London, 1868- Thames River

"It is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself. Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving, it consists in professing to believe, what one does not believe."

~Thomas Paine

.:+:.

There is a reason no one goes for a swim in the Thames. Its not that people didn't know how to swim, they just didn't want to- and why would you?

It was as if all the filth of London flowed into it, from the sludge and hideous waste of the factories, the boats and the streets. All of it could be felt and found in the smelly, thick substance that made up the 'water' of the Thames, no longer the deep pits of indigo the water should be- but brown.

And you felt that filth wrap around you as the water encased your form, your entire being soaked as you fell beneath the surface, all sound and sense of the world suddenly lost to deep, cold nothingness. You remained motionless, not breathing, your head tilted up toward where you sensed the surface was- but making no move to swim toward it.

For a very long few moments that seemed like an eternity, you just let yourself sink, the cold was somewhat refreshing to the heat inside the aflame factory- even despite the oily and sludge-like feel you got from the water itself.

Someone.... Somehow, either Adelain or Horace, or perhaps even both of them- they knew someone would come looking into that warehouse. They prepared for it... And set the building to blow.

Over and over you kept wondering how they knew anyone would come looking at all.... You had done your best to keep your interests silent and unnoticed.

... I did.

Jacob did not. 'Discretion' is not a word to be found in his dictionary...

He acted rashly, yes... He usually seems to. But surely even his actions weren't enough to spur this?

He let them know someone was out there looking.

But how was it they suspected this warehouse would be investigated? There were a number of possible locations....

You've lost your best lead, because he acted like a brash fool.

Jacob's action with that man and the list were not enough to cause this. It wasn't enough to warrent a building set to detonate.

But what if they were?

...... No. Its something else, it must be.

Jacob broke the surface of the water, gasping and heaving as his smoke ridden lungs ached- even when taking in fresher air. The drop into the Thames was cold and unexpected- as well as not wanted, and a flash of annoyance flared inside of him.

His dark gaze moved toward the blazing figure of the warehouse not far off the banks of the river you had left behind, the figures of police and firetrucks milling about as they attempted to still the flames.

Bloody perfect.... That went well.

His heart lurched a little, suddenly realizing he had yet to see you come up for air since landing in the river- his dark eyes quickly beginning to scan the water around him for any sign of you. It was a little useless assuming he would be able to spot you- not in this water, one could scarely see their own hand in the water before them.

In his mind, seeing you teeter while running along the beams suddenly emerged amongst his thoughts, heightening the sudden apprehension and slight panic he was beginning to feel. He thought you seemed odd, maybe a little unbalanced, sloppy... Whatever for he wasn't sure, but could that be related to why you had failed to rise to the surface?

He knew nothing of you, and as ridiculous as it sounded- he suddenly wondered if you could even swim at all. What sort of Assassin can't swim? It seemed ridiculous, but the doubt sent a small rise of panic sweeping through him.

She can swim, you bloody oaf.

... But what if she can't, for some incredibly idiotic reason...?!

"(F/N)?" He called, voice rising slightly as he gritted his teeth, feeling a sense of worry deepen. "Come on love, you must be joking..." His eyes narrowed, as he swam forward toward where he was sure you had fallen in, eyes glittering as he searched the water quickly.

Do not be drowning... You can swim, you must be able... Damn it..

In his minds eye he instinctively began to search for any hint of you- any splash of green under the surface of the dark water, but again he couldn't find you. Like before your presence seemed entirely hidden from him- even when using his sixth sense, as if you didn't exist. And with it, finding you would be impossible.

"(F/N)!" He snapped, taking a breath as he prepared to dive under.

"Unless you plan to spend all day in this water, I suggest you start swimming."

Jacob's heart jumped a little, spinning hastily in the water as your voice reached his ears- followed by the harsh coughing you let escape, your voice hitching in your burned throat slightly. For a small fleeting moment his dark gaze leveled with your (E/C) one as you slowly swam toward the edge of the docked boat you had been aiming for in the first place. You held his eyes a small moment, a little surprised to see the relief there- and the fast fading concern. He had taken in a breath he hadn't known he had been holding,

You had broke the surface farther from where he was and began to head toward the boat, your thoughts clouded and only faintly aware of him behind you- until he snapped your name at any rate.

It caught you off guard to see him looking so suddenly tense, even a little panicked... And you wondered why? A part of you figured it was because of how long you had spent under the water, you sighed slightly to yourself, eyes narrowing as you looked ahead and away from Jacob entirely.

.... A part of you had felt at peace with sinking.... You shook your head at yourself.

"I don't wish to spend any longer in this river- if you want to, that's just fine. Otherwise quit gawking and start moving." You grumbled back, breathlessly almost as you caught your breath and stifled your unwanted coughing. He seemed to simply stare at you for a minute, though you had looked away- your ears didn't catch to the sound of him moving.

Jacob's heart ceased its sudden increased speed, the worry and panic fading quickly- replaced with slight confusion and surprise.

He hadn't ever been really worried about anyone's well being before. Yes of course he cared if innocent people were hurt on most occasions, but seeing them in danger or hurt didn't make him feel like this. It didn't stir such sudden and powerful emotions in him- he hadn't felt this way, for anyone, ever before. Or at least, nothing quite like it- and it suddenly happening shocked him slightly, he shocked himself.

Could it be he had grown to care for you more than just an amused and curious fancy? A mystery he intended to unravel?

When did that happen?

He shook his head slightly and began to swim after you,

You let out a small hiss, pulling yourself up onto the edge of the boat's deck, leaving a pool of water on top as it dripped from your hair and clothing rapidly. You sat down, your feet dangling off the edge as the boat rocked lazily on the waves of the river, you took to trying to catch your breath- coughing in between gasps of air that tore out at your aching throat. You pressed your folded fingers to your chin, just under your nose, eyes falling closed as you fought to steady your pained breathing.

Your lead into Athernette's plans is gone... All gone.

I'll have to start over... Damn it.

Jacob huffed as he pulled himself up onto the deck of the boat beside you, though your eyes didn't open to look his way.

"Well, that was quite the trip." Jacob sighed, ringing his hat out, the moisture splashing against the surface of the water. He grimanced slightly at it, before placing it back on his head and leaning backward on his hands, his dark eyes glancing toward your silent and slightly panting figure, glittering as he watched you carefully. Beads of water dripped from the loose ends of your (H/C) hair slowly, the droplets glittering in the light of the sun overhead, other drips falling from your soaked person slowly. For a moment his eyes lingered on the small red cut that ran across the bottom of the left side of your jaw- probably from the bits of glass that had been flying in the warehouse. You hardly noticed it though.

"You alright, love?" He asked slowly, you didn't reply.

Your eyes opened to rest on the sight of the warehouse smoking, the windows blazing in orange, police and stray workers flitting about as they tried to quell the flames. You watched in utter silence as your best lead into Horace and his intentions was turned to ash and dust, watching as the small tidbits of a trail faded into cloud and then nothing. As Horace just seemed to slip through your very fingers....

".... I understand, in the midst of this unexpected... Eh, mishap-" Jacob cleared his throat a little awkwardly, "-you seemed to have lost quite the substantial lead into dear old Horace." Jacob started slowly, carefully- dark gaze ever watchful for any sort of reaction from you. But you seemed content to silence, and nothing about you gave any hint of emotion you were feeling at the moment, he couldn't read you.

In his heart he knew it was his fault. He knew it was his blundering and his rash action that had sent that Blighter running. And it was his failure to notice there was still someone in the Building. A certain someone who had set the place ablaze, as he rushed in to pursue them without thinking. He was aware now you had tried to call him back, to stop his quick movement.... But as always, he ran in without thinking about the consequences (Evie told him of this many times before, but it would seem this once- it struck a different chord in him). And for it, you had paid dearly- and he felt guilty. It wasn't something he felt often... And certainly not this soon.

Nor did he ever admit to his own mistakes like this, he usually waved things off and denied his fault. He never let the blame be placed on himself, but at this moment- he was all to aware of his mistake and his fault in what had happened.

He did not like the feeling of Guilt.....

".... Look, love. I-" he started, his voice dropping. He broke off before he could go any farther, your hand raising to gesture toward him for silence. His words died on his lips, his plan to admit his mistakes to you and hell- even apologize, was suddenly halted as he simply stared.

"Enough, Jacob." You murmured lowly, voice wispy and almost... Exhausted suddenly. He blinked in slight shock, because he didn't hear anger nor annoyance in your tone at all- as he had been expecting. Surely you were angry? But still, he couldn't read you. Your expression never wavered from silent neutrality,

"Don't worry yourself about this- it is no one's fault. The warehouse was set to explode should someone, anyone- come looking around. I very much doubt that Blighter even knew he would be signing his own Death Warrent when he knocked over that lamp- I doubt his Templar Master made him aware of his eminent death. This was a trap... And we ran into it. A mistake, on my part- for not anticipating this." He just gazed at you, your eyes never leaving the building, never looking his way.

A mistake on... Your part?

"I can find another lead, and I will in time. Now I know for fact Horace is planning something large... Something secret. Enough so he was willing to sacrifice an entire warehouse to keep clues from being discovered. I have to wonder now if this was anything more than a trap... A ruse to lead us to our deaths and quell any more investigation." Your eyes narrowed slightly, a small flash of uneasiness rising in you suddenly.

Had you really walked into a trap so blindly? Could it be that warehouse was a front? You couldn't believe Athernette would be willing to sacrifice the sheer number of supplies that had been tucked inside so easily.... You had to wonder if all the crates held anything more than straw, and were not at all packed with other materials.

Had you indeed been tricked? Made such a mistake? Walked into this mess blindly?

You had quite the nose for things that were amiss or fake- traps were often identified and avoided easily, you didn't often find yourself tricked like this.... Have I lost my touch...?!

If it had been a trick and a ruse.... This may not have been any sort of lead at all. Perhaps there hadn't been anything to find here, but you had been sure..... Now you weren't so confident.

You bit the inside of your cheek, blinking a few times as the banks of the Thames and the buildings before you swirled violently, all sense of up and down and sky and ground lost as your vision whirled and head began to swim, a painful pounding in your skull mixed with the ever worsening sense of lightheadedness dragging at you. Your eyes closed in effort to dismiss the swirling that gave no indication of going away, head bowing as you breathed in deeply- only to end up coughing harshly for a few moments, your hand moving to cover your mouth as your shoulders shook. The ache and pain in your lungs and throat flared all the brighter, all the more painful, and your feeling of faintness grew worse- though you did your best to hide any outward indication of pain or dizziness.

Jacob flinched slightly at your coughing, and how ragged and harsh it was. His own coughing had ceased, and though his lungs ached from inhaling so much smoke- it didn't bother him as much as it seemed to bother you, and affect you.

You swallowed hard, grimancing slightly at the mettalic taste left in your mouth- pulling your hand away you way the dark stained darker in a few places, and quickly shut your fist before Jacob had chance to notice.

What the bloody hell.... Did I breath in....?

You let out a slow, careful breath, chest heaving as you fought for proper air- damn it, breathing was getting harder too.

"Just be glad we made it out alright,"

Hardly...

Your eyes opened to glance Jacob's way, seeing that small frown pulling at his features and the odd twinkling light in his dark eyes as he held you in his gaze steadily. He seemed to be looking you over, trying to understand what was wrong- if he was even sure there was anything wrong.

Most certainly...

You didn't like to look weak or frail in front of other people under any circumstance, and you were surely not going to let Jacob be aware of how awful you were feeling- and how it continued to get worse. He seemed able to sense something was amiss though, but something about you told him that you wouldn't appreciate him asking. Though in Jacob he felt a small lump forming in his stomach, despite himself- this was worry, and it was for you. He hadn't known he had come to care so much for you, especially more than just the woman who utterly confused and confounded him.

He had latched on to you quickly, yes. One may even say he was a little obsessed- you did invade his thoughts every day, because he incessantly had to know. He had to know you, your work, the true you.... And now he knew something was off. And knew now he wanted you at least alive- if you were dead, how would he ever learn anymore about you?

He knew he didn't want you dead. And his worry grew a little deeper, though outwardly he didn't show his concerns.

Maybe that was something you both had in common- you mostly kept your deeper emotions hidden and buried where few to none could ever see them.

The stare Jacob set on you know was intense, searching, maybe perhaps even pensive. It was as if you could hear the gears grinding in that head of his.. And you yourself felt a small flash of discomfort at the look. You weren't sure why though.

"You sure you're alright, love?" He said, his stubbornness breaking through a moment to ask the question he was sure you hadn't wanted him to ask.

"Just fine." You replied easily, though your voice was still hoarse.

You are not fine.

You got to your feet, slowly and suddenly- causing Jacob to stiffen in slight surprise at your moving. You tugged at the straps about your neck a little, loosening them slightly before wiping away as much as the water as you could from your robes- it did little good. Your head spun when you stood up, but you ignored it, Jacob climbed to his feet beside you, eyes narrowed but you weren't looking his way.

"For now, I suggest you continue with your investigation into Starrrick's Soothing Syrup." You said slowly, earning a surprised look from him at the sudden change in subject. Your eyes shifted his direction, his features blurred and body swirled from focus- you felt your head pound more. "It will take me some time to dig up another lead... Until then I believe it would be best if you continued with your inquiries regarding the Syrup."

"I could help you locate another lead," he put in, "I have plenty of ways of getting what I want." His sly smirk reappeared despite the worry he felt for you- you shook your head. The action made you feel all the more light headed, and you immediately regretted it.

"I'm sure you do," you replied softly. "But this is my investigation. And remember, Jacob- you promised to do as I asked." Your eyes narrowed, gaze suddenly becoming steely as he simply returned the look. "And at this moment, I am asking you please- turn your focus on the Syrup, for now anyway. I'll contact you when I have something I need of you."

He felt a small rise of indignation inside of himself in that moment, he didn't like that- that you would disappear on him again. The moment he let you out of his sights, you seemed to vanish- and he had no way of finding you, unless you wanted to be found. If he relented, and let you go while he went after the Soothing Syrup- he hated to think how long it would be before he saw you again. Before he was given a chance to learn more of you.... The enigma wrapped in a puzzle that you are.

And then he had no want to let you go- because he was certain something was wrong with you. Even now, his eyes narrowed slightly as you took a small, tiny step sideways- as if to steady yourself. You seemed to be hiding what was bothering you extremely well- but for how long could you do that? Would it even be wise to let you go off alone at all? If he was right in thinking something was amiss?

"Your word, Jacob." You murmured softly, your voice lacking the conviction and firmness it should have- you sounded weary. Your eyes rest on him, silently willing him to simply do as you asked- as you felt now, you hadn't the energy nor the patience to argue with him. He blinked, you could tell he didn't like it- at all.... But to your great relief, and perhaps even appreciation- he nodded, though grudgingly.

"... Alright." He grumbled half-heartedly, you dipped your head to him.

You stepped forward, eyes narrowing to slits as you poured focus into staying upright and balanced- Jacob's firm grip on your arm stopped you.

"I expect to hear from you soon, love- very soon." He muttered, "Don't keep me waiting."

For whatever reason, you smirked slightly at his words- eyes glinting in slight amusement as you glanced back to him.

For a small moment, your vision unblurred- and everything stopped spinning. Jacob's features came into clear view, seeing the stern look on his face, the firmness in which he held about his person as he said that to you- and how steady his gaze was as he settled you with a surprisingly intense stare.

"I'll be sure not to." You replied lightly, your sudden weariness seeming to lift slightly as your smirk grew wider. You easily slipped from his grasp, turning toward him and bowing to him in a gesture of slight mocking. "I surely wouldn't wish to anger you, dear Jacob." You laughed, though you ended up breaking to cough a little more.

"I am not kidding about-" he grumbled, seeing how amused you suddenly were.

You cleared your throat before answering and subsequently cutting him off, and the world started spinning again. "I understand that." You replied, "Till I see you next time, then?" You smirked, a bit of your mirth returning. You turned and lightly jumped toward a boat that had been rolling past behind you, your boots clicking slightly as you landed on the last craft at the end of the line.

You faltered slightly, taking a few steps sideways as you lost your balance suddenly- but remained standing, casting a small glance over your shoulder to see Jacob melt away into a world suddenly growing dark and indiscernible. You bit your lip, looking away and letting your eyes fall closed.

Damn it.....

You leaned against a stack of crates beside you for support as things began to swirl on freefall- all strength to stand fading fast away from you the moment your body seemed to sense Jacob was no longer able to spot you.

You had issue in trusting other people.... And couldn't feel comfortable letting anyone see you weak, ever. But your body was starting to refuse to listen- now that you had no one to hide and pretend for.

Breathing was hard, your lungs ached terribly and you had hard time keeping yourself from coughing. The world was twisting and turning as the edges of your vision grew darker, you felt more and more faint and your head pounded all the more.

God knows what those damned chemicals.... Were...

You pressed against the crates more, the boat rolling forward steadily. Perhaps you'd stay a little while, to try and catch your breath and bearings before getting off...

.:+:.

Jacob remained still as he watched the boat you escaped on move from his reach of following- and grow farther and farther away from him. Again... You were about to vanish.

There remained a deep sense of uneasiness in his breast that would not go away- uneasiness of the like he had never felt before.

He scowled slightly, you proved you had many skills. And he knew that deception, secrecy, and the subtle art of hiding ones truer emotions and feeling must be among your arsenal. He couldn't help but feel you had used such skills now, on him- and in order to keep hidden whatever he felt was wrong that kept nagging him.

"You should have followed her, Jacob you bloody idiot...."

.:+:.

You had grown quite familiar with the streets of London over the years- as you needed to, in order to be able to travel them unnoticed. You knew nearly every corner of this city, every nook and crany... Every underworld den of iniquity and markets that held those items that were not of legal standing. You knew the buildings, the streets, the alleyways- all of it, almost instinctively.

London was now a mess of swirling and blurred mountings of stone and wood that rocked around you- the streets and the carriages and the people, all of them nothing but gray objects with indiscernible forms. You recognized nothing, you couldn't make out a damn thing- your mind was slipping more and more as whatever chemicals you had inhaled affected you ever more deeply.

You weren't sure where you were, it was dark, perhaps like night had started to fall... It was quiet. Head poundingly quiet, your head hung as you slightly stumbled down the dirty, mudridden alleyway you assumed you were in... Somewhere.

Everything lurched under your feet, all depth perception skewed, your legs felt weak and you felt incredibly faint- you couldn't remember the last time you had felt so off balance, so unsteady.... So awful. You couldn't stop coughing- you tried desperately too, but the more you struggled to move forward, the more you panted- the more your body was shaken with ragged coughing.

You hadn't breathed in that much of that gas, had you? Or were the chemicals just that strong...?

You bumped against the brick wall beside you hard, sending a painful jolt through your arm as you hissed. To make things all the better- you were still soaked from your dip into the Thames, and you reeked of the filth of the water and London itself.

You knew at least what direction you should be heading, and had enough control and strength to stay on your feet. For the purpose of not arousing any unwanted attention, you were engaged in a constant battle to keep yourself upright, moving, and as balanced as possibly could be- but that was proving rather difficult.

Bloody good thing you were so practiced in the art of 'pretending'.

You took in a deep breath, coughing as the air hitched in your throat, hand moving to cover your mouth. You took a moment to pause, walking made things spin all the more out of control- stopping was a little better, but you didn't want to stop.

You were ever so aware of the sudden blurs of red approaching your unsteady and unfocused form,

I don't need this right now...

"Oi! Ain't you that bitch from Devil's Acre?!"

"Yeah! You're the one who threatened us!"

"You kept us from layin' into that bloody bastard Frye!!"

Perfect.... The idiots Jacob pissed off at the pub in Devil's Acre... Fantastic.

With another, more shallow breath, you let your eyes fall closed a moment- one hand and arm extended to press against the wall beside you, the other lifting to gesture toward the halfheartedly with a pointed finger.

"Listen.... Lads..." You huffed, voice low and ragged from your incessant coughing. You were oh so not in the mood for this....

Your head raised, your (E/C) eyes locking to their blurred and muffled figures- your gaze suddenly cold and steely despite your condition. They seemed to pause a moment, suddenly sensing your agitation with their presence and anger at how loud their yelling was to your pounding head.

"Walk away. Right now. I am in absolutely no mood to deal with your stupidity, and I will not handle it either." You growled lowly, voice dropping. "If you value your own lives, you'll turn round and leave me be, understood?"

"Lookie 'ere, girly! Yer all alone, and ya don't look too good either, eh, sweetheart?" One of them snarled, voice sickly sweet. You grimaced, you could tell they were smirking now. "Easy pickins. I reckon we oughtta pay ya back fer messin' in our business!"

"Don't act like we'll let ya get away with threatenin' us!"

"We're gonna rip ya limb from limb!"

You growled under your breath, shaking your head furiously in attempt to clear the blurriness, seeing them move toward you instantly- with intent to harm, maim, murder.

"I don't need this right now, damn it..!" You hissed,

Your wrist flicked backward, hand shoving into the nearest Blighter's chest and heart instantly, while your other hand moved forward to tear across the second Blighter's arm- causing him to yell in pain and drop the cleaver he had been weilding.

Your hand left the breast of the first Blighter, who crumpled at your feet. You took a quick step forward, bringing your elbow around and ramming it into the neck of the Blighter whose arm you had cut- bowling him over on to the ground a little ways from you.

The third Blighter had wised up enough to block the punch you sent his way, your fist bouncing off his arms nearly harmlessly as you grumbled to yourself. Your hand shot up to set a steely grip on the Blighter's wrist, wrenching his arm upward with tremendous force while your leg swung up to smart him in the abdomen. He doubled over, defense lost as you twisted his arm about- your Hidden Blade tearing across his exposed throat, crimson color blurring with the glow of red that quickly faded in your minds eye as his life fell away to nothing.

A quick step the right, you jabbed both your Hidden Blades into the base of the last Blighter's skull- as he attempted to pick himself back up again.

You stepped sideways away from the bodies, your queasiness all the worse and head whirling. Your back crashed against the wall opposite the one you had previously been leaning against, huffing as you fought for air in your burned lungs.

Even most assuredly poisoned and very much off balance- you were still quite the force to be reckoned with. As you should be... You were one of the deadliest Assassins London had ever seen in all its years.

Your legs finally decided to ignore your wishes and gave out, you slid down the wall and onto the ground, one knee propped up the other laying out. Your arms fell limply about your stomach, head falling back against the brick and eyes closed.

There had been a sudden surge of adrenaline in you, but it quickly faded and left you all the more faint.

You'd rest a few moments, then move off again. At this rate, standing up may not be the best idea.... You wished the ground would stop spinning under your feet. It was utterly annoying.

For a few long moments, you stayed there- unperturbed by the bodies bleeding crimson lying about you. You hardly cared, and as it was- it seemed the alleyway you were in was deserted. Though it'd be best not to linger too long....

"... Mmm.... This day has been just splendid, hasn't it...?"

.:+:.

"F/N dear... A lady should not bow to such levels! Ladies are to be neat, well-mannered and courteous! Not galavanting about, climbing trees and starting fights!"

"Sit up straight!"

"(F/N)!! Where is your dress?!? A lady should not, and shall not run around in such clothes! Its unbecoming!"

"You will attend Mr. Harlow's Dinner Party tonight, I will not take no for an answer!"

There was the stinging pain of her hand slamming against your cheek, the rising indignation and hatred you felt in your stomach, your fist clenching at your side.

"You know very well your Uncle holds etiquette and manners in high regard- you cannot disappoint him!"

"Such a rough girl, like a savage!"

Your hatred for the woman knew no bounds, your hatred for all of it was deeper than anything.

"(F/N), we will be sending you to a private school in France. Perhaps the instructors there will be able to whip some manners into you in nothing else."

"Sod that!!"

"Watch your tongue young lady!"

Your hand shot out to catch her wrist as she lift her own to strike out at you, you threw her arm away roughly, your entire countenance seeming to grow dark, daunting and murderous.

"I will not tolerate you or your insane standards any longer. You dare try to tell me what to do again, or raise a hand to me-"

You had swept up to be inches from her face, eyes dark and cold, glinting in pure malice. Something inside of you had flipped- a switch had been turned and now your years of quiet loathing and obedience gave way to something darker, something dangerous- you felt her tremble. And as the words came past your mouth, there was no regret, you weren't joking- you were deathly serious and she knew it.

"I will kill you."

(F/N)!

"D-devil...!"

(F/N)!

... That is not her voice... Nor mine....

...hmm..?

.:+:.

"(F/N)! Wake up, damn it!"

That voice was serious, almost slightly panicked. You could hear worry in the tone, and found it odd.. People hardly needed worry over you. Ever.

Hold a moment.... What happened? Is that..... That is Hector.

You groaned slightly, shifting your aching and stiff muscles as your eyes fluttered open and squinted against the harsh pale light... Of morning.

I've been... Sitting here for hours...?!

Your joints ached, and your body felt cold and slow from the chill that had settled over your soaked person- to which you had dried by now. Your head ceased to pound hardly at all, and while your lungs and throat stung it was nothing like before- you simply felt like dead weight. Exhausted and weary.... But the ground didn't spin around you incessantly.

Your vision was blurring in and out still, but not so much that you couldn't make out Hector's familiar face (split lip and bruising all from Jacob's fist still) as he looked down at you, eyes glinting and lips pulled into a taught line. He was crouched in front of you, one hand resting on your knee while the other moved from holding your cheek slowly.

Beside him you could see the shifting and nervous form of young Daniel behind, eyes wide and glittering in fear and worry- and innocence that only children can have. Every once in a while his eyes shifted frightfully to the stone cold slumped forms of the three Blighters you had cut down the night before, and had been left undisturbed as you had been. How fortunate.

Hector let out a small sigh as you glanced to him, head bowing a little as he shook his head a bit. "... Damn it, you idiot." He grumbled, you blinked at the insult- he hardly ever spoke to you like that, most people didn't dare. "We've been looking for you all damned night, (F/N)!" He snapped, head and gaze snapping up to you again, you grimaced slightly, settling him with a silent stare.

"After that warehouse went up in flames, I was expecting you back in Westminster after an hour or two- not to have to find ya passed out in a bloody alleyway surrounded by three dead Blighters!" He growled lowly, hazel eyes narrowed in anger toward you. "You're a dammed fool! What the hell happened?!"

"... Most people don't dare call me such things." You grumbled lowly, the reply only seemed to make him angrier. Damn it, why is my voice still so ragged?

"Sod that! Tell me what the hell happened, so I don't have to wring your neck for making me walk all across London to find you!" Hector snapped, his hand raising to gesture back toward Daniel. "Daniel had to come and tell me where you were, since you didn't bother to send word through any of the regular lines. And that was only after I spent the damned night searching for ya! Do you have any clue where ya are right now?!"

"... There really is no need to yell, Hector." You muttered, tone edgy. He was angrier than you could ever remember him being- and maybe he did have right. You really hadn't been expecting to lose consciousness at all... But his anger and that sense of worry he seemed to hold about him was, in all honesty- foreign to you.

You knew very well how to take care of yourself (at least, a good portion of the time, discounting this moment) and you hardly ever gave anyone reason to worry over you, or be concerned. Hector was good to you, he listened and did as you asked- he was the best worker you had under your wing, and you appreciated his time and his help. That's why he was your second in command, you relied a lot of your work to him and he worked dutifully to do as you asked without complaint. You may even consider yourself friends... If you let yourself have any.

You never wondered on it, but you supposed that maybe he had taken a liking to you- or at least cared enough for you to hate it when you got into trouble, and be concerned when something went wrong. Like it had now.

But you hadn't ever thought he was concerned with your well being to this extent- to be snapping your head off for disappearing for a night. (Which, you did every so often as he knew) But perhaps finding you passed out in an alleyway made things all the worse.. And him all the more agitated.

You blinked slowly, not sure how to feel about his apparent concern for your well being, nor how to react to his anger toward you. You weren't used to this, at all- and you weren't sure you were... Comfortable with it.

In all aspects, you were reserved, secretive, and distant. You were cold, and numb too- and for good reason. Such emotions like worry, concern and caring were foreign, they didn't register in you as they may other people. And they didn't register now.

He settled you with a fiery hazel glare that made it clear your failure to answer his questions was not making him any more inclined to quit yelling at you. You growled inwardly, before shaking your head with a small, moody huff that was somewhat unlike you. You were usually more refined, more... Well mannered. Cordial.

"... I'm fine." You grumbled,

"I'm not about to believe that." He shot back haughtily, your jaw tightened slightly at the scolding tone in his voice. Like you were some child.

".... Stubborn git." You growled, letting out a small sigh in attempt to calm the sudden surge of irritation toward him down a little. He just remained with a steady look on you, clearly waiting. Your (E/C) eyes rolled slightly, deliberately looking away from him and toward the sky over your head.

"... We ran into a... Complication." You started slowly, and though you weren't looking his way- you knew there was a look of 'no shit?' On his face at your words. "... Either Adelain, or maybe even Athernette, they knew someone would come looking into that warehouse, and set it to blow when that happened. There must have been hundreds of crates of explosives in that warehouse, and they all went off- destroying whatever may, or may not have been inside." You murmured lowly, eyes narrowing as the memories of the days past events came back to the surface again. "... It was a trap. They were prepared for outside investigation, and were willing to go to lengths such as destroying that building to cover their tracks."

I walked into a damned trap.

"And you and Mr. Frye?" He pressed as you fell into a few moments of silence.

"We're clearly still alive." You grumbled, "We made it out of the building, but we did take a small dip in the Thames..."

You saw Daniel's freckled nose wrinkle in disgust at the thought of the water, you silently agreed.

"What happened to you?" Hector growled,

"I told you, I am fine." You snapped back lowly,

"If ya were fine, you wouldn't be passed out in a damned alleyway, now would you?" He snapped back, your lips parted to snap something snarky in reply, only to have your words lost to a bout of coughing that shook your body instead, your inhaled breath catching painfully in your throat.

Your hand moved to cover your mouth, eyes closed and shoulders tight and body rigid, suddenly fighting for air. It would seem your arguing with Hector had irritated your throat and lungs more than you'd like- and with the coughing, things started spinning again.

You were panting in short, shallow breaths when your coughing ceased, your knees pulled up to your chest and hand falling against your thighs, eyes glinting slightly when you noticed the dark and shinning stains dotting the dark material all the more, you swallowed hard to try and get rid of the taste.

Perhaps it'd be best not to raise your voice.

"And that?" Hector pressed lowly, though his anger seemed to wane when he noticed you looking suddenly more worn than before.

"... Smoke." You breathed in a hoarse whisper, "... And perhaps.... I did inhale some choice.... Chemicals... A bit more than I'd like...." With the sudden spinning of the world, your irriattaion and energy seemed to slip from your grasp. Sleep had done you good, but it only lasted so long- and now you could feel yourself beginning to spiral into exhaustion and lightheadedness again. And with it, you suddenly didn't have the energy, nor the stubbornness to keep going back and forth with Hector- and so you gave in. Though inwardly you hated yourself for giving up so easily,

"... Ms. (L/N)...?"

You heard Hector let out a small growl, before he turned to the fidgeting form of Daniel.

"Don't worry yourself, Daniel. I'll keep an eye on her, she'll be fine." Hector told the small boy quietly, you glared slightly- you didn't need to be looked after! You were not a child!

"Do me a favor would you? Run to our people over in Southwark, tell them to try and search the ashes of the warehouse for anything useful, and get back to me as soon as they can, alright?" Daniel nodded, looking a little more comfortable having something to do.

"Right away, sir." He murmured, Hector nodded, fingers digging in his pockets as he tossed a few coins Daniel's way.

"Good work, helping me find (F/N)." Hector murmured, "Come see me soon, alright?"

"Yeah," Daniel smiled slightly, his green eyes trailing toward you. "Get well, Miss!" He called, as he turned round and headed off back up the alleyway quickly.

"... We should get you to a hospital." Hector said softly, glancing back to you, once Daniel was away.

"No." You growled, he sighed- he knew that would be your answer.

"If not that, ya should at least rest. In a bed," he said pointedly. "Don't make me drag you into one."

You sighed again, swallowing when your lungs ached and threatened to send you coughing again.

"... There's still work to be done." You mumbled, "That warehouse... I have reason to believe it may have been a front."

"Hmm?" Hector hummed in slight surprise. "If it was a front.... That would mean someone tipped off Adelain." You settled him with a small, silent stare and he blinked in slight shock. "You think we've been betrayed...?"

"... I don't know how else to think. Its possible that Jacob's actions involving finding the list gave Adelain reason to worry, but I don't think it was enough to warrent an entire building be sent up in flames." You replied lowly, seriously. "Every piece of information we had lead us to beleive that warehouse was holding the supplies Mr. Athernette was looking for- and I very much doubt he was willing to sacrifice them all. And they didn't move the supplies either, if they ever were in that Warehouse at all. We would have seen it."

"Either we were tricked by someone... Or our information was simply wrong." Hector murmured, eyes narrowed.

"Precisely.... And it's a riddle I need to solve. I can't afford to waste time." You murmured, he frowned at you.

"You really ought to rest," he grumbled. "Admit it or not, you're not in good shape. Whatever 'chemicals' you were exposed to, they took one hell of a toll, now didn't they?" You frowned in return, but stayed silent. He took that as your answer,

"..... Bloody stubborn idiot..... If I didn't know you, I would try to force you. But I do know you, and I know better... Damn you."

.:+:.

".... The documents we retrieved underneath the Kenway Mansion will take time to translate. But if our assumptions are correct, they may indeed lead us to the location of a Piece of Eden inside London." Henry said, his voice full of barely muffled excitement at the find. He moved inside the Curio Shop he called home, Evie following behind closely with a smile pulling at her features.

"Thank you, Henry. For accompanying me." Evie murmured,

"No need, in fact- I should be thanking you for the opportunity to come along!" Henry smiled, "It was quite the adventure, the likes of which I haven't had in a long time."

"I enjoyed myself as well. It was quite the treat to see so many pieces of the Assassins History, even if they are in the hands of the Templars." Evie murmured, voice dropping to a small sigh at the thought.

"Ah, but perhaps not for long now that you and your brother are in London, Ms. Frye." Henry smiled, circling about the tables and stands as he moved farther into the shop. Evie smiled, her freckles pulling as she nodded to him.

"I'm flattered by your confidence." Henry waved a hand, a warm smile on his lips, eyes glinting slightly.

"Well- confidence given, as confidence is deserved." He chuckled, Evie glanced from him, hands hooking behind her back as a faint, girlish blush seemed to pass over her features a moment, Henry blinked, before glancing away flusterdly and began to shuffle papers from behind the counter.

How adorable...

"Come now Henry, why don't you ever express such confidence in me?" You nearly cooed the words, the small display at the subtle hints of nervousness you could practically see sparking from the two lightening your mood significantly. Despite your pounding head, aching lungs and throat- and the ever spinning and blurred figure of the room, you still found then quite amusing- as you should. You were simply surprised such behavior had sprouted so quickly, but you enjoyed the idea none the less.

Henry jumped slightly at the sound of your voice, quickly turning about to see you from where you were settled on the edge of a table near the bookshelf settled to the left of the countertop.

Your arms remained crossed over your chest, hood down to leave your features bare and hair wavy now as strands and pieces fell loosely from their regular braid, curling slightly as it dried from the dip in the river. You smiled at him and his surprised, and slightly caught off guard expression- noticing that Evie herself had jumped slightly, apparently both of them had been so invested in their conversation, they had completely missed you, regardless of the fact you were rather out in the open. Hell, Henry had walked near to you and not noticed as he went behind the counter.

"(F/N)!" He exclaimed, eyes wide as he looked to you, and then paused, eyes glittering as his brow furrowed slightly. "(F/N)? You look awful, what happened?" He pressed quickly, you blinked, a deadpan stare coming across your face as your jaw clenched slightly.

Oh how you hated people pointing out such things..

"Are you alright?" Evie jumped in, icy blue eyes glinting slightly as she took a few steps in your direction. Her features turned into a searching one as her eyes narrowed in near suspicion and annoyance- but not toward you.

"This happened because of my brother, didn't it?" She grumbled, arms crossing over her chest as she shook her head. "He's such a brash fool...."

"(F/N), I received word of a Warehouse catching fire on the edge of the Thames just yesterday," Henry said, calling your attention back to him as he continued to question you quickly, you couldn't remember the last time he had seemed so suddenly concered over anything. "I hope I am not right in assuming you and Jacob had part in that....?" You nodded, and his eyes widened. "Were you caught inside of it? Is that the reason for your looking like this? What happened?"

"Jacob set a building on fire?" Evie growled, her tone one of only faint disbelief and more irritation than anything. She pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation, "That idiot."

"It is extremely odd for you to be involved in anything like this, regardless of Jacob's presence." Henry kept going, you could practically see him growing more frustrated with your lack of answering his quick questions. You stiffened slightly, biting the inside of your cheek as your stare settled on him in sheer silence. "Its rare any of your inquiries go awry, for any reason at all."

You let out a small sigh, stifling the urge to cough and failing- coughing slightly into your hand, eyes closing as you waited for it to cease, swallowing hard and aware you were receiving concerned looks from Evie and Henry alike- you cursed inwardly.

"Are you alright?" Evie voiced her question again, disregarding her apparant frustration with her brother entirely this time around. You nodded slightly, folding your hands in your lap and head bowed.

"... It would seem my lead fell through." You replied slowly, avoiding her question entirely. You hadn't any want to get into it again- especially if it would lead to arguing. "Jacob and I arrived at the Warehouse and dealt with the guards, I was preparing to begin sesrching the supplies inside when we realized there had been one last man inside the building- one who set the trap off that was meant to cause the warehouse to catch fire. The entire warehouse itself was set to blow, as if it was expected someone may coming looking for it." You inwardly grumbled, it had been a trap and you blundered into it like a damned fool.

"Jacob and I were caught inside- though we managed to get out relatively unharmed. Although, in the process we did take a tumble into the Thames.."

I hate that dammed river.

"However, it would seem my information was wrong. What of it I maned to collect lead me to believe that my Mark was collecting and storing supplies within that warehouse. In light of the fact the warehouse was set to detonate, and destroy everything inside... I am beginning to wonder if there was anything of any worth inside. It may have been, and probably was, a front- meant to kill whoever came looking into it. But away from that... It would seem we walked straight into a trap, unintentionally of course... But a trap none the less." You couldn't help the slight disdain that worked its way into your voice near the end, and you had to keep yourself from grimancing in frustration at the incredibly shocked look Henry Green was settling upon you.

He looked utterly astounded, as he probably should- because he had known you the longest of anyone, and he knew all too well how good you were. The idea you had been lead into, and fallen in a trap so easily- that seemed near impossible to him, and the idea your information had been wrong... You were always right.

And usually you were, it wasn't all arrogance as many may call it. You'd been at this a long time and had a knack for it, it was rare you were lead astray- and you and Henry knew it very well. Which, brought the question of why your information on that warehouse had been wrong in the first place- and the possibility you had been lead awry... From someone close to you.

A topic you would be pondering on a long while, you were sure.

"With that, I lost a lead I thought to be the best I had- and need a new clue to follow. However... It would seem I am in somewhat of a bind." You kept going, not pausing long enough for question- of which you were sure there were some. "Ms. Frye," you murmured, catching her eyes immediately as she looked to you intently. "I understand you are currently looking into a Piece of Eden here in London, but I would ask a favor of you."

"Hmm?"

"I know that a contact of my Mark, a Ms. Adelain Hrothgur, is housing letters and documents within her estate in Westminster. I believe there are documents referring to my Marks activity- and would like them retrieved. Delicately, I would prefer Adelain know nothing of our meddling- so I need someone with a more tempered approach to retrieve the documents quietly." Evie blinked in slight surprise, your head bowed slightly. "The documents are set to be moved to an estate outside of London, and will be on a Train out of the city by tonight- it'd probably be easiest to get to them in transit. But with that, my window is closing quickly... And as Henry so delicately put it;" you sighed, "... The incident with the warehouse has left me somewhat worse for wear, and with how I am right now- I doubt I'd be capable of the discretion and speed needed for this retrieval myself. So, Ms. Frye- I turn to you."

You clapped your hands lightly in front of you, eyes resting on Evie steadily as you dipped your head to her in a somewhat odd, yet incredibly formal gesture- one both she and Henry seemed taken aback by.

"I hate to impose, but I would appreciate your help in this matter. I would ask your brother, but I think we'll both agree you are much more suited for this sort of mission." You murmured, eyes glinting slightly as you gazed to her steadily and her somewhat shocked expression.

You hadn't expected to ask for Evie's help on this matter if you were being honest, at least not this quickly.. And not in these circumstances. It would seem she was surprised at the sudden ask for help as well, because for a small moment she seemed lost for response.

Though your eyes were fixed to Evie you could feel Henry's stare on you, those narrowed eyes and the taughtness his body held as he stood there with his arms crossed about his chest- mind working in overtime to piece together everything you said. You had failed to answer his initial question, still- at least in full. But the sudden ask for help from Evie gave him all the answer he needed, and now he was just tense.

Evie smiled slightly and nodded, "Of course, I'd be happy to help, (F/N)." She replied lightly, "After all, you have already assisted in my endeavors. It'd be my pleasure to assist in yours." You nodded slightly,

"Thank you," you murmured, lightly grasping the small pile of papers beside you in your hand and holding them out to her- she stepped forward and took them from you. "This is all the information you'll need for this assignment, and all the information I have on Adelain and my Mark- Horace Athernette." Her eyes glinted slightly at the name- perhaps Jacob mentioned it.

Evie nodded, her eyes scanning the papers just briefly before they landed on you again, "Are you alright?" She asked, that infernal question again.

The glint in her eyes told you she had taken note you had avoided answering the question this entire time- as you expected she would, she was a clever lass.

You smiled slightly, nodding once as your eyes fell closed again.

"I will be alright, in time." You murmured softly, "It isn't anything to concern yourself over, Ms. Frye." You assured her and she nodded slightly, relenting though it was clear she and Henry doubted your words. But it would be Henry who would challenge them- but perhaps not just now.

"I will do my best to procure these Documents before they leave London." Evie promised, "You have my word." The elder Frye began toward the door,

"Ms. Frye- Evie, please take care." Henry called after her as she headed away toward the door. "Should you meet her, Adelain is a vicious foe- you should tread lightly."

"I will, Mr. Green." Evie nodded, "They shall not be given chance to know I am there."

"Best of luck, Ms. Frye." Your murmured lowly, as Evie departed and you were left alone in the shop with Henry.

"(F/N)," Henry said at length, that was a warning tone if you had ever heard one... You sighed again, only to end up in a small fit of coughing that made you curse in your head a choice few times.

Henry's face was pulled into a concerned frown, as he waited for you to finish in your coughing- he had taken the few strides he needed to clear the space between the both of you, and now he was not two steps before you and your tired eyes.

"You may wish to avoid the question, but don't think for a moment I'm going to let this pass." Henry grumbled, "I know you better than to assume you are alright simply because you say so."

"... You're beginning to sound like Hector..." You grumbled hoarsely, hands clasped together tightly and all too aware of the metallic taste in your throat.

"Perhaps for good reason." He sounded exasperated now, and slightly scolding. "... Is Jacob alright? Is he suffering from the same as you?"

"No, I was near a crate of various chemicals when the warehouse was dragged to flames. Many of them were flammable and volatile- I inhaled those that became gas. Since then... I've not been in the best of shape." You shook your head slightly, "Jacob didn't breathe any of it in, if he did- it was not enough to cause him any harm." You paused a moment,

"... Jacob did not return to the Train Hideout yesterday?" You murmured slowly, Henry shook his head.

"Evie mentioned he never came back. I assumed he was still with you." Henry replied, "Was he not?"

"No. I've not the slightest clue where he is." You replied lowly,

..... If he didn't return home... Where the hell did that man go?

.:+:.

A very long, and very boring chapter! I apologize for that, next Chapter will be better I promise!

Ooh, what happened to Jacob? XD