Their stay in Italy was extended by another week to let Venn recover. Much to the dismay of Reed, Claudia, and Edvin, Venn's only memories to return were of Malvagio's torture just before he left, vague memory of his death, and the three years of torment with Raylan. He was hollow and quiet most of the time, rarely smiling and never laughing.

The night before they were going to head home to London, Reed took up his rapier and set off into the darkness. He couldn't sit by while the one who had broken his best friend went un-warned. He didn't want to hurt Malvagio, just maybe scare him away from them.

The silver rapier glittered in the moonlight as it swung at his hip. Reed was pretty sure that finding Malvagio wouldn't be hard. Malvagio would likely be hunting Reed himself at this point anyways. The darkness enveloped Reed as he slipped into the alleys.

As predicted, Malvagio found Reed within the hour. He made himself known by drawing his knife and stepping from the shadows in front of Reed. He scowled and raised the knife threateningly.

Reed drew his rapier with an extremely casual air, as if the fight had already been won. He smiled coldly. "I thought you might find me eventually..."

Malvagio eyed the rapier without seeming particularly concerned. He hadn't understood Reed's comment. "Il maestro dai capelli rossi del piccolo diavolo," he spoke calmly, as if he wasn't in danger at all. His tone was almost taunting.

Reed, of course, didn't know a single thing Malvagio had said. His smirk grew. "Ah you poor fellow. You messed with the wrong agent."

Malvagio still didn't understand. He ignored Reed's statement and leaped recklessly with his knife.

Reed sidestepped easily. He casually slapped the flat of his blade against Malvagio's backside. Malvagio promptly staggered and face-planted to the flagstones. Reed chuckled quietly as the knife fell from Malvagio's hand. He rolled over only to be met by Reed's rapier at his throat.

Reed scowled. "You're very lucky I'm not like Venn. He would kill you right now without regrets." He took a moment to enjoy the fear in Malvagio's eyes before he sheathed his rapier. "Be glad I'm leaving," he growled.

With that, Reed turned and strode away. He didn't need to waste time. Venn's memory wouldn't return any faster because of this, but it made Reed feel better anyways. He didn't want to leave his friend alone for any longer than was actually necessary.

Venn gasped suddenly, sitting bolt upright in his chair close to the window as if he'd just seen a shade. The countryside flashed by outside. Reed woke from his doze with a start, looking across at Venn in alarm. "What? Venn are you alright?"

Venn grinned broadly. He leaned across and hugged Reed tightly. "I remember Christmas."

Reed froze for a second, shock overpowering him. He returned Venn's hug, leaning into it and burying his face in Venn's shoulder. He said nothing. He didn't need to.

Venn let out a kind of relieved laugh. "At this rate, I'll have all of my memories back in a few years."

Reed gave Venn a halfhearted glare that wasn't even close to angry. "Oh shut up you." He squeezed Venn tighter. "You'll be better before you know it."

At those words, Venn's expression turned pained, his eyes getting a far off and shattered look in them. Reed didn't see, but he sensed the shift in emotion and didn't let Venn go.