Chp 3. The investigation begins… (Feat. Sara Pezzini, Ian Nottingham, Jackie Estacado, Al Simmons, Lara Croft, and Kenneth Irons)
Sara sat in her efficiency apartment brooding over her lack of self control. Her answering machine had several messages from the department regarding her current caseload and so far all of Sara's leads were turning out to be dead ends. It was frustrating. The seasoned cop felt like a rookie next to her long time friend Lara Croft and according to her answering machine, internal affairs was starting to ask questions about the mysterious fella and his hordes of Darklings paying a visit to her precinct. Not the best of days for sure. Sara flipped though folder after folder reading about the missing artifacts and the partial prints and whatnot gathered by the print lab. Running a hand though her somewhat tangled brown hair Sara thought back to the last case she was on and the side comments made by Detectives Sam Burke and his partner 'Twitch'. Sara smiled with the memory of Sam sprinkling doughnut crumbs over the deceased body that was found in Rat City, Spawn's stomping ground. Sara grumbled and walked out of her apartment. This environment was just not contusive for her mood, it just amplified her anger. After 20 minutes of walking, Sara found herself nearing Kenneth Iron's penthouse with a pair of binoculars. She crouched near a grouping of trees in the small park hoping to catch a hint of a clue toward her current case. She hoped no one was home because she was tempted to breach protocol and have a look inside to see if any of the artifacts were on display.
His eyes focused after having them closed for so long... Thinking while he stood in front of the large window that allowed him to see the whole city... He focused on certain people he could see walking thinking about what they may be doing... Then something caught his eye, something not to far away... He looked back to Kenneth who was reading through papers... Irons pointed to the door and Ian began towards it... Jumping to the stairs climbing to the roof... From there his stealth fully moved to the fire exit... Moving silently down the iron platforms till he reached the ground... now moving slowly and calmly he glanced back to where he spotted the movement... Darting between cars... The long sheathed weapon swinging of his waist as he moved. He buttoned up the large black jacket he wore as he ran onto the park... he moved a fair way from her... Identifying her as Pezzini... he came up slowly from behind then lent against a tree and without looking at her spoke with his calm and fluent voice... "Find what you are looking for Sara"... He finally looked up to Sara... "Irons and I have been waiting for you to arrive... we know why are here..." he didn't question her reason for coming as he knew already, and he had already told this to both Jackie and Sara...
After his engagement with Lara Croft, his day was seemingly done. Now the day was boring... but then again it was night time now. With the setting of the sun and rising of the moon, the time for 'Darkness' was at hand. With a smug grin he went to the roof of his estate. He knelt down in his usual place when he went onto rooftops. His rooftop much more special than others for the simple fact that it gave off a horrific image to any that saw him in person up there next to the gargoyle statues. The Darklings that surrounded him and the statues didn't help to remove the terrible image of terror. The night was new and he most definitely needed something to do. The life of luscious females was over for him the day of his 21st birthday... the day things got real serious. All his troubles began on that day and seemed to only get worse with time. It was surprising that he hadn't experienced the usual people trying to take his powers or use him for his power. All these thoughts simply fueled his rage and thus he needed to move on and do something to pass his time and remove the pain of thought. The Darklings leaded his descent towards the ground, each flying or running along the building and heading through the streets. He kept more low profile than they did of course. He flew from place to place... a 10 foot wing span from tip to tip of each wing. He was the epiphany of terror now but he wasn't at all that much of a bad person... it just so happened that there were much worse a type of people out in the world. He seemingly made his way towards Kenneth Iron's area coincidentally. Some force was driving him there... most likely the Darkness but why? He'd soon find out.
Sara was in a royal mood. Her favorite leather jacket was ruined thanks to the Witchblade and its unpredictable attitude toward The Darkness and she nearly went on a hell bend killing spree in the middle of the street when he showed up at her favorite bar a few hours before. Her clothes were changed since then and the trim detective wore a three quarter length baseball style jersey and a boot-cut pair of hip hugger jeans. The motorcycle boots she donned scrunched against the cool grass as she crouched in her silent vigil over Iron's estate. As her eyes watched the lighted windows Sara's binoculars caught the glimpse of a shadowy figure and Sara pulled them down away from her eye knowing she was caught. "Shit." She cursed to herself tucking the small specs away into her pocket. Sure they looked a little silly but she wasn't looking to impress anyone she was just doing her job. Turning to make her exit, Sara nearly jumped out of her skin as she came face to face with none other than Ian Nottingham himself. "I'm just here on a routine assignment Mr. Nottingham. And if memory serves this 'is' a public park is it not?" The tall brunette felt her heart skip in her throat; this really wasn't what she had in mind for tonight. She was just here looking to gather some reconnaissance field work, not start an incident with Iron's man servant, let alone let Kenneth know she was watching his estate.
It was the Witchblade? Or was it you" playing with her he continued to smile... The wind blowing his coat of, of his sheathed weapon... Revealing the beautifully made hilt and grip of the sword... he stepped back walking slowly... "I leave you with this question... If it was me... Or Irons who stole those things... Do you really think you cant catch us" on that he turned and walked again moving through the shadows of trees and building as he moved to cross the road... a hand gripped the hilt of the blade as he moved.. Once getting out of her sight he ran down an alley siding with Kenneth's building…
Jackie closed his bright yellow blazed eyes and crouched down on the rooftop nearest Ian and Sara. He knew not of their presence around the area but he felt something familiar nearby. His blood boiled and his veins pumped adrenaline like crazy. His mind was starting to hurt... only one thing could get him stirred up this bad and it was The Witchblade. It must be nearby, whether active or inactive, its presence could always be felt and much more so during the night than during the daytime. He wasn't as modest as Sara was about fighting... he didn't care whether it was in public in front of the president's house. His eyes reopened and he leaped off of the rooftop he was located on. His wings expanded and he flew around at high speeds... seemingly circling around the area that Sara was near. But he wasn't quite able to pinpoint her true location just an approximation of where she could possibly be. In the air he was easily sighted with the Inner City Lighting that New York was known for. Most pedestrians would easily be able to spot him up above. If he couldn't find her, he knew she'd definitely find him and the Witchblade wouldn't allow her to run from him.
True the eye candy of Ian Nottingham was a treat, but Sara didn't have time to even consider the options of a relationship; let alone one with someone that lacked the self respect to decline a job from such a notorious asshole as Kenneth Irons. Sara's hand went to her backup Walther PPK that she wore tonight in exchange for the usual .357 the instant Nottingham reached forward and touched her hair. With the practice and skill of a cop with hundreds of hours at the range, Sara drew the gun and cocked the barrel. "One more move like that, and I really might feel the need to take your head off, Mr. Notting….Unngh…" The brunette was only a few steps into her pursuit of Ian before she stumbled, bumping her hip into a neighboring bench. An inner rage boiled in Sara's throat, and was augmented by the adrenalin already present from her interaction with Nottingham… this was not good. ~'He's here….it's time…. No more hesitation… Sara... you want to ….kill…'~ the symbiotic weapon hissed into her mind as she heard her heart thumping rapidly in her chest. Fortunately this section of Central Park was less than active after dark, but Sara had the feeling thing were going to go from bad to worse and quickly.
A mass of red appeared to jump from building to building... like a cloud of blood it spun and swirled in the wind that was present only at the tops of the buildings... He was here... the being of the night that had not yet been rivaled by any other... the tortured soul whose life was not meant to exist... a rebelled soldier of hell... as he noticed the airborne for of The Darkness he stopped wrapping himself around a pole watching.. the cape now seeming to shorten... The figure within the red cape was now visible... a human form wearing a suit or necro-plasmic armor and a large white M on his chest to symbolize his leader, boss Melbolgia... yet no more.. not ever did he follow the leader ship of such a creature... He finally leaped across the buildings almost looking for a fight.
It was odd. As Sara breathed in and out suppressing her bloodlust she heard a car pass by that pumped the sounds of Garbage from its open windows. The heavy beats and intense lyrics of Shirley Manson and company seemed to describe her current state perfectly. The woman gritted her teeth together for what felt like an eternity and just as she felt her emotions on a breaking point the incessant whisperings stopped and she felt the overwhelming urge to arch her glance skyward. Her hazel orbs widened into a gaze of surprise as she saw in all his glory the infamous Al Simmons, more widely known as Spawn. Although Sara personally had no qualms with this tortured soul, the blade could sense the evil aura that surrounded him and she numbly walked toward his alley as if in a trance. Shadows enveloped the beautiful woman and as she accepted their concealment the Witchblade silently unfurled up her arm, tearing away anything that stood in its path. Upon retrospect Sara might be annoyed that yet another shirt was ruined, but for right now her feet walked with a will of their own toward Ray City. Her soft lips parted slightly as she drew in a breath. "Show yourself…hell spawn…" The detective spoke with the voice of the blade, and afterward blinked stupidly, not knowing where the words came from.
He walked a bit seeing the Darkness quickly disappear... Then he passed by the Hobos who slept or ate... One grabs his foot and he shook it of angrily ..."Get of me..!" he heard the sound of the music also... Looking back... He noticed the woman... he had met her before...Sara was her name "Detective Pezzini... Witchblade" he stood watching her... the long and moving cape swept around his body as it had a life of its own... "What do you want" he for some reason was not in the best of moods... not that it got much better... he stepped towards her... trying also to not damage any of these hobo's belonging.. he wasn't that sadistic... he came to stop within a meter of her... "Come to greet me as I arrive once again in this City..."
Sara popped her neck and looked to and fro, "Actually I was following a lead… happened to come this way. You haven't seen a fella come though here, Tall, buff strong jaw line long dark hair and a trench coat?" Granted Sara could have been describing either Jackie or Ian, but she figured with what the Witchblade was just doing a few moments ago it wouldn't surprise her if it was being set off by either one of them. "I don't mean to stomp all over your alley… 'Spawn' I'm just trying to do my job and not give the captain any reason to take my head off." Sara swallowed hard restraining her symbiotic weapon not to attack this 'evil' creature. It now coated the upper half of her body and very sparsely at that. As it shifted form here and there, Sara backup a few feet. "The last thing I want is more bloodshed… especially here."
Looking down then back up Spawn shook his head... "No I have not... yet there was someone up on the roof which is what drew me here... but it seems he left as you arrived... possibly who you are after... possibly who I am after" he took a step back looking up... incase he had returned... "A lead... that brought you to the Irons estate... I think you are a little out of your league Sara... you should possibly call in for assistance you if you intend on moving in on the place... even with the Witchblade I feel Ian will not let you get to Irons.." he looked to his hands, then back to Sara. "What is it you think they got here..?? What are you after?? Thieves?" He took a step back shattering a bottle beneath his foot and in doing this it seemed to trigger 3 people in the alley to approach... **Hey Freak.. That was mine... you're gonna pay for it** Spawn merely stood and watched... slowly turning to face the 3 punks... "I will not hesitate to kill you..." the punks hearing that and passing it off as a joke... beneath the mask Spawn grinned... and quickly punched the first in the stomach.. hard... his victim fell to the ground... coughing blood... and groaning... the other two running away... he stood looking down to the dying man.. His patience for this City was
nil.
She had beat Estacado again, so to speak. Actually more like won his trust. Tomorrow she would be sitting up shop in a penthouse. For tonight however she was up to no good. Dressed in a sleek black catsuit like outfit, perfect for night business in the city. She was not new to the sort of work this job entailed at all. From the bar Lara had no clue where Sara had wandered off too, the Brit had even tried the woman's cell which was switched off and so, Lady Croft was solo for now. Not a problem. Ivan was jet-lagged he had gone straight to bed without a word, he was probably also annoyed by his sister and some of the male company she chose to keep. Oh well, Lara wasn't much for some of the sluts he brought home on occasion either," Lighten up Lara." She mimicked her brother almost perfectly in a snide tone as hazel orbs rolled. Once she had gotten her gear strapped on, Lara made for the outside world concealing her attire by way of a black trench coat. Her point of destination. One of Kenneth Irons' business buildings in downtown NYC. She would walk. Hands placed into pockets, head staring straight ahead, eyes fixed really on nothing in particular. The sassy British mind however was at work. Kenneth Irons was rich, which means excellent security system. Luckily early after the brunch ordeal with Mr. Estacado and Ivan, Lara got on the phone to Bryce and had him to a little background work on Mr. Irons' security preferences. The long auburn braid hung down the woman's back, the light breeze of the evening played at it slightly as she moved along. She seemed to have a way with Mr. Estacado as well. No Darklings she had asked tonight, keep them away from me and so far none had come about, that she could see anyhow. However Lara was sure she was having an eye kept on her. She reached the tall dark building of glass and steel. Slowly she slipped into the alley between it and another random business and began to slowly scale the business opposite to Irons' how was she accomplishing this amazing feat? Well obviously she is not The Human Fly, suction cups. Four to be exact, one strapped to each knee/calf area and two to the undersides of her wrists. Sticking to the dark corners Lara began to get higher and higher from the ground below, after having discarded her trench to rest at the bottom of the alleyway.
Pezzini pressed her back to the grimy wall and slowly picked up a length of pipe, the echoing suction cups alerting her attention toward the ascending figure. Within a few moments, Sara was climbing the fire escape that neighbored the figure and had positioned herself behind the woman. Although Sara's Witchblade was already unfurled up her arm and across her torso, the detective relied on her Walther to do her talking rather then the alien weapon. Sara cocked the gun with the ease, and pointed it toward the back of Croft's head. "Easy there… nice and slow." Her hazel eyes narrowed into slits and then widened with surprise at the sight of a familiar face. "Jesus Christ Lara! Warn a girl! You sneak up on me like that again and I might not take the second or two to identify my target." She re holstered her gun and looked to the ground more upset with herself for lashing out irrationally at her friend more then she was at losing her target, Ian Nottingham. The green viney armor shifted across her body again moving the red gem to the hollow at her throat with a thin choker of green. Although the armor that coated Sara's upper half was sparse, it was not to be underestimated, as it moved with a will of its own. "Sorry… I didn't mean to shout I'm just a bit on edge…"
he turned to see what Sara's attention was turned to... he glanced up to see the figure... "What!" his hand reached up... and a row of chains shot from his body, belt, chest, arm... all towards Lara not yet knowing who it was.. then when Sara recognized her the chains stopped and drew back like snakes... slowly moving back within himself... he watched carefully... green luminescent light seeped from his eyes... in the heat of the moment.. "Who is this?" he looked to Sara not knowing whether or not he had met the Tomb Raider.. yet when hearing the name Lara.. it clicked.. he had met her.. and also in the company of Sara.. he stepped back with the decreasing length of chains pulling back inside him.. "Lara Croft..." speaking to himself just remembering the name... he looked up to her again, she would not survive such a gutsy attempt at infiltrating the Irons Building... He again shot the chains to the buildings siding.. and like grappling hooks his pulled himself up... reaching the height of Lara quickly.. "You can't seriously think you can enter this place and survive?" The red bands that crossed his body all over shined with all the small spikes as they reflected the full moon..
She heard a click," I thought Irons only had a manservant not a.." the aristocratic brogue paused," Bloody hell Sara." Brownish-green orbs peered at the woman carefully," If I did not know any better I swear it was Aunt Flo's monthly visit for you." Lara slowly clamored onto the building top and arched a brow," And I thought I kept strange company..." A nod was given to Spawn," Pleasure." A wicked grin," I can get into anywhere Mr. Simmons." She had provisions, she knew what she was up against," However I wasn't counting on company." Arms folded as she glanced to Sara," You know, drinking only seems to make you more up-tight darling." An index finger pressed the barrel of the Cop Chic's gun off to the side," So was I interrupting anything?" Clever teasing wench. Her orbs watched the chains as they slithered away," Let's try not to have another tussle two nights in a roll. Plus Jackie might become jealous after all fighting me is the closest he'll ever get to having sex with my cute arse."
"That time of the month aye?" The New York City cop lifted herself over the lip of the building and folded her arms about her chest half covering her revealed flesh. Her brow furrowed as she sat down against the small wall that encircled the rooftop. "You know Lara I love it when you visit, but you have a way with things that I just can't relate with. I have to meet protocol; warrants have to be issued... I can't just go breaking into Kenneth Iron's penthouse even if the son of a bitch is dead." The last time Sara saw Irons he was falling out of the large window overlooking his private courtyard, as far as her official report went Kenneth Irons was dead, but according to everything she was unraveling it seems the untimely death of the multibillionaire might have been issued prematurely. "If that low down rotten asshole 'is' still alive I'm betting he knows we're coming."
Lara grinned," I always knew you loved me like the other annoying sister you'll never have." Taking her time the Brit removed the suction cups from her form placing them into the sleek black bag on her back," And you seem tense, only possible explanation I could derive would be Aunt Flo darling." Quiet footfalls moved towards one of the penthouse windows, Lara could tell instantly it had been replaced," So let him know, all he'll do is send your favorite dark haired creepy man servant after us." hazel orbs glanced at Pez over her shoulder," Speaking of which what is the relationship between you two anyhow?" The sauciness of Lara Croft was high at work again," You bedding him?" Miss Tough as Nails arched a curious brow," I know It when I see it Sara, and you got It bad." A bit of a chuckle and then all that faced Sara now was the slender back and long braid as the now gloved fingers felt around the window ledge looking for something it seemed ," Hmm. I had Bryce, you remember him don't you? Odd sort, tech genius. Anyhow, I had him do some checking for me on Irons' security systems and..." She paused a moment," Bingo." Instantly she pulled the window up," Unfortunately I'll have to make a pit-stop in Washington on the way home." Eyes rolled ," Langley ass-kissing again." With that the black clad figure slowly slipped into the place," You mentioned he was rich, but by the looks of this I would say overly rich children starving in third world countries arsehole."
Nimbly, Sara gripped the edge of the building and with a graceful bend of her half naked frame; the statuesque bombshell entered the shadow filled room boots first. She landed in a crouched position next to the tomb raider. "Irons never did do anything small… I have to wonder if he's compensating for something. And to think I let that prick buy me dinner." As the two women walked the perimeter of the room, Sara shot Lara a glance. "What do you mean 'I've got it bad?' Are you insinuating that I have a 'thing' for Ian Nottingham?" Sara checked her Walther clicking the safety and then reinserting it back into the side holster. She quietly sidestepped past a glassed in samurai suit and her eyes darted toward the small office half wondering if she heard a noise or if it was just her imagination.
A quick nod," Yes, I can see this." The hazel orbs caught sight of something," Picasso...lovely." She did not touch," Rare too." Lara did have a taste for good art. Hazel eyes picked up something else, more interesting," Hmm. Look at this." A newspaper, several. But the odd thing was it was only the pages with recent news about the heists in England. From the woman's pack she produced a small pen like spy camera and took pictures of each document," I'll send these off to Bryce and in an hours time I'll have flawless duplicates." She was whispering," He took you to dinner huh?" Her tone was amused," If it makes you feel better I tend to wine and dine with the scum of the earth as well." A small chuckle," He is rather old. Perhaps he can't how do you Americans put it? Ah, yes get it up anymore?" Always too the point and brutal. Yup, that's Lady Lara Croft alright, Lady only by title. Lara paused a moment," Yes, I do mean you have a 'thing' for Ian Nottingham." Chortled the British accent quietly," Good to see we are both on the same page darling." Lara's fingers flexed near her guns," Did you hear something?" The small camera was quickly put away. hazel orbs narrowed slightly and looked about. Then they fell on the door of the small office as well, it was slightly ajar and Lara could've sworn she saw a sliver of light across the floor.
Sara held up her hand and made a gesture that meant perhaps their conversation might have to wait until a later time. Sidestepping toward the office door Sara was surprised to see it spring open as the pair closed in. Framing the doorway was the silver-haired Kenneth Irons. "Unless my eyes deceive me I'd say Christmas came a little early this year..." He leaned his weight against the frame as the light behind him ebbed out about his frame cutting the outline of his muscular frame. "But I ordered a redhead and a blonde…" he joked eyeing up the tomb raider and her counterpart. "…However I've been known to make an exception. May I offer either one of you a drink?" Kenneth turned to one side and gestured for them to enter. Sara knew she was here without jurisdiction and conceded to follow his lead into the office, "I didn't realize you had to buy your women Irons. Having trouble adjusting to the Viagra? " Kenneth took the insult with a grin, his sneer revealing a set of even white teeth. The expression gave him a sinister look and what he retorted was enough to make the homicide detective's blood begin to boil. "IF memory serves I didn't seem to have any trouble buying you."
A nod. Lara got the drift. Eyes narrowed," Sorry, I don't do ditzy." Mused the Sassy English woman as Irons spoke. She wasn't impressed, never would be. To her he was about as low as a human being could get. Unless of course you count the Illuminati. Hell, Lara would bet Irons probably once had ties with them as well. The Surrey native gave Sara a suspicious glance," Is he always this charming?" Her tone was dry, cold. Un-amused to be more accurate," I'll pass up on such an offer thank you." She did not trust the man in the least. However, like Sara she followed the man, hands waiting near her guns, flexing. It took everything Lara had to keep from blowing the insufferable bastard's head off right then and there," Don't you ever stay dead Irons? Or did the Devil become bored with you?" Scoffed the Brit. Sure she knew her tone, demeanor, and word choices were dealing in fire play. However she wanted a reason to blow him into next week with a single bullet. Hazel orbs peered around. The man had many artifacts, paintings, and other historical items. Most dealing with The Blade however. Again it took everything Lara had to keep herself from becoming fascinated by them," What no Man servant tonight?" A wicked grin," Feeling brave are we?" Brass balled indeed.
Irons watched the long legged Brit pass him by and his eye wandered down her frame, enjoying the subtle movement of the cat suit Lara wore. "Delicious… I must admit Sara, you have exquisite taste in women. Kenneth closed the door behind the two girls as he slowly worked his way to the overstuffed leather chair. A small fire was crackling in the fireplace and Kenneth folded his hands atop that blotter on his mahogany desk gesturing to the chairs before him. "Please have a seat. I assure you that my… bodyguard Mr. Nottingham is lurking about nearby. When there is a notorious tomb raider with the reputation as a glorified thief, one can't keep a collection like mine open for pilfering." Sara sat quietly her glib remarks silenced due to the 'buying you' comment. At the mention of Nottingham however her glance caught Irons' startled that he mentioned him. "I would have thought you and he had too much bad blood after he tried to kill you, what makes you think he won't betray you again?" Kenneth rolled his neck slightly and then eyed up the detective with a glimmering eye. "You don't understand… how common of you." Kenneth slowed his words as though he was talking to a child, "Because that dissention of loyalties was merely a high school crush, one that I believe has been thoroughly exhausted."
Lara arched a brow," And you disgust me." Her words simple, to the point. She did sit, though against her better judgment none the less. Arms folded under the swells of her breasts, long legs crossed. Her expression cold. Uncomfortable. Out of the frying pan and into the fire. Hazel orbs bore into Irons with intent. Lara, did. Not. Like. Irons. At. All. Her left foot tapped against air as she watched him sit. Oh how she would love to wipe that look from his face. One bullet, or punch which ever," Figures, I bet you even house trained him." Ouch, that was below the belt, but that was also Lara's style. She sat forward now hands resting on the armrests of the chair she sat in," Obviously you know why we are here Mr. Irons." Eyes narrowed even more," So let's get to the point shall we, I've been up for twenty four bloody hours now without sleep. I'm sore, I'm disgruntled, and bitchy." For a brief moment the Tomb Raider's gaze shifted to Pez, her look to warn her not to pay him any heed. Lara knew all to well how men like Irons loved to get under a woman's skin," He sounds almost jealous Sara, wouldn't you agree of this so called High School Crush." Two could play the word mess with your mind game. Sure Irons is crafty son of a bitch, but don't discount Lara's craftiness either.
Kenneth smirked smugly, "Are you sure I can't offer either one of you a drink? I'm sure my… how did you describe him? Ah yes, my man servant would be more than adequate in serving you." Irons glanced toward the bookcase, which also served as a secret passage to another room. "Ian? Could you please fix a beverage for Miss Croft and Detective Pezzini?" Kenneth waited for the tall dark assassin to enter the room and his eye caught the subservient bodyguard giving him a 'knowing' look. Sara looked toward him briefly then fixed her gaze to Irons, "I believe you were asked a question Mr. Irons, now stop avoiding the topic and get to the point!" She punched the arm of the chair with a grimace. Irons shook his head, "Careful, that chair is worth more than you make in a year… Miss Pezzini. But yes to the point. I don't know what rumors you may have heard concerning my involvement in a few missing artifacts from the British Museum. But I assure you everything in my collection has be bought and paid for. Now if you don't have a warrant, allow me to show you to the door."
The dark soul returned to the Irons building after a short interval involving collecting a few backup items.. The large red cape was visible again almost drifting from roof top to roof top and the clashing of chains echoed through alleys.. a sound that now haunted many.. shortly he arrived on the roof of the Irons Building.. he kept a close watch for Ian.. The green eyes seeming to smoke with a green luminescent mist.. he began to walk on the roof.. Sara was a friend one of very few.. much like his life and he didn't want to lose and more.. the cape fell back.. wind pushing.. the ripped ends curled and weaved like an animal.. Because of this his muscular frame was viable and weapons where strapped to his body, guns over both shoulders.. bullets crossing his chest.. he was now decked out.. He walked the ledges of the building.. looking down to the passing cars and blind drunks.. his hearing enabled him to hear from his position little of what went on inside.. he recognized the male and female voices and could feel the Witchblade.. like a gargoyle he paced the ledges slowly.. his feet crushing the small stones underfoot.. he swung an arm as he turned the corner of the roof.. scaring away a flock of resting pigeons.. His mind focused on the goal..
Concentration was the key to opening many doors of knowledge in the warrior's mind. Ian could see the flicker of the amber flames, held onto by candles, in front of him. Taking up a lotus position nearby, his eyes were closed to achieve the state of concentration that he wanted. To find the balance between a wandering mind and that of a focused one, took diligent effort. The night was cool, he could tell that much without opening a window. His obsidian hair fell to about the small of his back in the Lotus, and clad in a pair of black, baggy pants. Hearing something starting to come from Iron's office, for he was in the next room over, he wondered why he was still here. Working for him wasn't having the advantages it used to, and when he would rather track down Sara instead. His head raised slightly as he heard Irons call for him. What could he possibly want now? Moving to the entrance to his room, which was right behind Iron's bookcase, he stops a moment to sling his katana around his waist, then tying it, then moved the bookcase past, and joined everyone in Iron's office. His eyes feel upon Sara and Lara first, but then went to Irons. "You requested something?" He asks, his voice dull and flat, that of boredom with taking orders from Irons. It was beginning to be fruitless, and he didn't want to be here any longer than he had too. He cautiously looks back to Sara once again, the rune on the back of his hand starting to alert him of the Witchblade's presence. Sweeping a hand back to move his obsidian hair out of the side of his face, he stands waiting.
Lara was getting riled up, her blood boiling, nerves on end," I don't need serving thank you." Her British tongue becoming cold as ice," Easy Pez." Lara stood resting a hand on the woman's shoulder, eyes shooting daggers at Kenneth now," You're an ass, a very smug insufferable ass." Truth, but of course knowing Irons he would simply smile and nod all knowing. Practice what you preach Lara, she too needed to 'Easy' as she put it to her friend. hazel orbs made close observation of the exchanges between Sara and Ian. Yup. Defiantly an attraction here. A brow arched seeing Nottingham up closely, a rather dark man. Creepy as the Queen Mum without her best face on. A chill passed up Lara's spine. The Brit could not possibly understand what Cop Girl saw in Ian at all. Her attention snapped back to Irons," A warrant you say?" Lara grinned suddenly," I got your bloody warrant right here." Out popped the guns," Two to be exact. Desert Eagle Magnums .44s one for both of us." One eye was kept on Irons one on Nottingham ," And if you seem so disinterested why is there new paper articles on the heists on your coffee table." Brows furrowed," And Yes, I bet you paid for them. By slipping who ever got them for you a few cool grand." Pearly whites gritted," Insufferable ass."
Kenneth wasn't impressed by the fancy footwork in fact he expected it. His eyes worked over the two weapons, "Lara Croft, if I backed down every time someone with a Robin Hood complex pointed a gun in my face I'd surely be undervalued as a shrewd businessman... "Mr. Irons smirked as his cold glance caught the eye of his personal bodyguard. "I like to keep up with current events. After all I am a collector of antiquities." The silver haired man held the door and looked to Nottingham, "Ian can you show these two out I'd rather not have them tramping though my gallery again, and after all we did just replace that window." With the last bit his eye caught Sara's and it spoke volumes. Pezzini was a cop in this town and as much as she admired Lara's zeal for the dramatic and complete disregard for the law, she knew that if the pair didn't have the proper authority, Iron's would walk. A heavy sigh and she stood from her chair. "Don't worry Mr. Irons ' I'm sure the boys downtown will be more than happy to come back and have a look see once the department clears my warrant."
The first flash of metal caught his grey, emotionless eyes as he turns his head towards Lara, seeing her drawn those specially made guns of hers. His left hand was still at his side, while the other was instantly on the hilt of his Katana, his thumb and forefinger gently pushing the sword slightly out of the sheath, for faster drawing ability. "I would suggest returning those guns to their holsters, Miss." He says in an unwavering, unflinching tone of voice. His eyes move to Sara for a brief instant, but then instantly go back to Lara out in front of him. Truth be told, he didn't care if Irons lived or died, but he did prefer the latter. It was very tempting to turn on Irons right now, and to drive the sword of his right through the man's Heart. But right now, Irons was in control, and that's the way it would be....for the moment. Upon hearing Iron's command, he nods simply, but it was forced. He then turns back to the ladies in front of the desk, his obsidian hair framing his face, almost hiding it from view. "This way." He says, motioning towards the door, but making sure they were out in front, so he would have just a spare second more to react, should they try anything. He looked to Sara once again, and a flicker in his eye showed that he wanted to get Iron's just as badly as she did. Opening the door for them outside, he then moves back behind the pair, and starts to usher them out towards the main entrance. His gaze went back to Irons for moment, eyes narrowing at the shrewd businessman. The truth would have to come out eventually, but it seemed that tonight would not be that night.
With a menacing glare, Lara holstered her guns with a sharp low thwack. The woman was not pleased," Funny, they all happened to be ones I put there too." So it was a tad personal after all, this whole ordeal. Lady Lara Croft took pride in knowing she had put something rare on display for the rest of the world to enjoy. One of the easiest ways to piss her off, take away that ability to share with the world. Just ask a Mr. Alex West about that one. She would still never forgive him for the Prayer Wheels ordeal. Never. The combat boots moved unwillingly out the door. Hazel orbs still set on heavy glare mode. She would nail Irons. One way or another and with or without help One last word in," Yes Mr. Irons I know all about your collecting." The glare of her orbs fixed on him a brief moment," And how you do your business dealings to collect." With that the auburn trussed woman followed closely by Nottingham was out of Irons' sight. For now. She was tense," What I would not give for a punching bag right now." Arms folded," Alive or dead weight." Was added, almost cruelly. Eyes shifted," Must you breathe down my neck Nottingham?" Such a cold, cold tone and choice of words," Sara might not mind it, but I most certainly do." Head held high she walked towards the exit.
"Well miss croft if you know all about my collection then I'm sure you're aware that it isn't complete." His menacing glare passed over the anger ball of a detective, "But it soon will be... of that I can assure you." Kenneth closed the door behind them and left the trio to walk down the nearly pitch dark halls toward the grand staircase. "Lara as much as I'd like to bust down his door and shove my .357 into his obnoxious chin I can't. After all the shit I've had to put up with since this… thing on my wrist decided to plant it's roots…" The heavy thuds of her combat boots echoed in her ears as she walked along side her friend and now mismatched partner Lara. At the snide remark toward Nottingham, Sara hugged her bare flesh as she suddenly felt more than revealed.
His eyes turn to the back of Lara's head for a moment. "Maybe if you were not so content in being slow, I would not be breathing down your neck." He shoots back as a retort, but in a slow and even tone. The exit was approaching on them, and soon, they would be out of the building. His eyes then move to Sara, the rune on the back of his hand, glowing softly in the presence of the Witchblade's power. He had been the only man in history to ever wield the Witchblade, and he could feel it's power even now. He looks out to a window they pass by, seeing the stars and a few wisps of clouds hanging in the night. Turning his attention back forward, he wanted to be able to leave all of this behind...but that wasn't an option right now. Seeing Sara clinging to herself as if she had a cold, Ian wondered what could possibly be wrong . Until he realized that the Witchblade had decided to go medieval on Sara's shirt, and that there was a little more bare flesh than normal. His eyes drifted off towards the exit for a moment, but then with a slight shake of his head, he clears the thoughts away. Upon reaching the exit, he pushes the doors open for them, allowing them to walk out on their own free will. His mouth opens to say something to Sara, but nothing comes out, as he just shuts it from there. He wasn't the best with words, and when you were a killer, you didn't need to. Most of the talking he had ever done was by his Katana, and that could speak volumes about the man that held it.
Al ran now along the side of the building.. hearing there movement from the roof something no ordinary man could do.. he looked over the edge and without a moments hesitation he leaped of.. chains from his chest shot out quickly gripping the wall.. he sung into the building flying through a half open window.. he climbed the rest of the way.. then began to walk.. searching around the hallways.. his large frame was imposing and quite frightening.. his red cape moved over in front of him.. moving slowly yet with a destination in mind.. his weapons concealed not that it mattered his whole body was a weapon.. he passed down more corridors.. it was late and no workers where about to set of alarms.. he passed by a few more doors then stopped.. his penetrating green eyes quickly shifted to a door.. He stopped looking around.. and "Exit" then he felt the Witchblade.. "Sara" he waited standing in the doorway.. his mind focused.. as always.. prepped for battle.. as he stood he held the cape.. the large red like section of cape that raised high above his head shadowed the white and black mask, yet the smoky green eyes could not be missed.. He stood completely still till the door was opened.. his head rose yet only showing what looked like 2 floating green orbs and massive body covered with the red cape like a cloak.. He instantly focused on Ian..
A scowl. If he dared to even think about hurting her friend, there would no doubt be hell to pay. A nod," Personally, I'd rather shove my boot up his ass." The English tone was dark, moody, and down right angered beyond measure," Charming Git indeed." The words were spat like a curse. Fingers flexed and un-flexed near her weapons, a clear sign she was in a dangerous mood. Give the Brit one good reason and she would do it. However for Sara's sake, Lara forced her tensed form to relax against her better judgment. hazel orbs stared straight a head, chin tilted slightly skyward," I really do not enjoy running out of places unless I've good reason too." So creepy and annoying! What did Sara see in him?!?! Lara was asking herself this question once more. Out the doors they went," It's been a pleasure." Came the dry sarcastic humor of the Surrey native's voice. Brownish-green orbs drifted to Sara," So, your the cop. Now what do we do?" A few ideas crept to mind. Sleep for one. She hadn't had any for twenty four hours. A nice hot soak in a tub to relive her sore muscles. And then another strange man joined the fray," Hello again Mr. Simmons." Coffee also crept to mind now.
Sara rubbed her hands against her arms as she stepped outside with Lara. Silently she cursed herself for this completely irrational idea. Breaking in was fine when she thought Irons was dead, but seeing him in the flesh again was disturbing. The pair stepped outside and as her foot touched the front step she paused. The loose locks of auburn hair cascaded back in a graceful arch as she turned to ask something to Ian. Her wide (yes I'm changing it cause I can) jade iris' catching a hint of his cold unfeeling gaze as the door closed. "Cops don't sleep didn't you know that Lara?" A startled gasp escaped her lips as she caught sight of Spawn's foreboding eyes. "Jesus Christ Simmons you nearly gave me a fucking heart attack!"
What a night it was turning out to be, indeed. First, the incident with Lara and Sara, and now the Hell Spawn in the fray. "Likewise." He states to Lara, to return her snipping comment. He hadn't brandished any weapons yet, but Ian did of his right hand back on the hilt of his Katana, ready and waiting to move if he had to. He was going to make sure Sara was alright, and that this new person wasn't going to hurt her. She may be the wielder of the Witchblade, but he would still protect her. The steady gleam of the first sign of metal from his sword could be seen in the moonlight, as he started to move towards Sara, but facing Spawn if he had to move to be in front of her. He turned towards Sara, as it looked like she wanted to ask him something, but was interrupted by the Spawn. Simmons, was his name, he thought he heard them say. He was definitely different from anything he had ever seen, but in tradition, the cold stoic facial expressions slipped on, giving no indication that he cared about the new person, or thought of him as a threat. The city definitely had its share of.... unique personas, that was painfully clear. He thought that he had possibly seen more strange and unexplained stuff in his time, which most people would never see if they lived ten lifetimes.
looked to both Sara and Lara. then back to Ian.. locked in a cold stare.. he watched.. it appeared the thoughts and intentions where the same.. as where the pasts yet none of this he knew.. A grin from beneath his mask.. the white a black mask showed no emotion and it was hard for the burnt and scared on underneath to as well.. he quickly and in an instant through back his cape.. the thick red fabric flying from in front of him revealing his body for all it was.. a machine.. Hell-bent on revenge.. yet new was the addition of guns.. all over him.. it seemed while Ian was trained in the old ways to fight.. Al was taught the new.. in an instant both hands gripped a gun.. and 2 out stretched spiked arms pointed to the guns to Ian from about 3 meters away.. "Back off Assassin..". the word assassin seeming to apply to both of them at one stage.
A bow arched," I just realized that. However, I blame Jackie for my lack of sleep and not you." And that was the truth. Had Mr. Estacado not shown up the night before, Lara would've had at least some sleep. Now she had none, but she had gained some interesting and needed things for this puzzle to work and make sense. Long black clad arms folded under the swells of her breasts. Eyes darted in their hazel color at Ian as he moved forward between Sara and Al," Easy does it Lover boy." Leave it too Lara Croft to drop such a nickname," He's not going to hurt her." The Brit rested against a wall outside Irons' rich bastard penthouse Great," Boys, let's not have a spitting and pissing contest." Her irises narrowed onto Spawn slowly," Let it go." The gaze moved to Sara, curious as to what she would make of all this now," Sara, best call off your shadow boy." Her words cold, her tone chilling. Lara in a bad mood thanks to Irons? No, what ever gave you that idea?
Detective Pezzini felt the testosterone levels reaching critical mass and held her hands out in a Christ like pose showing her palms to each man. Irony it seemed was not without a sense of humor, and her mind toyed over the fact that her Witchbladed hand was poised toward Nottingham as her left, the one reserved for her snub nose .357 was toward Spawn. "Enough. Both of you!" she shouted. Her intense green orbs moved from Spawn to Ian. "I have been up for 36 hours my New York Yankee's jersey is shredded and all I've had to eat is a handful of trail mix and a few shots. If you two want to rip each other's throats out right here in the street be my guest, but I need some sleep and some food." With her Witchblade shredded shirt and tousled auburn hair Sara flipped a look to the tomb raider and then walked off.
Hesitation was not something Ian had, especially when there were many weapons brandished against him. He had his sword out the moment the first gun came into view. Gripping it tightly in the hands the sword calls Master, Ian looks to the Spawn, his eyes narrowing. Then hearing Lara and Sara go off about this, his gaze does turn back to Spawn, then finally sheathing his sword back at his side. "Another time then, Ian." He says, the obvious distaste for this man clearly apparent in his comment. Seeing Sara mad, he then turns from Lara and the Spawn, then following after her.
He lowered his guns.. putting then back over his head so the rest beneath his arm.. he calmed as much as he could.. he watched Sara walk.. and looked to Lara.. "Nottingham I guess?" he sided with Lara anticipating her walking.. as he followed behind Ian and Sara.. he long red cape dragging on the floor behind yet it was silent.. his whole walk was silent except for the tapping boots and chains that hung on his chest and legs.. a walking weapon was an understatement.. he was a one-man army..
Ah, so the grumpiness wasn't only Lara's. That was a relief to her. So to speak, however it did mean she had to put up with moody Sara, but it also met Sara had to put up with Lara the brass balled bitch. They would get along famously as ever in other words. Lara moved to follow after the cop, but paused and let Nottingham take the lead. She would feel too much like a third wheel. Hazel orbs moved towards Spawn now, a brow arched," So," Yes, so, but so What? the Raider thought a moment," So have you heard, seen, come across anything to do with what Sara and I are investigating?" Arms remained folded But then as Spawn moved, so did Lara. Least she would not be a third wheel now," How have you been.." Finally something to say, small talk really, but something none the less. Her gaze was full of worry for her friend, who seemed more pissed then she.
Sara sat in her efficiency apartment brooding over her lack of self control. Her answering machine had several messages from the department regarding her current caseload and so far all of Sara's leads were turning out to be dead ends. It was frustrating. The seasoned cop felt like a rookie next to her long time friend Lara Croft and according to her answering machine, internal affairs was starting to ask questions about the mysterious fella and his hordes of Darklings paying a visit to her precinct. Not the best of days for sure. Sara flipped though folder after folder reading about the missing artifacts and the partial prints and whatnot gathered by the print lab. Running a hand though her somewhat tangled brown hair Sara thought back to the last case she was on and the side comments made by Detectives Sam Burke and his partner 'Twitch'. Sara smiled with the memory of Sam sprinkling doughnut crumbs over the deceased body that was found in Rat City, Spawn's stomping ground. Sara grumbled and walked out of her apartment. This environment was just not contusive for her mood, it just amplified her anger. After 20 minutes of walking, Sara found herself nearing Kenneth Iron's penthouse with a pair of binoculars. She crouched near a grouping of trees in the small park hoping to catch a hint of a clue toward her current case. She hoped no one was home because she was tempted to breach protocol and have a look inside to see if any of the artifacts were on display.
His eyes focused after having them closed for so long... Thinking while he stood in front of the large window that allowed him to see the whole city... He focused on certain people he could see walking thinking about what they may be doing... Then something caught his eye, something not to far away... He looked back to Kenneth who was reading through papers... Irons pointed to the door and Ian began towards it... Jumping to the stairs climbing to the roof... From there his stealth fully moved to the fire exit... Moving silently down the iron platforms till he reached the ground... now moving slowly and calmly he glanced back to where he spotted the movement... Darting between cars... The long sheathed weapon swinging of his waist as he moved. He buttoned up the large black jacket he wore as he ran onto the park... he moved a fair way from her... Identifying her as Pezzini... he came up slowly from behind then lent against a tree and without looking at her spoke with his calm and fluent voice... "Find what you are looking for Sara"... He finally looked up to Sara... "Irons and I have been waiting for you to arrive... we know why are here..." he didn't question her reason for coming as he knew already, and he had already told this to both Jackie and Sara...
After his engagement with Lara Croft, his day was seemingly done. Now the day was boring... but then again it was night time now. With the setting of the sun and rising of the moon, the time for 'Darkness' was at hand. With a smug grin he went to the roof of his estate. He knelt down in his usual place when he went onto rooftops. His rooftop much more special than others for the simple fact that it gave off a horrific image to any that saw him in person up there next to the gargoyle statues. The Darklings that surrounded him and the statues didn't help to remove the terrible image of terror. The night was new and he most definitely needed something to do. The life of luscious females was over for him the day of his 21st birthday... the day things got real serious. All his troubles began on that day and seemed to only get worse with time. It was surprising that he hadn't experienced the usual people trying to take his powers or use him for his power. All these thoughts simply fueled his rage and thus he needed to move on and do something to pass his time and remove the pain of thought. The Darklings leaded his descent towards the ground, each flying or running along the building and heading through the streets. He kept more low profile than they did of course. He flew from place to place... a 10 foot wing span from tip to tip of each wing. He was the epiphany of terror now but he wasn't at all that much of a bad person... it just so happened that there were much worse a type of people out in the world. He seemingly made his way towards Kenneth Iron's area coincidentally. Some force was driving him there... most likely the Darkness but why? He'd soon find out.
Sara was in a royal mood. Her favorite leather jacket was ruined thanks to the Witchblade and its unpredictable attitude toward The Darkness and she nearly went on a hell bend killing spree in the middle of the street when he showed up at her favorite bar a few hours before. Her clothes were changed since then and the trim detective wore a three quarter length baseball style jersey and a boot-cut pair of hip hugger jeans. The motorcycle boots she donned scrunched against the cool grass as she crouched in her silent vigil over Iron's estate. As her eyes watched the lighted windows Sara's binoculars caught the glimpse of a shadowy figure and Sara pulled them down away from her eye knowing she was caught. "Shit." She cursed to herself tucking the small specs away into her pocket. Sure they looked a little silly but she wasn't looking to impress anyone she was just doing her job. Turning to make her exit, Sara nearly jumped out of her skin as she came face to face with none other than Ian Nottingham himself. "I'm just here on a routine assignment Mr. Nottingham. And if memory serves this 'is' a public park is it not?" The tall brunette felt her heart skip in her throat; this really wasn't what she had in mind for tonight. She was just here looking to gather some reconnaissance field work, not start an incident with Iron's man servant, let alone let Kenneth know she was watching his estate.
It was the Witchblade? Or was it you" playing with her he continued to smile... The wind blowing his coat of, of his sheathed weapon... Revealing the beautifully made hilt and grip of the sword... he stepped back walking slowly... "I leave you with this question... If it was me... Or Irons who stole those things... Do you really think you cant catch us" on that he turned and walked again moving through the shadows of trees and building as he moved to cross the road... a hand gripped the hilt of the blade as he moved.. Once getting out of her sight he ran down an alley siding with Kenneth's building…
Jackie closed his bright yellow blazed eyes and crouched down on the rooftop nearest Ian and Sara. He knew not of their presence around the area but he felt something familiar nearby. His blood boiled and his veins pumped adrenaline like crazy. His mind was starting to hurt... only one thing could get him stirred up this bad and it was The Witchblade. It must be nearby, whether active or inactive, its presence could always be felt and much more so during the night than during the daytime. He wasn't as modest as Sara was about fighting... he didn't care whether it was in public in front of the president's house. His eyes reopened and he leaped off of the rooftop he was located on. His wings expanded and he flew around at high speeds... seemingly circling around the area that Sara was near. But he wasn't quite able to pinpoint her true location just an approximation of where she could possibly be. In the air he was easily sighted with the Inner City Lighting that New York was known for. Most pedestrians would easily be able to spot him up above. If he couldn't find her, he knew she'd definitely find him and the Witchblade wouldn't allow her to run from him.
True the eye candy of Ian Nottingham was a treat, but Sara didn't have time to even consider the options of a relationship; let alone one with someone that lacked the self respect to decline a job from such a notorious asshole as Kenneth Irons. Sara's hand went to her backup Walther PPK that she wore tonight in exchange for the usual .357 the instant Nottingham reached forward and touched her hair. With the practice and skill of a cop with hundreds of hours at the range, Sara drew the gun and cocked the barrel. "One more move like that, and I really might feel the need to take your head off, Mr. Notting….Unngh…" The brunette was only a few steps into her pursuit of Ian before she stumbled, bumping her hip into a neighboring bench. An inner rage boiled in Sara's throat, and was augmented by the adrenalin already present from her interaction with Nottingham… this was not good. ~'He's here….it's time…. No more hesitation… Sara... you want to ….kill…'~ the symbiotic weapon hissed into her mind as she heard her heart thumping rapidly in her chest. Fortunately this section of Central Park was less than active after dark, but Sara had the feeling thing were going to go from bad to worse and quickly.
A mass of red appeared to jump from building to building... like a cloud of blood it spun and swirled in the wind that was present only at the tops of the buildings... He was here... the being of the night that had not yet been rivaled by any other... the tortured soul whose life was not meant to exist... a rebelled soldier of hell... as he noticed the airborne for of The Darkness he stopped wrapping himself around a pole watching.. the cape now seeming to shorten... The figure within the red cape was now visible... a human form wearing a suit or necro-plasmic armor and a large white M on his chest to symbolize his leader, boss Melbolgia... yet no more.. not ever did he follow the leader ship of such a creature... He finally leaped across the buildings almost looking for a fight.
It was odd. As Sara breathed in and out suppressing her bloodlust she heard a car pass by that pumped the sounds of Garbage from its open windows. The heavy beats and intense lyrics of Shirley Manson and company seemed to describe her current state perfectly. The woman gritted her teeth together for what felt like an eternity and just as she felt her emotions on a breaking point the incessant whisperings stopped and she felt the overwhelming urge to arch her glance skyward. Her hazel orbs widened into a gaze of surprise as she saw in all his glory the infamous Al Simmons, more widely known as Spawn. Although Sara personally had no qualms with this tortured soul, the blade could sense the evil aura that surrounded him and she numbly walked toward his alley as if in a trance. Shadows enveloped the beautiful woman and as she accepted their concealment the Witchblade silently unfurled up her arm, tearing away anything that stood in its path. Upon retrospect Sara might be annoyed that yet another shirt was ruined, but for right now her feet walked with a will of their own toward Ray City. Her soft lips parted slightly as she drew in a breath. "Show yourself…hell spawn…" The detective spoke with the voice of the blade, and afterward blinked stupidly, not knowing where the words came from.
He walked a bit seeing the Darkness quickly disappear... Then he passed by the Hobos who slept or ate... One grabs his foot and he shook it of angrily ..."Get of me..!" he heard the sound of the music also... Looking back... He noticed the woman... he had met her before...Sara was her name "Detective Pezzini... Witchblade" he stood watching her... the long and moving cape swept around his body as it had a life of its own... "What do you want" he for some reason was not in the best of moods... not that it got much better... he stepped towards her... trying also to not damage any of these hobo's belonging.. he wasn't that sadistic... he came to stop within a meter of her... "Come to greet me as I arrive once again in this City..."
Sara popped her neck and looked to and fro, "Actually I was following a lead… happened to come this way. You haven't seen a fella come though here, Tall, buff strong jaw line long dark hair and a trench coat?" Granted Sara could have been describing either Jackie or Ian, but she figured with what the Witchblade was just doing a few moments ago it wouldn't surprise her if it was being set off by either one of them. "I don't mean to stomp all over your alley… 'Spawn' I'm just trying to do my job and not give the captain any reason to take my head off." Sara swallowed hard restraining her symbiotic weapon not to attack this 'evil' creature. It now coated the upper half of her body and very sparsely at that. As it shifted form here and there, Sara backup a few feet. "The last thing I want is more bloodshed… especially here."
Looking down then back up Spawn shook his head... "No I have not... yet there was someone up on the roof which is what drew me here... but it seems he left as you arrived... possibly who you are after... possibly who I am after" he took a step back looking up... incase he had returned... "A lead... that brought you to the Irons estate... I think you are a little out of your league Sara... you should possibly call in for assistance you if you intend on moving in on the place... even with the Witchblade I feel Ian will not let you get to Irons.." he looked to his hands, then back to Sara. "What is it you think they got here..?? What are you after?? Thieves?" He took a step back shattering a bottle beneath his foot and in doing this it seemed to trigger 3 people in the alley to approach... **Hey Freak.. That was mine... you're gonna pay for it** Spawn merely stood and watched... slowly turning to face the 3 punks... "I will not hesitate to kill you..." the punks hearing that and passing it off as a joke... beneath the mask Spawn grinned... and quickly punched the first in the stomach.. hard... his victim fell to the ground... coughing blood... and groaning... the other two running away... he stood looking down to the dying man.. His patience for this City was
nil.
She had beat Estacado again, so to speak. Actually more like won his trust. Tomorrow she would be sitting up shop in a penthouse. For tonight however she was up to no good. Dressed in a sleek black catsuit like outfit, perfect for night business in the city. She was not new to the sort of work this job entailed at all. From the bar Lara had no clue where Sara had wandered off too, the Brit had even tried the woman's cell which was switched off and so, Lady Croft was solo for now. Not a problem. Ivan was jet-lagged he had gone straight to bed without a word, he was probably also annoyed by his sister and some of the male company she chose to keep. Oh well, Lara wasn't much for some of the sluts he brought home on occasion either," Lighten up Lara." She mimicked her brother almost perfectly in a snide tone as hazel orbs rolled. Once she had gotten her gear strapped on, Lara made for the outside world concealing her attire by way of a black trench coat. Her point of destination. One of Kenneth Irons' business buildings in downtown NYC. She would walk. Hands placed into pockets, head staring straight ahead, eyes fixed really on nothing in particular. The sassy British mind however was at work. Kenneth Irons was rich, which means excellent security system. Luckily early after the brunch ordeal with Mr. Estacado and Ivan, Lara got on the phone to Bryce and had him to a little background work on Mr. Irons' security preferences. The long auburn braid hung down the woman's back, the light breeze of the evening played at it slightly as she moved along. She seemed to have a way with Mr. Estacado as well. No Darklings she had asked tonight, keep them away from me and so far none had come about, that she could see anyhow. However Lara was sure she was having an eye kept on her. She reached the tall dark building of glass and steel. Slowly she slipped into the alley between it and another random business and began to slowly scale the business opposite to Irons' how was she accomplishing this amazing feat? Well obviously she is not The Human Fly, suction cups. Four to be exact, one strapped to each knee/calf area and two to the undersides of her wrists. Sticking to the dark corners Lara began to get higher and higher from the ground below, after having discarded her trench to rest at the bottom of the alleyway.
Pezzini pressed her back to the grimy wall and slowly picked up a length of pipe, the echoing suction cups alerting her attention toward the ascending figure. Within a few moments, Sara was climbing the fire escape that neighbored the figure and had positioned herself behind the woman. Although Sara's Witchblade was already unfurled up her arm and across her torso, the detective relied on her Walther to do her talking rather then the alien weapon. Sara cocked the gun with the ease, and pointed it toward the back of Croft's head. "Easy there… nice and slow." Her hazel eyes narrowed into slits and then widened with surprise at the sight of a familiar face. "Jesus Christ Lara! Warn a girl! You sneak up on me like that again and I might not take the second or two to identify my target." She re holstered her gun and looked to the ground more upset with herself for lashing out irrationally at her friend more then she was at losing her target, Ian Nottingham. The green viney armor shifted across her body again moving the red gem to the hollow at her throat with a thin choker of green. Although the armor that coated Sara's upper half was sparse, it was not to be underestimated, as it moved with a will of its own. "Sorry… I didn't mean to shout I'm just a bit on edge…"
he turned to see what Sara's attention was turned to... he glanced up to see the figure... "What!" his hand reached up... and a row of chains shot from his body, belt, chest, arm... all towards Lara not yet knowing who it was.. then when Sara recognized her the chains stopped and drew back like snakes... slowly moving back within himself... he watched carefully... green luminescent light seeped from his eyes... in the heat of the moment.. "Who is this?" he looked to Sara not knowing whether or not he had met the Tomb Raider.. yet when hearing the name Lara.. it clicked.. he had met her.. and also in the company of Sara.. he stepped back with the decreasing length of chains pulling back inside him.. "Lara Croft..." speaking to himself just remembering the name... he looked up to her again, she would not survive such a gutsy attempt at infiltrating the Irons Building... He again shot the chains to the buildings siding.. and like grappling hooks his pulled himself up... reaching the height of Lara quickly.. "You can't seriously think you can enter this place and survive?" The red bands that crossed his body all over shined with all the small spikes as they reflected the full moon..
She heard a click," I thought Irons only had a manservant not a.." the aristocratic brogue paused," Bloody hell Sara." Brownish-green orbs peered at the woman carefully," If I did not know any better I swear it was Aunt Flo's monthly visit for you." Lara slowly clamored onto the building top and arched a brow," And I thought I kept strange company..." A nod was given to Spawn," Pleasure." A wicked grin," I can get into anywhere Mr. Simmons." She had provisions, she knew what she was up against," However I wasn't counting on company." Arms folded as she glanced to Sara," You know, drinking only seems to make you more up-tight darling." An index finger pressed the barrel of the Cop Chic's gun off to the side," So was I interrupting anything?" Clever teasing wench. Her orbs watched the chains as they slithered away," Let's try not to have another tussle two nights in a roll. Plus Jackie might become jealous after all fighting me is the closest he'll ever get to having sex with my cute arse."
"That time of the month aye?" The New York City cop lifted herself over the lip of the building and folded her arms about her chest half covering her revealed flesh. Her brow furrowed as she sat down against the small wall that encircled the rooftop. "You know Lara I love it when you visit, but you have a way with things that I just can't relate with. I have to meet protocol; warrants have to be issued... I can't just go breaking into Kenneth Iron's penthouse even if the son of a bitch is dead." The last time Sara saw Irons he was falling out of the large window overlooking his private courtyard, as far as her official report went Kenneth Irons was dead, but according to everything she was unraveling it seems the untimely death of the multibillionaire might have been issued prematurely. "If that low down rotten asshole 'is' still alive I'm betting he knows we're coming."
Lara grinned," I always knew you loved me like the other annoying sister you'll never have." Taking her time the Brit removed the suction cups from her form placing them into the sleek black bag on her back," And you seem tense, only possible explanation I could derive would be Aunt Flo darling." Quiet footfalls moved towards one of the penthouse windows, Lara could tell instantly it had been replaced," So let him know, all he'll do is send your favorite dark haired creepy man servant after us." hazel orbs glanced at Pez over her shoulder," Speaking of which what is the relationship between you two anyhow?" The sauciness of Lara Croft was high at work again," You bedding him?" Miss Tough as Nails arched a curious brow," I know It when I see it Sara, and you got It bad." A bit of a chuckle and then all that faced Sara now was the slender back and long braid as the now gloved fingers felt around the window ledge looking for something it seemed ," Hmm. I had Bryce, you remember him don't you? Odd sort, tech genius. Anyhow, I had him do some checking for me on Irons' security systems and..." She paused a moment," Bingo." Instantly she pulled the window up," Unfortunately I'll have to make a pit-stop in Washington on the way home." Eyes rolled ," Langley ass-kissing again." With that the black clad figure slowly slipped into the place," You mentioned he was rich, but by the looks of this I would say overly rich children starving in third world countries arsehole."
Nimbly, Sara gripped the edge of the building and with a graceful bend of her half naked frame; the statuesque bombshell entered the shadow filled room boots first. She landed in a crouched position next to the tomb raider. "Irons never did do anything small… I have to wonder if he's compensating for something. And to think I let that prick buy me dinner." As the two women walked the perimeter of the room, Sara shot Lara a glance. "What do you mean 'I've got it bad?' Are you insinuating that I have a 'thing' for Ian Nottingham?" Sara checked her Walther clicking the safety and then reinserting it back into the side holster. She quietly sidestepped past a glassed in samurai suit and her eyes darted toward the small office half wondering if she heard a noise or if it was just her imagination.
A quick nod," Yes, I can see this." The hazel orbs caught sight of something," Picasso...lovely." She did not touch," Rare too." Lara did have a taste for good art. Hazel eyes picked up something else, more interesting," Hmm. Look at this." A newspaper, several. But the odd thing was it was only the pages with recent news about the heists in England. From the woman's pack she produced a small pen like spy camera and took pictures of each document," I'll send these off to Bryce and in an hours time I'll have flawless duplicates." She was whispering," He took you to dinner huh?" Her tone was amused," If it makes you feel better I tend to wine and dine with the scum of the earth as well." A small chuckle," He is rather old. Perhaps he can't how do you Americans put it? Ah, yes get it up anymore?" Always too the point and brutal. Yup, that's Lady Lara Croft alright, Lady only by title. Lara paused a moment," Yes, I do mean you have a 'thing' for Ian Nottingham." Chortled the British accent quietly," Good to see we are both on the same page darling." Lara's fingers flexed near her guns," Did you hear something?" The small camera was quickly put away. hazel orbs narrowed slightly and looked about. Then they fell on the door of the small office as well, it was slightly ajar and Lara could've sworn she saw a sliver of light across the floor.
Sara held up her hand and made a gesture that meant perhaps their conversation might have to wait until a later time. Sidestepping toward the office door Sara was surprised to see it spring open as the pair closed in. Framing the doorway was the silver-haired Kenneth Irons. "Unless my eyes deceive me I'd say Christmas came a little early this year..." He leaned his weight against the frame as the light behind him ebbed out about his frame cutting the outline of his muscular frame. "But I ordered a redhead and a blonde…" he joked eyeing up the tomb raider and her counterpart. "…However I've been known to make an exception. May I offer either one of you a drink?" Kenneth turned to one side and gestured for them to enter. Sara knew she was here without jurisdiction and conceded to follow his lead into the office, "I didn't realize you had to buy your women Irons. Having trouble adjusting to the Viagra? " Kenneth took the insult with a grin, his sneer revealing a set of even white teeth. The expression gave him a sinister look and what he retorted was enough to make the homicide detective's blood begin to boil. "IF memory serves I didn't seem to have any trouble buying you."
A nod. Lara got the drift. Eyes narrowed," Sorry, I don't do ditzy." Mused the Sassy English woman as Irons spoke. She wasn't impressed, never would be. To her he was about as low as a human being could get. Unless of course you count the Illuminati. Hell, Lara would bet Irons probably once had ties with them as well. The Surrey native gave Sara a suspicious glance," Is he always this charming?" Her tone was dry, cold. Un-amused to be more accurate," I'll pass up on such an offer thank you." She did not trust the man in the least. However, like Sara she followed the man, hands waiting near her guns, flexing. It took everything Lara had to keep from blowing the insufferable bastard's head off right then and there," Don't you ever stay dead Irons? Or did the Devil become bored with you?" Scoffed the Brit. Sure she knew her tone, demeanor, and word choices were dealing in fire play. However she wanted a reason to blow him into next week with a single bullet. Hazel orbs peered around. The man had many artifacts, paintings, and other historical items. Most dealing with The Blade however. Again it took everything Lara had to keep herself from becoming fascinated by them," What no Man servant tonight?" A wicked grin," Feeling brave are we?" Brass balled indeed.
Irons watched the long legged Brit pass him by and his eye wandered down her frame, enjoying the subtle movement of the cat suit Lara wore. "Delicious… I must admit Sara, you have exquisite taste in women. Kenneth closed the door behind the two girls as he slowly worked his way to the overstuffed leather chair. A small fire was crackling in the fireplace and Kenneth folded his hands atop that blotter on his mahogany desk gesturing to the chairs before him. "Please have a seat. I assure you that my… bodyguard Mr. Nottingham is lurking about nearby. When there is a notorious tomb raider with the reputation as a glorified thief, one can't keep a collection like mine open for pilfering." Sara sat quietly her glib remarks silenced due to the 'buying you' comment. At the mention of Nottingham however her glance caught Irons' startled that he mentioned him. "I would have thought you and he had too much bad blood after he tried to kill you, what makes you think he won't betray you again?" Kenneth rolled his neck slightly and then eyed up the detective with a glimmering eye. "You don't understand… how common of you." Kenneth slowed his words as though he was talking to a child, "Because that dissention of loyalties was merely a high school crush, one that I believe has been thoroughly exhausted."
Lara arched a brow," And you disgust me." Her words simple, to the point. She did sit, though against her better judgment none the less. Arms folded under the swells of her breasts, long legs crossed. Her expression cold. Uncomfortable. Out of the frying pan and into the fire. Hazel orbs bore into Irons with intent. Lara, did. Not. Like. Irons. At. All. Her left foot tapped against air as she watched him sit. Oh how she would love to wipe that look from his face. One bullet, or punch which ever," Figures, I bet you even house trained him." Ouch, that was below the belt, but that was also Lara's style. She sat forward now hands resting on the armrests of the chair she sat in," Obviously you know why we are here Mr. Irons." Eyes narrowed even more," So let's get to the point shall we, I've been up for twenty four bloody hours now without sleep. I'm sore, I'm disgruntled, and bitchy." For a brief moment the Tomb Raider's gaze shifted to Pez, her look to warn her not to pay him any heed. Lara knew all to well how men like Irons loved to get under a woman's skin," He sounds almost jealous Sara, wouldn't you agree of this so called High School Crush." Two could play the word mess with your mind game. Sure Irons is crafty son of a bitch, but don't discount Lara's craftiness either.
Kenneth smirked smugly, "Are you sure I can't offer either one of you a drink? I'm sure my… how did you describe him? Ah yes, my man servant would be more than adequate in serving you." Irons glanced toward the bookcase, which also served as a secret passage to another room. "Ian? Could you please fix a beverage for Miss Croft and Detective Pezzini?" Kenneth waited for the tall dark assassin to enter the room and his eye caught the subservient bodyguard giving him a 'knowing' look. Sara looked toward him briefly then fixed her gaze to Irons, "I believe you were asked a question Mr. Irons, now stop avoiding the topic and get to the point!" She punched the arm of the chair with a grimace. Irons shook his head, "Careful, that chair is worth more than you make in a year… Miss Pezzini. But yes to the point. I don't know what rumors you may have heard concerning my involvement in a few missing artifacts from the British Museum. But I assure you everything in my collection has be bought and paid for. Now if you don't have a warrant, allow me to show you to the door."
The dark soul returned to the Irons building after a short interval involving collecting a few backup items.. The large red cape was visible again almost drifting from roof top to roof top and the clashing of chains echoed through alleys.. a sound that now haunted many.. shortly he arrived on the roof of the Irons Building.. he kept a close watch for Ian.. The green eyes seeming to smoke with a green luminescent mist.. he began to walk on the roof.. Sara was a friend one of very few.. much like his life and he didn't want to lose and more.. the cape fell back.. wind pushing.. the ripped ends curled and weaved like an animal.. Because of this his muscular frame was viable and weapons where strapped to his body, guns over both shoulders.. bullets crossing his chest.. he was now decked out.. He walked the ledges of the building.. looking down to the passing cars and blind drunks.. his hearing enabled him to hear from his position little of what went on inside.. he recognized the male and female voices and could feel the Witchblade.. like a gargoyle he paced the ledges slowly.. his feet crushing the small stones underfoot.. he swung an arm as he turned the corner of the roof.. scaring away a flock of resting pigeons.. His mind focused on the goal..
Concentration was the key to opening many doors of knowledge in the warrior's mind. Ian could see the flicker of the amber flames, held onto by candles, in front of him. Taking up a lotus position nearby, his eyes were closed to achieve the state of concentration that he wanted. To find the balance between a wandering mind and that of a focused one, took diligent effort. The night was cool, he could tell that much without opening a window. His obsidian hair fell to about the small of his back in the Lotus, and clad in a pair of black, baggy pants. Hearing something starting to come from Iron's office, for he was in the next room over, he wondered why he was still here. Working for him wasn't having the advantages it used to, and when he would rather track down Sara instead. His head raised slightly as he heard Irons call for him. What could he possibly want now? Moving to the entrance to his room, which was right behind Iron's bookcase, he stops a moment to sling his katana around his waist, then tying it, then moved the bookcase past, and joined everyone in Iron's office. His eyes feel upon Sara and Lara first, but then went to Irons. "You requested something?" He asks, his voice dull and flat, that of boredom with taking orders from Irons. It was beginning to be fruitless, and he didn't want to be here any longer than he had too. He cautiously looks back to Sara once again, the rune on the back of his hand starting to alert him of the Witchblade's presence. Sweeping a hand back to move his obsidian hair out of the side of his face, he stands waiting.
Lara was getting riled up, her blood boiling, nerves on end," I don't need serving thank you." Her British tongue becoming cold as ice," Easy Pez." Lara stood resting a hand on the woman's shoulder, eyes shooting daggers at Kenneth now," You're an ass, a very smug insufferable ass." Truth, but of course knowing Irons he would simply smile and nod all knowing. Practice what you preach Lara, she too needed to 'Easy' as she put it to her friend. hazel orbs made close observation of the exchanges between Sara and Ian. Yup. Defiantly an attraction here. A brow arched seeing Nottingham up closely, a rather dark man. Creepy as the Queen Mum without her best face on. A chill passed up Lara's spine. The Brit could not possibly understand what Cop Girl saw in Ian at all. Her attention snapped back to Irons," A warrant you say?" Lara grinned suddenly," I got your bloody warrant right here." Out popped the guns," Two to be exact. Desert Eagle Magnums .44s one for both of us." One eye was kept on Irons one on Nottingham ," And if you seem so disinterested why is there new paper articles on the heists on your coffee table." Brows furrowed," And Yes, I bet you paid for them. By slipping who ever got them for you a few cool grand." Pearly whites gritted," Insufferable ass."
Kenneth wasn't impressed by the fancy footwork in fact he expected it. His eyes worked over the two weapons, "Lara Croft, if I backed down every time someone with a Robin Hood complex pointed a gun in my face I'd surely be undervalued as a shrewd businessman... "Mr. Irons smirked as his cold glance caught the eye of his personal bodyguard. "I like to keep up with current events. After all I am a collector of antiquities." The silver haired man held the door and looked to Nottingham, "Ian can you show these two out I'd rather not have them tramping though my gallery again, and after all we did just replace that window." With the last bit his eye caught Sara's and it spoke volumes. Pezzini was a cop in this town and as much as she admired Lara's zeal for the dramatic and complete disregard for the law, she knew that if the pair didn't have the proper authority, Iron's would walk. A heavy sigh and she stood from her chair. "Don't worry Mr. Irons ' I'm sure the boys downtown will be more than happy to come back and have a look see once the department clears my warrant."
The first flash of metal caught his grey, emotionless eyes as he turns his head towards Lara, seeing her drawn those specially made guns of hers. His left hand was still at his side, while the other was instantly on the hilt of his Katana, his thumb and forefinger gently pushing the sword slightly out of the sheath, for faster drawing ability. "I would suggest returning those guns to their holsters, Miss." He says in an unwavering, unflinching tone of voice. His eyes move to Sara for a brief instant, but then instantly go back to Lara out in front of him. Truth be told, he didn't care if Irons lived or died, but he did prefer the latter. It was very tempting to turn on Irons right now, and to drive the sword of his right through the man's Heart. But right now, Irons was in control, and that's the way it would be....for the moment. Upon hearing Iron's command, he nods simply, but it was forced. He then turns back to the ladies in front of the desk, his obsidian hair framing his face, almost hiding it from view. "This way." He says, motioning towards the door, but making sure they were out in front, so he would have just a spare second more to react, should they try anything. He looked to Sara once again, and a flicker in his eye showed that he wanted to get Iron's just as badly as she did. Opening the door for them outside, he then moves back behind the pair, and starts to usher them out towards the main entrance. His gaze went back to Irons for moment, eyes narrowing at the shrewd businessman. The truth would have to come out eventually, but it seemed that tonight would not be that night.
With a menacing glare, Lara holstered her guns with a sharp low thwack. The woman was not pleased," Funny, they all happened to be ones I put there too." So it was a tad personal after all, this whole ordeal. Lady Lara Croft took pride in knowing she had put something rare on display for the rest of the world to enjoy. One of the easiest ways to piss her off, take away that ability to share with the world. Just ask a Mr. Alex West about that one. She would still never forgive him for the Prayer Wheels ordeal. Never. The combat boots moved unwillingly out the door. Hazel orbs still set on heavy glare mode. She would nail Irons. One way or another and with or without help One last word in," Yes Mr. Irons I know all about your collecting." The glare of her orbs fixed on him a brief moment," And how you do your business dealings to collect." With that the auburn trussed woman followed closely by Nottingham was out of Irons' sight. For now. She was tense," What I would not give for a punching bag right now." Arms folded," Alive or dead weight." Was added, almost cruelly. Eyes shifted," Must you breathe down my neck Nottingham?" Such a cold, cold tone and choice of words," Sara might not mind it, but I most certainly do." Head held high she walked towards the exit.
"Well miss croft if you know all about my collection then I'm sure you're aware that it isn't complete." His menacing glare passed over the anger ball of a detective, "But it soon will be... of that I can assure you." Kenneth closed the door behind them and left the trio to walk down the nearly pitch dark halls toward the grand staircase. "Lara as much as I'd like to bust down his door and shove my .357 into his obnoxious chin I can't. After all the shit I've had to put up with since this… thing on my wrist decided to plant it's roots…" The heavy thuds of her combat boots echoed in her ears as she walked along side her friend and now mismatched partner Lara. At the snide remark toward Nottingham, Sara hugged her bare flesh as she suddenly felt more than revealed.
His eyes turn to the back of Lara's head for a moment. "Maybe if you were not so content in being slow, I would not be breathing down your neck." He shoots back as a retort, but in a slow and even tone. The exit was approaching on them, and soon, they would be out of the building. His eyes then move to Sara, the rune on the back of his hand, glowing softly in the presence of the Witchblade's power. He had been the only man in history to ever wield the Witchblade, and he could feel it's power even now. He looks out to a window they pass by, seeing the stars and a few wisps of clouds hanging in the night. Turning his attention back forward, he wanted to be able to leave all of this behind...but that wasn't an option right now. Seeing Sara clinging to herself as if she had a cold, Ian wondered what could possibly be wrong . Until he realized that the Witchblade had decided to go medieval on Sara's shirt, and that there was a little more bare flesh than normal. His eyes drifted off towards the exit for a moment, but then with a slight shake of his head, he clears the thoughts away. Upon reaching the exit, he pushes the doors open for them, allowing them to walk out on their own free will. His mouth opens to say something to Sara, but nothing comes out, as he just shuts it from there. He wasn't the best with words, and when you were a killer, you didn't need to. Most of the talking he had ever done was by his Katana, and that could speak volumes about the man that held it.
Al ran now along the side of the building.. hearing there movement from the roof something no ordinary man could do.. he looked over the edge and without a moments hesitation he leaped of.. chains from his chest shot out quickly gripping the wall.. he sung into the building flying through a half open window.. he climbed the rest of the way.. then began to walk.. searching around the hallways.. his large frame was imposing and quite frightening.. his red cape moved over in front of him.. moving slowly yet with a destination in mind.. his weapons concealed not that it mattered his whole body was a weapon.. he passed down more corridors.. it was late and no workers where about to set of alarms.. he passed by a few more doors then stopped.. his penetrating green eyes quickly shifted to a door.. He stopped looking around.. and "Exit" then he felt the Witchblade.. "Sara" he waited standing in the doorway.. his mind focused.. as always.. prepped for battle.. as he stood he held the cape.. the large red like section of cape that raised high above his head shadowed the white and black mask, yet the smoky green eyes could not be missed.. He stood completely still till the door was opened.. his head rose yet only showing what looked like 2 floating green orbs and massive body covered with the red cape like a cloak.. He instantly focused on Ian..
A scowl. If he dared to even think about hurting her friend, there would no doubt be hell to pay. A nod," Personally, I'd rather shove my boot up his ass." The English tone was dark, moody, and down right angered beyond measure," Charming Git indeed." The words were spat like a curse. Fingers flexed and un-flexed near her weapons, a clear sign she was in a dangerous mood. Give the Brit one good reason and she would do it. However for Sara's sake, Lara forced her tensed form to relax against her better judgment. hazel orbs stared straight a head, chin tilted slightly skyward," I really do not enjoy running out of places unless I've good reason too." So creepy and annoying! What did Sara see in him?!?! Lara was asking herself this question once more. Out the doors they went," It's been a pleasure." Came the dry sarcastic humor of the Surrey native's voice. Brownish-green orbs drifted to Sara," So, your the cop. Now what do we do?" A few ideas crept to mind. Sleep for one. She hadn't had any for twenty four hours. A nice hot soak in a tub to relive her sore muscles. And then another strange man joined the fray," Hello again Mr. Simmons." Coffee also crept to mind now.
Sara rubbed her hands against her arms as she stepped outside with Lara. Silently she cursed herself for this completely irrational idea. Breaking in was fine when she thought Irons was dead, but seeing him in the flesh again was disturbing. The pair stepped outside and as her foot touched the front step she paused. The loose locks of auburn hair cascaded back in a graceful arch as she turned to ask something to Ian. Her wide (yes I'm changing it cause I can) jade iris' catching a hint of his cold unfeeling gaze as the door closed. "Cops don't sleep didn't you know that Lara?" A startled gasp escaped her lips as she caught sight of Spawn's foreboding eyes. "Jesus Christ Simmons you nearly gave me a fucking heart attack!"
What a night it was turning out to be, indeed. First, the incident with Lara and Sara, and now the Hell Spawn in the fray. "Likewise." He states to Lara, to return her snipping comment. He hadn't brandished any weapons yet, but Ian did of his right hand back on the hilt of his Katana, ready and waiting to move if he had to. He was going to make sure Sara was alright, and that this new person wasn't going to hurt her. She may be the wielder of the Witchblade, but he would still protect her. The steady gleam of the first sign of metal from his sword could be seen in the moonlight, as he started to move towards Sara, but facing Spawn if he had to move to be in front of her. He turned towards Sara, as it looked like she wanted to ask him something, but was interrupted by the Spawn. Simmons, was his name, he thought he heard them say. He was definitely different from anything he had ever seen, but in tradition, the cold stoic facial expressions slipped on, giving no indication that he cared about the new person, or thought of him as a threat. The city definitely had its share of.... unique personas, that was painfully clear. He thought that he had possibly seen more strange and unexplained stuff in his time, which most people would never see if they lived ten lifetimes.
looked to both Sara and Lara. then back to Ian.. locked in a cold stare.. he watched.. it appeared the thoughts and intentions where the same.. as where the pasts yet none of this he knew.. A grin from beneath his mask.. the white a black mask showed no emotion and it was hard for the burnt and scared on underneath to as well.. he quickly and in an instant through back his cape.. the thick red fabric flying from in front of him revealing his body for all it was.. a machine.. Hell-bent on revenge.. yet new was the addition of guns.. all over him.. it seemed while Ian was trained in the old ways to fight.. Al was taught the new.. in an instant both hands gripped a gun.. and 2 out stretched spiked arms pointed to the guns to Ian from about 3 meters away.. "Back off Assassin..". the word assassin seeming to apply to both of them at one stage.
A bow arched," I just realized that. However, I blame Jackie for my lack of sleep and not you." And that was the truth. Had Mr. Estacado not shown up the night before, Lara would've had at least some sleep. Now she had none, but she had gained some interesting and needed things for this puzzle to work and make sense. Long black clad arms folded under the swells of her breasts. Eyes darted in their hazel color at Ian as he moved forward between Sara and Al," Easy does it Lover boy." Leave it too Lara Croft to drop such a nickname," He's not going to hurt her." The Brit rested against a wall outside Irons' rich bastard penthouse Great," Boys, let's not have a spitting and pissing contest." Her irises narrowed onto Spawn slowly," Let it go." The gaze moved to Sara, curious as to what she would make of all this now," Sara, best call off your shadow boy." Her words cold, her tone chilling. Lara in a bad mood thanks to Irons? No, what ever gave you that idea?
Detective Pezzini felt the testosterone levels reaching critical mass and held her hands out in a Christ like pose showing her palms to each man. Irony it seemed was not without a sense of humor, and her mind toyed over the fact that her Witchbladed hand was poised toward Nottingham as her left, the one reserved for her snub nose .357 was toward Spawn. "Enough. Both of you!" she shouted. Her intense green orbs moved from Spawn to Ian. "I have been up for 36 hours my New York Yankee's jersey is shredded and all I've had to eat is a handful of trail mix and a few shots. If you two want to rip each other's throats out right here in the street be my guest, but I need some sleep and some food." With her Witchblade shredded shirt and tousled auburn hair Sara flipped a look to the tomb raider and then walked off.
Hesitation was not something Ian had, especially when there were many weapons brandished against him. He had his sword out the moment the first gun came into view. Gripping it tightly in the hands the sword calls Master, Ian looks to the Spawn, his eyes narrowing. Then hearing Lara and Sara go off about this, his gaze does turn back to Spawn, then finally sheathing his sword back at his side. "Another time then, Ian." He says, the obvious distaste for this man clearly apparent in his comment. Seeing Sara mad, he then turns from Lara and the Spawn, then following after her.
He lowered his guns.. putting then back over his head so the rest beneath his arm.. he calmed as much as he could.. he watched Sara walk.. and looked to Lara.. "Nottingham I guess?" he sided with Lara anticipating her walking.. as he followed behind Ian and Sara.. he long red cape dragging on the floor behind yet it was silent.. his whole walk was silent except for the tapping boots and chains that hung on his chest and legs.. a walking weapon was an understatement.. he was a one-man army..
Ah, so the grumpiness wasn't only Lara's. That was a relief to her. So to speak, however it did mean she had to put up with moody Sara, but it also met Sara had to put up with Lara the brass balled bitch. They would get along famously as ever in other words. Lara moved to follow after the cop, but paused and let Nottingham take the lead. She would feel too much like a third wheel. Hazel orbs moved towards Spawn now, a brow arched," So," Yes, so, but so What? the Raider thought a moment," So have you heard, seen, come across anything to do with what Sara and I are investigating?" Arms remained folded But then as Spawn moved, so did Lara. Least she would not be a third wheel now," How have you been.." Finally something to say, small talk really, but something none the less. Her gaze was full of worry for her friend, who seemed more pissed then she.
