Hello,

Here is another chapter! Chapter 18, 19 and 20 are quite important as they kind of finish this 'arc.' I'm not going to spoil them though ^^ Hope you look forward to them.

! AC3 Ending Spoiler Alert ! Disclaimer: All characters (except Annora and Marie) belong to Ubisoft, as do the cover images.

Knowing Ann is hiding something, Connor decides to find the truth himself, without her help.

Enjoy! :)

XVIII

'Trust without cynicism is hollow.'

"I never had the chance to ask your name, sir."

"Haytham. Haytham Kenway".

Connor held the steel sword with both hands, staring at the design with confusion in his eyes. He knew he had seen it somewhere, even its weight became utterly familiar. He returned it to rest on the table in the kitchen, shaking his head as he struggled to remember. Then he realized that there was something that could aid him, it was his eagle vision. He used it many times before when hunting or searching for a target. What stopped him from using it again? He reached his hand out, fingers trembling as he closed his eyes, he was afraid of what he would see. He expected it, but wanted to deny the possibility at the same time, however still believed only the truth would unveil who Ann really was and what she planned. He took a deep breath.

"What are you doing?"

His palm hovered over the surface, so close to the cold weapon yet unable to touch it, as if she controlled him. He turned to look at the woman, her body resting against the door frame as she crossed her arms with an expectant expression painting her face. She quirked an eyebrow and made a movement with her head, as if to signal that she wanted an answer.

"I was testing it out," he mumbled innocently.

"I know I'm not a trained warrior, but that's certainly not how you test a weapon."

"Desperate times require desperate measures."

"I don't understand, what are you trying to prove Connor?"

He frowned and looked back at the sword again, his hand still impatiently feathering across the object. "I know you're hiding something," he muttered after a while. She took a few steps towards him and reached out to take the sword, but his hand was already grasping her wrist, stopping her from moving any further. "I just want the truth."

"There is nothing to hide, just like there is no truth."

"You're lying, I can feel it."

"Fine, do with it as you will, but it won't tell you anything," she waved her arm until he let her go, while an annoyed sigh escaped her lips. He only nodded, the anticipation was destroying him, so he suddenly took a firm hold of the weapon and closed his eyes, focusing on the aura it was giving off. He focused with such strength that it didn't take long before he saw the colours settling into a series of images, smells, sounds and even feelings.

He looked down at her and smiled, refusing to take it.

"It's yours now. I'll teach you how to use it when you return."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I want you to have it," he eagerly forced it into her hands, taking her palm and folding it around the handle. Still holding on, he stepped behind her and guided her hand, swinging the deadly rapier around. She carefully stepped back, colliding into his chest with his arms still around her.

At that moment he saw it all, imprinted in the sword itself. His Father. It was as if the corpse came to life, as if it was just a dream that he felt he was experiencing. Ann watched him with curiosity and then saw him throw his head back and suddenly push the metal forward until it fell off the table, a loud crash filling the air as it collided with the stone floor. He opened his eyes, clenching his wrist as if he just burnt his hand, his teeth gritting together in what seemed a combination of pain and anger. It took him a while to calm down while Ann stood there dumbfounded, in shock, watching as his breathing slowed and his eye lids blinked several times. She didn't know what to do or what was happening, so she stayed silent until he grasped his temple with his palm and let out an exasperated sigh.

"Connor?"

"You lied the whole time, I know now that I've seen it with my own eyes."

"Seen? Seen what?"

"My Father!" He roared suddenly, a gasp escaping her when she heard his shout spread through the room and clenched her hands when she felt her heart jump out of her chest. The man looked her dead in the eye, his were no longer the same tender shade, they were full of fury, disappointment and fear which seemed to completely overtake his character. "You met with him, he gave you the sword! Why did you not tell me? Did you meet with him after you ran from me? Did you think I wouldn't find out?"

"Yes, yes I did meet him that time," she replied quickly, realising that she was facing the consequences of returning to Connor, of following Haytham's command. Did the man anticipate such a turn of events, she didn't know. "I..," she struggled to get her words together, "he saved me from the wolf."

Then Connor's eyes widened and he couldn't believe anything she told him. His Father was dead, they buried him, the bastard Lee even mourned him. "He is supposed to be dead, how are you going to explain that? Was it his ghost or some sort of magic trick? Are you trying to fool me, woman?"

"No! You cannot deny his death anymore, you can't be unreasonable like that."

"Was that the only time you met with him? Please, be honest with me," Connor said then, clenching his hand into a fist and resting it on the table for support, unable to believe what was actually happening. There was a silence, Ann didn't reply, instead looked away and felt tears form in her eyes, completely torn. She had no idea how to reply, she wanted to keep on lying, to protect Haytham, to protect herself from Connor's reaction to the truth. Yet he asked her for the truth, and she hated herself for being unable to give it to him.

"It was," she whispered, knowing at that moment that she was going straight to hell. Her lips formed into a thin line as she shut her eyes, praying for the man before her to believe her words. Her hands became hot as she became more nervous and she let out a whimper.

"I saw him dying, I stabbed him right here," Connor lifted his finger up and pointed to his neck, while Ann opened here eyes and watched as his expression changed to that of complete shock. "I heard his last words, and now... Now you're telling all of that was a lie? The moment I had waited for all my life, to finally free these lands from the Templar's, from my Father, was all a lie?"

"Don't say that," she muttered and he looked over at her, shaking his head.

"It explains why you spoke his name in your sleep."

Her eyes widened and she gave him a sudden, questioning, glance. "What?"

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done what I have last night, but I still regret nothing."

"Have you anything to admit to? What exactly did you do after I fell asleep?"

"I did nothing except watching over you as I have promised, do you not consider me a man? Do you not understand that I have my own urges and reactions, especially when the woman I love is right before my eyes, unaware, fragile, unable to defend herself."

"How dare you... Are you trying to suggest-."

"I did nothing of that sort, I only wished to warm you and be near you. Is it too much to ask?"

"I don't know what to say to such a confession Connor," she calmed slightly, "of course I consider you a man, yet I never really thought about those things, I never knew you felt so strongly towards me."

"I'm not childishly infatuated with you Ann, my feelings are as strong as any other, and as real as anything that we can see with our own eyes and touch with our own hands."

"I don't know what to say, I've already told you-."

"I know, it's impossible... You love another, you can never betray him..."

"You should know I never intended to hurt you."

"I know you didn't." There was a silence. Then he looked at her again and saw the worry and fear still present in her eyes, so he decided to let her go. "After I give you the papers, I think you should leave, you will have your tickets, what you came for. I don't think I will be needed any more."

The man walked over to a counter and picked up a sealed envelope. He returned to Ann and handed the papers to her, as the smooth texture slid into her palm, she realised she had what she came for. But felt nothing because she couldn't comprehend how easily Connor gave her what she wanted. He demanded nothing in return. Not her heart or her body, or her skills – or lack thereof – so she didn't understand how the man just handed her the tickets without any question. She couldn't believe it was all that simple.

And despite it all, despite wanting to return to Haytham, Ann was surprised at the sudden change in the Natives behaviour. She needed the training and couldn't return without having the necessary skills. But he completely gave up not only on his feelings, but on her training as well. She felt disappointed, but knew it was for the best, knew she wasn't able to hide the truth and face him at the same time, knew she couldn't allow herself to hurt him anymore. Still... She wanted to know why he suddenly decided to make her leave.

"Why?" She asked, her voice quiet, expecting what he was about to say.

"I've changed my mind, I thought it over, and I can't bear to have you with me without laying a finger on you, without hurting over this unrequited love of mine."

"I understand, in a way, I just wanted to finish the training with you, even if I'm selfish in wanting to do so. But if it pains you, I will leave."

"Thank you, Ann, I hope you don't despise me for not fulfilling my duties as a Mentor."

"Sometimes our feelings are more important than our duties Connor, so I have no hard feelings for you. I'm sorry for not telling you about the sword, I should have taken your feelings into consideration."

"You can have it back, it's yours. I don't know why Father acted so familiar with you, but maybe that's just the eagle sense failing me."

"Thank you," she replied and made her way to the place where the sword fell, picking it up carefully and wondering what it really was that Connor did, and what he saw. She grasped the handle and lifted it up, admiring it, just like she always admired Haytham from afar. Like she admired him when he was close to her, when he tried to steal kisses, despite knowing how she would react. He was a divine man, his eyes, his lips, his hands, even his voice were all ravishing. Yet he wasn't divine in nature, and it took Ann so long to see that. She didn't want to accuse him or doubt him, she trusted him with her life, yet she still felt betrayed, if not used. Haytham must have known everything would eventually come out of the shadows, he must have known how his son would suffer upon finding out. How she would suffer when accused of lying and being a traitor to not only Connor but the Assassins. It hurt her to lie like that, and all those consequences would take place if she had not lied again. All to protect Haytham. All to protect her one and only.

"I will leave today as soon as I pack my bag, thank you for your hospitality," she said as she stood in the doorway, the bloodied sword in her hand. Connor's eyes followed her form when she turned and walked away, and he hated the fact that he still doubted her. He still didn't believe all that she said. There was much more. But it was as if he was destined not to know, as if whatever relation she had with Haytham was hidden in the dark recesses of her past and was supposed to stay there, never to face the light of day.

Ann never said good-bye before departing. She swiftly packed the few belongings she had and decided to leave through the back doors, she didn't want to face the man, knowing she would just burst into tears. Her legs carried her back home at a comfortable pace as she held the rucksack with one hand, swinging it over her shoulder every now and again. The forest was well-lit by the midday sun, yet it was still cold. She followed the main path, in fear of being attacked by wildlife again, but nevertheless carried the sword in her hand, ready to use it in case of an emergency. She left feather light tracks in the dirt as she kept on walking, hearing the calls of forest birds and the occasional pitter-patter of feet as rabbits and other creatures crossed the path, quickly dispersing when they saw her approaching. She turned to see if there was no one following her, afraid of Connor finding out that she left without a word and deciding to track her down and convince her to come back. She was afraid because she felt like taking up the offer, after having her eyes opened and realising what kind of man Haytham really was. She wanted to deny it, deny that he was the bad guy and the cause of the suffering that took place in the past years, including the murder of her own Father, but she couldn't lie anymore, especially not to herself. She only walked for about two hours before she felt hunger forming itself in her stomach, she didn't have breakfast, and what was even worse was that she didn't pack any food, once again in order to avoid seeing Connor before leaving his Manor. She felt tears form in her eyes and stopped by a nearby oak tree, sliding down its trunk hopelessly until she sat on the dirt she once walked on. She hated herself at that moment. She felt betrayed by Haytham, but still felt like she belonged to him - she desired him and loved him despite it all - but was betraying Connor by doing so. How did the Templar plan on getting her out of the mess he put her in? She took out the envelope and inspected the wax seal, the weight of the situation crashing down upon her. She held the key that would unlock a passage to London, a life in a completely foreign country, a life she never dreamed of but was there in front of her, awaiting her arrival.

She threw her head back against the tree, and cursed under her breath. She wished everything was different, she wished she knew Haytham like Connor or Charles knew him. She wished he didn't see her as a weak woman who would comply to his will. Yet she was always in need of protection, she was weak, and chose to comply every time he asked for anything. Yet he did ask her for her love and her body. He wanted her to love him. He showed her affection, passion even. She really wasn't sure what to make out of such behaviour. It all just hurt her more and more, and she struggled to bear with the thought of being used and abandoned again. She didn't want Haytham to do that, no, she loved him too much to bear the thought of him hating her and leaving her in the cold. She wanted to continue living in the perfect fantasy that she herself created. But reality was right before her, and she could never again deny it. She had to learn to live in reality, she had to accept that her Father was dead, and that Haytham was the one to order the attack. Accept that Charles executed him. Accept that she was only a tool in everyone's game. That at the end of the day, she was only a disposable woman, yet had the strength to fight on her own. She had the strength her Father gave to her, and no matter who she belonged to or who she was, Assassin or Templar, she had that strength and she would never allow it to go to waste. The least she could do was stand up for herself, be who her Father wanted her to be. Speak the words her Mother wrote to her before her death. Ann closed her eyes, too many thoughts were clouding her mind.

"Well... Hello there Ann."

It was that same familiar voice that haunted her through the years that suddenly had Ann up on her feet, her bag dropping to the ground with an almost silent thud compared to the beating of her heart when she saw the man approach her. It was Charles himself, coming back to haunt her in reality. Her grasp on Haytham's sword was never before so tight, and she felt cold sweat run down her hands as they paled. She was stricken with fear, but this time did her best not to show it. Her feet were apart and she took the stance Connor taught her, while she added another hand to her hold on the weapon, swinging it directly in front of her eyes. Charles wore his signature grin and seemed to be defenseless except for the pistol that rested in his palm with sickening comfort.

"Stay back you bastard!" Ann shouted, her voice trembling at first, crossing the threshold between her and the predator.

"What are you going to do? Run at me with your little sword and stab me?"

"Don't think I won't."

"But I do think you aren't capable of such acts Ann, dear, I'll land a bullet through that precious skull of yours before you even take a step towards me with that thing."

Those words were not only cold, they were cruel. Ann never heard someone say such a thing to her, she never expected it. A shiver threatened to run down her spine, but she only tightened her grip on the weapon and aimed its piercing edge at the assailant.

"I feel like you are mocking my abilities. I'm sorry I'm not as good a fighter as your precious Haytham is, but don't worry, your death will be quick and quite clean unless you state otherwise."

"I said stay back!" She only replied through gritted teeth, pretending his ruthlessness didn't move her at all. She began to pray at that moment, pray for anyone to aid her. She didn't want her life to end like that, by Charles' hand, not when she already escaped him once before. She didn't want her life to go to waste ever again.

"All of us want a second chance."

Those were her own words, and at that moment they mattered more than ever before.

Her eyes widened when she noticed he took a step forward, moving his arms up in the air, with his pistol barrel pointed right at her, his fingers on the trigger, with no remorse in his eyes. No apologies, no emotions. He was ready to kill her right then, in cold blood. He was ready to pierce her with a bullet and end everything they ever had, all the love and all the hatred they felt for each other, all those years ago and even then at that moment, during the final confrontation.

"You can still turn back Charles, please, leave this as it is."

"No!" He shouted then, "you are foolish to think I will fall for the same words, the words that your Father spoke before his demise. I have waited long enough to get my hands on those blades, those damned Blades of Eden, the answer we were searching for. I have waited long enough to destroy everyone in your bloodline, you bastard child!"

"Don't involve my Father in this dispute..."

"It's not your Father, nor you, it's your blood! Do you not see the truth that is right before your eyes Ann? We were to wipe out all Assassins, but you, you are not just an Assassin. You are so much more."

"I have no idea what you are talking about, put the pistol down and walk away Charles!"

"I've done enough talking, I'll let you die knowing that your sacrifice will be for the greater good of your Order. I've made sure of that."

"No!" Ann screamed, instinctively shielding herself with her arms, the sword she held falling out of her palms and crashing to the dirt beneath her feet.

How many times could one escape death?

How many times could one forgive?

She wished she had more time to find out.

What will happen to Ann!? :O Find out in Chapter 19!

A/N I'll try to put the next chapter up today/tomorrow :) Please leave a review/fave/follow if you enjoyed this chapter! Thank you! ^^

Till next time!

AssassinSuzy