Souls Through Time (EzioxOC/DesmondxOC)

Chapter 20 - Amelia

After a few weeks of rest and planning, Ezio, Amelia, and Giovanni felt the call to action once more. Lorenzo de' Medici's information on Jacopo de Pazzi's remaining allies had given them a clear path forward. The time had come to hunt down those responsible for the attacks on their families. But before they could set off on their mission, they needed to consult Mario and prepare for what lay ahead.

The morning sun filtered through the trees surrounding the Villa Monteriggioni, casting long shadows across the grounds as they made their way to Mario's quarters. The villa felt alive with purpose—guards patrolled the walls, and the clanging of metal from the blacksmith's forge echoed through the air.

Ezio knocked on the heavy wooden door of Mario's study, and after a moment, his uncle's voice rang out with a familiar cheer. "Ezio! Haha, come in, come in! To what do we owe the honor?"

They entered to find Mario poring over a map spread across his desk, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. He looked up, gesturing for them to join him. Amelia hovered by Ezio's side, her hand resting casually on the hilt of her blade, always ready.

"I've been sent from Firenze by Il Magnifico to attend to some unfinished business," Ezio began, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. "I'm looking for Jacopo de Pazzi."

Mario let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Ha... Who isn't? We've been at it for days."

Ezio reached into his satchel, pulling out the list of names Lorenzo had given him. "Then perhaps what I carry will help us both: a list of his conspirators. One of them *will* talk before he dies."

Mario's expression turned serious as he accepted the parchment, his fingers brushing over the names. "Excellent! These men are sure to lack Jacopo's resources, which means they will be easier to find. I will put my scouts to it at once."

Amelia leaned in, glancing over Mario's shoulder at the list. "We can split our efforts. If your scouts can narrow down their locations, Ezio and I will make sure they don't have time to regroup."

Mario nodded appreciatively, his eyes flicking between the two of them. "I appreciate the help, and I have no doubt you two will make short work of these dogs."

Ezio reached into his satchel again, pulling out a small bundle of pages. "I've got something else for you as well: more Codex pages."

Mario's eyes lit up with curiosity as he took the pages, carefully unfolding them. "Ah! Let's see what we can learn. What is this...? What Prophet...?" He traced a finger over the faded symbols, his brow furrowing.

Ezio stepped closer, exchanging a puzzled glance with Amelia. "What did you find, uncle?"

Mario let out a frustrated sigh, shaking his head. "Just another damn mystery! The text here roughly translates to: 'Only the prophet may open it...' There's reference to two 'Pieces of Eden.' But these pages offer no answers, nipote (nephew). At least not on their own. You must find more."

Ezio's jaw tightened, and he cast a glance toward the open window, where the distant hills of Tuscany stretched out beyond the villa's walls. "We'll have to save it for another day, uncle. I have a mission to attend to."

Mario's expression softened as he set the pages aside, rising from his chair with a determined gleam in his eye. "As you wish. But if you hope to defeat these bastardi (bastards), I will need to teach you a few things. Meet me on the practice field."

The practice field was a large, enclosed space behind the villa, ringed with wooden fencing and well-worn from years of training. The morning air was cool, and the earth beneath their feet felt solid, grounding them in the reality of the task ahead. Mario stood in the center, rolling his shoulders as he prepared to begin.

"All right, Ezio," Mario called out as he twirled a practice sword in his hand. "You're familiar with counter-attacking—but what happens when your enemy is as well?"

Ezio smirked, drawing his blade and stepping into a defensive stance. "I don't usually give them the opportunity."

Mario's chuckle was deep and resonant, but there was a serious edge to his words. "Tough talk offers little protection against Templar steel."

Ezio inclined his head, gesturing with his blade. "Then by all means, maestro—teach me what to do!"

Mario stepped forward, swinging his wooden sword toward Ezio in a series of calculated strikes. "Now, dodge!" he barked.

Ezio danced backward, shifting his weight as he sidestepped each attack, moving with a grace he had developed over months of training. Amelia watched from the sidelines, her arms folded, a slight smile tugging at the corners of her lips. The determination in Ezio's movements was a sight to behold, a reminder of how far he had come since they had first arrived in Monteriggioni.

"Magnifico!" Mario praised as Ezio disarmed him with a swift twist of the wrist, sending the practice sword spinning through the air. "Once again, you exceed my expectations!"

Ezio gave a slight bow, a playful grin flashing across his face. "I had a good teacher."

Amelia couldn't resist chiming in, her voice light with teasing. "It's true, he's gotten better. But I think he still has a lot to learn."

Mario laughed heartily, clapping his hands together. "That's enough for now, but don't get cocky, Ezio. The Templars will not hold back."

Just then, a mercenary ran up, breathless with urgency. "Signore! We've found Jacopo's men, and await your word to strike!"

Mario turned to him sharply, all trace of humor vanishing. "Relay the following: no man moves until they have spoken with Ezio. Intesi? (Understand?)"

The mercenary nodded quickly. "It will be done!"

Mario turned back to Ezio and Amelia, his expression serious. "Go, Ezio! Visit with my mercenaries in the countryside. See if Jacopo's lackeys won't lead you to him. But be careful. They will be expecting you."

Ezio nodded, sliding his blade back into its sheath. "We'll handle it, uncle. They won't escape us this time."

Amelia gave Mario a confident smile, adjusting the strap of her gear as she prepared to follow Ezio. "You'll have news from us soon, Mario. We won't let you down."

As they left the training grounds, the weight of their mission settled over them like a cloak. They were prepared, and the time for hunting down the men who had torn their families apart was at hand. Together, they would see this through to the end.