Eli: Sorry it's been a while. Restrictions, go figure. High school is just
the polite way of saying Hell above earth. You know who created high
school? The same idiots who dare cancel Witchblade! I'm signing things,
writing letters, whatever it takes to keep our show on! Must have
witchblade or I will go terrorist on TNT! Enjoy the chap.
"Ian, why do you, like, stare into the abyss?"
"What?"
"You keep staring at nothing." Kelly got a look of hope. "Did you, like, break up with your girlfriend?" She forced her face into a fake-sympathy type of look and crossed over to him. "It's okay. You can, like, tell me."
"No, Kelly. Just have alot on my mind."
"Are you sure?"
Does this chick ever let up? Can't we send her back to Baywatch, yet? I can take the living barbie doll right now! Where's Gabe?
"Yeah, I promised Gabriel to help him with something. I'll be right back." Kelly backed off and sat back down at her desk.
"Like, okay. Tell Gabriel Friday for me. Hurry back now." She winked at him. Ian forced himself to smile and closed the door behind him.
Can't she take a hint?! Must not kill. You are a cop. Your job is to prevent death.
He knocked on the forensic lab's door. "Gabriel?"
"Door's unlocked." He entered and Gabriel was leaning over a microscope.
"Hey Ian, what's up?"
"Need time away from my damn partner. By the way, she said to tell you Friday."
"Oh."
"What does she mea... You didn't! You are not going out on a date with that thing?!"
"Guilty as charged."
"Gabriel! Have you lost your mind?!" Gabriel shrugged.
"What? She maybe stupid, but even you have to admit she's hot!"
"No, she's completely plastic. You two will go out and people will think you're a child molester. You are going out with a teenager!"
"I am not, and if you don't find her hot, I don't know who you do."
"You do know."
"Ah yes. Sara. How is the mystery woman?"
"I wouldn't know."
"Sounds like someone is depressed." Ian didn't answer. "Hello? Earth to Nottingham? What is up?"
"I don't know. I really don't know."
"What do you mean you don't know?"
"Just what I said." Ian's cell went off. He picked it up.
"What?"
"Detective, care to join me for an afternoon chat?"
"Sure, what the hell."
"Excellent. I await your arrival." Irons hung up. Ian cheered up a bit.
I may have to deal with Irons, but at least Sara will be there.
"See ya, Gabriel."
"Where you going?"
"An afternon chat."
"Alright. See you tomorrow."
"Have fun with Barbie."
"Shut up!"
-That afternoon-
Ian arrived at the mansion around four. As usual, Sara was there to lead him to Irons. She wouldn't look at him directly and chose to remain silent. Ian never took his eyes off her. Right before they entered the library, Ian grabbed her from behind and whispered something into her ear.
"I missed you." Sara held back the blush that started to make it's way across her face. She moved away from him and opened the door.
Irons was at her desk. She purposely had worn a mini skirt and tight blouse. This meeting was not about information. It was about being allies. She put on a fake smile and rised to greet him.
"Detective Nottingham. I am very pleased to see you again." She came over to hug him, but he backed up and gave her the coldest look he could muster. She took the hint.
"I hope you have a good reason for calling me here, Ms. Irons."
"Meredith, if you please. I do have a very important reason for asking you here today."
"Then get on with it." Ian prepared himself for one of her history lectures on the witchblade. He also glanced at Sara, who was standing by the fireplace. The fire made her face more brilliant. He looked back at Irons with her white blond hair and pale blue eyes. Then he looked at Sara with her light brown hair and green eyes. Such green eyes. She was by far alot more attractive than her boss. Irons noticed his attention was not on her, so she went directly in front of him and proceeded to tell him of her plan.
"Tell me, Ian. How much do you think you know about the witchblade?"
"More than I would care to."
"Do you know of the Periculum? (I have no clue how to spell it, so bear with me.)
"Periculum?" Memories flashed through his head. "The test?"
"Yes. You know more than I thought. Do you know what happens if you succeed with the test?"
"I live and keep my sanity?"
"Besides that, the witchblade would forever stay with you and could not be taken back."
"Lucky me."
"Yes. But how do you plan to pass the periculum?"
"Uh, best I can?"
"You will need help." Meredith began to walk toward him. Sara lifted her head up and watched in horror in what was happening. She had seen this trick far too often. Sara held back bitter tears. No one had ever resisted her. She had a century worth of practice on her side.
Ian, don't! Please! You can't trust her! You can't let her control you. You or the witchblade. Please!
"I can help you, Ian. I know the witchblade's secrets and I know what is to come with the periculum." Irons put her this arm around his neck. She caressed his cheek with her other hand. "I can be the one to help you. Trust me, Ian."
She's a snake, but she is a convincing one. Everything said thus far is true. What would be so wrong to use her for information?
Ian was tempted to agree. The he saw the twisted smile come to her face, the spite in her eyes. He looked beyond her at Sara. She was looking at him. Her eyes were so tragic, so beautiful. She was so beautiful. Her eyes pleaded with him. She slightly shook her head. He understood what she was telling him.
"I'm sorry Ms. Irons. But I'm a big boy and can take care of myself." He pushed her off him with a smile. His eyes briefly flashed to Sara. She showed a ghost of a smile. Irons saw where his attentions were and turned around. Sara immediately returned to her normal position.
"I understand you like independence, but to not except needed help is irrational."
"Who said I ever wanted something rational?"
"You are a very stubborn man, but you will see the errors soon enough."
"You wish."
"That's enough for today, detective. I will see you later."
"I hope not, Meredith." Her eyes narrowed as he hissed her name out. She turned toward Sara. "Please show him the way out. Afterwards, I must speak with you."
"Yes, mistress." Ian followed Sara out. She seemed even more tensed than before. He wasn't going to have this. He went in front of her and blocked the way. When she tried to get around him, he grabbed her wrists and pressed her into the wall.
"Sara, look at me." She shook her head and kicked his stomach.
Damn, she has one hell of a kick! And I know she was barely trying that time.
"Sara, please look at me. Don't shut me out like you do the rest of the world. Please Sara?" She couldn't deny him any longer. Not when it was something so innocent. In fact, she was sure she couldn't deny him anything. She forced her head up and looked at him. He let go of one of her wrists and moved his hand to her face.
"Thank you." He moved in closer and kissed her lightly on the lips. He knew by now she wasn't use to this sort of thing, so he made it short. She moved away again after he had stopped. Ian sighed and they continued on. She opened the door for him before he had a chance to stop her. Ian put his hand on her cheek.
"She's going to hurt you."
"I know."
"Sara, you don't deserve this. You can leave right now."
"I can not."
"I can't bear the thought of her hurting you. I know she's going to."
"It is the way things are." Sara shut the door behind him. She sighed and leaned against the door. She held back tears.
I want to be with you. I don't like, absoulutely hate, doing this to you. But it is for the best. Everything around me dies and you deserve a chance to be normal. I couldn't give you that happiness.
Sara made her way back to the library. Irons looked down at her. She was deffinitely not pleased.
"Well, the wielder seems to have taken a liking to you, Sara. I wonder why."
"I am sure he doesn't, mistress."
"Well, then can you name another reason he is always so fixated on you. He stares at you. What have you two been doing, Sara?"
"Nothing, mistress. I have told you everything." Irons turned her back on her and went to her desk. She picked up a parcel and threw it at Sara's feet. Her eyes went wide. They were pictures of her and Ian at that club.
"I don't recall hearing about this, Sara." Irons voice was every bit like the snake she was. She came over to Sara and slapped her face. Sara forced her head back up to answer.
"It was an accident. It will not happen again, mistress." Irons slapped her again, this time with help from her perfectly manicured nails. Sara closed her eyes to the pain and tried to think of her beloved. His lips on hers. She opened her eyes again and glanced at Irons.
"It had better not." Irons walked behind her and grabbed a handfull of her hair. "For your sake, it had better not." She pulled Sara's head back violently. "He is MINE. I claim him for my own. Remember that, Sara. Know your place benieth us. He is mine." She then slammed Sara into a wall.
"You have been a very bad girl." Irons withdrew a dagger. Sara closed her eyes again. As tight as she could. She pictured Ian in her mind. She would not let go of the memory. Even as Irons sliced at her back. She pictured the two of them. Like in the dreams, memories. When they were together. He was hers, not Irons.
When she opened her eyes again, she was kneeling in a pool of her own blood. Irons was staring at her. Sara's blood was splattered across her face. Irons stared at her bitterly. "Go, the test is upon us. Go!"
-That night-
Ian shifted uncomfortably in his bed. He was tired as hell, but couldn't put his thoughts aside. He kept thinking about Danielle and Mario. Their dead bodies lying limp. And even when he put them aside, he thought about Sara, about what she had said.
"It is the way things are."
Not much of anything, but he took it as a rejection. It hurt. It painfully hurt. He had half offered her to be with him without saying the words. He should have said the words. Maybe if he had, she would be with him right now. He glanced at his clock. 11:11 p.m.
Suddenly, he felt his body go straight. It also went stiff. He couldn't move, it was like he had bindings. He looked down. He DID have bindings. The witchblade had spread itself over his body. His head was burning. His breathing became heavy.
What the hell? Is this the test? What the hell is it trying to prove?
"Damn it!"
"Watch your mouth." He was relieved to see Danielle beside him.
"Sorry, mom." She gave him a half smile and put her hand on his forehead.
"What the hell?!"
"Ian, you're dying."
"What?"
"That's why I can touch you now."
"Is this the test?"
"Yes."
"Stay with me?"
"Of course." Ian then closed his eyes and entered another place.
There was a man, a warrior. A black knight of sorts. The kind of warrior that battles for the blood shed. The man turned toward him and glared.
"Name me, child."
"Ares." Ian hissed out. This man was corrupt, evil.
"Correct. So, you are chosen?"
"Yes."
"Pathetic thing of a man. Do you even have a warrior's spirit within you?"
"I am a warrior."
"Who do you battle?"
"I war against criminals. It's my job."
"So? That does not make you a warrior."
"And I suppose a love of blood shed does?"
"What I did with my life was my choice. I prove one fact."
"And what's that?"
"Good doesn't always win."
"It will if I have anything to do with it." Ares smirked.
"You have my bark." Ares swung his sword at him. Ian blocked and struck back. He smirked again. "And my bite." He put his sword on Ian's shoulder.
"I guess I approve of you." He moved the sword down to his heart. "It would figure you would meet her." He became cold as he said her.
"Who?"
"Your other half. She likes to say your better half."
"Sara?"
"Is that what she goes by now?"
"Yes." Ares stared him in the eye.
"You'd be better off loving the moon."
"She is the moon."
"And I suppose you are the sun. Very well. Off with you, we don't have all night." Ares nudged him with his sword. Ian turned from him and went off.
-Real world-
Danielle was worried. Touching him was one bad sign. The sudden case of blacking out was another. She tried to smile.
"You'll make it through." Danielle turned her head to the window. Someone was out there.
Sara looked in on him. The cold rain felt soothing on her back. She watched over him. But now the other was here, his partner. His dead partner. The chinese woman looked at Sara and made a motion for her to come in. Sara was hesitant. The woman smiled and spoke. Sara couldn't hear her words from outside, but they rang loudly in her head.
"C'mon in. He needs you."
Sara opened the window and stared at them. Danielle motioned toward a chair. Sara pulled it next to the bed and sat down. She put her gloved hand on his fore head. Even through her glove, she could feel his fever. Danielle smiled at the sight of them. She caught Sara's eye and sent her words to her.
"So, you're the one he's so crazy about." Sara shook her head no. "Oh yes, you are. You like him, don't you?" Again, Sara shook her head. "Oh, you love him?" Sara gave a slight nod. "He likes you. Maybe even...."
"He doesn't."
"He does. You don't see, or rather refuse to see, the way his eyes follow you across a room. He would share his life with you, if you'd only let him."
"I ...am not worthy." Her head was down. Something she had learned to do, even if the only presense was only that of a ghost. Half of Danielle wanted to give the girl a hug, while the other wanted to smack her across the head for not seeing what she was doing to Ian.
"Sara, don't believe what your mistress, or should I say mother, tells you." Sara looked up at Danielle.
"Keep that information to yourself, Detective Woo."
"I will."
-The periculum-
Ian found himself being attcked by, literally, a knight in shining armour. He raised the witchblade in deffence and was now engaged in battle. After going back and forth for ten minutes, Ian knocked the sword out of the man's hand. The knight laughed at him through the armour and raised his visor.
"It chooses well."
"Are you King..."
"Arthur? That I am."
"You are a myth."
"As is Ares. You have already met him. Pleasant fellow, if not arrogant."
"Arrogant is an understatement."
"You musn't blame him for his fury. He had a hard time for which he must now repent."
"All life is hard. Why is he so special?"
"He was hated by his father. He bedded his own sister. He killed thousands of men. The witchblade caused him to create his own hell."
"What about you? Did you create your own hell?"
"I did many the same things as he. I bedded my half sister, was hated by my own son. Killed men, but in life I remorsed."
"Incest is a big thing among the wielders."
"It is your choice to repeat it."
"Their is no one to repeat it with."
"Isn't there now?"
"Wait! I hope you aren't saying Sara is...."
"Your sister? My sister? She is not Morgan, so no."
"Who was she?"
"Quinnivere, my queen."
"She betrayed you."
"That was her."
"Would Sara betray me?"
"No. It is not in her to, this lifetime."
"But it was in her in yours?"
"Yes."
"This is suppose to be a test."
"It is a test. You just don't know how we judge."
"How do you judge me?"
"I was abandoned by the witchblade for my betrayal against it. My quest for the grail."
"Why was that a betrayal?"
"I was to be a wielder, not a crusader."
"It got jealous?"
"In it's own way, yes. If I ever was a lesson, it is this: Embrace your destiny. With out it, you are already dead."
"I am a wielder and I accept that. It affects everything, but I'll deal."
"Then you can go forth, Ian."
"Right." Ian and Arthur turned from each other.
-Real world-
Sara kept her vigilance by his side. It could have been hours, but she couldn't tell. The other occupant of the room kept trying to start conversation.
"You know he likes you." Sara didn't look at Danielle when she replied.
"No."
"He really does. Why do you think he does those things when you're around?"
"Men are strange." Danielle gave up. Sara would have to figure out he liked her for herself. If she ever did figure it out.
-Periculum-
Ian looked around himself. His surrondings were someplace outside, but everything was gray. Like a movie when you press pause. He felt someone tap him from behind, and he spun around around, ready to attack. The man behind him put his hands up to show he bared no weapons.
"Down boy."
"Sorry, it's just....."
"Don't worry, I did this, too. You just had a run in with the mythical Ares and King Arthur. I couldn't believe it either. Arthur is rather nice. Explains alot, but Ares is.....a diffrent story. A sadistic of the blade."
"Sadistic would be an understatement."
"Perhaps you're right."
"I know I should've asked this earlier, but then again I was attacked and am going through a test that if I don't pass will have to give up my life or sanity: Do all of us wielders look alike? I mean, I couldn't really tell with Ares and Arthur having all that armor on, but you and me?"
"What? I think we look pretty good. Chicks dig the look."
"You're David Bronte, right?"
"Yeah. Well, at least I was, or at least here, am."
"What do you mean?"
"Why do you think we look so much alike?"
"Uh, we're related? Are we related?" David shook his head.
"Not in the way you would think. We are the same person."
"What?"
"You are me just as much as I am you. Only, the timeline is different. Time isn't a line. Time is fluid, always moving, always happening. Our worlds are as they have always been, happening, but in different areas. The past happens just as much as the future. We have all died a thousand times and have been born a thousand-one. Do you understand, Ian?"
"I think so. So, have I passed or what?"
"Do you think you've passed?"
"Well, I'm still alive and I seem to be thinking clearly."
"Then you know the answer."
"I've passed."
"Yes. Now, get the hell out of my time period. You're ruining my style." Ian turned to go, when David called to him.
"And Ian?"
"Yeah?"
"I never met her, but I saw her through all the other lifetimes. Life isn't even half of what it's worth without her. You have found her. Don't let her leave again."
"Gotcha, thanks."
"See ya." And he was gone.
-Real world-
Ian opened his eyes. He was no longer bound and the witchblade was in its original shape. Well, what he thought was the original shape. He turned and looked over to Danielle.
"Welcome back." He reached out to her, but passed right through.
"Oh yeah, I passed."
"It's better that way."
"There was one good thing about dying, and now its gone. But I am alive."
"And so is she." Danielle nodded toward the other side of the bed. Ian turned to find Sara asleep in the chair besides the bed. "She was here the entire time. I approve, but you deffinitely like the weird ones. Do you know she thinks she's below you? I should have set that girl straight. Maybe I should tell her about your ex-girlfriend, whats her name? Aras?"
"Don't you dare! I like this one. You'll scare her off with that story."
"I got scared with that story. I gotta go, the other side calls. Catch ya later."
"Bye Danielle." He turned back toward Sara. He tilted his head and spoke outloud.
"Don't let her leave again. I think I'll take your advice, David."
Eli: Done. I'm so, so, so, so, so, so, sorry! I didn't mean to take this long! Damn high school! I will be more loyal. Or at least try to! Was this good?
"Ian, why do you, like, stare into the abyss?"
"What?"
"You keep staring at nothing." Kelly got a look of hope. "Did you, like, break up with your girlfriend?" She forced her face into a fake-sympathy type of look and crossed over to him. "It's okay. You can, like, tell me."
"No, Kelly. Just have alot on my mind."
"Are you sure?"
Does this chick ever let up? Can't we send her back to Baywatch, yet? I can take the living barbie doll right now! Where's Gabe?
"Yeah, I promised Gabriel to help him with something. I'll be right back." Kelly backed off and sat back down at her desk.
"Like, okay. Tell Gabriel Friday for me. Hurry back now." She winked at him. Ian forced himself to smile and closed the door behind him.
Can't she take a hint?! Must not kill. You are a cop. Your job is to prevent death.
He knocked on the forensic lab's door. "Gabriel?"
"Door's unlocked." He entered and Gabriel was leaning over a microscope.
"Hey Ian, what's up?"
"Need time away from my damn partner. By the way, she said to tell you Friday."
"Oh."
"What does she mea... You didn't! You are not going out on a date with that thing?!"
"Guilty as charged."
"Gabriel! Have you lost your mind?!" Gabriel shrugged.
"What? She maybe stupid, but even you have to admit she's hot!"
"No, she's completely plastic. You two will go out and people will think you're a child molester. You are going out with a teenager!"
"I am not, and if you don't find her hot, I don't know who you do."
"You do know."
"Ah yes. Sara. How is the mystery woman?"
"I wouldn't know."
"Sounds like someone is depressed." Ian didn't answer. "Hello? Earth to Nottingham? What is up?"
"I don't know. I really don't know."
"What do you mean you don't know?"
"Just what I said." Ian's cell went off. He picked it up.
"What?"
"Detective, care to join me for an afternoon chat?"
"Sure, what the hell."
"Excellent. I await your arrival." Irons hung up. Ian cheered up a bit.
I may have to deal with Irons, but at least Sara will be there.
"See ya, Gabriel."
"Where you going?"
"An afternon chat."
"Alright. See you tomorrow."
"Have fun with Barbie."
"Shut up!"
-That afternoon-
Ian arrived at the mansion around four. As usual, Sara was there to lead him to Irons. She wouldn't look at him directly and chose to remain silent. Ian never took his eyes off her. Right before they entered the library, Ian grabbed her from behind and whispered something into her ear.
"I missed you." Sara held back the blush that started to make it's way across her face. She moved away from him and opened the door.
Irons was at her desk. She purposely had worn a mini skirt and tight blouse. This meeting was not about information. It was about being allies. She put on a fake smile and rised to greet him.
"Detective Nottingham. I am very pleased to see you again." She came over to hug him, but he backed up and gave her the coldest look he could muster. She took the hint.
"I hope you have a good reason for calling me here, Ms. Irons."
"Meredith, if you please. I do have a very important reason for asking you here today."
"Then get on with it." Ian prepared himself for one of her history lectures on the witchblade. He also glanced at Sara, who was standing by the fireplace. The fire made her face more brilliant. He looked back at Irons with her white blond hair and pale blue eyes. Then he looked at Sara with her light brown hair and green eyes. Such green eyes. She was by far alot more attractive than her boss. Irons noticed his attention was not on her, so she went directly in front of him and proceeded to tell him of her plan.
"Tell me, Ian. How much do you think you know about the witchblade?"
"More than I would care to."
"Do you know of the Periculum? (I have no clue how to spell it, so bear with me.)
"Periculum?" Memories flashed through his head. "The test?"
"Yes. You know more than I thought. Do you know what happens if you succeed with the test?"
"I live and keep my sanity?"
"Besides that, the witchblade would forever stay with you and could not be taken back."
"Lucky me."
"Yes. But how do you plan to pass the periculum?"
"Uh, best I can?"
"You will need help." Meredith began to walk toward him. Sara lifted her head up and watched in horror in what was happening. She had seen this trick far too often. Sara held back bitter tears. No one had ever resisted her. She had a century worth of practice on her side.
Ian, don't! Please! You can't trust her! You can't let her control you. You or the witchblade. Please!
"I can help you, Ian. I know the witchblade's secrets and I know what is to come with the periculum." Irons put her this arm around his neck. She caressed his cheek with her other hand. "I can be the one to help you. Trust me, Ian."
She's a snake, but she is a convincing one. Everything said thus far is true. What would be so wrong to use her for information?
Ian was tempted to agree. The he saw the twisted smile come to her face, the spite in her eyes. He looked beyond her at Sara. She was looking at him. Her eyes were so tragic, so beautiful. She was so beautiful. Her eyes pleaded with him. She slightly shook her head. He understood what she was telling him.
"I'm sorry Ms. Irons. But I'm a big boy and can take care of myself." He pushed her off him with a smile. His eyes briefly flashed to Sara. She showed a ghost of a smile. Irons saw where his attentions were and turned around. Sara immediately returned to her normal position.
"I understand you like independence, but to not except needed help is irrational."
"Who said I ever wanted something rational?"
"You are a very stubborn man, but you will see the errors soon enough."
"You wish."
"That's enough for today, detective. I will see you later."
"I hope not, Meredith." Her eyes narrowed as he hissed her name out. She turned toward Sara. "Please show him the way out. Afterwards, I must speak with you."
"Yes, mistress." Ian followed Sara out. She seemed even more tensed than before. He wasn't going to have this. He went in front of her and blocked the way. When she tried to get around him, he grabbed her wrists and pressed her into the wall.
"Sara, look at me." She shook her head and kicked his stomach.
Damn, she has one hell of a kick! And I know she was barely trying that time.
"Sara, please look at me. Don't shut me out like you do the rest of the world. Please Sara?" She couldn't deny him any longer. Not when it was something so innocent. In fact, she was sure she couldn't deny him anything. She forced her head up and looked at him. He let go of one of her wrists and moved his hand to her face.
"Thank you." He moved in closer and kissed her lightly on the lips. He knew by now she wasn't use to this sort of thing, so he made it short. She moved away again after he had stopped. Ian sighed and they continued on. She opened the door for him before he had a chance to stop her. Ian put his hand on her cheek.
"She's going to hurt you."
"I know."
"Sara, you don't deserve this. You can leave right now."
"I can not."
"I can't bear the thought of her hurting you. I know she's going to."
"It is the way things are." Sara shut the door behind him. She sighed and leaned against the door. She held back tears.
I want to be with you. I don't like, absoulutely hate, doing this to you. But it is for the best. Everything around me dies and you deserve a chance to be normal. I couldn't give you that happiness.
Sara made her way back to the library. Irons looked down at her. She was deffinitely not pleased.
"Well, the wielder seems to have taken a liking to you, Sara. I wonder why."
"I am sure he doesn't, mistress."
"Well, then can you name another reason he is always so fixated on you. He stares at you. What have you two been doing, Sara?"
"Nothing, mistress. I have told you everything." Irons turned her back on her and went to her desk. She picked up a parcel and threw it at Sara's feet. Her eyes went wide. They were pictures of her and Ian at that club.
"I don't recall hearing about this, Sara." Irons voice was every bit like the snake she was. She came over to Sara and slapped her face. Sara forced her head back up to answer.
"It was an accident. It will not happen again, mistress." Irons slapped her again, this time with help from her perfectly manicured nails. Sara closed her eyes to the pain and tried to think of her beloved. His lips on hers. She opened her eyes again and glanced at Irons.
"It had better not." Irons walked behind her and grabbed a handfull of her hair. "For your sake, it had better not." She pulled Sara's head back violently. "He is MINE. I claim him for my own. Remember that, Sara. Know your place benieth us. He is mine." She then slammed Sara into a wall.
"You have been a very bad girl." Irons withdrew a dagger. Sara closed her eyes again. As tight as she could. She pictured Ian in her mind. She would not let go of the memory. Even as Irons sliced at her back. She pictured the two of them. Like in the dreams, memories. When they were together. He was hers, not Irons.
When she opened her eyes again, she was kneeling in a pool of her own blood. Irons was staring at her. Sara's blood was splattered across her face. Irons stared at her bitterly. "Go, the test is upon us. Go!"
-That night-
Ian shifted uncomfortably in his bed. He was tired as hell, but couldn't put his thoughts aside. He kept thinking about Danielle and Mario. Their dead bodies lying limp. And even when he put them aside, he thought about Sara, about what she had said.
"It is the way things are."
Not much of anything, but he took it as a rejection. It hurt. It painfully hurt. He had half offered her to be with him without saying the words. He should have said the words. Maybe if he had, she would be with him right now. He glanced at his clock. 11:11 p.m.
Suddenly, he felt his body go straight. It also went stiff. He couldn't move, it was like he had bindings. He looked down. He DID have bindings. The witchblade had spread itself over his body. His head was burning. His breathing became heavy.
What the hell? Is this the test? What the hell is it trying to prove?
"Damn it!"
"Watch your mouth." He was relieved to see Danielle beside him.
"Sorry, mom." She gave him a half smile and put her hand on his forehead.
"What the hell?!"
"Ian, you're dying."
"What?"
"That's why I can touch you now."
"Is this the test?"
"Yes."
"Stay with me?"
"Of course." Ian then closed his eyes and entered another place.
There was a man, a warrior. A black knight of sorts. The kind of warrior that battles for the blood shed. The man turned toward him and glared.
"Name me, child."
"Ares." Ian hissed out. This man was corrupt, evil.
"Correct. So, you are chosen?"
"Yes."
"Pathetic thing of a man. Do you even have a warrior's spirit within you?"
"I am a warrior."
"Who do you battle?"
"I war against criminals. It's my job."
"So? That does not make you a warrior."
"And I suppose a love of blood shed does?"
"What I did with my life was my choice. I prove one fact."
"And what's that?"
"Good doesn't always win."
"It will if I have anything to do with it." Ares smirked.
"You have my bark." Ares swung his sword at him. Ian blocked and struck back. He smirked again. "And my bite." He put his sword on Ian's shoulder.
"I guess I approve of you." He moved the sword down to his heart. "It would figure you would meet her." He became cold as he said her.
"Who?"
"Your other half. She likes to say your better half."
"Sara?"
"Is that what she goes by now?"
"Yes." Ares stared him in the eye.
"You'd be better off loving the moon."
"She is the moon."
"And I suppose you are the sun. Very well. Off with you, we don't have all night." Ares nudged him with his sword. Ian turned from him and went off.
-Real world-
Danielle was worried. Touching him was one bad sign. The sudden case of blacking out was another. She tried to smile.
"You'll make it through." Danielle turned her head to the window. Someone was out there.
Sara looked in on him. The cold rain felt soothing on her back. She watched over him. But now the other was here, his partner. His dead partner. The chinese woman looked at Sara and made a motion for her to come in. Sara was hesitant. The woman smiled and spoke. Sara couldn't hear her words from outside, but they rang loudly in her head.
"C'mon in. He needs you."
Sara opened the window and stared at them. Danielle motioned toward a chair. Sara pulled it next to the bed and sat down. She put her gloved hand on his fore head. Even through her glove, she could feel his fever. Danielle smiled at the sight of them. She caught Sara's eye and sent her words to her.
"So, you're the one he's so crazy about." Sara shook her head no. "Oh yes, you are. You like him, don't you?" Again, Sara shook her head. "Oh, you love him?" Sara gave a slight nod. "He likes you. Maybe even...."
"He doesn't."
"He does. You don't see, or rather refuse to see, the way his eyes follow you across a room. He would share his life with you, if you'd only let him."
"I ...am not worthy." Her head was down. Something she had learned to do, even if the only presense was only that of a ghost. Half of Danielle wanted to give the girl a hug, while the other wanted to smack her across the head for not seeing what she was doing to Ian.
"Sara, don't believe what your mistress, or should I say mother, tells you." Sara looked up at Danielle.
"Keep that information to yourself, Detective Woo."
"I will."
-The periculum-
Ian found himself being attcked by, literally, a knight in shining armour. He raised the witchblade in deffence and was now engaged in battle. After going back and forth for ten minutes, Ian knocked the sword out of the man's hand. The knight laughed at him through the armour and raised his visor.
"It chooses well."
"Are you King..."
"Arthur? That I am."
"You are a myth."
"As is Ares. You have already met him. Pleasant fellow, if not arrogant."
"Arrogant is an understatement."
"You musn't blame him for his fury. He had a hard time for which he must now repent."
"All life is hard. Why is he so special?"
"He was hated by his father. He bedded his own sister. He killed thousands of men. The witchblade caused him to create his own hell."
"What about you? Did you create your own hell?"
"I did many the same things as he. I bedded my half sister, was hated by my own son. Killed men, but in life I remorsed."
"Incest is a big thing among the wielders."
"It is your choice to repeat it."
"Their is no one to repeat it with."
"Isn't there now?"
"Wait! I hope you aren't saying Sara is...."
"Your sister? My sister? She is not Morgan, so no."
"Who was she?"
"Quinnivere, my queen."
"She betrayed you."
"That was her."
"Would Sara betray me?"
"No. It is not in her to, this lifetime."
"But it was in her in yours?"
"Yes."
"This is suppose to be a test."
"It is a test. You just don't know how we judge."
"How do you judge me?"
"I was abandoned by the witchblade for my betrayal against it. My quest for the grail."
"Why was that a betrayal?"
"I was to be a wielder, not a crusader."
"It got jealous?"
"In it's own way, yes. If I ever was a lesson, it is this: Embrace your destiny. With out it, you are already dead."
"I am a wielder and I accept that. It affects everything, but I'll deal."
"Then you can go forth, Ian."
"Right." Ian and Arthur turned from each other.
-Real world-
Sara kept her vigilance by his side. It could have been hours, but she couldn't tell. The other occupant of the room kept trying to start conversation.
"You know he likes you." Sara didn't look at Danielle when she replied.
"No."
"He really does. Why do you think he does those things when you're around?"
"Men are strange." Danielle gave up. Sara would have to figure out he liked her for herself. If she ever did figure it out.
-Periculum-
Ian looked around himself. His surrondings were someplace outside, but everything was gray. Like a movie when you press pause. He felt someone tap him from behind, and he spun around around, ready to attack. The man behind him put his hands up to show he bared no weapons.
"Down boy."
"Sorry, it's just....."
"Don't worry, I did this, too. You just had a run in with the mythical Ares and King Arthur. I couldn't believe it either. Arthur is rather nice. Explains alot, but Ares is.....a diffrent story. A sadistic of the blade."
"Sadistic would be an understatement."
"Perhaps you're right."
"I know I should've asked this earlier, but then again I was attacked and am going through a test that if I don't pass will have to give up my life or sanity: Do all of us wielders look alike? I mean, I couldn't really tell with Ares and Arthur having all that armor on, but you and me?"
"What? I think we look pretty good. Chicks dig the look."
"You're David Bronte, right?"
"Yeah. Well, at least I was, or at least here, am."
"What do you mean?"
"Why do you think we look so much alike?"
"Uh, we're related? Are we related?" David shook his head.
"Not in the way you would think. We are the same person."
"What?"
"You are me just as much as I am you. Only, the timeline is different. Time isn't a line. Time is fluid, always moving, always happening. Our worlds are as they have always been, happening, but in different areas. The past happens just as much as the future. We have all died a thousand times and have been born a thousand-one. Do you understand, Ian?"
"I think so. So, have I passed or what?"
"Do you think you've passed?"
"Well, I'm still alive and I seem to be thinking clearly."
"Then you know the answer."
"I've passed."
"Yes. Now, get the hell out of my time period. You're ruining my style." Ian turned to go, when David called to him.
"And Ian?"
"Yeah?"
"I never met her, but I saw her through all the other lifetimes. Life isn't even half of what it's worth without her. You have found her. Don't let her leave again."
"Gotcha, thanks."
"See ya." And he was gone.
-Real world-
Ian opened his eyes. He was no longer bound and the witchblade was in its original shape. Well, what he thought was the original shape. He turned and looked over to Danielle.
"Welcome back." He reached out to her, but passed right through.
"Oh yeah, I passed."
"It's better that way."
"There was one good thing about dying, and now its gone. But I am alive."
"And so is she." Danielle nodded toward the other side of the bed. Ian turned to find Sara asleep in the chair besides the bed. "She was here the entire time. I approve, but you deffinitely like the weird ones. Do you know she thinks she's below you? I should have set that girl straight. Maybe I should tell her about your ex-girlfriend, whats her name? Aras?"
"Don't you dare! I like this one. You'll scare her off with that story."
"I got scared with that story. I gotta go, the other side calls. Catch ya later."
"Bye Danielle." He turned back toward Sara. He tilted his head and spoke outloud.
"Don't let her leave again. I think I'll take your advice, David."
Eli: Done. I'm so, so, so, so, so, so, sorry! I didn't mean to take this long! Damn high school! I will be more loyal. Or at least try to! Was this good?