DISCLAIMER: I don't own assassin's creed or the characters. Except Alexei and Rozalina! Thanks so much for supporting this OC! I'm glad you all like the Russian Assassin and how I portrayed Connor, you guys are too nice to me and I love your reviews. Thank you, thank you.

Chapter 3: Die Another Day

"CONNOR!" I screamed for him, he reached for me as a guard started to drag me away. Charles slammed the door shut and I was dragged away from it as the guard struggled to hold me. Another guard had to come over and binded my hands and ankles before shoving me to the ground and putting his foot on my back. I breathed heavily and shook with anger... The door opened again as Connor was lead out, his hands bound behind his back.

"Connor!" I shouted over at him before the guard kicked me in the face and I spat some blood. "I'll get you out of here!"

He was shoved forward and nodded at me. I lost sight of him and I wanted to cry. I had a feeling they wouldn't keep their promise but I might as well see what they're planning next and get mine as well as Connor's things. Thomas pulled me up, "Come on, swee'art. We got a execution to get ready for.."

"No! Please, can I at least get my things?" I was sobbing now, "Please, it's all I ask!"

"It'll keep her quiet.." Charles said, "Just let her get her things and we'll be off"

I smiled and nearly ran off "Thank you!"
The guards cut the binds on my ankles so I could walk and escorted me down to the confiscated items area. I retrieved my bag with my possessions still in there, I collected my weapons as well as Connor's. When I was questioned as why I had no many weapons I simply replied. "In case I broke a few, duh?"

Thomas and Charles would have sussed me out as lying but the guards thought that a violent Russian would probably break many weapons and let it pass. I walked out with my things as well as Connor's things including his robes and weapons and walked out of Bridewell Prison. The morning was fast approaching... that meant it was the 28th of June... Connor was going to be trailed then maybe executed. I wanted to cry but I couldn't show my pain. Thomas Hickey grabbed me by the neck, applying pressure till he threw me in a carriage. I tried to get out the other side but both Charles Lee and Hickey sat either side of me, they blocked me in. They placed a blindfold around my head, my vision completely stolen, the swaying of the carriage making me feel ill. We arrived early that morning as the sun heated my face and the blindfold taken from my eyes, I blinked. My eyes were sore as Hickey grabbed me again pushing me toward some type of Fort? The Templar Fort maybe? I was shoved in a room and told to present myself nicely before I heard the lock in the door click. A few dresses were laid out on the bed, like I'd be stupid enough to stay in this shithole. I decided to be smart and get out. I put a chair underneath the door handle to stop anyone getting in. I approached the window, the window glass looked thin, I tried to open it but the window wouldn't budge. I'd just have to hope I land safely...I cleaned up my blouse and trousers before putting on my leather boots and strapping my assassin robes to myself tightly. I slung my weapons belt around my waist and did it up tight then donned Connor's robe over it whilst placing his weapons on a belt on my hips. I flicked my hidden blade out of the brace and smirked when it flung out perfectly. I placed Alexei's notes in my lack of cleavage and Mama's gift in a wooden box and settled it in my pocket. I placed Connor's quiver across my body. I had to leave my remaining belongings, the weapons and robes were heavy enough and could slow me down so I left the ink pot, plain papers and Gulliver's Travels on the bed. It would be hot but I couldn't complain. I looked at one of the dresses laid out on the bed. Short sleeves reaching the elbows, navy blue velvet material with a low neck line.. I was entranced by it. Screw it, I folded it up and placed it in my empty bag and tied it to my back. I braced myself, sprinting towards the window before I jumped through it. My fall seemed to be in slow motion as I spread my arms out and front flipped, hurtling into a hay stack. I stayed there for a moment before jumping out and running into the shadows of the alleys. No one had checked up on me so I ran as fast as I could, I could feel my legs screaming for me to stop but I couldn't I had to keep going. I stopped for a second as I heard the town crier shout. It echoed to my ears... "Public execution will begin in the town square in less than ten minutes"

I swore and shoved my way through the crowd, my heart was slamming against my chest. Beating like a drum like it would burst out of my chest. I looked around trying to find anyone who would listen to me. I ran through more crowds and finally stopped when I spotted the gallows... I was about to try and climb a building when a man tapped my shoulder.

"Connor?"

I turned to see a old man with darkened skin, his chin covered in stubble like snow. His back was hunched over and he leaned his hands on a cane. I pulled my hood down to reveal my face. He looked a bit astounded at my appearance.

"Are you his mentor Achilles?" I asked, I didn't care if he hated my accent.

"Yes, yes. You must be Alexei's apprentice?" He seemed to understand and was worryingly calm.

"Yes, we have bigger problems. Connor's going to get executed and I just threw myself out of a window and ran here with all his stuff and my stuff. Why are you so calm?!" I grabbed his shoulders as I started to flip out.

"You think we didn't have a back-up plan?" He pointed towards the roofs surrounding as I saw a few recruits kill some guards upon the roofs. It was clever... I could learn some things from this Brotherhood.

"I admit, it's clever.." I got Connor's tomahawk from the belt around my hips and handed it to Achilles. "He will want to kill Hickey, give this to him.."

Achilles nodded and tucked it in his coat. "Thank you for your assistance, I apologise if Connor has been rude to you" He patted my shoulder as we waited for Connor to arrive. He seemed to have experienced Connor's rudeness himself.

"Only once but otherwise he's been a gentleman.. what would you have me do?" I asked, eager to help.

"Slap him over the hea- oh, climb upon the roof opposite the stage and if he signals throw a knife to cut the rope. You have to be quick, do not disappoint" He tapped his cane against my shins as I nodded.

"Yes sir!" I instantly made my way through the crowd and avoided Washington's body guards as I scaled the wall of the building and slowly made my way across the tiled roof. I crouched and bought out my throwing knives, my ears were on full alert for a split second throw. The crowd started to shout and boo. The rain poured down and I put up my hood, my hands were getting cold but I didn't care. I could see Connor being escorted to the gallows. I breathed heavily, a woman punched him in the jaw and knocked him down from shock. She cursed him and spat, I almost wanted to throw a knife at her but my position would have been discovered and Connor's death would have been on my hands. Achilles pushed past her, crouching next to Connor and exchanged some words. He backed up and nodded towards me as a signal that Connor knew what the signal was. I waited patiently...

Charles stood on the platform as Connor stood emotionless. How could he be so stoic.. If I was him, I would be concerned on if I could even signal in time for the noose to be cut before dying. It was risky and had a massive chance of going really, really wrong. I held my knife ready and breathed deeply. Charles put a sack over Connor's head and secured the noose. My hands were starting to shake and I mentally begged Connor not to sacrifice himself. He was suddenly plunged downwards as he let out a choked cry and the thrown knife hit the target slicing the rope, I rolled behind the chimney breast besides me in case someone came after me. I saw Achilles throw Connor his tomahawk as Thomas Hickey ran towards the building I was perched on. I smirked and flung myself down in front of him and smiled smugly as he squealed. He dodged around me.

I let Connor get a hold of Hickey before killing some guards and allowing Hickey's last breath to be owned by Connor. I stood by not needing revenge, listening to Hickey's last words.

"Dammit. I thought I'd at least live to see another day. Shame.." Hickey breathed heavily as he looked at his blood stained hands. Connor kneeled next to him and demanded answers.

"I want answers. Why did Johnson try and buy my people's land? Why was Pitcairn targeting Adam and Hancock? What purpose would Washington's murder have served? Why does your Order support the British?" Connor seemed to get angrier and angrier with each question. I had no idea that someone had threatened his home land.. I felt bad for him, how could someone try to take someone's home away?

"How should I know? The Templars. Lee. The big man, Haytham. They 'as the money. They 'as the power. That's the reason I threw in with 'em. That's the ONLY reason. Sure, they 'av e some sort of vision, for the future too. I didn't give a damn about any of that. They can sing their songs about mankind and its troubles. They can make their plans and spring their traps, don't bother me none. They paid me so I said yes. Didn't bother to ask who or how or why. Didn't care" His breathing was heavier now more like panting, his end would be soon.

"You chose to side with men who would rob us of our humanity simply because it was more profitable?" Connor seemed disgusted as I wanted the scene play out.

"Wot else is there? I'm not some blind fool who'd give up all I've got on principle. What IS principle anyway? Can ya bring it to the bank?" His breathing quickened, his brow sweaty with determination to talk. It showed how in pain he was...

Connor looked down at him. "Don't look at me like that. We're different, you and I! You're just some blind fools who always be chasin' butterflies. Whereas I'm a type of guy who likes a beer in one hand and a titty in the other." Connor grimaced as Hickey said the words, "Thing is boy, I can have what I seek... Had it, even. You? Your hands will always be empty...unless you take likings to swee'art" He looked at me and smirked as his eyes fluttered and drooped. His head tilted and he was silenced.

Connor turned and saw me. He stood and started to walk towards me, he looked as if about to say something as guards crowded around us with bayonets pointed at our heads.

"At ease, men! At ease!" A harsh voice sounded in our ears. "I said lower your god-damned guns! This man's a hero!" A cigar went into the stranger's mouth, I did not recognise him so acted civil for now.

"The General can be so stubborn sometimes. Piffle, he said, when I warned him something like this would happen! Piffle!" The man kicked Hickey's leg as Connor told him to stop it.

"He wanted to kill the Commander. Nearly killed you as well. He was a scoundrel" By that time I think everyone forgot I had saved Connor and supplied his tomahawk, oh me.

"But still a man" Connor stated. Oh bloody hell.. I imitated the words. No man tries to rape someone, plot to assassinate a General and nearly hang an innocent. Oh Connor you naive man.. I sometimes think he acts like that to annoy people. It annoys me and I hardly know him...

"Hmph. You're nothing, if not consistent" What the naivety? or the attitude? Don't worry guys, I didn't just save his life or anything! I was mentally screaming at them all.

"Where is Washington? I need to speak with him" Probably legged it after Hickey's ugly face ran towards him, damn that man was scary.

"Bundled off as soon as your execution went sideways. He likely on his way to Philadelphia by now." I was waiting for Connor's comment... too stubborn was this boy.

"Then so am I." I totally did not expect that! Oh sarcasm..

"Something wrong?"

"He is still in danger. Hickey did not act alone..."

"Damn right about that..." I mumbled forgetting I was speaking aloud.

"I'm General Israel Putman" He held out his hand and I lowered my hood whilst shaking his hand.

"The name's Rozalina" She smiled.

"Pleasure to meet you, I see Connor finally found a lady friend and a pretty one too" He said my mind exploded.

I put my hands up as I blushed. "No, no no sir! I think you misunderstand!" I waved my hands about as the corner of my eye spotted Connor looking down with a tint of red on his cheeks. Well this was embarrassing... at least Alexei wasn't here. He would have made fun of me, thank god he was in Moscow. Or he would have pushed me into Connor just for fun...

Connor walked off in the other direction. I still had his things? "Connor!" I called out to him, "Connor?!"

He suddenly stopped and I slammed my nose into his back, I stepped back rubbing my squished nose. I looked up at him to be met with dark, angry eyes. "Are you angry with me?"

"I could have gotten out of there on my own," He said harshly, "As well as my things.."

I'd had enough now, one minute he seems happy to see me then the next he hates me? What is his problem? "Fine, have your bloody things back! I really don't see what your problem is.." I threw off his robes onto the ground with his quiver and weapons belt. "Next time you're going to get hung, I won't be saving you or throwing myself out of a window to find you.."

I turned my back on him and walked away. He tugged me back by my sleeve and looked down. He already donned his weapons and robes, how typical. "What the fuck do you want?"

"I know you're angry but let's just go to the Homestead.." He let go immediately. "Follow..."

I followed, he pulled up his hood and stalked in and out of the shadows. He's defiantly in a mood now.. he headed towards the docks. "I know I haven't proved to be a good traveller but isn't the Homestead in a different direction?"

"We're travelling on my ship, the Aquila" He stated.

"The tequila? Didn't think you liked drinking.." Connor stopped and looked round at me.

"I do not drink, this isn't a joke. We're travelling on the Aquila. Now hurry up" His eyes scared me for a moment. I tugged his sleeve lightly and he turned to me. "What is wrong?"

"I want to apologise for being rude to you back there...You seemed angry and so was I" I rubbed my forehead and looked him in those dark eyes. "Thank you for keeping my company in the prison"

"I was harsh on you. Therefore I should be apologising, I just hope you accept it" His eyes softened towards me as I nodded. "Thank you for my things and for saving my life"

"We're even now, you saved me and I have returned that favour" I smiled at him. "Now let's go"

The Aquila came into view, I had to admit it was a beautiful vessel. The ship looked powerful and I would surely be frightened if the thing ploughed into any of my ships, if I had one. I followed him aboard making sure to step with my right foot forward. "Aye, Connor. Women are bad luck my friend"

I looked up to see an older man, obviously a sailor addressing Connor and looking at me worriedly. "I have been aboard a ship before, I didn't cause harm" I replied, defending myself.

"A Russian lady?" He looked to Connor like he was crazy to allow a Russian woman aboard. I'm loving the racism I'm receiving here..

"She is trustworthy, make sure the crew leave her be" Connor brushed past before stopping, "Faulkner, man the ship. I have things to do" He went through a door and it shut. I didn't feel like bothering him so I left him to it. The man 'Faulkner' held his hand out and introduced himself. "Name's Robert Faulkner, first mate of the Aquila" I shook his hand firmly.

"Rozalina of Moscow" I smiled and he stalked off to the wheel.

"Half sail to the Homestead" Faulkner shouted as the ship suddenly started to move as the crew went to work.

I walked to the wooden railing and leant against it. The smell of sea salt lingers in my nose but I didn't mind. The breeze is light and cold against my face and conquers the heat of the sun against my skin. I closed my eyes, the motion of the ship against the waves is calming is quiet when I block out the crew's shouting. I took my hood down and pushed my hair up on top of my head before curling it around in a messy bun and tying it off with a leather tie. Pieces of hair around my neck hung down a little and the breeze waved it about and I smiled at the feeling.

"You should have your hair up more" I looked over my shoulder and Connor gave me a smile. Connor actually smiled at me.. He had a three pointed hat on and a long Captain's coat. He did look good and somehow familiar.. but to who?

"I suppose it's more lady-like for me," I laughed to myself, "I have to say. You don't look too bad yourself Captain"

Connor blushed a little at my comment and cleared his throat. He reminded me of how Alexei would blush when he'd ask another female mentor out to dinner and how she'd giggle and kiss him on the cheek. Connor's face lit up just like Alexei's would. "W-would you like to accompany me downstairs?" He asked nervously, picking at his gloves, "Only if you want to... y-you do not hav-"

"I'd love to" I smiled as he blushed a little, obviously not used to dealing with females. He bowed his head a little since his emotions were more exposed without his hood. We headed towards a door which he opened for me. "Thank you" I replied as he shut the door behind him and blushed.

The corridor aboard the Aquila was awkwardly narrow and since Connor was muscular he seemed to fill up any space in the corridor so I pressed myself against the wall, "Lead the way Captain" I teased.

He pressed himself against the opposite wall as he tried to edge past me, the Aquila rocked a little and I lost my balance. I was suddenly against his chest with widened eyes, damn his chest is warm. My hands were against it and for a second I thought his hands had held my hips..Stop thinking such thoughts Rozalina, stop it. He does not like you! I looked up at him as he tensed and blushed a bit. I pushed myself back and looked at the floorboards like they fascinated me.

"Sorry" I muttered out as he finally past me and signalled for me to follow again. We started to walk towards another door and I just hoped that the room was bigger than the damn corridor or I'd be leaving this ship redder than the fires of hell. He opened the door to reveal a bigger room, thank god! The back of the room had a big section of squared windows linked together with a big oak desk in front of it, Connor's robes were slung on the desk chair. A soft looking sofa was against the left wall and a table with maps and letters on the right wall whilst a small coffee table was in the middle. "Wow, I can see why you like this ship. She's got beautiful interior" I let my fingers glide against the oak panel walls. I turned to see Connor looking at me with a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Thank you, I guess she's comfortable" He stated. He walked around the desk and turned to look out the window like a true Captain would. I put my hands in my pockets and felt the wooden box against my knuckles and smiled. Deciding to take it out I took the music box and set it in my hands, I just looked at it for a while. My finger traced the decorations as I read the words upon it in my head. I quickly opened it but did not wind up the music box key as I just wanted to look at the image of my mother and I. Turning my back towards Connor I sat upon the edge of his desk and observed the beautiful creature which was my mother. Pale, flawless skin, plump rosy lips. Her eyes were enchanting and she held my babyish body in her arms. Her hair was long and wavy as it tumbled down her shoulders and down to her waist. The affectionate smile she bared towards me in the portrait was obvious, she did love me. I wish I could have spent more time with her, maybe my life would be different if she was still present. I probably wouldn't be an assassin or have to travel to New York to find Connor and Achilles. I shook my head, I like my life how it is and I thank the Order for giving me that. I felt a hot breathe against my neck as I shivered at the contact of warm air on my cold neck. It brought me out of my thoughts as I snapped into reality again.

"I do not mean to pry but is that the music box you spoke of?" He asked calmly. I looked over my shoulder at him, setting the box down on the desk so he could have a look.

"Yes, it is" I started to smile and pointed to the little portrait inside. "That's the only picture I have of my mother and I. She was very beautiful.." I fiddled with my thumbs in my lap.

"You look like her..." He cleared his throat as he started to blush at me. "Y-you are beautiful like her.." Compliments are new for him, I can tell.

"Why thank you Connor..." I blushed a bit myself, "I find you handsome.."Mumbling in embarrassment. Oh please god noo, don't embarrass me now?! It doesn't mean he likes you, stop it Rozalina!

"I asked you to accompany me here because I wanted to discuss a few things.." Connor sat in his chair, professional topic changer he was and all..

I dragged a chair towards the desk and sat with my arms stretched to cup my knee as my legs crossed. "Those things are?"

"Well..if Achilles accepts your story, you will be able to stay with us" He said matter-of-factly.

"Well, what would you say if I'd already met Achilles at the execution?"

"Then Achilles should have informed me.."

"I think I passed his little test already by flinging a knife at your noose of deaath!" I exaggerated the 'death' as I made a dead face and stuck my tongue out. Luckily Connor was smirking when I looked up.

"You are a strange woman, Rozalina" Connor had a smile slowly tugging at his lips. He looks at me strangely, his dark eyes filled with something, some emotion I don't recognise but he looks happy. That's all that matters...

"Ouch, I'm heartbroken at your words, how my aching heart bleeds Connor!" Sarcasm flowed through my voice. I put the back of my hand against my forehead and my other across my heart as I feigned that my heart was truly breaking. Huffing playfully I ended my little act "I'm not strange Connor, just merely unique"

"You should keep telling yourself that Rozalina" Connor laughing lightly and crossed his arms across his chest.

"Ohh, now you're breaking my heart" I shook my head at him. "Two can play at that game, Mr. Weaker-Sex" Leaving my lips in a smirk at him.

"How am I the weaker sex?" Connor replied a little shocked at my claims.

"Men are easily seduced by women because we're just pretty" I stated. War of the genders begins...

"I do not see how that makes me the weaker sex" Connor counters.

"Well at least I didn't get punched to the floor by a small woman in New York.." I coughed a little to exaggerate my point.

He glares at me. "I lost my balance, my hands were tied"

Raising my eyebrow at him I walked around the desk and stared at him in the chair. I leaned down near his face and smirked. "So that means I'd be able to take you on any day.."

"I do not fight women" He hisses at me. What a sexist, where was he when we took on the inmates at the prison?

"I can take a hit as you saw in Bridewell Prison plus I am an assassin. I think I can take you on easily" I smirked and sat on the edge of the desk nearest to his place in the chair. I placed my hands behind me and observed his reaction.

"Fine, how about today?" He stood in front of me, a few inches from my face as I smiled.

"You're o-" The ship rocked suddenly sending Connor straight into me as I was forced back as well. Connor's hands ended up behind my back on the desk as his thighs slammed into my shins painfully. I looked up at him, his face was barely centimetres from mine. The warmth of his breath on my face was feeling like he was actually touching my face with traces of fingertips. I started to blink as my heart rate built up, Connor just staring back at me. He gulped as his nose brushed against mine, I shuddered. He slightly leaned in as if to kiss me.. does he like me?

Ooooh, cliff hanger again, sorry I couldn't resist. Sorry it's a little late, I've had many things to do! Reviews are welcomed, thanks for the follows!