The Voice of Energy

Though I enjoyed my time here, and many of the people I came across (most of the younger Assassins had warmed to me – and even some of the more experienced ones were beginning to tolerate my presence), spending most of day in the hideout was growing exhausting, and I longed for the day I was able to come and go as I pleased.

The main issue I had with this wish, was that I was still a wanted person in much of Eastern China. On top of the fact that the Assassins only allowed my staying with the knowledge that I would be leaving soon.

Though, I had already decided that I didn't wish to. I had friends here, and as much as I felt it strange (I had only known her a few short weeks), I loved Jun like a sister, or so I told myself. I found myself worrying about her incessantly when she was not beside me, despite her capability of surviving.

It had been several weeks since I had last seen her; some lower ranking Assassins had been caught attempting to break into the Forbidden City, and their rescue demanded several Master Assassins' attention – one of them was a noble's son, and though he had not yet been recognised; it was imperative to recover him before he was. His identification would alert the Emperor, who would turn his attention to the noble in question; an Assassin himself.

For now, I spent most of my days with Daiyu, Cheng and Zhu (the brute, however, only agreed to watch me for safety, rather than because he enjoyed my company). Nevertheless, I adored the time I spent with the other two Assassins, with Daiyu and I even teaching Cheng to dance. Who, in turn, had taught me the art of falconry and continued my combat training. And I insisted that we all sit and drink tea together, and it was during one of these sessions that Jun returned to me; after noticing her presence, Daiyu and Cheng bowed to her and left us alone in the balmy space.

There was silence between us for a moment, before I, desperate the break the tension, stepped towards her, grinning. "You were gone longer than expected." I spoke softly, reaching my hand out to take hers.

She nodded in return, relaxing her hands and allowing me to touch her. "There were…" She paused, her gaze drifting to her palm. "… Complications."

I frowned, unable to resist showing my emotion; "Are the Masters well?"

She smiled, nodding once more. "Yes." She took her hands away, and went to lower her equipment to the floor, first her packs, and then her weapons. One by one, until she was completely unarmed, save the blades in her boots.

As she moved, I took a breath, pushing the conversation forwards. "I'm glad to hear it. Did you free the young ones?"

She paused, looking up to me. Though she didn't say it, I could see sorrow in her eyes – and I felt I already knew the answers I had sought. "Just the boy."

"The others?" I whispered. But there was no response. "Is he well, at least?"

"We had to leave some of him behind." She finally spoke, her voice barely penetrating the silence.

I rushed to her side, taking her hands in mine again – "Jun," I struggled to think of what to say, desperately attempting to analyse a way to change the subject, though I needn't have bothered.

"I missed you."

I looked up to see her eyes staring into my own; hindering my thought process and almost rendering me unable to speak. I repeated her name, disorientated by the unexpected affection.

After this, she brought her lips to mine and kissed me. It lasted just a second, and I could notice that her usual sweet and floral scent was blocked by the harsh stench of the road, but I could hardly care as she cradled me in her arms for that moment, and touched her chin to my shoulder in an embrace.

Then, suddenly, we parted and it was as if she had never left – performing several tasks at once in her usual swift and determined manner, and I had all but ushered from the room as she drew a bath.

"We'll talk later." She assured me, planting another tender kiss to my cheek before directing Zhu to escort me to the hall for food. And at all this; my decision was made. There was no place for me anywhere in the world, but by her side.

A/N: I apologise for lack of updates, again. My exams are finished, but I've got a summer job - it's very exhausting, so it takes me a while to finish a chapter.