Ezio laughed. “Tomorrow, we will go see Leonardo and have him craft you one.”

Lizzy looked at everyone with endearment. “How did you all get up there so fast?” Ezio looked at her with bewilderment. “Didn't Machiavelli show you the way?” Ezio pointed towards the back of the tower. Lizzy followed his finger and saw that the back of the tower had a ladder leading all the way to the top. “I'm going to kill him for that!” Lizzy's face turned redder than the insides of Ezio's cloak. “Look on the bright side Senorita Elizabeth, you should feel stronger now that you made the climb.” Machiavelli's words of encouragement did nothing but fuel Lizzy's temper. “Lizzy calm down. I am proud of you for climbing this far, tomorrow when we see Leonardo I will be sure to tell him to make you a pair of climbing gloves as well.” Ezio's words made Lizzy feel better instantly.

Lizzy's initiation was the talk of the Assassin's Headquarters for quite some time. Claudia even sent her to a friendly tailor to get outfitted for her new assassin's robes. Lizzy's new robes were white with a blue silk lining. Her new cape was similar to Ezio's cape, but the silk lining was blue to match her eyes; unlike Ezio's cloak and cape which had a red silk lining. Her cloak was smaller than his because she was much less muscular than Ezio and she had a petite figure. The armor that Lizzy decided to buy at the blacksmith was a fine plate breastplate and matching gauntlets, greaves, and shoulder guards. The sword of her choice was a long bastard sword accommodated by a sharp dagger. The price of it all was 152,000Æ’. Claudia had more than enough to cover Lizzy's tab apparently, but it didn't stop her from looking at Lizzy with such anger.

“What did I do?” Lizzy really did not want to upset Claudia, she can be scarier than Ezio sometimes. “Oh nothing, you are finally becoming a lady! Now for the undergarments.” Lizzy decided now is the best time to test out her new gear. “Sorry gotta run!” Lizzy ran at the nearest wall and leaped over. “What am I going to do with her?” Claudia said to herself. Claudia wondered towards the tailor's wares and began to ask about the price of underwear.

Lizzy ran until she saw Ezio standing by the docks. Ezio and Lizzy planned to meet there the night before. “I see you escaped Claudia's clutches, well done. You look beautiful in your new robes. The blue really brings out your eyes.” Lizzy blushed. “Hey Master, why did you call me here?” Ezio turned around. The expression on his face was serious. “Baron de Valois has been sighted. We must act. Ready for your first mission as a master ranked assassin?” Lizzy walked over to Ezio. “Aren't I always, Master?”

I have a good friend named Bartolomeo. Lets just say he is a little eccentric at times. He fights like a beast at times where it is needed. His fortress is near the Barracks. After we discuss our attack plan, we will take the fight to the Baron.” The two assassins walked to the stables and retrieved their horses. Ezio's steed was white, while Lizzy's was chestnut colored. “On horseback it shouldn't take long to reach the Barracks. They galloped towards the destination at top speed.

“Ah here we are. There is Bartolomeo now.”As Ezio walked through the front gate of the Barracks, Bartolomeo drew his sword and turned around. “Who goes there!” A large man in green plated armor looked at the two assassins with fear, until his eyes fell on Ezio. “Salve to you too.” Bartolomeo put his sword away and Embraced Ezio in a tight squeeze. “Ezio! I was expecting my wife.” Lizzy let out a small giggle and whispered at Ezio: “This man has a wife?” Ezio cleared his throat. “Somehow, that does not surprise me.”

Ezio looked over to see an injured Mercenary being aided by two others. “What happened to him?” Lizzy asked. “The French puttane have us under pressure.” Bartolomeo, Ezio, and Lizzy started to walk into the camp. “Tell me about their general, this Baron de Valois.” Ezio asked. “Cesare persuaded King Louis to lend him an entire army to defeat me. I'm flattered.” Bartolomeo let out a burly laugh. “Where can we find him?” Ezio gestured towards Lizzy as he asked his question. “Ah who might this fine lass be? Ain't she a little too young for you? Ezio you dog!” Lizzy's cheeks turned bright red. “This is Elizabeth. She is one of my assassins, and she is one of the best. If anyone can bring the Baron to justice, it will be her.” Lizzy felt Ezio's complement wash over her. Butterflies filled her stomach. I see, looks like she has a thing for you. Even though, it's only a matter of time before I have Valois by the throat. We have them in retreat.”

A bullet hit the barracks wall, mere feet from Ezio and Bartolomeo. “They seem to be getting closer.” Ezio observed. “The situation is under control--” a mercenary came running from the west side gates. “Close the gates!” The mercenary was shouting as loud as he could. “Bene. So maybe I could use a little help.” Bartolomeo gave Ezio a small smile. The French army began their advance. Bartolomeo and his men fought the French while Ezio worked his way to the gate levers. “Ezio! Little girl! Shut the gates!”

“Lizzy get the first lever I will get the second. Hurry!” Ezio ran towards the first lever. Ezio arrived at a lever, but found it surrounded by many French invaders. He began to eliminate the French between him and the lever. Lizzy lost sight of him in the mass of soldiers.

A new wave of french soldiers flooded the gates by the second lever. Lizzy had no trouble clearing their ranks with her new sword. As she made her way towards the lever a french soldier tried to stab at her. His Rapier was stopped by her new breastplate. “I need to be more careful. If I get my new robes messed up Claudia will kill me.” Lizzy managed to pull down the lever and put an end to the flood of french soldiers on this side. “One to go.”

The last lever was guarded by an army twice the size of the one Lizzy just fought. Luckily, Ezio finished with his lever and was there to assist her. The two assassins charged into battle in a whirlwind of steel and blood. Ezio and Lizzy matched each others' moves perfectly. Before long the army fled out of desperation and Ezio pulled the final lever, shutting the gates.

“The Baron de Valois signals from the field!” A mercenary screamed. The Baron sat on his horse at the bottom of the hill that the Barracks was built upon. “Bonjour General, are you ready to surrender?” Bartolomeo immediately enraged. “Why don't you come closer and say that?” Baron Valois laughed. “You must learn how to speak French. It would mask your barbaric sensibilities.” Bartolomeo's face grew redder and redder. “Perhaps you could teach me, and I would instruct you in fighting, since you seem to do so little of it!” The Baron laughed even more. “As amusing as this parley has been, I'd like your unconditional surrender before sunrise.” Lizzy glanced over at Bartolomeo. No way is he going to take that. “Hah! My lady Bianca will whisper it in your ear!” The Baron was ready for Bartolomeo. “I believe another lady might object to that.” Lizzy watched in horror as Barron Valois snapped his finger. A French soldier came forward. The soldier held Pantasilea Baglioni, Bartolomeo's wife, hostage.

“My husband is going to murder all of you!” Pantasilea struggled against her bonds. “I'll kill you, fottuto francese!” Bartolomeo was ready to charge at the Baron, but Ezio held him back. “Calm down, for your wife's sake. You know my terms: Enter my camp unarmed at dawn.” Octavian and his men turned and left. The Baron looked over his shoulder and said: “And practice your French. Soon all of Italy will be speaking it.” The Baron rode away. “I will get you pezzo di merda figlio di puttana!” Bartolomeo Screamed at Baron Valois as hard as he could.

“Quickly, lets go after them.” The three mounted a horse and galloped after the Frenchmen. Eventually, they saw the French camp. “This is their camp?” Ezio scanned the enemy's territory. Large iron gates blocked their entrance. The walls appeared to be unclimbable. You steal a man's wife and then go hide inside a fortress?” Bartolomeo gestured toward his genitals. “Nothing hangs between your thighs. In fact, there is a hole there so deep it reaches into the maledetto inferno!” Lizzy started to laugh at the image Bartolomeo presented. “What good are you to her dead? We will regroup and fight through the gates as we did at the Arsenale.” Bartolomeo quickly agreed. “The entrance is thicker with Frenchmen than the streets of Paris.” The two looked over the layout of the campsite. “So we will climb the battlements, right master?” Lizzy asked. With a defeated tone, Bartolomeo replied: “They cannot be scaled. Pantasilea would know what to do. Maybe this is the end. I enter at dawn bearing gifts and hope that coward spares her life.”

“Why don't we just sneak in?” Lizzy asked. “Perché non ci ho pensato prima?” Everyone looked confused. “What did you just say?” Bartolomeo inquired. “Call your men back to the barracks. I will explain there.” Bartolomeo looked at his men. “You better have something good Ezio. Everyone fall back!” Bartolomeo, Lizzy, Ezio, and the Mercenaries fell back to the Barracks.

They arrived at the barracks. “So, you have a plan?” Bartolomeo would try anything at this rate. “ Once inside, your men can overpower the camp's patrols, correct?” Bartolomeo nodded. “Especially if the patrols are taken completely by surprise?” Ezio's plan came into view. “Ma certo!” Lizzy looked at Ezio with wonder. “Then we need to liberate several suits of French armor. At dawn, we are going to walk right in.”

Bartolomeo gripped Ezio in a tight squeeze. “Hah! Ezio Auditore you are truly a man after my own heart. Magnifico! You kill the French, My troops will gather it from the dead. We will then depart from the north, so as not to arouse suspicion. And Ezio. Make sure to kill them without a fight. The armor has to stay clean.” Ezio and Lizzy both nodded. “Bene.”

“Hey Master I have an idea on how to get the armor.” Lizzy started to blush. “Do tell.” Ezio replied. “Well I can flirt with a few of the guards and get them out of their armor, then you can kill them while their backs are turned.” Ezio grinned at Lizzy. “Way to make use of all of your assets. Just do not remove any unnecessary clothing.” Lizzy's face flushed with anger. “That is not my intention!”

Lizzy strutted towards the four guards who patrolled the front gates. “Oh I am ever so tired, I wish a big Frenchmen would help me out.” Lizzy winked at the guards, who immediately took interest in her. “Je vais vous aider.” Lizzy looked at the soldier with bemusement. “I do not speak french, but if you remove some of that hot armor, maybe I can learn.” The soldier complied and started to remove his armor. Ezio struck the soldier in the back when the soldier removed his breastplate. “About time, I thought I would have to eliminate him before he raped me.” Ezio chuckled at her. “This is your plan, not mine.”

One down, nineteen to go. Lizzy and Ezio decided on another strategy to make the quest go by faster. Ezio threw a loud explosive device into the road, causing a huge panic. About fifteen guards ran towards the bomb to investigate. Lizzy was ready with a smoke bomb. As soon as the smoke bomb went off, Ezio and Lilly went to town assassinating the guards. They made so much noise with the bombs that five more guards came to investigate, and Lizzy made quick work of them. They had twenty-one sets of armor at the end of the killing spree. Bartolomeo's troops gathered the armor from the dead.

“Here is my plan. Bartolomeo we will all dress up in their armor, and use you as a hostage. When we enter their gates, you may have your revenge.” Bartolomeo saluted Ezio. “Get changed you two, we are going to charge as soon as we are able.” Lizzy took a pair of armor and walked into a tent to get changed. She walked in on Ezio, already nearly naked, and wearing only his tights. “I'm sorry! I'm Sorry! IM SORRY!” Lizzy ran out of the tent. Her face was pink. She saw more than she should have. “HAHAHA! That girl has the hots for you, eh Ezio?” Ezio emerged from the tent wearing a full suit of french armor. “I am all that she has left.” Ezio put on the helm and walked towards his horse. Lizzy eventually found an unoccupied tent and got changed, then she got on her horse and followed Ezio. With the helm on nobody could notice how pink her face was right now.

A mercenary turned to Ezio and said: “We must follow the patrol route. We cannot deviate or his men will know something is wrong.” Bartolomeo let out a grizzly roar. “The Baron thinks Cesare will allow the French to rule Italy. He's so blinded by the trickle of royalty in his blood, that lazy inbred can't see the battlefield. Whatever the French may think, Cesare intends to be king.”

Ezio chains Bartolomeo up and starts to lead him down the road towards the camp. “Your plan is brillante, but I don't like using this kind of trick. I believe in fair fighting, may the best man win.” Ezio dismounted and walked with Bartolomeo. “Cesare and the Baron seem to have a different style.” They were halfway up the road now, the gates were in view. “There will come a day in which men no longer cheat each other. And on that day we will see what mankind is truly capable of.” Ezio nodded. “I've heard that before...” Bartolomeo grinned. “It is something your father once wrote.” Ezio and the others entered the French camp without being detected.

As Ezio's group passed through the first gate, they were stopped by the gatekeeper. “Que venez-vous faire ici?” (Declare yourself.) Ezio Replied: “Mes soldats conduisent le capitaine italien à Son Excellence le Baron. Il veut se rendre.”(My soldiers are taking the Italian captain to His Excellency the Baron. He wants to surrender.) Lizzy looked at Ezio with adoration. “What part of France are you from?” Ezio spoke up in a French tone: “Montréal.” They opened the gates for Ezio's party. Bartolomeo pulled Ezio close and whispered: “You speak French?” Ezio, under his breath, replied: “There were a couple of French girls in Firenze.” Lizzy's face went from pink to red in a matter of seconds.

Ezio lead Lizzy, Bartolomeo, and his disguised troops into the French camp. On the way many French soldiers insulted Bartolomeo. Eventually they made it through the mob and reached the inside of the camp to speak with The Baron. “Général d'Alviano. It seems that you have seen the light” The Baron laughed as hard as he could. “Enough of your crap. Release my wife.” Bartolomeo was ready to throw caution to the wind and attack. “Such entitlement from a man born with nothing to his name.” The Baron pointed directly at Bartolomeo. “Mine is worth it's currency. Unlike yours, which is counterfeit.” The Baron is starting to lose his temper. “How dare you?” Bartolomeo broke free of the loose bindings and pointed at The Baron. “You think that commanding an army grants you nobility? Nobility comes from fighting besides your soldiers, not kidnapping a woman to cheat your way out of battle. Why don't you grow a pair and release my wife?” The Baron pulled out a wheel-lock pistol and pointed it at Batolomeo's wife. “You savages never learn.”

Ezio signaled the mercenaries to attack by firing his hidden pistol into the air. The Baron retreated with Pantasilea into his inner fortress. Soldiers poured in to attack Batolomeo's men. “Ezio you have to save my wife. Take the rooftops!” Ezio and Lizzy took off towards the roof. Almost immediately four guards started to attack them as they tried to get on the roof. “We must kill these for so we can open the gates.” Ezio jumped off of the wall and performed an aerial assassination on two of the guards. Not to be outmatched, Lizzy back-flipped off of the wall and did the same. Ezio ran over to the wheel that controlled the gates and turned it. The gates opened. “There he is, get him!” Lizzy ran out just as The Barron aimed his gun at them. Ezio pushed Lizzy out of the way at the last second. “Watch your step!”

“We need to kill him without being seen, or surely Bartolomeo's wife will die. Any ideas Lizzy?” Lizzy looked over at the Baron. “One. We can climb up here and get on top of him.” Ezio and Lizzy climbed the ledge to the right of them and followed the wall. “Guard on that ledge. Take him out quietly.” Lizzy hung silently on the wall until the guard came close enough, then she jumped onto the banister and cut the guard's neck with her hidden blade. “Bene. Well done. We are close.”

The Baron was now on the ledge underneath them. “Take him out, do not harm her. Here. Take this.” Ezio gave his crossbow to Lizzy. “I am sorry our plan to go to Leonardo was interrupted. If you hit your target, that crossbow is yours.” Lizzy's eyes lit up with new determination. “I will not fail you!” She took aim at the Baron's head and fired. Ezio walked over to the Barron's limp body. The Barron looked up at Ezio. His breathing became more and more shallow.
“I only wanted respect.”
“Respect is earned, not inherited or purchased.”
“Perhaps you are right... I need more time...”
“Che tu sia pari nella morte. (May you be equal in death.) Requiescat in pace. (Rest in peace.)”

Ezio and Lizzy arrived at La Volpe's inn to buy drinks and reward themselves for a job well done. “I am so glad to be out of that armor. It squeezed my breasts too hard.” Lizzy walked with her normal enthusiasm. “I do not mean to sound perverted, but you do not have much breasts to squeeze.” La Volpe appeared out of nowhere and started to walk with them. “Why you! Don't make me do to you like I did to the Baron!” La Volpe looked pleased. “So the mission was a success I take it?” Lizzy got even more angry with him. “Of coarse it was a success, I was in it!” Ezio couldn't help but laugh at Lizzy's confidence.

We do have one matter that needs discussing. If you two will come inside, we can get to the matter at hand. I may have an urgent mission for you.” Ezio and Lizzy quickly followed La Volpe inside. “Niccolò Machiavelli is a traitor” Lizzy was shocked at Volpe's outburst. Ezio, however, remained calm. “Where is your proof in this?” Volpe took a small notepad out of his pocket. “Some of my men are under attack by the Borgia. First the Villa attack, then the Castello and now this. He is behind it all!” Ezio calmly looked at Volpe. “Do you have proof?” Volpe shook his head. “I do not have any. Not yet.” Ezio calmly placed his hand on Volpe's shoulder. “We must not split apart by mere suspicion.”

A thief walked in and interrupted their conversation. “The Borgia know the location of our spies!”

“Who told them?” Volpe was furious. “Maestro Machiavelli asked about our search for Pietro earlier today.” Volpe looked at Ezio.

Ezio walked out of the inn to find a thief being attacked by Borgia guards. “Lizzy get out here, you too La Volpe. The Borgia are here.” Lizzy grabbed her weapons and ran outside to join Ezio. Volpe and his thieves soon followed. “There are only twenty, no problem.” Volpe commanded his thieves to attck. In no time at all the Borgia guards were overtaken by the thieves. Lizzy and Ezio only had to watch. “You have some well trained men, but alas I still do not believe Machiavelli has turned traitor.” Volpe gestured for Ezio and Lizzy to follow. “We need to rescue my other men, then find Pietro. I do believe it is time to pay a visit to Lucrezia's lover.” Lizzy was shocked at Ezio's statement. “You mean to tell me that incestrous woman actually has a real love interest? Wow! Totally two-faced!”

After killing all the Borgia guards, Ezio's party rode their horses to find the remaining spies. They reached their destination only to find most of their men dead and the Borgia guards attacking the last of the survivors. Ezio and Lizzy quickly defeated the rest of the Borgia and helped the spies find shelter. Volpe turned to the final spy and asked: “What did you find out about Pietro?” The shaken man regained his composure, then replied: “He is to be suspended from a cross. Micheletto will come for him with a spear.”

“Tell me, where is Pietro.” La Volpe commanded the spy. I cannot tell you. But Micheletto waits at the city gates east of the Colosseum. He intends to disguise his men to make the killing look like an accident.” La Volpe turned to Ezio with shame. Ezio, Machiavelli has betrayed us. We would both wish to deny it, but the truth is now clear. Do what needs to be done. If you don't, I will.” Volpe walked away.

“Master. Is Machiavelli really a traitor?” Lizzy graciously awaited an answer. “That is a question that I tend to find the answer to. First we need to find Micheletto, he will lead us to Pietro.” The two assassins made their way towards the Terme di Traiano. “There he is Master, and Cesare is there with him! He looks to be interrogating someone.” Lizzy was right. Ezio knew that greasy black hair anywhere.

“Please, I have done nothing.” Ezio and Lizzy crept towards the conversation, so they could eavesdrop. “Francesco Troche, dear friend. Would I lie to you? You told your brother about my war plan in Romagna, who contacted the ambassador of Venezia.” The man who Cesare called Francesco was cowering in fear. “It was an accident. I am still your servant and ally.” Francisco fell to his knees and started to beg for his life.

“Are you demanding that I discount your actions and rely on friendship?” Cesare said in a sarcastic tone. “I am asking... not demanding.” Francesco was now kissing Cesare's boots. “To unite Italia, I must have every institution under my control. And if the Church does not fall in the line, I will eliminate it entirely.” Cesare kicked Francesco off of his boots. “You know that I really work for you, not the Pope.” Francisco resumed his begging. “Ah. But do I, Troche? There's only one way I can know that unconditionally now.” Francisco stood up. “You intend to kill me? Your most loyal friend?”

Cesare smiled at him. “Of course not.” Francisco grabbed Cesare's hand and started to shake it. “Are you letting me go? Thank you, Cesare. You will not regret- ARAGH!” Francesco was strangled to death by Micheletto. “Guards! Give Micheletto the costumes for the play. Lucrezia is mine. No one else shall have her. And Micheletto, Make doubly sure it is done correctly.” Micheletto bowed. “I obey, Cesare.” Cesare walked away with his guards. Only stopping to relay one final message. “Oh yes. Dump Francesco's body in the Tevere” Ezio pulled Lizzy away from the conversation.

“That was educational. We must follow Micheletto as he delivers the costumes for the play. Then we steal them and infiltrate the play and free Pietro.” Lizzy nodded. “Cesare will get what is coming to him soon enough, right Master?”

Ezio and Lizzy stalked Micheletto until he delivered the costumes, each time they killed the “actors” and replaced them with assassins. Lizzy even put on a costume and joined with the crowd. Micheletto arrived at the Colosseum, unaware that his men and had been replaced by Assassins. He spoke with the guards stationed at the gates. “I seek Pietro.” The assassin gestured for him to come in. “He acts on stage, Signore. One of my men will take you to him.” Micheletto was unaware that the guard was actually an assassin. “Don't forget, I wear the black shirt. Protect me and wait for Pilate's call to the Centurion to strike.”

“Lizzy I am going to climb the Coliseum, you keep posing as an actor in the play.” Lizzy complied with Ezio's request and went inside, the play has already begun.

“I must get to Pietro before he dies.” Ezio thought to himself as he climbed the Colosseum. Thanks to the shape of the Colosseum, the climb was relatively easy. Once Ezio reached the top, he made his way to the backstage. Ezio was careful to eliminate every Borgia gunman along the way.

Lizzy made her way to the stage area with the other actors. The actors were getting deep into their performance. “My god, my god, why hast thou thus forsaken me?” Pietro called out. He portrayed Jesus Christ quite well, Lizzy thought.

Ezio watched the performance from on top of the balcony. “Merda. Which cross is Pietro's?” The actors never noticed the assassins moving in. “Hark, hark how he cryeth upon Elijah to deliver him.” The next actor tried to throw his voice. “Wait and we shall see whether Elijah dare come here or not.” The next actor said his line. “My thirst is great, my thirst is great.”

Lizzy watched as a guard actor gave him some wine from a cloth and rolled onto the end of his spear. Pietro drank from the wine. “Yea, thou shall drink no more.” The actor snatched the spear away. “Mighty God in majesty, to work thy will I will never cease...” Pietro started to fake cry, but Lizzy saw something was wrong. Pietro was turning blue n the face. Poison. There was poison in the wine. The Bishop stepped up to deliver his lines. “Centurion, as God gives me speed, thou must be dalt; thou cannot read....”

Lizzy glanced towards Ezio, who nodded back at her. When Micheletto moved towards Pietro, Ezio stepped out in front of him. “Hah. You cannot save Pietro. The wine he drank was poisoned. As I promised Cesare, I made doubly sure.” Ezio gestured for Lizzy and they started to walk away. “I am not yet dead.” Micheletto yelled at Ezio. Ezio turned back and replied: “I did not come here to kill you. He who is the cause of someone else becoming powerful is the agent of his own destruction.”

“Come Lizzy, we must get Pietro to a doctor.” Lizzy threw two knives at the ropes holding Pietro. As Pietro fell from his cross Ezio and Lizzy caught him. They carried him out of the Coliseum. A few guards tried to stop Ezio and Lizzy. “Hold off the guards!” Ezio shouted at his other assassins. Ezio ran through the crowd while carrying Pietro. A few mercenaries entered the Colosseum and offered to help. “Who are you?” Pietro asked. “Your savior.” Ezio replied.

Ezio got Pietro to a doctor near the Colosseum just in time. “He has been poisoned, can you help?” The doctor pulled a vial out of his cart. “Drink this.” He gave Pietro the vial. “I feel slightly better.” The doctor handed him a jar of leeches. “Leeches will lead to a full recovery.”

“I cannot thank you enough.” Ezio held out his hand. “The key to the Castel Sant'Angelo. Now.” Pietro looked displeased. “Cesare knows about you and Lucrezia.” Pietro handed Ezio the key. “Here.” As Pietro handed his key over, Ezio noticed a familiar thief. “What is wrong, Master?” Lizzy looked at the man that Ezio was watching. “I know him from somewhere.”

“Un momento! You were at the Villa Auditore during the attack!” The thief started to run away, but Lizzy was too fast for the thief. Lizzy tackled him. “Why did you run?” The thief looked away. And didn't answer. Ezio took the letter the thief was holding and noticed the Seal of the Borgia, and realized that this thief was the traitor all along.

Ezio took the letter the thief was holding and noticed the Seal of the Borgia, and realized that this thief was the traitor all along. Ezio then threatened to kill him with his hidden blade.

“You are the traitor, not Machiavelli.” Ezio pointed his hidden blade at the thief's throat. “Long live the Borgia! The thief threw himself at Ezio's blade and sliced his own throat. “Master are you alright?” Lizzy ran to Ezio's side. “Merda! I was right. We have to stop Volpe before he gets to Machiavelli.”

Ezio hurried to Tiber Island to stop La Volpe from killing Machiavelli. When Ezio reached La Volpe, he was shocked to see that Volpe was stalking Machiavelli and was ready to strike him from behind, but Ezio quickly approached and stopped him. “I have discovered the traitor. One of our men, he was at the Villa attack. Here, he carried this letter.” Volpe reviewed the letter. “My God! I almost made a terrible mistake! I am once again in your debt, Ezio.” Volpe put his dagger away and joined with Ezio and Machiavelli. “This is good news.” Machiavelli seemed to be oblivious to the fact that Volpe almost killed him. “More than you know.” Ezio placed his hand on Machiavelli's shoulder and walked with his old friend. “I heard the Colosseum Passion Play took an unexpected turn this evening. It seems Jesus was resurrected three days early.” The three had a good laugh.

“Volpe, how goes Roma?”
“Very well Ezio. The French and the Papal forces are in disarray.”
“Then it is almost time. Call the Assassins together and... bring Claudia.”
“Now?”
“Yes.”

All the Assassins gathered at the hideout on Tiber Island to initiate Claudia into the Order. Lizzy was especially Happy for her. “Laa shay'a waqi'un moutlaq bale kouloun moumkine. The wisdom of our Creed is revealed through these words. We work in the dark, to serve the light. We are Assassins. Claudia. We here dedicate our lives to protecting the freedom of humanity. Mario, our father and our brother once stood around this fire, fighting off the darkness. Now, I offer the choice to you. Join us.” Claudia extended her left hand and Machiavelli branded her ring finger.

Machiavelli Pulled Ezio aside. Lizzy, feeling a bit curious, Followed.
“You and I have not seen eye-to-eye on many issues.”
“Niccolò-”

“But you are exactly what the Order needed. You have led the charge against the Templars and rebuilt this Brotherhood. Now, we must put Ezio where he belongs, at the head of the Assassins. Ezio Auditore da Firenze. You will now be known as il Mentore, the guardian of our Order and our secrets.”

Lizzy ran out and hugged Ezio. “Master I am so happy for you.” Ezio patted her on the head. “I never wished for this, but I will fulfill my duties with honor.” An informant stepped onto the roof. “Maestro Machiavelli. Cesare has returned to Roma alone. He rides for the Castel Sant'Angelo.”

The assassination of the Baron resulted in the retreat of the French forces from Rome. Along with this and the death of his Banker, Cesare's efforts for a "united Italia" were swiftly dematerializing. Infuriated, Cesare returned to Rome to confront his father and demand answers. Ezio and Lizzy used the key they obtained from Pietro to enter the Castel Sant'Angelo through a side entrance. Once inside, they made their way to the Pope's chambers.

“Lizzy if anything happens to me, run. Do not stay and fight.” Lizzy looked at her master in shock. “But why?” Ezio looked Lizzy in the eyes. “Elizabeth do not talk back. Cesare has the Apple of Eden. He wields power that we could never comprehend.” Lizzy nodded. She doesn't understand anything about the apple that Ezio has taken a liking to. “Here is the entrance to the Castel Sant'Angelo, I just hope they didn't start the party without us.” Lizzy used Pietro's key and opened the cellar door.

Ezio entered the premises of Castel undetected. As he advanced, he saw Cesare riding alone. Lizzy followed Ezio, making even less noise as she slid along the floor. “I want to see the Pope!” Cesare yelled at the guard. “His holiness waits for you at the top of the Castel, in his apartments.” The guard bowed at Cesare. “Get out of my way!” Cesare pushed the guard out of the way and stormed inside.

Cesare entered the castle. Ezio and Lizzy heard shouting coming from Lucrezia's room, so they went to investigate. They heard Lucrezia talking to a few guards.

“I don't understand. I ordered a fresh batch of la cantarella last night.”
“I am terribly sorry, mia Signora, but the Pope has taken it all.” The guard bowed. “Where is the Pope?” Lucrezia asked. “He meets with Cesare.” Cesare is here? Lucrezia wondered. “Strange. He did not tell me Cesare has returned.” Lucrezia left the guards. “Come Lizzy, lets eavesdrop on the Pope” They made their way to the pope's window. The two assassin's didn't have to work very hard on the eavesdroping, Cesare's voice stretched for miles.

“What has happened here?”Cesare grabbed his father's cloak. “I do not know what you mean?” The pope did his best to play dumb. “My funds. My troops. Gone!” Cesare started to shake his father violently. “Financial difficulties strike all of us, even those with an army.” Cesare let his father go.“You intend to give me money?” The pope looked Cesare sternly in the eyes. “No, I do not.” Cesare started to laugh. “Then I will use the Piece of Eden to get what I want. Your help is not necessary.”

Ezio looked inside. Cesare picked up an apple from the bowl on the table nearby and took a large bite from it. “That has been made abundantly clear to me. Are you aware that the Baron de Valois is dead?” Cesare choked on his apple. “No. Did you-” Te pope held up his hand. “What reason could I possibly have to kill him? Was he plotting against me with my "brilliant," traitorous, Captain General?” Cesare was outraged. “I do not have to stand for this.” Cesare made his way back towards his father. “The Assassins murdered him.” The pope said calmly. “Why did you not stop them?” Cesare grabbed the pope's cloak again. “As if I could. It was not my decision to attack Monteriggioni, it was yours! It is high time you took responsibility for your actions.” The pope slapped Cesare's hand away. “My accomplishments. Despite the constant interference of failures like you.” Cesare walked towards the door to leave. “You are not going anywhere. I have the Piece of Eden.” Cesare stopped dead in his tracks. “Get out of my way, old man.” The pope didn't budge. “I gave you everything and yet it's never enough!”

Lucrezia ran into the room and interrupted Cesare and Rodrigo.“Cesare! He intends to poison you!” Cesare tried to spit out the apple he had bitten into earlier. “You would not listen to reason.” Cesare glared at his father angrily. “Father. Do you not see? I control all of this. If I want to live, I live. If I want to take, I take. If I want you to die, you die!” Cesare forced the poisoned apple into Rodrigo's mouth and kills him.

Cesare then pointed at his sister. “Where is the Piece of Eden?” Cesare started to choke her. “Stop! I know where it is.” Lucrezia started to cry. “And you did not tell me he had taken it?” He held her neck tighter. “Cesare... It's me... your queen.” A tear fell from her eye. “You are my sister. Nothing more. Where is it?” Cesare's anger was abundant. “You... never loved me?” Cesare squeezed her harder. “Where is the Apple? Tell me.” Lucrezia spat in Cesare's face, to which he slapped her. “Tell me!” Eventually, she gave in and told him the location of the apple. “Smart decision, little sister.”

“Well I've seen enough, right Master?” Ezio was already inside. Cesare already left. Ezio approached Rodrigo and closed the poor man's eyes. “Requiescat in pace.”

“I know... I know where that bastard is going. San Pietro... The pavilion in the courtyard.” Ezio nodded. “Thank you.”

“Lizzy it is time for you to go.” Lizzy was shocked. “But master you know I can run faster than you, why are you telling me to not help?” Ezio slapped Lizzy on the face hard. “Do not talk back. I do not need you to get killed.” Lizzy stood there holding her cheek. Eventually she complied and slowly walked away. “Poor girl, I had to be rough. Even I do not know the power these things possess.”

Ezio left the Pope's quarters to find the artifact, and tried to exit the Castel through the front gates, though he ran into Cesare on his way out. “Assassino!” Cesare staggered onto his horse and rode away. Guards started to run towards Ezio. “Cazzo.” The sound of gunfire rang in the distance and a guard fell over dead.

“Hello again Master, looks like you could really use some help.” Lizzy jumped off of her ledge and landed next to Ezio. “I thought I told you to go home.” Lizzy laughed. “Since when do I follow orders? Besides, you are in trouble and I am here! Do not worry, if the apple troubles you that much I will leave after I save your ass from these guys.” Ezio smiled. “You are truly one of a kind. I am glad I met you Elizabeth.” He rubbed her on the head, and the two of them lunged towards the growing crowd of guards. Lizzy had no trouble dominating her opponents. Ezio destroyed the guards on his flank, and finally saw an opening. “Master you go on ahead and stop Cesare, I will hold them back!” Ezio jumped on his horse and rode off towards Cesare.

Cesare locked the gate behind him, preventing the Assassin from following. However, Ezio took a alternate route, by climbing to a ledge that led to the Castel's rooftop and jumping onto the ramparts to follow Cesare, before navigating through the Vaticano district. Ezio reached the golden monument first. “Eagle Vision.” The monument glowed. A small spot in it shined brighter than the rest, as indicated by his eagle vision. Ezio removed the gold plating and got the apple from within.

Cesare arrived just as Ezio retrieved the apple from the monument. “You?! How did you get here before me?” Cesare stumbled towards Ezio. The poison was clearly taking effect. “Looking for this?” Ezio held the apple up. The artifact started to emit a golden light. “It ends now, Assassino. My sword will take your life.” Cesare unsheathed his blade. He clutched his chest, apparently weakened from the poison from Rodrigo's apple. “Guards kill him!” Ezio pointed the artifact towards the guards. Golden energy engulfed the Borgian Guards, the light mind controlled the two guards and commanded them to kill each other. They couldn't refuse. Seeing his guards dead in front of him, Cesare retreated. “Guards! GUARDS!”

Ezio defeated the guards with the artifact and returned to the Hideout, where Lizzy was there anxiously waiting for him. Lizzy's cloak was torn and her armor was dented. She didn't have any serious wounds except for a blow to the side that her breastplate mostly blocked. A doctor was overseeing her wounds as Ezio walked in with the apple.

“Master are you alright?” Lizzy's eyes fell to the apple in Ezio's hand. “So that is the artifact. Why risk your life for it, what power does it possess?” Ezio sat down in the chair next to Lizzy. “It has the ability to control the minds of men. This is all I know for now. Cesare wanted this power for himself.” Lizzy remained silent. Could such a power exist?

Machiavelli walked in. “What happened?” Ezio looked over at him. “Rodrigo Borgia is dead.” Machiavelli looked pleased. “And Cesare?” Ezio shook his head. “Poisoned, but alive.” Machiavelli appeared to be worried. “We must not allow him to assemble his remaining supporters. The coming weeks are critical.” Ezio stood up. “With your aid I will hunt him down.” Bartolomeo walked in and stood next to Ezio. “My men will patrol the city, but we might need an army.” Ezio held up the apple. “We have one.” Lizzy couldn't take her eyes off of the apple. She feared that the corruption of such power may be too great for any man.

“Ready to confront the coward?” Lizzy nodded. “I'm coming too! You left me alone back there so now I am going to follow you around, even if I have to stalk you.” Ezio patted her on the shoulder. “I wouldn't ask anything less of you.”

Ezio and Lizzy reached the Location of Cesare's meeting. “You must find them.” Cesare's poison seemed to be worn off. “They are everywhere and nowhere at once.” Cesare's temper elevated. “I do not care how you do it.” The captain stepped forward. “We cannot on our own, Signore. You must help us.” Cesare stumbled towards the guards. “I am ill, you idioti. Micheletto will soon be here with my armies and then you will see how quickly the Assassini fall.” Ezio and Lizzy stepped forward from their hiding places. “You delude yourself, Cesare.” Ezio took great pride in making Cesare mad. “Guards!” Ezio used the apple to dispose of the guards. Lizzy stood in shock and awe at the might of such a thing. The golden rays were blinding. “Don't stare at it, I fear you may go under it's curse.” Lizzy looked away. At the end of the fight Cesare was nowhere to be seen.

Ezio and Lizzy returned to the Hideout to get some rest and to research Cesare's next target. Bartolomeo walked in with some helpful information. “My men tell me Cesare rallies his best soldiers in front of the main gate into Roma.” Ezio shook Bartolomeo's hand. “Bene. Gather the Assassins. We'll face him together” Ezio and the Assassins reached the city gate. Cesare was far too busy yelling with his men to notice the assassins. “ All of Italia shall be united, and you will rule beside me!” Ezio walked over to him and stated clapping. Startled, Cesare looked over to see Ezio and the Assassins standing together. “Come to watch my triumph? Soon Micheletto and his army will arrive. But you shall be dead before then.” Cesare sent his army towards the Assassins.

“Insieme per la vittoria! (Together for the Victory!)” Ezio ralyed his troops. “Vittoria agli Assassini! (Victory to the Assassins!)” Everyone yelled back. The two armies clashed. Cesare ran behind the gates and locked them. Lizzy noticed how cowardly Cesare was being as he was spitting insults at Ezio. Lizzy's opponent was a heavily geared Borgia Captain. The man's armor was unblemished and had no weaknesses, but because of this, it was so heavy the man couldn't move properly. Lizzy decided to use her speed to overpower his brawn. She jumped on his head and started to slice at his helm with her dagger. The helm came off and in one final stab to the eye Lizzy incapacitated the brute.

“My men will never fail me. They know what awaits them if they do. Soon you will pass from this Earth and my dominions will be returned to me. Your uncle fought back. Look what happened to him.” Cesare shouted insult after insult but it was all in vain. All of the Borgian troops were slain. “Throw down your arms, Cesare Borgia.” Ezio walked over to Cesare. A large group of soldiers approached in the distance. “ Micheletto's troops mass behind me. We will take back my city once and for all.” Ezio broke the lock to the gate that Cesare was cowarding behind and stepped forward. “This is not your city anymore.”

The Soldiers approached. It wasn't Micheletto's troops. The troops which Cesare considered to be Micheletto's soon turned out to be led by Fabio Orsini, on the newly ascended Pope's orders. “By order of Pope Julius II, I arrest you, Cesare Borgia, for the crimes of murder, betrayal and incest.” Lizzy stuck her tongue out at Cesare. “No! No! No! No! This is not how it ends! Chains will not hold me! I will not die by the hand of man!” They locked Cesare in shackles and carried him away. The assassins let out a victory roar. Lizzy was the loudest as she jumped up and hugged Ezio. “Is it over?” Ezio looked gloomly in the distance. “Something still bothers me.

Ezio returned to the Assassins' hideout. He was surprised to see Leonardo da Vinci waiting for him. “Leonardo, how fares you brother?” The two friends hugged. “Not well. But I heard about Cesare's capture. Is something the matter?” Ezio scratched his beard. “It was the manner in which he said it, Chains will not hold me." Leonardo picked up the apple. “If you are so worried, there is a way to find out.” Leonardo handed Ezio the Apple of Eden.

Ezio placed his hand on the artifact. The room around him melted away. Ezio saw Cesare out of prison. Cesare was victorious in conquering something. Ezio knew that Cesare escaped. “Cesare was right. I have to leave.” Ezio grabbed his sword, sheathed it, and ran towards the door. “What about your friends?” Ezio thought about Lizzy. “I built this Brotherhood to last, with or without me. If I die, tell them to let Elizabeth lead. She is more than capable.” Leonardo was startled. “What do you intend to do?” Ezio tossed a bag of florins to Leonardo. “Plant a seed. Here. A gift. And make some Codex weapons for Elizabeth. She deserves them.” Ezio walked out.

Lizzy overheard their conversation from the bathtub that she soaked in. Her cloak was getting mended by Claudia. Claudia instructed Lizzy to take a break while Ezio investigates Cesare further. After overhearing Ezio talking to Leonardo, Lizzy knew that he was leaving. Ezio may leave for good this time. He gave her instructions to not interfere. Lizzy soaked her tired body in the warm water. The small bruise that she acquired while fighting Cesare's forces was healing. Lizzy placed her hand over her heart. “Master Ezio please return safely. I love you.” Lizzy started to cry. How could she lead the assassins? “He won't die. I won't let him.” Lizzy stood up. The water dripped off of her naked body. She reached for the towel that Claudia provided and started to dry off.

KNOCK KNOCK. “Elizabeth it's Claudia. Your cloak is ready.” Lizzy opened the door so Claudia could come in and give her the cloak. “You poor girl, Ezio will be alright. He has been through much worse.” Lizzy hugged Claudia. “Oh my, those things are starting to grow aren't they?” Claudia reached for Lizzy's breasts. “Good thing I have this, made from the finest silk. Try it on.” Lizzy jerked beck at the feeling of another woman touching her breasts. Claudia handed Lizzy a beautiful blue silk bra. Lizzy admired the craftsmanship. “Master when you get back I will show you my new bra... And maybe give my body to you...” Lizzy thought as she got changed. The bra definitely felt weird at first, but it complemented her breastplate and provided more mobility. “I'm heading out.” Lizzy put all of her weapons into her pouch and started to walk out. “Going where young lady?” Claudia blocked her exit. “Master Ezio needs my help, get out of the way.” Claudia smiled and moved. “Protect my brother.” Lizzy smiled.

After four years of searching for Cesare Borgia, Ezio Auditore finally found him at the siege of Viana. Ezio then chased him across the Spanish plains. He charged at Cesare through a raging battlefield and attempted to stab him. However, Cesare caught Ezio's arm, and the two entered into a struggle. “How did you find me!?” Cesare kicked Ezio off of him and puled out his blade. “The Apple you stole from Mario Auditore led me here!”

Ezio forced Cesare down again, but Cesare threw Ezio off of him. Ezio still managed to graze Cesare's neck guard. Cesare called to his soldiers. “Kill him! Kill the Assassin! Tear the maledetto bastardo to pieces!”

Ezio fought several Navarrese soldiers, until a Spanish cannonball hit close by. Ezio was knocked unconscious. “Master? Master wake up! I didn't mean to fire that at you I swear!” Ezio woke up to see Lizzy staring at him. “What are you doing here?” Elizabeth smiled at him. “I followed you. Didn't I say that I was going to? She was now twenty years old. Her body was much different now. Her brown hair was longer, Her breasts were larger, and she was taller. “Elizabeth you blossomed. Now can you please get off of me?” She started to blush as she stood up and helped Ezio to his feet. “Master I spent four years looking for you. If you just let me come along, Claudia and I wouldn't be so worried!” Ezio embraced Elizabeth. “I see. Are you ready to end this war?” She winked. I was born ready, although I do not go by Lizzy anymore. Elizabeth Auditore da Roma at your service.” Ezio rubbed her on the head. “You will always be my little Lizzy.”

Ezio, with the aid of Elizabeth, charged after Cesare. He used his horse to jump across a large gap in a destroyed bridge. Not long afterwords, His horse was killed by a cannonball. Ezio continued along the path to find the ruins of a village. Ezio and Elizabeth sneaked past the Spanish soldiers that were on guard.

“Cesare is on top of the tower!” Elizabeth pointed upwards. Ezio took the hint and climbed a burning siege tower. Soldiers jumped off of it as he climbed. However, the tower broke at the base, forcing him to perform a Leap of Faith as it collapsed. Ezio jumped to another tower and continued his climb. Cesare was just finishing off two soldiers as Ezio appeared.

“Cesare! The walls surround you. There is nowhere to run.” Cesare turned to face Ezio and raised his sword. “Come then, Assassin.” The two began fighting. Blow for blow they were equals. Elizabeth made it on the wall just in time to see Cesare getting the upper hand. “I cannot die. Fortuna will not fail me. I am the best fighter who ever lived. Defeat will never taint me! An Auditore will never best me. Roma, Italia, España. They will all be mine. DIIIIIIIIIEEE!” Cesare tried to stab Ezio. Elizabeth rushed in and stabbed Cesare in the back. Cesare glared at her and sliced at her. “Give up Auditore, you are no match for me. I will hunt and kill all those you hold dear, starting with this bitch!” Ezio became enraged. He started to slice Cesare vigorously. Elizabeth attacked again, cutting off Cesare's breastplate. As Cesare's breastplate fell to the ground, Ezio sliced a wound into Cesare's shoulder. Cesare grabbed his shoulder. “You cannot kill me! No man can murder me!” Ezio picked Cesare up and carried him over the wall. “Then I leave you in the hands of Fate!” Ezio threw Cesare from the wall. All was silent.

“Is he finally dead?” Elizabeth looked over the wall. It was too dark to see. “Only fate can decide. You did well Elizabeth. If you weren't here I would be dead.” Elizabeth blushed. “I know. By the way Master, one more issue needs resolving.” Before Ezio could respond Elizabeth pulled him tight and kissed him on the lips. “Elizabeth. I cannot. I love you, but loving me back only causes pain.” Her icy blue eyes watered up. Elizabeth started to cry. “You will lead the Assassins in Rome. From here, I will leave Roma. Some day I may be back.” Ezio walked away, leaving Elizabeth there.

“Master I can't do it without you!” Elizabeth fell to her knees. “Yes you can. Ever since I met you I could see your strength. You and I are so very much alike. We both lost our homes to the Templars. I am just glad that one of us isn’t driven by revenge. Goodbye Elizabeth. I love you. Watch over Claudia for me.” Ezio was now gone. Elizabeth recovered her composure walked towards the docks, ready to set sail for Rome. Today Ezio bestowed the title of il Mentore to Elizabeth. This was the last time Elizabeth saw Ezio, her tutor, her master, her love interest, and her friend.