Venetian Conspiracy

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After learning from a letter taken from one of the Pazzi Conspirators, Ezio Auditore da Firenze learned that the Templar's presence was not limited to Florence only, for the letter made mention of the city of Venice. This, paired with the fact a man from Venice was present during the meeting at the countryside of Tuscany, proved that the Templars intend ill upon the city. With the intention of stopping the Templar's plans, Ezio made his way to the floating city.

Trouble in the Mountains
Ezio made his way to the Apennine Mountains, where he managed to catch up with Leonardo da Vinci, who was having trouble with his carriage. Ezio helped him by lifting the carriage as Leonardo fixes the wheel. As he did, Ezio sees from the back of the carriage, a bat-like contraption made of wood. When he asked Leonardo, he revealed that it is an invention that can make man fly. Laughing about the subject, Ezio climbed aboard the carriage along with Leonardo, and then they made their way to Venice.

While Leonardo was fantasizing about the beautiful sites of Venice, Ezio heard a faint noise. Just then, the silence was broken by soldiers on horseback attacking the carriage, presumed to be Borgia's men who were searching for Ezio. Leonardo hid in the carriage as Ezio tried to fend off the attackers by trying to maneuver the carriage into shaking them off.

As he continued to make his way out of the countryside, soldiers that were stationed farther ahead lit the small, wooden bridge on fire in order to stop Ezio's progress, but it wasn't enough to hinder him, as he managed to make it through the burning bridge unscathed. Continuing onward as the soldiers tried to further damage the vessel, Ezio asked Leonardo to go on without him, before telling him that he will catch up.

Taking command over the vessel, Leonardo left the countryside, as Ezio fended off the attackers. After a tedious fight, Ezio successfully dispatched all of them. Ezio then made his way out of the countryside, and soon found himself in Forli.

Damsel in Distress
It was 1481, and Ezio, making his way through the city and out at the countryside, managed to reach the harbor where Leonardo was waiting for him. Expecting a simple passage to the boat, he was stopped on his tracks by the ferry man, saying that he needed a pass to enter the boat since Leonardo couldn't provide one. Just then, Ezio heard a call for help by a woman who was stranded at a small land form. He got a hold of a gondola and rowed it to the woman's direction. Taking her back to the harbor, she revealed her name to be Caterina Sforza. Caterina, returning the favor to Ezio, talked to the ferryman to grant Ezio safe passage on to the boat.

Leonardo informed Ezio on who she was, after he boarded the boat. He revealed that Caterina Sforza was the wife of Girolamo Riario, the count of Forli, and also the daughter of the Duke of Milan, Galeazzo Maria Sforza. Leonardo continued, and said that it is best that Ezio should refrain from doing anything that he might regret. Ezio only replied a faint chuckle, and remarked that she is his type of lady. After this, the boat continued en route to Venice.

Settling in
Ezio arrived at Venice with Leonardo, who was organizing his things along the Ponte di Rialto. As they conversed, the two was greeted by Alvise, who was instructed by Leonardo's employer to give him a short tour of Venice. Ezio and Leonardo walked the streets of Venice, with Alvise as their guide, he who pointed out the city's most famous landmarks, such as the Rialto Bridge, an old church, the Venetian Markets, and the Palazzo della Seta. Along the tour, they saw guards abusing merchants about their right to sell at their stands, and if neglected, they quickly used force to make them leave.

Alvise explained to Leonardo and Ezio, while looking at the large Palazzo, that the man who resided at the Palazzo's premises, the wealthy Emilio Barbarigo, wanted to unite all of the Venetian Merchants under his banner. He continued, and mentioned that there are some who refuse to cooperate, and often resulted in unwanted violence. Alvise thought of it as nonsense, as Ezio looked on at the Palazzo, seeing the guards abuse their authority even further.

The tour continued, and as they walked further into the city, Ezio caught sight of a woman dressed in rags, rudely knocking him over as he conversed with Leonardo. After this, the tour concluded with Alvise introducing Leonardo to his new workshop, and boasted that they spared no expense in making it as presentable as possible, remarking that it is as if Leonardo never left Florence. Leonardo, giving Alvise his simple thanks, asked Ezio if was going to stay. Ezio replies that he planned to gain an audience with Emilio, the man who lived at the Palazzo.

Leonardo remarked that his door is always open for Ezio if he is in need of help, or in need of assistance in deciphering a Codex page. Ezio and Leonardo then hugged each other brotherly, bidding each other farewell. After this, Leonardo prepared to organize his belongings, as Ezio left for the Palazzo.

The Venetian Thieves
"Don't look so surprised. We know all about you, Ser Ezio. Your work in Florence and the rest of Tuscany. Good work too, if a little unrefined."

- Antonio, on Ezio's work in Florence and Tuscany

Ezio, looking through the small passage to the Palazzo from afar, planned his move to enter the heavily guarded fortress, but saw no other way, other than a window with a huge gap that Ezio, as yet, couldn't hope to jump. As he looked for another way, men in rags suddenly ran towards the guards, breaching the Palazzo, thus causing the guards to give chase. As the guards left, however, the same woman Ezio bumped into earlier during the tour, suddenly appeared, and tried to climb the Fortress' walls. The woman amazingly jumped the large gap, but it proved to be a vain effort, as Archers guarding the rooftops opposite of the building managed to land an arrow to the woman's thigh, injuring her, and causing her to fall.

The woman, fleeing the Palazzo, came to Ezio, catching her breath. She asked for his assistance, as Ezio recalls her face. When Ezio offered his help, the woman asked him to take her to the water, much to Ezio's confusion. Before he could ask anything, the woman quickly fled after seeing more of the guards headed their way. Ezio followed the woman through the streets of Venice, and along the way, dispatched all of the soldiers that stood in their path. When the woman was no longer able to continue, she fell to her knees, gasping for her breath. Ezio carried her with him to safety, and as he did, he learned the woman's name; Rosa. When Ezio revealed his however, he learned that she already knew his name, surprising Ezio.

As he carried Rosa to safety, Ezio reached one of the edges of the canal, with Rosa's comrade Ugo awaiting her with a gondola in tow. Ezio left her with her friends so they could attend to her needs at the moment. However, they soon learned that there are guards stationed by the canal, ready to finish what they began at the streets. Ezio took it upon himself to deal with these guards as the gondola carrying Rosa moved through the canal. After Ezio took out one guard after another, the gondola successfully made it way to safety, as it reached the Venetian Thieves Guild. After positioning the gondola, Ugo tried to take Rosa to the other thieves by carrying her, but only inflicted more pain. Out of her rage, she angrily demanded her friend to fetch Antonio. Ezio suggested that it is best to leave Rosa to his care. Both agreed, as both did as they're told.

Ezio carried her to the other men, and carefully placed her on a work table cleared by the thieves. Just then, the man Rosa called for, Antonio, came to Rosa's aid. He saw the arrow, and carefully examined it. Angry and in great pain, Rosa demanded it to be removed. Antonio then proceeded to break the bolt's lower half, and then pulled the other half out. He then instructed Ezio, who was watching it all unfold, to get a clean piece of cloth, and very quickly, place it on top of the wound after he removed his hand. He successfully did, and the man deemed the effort a success, as the thieves carried Rosa back to the base, who was screaming and loudly cursing Antonio while being taken away.

Antonio then thanked Ezio for his assistance. He revealed that he and his people knew him from his work in Florence and the rest of Tuscany, commenting that it was quite remarkable, "if a little unrefined". He then asked him to come to his office when he had some spare time, for they had much to discuss.

Preparations
"Our failure at the Palazzo cost us dearly. It will take time to recover. No doubt Emilio will use this pause to strengthen his defences, and continue his oppression of the district. You may not share our motive, but I know you share our goal."

- Antonio, on the failure at the Palazzo della Seta

Ezio came to Antonio's office, who offered him some coffee, a drink still unfamiliar to some of the Italians. Antonio then told him that their efforts have been wasted yet again, remarking that they needed time to recover. He asked Ezio for help, remarking that although he had a different motive, they both share the same goal. Ezio asked why not just regroup, and try again. Antonio remarked that if they are to act in haste, it would only result in more casualties. He continued, saying that they should resupply, and plan anew. Ezio told him that he can't just sit around and wait. Antonio told him to help instead of wait in order to hasten the preparations, and told him to seek out his men for work. Ezio agreed to this, and proceeded to leave the office, in order to help the thieves.

His first job, coming from one of Antonio's men, was to inspect three sectors of the Venice for the thieves, and free them from their imprisonment. After inspecting these areas, Ezio was able to set all of the them free. He was then instructed by Antonio to get rid of the traitors of the guild, who were reporting their actions to the guards. After successfully doing so, Ezio was then tasked to steal a new shipment of archer uniforms from chests located all over the Middle District. After doing so, he delivered the uniforms to the guild via a gondola. The preparations spanned a total of four years, with Ezio constantly aiding the guild, all the while learning from them, such as new methods of climbing and scaling buildings and scaffoldings.

By 1485, all of the preparations were deemed complete by Antonio, and then instructed Ezio to meet him at his office, where he would inform him of the plan to takeover the Palazzo dela Seta once more.

The Corrupt Merchant
Antonio, finally ready to initiate the takeover, filled Ezio in on his role on the attack. He was to dispose of the archers guarding the Palazzo opposite the building, where their men would pose as the disposed guards. Afterwards, he was instructed to meet him and the others on a secluded area no too far from where he was then. Ezio agreed to this, and made his move. After successfully dispatching the guards, he met up with Antonio and Rosa. He was then instructed by Antonio to dispose the guards on the ground level by using his men. Ezio agreed to this, and left to return to the Palazzo's footsteps.

Ezio, with thieves in tow, ordered them to cause a distraction in order to open a way for him. Successfully doing so, Ezio quietly sneaked inside the Palazzo. Scaling the walls using the methods taught to him by Rosa, Ezio managed to reach the top of the Palazzo unscathed and undetected. From there, he was able to observe a brief conversation between his target, Emilio Barbarigo, and another man named Carlo, who, based on his appearance, was a government official. The official thought it was best for Emilio to leave his Palazzo, for the assassin was seen on numerous occasions around Venice, much to Emilio's surprise. He was shocked by the sudden announcement of the assassin's presence, which the official quickly reprimanded.

Emilio remarked that he has been busy because of the constant orders of weapons that he had been receiving. Whatever the case was, the official left, bidding Emilio safety. The Merchant, fearing the assassin's possible presence, ordered his men to fetch him a boat. Wasting no time, Ezio made his way inside the Palazzo, and then slew the old merchant. Before dying, Emilio admitted that he felt no fear, but regret, for he only sought unity and order. The guards that inhabited the Palazzo were then taken down by Rosa and the thieves who posed as archers. Ezio, after speaking words of respect for Emilio's corpse, came along with Rosa to open the Palazzo doors for Antonio and the others.

Antonio gleefully greeted Ezio on his success, and remarked that they are now free of Emilio's tyranny. When asked for what he wanted in return, Ezio only asked for two things; Money, and the full name of a government official by the name of Carlo. He received both from Antonio, a sack of Florins, and the name Carlo Grimaldi, a member of the Council of Ten. After this, Ezio left the Palazzo, as the thieves celebrated on the victory they won.

Meeting in the streets of Venice
"The plan is this: Doge Mocenigo will die tonight. And once the deed's been done, Marco shall take his place."

- Rodrigo Borgia After some time of scouring Venice, Ezio located some of the Templar's officers, and eavesdropped on their conversation. He spotted Silvio Barbarigo and Carlo Grimaldi, who, judging from their greetings, lacked trust for each other. As they moved, so did Ezio. Carlo revealed that he has been trying to befriend and gain the trust of Doge Mocenigo but revealed that Mocenigo kept his personal circle close, and had others giving him suggestions and opinions. Carlo continued, telling him that befriending the Doge was harder than expected, due to the fact that Mocenigo didn't hold him in high regard. Silvio sarcastically wondered aloud why, to which Carlo quickly answered that it was not his fault. Silvio continued to belittle him, sneering that Grimaldi was coming off as a sycophant to Mocenigo rather than a friend. Carlo, enraged, angrily answered back to Silvio, telling him that he did not know what it was like to be in his position. Continuing his tirade, Carlo revealed that he was close to recruiting Mocenigo to the their cause, and only asked for more time.

Arriving at the courtyard of the Palazzo Ducale, the two met up with Silvio's cousin, Marco Barbarigo and his personal bodyguard, Dante Moro. He quickly revealed the death of Emilio, telling him that the assassin managed to strike the merchant in his own Palazzo. He continued, saying that their plans had changed, and revealed that it must happen before the week ends, despite Grimaldi's pleas. He then revealed as they walked, that Rodrigo Borgia had arrived from Rome in order to dictate the others on their plans. Making their way to the meeting place, the three speculated who was to become the Doge once Mocenigo was dealt with. Favoring themselves, they were quickly reprimanded by Borgia as he arrived, who told them that it was never up to them to decide. Borgia revealed their new scheme; They planned to murder Doge Mocenigo by nightfall, and after doing so, he was to be replaced by Marco as the new Doge of Venice.

Leaving the poison to Silvio's care, and the poisoning to Carlo's, the group arrived at the Rialto Bridge at the near-end of their discussion. Marco asked why Borgia has come to Venice, just to handle their plans and roles. He told them that he feels the need to involve himself more directly, due to the Pazzi's failure at Florence. Silvio then reassured him of any worry, and continued by mocking the Pazzi. Borgia, quickly reprimanded him, saying that it was due to the assassin's meddling that brought the Pazzi into rubble, and not because of their arrogance and foolishness. He then continued, saying that they should keep an eye out for the assassin, and be cautious not to underestimate him. After this, he left the plans to the Barbarigo's care, as he returned to Rome.

Ezio, who was observing from afar, quickly lost trace of the Templar's tracks. Concerning himself on the business with Mocenigo, he proceeded to make his way to the Palazzo della Seta, now a den for the thieves he befriended, in order to speak with Antonio. After a spot of playful flirting with Rosa, Ezio insisted he was here for business, not pleasure, and asked for Antonio, insisting it was urgent, at which point Rosa alerted Antonio to his guest.

A way in through the skyline
Consulting with Antonio, Ezio revealed what he had learned from the meeting. Telling Antonio the Templar's scheme to murder the Doge, Ezio was accompanied to the Palazzo Ducale by Antonio in order to find a way inside. Along the way, Antonio spoke of his past life, his father being a cobbler, and his mother being a simple maid. He spoke of the Noble's true intentions and evils, and that in the end, it is the thieves, mercenaries and whores who are the real nobles of Venice.

They finished their conversation as they arrived at the Palazzo's courtyard. Scouting the area around the Palazzo, they tried to locate a way inside. The two first observed the front gates, but found no way in, for it was guarded by various soldiers, and dealing with them would give enough time for Grimaldi to kill Mocenigo. They then scouted the upper area from a small tower not too far from the Palazzo, but found archers posted all around the rooftops. They took one last gander at the Palazzo from the back, and although they found a convenient way to the roof from the scaffolding, further progress was blocked by metal fences built at the roof. As they looked for another way, they saw Grimaldi and Mocenigo from where they were, with Grimaldi forcing his opinions on the Doge. Fearing the worst, Antonio gave up the search for another way inside.

Once again at the courtyard of the Palazzo, Antonio contemplated on their failure to find a way inside, remarking that only birds are granted safe passage to the impenetrable fortress. Ezio suddenly remembered Leonardo's idea of making man fly, and bid Antonio farewell to see him. Meeting with Leonardo in his workshop, he quickly asked if the machine worked. Leonardo told him that he did not know exactly for it was only a prototype, and that only a madman would be crazy enough to test it. Ezio laughed about the subject, and remarked that Leonardo has found his madman. Leonardo then set up the machine from a tower not too far from his workshop.

Leonardo instructed Ezio on how he can balance his weight with the machine, telling him that he should imitate what the birds do. Bracing himself, Ezio began to take flight. A successful launch at first, the machine began to lower its altitude and eventually crashed before Ezio could even reach a fraction of the Palazzo's distance. Leonardo was astounded by the machine's capability. Ezio felt otherwise, stating that the flight time was very short for him to reach the Palazzo. Leonardo remarked that it was never made for distance. He then made blueprints on how to make the machine fly higher and longer, but to no avail.

Antonio arrived at the workshop to warn Ezio of the lack of time they had. Ezio gave Antonio and Leonardo a formal introduction, and then showed Antonio the machine that was supposed to grant them passage to the Palazzo, but failed to do so. Leonardo told them that it was not his fault, before throwing the schematics he drew to the fireplace out of frustration. As Leonardo calmed himself down, he, Ezio and Antonio, noticed the paper thrown to the fireplace, floating up in mid-air. Leonardo was ecstatic at the discovery, and quickly returned to his work table and drew schematics.

Antonio and Ezio took a gander at the designs, and saw immediately what Leonardo intended. The inventor told them to set up open fireplaces across Venice in order for the machine to fly higher as it made its way over the hot air. Antonio told them that his men can set up the equipment, but was concerned about the guards. Ezio then remarked that he would take care of them as his men prepared to handle the equipment. With this, Ezio, Antonio and Leonardo, put their plans into motion, before everything was too late.

Man from Monaco
After disposing of the guards around Venice, Antonio and his men managed to set up the fireplaces all over Venice. Meeting up at the tower where the machine was set up, Ezio prepared to take flight once more. Leonardo bid Ezio good luck, as Antonio warned him of the very short time they had left. With this in mind, Ezio took grasp of the machine, and then jumped off of the tower, preparing for the worst. Guards, who saw the machine from afar, quickly tried to shoot down the "flying demon", but to no avail, as Ezio glided through the skyline, evading the guards fiery bolts. Flying through the skies of Venice, with hot air beneath him to give flight, Ezio finally made it at the rooftops of the Palazzo Ducale, but as he was about to land, the wooden wing of the machine ignited, originating from a fire arrow launched by an archer not too far from where Ezio was. As luck would have it, Ezio landed unscathed at the rooftops, with the machine crashing to a group of guards patrolling the rooftops. Mocenigo heard the disturbance from afar, as he and Grimaldi were playing chess. Carlo reassured him of any worry, as he told the Doge that it was his move.

Ezio, who quietly made his way to the Doge's quarters, arrived too late, for Grimaldi has already succeeded in poisoning Mocenigo. The Doge, confused by Grimaldi's betrayal, began to spit blood as Carlo reprimanded him for ignoring his warnings before fleeing the scene. Ezio apologized to Mocenigo before giving chase to Grimaldi, as the Doge continue to spat blood as he wondered the root of his death. Grimaldi, shouting the presence of the assassin, exclaimed the death of the Doge, and framed Ezio for this. Catching up with Carlo, Ezio gave the final blow to the councilman, ending his life with the assassin's blade. Before dying, Grimaldi assumes that both he and the assassin was the same, thinking death is the best way to solve their problems. Ezio remarks that it is not his wish for his targets to die, and that he makes sacrifices for the betterment of the people. He then gives his final words to Grimaldi before dying, and took from the corpse a Codex page.

Mocenigo, delusional from the poison that Carlo inflicted, barked his final words, angrily shouting at Ezio for killing him. After this, the guards closed in on Ezio's location, but was quickly outsmarted by him, for he managed to escape before they could capture the assassin. After this, he quickly left the area of San Marco before he is spotted once more.

A Night to Remember
In the year 1486, a year after Doge Mocenigo's death, Ezio made his way to Leonardo's workshop. Gleefully greeted by Leonardo after a long period of absence, the painter quickly asked him if he was the one responsible for the murder of Mocenigo. Denying the rumors, Ezio exclaimed that he was trying to save the Doge, but concluded that the truth mattered little, for he has failed, and resulted in terrible consequences. Leonardo tried to lift his spirits up by telling him that Carnevale is being celebrated all over Venice, and that hiding his face is the least of his worries. Ezio asked him if he had a mask he could borrow, and as Leonardo looked for one, Ezio hands him the Codex page taken from Carlo Grimaldi. Ecstatic, Leonardo quickly placed the page on his work table and deciphered the page. From it, he has learned that the page contained schematics to attach a small firearm onto Ezio's blade and bracer.

Ezio, after the new weapon was attached, tested the firearms capabilities, and was left in awe. Thanking Leonardo, the painter then assumed that Ezio's return was not just to play with new weapons. He presumed it was due to the new Doge, Marco Barbarigo, who was also a secret Templar. He told him to meet with Antonio, whom he has seen frequently as a mutual friend, at the Dorsoduro district, and that he should ask for Sister Teodora. After receiving a mask to cover his face, Ezio left the workshop and quickly made his way to the Dorsoduro district.

Ezio managed to locate the building, and made his way inside. He sees Antonio who was drinking with two women beside him. Asking for his audience, Ezio removed the mask he wore for Antonio to better recognize him. Antonio was ecstatic at Ezio's presence, before giving him and Sister Teodora a formal introduction, calling Ezio the most talented man in all of Venice. As they were getting acquainted, a visitor of the brothel murdered one of the courtesans, and stole the woman's money. Teodora demanded Ezio to prove his talents by chasing down the murderer, and successfully does so.

As he returned to the brothel, he sees the courtesans mourning over the lost of one of their friends, as Teodora and Antonio looked on. As Teodora thanked Ezio, Antonio reprimands him, saying that everywhere he goes, trouble always follow. Ezio then asked Antonio if he knew why he was there. Antonio quickly assumed it was due to the new Doge, but he was quick to reprimand him, stating that they already performed an assault at the Palazzo Ducale, and continues by stating that the new Doge is a bigger nuisance than Mocenigo ever was.

Teodora then speaks, telling Ezio and Antonio that Marco was out of the Palazzo that very night to throw the biggest party in all of Venice. She continues by stating that all exclusive guests are given a Golden Mask as their pass. Before Antonio and Ezio could even think of forging one, Teodora warns them both that each mask is numbered. However, she tells both that there is a way to obtain one by competing at the parlor games thrown annually at the district. She then escorts Antonio and Ezio to the Squero di San Trovaso, where the games were held. Reaching their destination, the three witnessed the speaker of the Carnevale games show the mask to the crowd, and reveal the total of games to be held in order to receive the prize. Teodora and Antonio left Ezio at the carnival square to handle the parlor games. Winning one game after another, Ezio's victory was almost certain, and after each victory, Silvio Barbarigo and Dante Moro closely watched Ezio.

After the third game, the fourth and final game was held near the square, where contenders must fight each other in hand-to-hand combat in order to win. Ezio, who fought every contender that stood in the arena, was soon faced by the brute, Barbarigo's personal bodyguard, Dante Moro. Although the man's size was of Ezio's disadvantage, Ezio proved otherwise, and defeated the brute fair and square. As Moro left the arena, bruised and battered, Silvio then bribes the speaker of the games. Granting Silvio's guards safe passage, Ezio was soon faced with armed combatants. Although he was again at a disadvantage, Ezio still defeated the odds, and managed to finish off all of the guards that faced him.

Ezio, standing behind the speaker of the games at the center stage, expected his name to be declared the winner of the games. Just as the winner's name was about to be announced, Silvio, who was watching from the sidelines, let out a fake cough, signalling the deal he and the speaker made. The speaker then declared Dante Moro the winner of the games, much to the outrage of many of the citizens and then handed him the golden mask as his reward. Ezio, humiliated in front of the crowd, returned to the brothel in order to consult with Antonio and Teodora.

Crashing the Party
Contemplating on his failure, Ezio repeatedly paced himself back and forth as Teodora tried to relief him of any grief. As they conversed, one of Teodora's courtesans immediately informed them of Moro's presence. The brute was on his way to the party. After learning this, Ezio quickly told the others that he will go meet with him, and take the Golden Mask back by killing Dante. Antonio reprimands him, telling him that if he kills Moro, Marco will cancel the party out of fear, and would result in their efforts wasted again. He then tells Ezio to steal the mask instead. Teodora continued further, saying that Ezio should use his girls to good use by having Moro distracted. After this, Ezio immediately left the brothel to pursue Dante Moro.

Ezio caught up with Dante, and put the girls to work by having him distracted. Seeing an opportunity, Ezio stole the mask as Dante was busying himself with the courtesans. Leaving the area, Ezio, before entering the sight of the party, took of his current mask, and switched to the Gold One. Gaining safe passage into the party, Ezio was greeted by Paola, who was waiting behind the small archway into the party. She informs Ezio on where Marco was, and told him that he is making his way to the party by boat, and that his arrival was to be expected shortly. As Ezio waited however, Dante Moro arrives with some guards in tow, and ordered them to search the area for the whereabouts of the assassin.

As he hid himself from the guards, Ezio witnessed Marco Barbarigo's arrival, after being announced by the carnevale speaker. As Marco gave his speech, and as the guards look for the assassin, Ezio contemplated on what to do next. Teodora reprimanded him on the ideas he had, swimming around the boat, and attacking the Doge directly. Just as they were thinking, fireworks then ignited the night sky. Gaining the idea from the loud noises, Teodora told Ezio to use his pistol, as the fireworks were there to silence its noise. Quickly, Ezio points his new weapon at the Doge, and fired one shot from it. Landing a direct hit, Marco Barbarigo was no more, and Ezio was successful on his mission.

However, the fireworks weren't enough to silence the noise of his new found toy, as the guards heard the blast, and quickly saw Ezio from afar. Using his ingenuity, Ezio hurriedly escaped the area, away from the guards and the civilians. Making his way to the brothel, Ezio was greeted by the applause and praises of the courtesans as they surround their hero. With Antonio giving Ezio credit for his work, Teodora told Ezio that, with all the work he has done that night, he needs to get some "comfort and succor". Ezio then told her that, with his body in so much pain, he may need a greater deal of "comfort and succor". Understanding Ezio's alms, Teodora ordered the girls present at the brothel to keep Ezio company. With courtesans escorting him further into the brothel, Ezio then rested his weary head of any trouble he had encountered, and slept through the night with women to keep him company, knowing that he did a job well-done.

The Brave Condottiero
"About goddamned time! I don't know if I should kiss you or slap you! Maybe both, just to be safe..."

- Bartolomeo d'Alviano, after being rescued by Ezio

Some time after his business with Marco Barbarigo, that same year, Ezio, who was at the Rialto Bridge, received a message from one of Antonio's men to meet him at the Palazzo della Seta. Agreeing to this, Ezio left the district and met up with Antonio. There, he was introduced to Agostino Barbarigo, the next Doge of Venice, and also the younger brother of Marco. Ezio gave his condolences to the loss of Agostino's relatives, but the future Doge denied it, stating that they were corrupted by the Borgia's influence, a mistake he had no intention of repeating. Ending their conversation, Antonio told Ezio to come with him and Agostino, for they have much to discuss.

Sitting themselves down, Antonio told Ezio that he and his men have found Silvio Barbarigo, who had fled to L'Arsenale di Venezia. Agostino commented on the subject, saying that Silvio had most likely occupied L'Arsenale, and has called in his own personal militia, composed of mercenaries. Ezio asked if Agostino, as Doge, could command them to stand down. He told him that the council had not yet confirmed his ascension, and added that because of Silvio's actions, things could get worse for him. Ezio thought up of another action to take, stating that he needed to raise his own army to combat Silvio's. Antonio, figuring as much, told Ezio to head for the Castello district of Venice, and search for Bartolomeo d'Alviano and his men, none of whom held Silvio in high regard. After this, Ezio quickly left the Palazzo and made his way to the Castello district.

As he progressed through the district, he heard a faint cry for help coming from the rooftops. Making his way to the source, Ezio spotted a severely injured Mercenary by the balcony of a small building. Ezio asked what has happened, to which the injured man replied that Silvio and his men had instigated an attack, and has captured Bartolomeo, now held captive somewhere in the district. This was to be the last thing the mercenary would ever say, as the man drew his last breath before Ezio. Closing the eyes of the mercenary, Ezio leaves the area and immediately scoured the district for Bartolomeo.

After a brief period of searching, Ezio found Bartolomeo, who was shouting insults to the guards that held him captive, remarking that their acts are only proof of their cowardice. After dealing with the guards, Ezio came to Bartolomeo's rescue, and unlocked his cage. After a brief conversation, they were attacked by guards, but the two easily dispatched them. After this, the two made their way back to Bartolomeo's home.

Besieging L'Arsenale
Upon returning home, Bartolomeo saw the mess the guards made, and began to worry about someone named "Bianca". After locating "Bianca" (revealed to be a claymore sword), Bartolomeo asked why Ezio has come to him. Ezio explained his story, telling him that a mutual friend has claimed that Bartolomeo is a man who can help with the business with Silvio Barbarigo. Bartolomeo gladly obliges, and told Ezio that he will begin the preparations. While he does, Bartolomeo asked Ezio to free his men that were being held captive by Silvio's, for he cannot leave them behind with good conscience. Ezio agrees to his terms, and proceeds to rescue the mercenaries.

After rescuing Bartolomeo's men, the condottiero has devised a plan; He told Ezio to plant his men across the district where the Venetian guards were stationed. After setting off a signal, these men are to cause mayhem across their specific district, therefore luring out Silvio's men stationed at L'Arsenale, leaving Barbarigo vulnerable. After this, Ezio began the first half of the plan, and planted the mercenaries throughout the district.

As he made his way back to Bartolomeo's home after setting up the attack, Ezio was handed a small firework. Bartolomeo instructed Ezio to climb the tallest tower on the district, and set off the firework there to signal the men to attack. After doing so, he saw from afar, the Castello district in chaos, with the mercenaries and guards in combat. As he looked on, however, he saw Bartolomeo in need of help against Dante Moro. Making his way down the tower, Ezio assisted Bartolomeo in handling Dante, whom, upon realizing the situation was beyond his control, fled the scene and made his way back to the gates of L'Arsenale.

Ezio made his way at the gates of L'Arsenale, and fought against Dante and Silvio's guards. As he did, he overheard from the top of the walls of L'Arsenale Silvio taunting and insulting Ezio's allies and family. After handling the men, Silvio foolishly opened the gates to let Dante inside, shouting that their ship was about to leave without them. This was Ezio's chance to assassinate the two. With Bartolomeo handling the guards, Ezio chased after the two Templars, and successfully assassinated the two.

Before dying, Silvio revealed that the attempt to gain the seal of the Doge was merely a distraction for them to sail safely. When Ezio asked where, Silvio swore to hold his silence and died without another word. As Silvio drew his last breath, Dante, barely alive, told Ezio of the Templar's destination: the island of Cyprus, though he succumbed to his injuries before he could reveal what the Templars sought there. After speaking words of respect on behalf of the two, Ezio left to meet with Bartolomeo.

Bartolomeo greeted Ezio with glee, congratulating him on his success. Ezio, puzzled by the last words of the two Templars, told Bartolomeo of his uncertainty. Bidding each other farewell, Ezio leaves L'Arsenale, as the mercenaries celebrate their victory against Silvio.

The Apple from Cyprus
"These last two Codex pages, I was studying the copies...I don't know why I never saw it before! But when put together, I realize the markings on the back, clarify into words. Here: "The Prophet...will appear...when the second piece is brought to the floating city"..."

- Leonardo, telling Ezio what he had found within the Codex

By the year 1488, Ezio had grown restless. On his birthday of that year, Rosa found Ezio sitting on a bench by the harbor. Rosa greeted Ezio, and asked what was his problem. Ezio remarked that it was his birthday. Rosa, after wishing her old friend a happy brithday, asked why was he so glum. Ezio recalled his life as an Assassin, then told her of his journey so far has proven nothing to him, stating that even after ten years, he is no closer to the reason behind his hunt for the men responsible for the murder of his family. Rosa tried to raise his spirits by telling him that his actions has made things better for the people of Venice.

Thinking of another way to cheer her friend up, Rosa presented Ezio with a birthday gift; The Shipping Manifest of L'Arsenale from the day the boat to Cyprus left. Ezio, ecstatic, tried to grasp the manifest, but Rosa teasingly kept the book out of Ezio's reach, right before telling him of the boat's return, which was due tomorrow. Just as the two were playing around, Leonardo arrived, and told Ezio that he has something important to discuss with him. Handing Ezio the shipping manifest, Rosa leaves the two alone, as Leonardo and Ezio take a walk to discuss what Leonardo has learned.

Leonardo explains to Ezio, that the last two Codex pages, after putting them together, had markings that clarified into words, revealing a message; "The Prophet will appear when the second piece is brought to the floating city" After hearing this, Ezio remembered the two Pieces of Eden mentioned to him. Leonardo asked what he was talking about. Ezio told his friend that his uncle once mentioned a prophecy hidden within the Codex leading to an ancient vault that contained a powerful entity. Leonardo was astounded by the possibility, but was worried by the fact that some of the pages were taken from the Barbarigo and their cohorts, meaning that they know of the prophecy themselves.

As they walked, Ezio then theorized that the boat to Cyprus was an attempt of the Templars to locate the Apple on the island and bring it back to Venice. Remembering the Codex' hidden message, everything suddenly fell into place for Ezio. Then and there, he realized that the death of Mocenigo, the conspiracy of the Pazzi against the Medici, and the deaths of his father and brothers were all part of Rodrigo Borgia's scheme to find the Vault. He told Leonardo that he will meet the boat's arrival the next day. Bidding his old friend good luck, Leonardo leaves to attend to his personal business, as Ezio prepared to meet the boat.

The Spaniard's fantasy
Arriving at L'Arsenale, Ezio climbed to the fortress walls, which was a better and safer place to scout on. As expected, the boat arrived at the harbor, with soldiers bearing the Borgia's coat of arms on their armor delivering an ornate housing to a courier. As Ezio looked on, he saw to his surprise from afar, his uncle Mario, also spying on the boat. As Ezio wondered what was his uncle's business in Venice, the courier completed his preparations and left the harbor. For hours, Ezio tailed him across the district, evading the guards as he did. When the courier made his way to the supposed meeting place, as it turned out, it was only a temporary place to prepare everything for the arrival of the Spaniard, Rodrigo Borgia.

When Ezio heard of the Spaniard's presence, he took it upon himself to kill off the courier, and disguise as him in order to meet Borgia, and see to his death personally. After passing through the barricade of guards and dealing with the courier, Ezio took the man's armor, and wore it in conjunction of his hidden blades and weapons. After his preparations, a guard captain along with two guards arrived at the area and consulted with Ezio, unaware that he was talking to an assassin. The guard asked if everything was ready, before telling him of the great importance of his role in the delivery. After this, the group left to meet with Borgia by the side of the city's canal.

The group arrive at the meeting place, with Borgia standing alone in the area. As the captain gave respect, Ezio prepared to make his move. As the guard captain gave his remarks on the journey and delivery of the artifact, Ezio stabbed the captain's back with both his blades, killing him. As Borgia gave his greetings, Ezio dispatched the other two escorts that were with him during the way to the meeting place. Ezio then demanded Rodrigo to tell him where the so-called Prophet was, remarking that there was no one else in the area but the two of them. Borgia remarked about Ezio's ignorance, before exclaiming that he was the Prophet and demanding the "Apple". Ezio challenged Borgia to take it from him and a sword fight ensued.

As they fought, Borgia called for his men to join the fray. Even though Ezio was at a disadvantage, he managed to fend off Borgia's men. Angered, Borgia ordered more of his men to fend off Ezio, but as they did, Mario arrived at the area, much to Ezio's surprise. As Mario prepared to do battle, Ezio is attacked by another guard, whom was subsequently killed off by La Volpe, the thief Ezio met in Florence. As Volpe helped Ezio up his feet, more of the guards are killed off by Antonio and Bartolomeo. As all of them joined the fray, Ezio prepared himself to deal with Borgia.

As the fight ensued, all of Ezio's allies gave their praises and compliments on Ezio's improvement in combat over the years. Borgia also told Ezio that his brothers, Federico and Petruccio, never needed to die, remarking that he only needed to make a point. He also told all of them that their effort to recover the apple is futile, as they, in his words, can't change what is written. After all of them dealt with the guards, Ezio prepared to exact the final blow in order to complete his revenge. However, Borgia fended him off with a simple kick, before running off out of fear, leaving the treasure behind.

Into the Order
As he tried to recover from the blunt kick, Paola, the courtesan who helped Ezio in Florence, and thus began his journey, made her appearance and helped him up his feet. She exclaimed that they do not need to follow Rodrigo, for they have what they came for. Ezio exclaimed that he need to go after him, but as he did, Teodora made her appearance, asking Ezio of his true intentions. Ezio, surprised, demanded an answer as to why all of them were there at all. He was answered by a man who stood behind all of his allies.

The man explained that they came for the same thing Ezio sought for, the Prophet. Ezio denied the statement, stating that he came to kill the Spaniard, and also exclaimed that he couldn't care less about the Prophet, for he never made an appearance. The man then told him that he, Ezio, was there. He then told Ezio that he was the Prophet, unbeknownst to them all this time. Ezio, extremely confused, asked for the man's name, to which the man replied; Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli. He then revealed that everyone present (himself included) were all Assassins, and that the help that Ezio received from the past twelve years was their way of giving him the skills needed to become one of them.

Mario then told him that it's finally time for him to officially join the order, as Antonio exclaimed that they had their prize, before giving him a map as to where they will meet. Ezio, arriving at the meeting place, stood before all of the significant members of the order, as his uncle began the ceremony by uttering the words spoken by his ancestors, Laa shay'a waqui'n moutlaq bale kouloun moumkine. Machiavelli then began the initiation, as he and the others started to preach the creed. Mario then asked his nephew if he is finally ready to join their ranks, to which Ezio unhesitantly replied yes.

Antonio then applied the mark of the assassins to his ring finger, through a hot metal clapper that has been placed in a torch. After this, Machiavelli gives Ezio a formal welcome. He then told Ezio to come, for they had much to discuss. With this, Machiavelli and the other members of the assassin order execute a Leap of Faith before Ezio followed.

Aftermath
With the Apple of Eden at hand and the Borgia defeated, Ezio, Mario and Machiavelli brought the artifact to Leonardo's workshop, where they'd have the painter examine the piece. Fearing its presence, they needed to find a safe place to store the precious artifact. It is here that Mario suggested that Ezio should take it to Forli, where their close ally, Caterina Sforza reigned.