Authors Note: MUHAHA! Akumie has struck again with the 2nd chapter of The Shadow to My Light! I hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter. Just a warning: this chapter contains a sappy scene, but I wanted their relationship to hit off right from the start.

- Plus you have to understand that Connor is a teen at the moment and does indeed have hormones °,°- *Connor: facepalm*

-Enjoy fellow assassin-

Chapter 2

-Dead-

Connor walked a little ahead of me, he had longer strides dammit. I was actually surprised that he had not noticed me starring yet. I was not used to being around guys, good looking guys I mean... I just simply followed, noticing small things about how he walked and taking note at how he did not show his face. Was he an outlaw? He showed me a little bit of his face. We walked between alleyways. "Um, what are we going to do? Do you even know who I am trying to rescue?" He stopped in front of a wall. "I will explain everything in a little while, follow me." He did not look back, well that was helpful!

"Pardon, there's no ladder?!" HA let's see what he says to that! He did not answer. He simply started climbing the wall...Uhhh, I don't do walls. He made it to a ledge. "Aren't you coming?" he asked simply. I stayed where I was, crossing my arms. "You want me to climb a wall!?" He just starred at me, confused. "...Yes," He blinked. "Well I'm not gonna!" I contorted. There was no way I was going to break my back trying to get to the top of a stupid building! "Can we not just go around?!" I sighed. "...No," What was with this guy?!

My mouth hung agape, he was so stubborn! "You are so stubborn!" I spoke my mind. "Says the child that will not simply climb up here..." He calmly said. "I'M STUBB- Ugh, listen, I might be the stubborn one here, but just know that I am not going to climb! I refuse! Oh, and I AM NOT A CHILD!" The once fear of heights and embarrassment had turned into sheer determination. "Then stay," He went to leave. Ah! I-I cannot just let him leave. I need him!...Well to help me of course. "C-Connor, w-wait! Wait! I'll climb! I will!" I shouted. He stopped and crouched down. The only thing I could see was a playful smirk on his face. "Arrogant bastard..." I muttered under my breath.

"What was that?" He asked, reaching up to leave me. "Nothing! Nothing!" I said frantically. I reached for a nook in the wooden wall. "Eh..." I had only made it a few steps when I could not find anything else to climb on. "T-there's nothing else-" I started to whine. "Jump," He interrupted. Jump?! I gulped and looked down...Too...Far! I looked back up at his expectant face. "I-I can't-"I started again, blushing. "Yes you can, now do it. For your friends sake..." He was right, but...What if I fall?! What if...Ugh, just get it over with! If I die then I die! I leaped for the not so far away ledge and almost made it.

I gasped as I started to fall downward. Then in the blink lf an eye, there was a strong calloused hand wrapped around mine. Connor heaved me up, wrapping his other arm around my waist as he did so...*gulp* I was in complete shock! Now we sat there starring at each other. I finally have a full view of his face...Uh, is it wrong to say that I like it?! "A-as I was saying!" He started as he let go of me quickly and pulled his hood down further. "Let's get a move on..." He dashed off, leaving me. "HEY! Wait up!" I started to climb as quickly as possible.

Just a little further! Connor was already at the top, waiting for me. "Just...About...There!" I reached up and gripped the edge of the top of the building and heaved myself up. "FINALLY! Dam, I feel incredible! Like one of tho-"

―"If you could hurry up?" He interrupted me, AGAIN. I was slightly hurt. Sure he was a little sarcastic, but he sounded cold and angry. Well, I did slow him down...WAIT! He interrupted me! "Hey! You were the one who offered to help!" I snapped. He just kept walking. Pft! Bastard! I followed him again, his walking increased so I had to scramble to keep up with him.

"Wait! Uh-Look, I understand if I took too long, and that I slowed you down, but geez!" I stepped over roof parts and shingles. He kept facing forward. I pouted and jogged to match his pace. "You don't have to be act like some stuck up carpetbagger!" (-what people in the South call people who support the North-) I put my hand on his shoulder, which he tensed up from and shrugged off. Do I look like I have scurvy or something?! "...I'm sorry okay?! You do not have to help me!" He was starting to piss me off, and confuse me severely. "I-It's not th-It...n-never mind," His form changed from detached to emotional all of a sudden.

If only I knew exactly what he was thinking! And men think that women are complicated! "Hey, let's just go find your friend," He said shyly. All my anger washed away. He was down right adorable! (fan girl moment- shame on me!) He told me where they were keeping the slaves and Monsalai. Turns out that they were interrogating him. I hope he is alright...I don't know why I am so attached to him. It's very, very complicated. "Connor, can I ask you a question?" I said blankly. "S-sure," He answered quickly. "Why are you helping me? How did you even know anything about this?" This actually should have been the first question(s) to cross my mind.

His lightly freckled cheeks were tinted and he pressed his lips together in thought. "I am an assassin. I was watching what happened with the redcoats and thought that I could lend a hand to you guys, you are practically family since you are part of the brotherhood," He explained. My first reaction was to state that I was not an assassin, nor was Monsalai (Maybe he is, you never know!) but another thought made me hold my tongue. What if that is the only reason he is helping me? What if I tell him, and then he leaves me, or even kills me for knowing that he is an assassin!

Plus I will not be able to save Monsalai...Connor...I'm sorry! "My turn!" He said playfully with a goofy teenage grin. This only made me feel worse. Don't worry! I'll explain it to him after all this is back to normal! "Okay, so when did you join the brotherhood?" He was really excited with the new subject. "Uh..W-well...Er.." DAMMIT I SUCK AT LYING! "Francesca..." He said. "Oh um, just call me Frankie," I said nervously, hoping to cover up my mistake. "Frankie...You were born to the brotherhood were you not? That is why you cannot remember, correct?!" He was like an excited puppy, eager for my attention. Relief washed over me as I just nodded. We arrived at the cabin where Monsalai...This is weird." C-Connor? Where are all the guards

I was seriously worried. We had came this far and still have not got into any conflict whatsoever.

We have not even seen a guard, nor any captives. What was going on? Connor seemed ok with it too. "The captives are being hid...The guards are yet to come, meanwhile the few expert in rank leaders are with Monslai," He must have been here before going to get me. "Before I got you, I talked with Monsalai. Only for a short amount of time, but he was able to tell me what you looked like and where you probably were at the moment," He confessed. Yep, thought so! "So what's happening to him?" He could be dead by now, damn that building! "I beileve he is being held in that confinment," He pointed to a near building that somewhat stood out from the rest. "That was fast. Connor?" He turned my way, eyebrows slightly raised.(Adorable) "Why do you speak so properly?!" I asked, he sounded like he was from a university or something.

He sighed. "Frankie, this is not the time," I was too busy to ask again. He. Said. My. Name. AND IT SOUNDED SO SEXY! Okay, clam down... I took a deep breath and followed him as we jogged over to the building. Connor was looking at me. Was he checking me out?! "Do not you have any weapons?" ...Of course, got my hopes up for nothing! "N-no..." I said as my cheeks flushed pink. "Here," he said with a small smile. "A knife? Really?! How serious is this mission?!" I asked, it wasn't even a big knife! "It is only for self defense. You will not be fighting," He said. "What?! I am an incredible fighter!" I bellowed, he covered my mouth. "Shsssh!" He scolded.

"Just keep quiet and while I am holding them off, release Monsalai and then we can get to the others!" I said quickly. I just nodded as he took his hand off of my mouth. "I have one more question," I said."How old are you?" He looked confused and then answered. "Sixteen years of age. Now no more questions!" He went to open the door...We heard voices, I could not hear any that sounded like Monsalai. "I-I am nineteen," He looked at me funny. "...No you are not," Well, at least it was worth a try. Yes, I lied. I'm sorry, yeesh! I wanted to sound more mature. The truth is, I'm only fifhteen. No one would beileve a fifteen year old was an assassin, well, maybe but better safe than sorry right?!

"H-how did you..." How did he know? None of you guys thought I was any younger, then again, none of you have actually seen what I look like! "It's obvious," He opened the door quickly and immeadiately pulled out an ax, hatchet thing. It was pretty enticing to look at. In the building, there were five guys, they looked pretty big too! Connor took a few steps in, waiting for them to come at him. I, on the other hand, ran right past him and drop kicked the first guy. "Frankie!" Connor yelled. I ignored him, caught up in bloodlust. I cut the guys throat and countered the next soldiers attack, tripping him.

Connor finally sprung into action, snaping the fallen guys neck. Another came behind me. Shit! He got me into a hold while the other readied his musket. Oh God! I strangled and strangled against the firm grip of the redcoat behind me. "S-stay the hell away from me!" I shouted to the oncoming guy. Wait, where was Connor? Had he left me?! I felt warm liquid splatter against my backside and I was released. The redcoat that was going to kill me looked terrified. Connor? I quickly turned around. "...Monsalai!" I was so happy to see him again! I felt total bliss, why though?

It was not love. I did not even really know Monsalai... But there was something there, a new born trust. Connor ended up killing the redcoat. He had blood on him and his hatchet. Monsalai came toward me, offering me his huge hand. "It is good to be reunited with you, shadow," He said. That was awesome! "As you, light," I teased. He yanked me up. "-ahem-" Connor coughed. He stood there awkwardly. "We must free the others," He said, making his way out. Monsalai collected his weapons and we each split up. Freeing all oof them. "We must flee, the guards are coming!" Monsalai reminded. We could hear them and their horses.

"Let's get the hell out of here!" Hey just because we are free, doesn't mean we cannot still die! (Or in my case, be tortured to death) We all made our way out of the fort and towards the docks. "Connor? What the hell are you doing?! We have to go!" Connor was pulling down a british flag and put up an American one. "What's the point of that exactly?" I asked. "I have set up explosives around the place, it should kill them all," He explained more to himslef than me. "Is it part of being an assassin?" Oh shit, didn't mean to say that! He turned my way, a confused, yet somewhat defensive look on his face. I must look very suspicious. "It's just that, in Louisiana we do things a lot more...I don't know how to explain it..." Boy was that the truth, wait..I need to tell him the truth anyway.

"I get it, different," He said knowingly. Uh..."C-Connor," I said. "Ah, come on! We have to help my people onto the ships!" Monsalai bellowed. Connor quickly ran over and started helping...So helpful. I was about to go over and force the truth out of my mouth..."Frankie! Go and get the supplies needed, we will need them for our trip," Monsalai comanded handing me a list. "Where are we going?" I asked taking a look at all we needed. "My people are going to Africa. We are going home!" The captives cheered and rejoiced at his statement. Home? They are...I simply nodded. I have no right to hold hi back. He has a family. I have my family... As I was walking through the storage houses, I came across a chest of letters.

Hmm, look at this one! It was not even open. I did not hesitate in ripping the envelope and pulling out the parchment.

Dear highest in rank,

I have echanged the captives and am on my way back to Fort Intellect. There is some buissness I must inform you about. While we were visiting Louisisana, we picked up an assassin. We are importing her along with the slaves. I hope she will be of use to you. Feel free to do what you want with her, she is of no importance besides the fact that she might know something of the Brotherhood. The only think we have got from her was that she is around nineteen years old (HA! They beileved me!) and that she was helping the slaves. We executed her family. Then we proceeded in burning down her home and farm. As said, feel free to use her to your advantage. We all know how you get lonley sometimes!

Your most trusted soldier and the nest in command,

Peter Van Holus

...What have I just read? I fell to the ground, sad, helpless, disgusted. They took me captive, killed my family, destroyed my home, and planned to use me in immodest ways... I sat on the floor for minutes. Shocked and disappointed... Fabien and Chretien... I could not imagine them dead. The only thing that came to mind was the lightly freckled, hazel eyed face of Fabien...His eyes watery from the cold and also not being able to hit his target. "F-Frankie, I-I can't do it! I can't!" He sniffled, wiping his puppy eyes. "Yes you can Fabien, you are only five and yet you can hit the outer rim!" I encouraged him. "But-but brudder can hit the bulls eye!" He wailed with envy. Chretien sighed impatiently and walked over. "Okay, see this," He took the small bow from Fabien's hands. He nodded childishly. "Now just pull this back, hold, wait till you see your arrow tip a little to the right of the dot and release," Chretien was so much like father...A natural leader, and always brave. Even when I was scared of going out at night, he would slip he small rifle behind him and take his sweet time feeding the horses.

Fabien focused real hard...And released. He hit the bulls eye, causing us all to cheer." I-I did it! You are amazing brudder!" He said and hugged Chretien. "Ah, just what father taught me! And don't forget about our sister!" He said. I was so touched at what he said. They both came and hugged me. Even as naïve children we got along. Never arguing. I hugged back, a tear slipping through my eyes. "Sissy, are you crying?! Why are you crying!? Tell me who did it and I will shoot them right in their bulls eye!" Fabien said stubbornly. I laughed and picked him up, ruffling Chretien's hair. Which he dodged and hugged me again.

"You two are the best brothers in this entire world...I love you," I said, rubbing noses with Fabien playfully. "Ah, I don't blame you! Who could resist loving me?!" Chretien said arrogantly. "Why you little!" I put Fabien down and ran after Chretien, Fabien close behind me...That's went the hot tears came...I sat there against the wall. I could not hold it in any longer. I sat their sobbing my heart out. Why?! "No...No, no, no, no..." I repeated to myself. Why?! They cannot be dead...They can't! They just...I put my hands in my hair and bent down. They could not be dead...

...They can't! They just...I put my hands in my hair and bent down. They could not be dead...I looked up at the cieling."Oh God, oh why...Why oh why oh why," I said in between sobbs.

Okay... I wiped my tears away and took a few deep breaths. I gathered the letter and sealed it back up neatly, placing it in my pack. They are not dead. They cannot be dead...I won't forget this...I replayed the name of the officer. Peter Van Holus...I will kill him...As slowly and painfully as I possibly can. I remembered that Connor had placed bombs. I have to make sure Holus gets out of there alive. I quickly got up and ran back towards the fort. They were already getting settled in. "Where the hell is our slaves?!" A man with grey hair and dark eyes yelled. The rest shook their heads meekly. "I want this place scouted out..I want my slaves right back where they were and for you to find the person responsible for this!" He comannded. He was scary, was that even him? Either way, my brain was screaming at me to run and kil him, to stab him until he is unnoticable.

There were too many though, of the soldiers. There was a sudden explosion. The bombs! Holus and a few ran toward their horses. "Sort out this mess, stick out to my orders! Go you incoherant mongerals!" He bellowed as he and the three redcoats galloped away. NO! I ran out of my hidding place and was about to mount the nearest horse. A pair of arms grabbed me, pulling me back down. "Let me go! Unhand me you bastard!" I yelled back. "Frankie! Calm down! We have to go back to the ship! Monsalai needs our help!" I turned. It was Connor. I wanted to yell at him, but I remembered that he would not understand.

His warm brown eyes starred at my concerned. "A-are you alright. Why are you here? You were supposed to be collecting supplies," He said. I just looked towards the ground, calm down, calm down. I told myself..."...Do not do that again!" Connor warned. "Do what?" I was curious as to what he meant. "...U-uh. Do not worry, Monsalai.." He said scratching his neck. I smiled and punched him in the arm. "Aw, it's okay to be worried about me Connor!" I laughed as he blushed. Then I remembered about my family..."Come on, we must get back! There are redcoats surrounding the ship," He said grabbing my hand and leading me back.

I was so sad, I forgot to be happy about the contact. For some strange reason, the gesture did not make me feel better. Maybe it was because I am so sad...No, it's because he knows nothing of what I feel. I want him not only to hold my hand, but to reassure me on my family...I do not need to get attached to this guy...It's not like we will see each other much after this...So I said nothing on the way back. We got back and where ready to fight...Well nothing actually. There were no more redcoats, only their lifless bodies strod out across the peer. "Good timing!" Monsalai laughed, his smile slightly faded as he saw me. He must now something is up. I put on a smile. "As always," I said sarcasticaly.

Me, Monsalai, and Connor stood beside the loadind dock as the now free people were walking on. Some crying from joy, others laughing and talking about home. "Well, this is goodbye for now you two," Connor said. He shook Monsalai's hand and then turned to me. "Try not to climb any buildings," He laughed. I could not help but laugh with him on that one. "Bye," I said hugging him. He hugged back. He mounted a horse and rode off. I wonder if I will ever see him. Oh shit! I forgot to tell him that we are not assassins! Oh well, I will probably never see him anyway. I turned to Monsalai. "Well, y-you can go now," I said.

"Yes, Monsalai, if you are coming, you must come now! The crows nest has sspotted even more redcoats heading our way!" A passenger shouted over the edge of the boat. Monsalai looked at them, then at me. Then he heaved the door shut and secured the ropes. "My king! What are you doing?" He asked. "A light needs his shadow, and his shadow has buisness to attend to here. I appoint my son, Gavolii, as king. Please express my love for him, my wife, and my daughter," The man must have known Monsalai. He nodded with a confused but understanding face. The ship set sail. "Why did you do that?! This was your chance to return to your family! Do you understand that it could be years before you even have the chance to go back?!" I yell. He is insane. Does he not miss his family?!

"As I said, I am needed here, along side my shadow. Together, we can solve whatever it is that is troubling you..." He said. "...He killed them. A general named Holus killed my family...I want to kill him...I need to," I said handing him the letter I read. "Revenge...Is never the solution, but we will kill him in honor of your family. I promise to you Francesca," He said. And together, me and Monsalai will kill Holus...The man who took what I held dearest to my heart. I promise Fabien, I promise Chretien...I will stop him where he stands...This is to you two.I love you...

Sorry if you guys found this chapter too sappy. Every story has them, just hang in there my fellow assassins! Cannot wait to show you all the crazy fighting in chapter three!