|battles= [[Auditore execution]] – [[Birth of an Assassin]] – [[Pazzi Conspiracy]] – [[Hunt in Venice]] – [[Battle of Forlì]] – [[Corombo in Venice]] – [[Discovery in Spain]] – [[Bonfire of the Vanities]] – [[Confrontation in the Vatican]]
|width=
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|imageBG=
{{Event
|image=[[File:Ezio confront Ahmet.png|300px]]
|width=
|name=Fight for the Masyaf Keys
|prev=[[Auditore execution]]
|timeframe=[[Renaissance]]
|conc=
|conflict=
|next=[[Pazzi Conspiracy]]
|date=1511
|imageBG=
|place=[[Constantinople]]
|image=[[File:Heirloom 2 v.png|300px]]
|outcome=*Assassination of [[Ahmet]].
|name=The Birth of an Assassin
|timeframe=[[Renaissance]]
|conflict=
|date=1476-1478
|place=*[[Florence]]
*[[Tuscany]]
**[[Monteriggioni]]
**[[San Gimignano]]
|outcome=*The death of Uberto Alberti and Vieri de' Pazzi
*Ezio's return to Florence
|key=*[[Assassins]]
|key=*[[Assassins]]
**[[House of Auditore]]
*[[Templars]]
*[[Knights Templar]]
|participants=*[[Turkish Assassins]]
**[[House of Pazzi]]
**[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]]
|participants=*[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]]
*Templars
*[[Leonardo da Vinci]]
**[[Ahmet]]
*[[Maria Auditore da Firenze]]
**[[Byzantines]]
*[[Claudia Auditore da Firenze]]
*[[Selim I]]
*[[Mario Auditore]]
}} The '''fight for the Masyaf Keys''' was an event in 1512, in which the [[Assassin]] [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio Auditore]] and the [[Ottomans|Ottoman]] Prince [[Ahmet]] fought for the [[Masyaf keys]].
*[[Paola]]
*[[Uberto Alberti]]
*[[Vieri de' Pazzi]]
}}
The '''birth of an Assassin''' was an event during the [[Renaissance]] in 1476 in which a conspiracy against the [[House of Auditore|Auditore family]] led to the [[Auditore execution|execution]] of [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|Giovanni Auditore]] and two of his sons, [[Petruccio Auditore da Firenze|Petruccio]] and [[Federico Auditore da Firenze|Federico]].
The surviving son of Giovanni, [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio Auditore]], discovered his [[Assassin]] heritage and learned the skills to survive. Taking revenge on one of the men behind the conspiracy, [[Uberto Alberti]], Ezio left Florence with his family and took refuge in [[Monteriggioni]], where his uncle [[Mario Auditore|Mario]] taught him in combat.
==In Cappadocia ==
{{Template:Dialogue|Ezio|You dissapoint me, Ahmet. Why the Templars?|Ahmet|Because I am tired of all these blood feuds that pit father against son, brother against brother.|Ahmet answering Ezio's question|Assassin's Creed: Revelations}}Subsequently after the assassination of [[Manuel Palaiologos]], Ezio discovered that Ahmet was leading the underground expedition in [[Cappadocia]] as the master of the South-Eastern European Templars, claiming that he intended to use the object found inside Altair's library to unite Constantinople and eventually the world under the ruling of the Ottoman empire. He then blackmails Ezio, saying that if Ezio doesn't give him the keys of the library, he would kill [[Sofia Sartor]]. Making a quick escape, Ezio flees from Cappadocia back to Constantinople, to try to save Sofia.
==Back in Constantinople ==
{{quote|Note that the reward of ten thousand akçe will be given without question to anyone who brings in information that leads to the immediate arrest of the Suikastchi (Assassin), Ezio Auditore.|Ezio arrives at Constantinople to overhear a herald.| Assassin's Creed: Revelations}}
After killing another involved in the conspiracy, [[Vieri de' Pazzi]], Ezio subsequently excepted his Assassin heritage and choosing to follow that life. Ezio then embarked on his [[Quest for vengeance|quest]] to avenge his family by killing those responsible for their murder, the [[Templars]].
Arriving at the port of Constantinople in 1512, Ezio overheard a herald alerting the population about a large bounty put on Ezio's head by the Ottoman soldiers. Upon hearing this, being unsure whether Ahmet had kidnapped Sofia yet, Ezio decided to travel to her shop to investigate. He found the place trashed with multiple bodies of dead Byzantine soldiers and Sofia missing. At the scene, Ezio also found Yusuf Tazim's dead body on a bench with a dagger embedded to his back and a note attached to it. After giving Yusuf a final blessing, Ezio turned to the Turkish assassins and asked them to help him kill ahmed.
==Florence==
=== Infiltrating the Arsenal===
===Surviving===
Ezio assassinates the surrounding Byzantine guards by himself or his Assassins in the Arsenal Port, leading him to Ahmet hiding in the central fortress. He converses with him about his treachery as a Templar, to which he replies that he was only trying to bring peace. Not in a position to negotiate, Ezio decides to trade with Ahmet: the five keys for Sofia Sartor.
{{dialogue|Ezio|And why are you going to teach me how to kill?|Paola|I'm not. I'm going to teach you how to survive.|Ezio questions Paola's actions.<ref name="FittingIn">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' - [[Assassin's Creed II Walkthrough#DNA Sequence 02: Escape Plans|Sequence 2: Escape Plans]] - [[Fitting In]]</ref>}}
===Galata Tower===
Shortly after fleeing the execution of his father and brothers, Ezio met iwith [[Annetta]], the housemaid of the [[House of Auditore|Auditore family]]. Rushing over to Ezio, he asked the whereabouts of his [[Maria Auditore da Firenze|mother]] and [[Claudia Auditore da Firenze|sister]], to which the Annetta replied that they were safe in her sister's house. He instructed Annetta to return to her sister, where they would meet up, deciding it was dangerous to travel with him, given his current status. As Annetta left, Ezio took his own path, hidden from the crowd, and made his way to the meeting place. He made his way safely to the meeting place, and entered the building.<ref name="FittingIn"/>
Ezio, along with the other Assassins, approached Ahmet and brought him the five keys in a red pouch at the border of Constantinople. Once they trade, Ahmet reveals that Sofia is on top the Galata Tower. Once Ezio is able to climb up the Tower he assassinates the guard, seizing the bag covering Sofia’s face and discovering that it was imposter. He saw that the real Sofia was on ground level getting choked by a guard. Suspecting that it would take too long to run there, he parachutes off the structure.
[[File:FT_2_v.png|thumb|250px|Paola tells Ezio that he is not ready to kill Uberto.]]To Ezio's surprise, he saw several [[courtesans]], entertaining the men inside. Ezio questioned whether they were in the right building, to which Annetta reassured Ezio that this was her sister's house. Annetta's sister, [[Paola]], then arrived and kindly greeted Ezio and asked him if he had any intention of staying, to which he replied that he planned to exact revenge on Uberto Alberti before doing anything else. Paola understood Ezio's desire for vengeance, but warned him of the danger that he faced when going up against an official. However Ezio angrily told her not to lecture him<ref name="FittingIn"/>
==Countryside==
===Pursuing Ahmet===
{{quote|All this will. But I need to recover what they have taken.|Ezio helping Sofia from choking.| Assassin's Creed: Revelations}}
However, Paola assured Ezio she could make him a killer. Ezio questioned her decision, before shorly learning from Paola how [[Blend|blend in with the crowd]], to be hidden in plain sight and remain unnoticed. She began training him by having him blend amongst her own courtesans, and after Ezio succeeded, continued training him by having him walk amongst the citizens of Florence, to see if he can circle the district without the guards learning of his presence.<ref name="FittingIn"/>
Gliding down, Ezio air assassinates the guard choking Sofia, salvaging her. In desperation to retrieve back the “stolen” keys, Ezio and Sofia ride a carriage drawn by two horses on the front. Ezio constrains his focus firstly on two surrounding Byzantine carriages, eliminating by ramming the first one by force and the other by using the rocks that could break a carriage. Sofia plunges down, but seizes the rim of the carriage. When Ezio tries to help, the rocks underneath shifts the vehicle causing him to fall, but he manages catch the rope beneath. Ezio deploys his parachutes with the rope still attached, simultaneously Sofia gets back up, steering the carriage as Ezio air assassinated multiple surrounding Byzantine guards. Soon, Ahmet appeared racing them along through the outer side villages of Constantinople and the open farming area.
Ezio was successful, and Paola proceeded to teach him even further, instructing him how to [[Pickpocketing|pickpocket]] from the people. Ezio successfully finished his training. Paola then told Ezio that he must find a suitable weapon, and asked if he knew where to find one. He replied that he did not, but Paola said otherwise, and showed Ezio his father's [[hidden blade|blade and bracer]] that she took from him using the same skills she had taught him. Ezio mentioned that it was broken, and was not in working condition.<ref name="FittingIn"/>
Ahmet appeared with his carriage, ramming the wooden wheels of Ezio’s carriage with his metal ones, causing Ezio to abandon Sofia. As Ezio glided through the air, the rope attached broke causing him to land roughly on the ground below, he ran over the ground and landed on Ahmet’s carriage. He took seized Ahmet, taking him the carriage moved causing them to fall down a cliff. As they did, Ezio damaged Ahmet tremulously before they landed on the ground. When they land, Selim I appears with a large army. He then proceeds to choke Ahmet, and throws him off a cliff and letting him plummet down to his death.
[[File:FT_8_v.png|thumb|250px||left|Ezio questions why Paola has given her aid so readily to him.]]He continued, and mentioned that he did not know who can fix the weapon. Paola then mentioned his family's old friend, [[Leonardo da Vinci]], and said that he was much more than a painter, and that he could help repair Ezio's weapon. Ezio agreed to this, and prepared to leave, but before doing so, he questioned Paola as to why she freely gave his aid to a stranger like him. She replied that she too, knows the pain of betrayal, and shows a scar that serves as a reminder of the treachery she experienced. She returned inside the brothel, as Ezio left to meet up with Leonardo.<ref name="FittingIn"/>
===The Hidden Blade===
{{quote|The blade. I managed to decode that parchment of yours. It showed me exactly what to do. Now all that's left is to remove your ring finger.|Leonardo to Ezio, about the Hidden Blade<ref name="AceUpMySleeve">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' - [[Assassin's Creed II Walkthrough#DNA Sequence 02: Escape Plans|Sequence 2: Escape Plans]] - [[Ace Up My Sleeve]]</ref>}}
Arrived at Leonardo's workshop, Leonardo joyfully greeted Ezio. Ezio explained he something repaired. Leonardo promised he would. Showing Leonardo the blade, he was fascinated by the advanced construction of the weapon despite it's age. Although Leonardo declared there was no way to fix it, he noticed the [[The Codex|original instructions]] that came along with the blade as Ezio reached for it. Astounded by the encryption of the document, Leonardo instructed Ezio to sit down and wait while he deciphered the original plan.
[[File:Ace_3_v.png|thumb|250px|Ezio marvels at the blade.]]Subsequently he successfully finished the blade. Leonardo then informed Ezio the blade required the sacrifice of one's ring finger. However, he admitted it was joke, as the blade was modified so the sacrifice was no longer required. Leonardo presented the blade to Ezio, who was deeply amazed by the blade. Leonardo then requested Ezio that if he finds more of the encrypted pages, he should bring them to him, so he can decipher the pages and upgrade his hidden blade if he sees any schematics hidden in the page.<ref name="AceUpMySleeve"/>
As they were about to bid each other farewell, someone knocked on the workshop's door loudly, followed [[Guards|Florentine Guard]] demanding Leonardo open the door immediately. Leonardo told Ezio to hide, while he talked to the guard. As he went outside, the guard questioned him regarding the presence of Ezio Auditore, due to his wanted status. Leonardo remarked that he did not know anyone by that name, but the guard reprimanded him, for his friendship with the Auditore Family was well-known amongst his neighbors, and that one of them told the guards regarding this.<ref name="AceUpMySleeve"/>
[[File:Ace_8_v.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio assassinates the guard.]]Leonardo continued to deny the guard's claims, and because of this, the guard lost his patience, and started to beat Leonardo to the ground, demanding answers from him. Ezio, who saw the beating from afar, proceeded to aid Leonardo, sneaking behind the guard and performing his first assassination with the blade. Leonardo thanked Ezio his aid, and remarked that he has been harassed more than once, but has gotten quite used to it. Leonardo quickly requested Ezio to carry the body back to his workshop, remarking that the city gives them to him for research. Bringing the body inside Ezio thanked Leonardo his aid before bidding farewell.<ref name="AceUpMySleeve"/>
===Revenge and justice===
{{quote|The Auditore are not dead! I'm still here! Me! Ezio, Ezio Auditore!|Ezio, after assassinating Uberto Alberti<ref name="JudgeJuryExecutioner">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' - [[Assassin's Creed II Walkthrough#DNA Sequence 02: Escape Plans|Sequence 2: Escape Plans]] - [[Judge, Jury, Executioner]]</ref>}}
[[File:JJE_1_v.png|thumb|250px|Ezio shows Paola his fixed blade.]]Returning to the brothel, Ezio revealed the repaired blade to Paola, which she deemed impressive, to which Ezio admitted he had grown fond of it''. ''Now that he had the weapon he necessary, Paola and Ezio both agree that it is time to exact revenge on Uberto Alberti. Paola informed Ezio that Uberto was attending and art gallery at the Basilica of Santa Croce, to watch the unveiling of Verrochio's latest work. Ezio prepared to leave with the intention of killing Uberto. Once they bid their farewells, Ezio left the brothel and back into the city streets, making his way to the basilica.<ref name="JudgeJuryExecutioner"/>
Overlooking the outer courtyard of the basilica, Ezio notices Uberto Alberti and [[Lorenzo Medici]], conversing about Alberti's actions regarding the execution of the Auditore and his alliance with the one of the enemies of the Medici, the [[House of Pazzi|Pazzi Family]]. Ezio looked on, and saw the two of them enter the basilica. With vengeance clouding his thoughts, Ezio prepared to enter the basilica.<ref name="JudgeJuryExecutioner"/>
Quietly entering the building, Ezio scouts Alberti's whereabouts, and sees him, conversing with people in the exhibition. They began to talk about the Auditore, stating that their evil deeds must be punished further, one of them even stating about removing them from the pages of history and Alberti's claims of Ezio being caught in under a week. Wanting to hear no more of their slander, Ezio approached Alberti forward, the crowd stunned by his sudden appearance, none more so than Alberti.<ref name="JudgeJuryExecutioner"/>
[[File:JJE_3_v.png|250px|left|thumb|Ezio executes Uberto in the courtyard.]]Before he could call the guards, Alberti was violently stabbed in the chest multiple times by Ezio, whose mind was clouded by blind rage. With his last breath, Alberti pleaded that Ezio would have done the same as him to save the ones he loved. Ezio agreed, and snarled to the dying man that he would, and now had. His frenzy ended and the violence stopped. As Alberti lay dead on the floor, the crowd was left in shock of what they had witnessed, and as they looked on. Ezio then exclaimed, in a enraged and proud manner that the Auditore were not, that he, Ezio Auditore, remained.<ref name="JudgeJuryExecutioner"/>
He took from Alberti, a letter meant for Alberti's wife, and the evidence he gave to him, and within it was a list of men, possibly members of the conspiracy against his family. As he pockets the letters, guards storm the basilica, their weapons ready to fight. Ezio fled the basilica, in an effort to lose the tailing guards, but their agility was no comparison for Ezio's. Successful, Ezio immediately makes his way back to the brothel, and informs Paola of his success.<ref name="JudgeJuryExecutioner"/>
===Departure===
[[File:LL 2 v.png|thumb||250px|Ezio bribes a herald.]]As Ezio returned to the brothel, Paola comforted him. Ezio claimed that it was time to leave Florence, however, Paola warned Ezio of his current status, reminding him that the guards will not allow him and his family to easily leave the city. Paola instructed Ezio on how to lower his [[Social Stealth|notoriety]], either by taking down the [[Wanted Posters|posters]] with his image, bribing the [[Heralds|heralds]] that speak of his presence, or by assassinating the [[Officials|officials]] that bear false witness against him. Doing so successfully and now able to walk the streets free from the guard's attention, Ezio returned to the brothel.<ref name="LayingLow">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' - [[Assassin's Creed II Walkthrough#DNA Sequence 02: Escape Plans|Sequence 2: Escape Plans]] - [[Laying Low]]</ref>
Ezio asked Paola to summon his mother and sister, so that they can leave. Finally seeing his family, Claudia kindly greeted Ezio and informed him that their mother has not spoken a single word since their father and brother's arrest and claimed that their father should settle matters once he returns. Claudia asked Ezio where their father, and their brothers were. However, Ezio admitted to Claudia they were executed. Beginning to cry over this Ezio comforted her, and reminded her that she must be strong, and askrf her to watch over their mother.<ref name="Arrivederci">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' - [[Assassin's Creed II Walkthrough#DNA Sequence 02: Escape Plans|Sequence 2: Escape Plans]] - [[Arrivederci]]</ref>
[[File:Arrivederci_7_v.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio and his family leave Florence.]]Claudia agreed to this request, Ezio thanked Paola for all her aid in his time of need. Ezio informed her that he intented to go and take refuge with [[Mario Auditore|his uncle]] in [[Monteriggioni]]. The two then bid each other farewell, as Ezio led his family out of the brothel. Leaving Florence without the guards noticing, Claudia asked would they ever return or what would happen to their house. Ezio claimed he did not know. Claudia finally asked if their father and brothers were given a [[Last Rites (Brotherhood)|proper burial]]. Ezio assured they were. The family then left Florence and neared Tuscany.<ref name="Arrivederci"/>
==Tuscany==
===Confrontation in the countryside===
{{dialogue|Vieri|What sorcery is this!?|Mario|Ha ha ha! Not sorcery boy! Skill!|Mario Auditore taunting Vieri de' Pazzi<ref name="RoadsideAssistance">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' - [[Assassin's Creed II Walkthrough#DNA Sequence 03: Requiescat in Pace|Sequence 3: Requiescat in Pace]] - [[Roadside Assistance]]</ref>}}
[[File:RA_1_v.png|thumb|250px|Vieri de' Pazzi ambushes Ezio.]]After a long journey from Florence to Tuscany, Ezio and his family neared Monteriggioni, on the outskirts of the city. As they approached forward, Ezio and his family were greeted [[Vieri de' Pazzi]], Ezio's old nemesis, whom was accompanied by his followers. Ezio demanded to know what Vieri wanted, however, Vieri replied in a mocking in manner he wanted many things; one being Ezio's death and the women captured. With only his hidden blade to defend himself, Ezio fought two of the soldiers and stood triumphant.<ref name="RoadsideAssistance"/>
Vieri, enraged by his Ezio's minor success, commanded all his men to kill them all. As the soldiers charged at Ezio, several knives were thrown from afar, successfully killing several of Vieri's soldiers. Vieri, shocked, exclaimed it was a product of some sorcery, however a man's voice claimed it was skill, not sorcery. Demanding the man reveal himself, he complied, as arrow disarmed Vieri and several mercenaries appeared from a obscured area, and attacked Vieri's men. The man tossed Ezio a sword to defend himself with, and proceeded to aid him.<ref name="RoadsideAssistance"/>
[[File:RA_8_v.png|thumb|250px|left|Mario talks with Ezio.]]Vieri ordered all of his men to attack, while he, out of fear, fled Monteriggioni. As the soldiers charge, so too did the mercenaries, and with the aid of Ezio, managed to fend them all off. Ezio thanked the man, and was about to return the sword given to him, but the man, who addresses Ezio by name, reassured him to keep the sword. Surprised, Ezio asked the man if they met before, much to the his surprise, he introduces himself as [[Mario Auditore]], Ezio's uncle, and then kindly hugs his nephew. Mario told Ezio he was aware of the tragedy in Florence, and suggested into the town.<ref name="RoadsideAssistance"/>
===Training in Monteriggioni===
{{quote|You want to leave, Ezio? To throw away everything your father fought and died for? To deny your heritage? Fine! Come Vuoi! Arrivederci e buona fortuna! (So be it! Goodbye and Good Luck!)|Mario to Ezio, furious of his decision to leave<ref name="PracticeMakesPerfect">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' - [[Assassin's Creed II Walkthrough#DNA Sequence 03: Requiescat in Pace|Sequence 3: Requiescat in Pace]] - [[Practice Makes Perfect]]</ref>}}W[[File:CDC_1_v.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio walks with Mario to the Villa.]]alking towards the[[ Villa Auditore]] Mario provided Ezio, Maria and Claudia with the history of Monteriggioni, and explained that due to his busy life, the Villa had become run down and dirty, if only he had time and money to fix it. Once at the courtyard Mario explained they will be in their independent rooms, much to Ezio's confusion. Ezio explained that he and his family only intended a brief as he planned to leave the [[Italy]]. Mario replied that he thought Ezio came to Monteriggioni to train and prepare to take on his father's work, again to Ezio's confusion, who explained his father was a simple banker.<ref name="CasaDolceCasa">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' - [[Assassin's Creed II Walkthrough#DNA Sequence 03: Requiescat in Pace|Sequence 3: Requiescat in Pace]] - [[Casa Dolce Casa]]</ref>
Shocked by his brother's failure to tell his children of his true work, Mario quickly instructed Ezio to go and upgrade his equipment while he took some time to consider the current situation. After obtaining new equipment with the money Mario lended Ezio, he returned to the Villa. There, Claudia told Ezio she was unhappy with the situation and wanted to go home. Ezio assured her that their stay would be brief before going to meet with Mario in his study as requested. Mario enthusiatstically suggested he teach Ezio to fight. Ezio however disagreed, and reminded Mario he intended to leave shortly.
[[File:PMP_1_v.png|thumb|250px|Mario convinces Ezio stay.]]Mario countered that Ezio was barely able fended off Vieri and his men. Mario continued that Ezio should do it for his mother and sister, so he can defend them if ever necessary. With this, Ezio agreed, and prepared to train. During two years, Mario taught Ezio how to attack, defend and trained him vigorously. During his training Mario explained that Giovanni was infact an Assassin and the war between the Assassins the [[Knights Templar|Templar Order]], which were believed to disbanded in France, though in truth merely went underground, where they continued their work.<ref name="PracticeMakesPerfect"/>
Mario also explained of the [[Codex]] and an ancient prophecy involving both Orders. By the year 1478, the final part of Ezio's training has come. His final test was to fight his uncle in combat, using all of the knowledge he gained in combat for the past two years. After a well-fought battle, Ezio has managed to defeat his uncle. With this, Ezio's training was finally finished, and was congratulated by his uncle. Ezio thanked his uncle for all the training and skills he was taught, which Mario replied was simply his duty as family. Ezio expressed a sense of satisfaction at having stayed, which Mario took to mean that his nephew had finally reconsidered leaving.<ref name="PracticeMakesPerfect"/>
[[File:PMP_7_v.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio rejects Mario's proposal to stay.]]However, Ezio persisted, and told him of his plans to set sail for Spain within three days. Mario however insisted he had given such skills to Ezio so he would be better prepared to fight back against the Templars; Ezio replied that he would fight their enemies, but only if they found him. Mario, furious at what he saw as Ezio's willingness to both deny his heritage and abandon everything his father had fought and died to preserve, lets Ezio make his own decisions, and returns back to the Villa.<ref name="PracticeMakesPerfect"/>
Surprised at the outburst, Ezio asks one of his uncle's mercenary lieutenants why he is so upset, to which he is answered that Vieri de' Pazzi has been harassing Monteriggioni since Ezio's arrival. Feeling guilty over his actions Ezio went to his uncle's study, only saw one of Mario's men. Ezio questioned the man, asking him where Mario was, to which he replies that he and his men left Monteriggioni to attack San Gimignano and kill Vieri. Ezio prepared to leave for [[San Gimignano]] and join his uncle on the attack.<ref name="PracticeMakesPerfect"/>
However, he shortly visited his mother's room, where she was praying next to [[Petruccio Auditore da Firenze|Petruccio's]] [[Feathers|feathers]]. Claudia shortly arrived and explained she was there day and night, still not speaking after the shock fron her sons and husband's death. Ezio assured Claudia she would eventually come around and return to normal behavior. Ezio then immediately left for San Gimignano.<ref name="PracticeMakesPerfect"/>
===Confrontation with Vieri===
{{Template:Dialogue2|Mario|Enough, Ezio! Show some respect.|Ezio|Respect? After all that's happened? Do you think he would have shown either of us such kindness?|You are not Vieri. Do not become him.|Mario rebukes Ezio after killing Vieri<ref name="WhatGoesAround">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' - [[Assassin's Creed II Walkthrough#DNA Sequence 03: Requiescat in Pace|Sequence 3: Requiescat in Pace]] - [[What Goes Around]]</ref>}}
[[File:WGA_1_v.png|thumb|250px|Ezio listens to Mario's strategy.]]Ezio was able to meet up with Mario and several of his mercenaries in the countryside. Mario asked Ezio why he had come. Ezio explained that he wishes to join them in their attack, as he felt guilty for the Vieri's attacks and felt he must take responsibility. Mario assured Ezio that Vieri did not attacked Monteriggioni because of him, but because he was Templars, and that they are Assassins. Ezio claimed he wished to assist regardless. Mario agreed and explained his strategy; Vieri appeared to be expecting them, having closed the gates and set his men to guard them.<ref name="WhatGoesAround"/>
However, the Southern gate was poorly guarded, and that was there he intended to attack. After the attack party reached the city gates, Mario instructed Ezio about his role on the attack. Mario instructed Ezio to scale city's walls, kill the city archers, and open the gates as he and his men dispatch the soldiers outside of the city. To aid him, Mario lent Ezio several [[throwing knives]] to help him in disposing the archers. With this, they begin to initiate their plans, and were successful. After gaining safe passage inside the city, Mario and his men advance further into the city.<ref name="WhatGoesAround"/>
[[File:WGA_5_v.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio kills a group of guards.]]Ezio met up with Mario. Mario told Ezio he wished for him to distract several guards to prevent them from raising the alarm of their presence. Having several mercenaries to aid him, they attacked the guards and effectively defeated them. Scouting the city, Ezio found an injured mercenary. The mercenary informed Ezio that Mario and his men were under attack in the city square. Arriving with his men, all engaged in combat. However, the mercenaries were able to subdue most of the Pazzi guards. Mario quickly gave instructions for Ezio to find and kill Vieri.<ref name="WhatGoesAround"/>
Subsequently, Ezio located Vieri. Spying on Vieri, he was in a meeting with [[Francesco de' Pazzi|his father]], and his great uncle, [[Jacopo de' Pazzi]]. There, a [[Spain|Spanish]] [[Rodrigo Borgia|man dressed in black]] informed the Pazzi of their roles; Vieri to remain in the city and coordinate the mercenaries, Francesco organize their forces and inform them of it was time to act, and Jacopo to calm the citizens once it was done. However, their intentions made sense to Ezio, however, he continued listening.<ref name="WhatGoesAround"/>
[[File:WGA_9_v.png|thumb|250px|The mysterious Spaniard and the Pazzi.]]However, Vieri interrupted and asked what would happen of Mario Auditore. Francesco agreed, explaining he was always a hindrance, like his brother. Vieri pleaded to his father to let him kill Mario, however, Rodrigo calmed Vieri. Concluding they were ready to begin their plans, the Spaniard and the Pazzi took the Templar pledge. As the Templars left leaving only Vieri one of his men reported that Mario and his men began to invade the city in search of him. Vieri then enthusiastically led his men to meet Mario's militia. Shortly Mario and his men made their way to Vieri's poistion and engaged the guards.<ref name="WhatGoesAround"/>
Vieri however, had already retreated to the top of the archer tower on the city walls and was safe from the battle. While he watched his men battle Mario, Ezio silently climbed the archer tower. However, Vieri detected Ezio's presence and engaged him a duel. Dispatching his men, Ezio finally killed Vieri, his long time rival. As Vieri died, Ezio demanded to know what his allied were planning, what Giovanni discovered, and why his family had to die. However, Vieri merely sneered he would confess nothing before finally dying.<ref name="WhatGoesAround"/>
[[File:WGA_16_v.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio disrespects Vieri's corpse.]]Furious, Ezio began to sleight the corpse of Vieri, shouting and yelling to the body about the past deeds Vieri has committed to his family. Mario quickly intervened, demanding Ezio to stop and show respect for the dead. Ezio objected to this, questioning the nature of showing respect to the enemy while they have showed none. Mario explained to Ezio he was not Vieri, and he should not become him. Mario gave Vieri his last rites and quickly a letter, insturcting he read it later. Mario remakred that their work in the city was done, and that they should return to the villa. Before doing so, Ezio recovered another one of the [[Codex]] pages from Vieri's corpse.<ref name="WhatGoesAround"/>
===The Codex of Altaïr===
{{dialogue2|Mario|It was written by an Assassin like us, who long ago held a "Piece of Eden." His name was Altaïr... He spoke of something powerful and ancient hidden beneath the land.|Ezio|What is it?|What indeed. Solving that little mystery is exactly why we collected these pages.|Mario and Ezio regard the Codex and it's mysteries.<ref name="AChangeOfPlans">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' - [[Assassin's Creed II Walkthrough#DNA Sequence 03: Requiescat in Pace|Sequence 3: Requiescat in Pace]] - [[A Change of Plans]]</ref>}} [[File:ACoP_3_v.png|thumb|250px|Mario requests Ezio to come with him.]]
After the attack, and successfully killing Vieri, Ezio and Mario returned to the Villa. Shortly, Ezio joined a small celebration with the Mario and his [[Mercenaries|mercenaries]]. Exclaiming Ezio as their champion, Mario and his men were proud to claim that their work was complete and they were free to relax and ejoy themselves. Mario requested Ezio walk with him. Ezio explained to Mario that the Pazzi answered to another man, a mysterious Spaniard. Mario revealed the identity of the man; [[Rodrigo Borgia]], one of the most powerful men in Europe, and also the leader of the Templar Order.<ref name="AChangeOfPlans"/>
Ezio declared this made him the one responsible for the death of his father and brothers. Mario agreed, and warned Ezio Rodrigo would kill Ezio, given the opportunity. Ezio remarked that to be free, he must kill Rodrigo, though not until all the other Templars that conspired with Rodrigo in the conspiracy against his family were killed. Mario asked Ezio where his was his next destination and who would be his next target. Ezio answered it would be Florence and his target would be Vieri's father, [[Francesco de' Pazzi]].<ref name="AChangeOfPlans"/>
[[File:ACoP_20_v.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio and Mario discuss the Codex.]]Mario agreed with this decision, before concluding they would discuss these matters another time. Shortly Ezio read the letter he obtained from Vieri's corpse before shortly joining Mario in his study. Mario asked if Ezio recognised the pages on the [[Codex Wall|wall]]. Recognising them as more Codex pages, Mario explained that Giovanni was able to obtain and translate several before his death. Ezio quickly presented Mario with the Codex pages translated be Leonardo. Mario explained that word on the pages crossed over from one to another.<ref name="AChangeOfPlans"/>
Ezio concluded something was hidden underneath is all, a map of some kind. Mario that he and Giovanni were able to decode a prophecy of some kind and the Codex was written by an Assassin like them, who once was in possession of a [[Piece of Eden]]. His name, [[Altair Ibn-La'Ahad]], who spoke of something powerful, hidden beneath Italy. Ezio asked what it was, however, Mario explained he did not know, and that exact mystery is why he and Giovanni collected the pages.<ref name="AChangeOfPlans"/>
Ezio claimed it was time for him to take on his father's work including the Codex, claiming to start with the page he obtained from Vieri, and have Leonardo translate it. Mario agreed and advised Ezio return to the Villa when necessary and add a page to the wall. After this, Ezio was now an Assassin and left for Florence to assassinate Francesco, and begin his hunt for the rest of the Italian Templars.<ref name="AChangeOfPlans"/>
==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
After locating more of the Codex pages, checking on Claudia and learning of the ancient [[Sanctuary]] built by his great-great-grandfather [[Domenico Auditore]],<ref name="AChangeOfPlans"/> Ezio left Monteriggioni, and made his way back to Florence, after two years of absence. It was there that he learnt more of the Spaniard and the [[House of Pazzi|Pazzi's]] plans.<ref name="PracticeWhatYouPreach">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' - [[Assassin's Creed II Walkthrough#DNA Sequence 04: The Pazzi Conspiracy|Sequence 4: The Pazzi Conspiracy]] - [[Practice What You Preach]]</ref>
After ensuring Ahmet's demise and retrieving all the keys, Ezio immediately set off for [[Masyaf]] in search of the hidden library.
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Subsequently after the assassination of Manuel Palaiologos, Ezio discovered that Ahmet was leading the underground expedition in Cappadocia as the master of the South-Eastern European Templars, claiming that he intended to use the object found inside Altair's library to unite Constantinople and eventually the world under the ruling of the Ottoman empire. He then blackmails Ezio, saying that if Ezio doesn't give him the keys of the library, he would kill Sofia Sartor. Making a quick escape, Ezio flees from Cappadocia back to Constantinople, to try to save Sofia.
Back in Constantinople
"Note that the reward of ten thousand akçe will be given without question to anyone who brings in information that leads to the immediate arrest of the Suikastchi (Assassin), Ezio Auditore."
―Ezio arrives at Constantinople to overhear a herald.[src]
Arriving at the port of Constantinople in 1512, Ezio overheard a herald alerting the population about a large bounty put on Ezio's head by the Ottoman soldiers. Upon hearing this, being unsure whether Ahmet had kidnapped Sofia yet, Ezio decided to travel to her shop to investigate. He found the place trashed with multiple bodies of dead Byzantine soldiers and Sofia missing. At the scene, Ezio also found Yusuf Tazim's dead body on a bench with a dagger embedded to his back and a note attached to it. After giving Yusuf a final blessing, Ezio turned to the Turkish assassins and asked them to help him kill ahmed.
Infiltrating the Arsenal
Ezio assassinates the surrounding Byzantine guards by himself or his Assassins in the Arsenal Port, leading him to Ahmet hiding in the central fortress. He converses with him about his treachery as a Templar, to which he replies that he was only trying to bring peace. Not in a position to negotiate, Ezio decides to trade with Ahmet: the five keys for Sofia Sartor.
Galata Tower
Ezio, along with the other Assassins, approached Ahmet and brought him the five keys in a red pouch at the border of Constantinople. Once they trade, Ahmet reveals that Sofia is on top the Galata Tower. Once Ezio is able to climb up the Tower he assassinates the guard, seizing the bag covering Sofia’s face and discovering that it was imposter. He saw that the real Sofia was on ground level getting choked by a guard. Suspecting that it would take too long to run there, he parachutes off the structure.
Countryside
Pursuing Ahmet
"All this will. But I need to recover what they have taken."
Gliding down, Ezio air assassinates the guard choking Sofia, salvaging her. In desperation to retrieve back the “stolen” keys, Ezio and Sofia ride a carriage drawn by two horses on the front. Ezio constrains his focus firstly on two surrounding Byzantine carriages, eliminating by ramming the first one by force and the other by using the rocks that could break a carriage. Sofia plunges down, but seizes the rim of the carriage. When Ezio tries to help, the rocks underneath shifts the vehicle causing him to fall, but he manages catch the rope beneath. Ezio deploys his parachutes with the rope still attached, simultaneously Sofia gets back up, steering the carriage as Ezio air assassinated multiple surrounding Byzantine guards. Soon, Ahmet appeared racing them along through the outer side villages of Constantinople and the open farming area.
Ahmet appeared with his carriage, ramming the wooden wheels of Ezio’s carriage with his metal ones, causing Ezio to abandon Sofia. As Ezio glided through the air, the rope attached broke causing him to land roughly on the ground below, he ran over the ground and landed on Ahmet’s carriage. He took seized Ahmet, taking him the carriage moved causing them to fall down a cliff. As they did, Ezio damaged Ahmet tremulously before they landed on the ground. When they land, Selim I appears with a large army. He then proceeds to choke Ahmet, and throws him off a cliff and letting him plummet down to his death.
Aftermath
After ensuring Ahmet's demise and retrieving all the keys, Ezio immediately set off for Masyaf in search of the hidden library.
