Chapter 3
Irons Estate
Ian enters the study with Zan right behind.
"Ian where have you been?" Irons demands before noticing the younger man he walks down the stairs then puts on his most charming smile
Zan's instincts hit high he tightens his arms around Anai.
"Ian why didn't you tell me we were having guests?"
Ian stares at the floor "Anai is connected with the Witchblade... it is having an effect on her."
"Welcome to my home" Irons smiles at the man "I'm Kenneth Irons"
"Zan Antar"
"Welcome Mr Antar. And this is Anai?" he nods at the young woman sleeping in Zan's arms
Zan nods remaining alert and wary of the older man
Irons goes to his desk pushing the intercomm button "Dr Immo I need to speak with you."
A moment later a man enters "Yes Kenneth?"
"We have a guest who needs your attention."
"What happened?" Dr Immo asks looking at the young man
"Fever." Zan replies
"Come this way and I'll check her out."
As the three leave the study Irons lashes out stricking Ian across the face. "What were you thinking bringing strangers here?" he snarls his anger apparent.
Ian barely flinches at the hit his eyes glued to the floor "Anai needs your help"
"Who is she Ian? Why does she need my help?"
Ian lifts his head glances momentarily at Irons "She is my daughter."
Hearing that Irons stares at Ian "WHAT?!" he yells
In the exam room Zan lifts his head hearing the yell
"Ignore that... he's always yelling at Ian over something." Dr Immo says seeing the young man's action. "Now what led to this fever?"
"I'm not sure... I came home from work this morning and she was sick... I had hoped she would be well by this evening but" Zan shakes his head
In the study Ian is on the floor trying to catch his breath
"A child?! You had a child and did not tell me?!" Irons yells
"I am sorry Master."
Irons grabs Ian's hair pulling hard forcing Ian to look at him "Who is the child's mother?"
"Her name was Hope"
"What did you mean she is connected to the Witchblade?"
"Anai was born just nine months after..."
"She carries some of the memories" Irons finishes
Ian nods "Yes. She needs your help"
"Why should I help her?"
Ian lifts his head "She can not stop the memories, the dreams."
"Interesting." Irons looks at Ian thoughtfully "I could help her... to at least understand what is in her mind. Why don't we go see how our guests are doing."
Ian silently follows his Master to the lab. They enter to find Anai sitting up staring at Zan her eyes obviously furious.


I had no choice. I would do anything for you 'nai.
"Don't give me that puppydog look" Anai says angrily "I'm still pissed off" she groans "Damn it why do you have to be so hot"
Zan smiles reaches into his pocket pulling out a bag of Skittles "Then I bet you don't want these"
"You know bribery isn't always going to work on me mister"
"You can't resist candy"
Anai groans grabbing the pack
"Nope gotta say it" Zan smirks holding the candy away
"Fine Zan's da man." she reaches around grabbing the candy. "I'm still mad."
"What ever you say dollface"
"Glad to see you are feeling better" Irons says finally speaking
Anai looks at the man immediately knowing who he is her eyes narrow "Well if it isn't the egomaniacal billionaire."
Zan shakes his head "Ignore her she's in one of her moods."
"I have been called worse" Irons chuckles


"Kenneth why don't you wait to have a long talk with Anai. She needs some rest." Dr Immo says
Irons nods mentally scowling "Ian why don't you show our guests to their rooms. We can talk tomorrow."
Ian gestures to the door.
Zan helps Anai off the table putting his arm around her shoulders "Come on sweets" he gives Irons a thankful nod over Anai's head following Ian out the door.
"Ian make our guests comfortable and then return to the study" Irons orders
"As you wish" Ian nods closing the doors behind them. "This way" he turns on his heel leading them down the hallway.
"So this is what you've been doing all these years" Anai states
Ian nods

Anai squeezes Zan's hand I know
Ian remains silent observing the couples reaction to each other as he leads them upstairs to the guest room. "I take it you would like to share a room."
"Whatevers fine. Its easier for me to keep an eye on her."
Ian nods opening a door he turns on a light "There is some clothing in the closet and dresser you both should be able to find something that fits. The bathroom is over there. Would you like something to eat? I can have someone bring something up."
Zan looks at Anai shaking his head to find her fast asleep on the bed. "No thanks."
Ian nods "If you need something to eat the number for the kitchen is 211. Breakfast is at 8 if you would like to join Mr Irons."
"If she's feeling well enough then we'll join you."
"If you need Dr Immo his number is 711." Ian says moving to the door he glances at Anai
Zan seeing the look on Ian's face speaks "Don't worry man she just needs some sleep and then she'll be ready to talk."
Ian nods "I hope so" he walks out of the room closing the door behind him.
Zan looks at Anai "Better get you comfy babe"

Study
Ian enters the study to find Irons standing before the fireplace
"How are our guests?"
"In their room" Ian replies staring at the floor
Irons turns around looking at Ian "Care to explain why you did not inform me of the girl's existence?"
"Her mother did not want me too."
"You serve me Ian" Irons says striking Ian in the side
Ian flinches "Yes Master"
"What else are you hiding from me?" Irons demands
"Nothing Master" Ian says
"Better not be."

Upstairs
Zan strips down to his boxers crawling in beside Anai kissing her shoulder "I love you my Queen" Zan whispers
"And I you my King" she says sleepily

Chapter 4
Morning
Anai rolls over to see Zan sleeping beside her. She smiles stroking his cheek.
Zan smiles nuzzling into her touch
"Good morning my King" she leans forward kissing him lightly
Zan lifts his brow "That's my good morning kiss?" he pulls her head down swiping his tongue across her lower lip causing her to moan
I love your tongue ring
I know he kisses her his tongue thrusting into her mouth.
Anai moans pulling Zan atop her digging her fingers in his shoulders "Mmm"

Later
"Babe don't ya think we should go down for breakfast?" Zan asks running his hand down Anai's bare stomach tugging lightly on the silver bar piercing of her navel. "You should speak with your father."
Anai groans "I know"
"Come on 'nai get up."
Anai gets out of bed walking naked across the floor
"Of course" he smirks following her into the bathroom

20 mins later
"I'm glad you both could join us." Irons says noticing the two enter the diningroom. "I hope you both had a good nights sleep."
"Fine." Anai nods
"Have a seat" Irons gestures to the chairs glancing at Ian who moves out of the room "Anai Ian informed me that you have some of the Witchblade memories."
"Yeah" Anai shrugs watching the man cautiously "Causes major pain. It started going surround sound lately."
A servant sets full plates of food infront of them
"Thanks" Zan grins at the woman "Any chance you have some Tobasco Sauce?"
The woman looks at Irons
"Whatever our guests need" Irons gestures
"I will get it for you" the woman nods walking away
"Thanks" Zan nods
"Zan likes Tobasco just to warn you he puts it on everything."


"That's a pretty odd like" Irons states
"I'm an odd guy... that's why 'nai adores me" Zan smirks

"Here you go sir" the servant hands the Tobasco to Zan
"Thanks a lot."
Anai shakes her head seeing Zan pour the Tobasco sauce on his food and in his coffee and orange juice. "That is just nasty"
"What can I say..." Zan shrugs
"Anai why don't you tell us about what you see" Irons suggests taking a sip of his coffee
"I don't know who's point I ever see it from... its always different."
"How long has it been going on?" Irons asks
"As long as I can remember." Anai shrugs "Its just lately they've gotten even more vivid."
"It must be happening since the blade is now in use by Detective Pezzini." Irons muses
"That would make sense... the blade needs a person to activate... it interrupts the forces" Zan says
Irons looks at the young man his eyes narrowed "How do you know about the Witchblade?"
"I know what 'nai knows." Zan shrugs taking a drink of juice
Irons looks back at the girl "What is it you see?"
"Its hard to explain... mostly events. Sometimes its the Wielders death. Other's the Protectors."
"Protector?" Irons says surprised
Anai nods


"And who is the protector?" Irons demands
"It changes... sometimes its a priest... a few times its been just some guy... once I think the Protector was a wolf."
"A wolf?" Irons says incredulously
"I never know who the Protector is until I see the Wielders reaction."
"Reaction?" Ian asks then looks down when Irons glares at him
"If the Wielder dies the Protector usually follows soon after. Its the same if the Protector dies."
"Anai there is something I want to show you." Irons stands at the same time Ian does also


"Ian why don't you show Mr Antar around" Irons suggests
Ian nods
"Anai?" Irons gestures to the door
Anai kisses Zan's cheek then stands following Irons out the door as Zan stands.
"I will show you around." Ian says
"Lead the way" Zan says
Ian leads Zan out of the diningroom "The lab is off limits unless Mr Irons or Dr Immo allows you in there. Mr Irons office above the study is off limits also. If you use the study just stay on the first floor.
"No prob." Zan says
*
Irons leads Anai into the room set aside for Witchblade artifacts "This room has everything to do with the Witchblade."
Anai looks at the pictures her eyes wide 'I've seen them... all of them.'
"You are familiar with them?"
"Joan of Arc... Cleopatra... I've seen them all."
"And you have been there."
"In a way."
"You are quite an interesting young woman." Irons states "The child of the one man to wear the Witchblade with no after-effects." he rubs his hand absently
"You wore it" Anai says
"Yes... it was not fond of me."
"It knows the wearers true intentions. If your intentions weren't pure that is why it rejected you... not just because your a guy"
"So why did it stay with Ian longer?"
"I'm not sure... it probably saw him as pure because wearing it wasn't his decision but yours. You wanted it out of power nothing more nothing less"
"You seem to be a very blunt person"
Anai shrugs "Mom raised me to tell the truth"
"And Zan?"
"Zan does what he wants... he lives his life the way he wants. He protects me... takes care of me." she moves around looking at the paintings
"And what of your education?"
"I don't go to school... I spend hours at the library reading and looking up things I'm interested in. That's my schooling. Zan works."
"Works?"
"Odd jobs... bouncer, bartending... whatever he wants."
Irons nods
"Mr Irons can I ask you something?"
"What do you want to know?"
Anai looks at him "Why did you want him to wear the blade?"
"I had hoped that Ian would be able to control the Witchblade."
"And weild it for you."
Irons tilts his head in acknowledgement
"If your thinking that you can take if from the cop... your wrong... it has bonded to her. It will not activate for anyone other than her."

Outside
Zan and Ian are standing out on the porch "How long is it going to take your boss to show 'nai whatever he's showing her?"
"He takes whatever time he wants." Ian replies
"You are curious about Anai"
Ian shrugs "She's my daughter"
"You haven't seen her in what 10 years" Zan says
"I guess."
"Fair warning man... mess with 'nai's mind or feelings... you've got yourself an enemy worse than any you've ever had."
Ian and Zan stare each other down
Irons and Anai walk outside Anai shakes her head seeing the look on Zan's face "Zannie what have I said about threatening people."
Zan grins at Anai pulling her into a bear hug "What can I say babe gotta look out for ya."
Anai leans against Zan looking at her father and Irons as they talk quietly.
I know.
"Anai it was a pleasure speaking with you. I wish to extend my offer of you both staying here while we work on your situation." Irons offers
Anai looks up at Zan

"It would be much easier for figuring out a solution to this problem of yours" Irons says

Anai shrugs "Yeah sure" she turns staring out at the gardens below her mind running over the recent events. "Its up to Zan"
"Why not... at least there's more people to keep 'nai out of trouble."
"Good." Irons nods "If you need anything Ian can help you out." Irons gives Ian a sharp look then strides into the mansion.


"Enjoy... I'm off to catch some major z's" Zan kisses Anai's head then walks inside
Anai looks at her father seeing him relax as Irons walks inside. "Its been a while" she says softly
Ian nods "I last spoke with your mother... on your 11th birthday... after that I had no idea where you were."
"Around... living with mom's occassional boyfriend. She got married not long after my birthday." she shakes her head "Didn't last though... he hated having me around and when Zan moved in... he hated it more. So he left. Fine with me the guy was a major moron."
"I wish things had been different for you."
Anai shrugs "If they had been I never would have met Zan" she tilts her head thoughtfully 'And you never would have fallen in love with the Weilder.'
"You love him" Ian states
Anai chuckles "What's not to love... Zan grows on ya after a while. He's done a pretty good job making sure I don't get into trouble." she looks out at the garden "Can I ask you something?"
"You want to know what happened"
Anai looks at him "Yeah... I don't really remember much about my sixth birthday... I do remember you two got in a huge argument."
"He was getting suspicious about where I was disappearing too. I wanted to tell him the truth before he found out some other way... lessen the punishment I guess."
"Mom didn't want him to know"
"She made me choose... keep you both alive or tell the truth and risk losing you both."
"So you left."
Ian shrugs "She did not want you to grow up like I did. Next thing I knew you were gone. She called me every so often to let me know everything was going well never told me where you were. She asked me not to look for you and I agreed. Thought you both would be better off."
Anai nods
*
Anai glances at her father from the corner of her eye as they walk back towards the mansion. She suddenly stops in her tracks her head beginning to pound her wrist aching.
Ian sees her act "Are you OK?"
Anai stares at her wrist almost as though she can see the gauntlet appear on the Weilder's arm. She puts her hands over her ears hearing the buzzing and hissing of the Witchblade the anger and pain of those who had died bellowing in her ears. "Stop stop stop" she mutters her legs giving way she falls to the ground
Upstairs Zan bolts out of bed hearing the scream of terror and pain ringing through his head
Out back Ian lifts up the shaking teen hurrying inside just as Zan runs down the stairs.
"What the hell happened?" Zan demands seeing Anai unconscious
Ian looks at the young man "I do not know she just collapsed." he continues on his way to the medlab. He enters to find Dr Immo and Irons speaking
Irons turns around "What happened?"
Ian sets her on the exam table "She said something about stopping then just collapsed."
Irons looks at Ian "The Witchblade is in use go see why."
Ian looks at Anai then after a moment nods hurrying out of the room
Zan touches Anai's arm trying to connect with her he jerks back suddenly as though his arm is on fire.
Irons watches the young man's reaction thoughtfully 'They are keeping something from me.'
"Her pulse is skyrocketing" Dr Immo says as she jerks awake her eyes wide
She seeks out Zan's eyes
Zan moves closer not touching her knowing her senses are out of control
"Anai are you OK?" Dr Immo asks reaching out to check her pulse
Zan grabs the man's wrist "Don't"
"Mr Antar" Irons begins
Zan looks at the Doctor "If you touch her when she's like this she's liable to respond... painfully." he lets the doctor's wrist go "She hasn't yet returned from whatever it was she saw."
"How do you know?" Irons asks
"I can't feel her." Zan replies moving so he's almost inches from touching her letting her know he's there without touching her.
After about 15 minutes the doctor and billionaire watch as Anai's breathing returns to normal her eyes refocusing.
"You OK babe?" After a moment Anai nods holding her arms out to him. Relieved Zan pulls her into a tight hug.
Anai nuzzles into his neck
I know
"Anai what happened?" Irons asks
Anai shakes her head
"Give her some time to sort... she'll explain." Zan assures
Irons nods
"I'm goin' to take her upstairs" Zan says lifting her up

Somewhere
Ian sees Sara fighting with a man seeing her being backed into a corner Ian grabs the man slamming him into the wall.
"Nottingham" she says relieved "what the hell is going on?"
Ian stares at the man on the ground "He was going to corner you and kill you."
"Hey" Sara begins to protest then stops seeing the look on his face "Something wrong?"
"Anai collapsed... I think she felt it."
"Is she OK?"
"I do not know. He sent me here to help you."
"Then go back and see how she is" Sara orders
Ian nods turning around
"Hey Nottingham"
Ian stops looking over his shoulder
"Thanks" she nods at the guy on the ground
"Any time Sara"