Welcome back readers! I'm finally figuring out where I want this story to go, so it's going to actually start picking up now. As always, enjoy and please review!

Connor POV

I walk aimlessly through Boston, my horse following just behind me. I don't know what to do. I should respect her wishes, but I hate having her so angry at me. Why didn't I tell her the truth? She probably would have taken it better if I told her in the first place. If anything, she deserves the truth. She would have found out sooner or later, clearly.

"Connor, I didn't expect to run into you," a familiar British voice says. While I'm usually pleased to see him, I'm suddenly irritated as I face Father. He dismounts his horse and approaches me.

"I wasn't planning to be back in town," I reply simply.

"Something go wrong with your date?"

"It wasn't a date, I'll have you know. Anyway, I was attacked again today."

"Another Poisonstar?"

"Yes. He called me an Assassin in front of her, so I had to tell her everything. She did not take it well."

"Aww, did she dump you?" I feel my heart break. No, she did not "dump me," as we were never together. But now I really don't stand a chance.

"You're such a jerk, I don't know why I talk to you." He sighs.

"I'm sorry. That was insensitive and uncalled for."

"Yeah. It really was. I'm going back to the house." I turn to go, but he catches my arm.

"Wait, tell me what happened." I sigh. I really don't want to talk about it.

"She's not even mad that I'm an Assassin, just that I never told her. After accusing me of lying, she told me she never wanted to see me again." He looks away, seeming distant. He's quiet for several seconds, then looks me in the eyes.

"No, you go find her and make it up to her."

"What? Did you hear me?"

"I heard you, and I'm telling you that you won't forgive yourself if you don't make amends."

"I'm guessing something similar happened between you and Mom?" He sighs.

"Sort of…" I frown.

"That's also what happened between you and I, in a way."

"It feels different on this side of things, doesn't it?" I sigh.

"Well, I suppose thinking of it that way helps me understand her feelings."

"Either way, I want you to go talk to her."

"Look, I need to respect her wishes. Besides, this is obviously my punishment for letting myself get distracted with feelings." I look to the ground.

"You are allowed to love, you know. The only mistake was not being honest with her about who and what you are. Not to mention about how you feel."

"It is better this way. At least she is no longer in my life by choice instead of death."

"What does that mean?"

"Every time I care about someone, they die. My mother. My best friend." I close my eyes, feeling another wave of emotion. "Achilles." He puts his hand on my shoulder.

"He's not dead, Connor."

"Yet. Even he admits he's on death's doorstep though. Point being, I rarely allow myself to let anyone in, but when I do I lose them."

"None of that was your fault. Your mother died in a fire as a result of a war that had nothing to do with you or her. Your friend was deceived into thinking you were the enemy and you had to kill him to save yourself. Which, might I mention, was also the result of something that really had nothing to do with you or your people, you just got dragged into it."

"What about you? I care about you, and I almost lost you too."

"But you didn't. Besides, if I had died that night, it would have been my own fault."

"Now you're just arguing technicalities."

"Look, son. Life is cruel, there's no denying that. But for Christ's sake, do not make the same mistake I did. Don't just give up, or you'll be miserable."

"She deserves better anyway." I look up at him and he rolls his eyes.

"Quit acting like you don't deserve to be happy."

"I don't though. Every time I think things are going my way, something happens." I look away. "Anyway, I'm sure you didn't come to town to talk to me anyway. I'll see you later." I mount my horse and ride away, ignoring Father calling my name.

Several hours later, I still find myself still riding around through Boston. I feel so empty. I'm so distracted with my thoughts that I don't notice I rode to Emily's store until I'm in front of it. I sigh and turn to leave. I need to quit feeling sorry for myself.

I stop when I hear a scream. I look around the streets of Boston, seeing it uncharacteristically empty. There's only one other place that could have come from. I spring off my horse and rush inside. I know I'll have some explaining to do, but their safety will always come first.

By the time I make it inside, Mr. Carson is on the floor and another man is about to stab him. I sprint in and punch him in the jaw. I grab his arm and twist it, then elbow him in the stomach. He gasps in pain and drops the knife. I flip him by his arm, so he lands on his back. Pinning him in place, I kneel next to him.

"Who are you?" I demand.

"Take a guess," he replies with a grunt.

"Another Poisonstar? What business have you with these two?"

"We've learned you care about the girl."

"So now you're attacking innocents to get to me?"

"I think you should know we aren't above that." I sigh.

"Listen, I'm going to let you go. I want you to return to whoever sent you and inform them that if anyone comes after her again, I will kill them. Am I clear?"

"Crystal." I get up and kick the man.

"Get out of here." He gets up and runs out, not bothering to get his knife. I help Mr. Carson to his feet. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, thank you," he says.

"Connor," Emily says. My heart sinks again, knowing she's about to kick me out.

"I… I'm sorry, I'll go," I say. I turn to leave.

"Wait." I freeze and turn back around.

"Yes?"

"You saved my father's life. And probably mine as well. I thank you for that."

"It was nothing, really." She approaches me, and I notice her Father leaving.

"It was a big deal."

"Well, you're welcome. I'm just glad I was in the right place at the right time."

"Me too. I did want to talk to you about earlier."

"What about it?"

"I think I understand now. Your life is dangerous, and you only wanted to keep me safe."

"A lot of good that did, apparently."

"Still, the effort was there. I realize I overreacted." I shake my head.

"No, your feelings were justified. It was wrong of me to mislead you."

"Listen, I'm trying to say I forgive you." I smile. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

"Thank goodness…"

"Just promise me something."

"What?"

"Do not ever keep anything from me or deceive me again."

"I promise." She gives me a hug, and I eagerly return the embrace.

"Thank you."

"Of course." After a few moments, she steps back. "I want to teach you some self-defense. Maybe your father as well. I was hoping to keep a target off your backs, but it seems they've got you in their sights, so it would be for the best for you to know how to defend yourself."

"That may be wise. Should we tell him about what you are?"

"He knows. Apparently, he worked with those before me, and had heard of me."

"Oh…"

"What?"

"Nothing."

"It's not nothing."

"I shouldn't get upset, I'm sure he didn't tell me for the same reason you didn't."

"He would have told you if he still took an active part in it. He hasn't done much, if anything, most of our lives." I sigh and look down. "I know for a fact he would not keep it from you intentionally. He probably never thought about it again."

"That is comforting. Father?" He returns.

"Yeah?" he asks.

"Connor thinks he should teach us some self-defense."

"That sounds fine with me."

"Excellent. I know it's rather late, so we could do it now or wait until tomorrow," I say.

"We may as well do it now, the store is open tomorrow as well," Emily says.

"Okay."

Haytham POV

I sit in my room, reading over my journal entry for the day. After Connor ran off, I may have gotten involved in pursuing a Poisonstar. Not that I'll tell Connor that. He would be upset, considering he is convinced I'm too injured to do anything still. Either way, I didn't do very much. I simply located one of them and interrogated them. After a short pursuit, of course.

I hear the front door open and close, then frown. Does Connor always stay out late? I get up and go to find him. When I leave my room, I find him in the kitchen. He's starting up a fire in the stove when I enter. I shake my head.

"There you are. Do you know what time it is?" I ask.

"No, but I know you ask that question a lot," he replies.

"Maybe because it's always so late when I do. Where were you, son?"

"I was out riding when I happened upon Emily and her father in trouble."

"Emily is the girl you like?"

"Yes. So I go inside to help. It was another Poisonstar, apparently after her because they know we're friends. After I handled the situation, we talked about what happened and made amends. Then I trained her and her father in some self-defense."

"Well, I'm glad you worked things out. I'm sure they'll be fine, but I would recommend having them trained further to be sure. Also, you should have told her the truth about something else."

"I am not telling her how I feel."

"Why?"

"I cannot do anything about it. The feelings will surely pass."

"Oh, Connor, I wish you would embrace them." He shrugs, standing up.

"I know." I shake my head.

"You get to bed and get some good rest, son."

"I will as soon as I eat dinner."

"Okay. Goodnight."

"Goodnight." I ruffle his hair and leave the room.

The next morning, I sit at the table eating breakfast and drinking some tea. I look up as Connor groggily enters the kitchen. He makes himself a plate of eggs and bacon, then joins me at the table.

"Good morning, Connor," I say warmly.

"Morning," he mumbles.

"So, is today the day you're going to play soldier boy?"

"Yeah."

"And if the Commander's fears about another war is true?"

"I guess I'll be his errand boy longer." I sigh.

"I hate that you have to do that."

"Me too, but not much I can do about it."

"You aren't exactly a soldier."

"I kind of am, though."

"You know what I meant." He rolls his eyes, and the action hits me with sorrow. He reminds me of Ziio when he does that.

"I don't trust you," she had said.

"I know," I replied as I caught up to walk beside her. The memory seems so recent, but it was years ago when we were pursuing Braddock.

"Yet you remain."

"That I may prove you wrong."

"It will not happen."

"So you say."

"So I know."

"Yet… I remain." She rolled her eyes back then, and now her son is the spitting image of her. I miss that woman.

"Hello? Earth to Father?" Connor says, breaking me from my stupor.

"I'm sorry, what?" I reply.

"I was informing you I was leaving, but you clearly have better things on your mind."

"I apologize." Connor begins toward the door, but then stops.

"You were thinking of her, weren't you?" I sigh. Connor can be so naïve sometimes, but others he is so perceptive.

"How did you know?"

"I've seen you make that face when I mentioned her before. I know you miss her."

"Yes. I did love her, you know. If I had known about you… things would have been different. I would have been there for you. I guess I'm trying to say…"

"I forgive you." I smile. He smiles slightly before pulling on his hood and leaving.

Connor POV

I enter the camp, dressed as a soldier. If I'm honest, I'm not entirely sure where to begin my investigation. According to Washington, he made sure no one here will recognize me. No one is to know my mission either, not even the general— or, perhaps especially not the general. Only Commander Washington, Father, and I know what I'm really doing here. That is, if everything is according to plan.

"Ah, Connor, right?" someone asks from behind me. I turn around to see a general.

"Yes, sir!" I reply, saluting.

"At ease." I relax. "I've been expecting you."

"You have?"

"Yes, the Commander told me you'd be coming."

"What are my orders, sir?"

"There's not much going on at the moment. Since the war is nearly over, we're really just keeping the peace and catching any stray redcoats. You're just gonna stay under the wing of one of the other soldiers for now."

"Understood."

"Good. For now, why don't you make yourself comfortable with the others? It's nearly dinner time anyway."

"Yes, sir." I salute once more before going to try and mingle.

I sit by the fire where some other soldiers are trying to keep warm. A couple shoot me sour looks. I sigh. This may be harder than I thought.

"Well, who are you?" one of the soldiers asks. He's pretty average in size, with red hair and freckles. He's white, as are the rest of the soldiers, but his skin is very pale in comparison.

"My name is Connor," I reply.

"It's not often we get new recruits, Connor. Especially not now."

"I'm not new, I just got moved over here."

"What battles you been in, then?"

"Well, I was at Monmouth, Bunker Hill…"

"Bunker Hill? Isn't that where that one guy ran in and killed the general?" someone else pipes in. He's got a large build, slightly larger than me. He has dark brown hair, and a very thin moustache.

"Yeah, it was John Pitcairn that he killed," the first soldier replies.

"I thought it was due to the fighting," another guy asks. This one is slightly smaller than the second and has dark blonde hair and very sun-tanned skin.

"Nah, it wasn't. Apparently, this guy dashed across the battlefield in the middle of a fight and killed the general."

"Did you see him, Connor?" the third asks.

"No, I guess I was too busy fighting to notice," I reply.

"You sure? He wasn't one of ours, so he would have stood out."

"I did not see him."

"Oh, well. Would've been cool if you had."

"I'd like to learn a lesson or two from him. I hear he was at other battles too, helping in ways we couldn't. The man is a badass," the first says.

"Probably just a myth," I reply.

"Maybe, maybe not. I bet Commander Washington knows," the third says.

"Why don't you ask him then?" the first asks.

"Yeah, right. As if I could get in to see him anyway, but especially about that."

"Alright ladies, enough gossip. Connor, my name is John Barnett," the second man says.

"Isaac Irwin," says the third.

"And I'm James Poole," the first says.

"Pleasure," I say.

"You never gave us a last name," John says.

"I do not have one."

"He's Indian, you fool! Connor is probably a made-up name anyway," James says.

"It is. Many people cannot say my real name."

"What is it?" Isaac asks.

"Ratonhnhaké:ton."

"It's a mouthful alright. But a strong name."

"We shall stick to Connor," James says, patting me on the back.

"So, Connor, what tribe are you from?"

"The Mohawk," I say.

"Weren't they kicked off their land?" I physically wince.

"Yes…"

"Why didn't you go with them?"

"Hey, didn't you see the way he reacted? That subject is touchy. Back off," James says.

"My bad."

"Sorry, Connor. He's an idiot."

"Who are you callin' an idiot, you lobcock?"

"Enough, you two," I say. "It truly is no big deal. I know it was innocent curiosity."

"Come an' get it!" someone calls from a distance.

"Come on, Connor. Let's go get some grub," Isaac says. I gladly follow them, feeling my stomach growl at the thought of food.

Connor POV

"No it ain't! You're pullin' my leg," John is saying as I join them with my breakfast, if it could be called that. Today is the third day I've been here, and so far, all I've learned is that the soldiers eat a small variety of bland meat, bread, and beans. Now, my plate only consists of pork and a small piece of bread.

"Is too. Heard it from the general this morning," Isaac says.

"Heard what?" I ask, trying not to scrunch my nose as I take a bite of my breakfast.

"He claims the war is over," James says, rolling his eyes as he takes a drink from his cup. I assume it contains rum, considering how much of the stuff these people drink.

"It's true!" Isaac says.

"Sure it is," John says sarcastically.

"The British gave up! They signed the Treaty of Paris in September, and word only just reached here. That's why we've been doing a whole lot of nothing."

"This makes sense. I overheard some generals talking a couple days ago. They sent a few people to negotiate peace a while back," I say.

"See? We're now a free country! And at peace!" James sighs and shakes his head.

"Not for long, the way I hear it," James says.

"How do ya mean?" John asks.

"Well… I hear another rebellion is brewing." I pause, setting the mouthful I was about to eat back on the plate. Now we're getting somewhere.

"What do you know of it?" I ask.

"All I know is it's connected to the disappearing soldiers. They're deserting to start something new."

"What makes you think they're connected?"

"Nothing to think about, they tried to recruit me."

"And you didn't tell anyone?" Isaac asks.

"I did! Told Commander Washington myself! He assured me he'd send his best man to investigate."

"I'll bet it's that badass feller we was talking about the other night!" I roll my eyes.

"Maybe."

"You think he'll be here soon?"

"You think we'll know when he is? He could be here right now for all we know," John says, poking at his breakfast.

"Fair point. He'll stop it," James says.

"Does anyone know where they're disappearing to?" I ask.

"No."

"They'll probably kill James for spilling what he knows," Isaac says with a smirk. While I can tell he was joking, James' face turns pale.

"I don't know anything!" I sigh as finish my breakfast, meditating on the information and ignoring the useless conversation they're having now.

Connor POV

The sun set two hours ago, and I rush through the trees. I've been out here searching for anything at all of use and have found nothing. Perhaps it is time to try and find someone else in the camp who'll talk. With luck, I could even get the new rebels to try and recruit me.

"I swear, I don't know anything!" I hear James say, then freeze. I notice some light in the direction I heard his voice, and so I head in that direction to find him. Sure enough, he's tied to a tree and is covered in blood. I'm willing to be it's his own.

"You knew enough to report it to Washington! Now we can't surprise attack him like we planned! I bet he sent his Assassin here, too!" the other man shouts, pulling out a knife. He looks no different than any other soldier in the camp.

"Please, I can't do any more harm!"

"No, but you will pay for what harm you did cause." I jump from the tree and land silently behind the man.

"I doubt that very much," I say. The man turns and tries to stab me, but I quickly disarm him. I pin him on the ground face down with his hands behind his back.

"Assassin scum! You and the Templars will burn to the ground!" I roll my eyes. I'm so scared.

"Who are you? Why are you trying to start another war?"

"Oh, fuck off, injun." I extend my hidden blade and press it to his back.

"I demand answers."

"Please, you would kill me without information?"

"It would be inconvenient, but I could find others."

"I ain't sayin' shit."

"So you want to be tortured? Because that's always an option." I frown after saying that, remembering how angry Father got the last time I threatened torture.

"That's not your style."

"You're right. But you know who would? My father. Perhaps I should send for him."

"No! Please, no!" I smirk.

"Why? He would just ask you politely. After having you tied up, beaten, and probably stabbed. No big deal, right?"

"I'll tell you everything! Just please don't summon him!"

"Then spill."

"It's the Poisonstars! We're recruiting soldiers to fight Washington."

"Why?"

"Why? Because it's either him or us with the power. What do you think?" I sigh. Of course.

"When do you begin attacking?"

"We've not decided. We're working on building an effective army right now." I knock him unconscious. I untie James, who's trembling.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

"You… you're the guy who Washington sent… who helped in all those battles… you aren't a soldier at all," he says.

"Are. You. Okay?"

"Just a little beat up…"

"Listen, you cannot discuss this with anyone, okay? I do not know who is to be trusted."

"Why did he call you an Assassin? What's a Templar? And a Poisonstar? Why did you say your father would torture him? Who—"

"Never mind all those questions. You must swear to never discuss this."

"Or what, you'll have me tortured or killed?"

"I am not the enemy, James. But these things are top secret and my mission requires that no one knows of it. Do you wish to sabotage me?"

"No… but I demand answers."

"I cannot give you any. I suggest you return to camp." He crosses his arms.

"Answer me at least one question."

"Fine, what is it?"

"Why are these… Poisonstars after Washington?"

"That's what I'm trying to figure out. They seek power, so based off what this guy said they're wanting to grab it away from Washington. Though my knowledge is limited. I'll have to keep digging to try and stop this war before it begins."

"I want to help." I raise my eyebrows.

"You do?"

"Yes, I could learn how to fight and then help you stop them."

"Very well. I will give you the chance, but not before you know what you're getting into. However, now is not the time. I will contact you when the time is right."

"Fine, but you'd better not let me down." I pat his shoulder.

"You have my word. In the meantime, we should see to your wounds."

"Of course."