Marvel: Familia System

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Ezio calmly walked the halls of the Assassin's Guild, his steps quiet as he made his way to the meeting chamber. The air carried a faint chill, and the dim torches along the stone walls did little to warm the atmosphere. The Guild's upper echelon rarely called meetings unless something significant was brewing, and Ezio had no illusions about the subject today. Tensions with the Thieves Guild had reached a boiling point. The two factions, while never allies, had largely avoided open conflict. That balance was now teetering, and Ezio knew it would only take a push to tip the scales into chaos.

He stepped into the chamber, where a semi-circle of the Guild's most prominent figures had already gathered around a central table. Maps, reports, and a few weapons lay scattered across its surface. Murmurs of conversation filled the room, but they hushed briefly when Ezio entered. He acknowledged the others with a nod and took his place among them, standing near the edge of the gathering rather than forcing himself into the circle. Despite his position as one of the Guild's most skilled assassins, he preferred to remain unobtrusive during these discussions. His reputation was enough to command respect without unnecessary posturing.

Candra leaned back in her chair at the head of the table, her gaze sharp as she surveyed the room. "You're here. Good. Let's begin," she said, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. She tapped the map in front of her with a finger, drawing attention to a marked section of the city. "The Thieves Guild has overstepped. Again. This time, it's more than a stolen shipment or a dead informant. They've hit one of our strongholds."

A ripple of reactions moved through the room. One of the older assassins, Tomas, leaned forward. "Which stronghold?"

"The docks," Candra replied. "They took out our men stationed there, burned our supplies, and left their mark for everyone to see. They're daring us to respond."

"They're idiots if they think they can provoke us without consequences," muttered Idris, a younger assassin with a reputation for hotheadedness. He slapped the table, drawing a disapproving glance from Candra. "We should hit back hard and fast. Show them what it costs to cross us."

Ezio's eyes flicked toward Idris briefly but said nothing. The younger man had always been quick to suggest violence, rarely pausing to think of the long-term implications.

Tomas crossed his arms, shaking his head. "And what happens when we escalate? We'll be at war with the Thieves Guild, and who benefits from that? Not us. It's the merchants and nobility who profit, selling us weapons and information while we bleed each other dry."

"You're suggesting we let this go?" Idris shot back, his voice rising. "Let them walk all over us?"

"No," Tomas said, his tone level. "But rushing in blind is how we lose."

Candra held up a hand, silencing them both. "Enough. We're not here to argue. We're here to decide our next move. Marius, you've been quiet. What's your take?"

Marius Boudreaux was the eldest member of the Guild, and many considered him the wisest. His graying hair and lined face spoke of years spent navigating the treacherous waters of the assassin's world. Unlike Idris, who thrived on brash violence, or Tomas, whose pragmatism often leaned toward caution, Marius embodied patience. He leaned slightly on his staff, his eyes scanning the table before he spoke.

"This isn't just about the docks," Marius began, his tone measured. "The Thieves Guild knows our patterns. They knew that stronghold wasn't heavily defended. It was a calculated strike, not a reckless one. That means they're testing us."

Idris scoffed. "Testing us? They're taunting us, Marius. Let's stop pretending this is some clever strategy. They're thieves, not tacticians."

"They're smarter than you think," Marius replied without looking at Idris. "They wouldn't risk open war without a reason. The question we need to ask is, who benefits if we go to war?"

Tomas nodded. "Exactly. The merchants, the nobles, maybe even another faction within the city. Someone is pulling strings here."

Candra tapped her fingers on the map. "That's possible, but speculation won't fix the problem. We need a response. Sitting idle only makes us look weak."

"Agreed," Idris cut in. "Let's hit them where it hurts—one of their hideouts, maybe their black-market operations. Show them what happens when they cross us."

"And risk escalating the conflict further?" Tomas said. "We'll be playing into their hands. The city will bleed, and the only winners will be the ones selling swords and bandages."

"It's not weakness to avoid a fight when it's a trap," Marius added. "We should focus on gathering intelligence before making our move. If we act rashly, we'll be blind. And blind men rarely walk away from battle unscathed."

Candra's gaze shifted to the map. "We can't afford to wait too long. Hesitation breeds rumors. If the other factions think we've lost our edge, we'll have more than the Thieves Guild to deal with."

The tension in the room thickened as the discussion continued. Ezio stood silently near the edge of the gathering, his arms loosely crossed. His eyes moved from face to face, observing each member's posture and tone. Marius's caution, Idris's aggression, Candra's balance of pragmatism and authority—each played their role in the Guild's fragile hierarchy.

Candra leaned back slightly in her chair, her gaze settling on Tomas. "What do you suggest, then?"

Idris looked at Ezio, his voice sharp with impatience. "Let's do it the Assassin way. Take their head." His meaning was clear. Every assassin in the room knew what he meant, and the weight of his words shifted the attention to Ezio. By now, it was widely accepted that Ezio was the best among them, though he rarely indulged in their politics. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for a response he wouldn't give.

Marius shook his head. "That will only make them more rampant. Cutting off the head doesn't stop a snake if it's already learned to strike without one. They'd turn to chaos, and chaos serves someone else's agenda."

Idris crossed his arms, scoffing. "If we sit back, they'll just keep pushing. You keep talking about strategy, but the longer we wait, the weaker we look. This isn't a chess game. It's survival."

Tomas cut in before Marius could reply. "It is survival, which is exactly why we need to think beyond retaliation. You want blood, fine—but not without knowing the hand guiding them. We hit now, we lose more than we gain."

Candra let the back-and-forth continue, watching the dynamics unfold. Ezio noted her restraint. She was weighing them, testing reactions, like a merchant appraising goods. It was her style—let the room debate until the temperature hit boiling, then step in with a decision that would seem inevitable.

She finally tapped the table three times, drawing all attention to her. "Ezio and I will visit their base. Let's see if this was ordered by Gambit or not. If it was his doing, we will take his head. If not, we will discuss further." Candra's tone carried the weight of a decision made.

Idris leaned forward slightly. "And if it's not Gambit? What then?"

"We hold," Candra replied. "We don't swing unless we know where the blade lands. If this wasn't Gambit, we'll need to figure out who's playing us against each other. No half-measures."

Tomas nodded, speaking before Idris could jump in again. "It's the only move that makes sense. Picking fights without knowing the stakes will just bleed us dry. If it's Gambit, it's clean. If not, we reassess."

"That's a lot of trust to put in talking," Idris muttered. "And not a lot of action."

"It's strategy," Marius countered. "Not just action." He leaned back slightly, his hand still resting on his staff. "Let them believe we're deliberating. Sometimes hesitation is more unnerving than aggression."

"Then it's decided," Candra said, rising from her seat. She gestured to Ezio. "We leave in an hour. Bring what you need. No more, no less."

The room began to clear, the undercurrent of tension not fully resolved but momentarily pacified. Idris was the first to leave, muttering something under his breath as he pushed past the others. Tomas and Marius exchanged a few quiet words before parting ways. Candra stayed back, eyes on the map, her fingers drumming a rhythm against the table. Ezio turned and left without a word.

Ezio waited near the Guild's main gate, his cloak pulled tight against the evening chill. The city stretched beyond the gates, its labyrinth of alleys and rooftops shrouded in deepening shadows.

Candra arrived shortly after, her pace brisk. She carried a small satchel slung over her shoulder, its contents hidden but likely holding tools for the task ahead. She glanced at Ezio but didn't speak as she adjusted her cloak. Together, they slipped into the night.

The city was alive with distant murmurs and flickers of torchlight, but the streets they took were deserted, their passage marked only by the soft scuff of boots on stone. They moved with practiced ease, weaving through alleys and scaling low walls until they reached the outskirts of the Thieves Guild's territory.

Candra crouched near the edge of a rooftop, her gaze fixed on a cluster of buildings below. "There," she said quietly, pointing to a dilapidated warehouse. "That's where Gambit operates from. Or at least where he's been seen lately."

Ezio nodded, his eyes scanning the area. The warehouse was surrounded by the trappings of the Thieves Guild—a few lookouts stationed on nearby roofs, shadows slipping in and out of sight through hidden entrances. It wasn't heavily fortified, but it was well-guarded enough to discourage casual intrusions.

"What do you see?" Candra asked, her voice low.

"Four on the rooftops," Ezio replied simply. "Two more near the main entrance. There's a side door, but it's watched."

Candra smirked faintly. "Think you can handle it?"

Ezio didn't answer. He was already moving.

Dropping silently from the rooftop, he landed in the shadows, his form disappearing into the night. He moved with precision, slipping behind one of the lookouts and dispatching him with a quick twist of the wrist. The man crumpled without a sound, and Ezio eased him to the ground before disappearing again.

Candra watched from above, her expression unreadable as she tracked Ezio's movements. One by one, the lookouts fell, each taken out with a speed and efficiency that spoke to Ezio's mastery. By the time he returned to her side, the path to the warehouse was clear.

"Impressive," she remarked, though her tone was more observant than complimentary.

Ezio didn't respond, motioning for her to follow as he descended toward the building.

They reached the side door without incident, and Candra produced a slim lockpick from her satchel. She worked it into the lock, but after several moments, nothing gave. She exhaled sharply, clearly annoyed.

"This is the Thieves Guild. I'm sure they've found a way to keep thieves out," Ezio said, his tone flat.

Candra turned her head, raising an eyebrow. "Didn't think you were capable of joking."

Ezio's deadpan expression didn't shift. Candra rolled her eyes. "What do you suggest then?"

Ezio glanced around the alley, evaluating their options. "Wait here," he said simply, stepping back into the shadows.

Candra watched him go, her arms crossed. "If you're about to do something reckless, at least make it effective," she muttered.

Ezio didn't respond. Out of sight, he focused inward, drawing on the shadowy powers he had gained through Nero's integration of Zed. His form seemed to dissolve into the darkness, melding with the shadows until he was indistinguishable from them. Moving silently, he slipped past the locked door, reappearing inside the building. The faint flicker of torchlight cast dancing shadows on the walls as Ezio emerged near the entry point.

On the other side of the door, he worked quickly, unlatching it from within and pulling it open just enough for Candra to step through. She entered, her eyes scanning the dim hallway beyond. "I wouldd ask how you did that," she said, her voice low, "but I doubt you would tell me."

"Good," Ezio replied, stepping forward without elaborating.

They moved cautiously down the corridor, the faint murmur of voices growing louder as they approached the main chamber. Ezio gestured for Candra to stay back, peeking around the corner to assess the scene. The chamber was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of damp wood and oil. Several thieves were scattered about, most lounging at tables or sharpening weapons, while a few exchanged quiet words near the far end of the room.

Ezio looked at Candra. "Wait here."

Before she could respond, he melted back into the shadows, his presence vanishing into the dim light of the hallway. He activated the shadow powers, his body dissolving into the surrounding darkness like smoke fading into the air.

Inside the chamber, the thieves were scattered, unaware of the presence slipping through their midst. Ezio navigated the space methodically, his shadowy form avoiding patches of light spilling from lambs mounted on the damp walls. Each step brought him closer to the raised platform at the end of the room, where Gambit sat at a table cluttered with maps and coins. The Thieves Guild leader leaned back in his chair, his posture loose, but his eyes sharp as he spoke with two subordinates.

Ezio circled the edges of the room, ensuring he remained undetected as he approached Gambit from behind. The voices were faint, Gambit's tone measured, his hands gesturing at a map while the others nodded. Ezio noted the placement of weapons on the table—a dagger within Gambit's reach, a pistol under his desk.

He stepped closer, his form coalescing into solidity as he emerged from the shadows just behind Gambit. The thief leader had no time to react before Ezio's blade pressed lightly against his throat, the edge cold and undeniable.

"Stay still," Ezio said, his tone flat but carrying the weight of command.

The room froze. Gambit raised his hands slowly, his eyes narrowing but showing no panic. His subordinates reacted instantly, reaching for their guns, but Ezio didn't move, his position unwavering. "If they draw, you're the first to die," Ezio said simply.

Gambit's hand twitched in a halting gesture, and his men froze in place. "Easy now," Gambit said, his voice smooth despite the blade at his neck. "No need for bloodshed. We're all friends here, aren't we?"

Ezio ignored the remark. "You're going to answer a question. Lie, and I'll know."

Gambit tilted his head slightly, as much as the blade allowed. "You've got my attention. Ask."

Ezio called towards Candra, "You can come now."

Her footsteps were quick as she joined him, her eyes darting to the knife pressed against Gambit's throat. Gambit's lips twisted into a smirk despite his predicament. "Candra," he said, his tone laced with dry amusement, "always a pleasure. Though, I must say, your companion here is... a novelty. I don't recall anyone sneaking up on me quite like this."

Candra stopped a few paces away, her arms crossed. "Then consider it a proof to his skill, Gambit. But we're not here for compliments. You've been busy."

Gambit chuckled softly. "Busy? That's an interesting way to frame it. You show up uninvited, a knife at my throat, and suddenly I'm the one answering for things. How about a little courtesy?"

"Our stronghold," Ezio said, his voice cutting through the exchange, "was torched. You know why we're here. Don't waste our time."

Gambit's smirk faltered slightly, his gaze flicking to Candra. "You brought a blunt instrument, I see. Not your usual style."

Candra's eyes narrowed. "We can play nice if you start talking. Otherwise, he's more than capable of loosening your tongue another way."

Gambit sighed, raising his hands slightly as a show of cooperation. "Fine, fine. You want to know about the docks. It wasn't me."

Candra took a step closer. "Convenient. If not you, then who?"

"Believe me or don't," Gambit said, his voice low and calm, "but I'm not stupid enough to burn one of your strongholds and sign it afterwards. That kind of move brings trouble I don't need. My people are under strict orders not to provoke the Assassins."

"Cool story," Ezio said, applying the faintest pressure with the blade, just enough to make his point.

"It's the truth," Gambit hissed, his smirk replaced with irritation. "There's someone new in the mix, stirring things up. I don't know who, but whoever it is, they're playing both sides. My people have been hit too."

Candra exchanged a glance with Ezio, her expression skeptical. "Details, Gambit. Names, places. Prove you're not wasting our time."

Gambit shook his head slightly, careful not to shift too much against the blade. "All I know is that it's someone with deep pockets. Mercenaries have been popping up, hitting targets on both ends and leaving enough of a trail to keep us pointing fingers at each other."

Ezio withdrew the knife slightly but kept it ready. "You're saying this isn't just about territory."

"It's a setup," Gambit said, his tone serious now. "And whoever's behind it is banking on us tearing each other apart. You want to waste time cutting my throat, go ahead, but it won't solve your problem."

Candra's lips pressed into a thin line. "If this is a game, you'd better hope we find the other players, or you'll be the one paying the price."

"Help me find them," Gambit said quickly. "If they're screwing with my operation, I want them gone just as much as you do."

Candra glanced at Ezio, trying to gauge his reaction. "He could be lying."

Ezio shook his head, pulling the blade back from Gambit's neck. "He's not lying."

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