Unrequested Invitation

Even a single unsigned message can eventually lead to a very surprising outcome. As well as a plain cardboard box can include a rare and special content. But is it always a clever idea to take a step in the dark, especially with the lack of information about the true intentions of the mysterious person behind everything?

That simple scrabbled note pushed under the door of his flat had left him confused. But also wondering.

What. The. Hell.

No name, no added letter with explanation. Just a brief information. Only hastily written GPS geographical coordinates. And the exact date and time. That was it.

How detailed... Thanks. Really helpful.

Even though there was basically no reason to follow or track this lead, Kurtis Trent had made his research anyway. Just to be sure. The message - or whatever it was - could be important, after all. He had experienced various forms of communication when someone had desperately tried to get reach of him in the past. And this one was definitely not the weirdest way of getting contacted. The American's history had not been - strictly speaking - ordinary in many manners. The life of the last living remainder of the Lux Veritatis order had many burdens connected to the almost gone heritage. On top of it, some of his former contacts - in fact, many of them - had also posed as a present potential danger. He had flock of enemies, both human and supernatural. And wreaking vengeance on the familiar adversary was always a very likely option in his case.

Based on the coordinates, the place was situated at the very end of the county. There was nothing striking, just some kind of a smaller park. Considering the put effort, Kurtis supposed that someone was extremely interested in trying to talk to him. And discretely. But who? And why? Could this matter be connected to the Cabal in any way? And why hadn't they just contacted him right away, since the person obviously knew his address? The whole matter was just too shady. Or could it be a misunderstanding? Certainly, there was another, more likely option. The one that had happened to him from time to time. Someone was leading him into a trap.

Nothing new here. Boring, guys...

But Kurtis Trent was not the man to be chased into the corner. On the other hand, he also hated having someone - or something - breathing on his neck. Basically, there was the only option left for him to get rid of all the doubts and unanswered questions. To find out what all this was about. Face on. However, it would need a pretty good plan to turn the tables into his favour. He was determined not to surrender easily if the arranged clue was a preparation of an ambush. Not without raising a proper fight if needed.

Kurtis had checked the park and its surroundings in person beforehand, taking notes in his mind about the location. There was nothing exceptional. Trees almost all around the bare spot with a single lonely wooden bench. Except from one side where there was a spectacular view onto the city below the area. He had identified the best possible spots for snipers and attackers. In addition, the ex-mercenary deployed some of the gadgets given by Zip. No bugs were wanted. Again, he had to acknowledge the technical abilities of Lara Croft's close friend and colleague. And also, his own comrade. Kurtis chuckled to himself. Who would have expected him of having an eccentric, cheerful and jovial computer geek as a friend? And a really good one? It was definitely something that was not typical for the Lux Veritatis warrior. But now there was no time for these thoughts. He had to concentrate.

Leave the reminiscence for when you're elder and gray, Trent... If you live long enough.

Finding a proper hideout and observation post in one, he was now watching the place with the bench - as well as the contiguous area - through the binoculars. There was nothing. And no one. For a moment, he was asking himself why he had decided to come at all. This was ridiculous. He checked the time. The most stupid way of celebrating his birthday ever. Not that he cared. He had just originally wished for some other plans than this nonsense. A sudden rattle interrupted his thoughts. His blood ran cold, feeling the adrenaline rising in him. He immediately examined the area around, preferring his own eyes this time. Nothing. Looking down on one of the gadgets' controllers, he could see that the machine had indeed detected a swift movement. He put a hand over his gun, ready to set out to check the activity out in more detail. Unfortunately the signal suddenly vanished. Way too fast.

Great. Hopefully this is not another goddamned demon. I'm really not in a mood for this.

Something was definitely not right here.

Come out, you bastard...

He put the binoculars up again to look at the clearing. Kurtis did a double-take as he had immediately noticed a change. Unlike before, now there was a shallow cartoon box lying on the bench. Just like that. With no one around. He sighed, irritated.

Splendid, he commented to himself in irony.

According to the gadget there was no one else. Except several small animals.

I've never been a fan of playing hide and coop.

After a short moment of consideration, he climbed down the tree, approaching the place with the package slowly and carefully.

Alright. Now or never. It's a show off time!

The simple box was sited there, as if making a mock of him. The man known as the Demon Hunter. He grimaced and shook his head in irony. Looking around him one more time, he headed over to the bench. The ex-mercenary had thought about using his Farsee to get more information about the content, but didn't find it as a good idea to be left just standing there without his back covered, totally defenceless and basically offering himself served on a silver platter. He observed the thick paper in close, trying to find out something. From the first sight, there was no sign of supernatural forces. Eventually Kurtis put out another of Zip's instruments. A metal detector. According to the sensor, there was no metallic element inside the paper package. The finding made him a little bit calmer. The hope that there was likely no bomb was definitely positive. This was definitely not a good day for defusing explosives.

As if there was ever any proper time slot for that...

Still, it didn't mean that the suspicious box was safe, though.

I've got enough of this shit already.

The whole ordeal was really getting on his nerves by now. It was time to end this charade.

Take it or leave it.

He took a deep breath and opened the package with caution. Eventually the whole lid was removed.

"No way..." he uttered aloud in shock. He blinked several times while seeing the content, wondering if he was not dreaming. The American's mind was racing crazily as all the pieces of the puzzle started falling into their place.

Of course.

Kurtis placed the palm of his hand across the face in defeat, sighing deeply.

I've made it way too easy... Damn it.

Some time prior

The British woman cursed under her breath as she jumped over a big, muddy pool. Catching her balance on the edge of the rough, half-ruined pavement, she sighed. This was not supposed to turn out like this. The road was supposed to be passable, especially today. The Tomb Raider was definitely not happy with the situation she had been finding herself at right now, but kept on going. Like always. She had been used to deal with bad luck. On top of it, she herself had decided for this little mission. This was something she had really wanted to realize. And that was the decisive fact.

Just several more steps...

Lara Croft's goal location wasn't far. She got a better hold of the cardboard box she was carrying. It was important to deliver the package to the exact place as soon as possible - and unharmed. The British woman very well knew that the load was extremely fragile. Falling with it would be simply a disaster she wouldn't be able to take back. And especially after all the struggle she had undergone so far, it was unacceptable. The special content was not only sensitive to the movement, but also the surrounding temperature. Because of the hot weather, she had to hurry. The time was vital. And now it was working against her. But that was nothing new in her world. She had already overcome hundreds of worse obstacles, as well as tasks requiring the time limit.

Contain was also important to her personally. It was not easy for the Tomb Raider to obtain it. It was a rather bothersome experience, as well as demanding and even annoying to the certain level. Especially for someone like her. It had required many preparations, searching for information and planning beforehand. And even help from some other people. However, the most important part was to pass the package to the recipient it was meant for. At this very day. Not later.

Lara had already passed over the half of the way. For all the time, she kept in mind that the content could be also endangered even by slight tilting. It was important to hold the box in a steady position no-stop. Her hands started aching slightly, but she knew that wasn't time to give up. Not now, after going all the way already. As Lara turned the corner of another building, she could spot the familiar block of flats far in the distance. She recalled of several pleasant memories connected to the place. A slight smile appeared in the corner of her lips. She was getting close. Lara kept evading people in the way and kept watching her steps. Everyone close to her posed as danger now. And it appeared like everyone was there to cross her way today. Literally. She carefully looked around when crossing the road. The sidewalk was - again - heavily imperfect, but she managed to overcome even this obstacle. Another tiny jump, wide step and keeping her balance. Easy. She was used to the rough terrain, after all.

Present

There was a cake in the box. Nothing more, nothing less.

This won't pass any time soon. She ain't gonna gimme a break for several months at least.

"You can come out now," Kurtis stated in a raised voice, not even bothered to turn around to look behind his back. He had already known who was behind all this. "You've got me, Lara. Happy?"

"You are supposed to be happy, not me. Especially today." Lara Croft came out from behind one of the trees. Her wide smile was radiant. "So, do you like the beginning of your birthday party?" she asked, obviously pleased with her plan. And especially satisfied with the fact that all the effort and realized arrangements had led to the desired outcome. Successfully.

"Yeah, sure," Kurtis said, still slightly annoyed with himself at how he could have fallen for the British woman's scheming so easily. "Just a little bit resentful. I guess I'm getting old." Recalling the past days, Lady Lara Croft was acting like there was something mischievous behind it. But that was Lara's often behaviour in his presence. Finally he turned to her. He couldn't help but to make a grin which - unwillingly - turned into a broad smile.

"Well, that's the point of this celebration, isn't it?" she wondered aloud. "Another year behind you. And staying alive. That's a quite high achievement in your case," she stated.

"That description would suit you better. You always create trouble. Unnecessarily. Like now."

Lara grinned. "And also prepare surprises occasionally. Anyway here is another one." She showed him a wicker basket she had been hiding behind her back. It was full of food, with two bottles sticking out from the basket's inside. There was also a blanket hanging over the handle. Everything was obviously ready for a picnic. "Happy birthday, stranger," she said softly at last. Her joyful expression faded for a second as she had realized she was supposed to bring something more with her. The British woman almost growled aloud for forgetting matches. Then the Tomb Raider just stopped fussing about it. As far as she knew, a lighter wouldn't be far. She would even bet that the man had the requisite right in his pocket.

Lara Croft - as only a few people in the world - knew that the tough man's soul had also it's fragile side, no matter his strong will, determination and the ability to hide all the pain and even the slightest sign if discomfort. Always. And some time later, he had let her come to know and see his weaknesses and worries; including his deep thoughts, secret wishes and various doubts. Hesitantly welcoming her into his world full of darkness and fierce fights. His physical as well as emotional resistance was exceptional. Suited for the fate of a warrior. In fact, they both were extremely good at covering their imperfections, feelings and suffering. She wasn't even sure who of them was better at concealing emotions. However, Kurtis Trent's soul was definitely weighted with more burdens from the past than hers. And she had always wanted to carry it all with him, easing the heavy load put on his shoulders at least a little bit. Giving him some moments of happiness to make him feel at peace was the least thing she could do.

Lara smiled, again remembering why she was doing this at all. The person in front of her was very precious to her. And this man was definitely worth to her a lot. The truth was that she had been a little bit nervous about organizing and making this dumb surprise at the very start. But as Lara had imagined his shocked face she was about to witness, she threw all the unpleasant thoughts away. It was definitely worth it.

"Lemme guess," he declared, crossing his hands and tilting his head. "Zip has helped you with all this. By hacking his own gadgets to confuse me." He shook the device in his hand.

"So you're really not just a handsome face," she noted with a shrug. "Yes. You've got us. How else was I supposed to make everything of this come to fruition otherwise? You are a professional. Not the one to be taken lightly."

"Point taken," he acknowledged. "And I'm flattered. It's been a clever idea, I admit. And thank you. This all is... very nice of you. As well as atypical," he said with a sincere, even a touched smile, shaking his head in certain disbelief. "So, Lady Lara Croft has brought me a cake. I don't think you've baked it on your own—"

"Don't push your luck," Lara warned. "Or it will end up right in your face."

"How many kitchens did get ruined in the process, I wonder?" he continued, not minding her threats at all. "We definitely shouldn't let these sacrifices go to waste."

"Oh, shut up and lend me a lighter. My 'no smoking in my presence' rule still stands, by the way. I just want it to lit up the candles for you later."

"I just want to say: Thank you... How have you even known?"

"I've made a needed research. Together with the hunt for the recipe. And Winston was eager to help me."

"I need to warn you, though."

She paused, eyeing him in both suspicion and concern. "About what?"

"This is gonna be hell of a party. I'm used to hell, but how 'bout you?"

"You know I can deal with quite a lot," she stated.

"That's exactly what I've wanted to hear."

Lara approached Kurtis. "You know, it hasn't been polite of you not to mention the date of our birthday." She passed by him, sat on the bench and put the basket on the ground beside, enjoying the view.

"You know me. I usually don't have many opportunities to have my party spirit on stand-by mode." Kurtis joined her, gently pushing the box with the cake to the end of the bench. "I guess the city lights will be mesmerizing when it gets darker."

"That's true. This place is very beautiful after the sunset. The view was the main reason why I've chosen it. I'm glad you like it. So," she put the basket up into her lap, "will we start with a toast?"

"A French or a liquid one?" he said with a grin.

Lara smiled. "Well, you didn't catch me off guard, you sly guy. I have both in here." She patted the wicker carrier. "But first, let's clink glasses if you agree."

"Sounds great. Even though I'd be also up for another way of appreciating the French legacy."

She smirked, but decided to overcome his note. "I'm sorry for the lack of champagne. Zip has taken all of it to some crazy party today. And didn't bother to tell me about this drunken aim of his."

"Never mind." He was watching Lara to start pulling out a bottle of red wine and two glasses. "As long as it means that your Manor is empty I mean," he added with a bold grin. "Then it's actually a good news."

"Yes." She smiled. "The celebration is meant to continue there, indeed. But for now, just enjoy your time here, will you? I've been planning this for some time."

"Fine with me..." Then he sneered in mischief. "By the way, whose was that lazy and ugly handwriting? Is that how you aristocrats normally write to look posh?" He shook his head in played confusion. "Obviously I dunno everything about you and your kind."

"My kind?" Lara frowned in a pretended offence. "That was not my writing and no." Suddenly she giggled. "And Zip will be surely touched by your compliment. I'll make sure to let him know."

Kurtis took the both glasses from her. "That was not meant to be a tribute. I'm definitely getting a payback on him later.

And not only him, girl.

But more importantly, I'm keeping my compliments for someone else," he stated with a blink. "Someone very dear to me."

Lara's smile grew wider. "You know," she said, filling up the glasses with the tasty liquid, "I also have some flattery up to my sleeve. Especially for the today's honoured person."

"And will you be completely honest with me?" He asked with narrowed eyes. "'Cause I'm not interested in any empty non-saying noble phrases."

"Hmm... The wine should take care of that. I bet you know the saying: 'In Vino Veritas'?"

"'In wine there is truth.' Sure."

"It might will help me being more... sincere."

"And also hopefully more approachable." He grinned even more.

"Don't hold your hopes up. You see, the drink is not as mighty as they claim. But maybe I could use it to my advantage."

"You're not gonna have it easy, girl. Don't expect me to get drunk easily."

"I don't. And I won't even need it. You'll be mesmerized by my company and compliments anyway."

"Let's start, then," he raised his glass and handed Lara the other one. "We have a plenty of time till the evening."

"Who says the party will be over by then?" she said with a grin. "I have got some more plans in store for today."

The melodic ring sounded as their glasses touched. They took a sip and then their arms closed around each other, looking down at the city.

"That sounds really good to me."

"And have you made your mind about what you would like to do later?"

"Hmm. Maybe we could have a swim..."

"Not bad at all," she said with a shrug. "I think I should hear out your wish since you're a celebrated host."

His eyes sparkled in the sudden realization. "If that's the case, it opens a way to plenty of various options."

"Hmm..." She smiled up at him and lifted her eyebrows.

"Then I have a very clear idea about my birthday wish," he stated, already handing Lara his lighter.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kurtis Trent! For many people, one of the most intriguing characters ever created! And the best partner for Lara Croft IMHO. ;)
Too bad we haven't got to see more of their interaction in the official games. :( It's a GREAT shame and a BIG mistake. :P

I've wanted to try something a little bit different this time, specially for today, on the 26th. I hope you've enjoyed this easy-going one-shot at least a little bit.

Anyway let's have some great - imaginary or real - party today, Kurtis Trent's worshippers! :D :D :D