"Have you ever handled a bow before?" Connor asked while watching Jaden fumble with the weapon for the tenth time.

"Well not this particular model, but yes I have handled bows before." Jaden replied. "My father-", she hesitated briefly, casting her expression downward. Just mentioning the man caused her to become uneasy. Looking away from him, she turned her attention back on the target before continuing, "Well, whoever he was…showed me how to use his compound bow. I use to practice with it sometimes after school. It helped with my frustration."

They were near the shoreline where the men of his tribe kept targets to practice their aim. The sky was breathtakingly blue and there wasn't a single cloud in the sky. The sun's rays glistened across the river's surface while the mountains towered proudly in the distance. Overhead, a hawk cried out as it glided on currents of wind while smoke from the few camp fires within the village drifted out to greet Connor's senses. The beauty of the morning brought much needed peace to his un-restful spirit.

Yet as much as Connor would have preferred to remain amongst his people, he knew it could not be helped. After learning the alarming truth about Jaden, he became very eager to return to Achilles and discuss the matter. Jaden on the other hand, asked to stay for a few more hours. At first, he was going to deny her request, but seeing just how fascinated she was by the people around her, he found himself giving in. Never had Connor seen anyone show such interest in learning about his culture, he was completely taken aback by her curiosity.

All morning long he led her around the village answering her many questions on how his people lived their day to day lives. Wanting to learn just how long they had lived in the valley. How they manage to survive during the harsh winters, she was astonished that the long houses held enough warmth and could withstand the heavy snows. She also wanted to learn the names of the spirits they prayed to. Though the topic she shown the highest interest in was what herbs they used to cure most illnesses and wounds. So many questions, it was nearly difficult to keep up with her. While they were strolling by the water's edge they came across the young boys practicing with their bows. Excitedly she took Connor by the arm and dragged him over to join them.

Uncrossing his arms, Connor reached over to correct the bow's leverage so that her aim would be true. Having noticed the brief sadness that shown within her eyes, Connor could not help but feel that he should try and comfort her. "His blood may not flow through your veins, Jaden. As fondly as you speak of him, he was still a father to you. So you may continue to refer to him as such." Once again, he found himself wondering what it would have been like to have had a father in his life. The portrait of Haytham entered his mind and he was forced to quickly send it away. 'Now is not to time to think of him.' He ordered himself.

"I know." Jaden murmured, she closed an eye and took aim at the target. "It's the just information he kept secret that bothers me."

Connor stepped aside, "Perhaps his intentions were for good. For it seems that he did not wish to hurt you with the truth." He wondered if the man whom raised Jaden ever planned on telling her such secretes. If so, then surely he'd been waiting till he believed she was ready. Now that the truth was out, Connor himself wondered just how Jaden became a part of the man's life. Would she ever learn just who her birth parents were and what happened to them? Maybe, just maybe after their mission was complete, Juno would come forth with the information. If not, then Jaden would be forever haunted by the disquieting truth.

"So I gathered." Jaden released the arrow and watched disappointingly as it struck a few inches below the red marking. He reached out to adjust the bow again, yet this time she brushed his hand away, "Hang on. I'm rusty at this, but I'll get it." Retrieving a second arrow, she tried again; the arrow flew off to the side and landed in a bush, Jaden groaned in annoyance. The little boy beside her let out a giggle. Teasingly she crossed her eyes and stuck her tongue out at him, which only brought more giggling. Then shaking her head, she readied another arrow and tried again. "Third time's a charm." This time the arrow nailed the red marking. Smiling, she turned back to Connor, "There. Told ya I'd get it."

Connor gave a slight nod of approval, "Now you need to learn how to shoot a moving target."

"Are you volunteering?" Jaden asked.

He honestly couldn't tell if she was being playful or sarcastic. None the less, he didn't find it amusing. "I suppose you consider yourself to be funny?"

Jaden pouted her lips at him, "Well…there was a time, when I did consider myself funny. But today, you have proven me wrong. Thank you."

Without missing a beat, Connor replied, "You are welcome." He turned to look out across the river.

She clicked her tongue at him and took aim at the target. "You really need to develop a sense of humor. You're so testy…"

Connor arched a brow, though before he could reply, someone called out to him.

"Ratonhnhaké:ton!" Yelled another little boy's cheerful voice as he came running over. Connor gave a friendly smile as the boy began tugging on his sleeve. More children soon joined in with the chanting.

The young ones must have been speaking too fast for Jaden to have been able to translate, for she asked what all the commotion was about.

Kanen'tó:kon who stood two children away from her left lowered his bow. "They want him to fire two arrows at once. He is known for the trick."

"Ooohooo…so you're known as a show off around here, huh?" Jaden teased while turning to look at Connor, "Why am I not surprised."

"I do not show off..." Connor protested, clearly not appreciating his childhood friend's words.

"You have been such since we were children." Kanen'tó:kon stated with a knowing smirk.

The children's chanting grew louder and Connor had no choice but to heed their request. "Very well." Removing the bow from his back, he strung the two arrows and steadied his aim. Both the men and children around him began to hoot and holler, doing their best to ruin his concentration. Yet their attempts did not faze him as he focused on the target.

However, just when Connor was about to release, he felt warm air brush ever so gently against his ear, which caused a rather pleasant tremble to travel down his spine. His eyes went wide as he quickly turned to face Jaden, alarmed to see her standing so close. Yet as he turned to face the woman, her lips briefly brushed against his ear. The feel of her soft lips against his skin startled him so, which caused the arrows to slip through his fingers. The arrows flew well past the target. One struck a tree while the other landed in the water. Both the men and children burst out laughing.

"Well done." Jaden said while clapping her hands in applause. "Well done." Amusement shone brightly within those mischievous eyes.

Connor just gawked at her as heat flooded his face. It wasn't because he was angry; it was because of the pleasant sensation from what she had done that made him blush. He never felt anything like it, and it made him feel very uncomfortable thinking that he may have actually enjoyed the sensation. Shaking such thoughts from his mind, he shot her an annoyed look. Why would she do such a thing?! Did she find pleasure in embarrassing him? 'Wonderful…as if her aggressive attitude wasn't enough…' he thought grumbly.

Connor may not know many women, but this one was the first to be so abnormal. If it wasn't for Jaden's knowledge of upcoming events he wouldn't have to deal with her unusual personality. It may be harsh of him, but he could not help but feel this way. There was just too much on his shoulders for childish none sense. He could only hope that she would soon grow out of the immature behavior, and see for himself if she will indeed be proven useful.

…

By late afternoon, they were on their way back to the Homestead. Even though the time they spent within the village was short, already Jaden missed being there. The children were down right adorable and the rest of the tribe had been so kind. Yet many of them seemed to still be weary of her, having kept their distance. Though it was completely understandable, after with what just happened to their elders at Johnson's Hall, she did not blame them. Still, she wanted to learn and experience being around such intriguing people. When the sun rose, she was eager to explore the village. It took some work to get Connor to show her around; he seemed to be in a hurry to return to the Homestead, which confused her so since he admitted to being away for so long. Perhaps he just wanted to tell Achilles what he learned about her, 'Well, that crap can wait.' She thought smugly. 'It's a gorgeous morning and I'm surrounded by amazing people whose language I've been studying for months. I'm frickin' stayin' for a bit.'

Eventually Connor gave in and all morning she learned so many interesting things about the Kanien'kehá:ka people that words could not describe just how excited she felt. Before leaving, Jaden managed to even have somewhat of a conversation in Mohawk with the Clan mother, Oiá:ner. She just couldn't help but show the woman that she could speak their language.

Of course Connor had to correct Jaden on a few of the phrases she used. Since she ended up getting the translation wrong and made the mistake of saying something stupid. Like how she was trying to compliment, Oiá:ner's dog by accidentally saying it had three testicles instead of how she wanted three dogs just like him. But hey, at least she got a good laugh out of the elderly woman while Connor just stood beside her holding a hand over his face.

Now back on the open road, Jaden noticed just how Connor was taking the departure. Even though his face was as blank as an empty canvas and he tried to be so stoic; he still could not fool her. For it was his eyes that betrayed him, they showed just how hard it was for him to leave. To her, his people and the location were both wonderful and peaceful and it was not right that he had to leave them behind. Not fair that he had to walk a path chosen for him long before he was even born.

Having only known him for a short time, Jaden still couldn't help but feel anger towards Juno for making him walk such a dark and violent path, while other young men his age remained in the village. They were the lucky ones. Lucky to live their lives in peace, be with their loved ones, to find that special someone and raise a family with. But not Connor, since he was both the guardian and an assassin, he may very well never be able to live such a gifted life. Even if by some miracle they managed to complete his mission successfully, too much would have happened that could make it difficult to live that peaceful life.

Jaden thought back to the woman whom helped raised her. Irene once explained how her husband had extreme post-traumatic stress disorder and that how it nearly ruined their marriage. How Harvey would have such horrible nightmares of the war night after night, but not just nightmares, there had been other issues as well. What those other issues were, Jaden never learned. After years of pleading to get help, Harvey finally gave in to his wife's wish, and sought out therapy. But even then, they had problems every now and again. Jaden hoped Connor wouldn't end up like that. No good person should.

While exploring the village, Jaden wondered why Connor hadn't bothered to introduce her to his family members. Then with a heavy heart she realized it was because he had none. Of course he said nothing and she did not ask. It was not her place too, yet she noticed there was a heaviness that seemed to follow him wherever they went. Especially at the long house they slept in. There was a moment when she awoke to find him standing outside, as if he wasn't comfortable being inside it. Had something tragic happened here? Perhaps haunting memories of a horrible past were the cause for troubling him. Or perhaps she was just reading too much in to it and that it had been her loud snoring that sent him outside.

Whatever the reason was, she felt it was not her place to ask.

By early evening, they arrived in Lexington and stopped by the general store. Connor tied the horse they shared together to the post, Even though originally they had brought two Davenport horses for the ride back, they ended up returning with one. Since she got the horse that belonged to the tribe killed, Connor had given them the second.

Jaden approached the shop, before her stood a man and woman beside the front door, both trying to peer through the dust covered windows.

"I know he's in there!" The woman grumbled, "He's just refusing to answer."

"C'mon man! Open the bloody door! It's not so late enough to be closing up already!" The man beside her shouted while he continued to knock on the window.

'Oh it better not be closed!' Jaden thought agitatedly, she needed to buy new clothing and who knew just how long till Connor would let her return to Boston to collect her other belongings.

"We may need to continue on." Connor said, while turning his attention to the couple.

"Yeah…no. I need clothes." Coming to stand before the door, Jaden took in a deep breath, then in the most frantic voice she could pull off she screamed at the top of her lungs, "Aaaahhhh! Help uuusss! There's a fire out of control and people are burning to deeaath! Their skin is melting off their bones! Oh my gaaawwwd!"

The man, woman and Connor all jumped in alarm. Connor's eyes went wide as he gawked at her.

"Sweet, merciful Jesus!" The woman gasped while the man just stared at her in shock.

"Are you touched in the head?!" Connor demanded, she could tell her sudden outburst had unsettled him so, for those nostrils of his were flaming' like a mad horse.

"Just a little bit." Jaden admitted with a mere shrug of the shoulders.

Just then the door opened and the store keeper appeared, his eyes filled with panic. "Wha-? Fire?! Where?!"

"Evening Sir!" Jaden said sweetly, "Sorry for the false alarm. But this is an emergency for I am desperately in need of your services. And this beast of a fellow," She pointed a thumb over her shoulder at Connor. "-is willing to pay well for it. Interested?"

The store keeper furrowed his brows, looking from her to Connor, "How well?"

Turning to Connor, she reached out and pulled open his robe so the man could see the bag of coin tied to the belt. "This well." She said playfully, giving the coin purse a little pat.

With Connor stepping back to close his robe once more, the man took a moment to decide before opening the door to them. With the promise of money, he finally agreed, "Alright, come on in."

"Thanks a bunch." Jaden began to scoot past him as Connor followed behind.

The man and woman began to follow as well, but the store keeper blocked their entrance with an arm, "Not you."

"What?" The woman gasped.

"I am still furious with how you both behaved yesterday. Shouting at each and scaring off my customers!" The store keeper shouted.

"Now wait just a damn-" The man started but was quickly cut short.

"No! Keep your domestic disputes at home! Until then you can find business else were. Now go!" Before they could argue further, he slammed the door in their faces and locked it. Then, straightening his shirt, he turned to Jaden and said apologetically, "Please forgive me for that, Ma'am. Those two have been nothing but trouble ever since they decided move into town."

"It's alright." Jaden replied, watching as he made his way around to stand behind the counter. "Thank you for letting us in. I really appreciate it." She watched as Connor headed over to look through the large catalog that lay open on a nearby table.

"Of course." Picking up a pair of glasses he placed them on and cleared his throat, "Now, what are ya buyin'?"

His question instantly brought a flash back to one of Jaden's favorite video games. Resident Evil 4, the way he spoke the question reminded her so much of the creepy mysterious merchant that would pop up out of know where and try to sell you merchandise. Unable to resist, Jaden asked playfully, "What are ya sellin'?" of course she knew that these men wouldn't get the reference, but it still made her chuckle inside. Something minor yet silly that reminded her of home.

An annoyed sigh came from her traveling company just then. She turned her attention to Connor as he spoke up without turning his gaze from the catalog's pages, "She needs clothing. Do you have any?" just by the tone of his voice she could tell he didn't appreciate her foolish question. He knew she knew why there were there; there was no reason to play around. Jeez he was so testy!

"Hmm…let me check the back. I may have a few dresses for the little lady." The keeper said.

"Little lady?" Jaden asked, she turned to arch a brow at the man. "I'm no little lady. I'm five foot eleven."

The keeper pushed his glasses up with an index finger, "I meant as in his wife."

"O-oh!" Her jaw actually dropped. She nervously waved a hand at him, "We're not married. Just together…well I mean, not together, together. Just acquaintances…" She corrected. Saying that they were friends didn't sound right, since so far all they did was bicker back and forth. She wondered just what on earth gave the man the idea they were married.

"My apologizes, I meant no offense." The man stated, he turned to head for the back door. "I'll go get those dresses."

She sighed and stressed her voice, "No dresses…trousers and shirts are just fine."

"It is accustomed for women to wear dresses, Jaden." Connor said, this time lifting his gaze from the pages to look at her.

Jaden glanced at him from over her shoulder. Did he really expect her to run around the frontier in a dress? What if something bad happened, like being chased by a cougar or run into men that wanted his head. What did he expect her to do, flash them with her granny panties? Snorting at the thought she turned away and said, "How about this, you can wear the dress and I'll wear your trademark robe." Then unable to resist she added teasingly, "Besides, the dress would look better on you anyway. You have a lovely complexion and that hair be workin'!" She snapped her fingers at him.

While Connor just glared at her smart remark, the store keeper cleared his throat. "I'll just bring everything back here. You can choose what you want." With that, he headed into the back room.

Unable to resist, Jaden whispered amusingly, "Ain't he cute? He thought we were a couple."

Completely ignoring her words, Connor moved away from the catalog. As he came to stand before her, Jaden suddenly felt uneasy, nervous. For when he spoke, his voice had hardened, he looked her in the eye, "What you did outside, lying about the fire…" The look he gave her was both hard and serious; it even caused a small chill to travel down her spine. "Do not do it again."

She leaned away from him, not sure of what had caused his sudden mood to change, "What's wrong?" There was something in those amber eyes that she had never seen before. It was not rage, nor annoyance. It was…

He turned away from her, "Just do as I say."

"K..." Jaden replied, having been unsure of what else to say. She was completely taken back by his demeanor. How could her little prank outset upset him like that? It wasn't like anyone got hurt. Her eyes followed him as he returned to the catalog without another word.

A few minutes later, the store keeper brought in an arm full of clothing. Honestly she didn't think he would have any in stock. Since normally people just ordered fabrics first and made the clothes themselves. But to her amazement, the owner had some in the back that were ordered but never been claimed.

She managed to find a pair of tan cotton trousers, along with an off white sleeved blouse and a dark brown vest. They may have not been much to look at and were two sizes too big, but with some adjusting she made them work out. As for the dresses, just looking at them she knew they were nowhere near her size. The waist line alone was too tiny, having been clearly made for a very petite woman. So at least it gave a good excuse to not have to buy them. After the purchase, she thanked Connor and swore to pay him back when she returned to Boston. But once again, he told her it was not necessary.

"We need to find a place to make camp." He said once they were outside.

"Why not just stay at the Inn over there?" She pointed to the big red building down the road a little ways ahead of them.

Connor shook his head, "Redcoats lodge there."

"So…?" She pressed

Glancing down at her he asked, "Have you forgotten that you travel with a wanted man?"

"Actually, for a second there, yeah…I kinda did." Approaching the horse she added with a sigh, "Alright, camping it is then." Taking his offered hand he helped her onto the horse. They made their way up a hill and trotted past an old gray house where a man was sitting beside a campfire enjoying his evening meal. The delicious aroma of freshly cooked stew floated out to greet them, instantly it made Jaden's mouth water. It even caused Connor's stomach to let out a fierce growl. "I heard that…" She said with a chuckle.

Moments later, just as they were nearing the outskirts of Lexington, Connor slowed to a stop. From beneath the shadows of the hood his amber eyes searched the area around them, as if he were hearing something she could not. When she asked what was wrong, he motioned for her silence.

Suddenly gun fire erupted, echoing like thunder all around them. The horse reared in panic as Connor tried to regain control, but it was too late. Caught off guard from the commotion; Jaden was flung from the horse. The air was literally knocked from her lungs as she landed hard on her back. Gasping for air, she tried desperately to regain her breath.

A musket's bullet sank deep into the horse's flank, causing blood to explode from the wound. Another struck the front leg, this time their attackers managed to bring the horse to its knees. Connor sprung forward to gather Jaden into his arms. With having no other choice than to use the poor animal for a shield, he dived behind it.

Jaden struggled against him and he realized that she was not breathing, for he instructed firmly, "Do not struggle! The air will come once you calm yourself!"

'Easier said than done!' Jaden wanted to shout at him.

Gunfire erupted again and the two could hear the horse take its final breath as its body was riddled with more bullets.

Jaden felt Connor gently place his hand above her chest, his voice calmer as he tried to instruct her on regaining control of her breathing, "Do not be afraid, the air will come."

Closing her eyes, she did her best to relax despite the dangerous situation they were in. Tears fell down her face as her lungs burned, wanting nothing more than to have air fill them. With Connor's chest pressed against her back and with his arms protectively wrapped around her, she felt him move suddenly. He was glancing over the horse, someone was approaching. 'Just breathe!' she willed herself.

Then she felt Connor raise his left hand and fire his pistol. A painful scream sounded, and then the air came. Closing her eyes, Jaden gasped loudly while drinking in lung fills of air.

Seeing this, Connor laid her on her back and leaped over their shield. Coughing, Jaden didn't know what else to do other than to wait for his return. Once she managed her breathing to regulate once more, she carefully peered over the fallen horse.

Redcoats!

There were five of them; two were reloading safely behind the cover of a large fallen tree while two already lay dead on the ground. Connor was just finishing off the third soldier, his tomahawk slicing across the man's throat. Having already spotted the remaining two, Connor sprinted towards them. Not having enough time to reload, both men rose from their hiding spot and stood with their musket blades at the ready.

Just then, someone grabbed her painfully by the ponytail. Cursing in pain, Jaden was pulled roughly from her hiding spot. "On yer knees!" Demanded a thick British accent, the man shoved her into a kneeling position before him. Her heart skipped a beat when she felt the man's pistol press hard against the back of her head. He called out to Connor, "Enough of this twaddle!"

She watched helplessly as Connor turned to face them.

"That's right. There will be no more of you killing our men!" The soldier hissed. Out of the corner of Jaden's eye, he held up a sword and pointed it at Connor, "Now, come with us quietly, and we'll let the lad here go."

'Lad?' The hell?. She wasn't dressed to look like a man today. Well, okay she wasn't wearing a dress but, was she so tomboyish and that flat chested to make him think she was a male? 'Now's really not the time to be thinking that Jaden, you have a gun to your head...' There wasn't anything she could do either. If she even flinched the man may just end up pulling the trigger and the last thing she would see was her brain matter splattering across the ground.

Peering through loose strands of hair, she looked over at Connor. Their gazes locked, and with the slightest shake of her head, she signaled him not surrender. 'Run!' she pleaded with her eyes. His life was more important than hers.

He narrowed his eyes at her as he stood between the two redcoats. The second man moved so suddenly she didn't have time to shout out a warning. Taking his musket, he slammed the handle hard against the side of Connor's head, causing him to grunt in pain and fall to one knee.

"Assholes!" Jaden cursed angrily.

"Silence!" The redcoat warned, while digging the pistol harder against her head. "Unless you wish to join him, I suggest you keep quite." He nodded to his men, "Bind his hands!"

While a pair of iron cuffs for Connor's hands was brought out, Jaden noticed the blood forming from the small gash on his brow. Instantly the sight of it sent her temper a blaze.

"On your feet, boy." Ordered the man behind her.

Out the corner of her eye she watched as he lowered his sword, then she felt him remove the pistol from her head. Slowly, Jaden rose to her feet and glanced behind her. The man was clearly a higher ranking soldier, for he was wearing a slightly different uniform, decorated with metals and topped with a black bearskin hat. Even though his focus was on Connor, his pistol was still aimed on her and if she made her move now, she could possibly dodge the bullet. Then again, she could be fooling herself and just end up getting shot. Not to mention that the fear she felt was keeping her from moving.

Though she had to move, she had to do something. An image of Connor dying before her as well as Juno's warning entered her mind. His death would bring destruction, she had to force back such fear and order her body into action. Remembering back to the karate lessons she took when she was in high school, she took a breath and then made her move.

In one swift motion, Jaden twirled on her heels towards the right, as she spun around to face the man's back, she brought her arm down across his that held the pistol. Forcing his hand down, it caused him to pull the trigger. The bullet struck the ground and she slammed her fist hard against his face, the blow causing him to stumble back. Refusing to let him regain his balance, Jaden pulled a round house kick. Her boot made connect with the side of his head and sent him sprawling across the ground and the sword was knocked from his grasp.

Connor was already up and moving, his hidden blades unsheathed. Just as the soldier on his left tried to send his musket's blade into Connor's side, he easily side stepped and sank his hidden blade deep into the man's throat. The second tried to swing his musket across Connor's head, but he dodged the blow just in time. Bringing his wrist forward, the hidden blade went straight into the man's left eye socket.

Panicked, the remaining soldier turned heel and took off through the trees, screaming at the top of his lungs.

Having been distracted by Connor's impressive skills, Jaden failed to see the man whom grabbed her before make his move. Grabbing her hair once more, he forced her head back. Then placing a knife against Jaden's throat he shouted, "Enough!" He stood glaring at Connor, "Move and he dies!"

With tomahawk in hand, Connor had been ready to throw it, yet seeing the knife against her exposed throat caused him to freeze in place. His eyes were fixed on the man behind her, whom stood grinning back at him.

"That's right boy…drop your weapon and get on your knees!" He ordered again as the blood from his busted lip dripped down his chin.

Just when Jaden thought Connor was going to obey, he proved her wrong. Having moved so fast there wasn't even time to blink. The tomahawk flew through the air and struck the man right between the eyes. The soldier sank to his knees, yet as he did so, he pulled the blade across her throat.

.

.

.

(So sorry I had to cut this chapter in two sections because it was too long to post.)