Over the peaceful, sun-drenched village of Florence, Earth-1499, nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, the serene ambiance transports viewers to the historical stronghold of the Auditore family, evoking memories of Assassin's Creed Brotherhood. The tranquil village contrasts sharply with the recent chaos unfolding in other universes.

Inside the villa, Ezio Auditore sits by an open window, the warm sunlight streaming into the room. The distant sounds of Florence's daily life provide a peaceful backdrop as Ezio reflects deeply, his thoughts stirred by an ongoing conversation.

"Leonardo," Ezio says, leaning back slightly in his chair, "do you believe a man can change his fate, or are we forever bound to the path fortune lays before us?"

Leonardo Da Vinci, ever thoughtful, pauses before responding. "Ah, Ezio, such questions have troubled greater minds than ours. Perhaps it is both. Our actions shape our destiny, but the canvas of life is vast and complex. We may choose the colors and strokes, but the canvas itself may hold surprises we cannot foresee."

Ezio ponders Leonardo's words, a gentle breeze stirring the curtains as the sunlight bathes the room in a golden glow. The peaceful atmosphere contrasts with the gravity of their philosophical discussion.

"A comforting thought," Ezio replies, a small smile on his lips. "To know that while we strive to shape our lives, there are still mysteries beyond our control, perhaps even guiding us. It's a balance, then, between the known and the unknown, between our choices and the fate that awaits us."

Leonardo nods, his eyes twinkling with the playful curiosity that defines his creative genius. "Indeed, Ezio. Life is a curious blend of the predictable and the unpredictable. But it is in this uncertainty that we find our greatest joys and challenges. After all, what would life be without the unexpected? It is the spice that makes every day an adventure."

Ezio chuckles softly, shaking his head. "You always manage to see the beauty in chaos, Leonardo. Perhaps that's why your inventions are so remarkable. You do not merely see the world as it is but as it could be—a vision filled with possibilities."

Leonardo grins. "Ah, Ezio, you give me too much credit! I am but a humble observer, trying to capture the wonders life presents to us every day. And you, my friend, are no different. You see the world not just as an Assassin, but as a man who seeks to make it better, even when the odds are against you."

Their conversation is suddenly interrupted by a soldier entering the room. His presence feels off, though Ezio keeps his composure. The soldier hesitates, his words stumbling slightly as he speaks. "Signore Auditore, you have a visitor at the villa. They...didn't give a name, but it's urgent."

Ezio's eyes narrow slightly as he rises, his instincts tingling at the soldier's odd phrasing. "Very well. Leonardo, it seems our conversation will have to wait. Duty calls, as always."

Leonardo offers a knowing smile but senses the tension in the air. "Take care, Ezio. We will speak again soon."

Ezio follows the soldier through the winding paths back to the villa, moving through crowds of villagers enjoying the peace of Florence. But Ezio's sharp mind remains alert, noticing subtle inconsistencies in the soldier's manner of speech and demeanor. Something feels wrong.

"You speak with a curious accent, soldier," Ezio says, probing for information. "Where do you hail from?"

The soldier stiffens slightly, faltering as he responds. "Uh...from the north, Signore. A small town...not too well known."

Ezio's suspicions deepen, but he keeps his tone casual. "I see. And what is your name, soldier?"

There's a pause before the soldier answers. "Marco, Signore."

As they approach the villa, Ezio notices an unsettling silence. The usual bustling activity of guards and servants is conspicuously absent, replaced by an eerie stillness. Ezio's hand instinctively moves to the hilt of his sword as they enter the grand hall.

"Something is not right..." Ezio thinks, his muscles tensing as he turns sharply toward the soldier. "Enough games. Who are you, truly? And why have you brought me here?"

The soldier's smirk reveals the truth. His body begins to morph, shifting and contorting until the illusion falls away, revealing the dark figure of Alex Mercer. His presence radiates menace as he steps toward Ezio.

"What manner of sorcery is this?" Ezio demands, his sword drawn. "Who are you?"

Alex Mercer's cold eyes meet Ezio's, a mocking grin playing on his lips. "Ezio Auditore... I've heard much about you. A man of many talents, but it seems you've taken a liking to my style."

Ezio remains calm, his grip on the sword steady. "If you think a hood defines a man, then you are more foolish than I thought. You've gone to great lengths to find me, but whatever you seek, you won't find it here."

Alex chuckles darkly. "Oh, I'm not here for your little games, Assassin. But I must say, it's amusing to see how confident you are, despite not knowing who—or what—you're up against."

Ezio's eyes narrow. "I've faced many enemies, and none have succeeded. What makes you think you will be any different?"

Before Alex can respond, the ethereal form of Cortana materializes, her presence as commanding as it is otherworldly. Ezio's eyes widen slightly at the sight of her, but he remains focused.

Cortana's voice cuts through the tension, calm but authoritative. "Ezio Auditore, we're here for the Apple of Eden. Tell us where it is."

Ezio's expression hardens. He knows the power of the Apple and its potential for devastation. "The Apple... was lost long ago, beyond anyone's reach."

Cortana's eyes narrow as she studies him. "You're lying, Ezio. I admire your resolve, but you know as well as I do that the Apple isn't lost. You've hidden it, and we will find it—with or without your help."

Ezio stands firm. "I am sworn to protect the world from the misuse of such power. I will not let you claim it."

Cortana sighs softly, her tone tinged with regret. "You're a man of principle, Ezio. But principles won't protect those you care about."

The sound of heavy footsteps interrupts their exchange. Ezio turns to see Raul Menendez enter the room, flanked by a Covenant Elite. Menendez holds a SPAS-12 shotgun, his expression cold and unyielding. Behind them, Ezio's heart clenches as he sees his mother and sister, their hands bound, expressions filled with fear.

"Ezio!" Maria Auditore's voice trembles, but her defiance is clear. "What is happening? Who are these monsters?"

Ezio's anger surges as he glares at Menendez. "Cowards. You hide behind innocent lives, too weak to face me with honor. Harm them, and I swear on my life, you will suffer."

Raul Menendez stands tall, his cold, menacing glare locked on Ezio. His voice drips with venom as he speaks, each word cutting deep.

"Family, Ezio. It's the one thing that drives us all, isn't it? The one thing we would kill or die for. You see, I lost my sister—my one true anchor—in my world. But you, Ezio, you still have yours. How fortunate... or unfortunate, considering how this goes."

Menendez steps closer to Claudia, his SPAS-12 shotgun casually pointed in her direction, the malice in his voice sending a chill through the room. Ezio's heart pounds as he watches the weapon shift slightly toward his sister. The unfamiliarity of the shotgun in Menendez's hands momentarily distracts him, his gaze narrowing in confusion.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

With a cruel smirk, Menendez suddenly aims the shotgun upward and pulls the trigger. A deafening blast echoes through the hall, splintering the ceiling. Wood and plaster rain down, sending Claudia and Maria into panicked screams. Ezio's blood runs cold.

"Ezio!" Claudia cries out, her voice trembling with fear. "Please!"

"What is that thing?!" Maria stammers, panic-stricken.

Menendez slowly lowers the weapon, his sadistic eyes gleaming with dark pleasure as he points the shotgun back at Claudia.

"This, Ezio, is something far beyond your time," Menendez taunts. "A small taste of the power I wield. Now, imagine what it will do to her... if you keep testing my patience. Tell us where the Apple is, or I start with her. And believe me, I know exactly how to make you watch every second of it. Maybe then, if I'm feeling generous, I'll let the others live. Or maybe not. That depends on how quickly you stop playing games."

Ezio's heart races as the desperate cries of his sister and mother pierce his resolve. Without thinking, he lunges toward Menendez, driven by a primal need to protect his family.

"Basta!" Ezio shouts, his voice thick with desperation. "Leave them alone!"

Before he can reach Menendez, an Elite soldier steps forward, its massive figure blocking Ezio's path. The alien's Plasma Rifle hums ominously as it aims directly at him.

"One more step, human, and you will not survive," the Elite growls, its deep, guttural voice rumbling through the room.

Ezio freezes, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He glances toward Claudia and Maria, their eyes wide with fear.

Cortana, her rogue AI form flickering with a cold, calculating edge, steps forward. Her voice is calm but carries a chilling undertone. "Ezio, I'll ask you once more: Where is the Apple? You know what we're capable of. Save yourself the pain and tell us now."

Ezio stands firm, torn between his duty to protect the Apple and the desperate need to save his family. His mind is a battlefield, emotions raging within him, but the one thing he knows for certain is that the Apple cannot fall into their hands.

"I told you," Ezio says with conviction, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "I don't know where it is. The Apple is lost, beyond anyone's reach."

Menendez sneers, his patience wearing thin. With a flash of rage, he fires another blast into the ceiling, the explosion causing more debris to rain down. Claudia and Maria flinch, terror etched on their faces.

"Do not test our patience, Assassin!" Menendez roars, his voice filled with fury. "The next shot goes to your sister!"

Ezio's heart pounds in his chest, but he stands his ground. He cannot waver, not now. The responsibility of protecting the Apple presses heavily on him, but so does the desperate fear of losing his family.

Cortana steps closer, her voice cold and taunting. "You really don't want to piss Menendez off, Ezio. He's not as... patient as I am."

Ezio's voice trembles slightly, filled with emotion as he pleads once more. "I swear to you, I do not know where it is! Please, believe me. I'm telling the truth."

Cortana sighs softly, her disappointment clear. She regards Ezio with cold detachment, her expression one of resolve.

"You know, Ezio," she says, her voice calm but with a dark undertone, "I had hoped you would be more cooperative. But I see now that you are willing to risk everything for your lies. The truth is, I don't care if you're telling the truth or not. What matters is that we get what we want."

Her holographic form flickers slightly as she steps even closer, her voice revealing more of her sinister intentions. "This isn't just about the Apple. It's about something far greater. We're not here to play games; we're here to take control. Not just of this world, but of all worlds—the entire multiverse. The Apple is merely a tool, a key to open doors you can't even begin to imagine."

Ezio's confusion deepens, struggling to comprehend the scope of what she's saying. The idea of a multiverse is foreign, far beyond anything he has encountered. But one thing is clear: the danger is real.

"Multiverse?" Ezio echoes, his voice conflicted, wavering between disbelief and determination. "What madness is this? Whatever your plans are, I cannot let you succeed."

Cortana's smile turns cold, calculated. "You can't stop us, Ezio. But you do have one last chance to save your family. Give us the location of the Apple, or watch as your family is taken from you. You have ten seconds to decide."

The tension in the room becomes palpable as Cortana begins her countdown. Her voice, calm and deliberate, echoes ominously through the hall.

"Ten..."

"Ezio, no!" Maria cries, her voice desperate. "Don't give them what they want!"

"Ezio, please!" Claudia pleads, her voice trembling. "You must protect the Apple!"

Ezio's mind races, torn between his oath to protect the Apple and his overwhelming need to protect his family. He can't allow this power to fall into their hands, but he can't stand by and let his family suffer.

"I won't let them hurt you," Ezio whispers, his voice strained. "But I can't—this power, in their hands... I can't risk it."

"Nine..."

"Ezio, listen to me," Maria urges, her voice filled with determination. "We've faced dangers before. We can't let them have the Apple. The world depends on it."

Ezio clenches his fists, his heart pounding in his chest. "I swore an oath... but I swore to protect you too. What would you have me do?"

"Eight..."

The clock is ticking, and Ezio's mind is racing. He can see the fear in his family's eyes, the uncertainty. And it tears him apart.

The air in the darkened room felt suffocating as Ezio stood amidst the destruction of everything he loved. His heart pounded in his chest, his mind in turmoil as the countdown echoed in his ears. His mother and sister's lives were at stake, and yet, the fate of the world hung in the balance. It was a cruel game, and Ezio was running out of time.

Maria Auditore, sobbing, clung to hope. "Ezio, don't let them win. Whatever happens, you must do what is right."

Cortana's cold, mechanical voice filled the space. "Seven..."

Claudia, tears streaming down her face, looked to her brother with a fragile faith. "Ezio, I'm so scared... But I trust you. You always know what to do."

Ezio gritted his teeth, his heart in agony. "I... I can't lose you, not like this."

"Six..." Cortana's voice droned on, unrelenting.

Ezio's resolve began to falter as he saw the fear and desperation in his sister's eyes. The seconds were slipping away, and his decision weighed heavier with every passing moment.

Maria, her voice firmer now, spoke again. "Ezio, don't let our sacrifice be in vain. The Apple must be kept safe, at any cost."

His voice cracked, breaking under the pressure. "But I can't just stand here and do nothing!"

"Five..."

Claudia cried out, "Ezio, please!"

"Four..."

Desperately, Ezio looked to his mother. "Mother, I—"

Maria's gaze was steady, her voice filled with certainty. "Ezio, you know what is right. Do not let fear guide you."

"Three..."

Ezio felt the weight of the world crushing down on him. Time was running out, and he was caught between saving his family and protecting the Apple. He could feel his heart tearing apart.

"I... I can't let this happen..." Ezio stammered, his hands shaking as the reality of his choice grew closer.

"Two..."

Maria's final words cut through the tension. "Ezio, always remember, we will always love you."

Ezio's mind raced, his emotions tearing him apart. His family looked to him, their faces filled with love, fear, and trust. The countdown was seconds away from sealing their fates.

"One..." Cortana's voice was cold and final.

Finally, Ezio broke. "Wait! Wait! I'll tell you—just don't harm them!"

Cortana paused, the countdown halted. Menendez's dark eyes met Ezio's with a look of triumph. Ezio's heart sank. He had made his choice—saving his family—but at what cost? He knew he might have just doomed the world.

Ezio stood there, his mind scrambling to form a plan. He couldn't allow the Apple to fall into the hands of these monsters. With a deep breath, he made a calculated decision.

"The Apple is hidden beneath the villa, in a place called the Sanctuary," Ezio said, his voice heavy with the burden of the lie. "It's a sacred chamber, known only to my family."

Cortana studied Ezio for a long moment, searching his eyes for any hint of deception. Finally, she nodded, satisfied. "The Sanctuary... I see. A fitting place for such a powerful artifact. Very well, Ezio."

She signaled to Menendez, who lowered his weapon, though his gaze remained cold and menacing. Ezio rushed to his mother and sister, embracing them both tightly as they trembled in his arms.

Claudia clung to him, her voice small and filled with fear. "Ezio, don't leave us again..."

Maria's voice quivered as she spoke, her eyes filled with tears. "Ezio, what have they done to our home? What is happening?"

Ezio pulled them close, his voice reassuring. "It's over, Mother. Claudia, I'm here. You're safe now."

But before Ezio could speak another word, Cortana's voice cut through the moment like a blade. "A touching reunion, Ezio, but we're not done here. I have something to show you and your family outside."

Ezio's heart sank as Cortana gestured for them to be led outside. They stepped into the open air, and the sight that greeted them was one of absolute horror. Monteriggioni, once a proud and bustling town, lay in ruins. Buildings burned as Covenant forces and Mercer's monstrous creations wreaked havoc alongside Menendez's men. Screams of terror filled the streets as civilians were captured or killed.

Ezio's fists clenched at his sides, his heart heavy with rage and helplessness. He scanned the square and caught sight of Kellogg, standing over a lifeless body, a cruel smirk on his face. The gun in his hand was still smoking from his recent kill. His eyes met Ezio's, filled with a cold, calculated satisfaction.

"This is your fate, Assassin," Alex Mercer taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Your precious city... reduced to rubble. It didn't have to be this way."

Ezio's voice was low, seething with anger. "You are all monsters. Every one of you."

Cortana's response was cold and cutting. "Perhaps. But the blood of your people is on your hands."

Ezio's jaw tightened, the guilt and fury swirling within him. But he knew any act of defiance now would only bring more suffering. His eyes burned with silent rage.

"Now," Cortana continued, her voice commanding, "lead us to the Sanctuary. If you do, this can all end. You can save what remains of your city."

Ezio took in the destruction around him, feeling the weight of his decision. He had made his choice to protect his family, but the battle was far from over. With a heavy heart, he nodded and began to lead them toward the Sanctuary, his mind racing with a dangerous plan—one that might just save both his family and the Apple.

But as he walked, he knew that the cost of his gamble might be more than he could bear.