Disclaimer: I don't own Witchblade, Tomb Raider, The Darkness, Spawn or any of those; Thier respective companies do. Agent John Bishop and Ivan Croft are owned by the two friends of mine who rp them.

DEALS WITH THE DEVIL

Chap 1. New York City, Manhattan: 4:00 A.M. (Feat. Sara Pezzini, Lara Croft and Jackie Estacado)

It wasn't the first night detective Sara Pezzini had spent in her office, and it wouldn't be the last. Her partner Jake had been called away to a special assignment with internal affairs and Sara was left with the spillover from their cases. A cup of coffee long gone cold sat at her side and she paged though the manila folders chock full of forensic reports, crime scene photos and close-up shots of the post mortem autopsies. Sara was consumed with her research on a recent serial killer. Seemingly he was prone to ensanguine his victims, and leave them in their homes without forcible entry, the doors and windows still locked from the inside. Sara pinned another crime scene photo onto the corkboard and eyed her collage of carnage and misery looking for a pattern other then the obvious. Without breaking her eye contact on the menagerie of black and white butchery, Sara reaches for her ceramic mug of what could be defined as coffee. Her brow furrowed as the cold liquid touched her mouth. Grimacing, she swallowed the small bit, and pushed out of her chair to fill the cup with fresh sludge. She passed several blue suited gumshoes and nodded to them walking into the break room. Just as she brought the fresh cup of coffee to her lips her moment of rest was interrupted by her boss Lieutenant, Joe Siry. "Pezzini! Get your ass in my office now…" he said from under a darkened brow as he leaned though the break room's doorway. Groaning, Sara dumped the beverage into the sink and followed her superior into his office to inevitably have her ass chewed out… again. She set the mug down and followed the Chief into his glorified cubicle. To her surprise upon she was met with another officer who closed the door as she walked in. "Have a seat Sara, " Siry let down his harsh tone as she slowly sat in front of his desk. "This here is Inspector Madison. He's just flown in from London on a special assignment. He's working with internal affairs. He would like to ask you a few questions regarding the recent incident at the New York Academy of Natural Sciences." Sara shifted her weight. This might get intense, after a shootout with the Yakuza, a run in with Ian Nottingham, Jackie Estacado, and a public display of her Witchblade the last thing Sara wanted to do was answer questions.

The British bombshell had found herself in New York City once again. It wasn't often she came here. But there was a reason this time, one too call upon an old friend possibly two. Though the second isn't much of a friend per say. Hillary had objected to this trip clearly and Bryce, well he had wanted to tag along for the ride. Lara had clearly said no. The dark auburn haired woman wanted to be alone. She could just imagine Bryce right now; he and his nervous picky little ways trying to keep up with her in nerve racking NYC. He'd go plum out of his skull he would. A grin tinged at her lips as she thought about this. Soon she caught a slight chuckle of amusement escaping. Behind the wheel of a rented Aston Martin, Lady Croft moved through traffic like a pro. However she badly wished she had her bike. The drive time would have been cut literally into over half. Finally she reached the point of Destination, the New York Precinct. "Ah Sara, Sara still parking your bike out front," Came a hushed rather aristocratic sounding English accent. It hails from Surrey to be exact. With a little smirk, Lara patted the handle bars of her comrade's motorcycle and made her way up into the Station. "I need to speak with Detective Pezzini please," she cooed at the fat guard stuffing a doughnut into his face," Um...her office knows where..." Hazel orbs rolled, "Yes, yes go back to your bloody doughnut Pig." A slight snicker as the sassy Britain Native sauntered down to Pez's office. A knock, and no answer so she tried the knob… locked, "Smart girl." Lara studied the lock a moment, and then peered about for anyone paying attention. The coast was clear. Perfect. Ten seconds and she was in. Greenish-brown orbs scanned over Sara and Jake's office. It was slightly cluttered, but neat none the less," Reminds me of my study." A brow arched amused as Lara made herself at home tossing her boots up to rest on Pezzini's desk. She plopped down in the woman's chair and began a round of Solitaire on her computer, "Hmm." A few minutes passed, Croft glanced at her watch then to the coat rack on her right. Sara's leather jacket was still present, so the Detective would be coming back for sure and such a nice little package she'd find when she did.

It was inevitable, the questioning about the symbiotic weapon that she wore about her wrist. Only a matter of time before co-workers and the like would figure out that something wasn't quite right with the girl. Now here it was, slapping her in the face and Sara was dumfounded. She reached inside for the answers that even she longed to hear and came up empty. "What is it that's you'd like to know?" Sara asked hesitantly to the Inspector. A thick distinguished accent met her ears, "Detective. I'm going to start by telling you that everything we speak about in here is strictly confidential, and will not leave this room. I had my reservations about working with you but after talking with your Captain, I have heard nothing but praise about your work ethic. And I have it on the highest regard that you might be able to shed some light for us. It has come to our attention that several antiquities that belong to the British Museum have filtered their way into the states. Now I'm not saying that you or anyone in the department should have been privy to this knowledge beforehand, however due to your close personal involvement with our prime suspect, we thought it might be best to seek you out personally." Again Sara shifted her weight as she braced herself for more bad news. It was beginning to pan out for her and it wasn't pretty. "If you have a point Inspector, please get to it I have a job to do." Siry gave Sara a look that implied his disapproval and Sara controlled her anger. "Yes Detective I was just getting to that. We believe that the prime suspect works hand in hand with the multibillionaire and industrialist Kenneth Irons." Sara cut in, "But Kenneth Irons has been rumored to be dead." Madison shook his head. "According to everything we have on his company's holdings and financial transactions he is quite alive and well. Now I suggest you do whatever you can to figure out who he's hired to take care of this. We're guessing his connection may lie within the mafia. I'll be sure to drop off all of the pertinent files in your office tomorrow morning." Siry drew the ever-permanent cigar out of his mouth, "Consider yourself reassigned Pezzini, effective immediately." Sara took the initiate and shook hands, "I look forward to it Inspector…" 'Thanks a lot Joe.' Her thoughts filled with cynicism as she angrily turned to leave. True part of her didn't care that this completely ruined her current case, she was just glad to get away from a shit ton of impossible questions. Sighing Sara walked back to her office. Noticing the door slightly ajar, Sara went for her sidearm, and sidestepped into the room. "Jake?" she asked hesitantly as her hand hovered over the weapon at her side.

Lara made little noise. Just why was she here? Well because namely the British Museum had sent her. They knew she had connections with the New York City police department. A chuckle ensued again as the Brit pondered over the look on Sara's face when she saw her. Lady Croft had always been one for a bit of flare to the dramatics. This situation was no different. Ears perked, a brow arched as foot steps approached. And then the woman of the hour herself entered. "Nope," Came a simple reply, but then she in turn presented a question, "Do I look like a blonde surfer boy turned cop to you darling?" (Such sarcasm) A grin lengthened across her full lips," But then again if I worked with him, I'd have him on my mind all the time too." Then she laughed," Oh, right I forgot." Slender hands tossed up into the air," Surprise!" (More sarcasm) As a brow arched," You look constipated my dear." Lara noted the displeasuring look on Sara's face," Anyhow. To the point; I'm here for both business and pleasure if it happens to rear its ugly head." A wicked grin manifested across her lips. Not only was this Sara's stomping ground, Nottingham, and Irons; but it was also a one Mr. Jackie Estacado's as well and Lara still has a score to settle with him. He had torn up her Mansion and not only that, but she had become quite attached to that Golden Desert Eagle. How did Bryce put it again, ah yes The Man with the Golden Gun. Lara licked her lips at the thought of that gun, though Mr. Darkness wasn't so bad himself either.

Hazel/Green eyes scanned over her cluttered office as she waited for the usual response from Jake. Perhaps he had been granted a reprieve from his assignment as well and was back on active duty. No need to jump at shadows Pezzini… just calm down and asses the situation before you go and shoot 'the rookie' in the head for coming to work. At the sight and sound of her dear friend Lara, Sara relaxed her stance. "I should say your not a surfer gone cop though if you see that kid around tell him I think he should get back to med school, this cop thing has really gone down the toilet since 911." Sara smiled, it was rare to see an expression other then anger or intensity upon her face, but she couldn't help it, the Tomb Raider just brought out the best in her. "It's wonderful to know I won't be investigating this without a partner Lara. But how in the blazes did you convince the British Investigators to put me on board with this? You know I'm a homicide detective, not some brass-balled archeologist."

Lara mused;" Now I remember why I like your company Pez." Combat boots came off the desk as she stood allowing Sara her chair," Well, they know I got connections here and I simply told them you were the best woman for the job." The Brit promptly seated herself on the corner of Surf Boy's desk and crossed her long legs, eying Sara with her own hazel orbs," Plus, I could not fathom working with anyone else, but you." (A genuine smile and honest words there) Another laugh," Once again, it takes a brass-balled ancient weapon wielding Homicide Detective to put up with a brass-balled archeologist love." There was fun and games to the English accent from Surrey, but there was also seriousness. They had work to do," Plus you know, you are rather skilled with off kilter cases Sara." Slender arms crossed," They always trust me." A smile then a wink," So, how has New York been?" Hazel orbs peered a moment out the window into the night," Quiet it seems like..." Lara had a tendency to wander off subject, but quickly reasserted her mind on it," So I take it then your Chief has already de-brief you?" Lips pursed a moment as she stared at the brown trussed woman.

Sara regarded the statuesque Tomb Raider as she spoke. Sara was used to listening to her prattle on in circles of dry humor and random tangents. As Lara spoke, the detective walked to her desk and unlocked the lowest drawer. Removing two extra clips and a backup Walther PPK, Sara began loading herself up for her afternoon. "I'm sure New York is the slimy cesspool of tawdry living that it always has been, but I'm sure that's to be expected." Sara stuffed her arms into the leather jacket, smirking a bit as she felt the reassuring creak of the heavy material fold about her shoulders. "I was going to hit the range before hitting the bar. Now I know you don't have to certify to carry those hand canons here in the states, but are you up for a bit of target practice?" The humorless brunette checked the safety on the Walther and then tucked it in the rear waist band of her jeans. Then casually regarded her standard weapon a .357 that sat in a holster at her left side, shifting the straps and her leather jacket Sara eyed up the stunning Brit and waited for her answer. "That is of course unless you'd rather get a pint and forgo the humiliation."

A chuckle emitted, "Yes of course. At least you live somewhere ruddy interesting." A brow arched as hazel orbs watched the Detective," Something swimming in that head of yours darling?" The arched brow quirked more in curiously. Greenish-brown peepers regarded the gun which Sara now held," Nice, but Uzis and Magnums are so much better." A wily grin of pearly whites," Powerful, better accuracy and the caliber is larger." The Brit slipped on the desk corner landing on her dust combats," I'll let you play with one of mine if you like." As usual the twin shiny Magnums her favorite were strapped to her hips. Most figured she was probably born with them there. An amused smile, "Yes speaking of the New York cesspool; I must ask you about an acquaintance I made here a year ago and incidentally followed me home for a short period of time. Mainly to run amuck in my Foyer," a nonchalant sigh was given." Oh well, it gave me a reason to redecorate none the less." Another semi-smile grin, "A bar or shooting, Hmm? Such choices you offer Miss Pezzini." Within a second's notice the silver Magnums were disengaged from her hips and twirled into her slender hands as she locked the clips into place," I think my answer is obvious, and I drank to much vodka on the flight over here as it was." Another nonchalant movement, namely a shrug of shoulders. Lara Croft was a gal who could hold her liquor quite well. Lara laughed out right," Me humiliation? Shooting?" The sassy Brit scoffed," I seriously doubt it my dear, after all I got blink of an eye aim." The smile stayed present over her features," However if you feel up to par, I am will to give you the run around." Lara slapped her guns back into the holsters and leaned back against the Surfer's desk once more," But I can assure you Sara, I will not be the one being humiliated." Slender fingers drummed absent mindedly against the wooden desk," So, let me guess they suspect your old buddy Irons is behind the snatchings of artifacts don't they?" Lara had her suspicions about Irons having had a few run-ins with the man on occasion, as well as his man servant Nottingham.

The tall brunette finally broke her serious face and her features softened. "I didn't mean to bruise the ego Lara, I just feel the need to blast the crap outta something. Besides I was thinking of buying a new weapon and wanted to talk shop with a fanatic." Sara held the door for her mate and walked through the crowded room with her. As the pair passed by desks and blue uniforms there was more than a few side comments about Miss Croft and Pezzini but Sara was used to the crude display of testosterone, in fact she was more than numb to it. "What are you opinions on the SIG-Sauer 226? Sure the gun isn't flashy or loaded with sex appeal, but damn if it's not accurate." At the mention of guns and models several heads turn their way and the apparent testosterone level in the room jumps up as Detective Williams leans against his desk and interjects into their conversation, "You know Pez if you wanted some advice on weapons I'm sure I could show you a think or two.." The thick New York accent pigeonholes his personality to a letter. Williams is all 'ego' and the type that compensates for his lack of confidence with trite come-ons and a tough guy attitude.

A top of a building, simply watching over the city. He simply watched for the rays of the sun to fully disappear, and with that, the trouble would soon come to follow with the beginning of the night sky's coming. His eyes blazed a bright yellow and without a moment notice Jackie's body transformed into that which New York has come to know as the image of destruction known as The Darkness. His body and mind neither changed in position or change in thought process. The Darklings emerged rapidly in numbers from behind him and one after another leaped from off of the rooftop of the building and started their chaos upon the city. Not a soul was safe now, and Jackie was about to prove why. An evil grin lain upon his face for the time being as he simply watched his minions do their usual. The grin would of course not be seen due to the facial covering which took up from his nose downwards the metallic gold and silver sparkled in the moon's array of light... "Ahhh.... feels good to be back in the city I've so come to fall in love with. I hope my favorite two-some crew is in town, I always loved playing childish games with them both."... His body gradually came to rise up as he regained full footing and composure. ... "It is time now..."... And with that said he took a step forwards then leaped from off of the building, landing onto the side of the next, claws ripping through the concrete as he did so. He moved like an animal, jumping from building to building, long talon marks left upon each side of the building he was on till he finally reached the ground level.

Lara smirked at the testosterone display and simply winked and chuckled at it coyly," I'm used to it dear, trying having greedy men prying at you." Lara patted her guns at the curve of her hips at the boys who all arched brows and turned away quickly," However, show them these babies and the keeping the family jewels seem more important them flaunting how sexy they are." Came the high society accent that sounded like it should belong on someone dressed in expensive furs and jewelry. Another chuckle," Yes, I am quite the fanatic aren't I?" Lara preferred shopping for guns more then shopping for anything else. Not your typical female at all. At the mention of the gun Sara was after Lara licked her lips," Nice. And anyhow the only flashy guns worth having that can shoot are Golden Desert Eagles Sara." Lara, since a previous encounter here in NYC had a lust for such guns and one in particular which had become a sort of game between herself and a one Jackie Estacado also known as The Darkness," However, if you want accuracy that gun is ideal, unless you got aim like mine. Then you could get accuracy with a musket." Eyes flashed to the man who spoke," Williams isn't it?" Lara grinned widely, sarcastically," Lara Croft as in the infamous Archeologist, gun toting badass, in your face brass balled Brit." hazel orbs took on a rather delighted gleam as Williams almost spilt his coffee," Don't loose any doughnuts love, you might actually make a mess." The Brit sauntered off to catch up with Sara, when suddenly out of the corner of her eye she saw something annoying looking dart passed the window," I do believe we've got trouble Pez." A rather wicked grin crept across Lara's lips, as she unholstered her twin Magnums and shot the window out as a menacing looking little beastie ran off with a squeal, "I. Hate. Darklings." Lara took aim again, index finger applying pressure to the trigger and bam! Another shot, however not aimed at the thing but rather at its feet," Dance you bloody bugger." Around her most of Pezzini's fellow cops had taken refuge behind their desks," I was so looking forward to this rematch." With that Lara leaped out the window looking around as she kept shooting at the insane little creature watching it hop around," Come out, come out where ever you are Mr. Estacado." The sound of a fresh clips sliding into place as hazel orbs peered into the darkness of the night cautiously.

The watch-like bracelet on her wrist glimmered a bit as Sara moved her arm up to brush away a loose lock of brown hair. "Williams if took advice from you on my choice of sidearm I'd be afraid I might take make the same mistake of compensating a big gun for a…" Sara's brown eyes cast down to the Detective's crotch and then back up to his eyes, "smaller one, "she finished. Sara tossed her head in the direction of the Brit chick and her orbs of hazel widened in surprise. At the very least Lara didn't do subtle very well, Sara shot a look toward her Captain Joe Siry' s office and silently prayed that this wouldn't bring up even more questions. Sara was less of a showboat, especially around her coworkers. The last thing Sara wanted was to be tagged the psycho cop in her department and it was looking like this was her MO as of late. It didn't stop her from following suit and leaping out the window and onto the fire escape next to the tomb raider, but eyeing her motorcycle a little less than eighty feet away, Sara half wished she could take this fight somewhere less.. public. "Leave it to the Darkness to ruin a perfectly good night of guns and drinking..." Sara commented more to herself then to Lara.

With time he was getting even better with learning to control his powers. And he could now sense when something that he owned was (I.e. The Darklings) was hurt or seemingly impaired in some form or fashion. Thus he would have to go check up on it and see what exactly the problem was. For the time being he was unarmed and no weapons could be visibly seen along the contours of his body (or armor for that matter)... "I have a feeling my Darklings don't have too many fans in this city and someone just committed suicide by shooting at one of them. Let's juts hope that what I'm thinking isn't what happened....."... He strolled down the now empty streets, seemingly they were once busy and at this time of night they are usually packed but his Darklings have successfully made all the pedestrians part like the red sea to which he would be Moses walking on through the center. His senses, accurate and incomparable, picked up on a familiar voice... "Hmmm ... Looks like Miss Croft is in town and out late, as usual."... He was in no type of hurry and thus took his time in heading towards her area. Eventually getting there within the passing of 2 minutes or so... "I wonder if her insurance pays the kind of money needed to repair an entire city. I think I'll just ask her."

Lara laughed," Smaller? I was thinking no gun at all Sara." Added the Brit to her friend's comment about William's -package-. The archeologist was still shooting off rounds at the annoying creature," Such annoying critters." A brow arched," I take it Jackie informed you about our chance meeting?" Her other hand idly twirled the twin gun to the one being shot off. For a moment hazel orbs glanced briefly to Sara," How do you put up with these things night after night?" The Brit shook her auburn braided haired head," After all they must run amuck nightly" The gun she was shooting gave off a fatal click, Lara simply switched to shooting off the other gun," At least they do provide some sort of amusement." Quickly the other gun was loaded with a fresh clip. How Lara could do this with one hand? It was simple, just eject the empty clip, re-holster the gun, grab new clip, and shove it in. The gun was back in her hand, freshly loaded once more. The action taking less then fifteen seconds give or take a few, "Join in the fun Sara, moving target practice." Lara was amused. She laughed watching the insane beastie looking up at her tired and rather wanting her too stop," Keep dancing you insufferable creature." The saucy Surrey gal would keep it dancing until Jackie showed up, she knew he would very soon," Plus you look like you need a work out since last I saw you darling, what does he feed you fast food?" The Darkling faced the two women and threw up his hands," Sorry, I don't trust hellions." It flipped her off to which Lara's eyes rolled in response instantly. Then the creature quickly darted off running to hide behind the man himself," Hello Mr. Estacado." Lara sat on the fire escape before vaulting over it and landing in a crouched position before standing and reloading new clips," Miss me?" A hazel orb winked at him daringly," And how is that lovely golden weapon of yours. I really miss that most of all; we became quite attached to each other." A wicked grin was flashed at the dark haired man with intent.

Sara's senses were honed in on the nearing hitman and although the road adjacent to her department was not Sara's ideal place to unleash the fury of the Witchblade. Sara winked to Lara as she planted her hand onto the railing of the fire escape and vaulted herself over the edge. Landing among the trash littered streets, Sara's combat boots scrunched against the loose gravel and glass. Reaching her left hand into her leather jacket, Sara drew her .357 from its holster and with the ease of years at the range and on the field experience, clicked off the safety catch her eyes narrowing on Estacado. "I'm guessing after the shootout in the New York Museum of Natural Sciences you wanted to get another taste of me huh Jackie?" Sara regarded the Tomb raider as she landed next to her in a crouched position. Although it was her first instinct to allow the fury of her blade to unfurl up her arm Sara internally fought with the symbiotic weapon to stay at bay. The last time she and Jackie tangled it took everything in her being not to allow their weapons to blend together upon Ian Nottingham. The red gem at her wrist twinkled with its own inner light as threads of green viney armor began to crawl up her arm.

Jackie Estacado came to a sudden pause, feet dragging along the ground as he did so. His eyes glared sharply at his Darkling in distress and then to the gun in the hands of Lara. She had some real problems; yes of course she did... only she would be out of her mind enough to mess with his belongings... "No, I can't say that I have missed you... you've always been a bit of a thorn in my side."... His arms came up to his chest plate and tightly folded themselves into place. An evil smirk was now given to her, till.... the sight and the sound of Sara Pezzini came to enter into his peripheral vision and area of focus.... "Well, well, well... If it isn't my favorite New York City cop... Put the gun down please, you know I'm not too fond of them especially in this form…unless you got some new shells that pierce armor?"... He took a few steps forward towards the two women... "So... are we gonna get low down & dirty or what? Or are you gonna just gonna stand there and stare at me? I ain't got all day to stand here; the sun comes up in a few hours ya know."

Sara resettled her .357 toward the darkling just to the left of Jackie and she sent a volley of rounds toward the little imp. "Not I haven't changed my bullets, but I know it hurts those little shits something fierce when I blast the crap outta them." The Witchblade began to tear though her leather jacket and anything else that stood in its way and Sara did little to resist the thrill of adrenaline that her symbiotic weapon caused to surge into her bloodstream. "What do you know about some stolen goods from the British Museum? Seems a new case develops and who rears their ugly face but you…" Tendrils of green whip this way and that as Sara side steps toward the nearby alley, away from the prying eyes in her department.

Oh this was to be jolly good fun indeed. Idly the Tomb Raider twirled her guns around her index fingers before aiming them at Jackie again, one eye shifting to glance at Sara," You just had a shoot out with him?" A brow arched," Gee, I know how I ruddy well rate." Lara scoffed," We had a rumble worthy of a bar room brawl." And that in itself was an understatement. Again eyes shifted back to Jackie," Aw, that hurts love." She faked the want to faint at him," How have you been since we last ran into each other... or rather you caused me to actually redecorate my Foyer, and actually thank you for that it was badly needed." There was sarcasm to her tone indeed, but also a grim hint of seriousness as well despite the grin on her full lips. Hazel orbs darted down as she saw one of one his menacing little Darklings stopped in front of her," It's not going to hump my leg is it?" Her tone was dry and dark as a brow arched a Jackie, her boot simply shot out and kicked the little beastie away," Go make problems somewhere else you annoying little twit." Guns stayed promptly aimed on Jackie, though she knew it would be no use really. Something caught Lara's gaze rather quickly," Ah The Blade..." Lara was rather impressed by the Weapon which Sara wielded and personally would love to have a piece of it for her collection, but knew that wasn't possible,"Down and dirty?" The pink tip of Lara's tongue slid across her lips," So many things that could mean darling, all of which I'm sure you are very capable of. " Eyes shifted over the man's form then rather snidely added," Maybe." An amusing grin was flashed as a brow cocked towards Miss Pezzini," What are you asking him for?" She had no idea Jackie held mafia relations," He works for Irons and his man servant as well?" That was the sassy Brit's first thought anyhow and one which would not surprise her if it was indeed fact.