New York City 2:14 PM L'etoile Salon: (Feat. Sara Pezzini, Lara Croft,
Terry Sheridan, Herman, Ian Nottingham, Al Simmons and Ivan Croft)
Sara was well rested and fed, her emotions on edge from the previous thirty six hours of hell in a hand basket. A long sigh of relief escaped her lips as she sank further into the warm scented bath. "You know Lara," she spoke slowly and didn't move, as she balanced cucumber slices on her eyes. "As much as I give you shit for the life of luxury, I have to admit that a day at the spa was a great idea. I'm not looking forward to tonight's shift; I'm kinda getting used to this lifestyle." Pezzini was lying of course; she loved her job no matter what she said or how many bodies she had to toe tag. A slender blonde walked past, her perky ponytail bouncing back and forth as she paused to check in on the girls. "Can I get either of you anything before your appointment with the hair stylist?" Sara lifted one cucumber and peeked out, "I think I'm alright how about you Lara?"
The Brit scoffed," Actually, if you want the truth." Hazel orbs peered about a moment before whispering somewhat, I hate my lifestyle," Always having to attempt properness at social events. Kissing ass." A sigh," But I was born into it and I cannot do much about that." The sassy bombshell rested in her own warm scented bath, her hair actually loose and flowing around her for once, hazel orbs were not covered like Sara's were. Lara was never one for that cucumber bit. Instead however her face held a mud-mask, deep down Miss Tough as Nails did indulge herself in girlie-girl enjoyments of life. The spa had also cleaned up her sustained wounds from her tiff with Jackie better as well," Ivan is not pleased about my deal with Jackie at all." There was a small splashing sound as Lara shrugged," However, I figure Mr. Estacado might be useful to us." Also, something else tugged at the Brit's mind since this morning before her and Sara met at the spa and because of this she had been abnormally silent. Something Ivan had said about an ex spy having been by Croft Manor recently after she left for New York. She sighed knowing all to well what the words ex spy meant, "Um sorry. No I'm lovely Thank you." her voice seemed distracted.
The nimbly blonde winked, "Whenever you're ready, your stylists are waiting." Pezzini removed the cucumbers sitting up slightly at the Tomb raider's words. Lavender scented water splashed onto the tiles with her movement. "Useful? Are your Daft? Too much tea time girl? Jackie Estacado is a mafia hitman! I don't trust a word that murdering slime ball has to say." Sara's tone wasn't mean or hated filled, but it displayed her distaste toward The Darkness perfectly. Green irises looked toward Lara openly, "He has more reasons to lie to us than anyone. What makes you so sure you can trust him?" Sara stepped out of the tub, and gave a quick look toward the Brit. Reaching for a terry cloth robe, Sara covered her revealed skin.
After tracking the ancient texts thru the plains of the Sahara, and the mountain peaks of the Himalayas. A dark shadow begins to loom over the Royal museum of human studies in the city of London England. Great powerful wings begin to fold as the creature, roughly the shape of a man, but more resembling the horrific depictions of a demon from countless years of Christian beliefs. Towering over the portal, he smiles as he extends his hand, a fast moving liquid going the access panel and pouring beneath the keys, in his minds eye, he can sense the coursing forms of the nanomachines that are surging thru the hardwired security system, systematically the machines begin to splice the wires, and small sparks dot the discharge of the energy they held. discharged and now offline, he smiles as the nanos return to his being and he steps thru the door, the microscopic machines erupting from his pours like water or sweat and begin to bend light around him making him harder and harder to see. His mind is on just one task, find the book of the dead, it will lead him to the true and then back to his home where it will and shall be locked away. His crimson glowing eyes scan around the museum as the nano machines build themselves into censors and make his task of finding the storage easier, allowing him to see clearly in the dark. Scanning thru walls with his x ray sight, he is able to increase his scan ten fold, and cut down the time needed to search for the items he is pursuing
Lara removed herself as well from her own bath after the Blonde had removed the face mask from her features and slipped into a terrycloth robe, as well. Very distracted, her mind fell to wondering what Sheridan could possibly want with her, again. Well besides the obvious. However the man had seriously pissed her off. But then again, name a man in Lara Croft's life who hasn't pissed her off at one point or another. However what had went down between Lady Croft and Mr. Sheridan remained between them. Bryce had suspected he broke her heart, and for that the computer geek spent a week with a sore nose, and was simply instructed to mind his own business by Hillary. Earth to Lara, come in Lara," Hmm?" Hazel orbs drifted to Pez a moment," Oh well, because I kicked his arse basically twice." A slight smirk emitted across her lips," Well, the last tiff was a sort of draw. He threatened to tear my ankles off and I threatened to blow his brains out with my guns." As they walked out of the baths Lara's face took on a sheepish look," We talked, and I struck him a deal." She would let Sara ask about that one rather then offer the information willingly, again her mind began to wander. Damn men, why did they always have to weave in and out of her life like radio waves?
Sara caught the eye of her hair stylist and then looked toward Lara. "I was thinking of a change. perhaps red?" She sat in the leather chair and nodded to the handsome face that waited twirling a pair of scissors. AS the chair spun, he began to brush a wide toothed comb though her locks of light brown hair and began to study his latest project. With a voice that denoted his sexual preference, he retorted to Sara's question about hair color, "Sweetie I don't think there is a color that you can't wear, but I assure you change is always good."
Growling softly as he makes his way thru the museum and finding nothing at first glance he spots a guard and watches for a moment as he listens in. Noting that it was about how scored with a fair haired lass who works as a curator. softly chuckling he gets the guards attention as he walks up, the nanomachines dropping from the surface and shrinking back thru his pours. His horrific spectacle of his being shocks the men as he runs up and gabs them by their faces before they can fall to the ground, " Now good sirs, could you tell me of a certain that may have been here!..." He asks them about the book of the dead without revealing what it truly is, He smiles as they are visibly shaking and one of the guards grabs for his stun gun, zapping Herman in the neck. Screaming in pain and forced to drop them, he scolds himself for being foolish enough to lower his defenses. the guards begin to run away and call on their radios for backup. " There is a freak in a fright suit on the second level corridor! we need back up! Send the terrorist task force if ya need to!" Herman begins to stand as the nano machine, disrupt the electrical field coursing thru him, his eyes blazing bright crimson his breath becoming like brimstone as a small cloud exits his nostrils. standing rather quickly he begins to assert the suit to full combat mode and pulls out a watch communicator. " Cassandra, I don't see any sign of it here at the moment and I have alerted the security to my presence. Can you transport me to the History museum in New York, I may have a better chance of finding it there..." With out a reply, his atoms become like stardust as he destroyed in location only to be rebuilt in the exact same order at a new location. stretching for a moment, he looks around as he sees that he is in the west wing of the museum, right next to the storage. then an unseen voice from inside his ear transmitted directly to the eardrum by a series of nanos, " This time be more subtle, Herman! " Smiling he walks off as the nano machines hide his form from sight.
What did he have to do today? Nothing. A hand moved through his hair once again. perhaps he'd get it trimmed, and a message. He always did enjoy those and why shouldn't he? Women running their fingers though his hair as he lay back, if he was lucky there chests would brush against his cheek. Ah. And messages, lying on a table in only a towel with a woman working her fingers against his muscles. Yes he rather enjoyed that. The British man had been working hard, even now he'd come to New York for business. Black leather boots moved against the ground towards the front counter and he dropped is forearm folding against it softly. Form leaned forwards on his folded arm waiting for the receptionist. Eyes watched with a perked brow as two blondes past him and he flashed them both his cheeky, roguish smile. Watching them blush slightly before they turned towards the loo. Attentions pulled back towards the girl now standing behind the counter. "Hullo.." he said smoothly, voice still hanging to his British accent. "I'd like a trim.. and a massage. if you've any openings, love." He watched the girl look through the books pencil him in for the trim and glance to the message book. She gave a slightly flustered look for a moment and he leaned forwards. "If there aren't any. I could always take you out to dinner an' perhaps you could -relax- my muscles." Another trademark smile now towards this woman. Though she tried to remain her cool, he smirked slightly while she turned her face back down brushing some strands back. "Your hair appointment is ready, now. and I'll keep looking into that message." His palm tapped the counter slightly and he pushed himself up "Thanks, bird.." he started to walk towards the salon area "..and don't forget about the other offer." He almost cooed over his shoulder in a rather chipper tone, while hands moved into the pockets of his pants while he walked. A tanned woman was waiting for him at an open chair "Good afternoon mister.." he tipped his head slightly and glanced towards her "Sheridan, Terry Sheridan.." the woman smiled softly, while he shrugged off his jacket.
Lara was just getting her split ends trimmed. The 'Lady' by title only of course rather enjoyed her long locks," Red? Hmm." The Brit's head cocked to one side a moment studying her friend," Might be nice.." Change was good for people who wanted it, but Lara did not. Hazel orbs furrowed as a snippy looking young woman not much younger then Lara herself came up behind the Surrey native," Lady Croft right?" A simple nod," Right. Okay so what do you want done?" Eyes stared forward into the mirror a moment," Just trim the ends please." The girl went to say something," But we could--" Instantly Lara cut her off," The ends. Nothing more." The girl huffed and did as told, while the sassy bombshell smirked at Sara as if to say, see what proper forcing can get you? Lara began to relax now, her mind falling away from her ex-lover who her Brother took such a nice moment into pointing out he was looking for her. Hazel orbs closed and then," Oh bloody hell." Eyes popped open seeing a smarmy man through the mirror with dark hair. Instantly Lara had turned the chair around and was standing making her way towards Terry Sheridan. The glare in her orbs rather full of daggers," What. Are. You. Doing. Here?" A slender index finger jabbed him in the chest. There was rather a hint of distaste in the British accent as she positively glared at the man. ," besides flirting with anything that walks passed you with ass and tits." Jealous? Possibly. Lara did have a bit of a streak with that emotion, and what a spectacle of herself she was making dressed only in a robe and nothing else.
Orbs of green darted toward Lara's adjacent chair, and a perfectly shaped eyebrow arched toward the sky. Although with the lifestyle of a cop tended to lessen her chances at keeping up with an artificial hair color let alone keeping her nails in shape, Sara Pezzini sometimes loathed the 'Plain Jane' appearance. "As much as I'd love to see myself in red I just don't think I'd have the time to keep it up. Besides, I have red highlights. its close enough for government work." Her ear heard the accent and her eyes turned back toward the mirror as she took in the handsome face. "Dear lord." she mocked a British accent that sounded closer to an Irish one. ".I think I've seen the light." Mock fanning herself Sara's mouth dropped into a shocked O as Lara abruptly stood and walked to him. She looked to the stylist and asked a rhetorical question, "Was it something I said?"
Seeing a small group of men behind a fenced off area of the facility, He notices the wrapped items and began to use his x-ray vision and could see the tablets of blackened bronze brass and gold, knowing full well what it could most likely be, He begins to call forth the nanos to burrow a hole thru the lock, but he noticed that a roll up door was beginning to rise and he hadn't the time for the subtlety of lock picking. Take a few giant steps back, and running hurling his armored form thru the fence, the sound was like a car wreck, metal screeching and rumbling as he lands on the far side. Roaring as his wings unfold as the nano cease bending the light around him, his hideous demon features explode into existence like a flood among the senses, the men scatter as they fire at him, bullets bouncing off the amour. with a quickened pace, he runs over and grabs the first man by his head and launches him thru the air. the poor man fell like a rag doll on a series of crates meant for hauling heavy artifacts. bullets ricocheted around him.
The tanned woman smiled towards him taking the leather jacket hanging it up on a rack before moving back. "Terry, hmm, what a nice accent you have.." but the stylist stopped just barely before the man as another woman moved forwards and there was a finger jabbed against his chest. The tall Brit's eyes rolled slightly and he moved already her perfume and the accent giving her away with out even looking. "Ah, Lara, darling. don't go getting your knickers in a twist.." form moved and he looked towards her his hand moving up to clasp hers, raising it to his lips he kissed it then let her go. "Pleasure as always." From shifted and he headed towards the chair brushing past the woman. gave a coy smirk towards the long haired woman, glancing over towards the other than had been near her, before looking back to Lara herself. "And from the looks of it, bird. you could use a massage yourself." Turning on his heels he moved back to the Tomb Raider, he was a partial one himself, though most of his specialties lie in the spy end of things. With a simple flick of his wrist digits moved through some of the lengthy tresses before moving. "Same old' Lara. but what 'as 'happened to your manners?" eyes glanced towards the other woman she was clearly there with "Aren't you going to introduce me to your lady friend?" a brow arched slyly before arms crossed over the black v-neck styled shirt.
Hazel orbs turned on Sara," No. He just somehow walked back into my damned life." The slender finger pointed at the man again," And to think I broke him out of prison to help me. I never should have." Scoffed the accent haughtily. Her own eyes rolled back," Swarmy Git." She tugged her hand from him quickly, before he could let it go. Damn him. Damn him. Damn him to hell, even," You'll never put my knickers in a twist." Boy if that was not a lie. He had been about the only man who could really bother, fluster, and ruffle the feathers of Lara Croft. Eyes narrowed," I bet." he was obviously doing his usual thing," That and picking up women like always. I feel sorry for the poor sap you marry if you ever do. She'll have to keep you on a bloody leash." She scoffed at him," Please, you don't know anything of what I need or don't need." Another probable lie, after all can we say ex- lovers? She stiffened as he brushed back her hair. His touch had always been nice, and unfortunately her body could not forget such touches. Her breath caught quickly, but even more quickly she forced it out of her throat," Yes, some things never change." The woman snapped at him coldly. Brownish-green orbs drifted over to Sara a moment with a sigh," Sara Pezzini," A slender hand followed by a cold stare and flushed angry cheeks gestured to Sheridan," Terry Sheridan.. a.. ex.. friend of mine." The last words and his name rather forced out of her mouth towards Sara.
The stylist shook his head and in turn checked out the handsome spy, "Strong jaw line. a designer outfitted by Prada. I hate to tell you this sugar, but I think he might be playing for the other team." Obviously the stylist fell into the trap that well dressed men in this place were usually gay and Terry Sheridan being no exception to the rule. "Then again, from the way he's checking out your friends assets I might be mistaken." With a somewhat girlish gesture he turned to his station and grabbed a pair of thinning shears. Sara lifted her index finger, "Will you excuse me for one moment. I don't want to start an international incident here." Uncrossing her legs, the detective stood and followed her temporary partner. Tucking her hair behind her ears, and licking her lips Sara's gaze trailed up from the floor to meet with Miss Croft. "Next time you give me a rash about my PMS I'll have to remember this." She smiled, hoping her jaunt at humor would break the tension a bit. Extending her right Witchblade donned hand, "Detective Sara Pezzini." Sara added, "Lara and I go way back don't we Lara?" Her lips curled into a devilish grin as she remembered their last mishap in Cairo.
A sigh pulled from his lips and form shifted watching the woman move. "I'm sure..." he breathed from shifting once again, the hair stylist just watched the two for a moment. Both Brits were moving, things held between them clearly. Lips pursed a moment "Is that so?" arms uncrossed from his chest had moving through his hair once again "I don't much fancy leashes.." he watched the woman moving and shift once again. True the British spy had his style, and his charms and clearly he oft had women here and there. Lara had been one of them as well. Eyes glanced towards the other woman as she rose moving towards he and the Tomb Raider. He caught the cold edge of her words and his were dry "I suppose they don't.." form shifted and he turned head tipping slightly "..That's not the only ex title I own..." he murmured before taking the soft hand of the detective. " As.. Miss Saucy here has already started, Terry Sheridan. My Pleasure." He shook her hand softly before shifting on his boots. "As much as I'd -love- the chirp with you birds my appointment time is passing by." His British tone held a slight air of coyness with it and he shifted dropping back into the leather chair, turning slightly with an arched brow towards Sara's hairdresser. "Yes? Can I 'elp you?" elbows rested on the arms of the chair awaiting his own hairdresser, while looking towards the two women.
Arms folded. Here the Brit thought nothing else could go bad, wrong or in different from this expedition and naturally it did. Most of the Spa/Salon had taken interest in the current shall it be said lovers ex or not spat. For a brief moment, hazel orbs glanced, glared and rolled at Sara. This was a touchy subject with the British archaeologist. Especially the part of that subject standing before her. Terry Sheridan. Their relationship had been rocky, full of passion, constant squabbles, and often resulted in physical or verbal assaults on each other and always started by Lara usually. Croft Manor saw a lot of broken objects during that love affair. A brief nod," Yes, we're old chaps Sara and I." A brow arched at Sheridan," Well, my sources say you were by Croft Manor this passed week. Might I inquire as to why?" Perhaps she had been hanging around Pez to often, she now sounded like she was interrogating a suspect. She went suddenly silent. Damn him yet again," You're....you're insufferable." She turned with a wave movement of her long auburn locks and sat back down into her chair as the stylist began to trim the ends," I know you don't." Came a tort reply to the leash comment, her tone all to knowing. brow arched at the stylist of Sara," Trust me love, he's very straight, and very much a royal pain in the arse." Arms folded," I know all too well from experience." Why not let it out into the world. Surely it was obvious by now. Surely, and if not, well now it was for sure," One I'd love to forget.. except for the sex. That was always wonderful darling." Two could be cheeky. She wanted to make him blush, hot under the collar, flustered whatever. An even score. Hazel orbs drifted back to Sara," If we get a warrant to search Irons' place he will only hide the evidence before we even get there." Something caught Lara's gaze, this time a newspaper," Oh no...this is very bad." Lara held the paper up for the Pez to see," The Egyptian Book of the Dead has been taken from the British Museum...if Irons'..." The woman could not even finish the sentence and doubted she would need too. Ideas began to formulate in her clever mind, orbs drifted to Sheridan.. as she pondered even more on the words ex-spy.
Coyly Sara inserted her tongue into her cheek and turned to head back to her friend. "What the hell was that all about?" she whispered, hoping Terry couldn't overhear what with the hair dryers and whatnot. Sara took the initiate to tuck her arm into Lara's as they walked, denoting her genuine concern for the girl. Taking a seat Sara winked to the stylist and retorted in addition to Lara's comment, "better luck next time Eric, but I doubt with a pretty face like you're you'll have any trouble." Sara bit her bottom lip as she smiled brightly to the hairdresser donning frosted tipped hair. Her attention was drawn from the topic of sexy British men at the mention of a possible connection to their case. Instantly Sara went into detective mode and began to scan over the article. "What disturbs me Lara is." Her tone lowered, green eyes widening in horror. ".I killed him, I'm sure I did. He... (she stammered)...he fell from a ten story window. he couldn't possibly have survived." Eric quietly worked, as he listened in on their conversation.
The former spy shifted for a moment watching, listening, and studying. After all old habits die hard. A brow arched for a moment. "Why, to see you of course, Lara 'love'. Perhaps go out for a spot of dinner, a drink.." he gave a cheeky smile towards her. His form shifted, rising now from the chair. "You always were a brash one, doll, perhaps that's what I loved about you." Shoulders rolled slightly glancing over the open station towards Lara. "How could I forget? You've been my best shag, Lara." Eyes glanced up towards the stylist when she moved closer. "Though many have tried, it doesn't quite compare." Chin turned over his shoulder slightly looking back towards the woman. "Perhaps we should give another go at a romp sometime, hmm?" he joked, with that roguish smile playing upon his lips once more. Following after the other woman to the sinks. When the stylist led him to have his hair washed he relaxed for the moment yet still tensions within that area were high. His hair was towel dried and trimmed up nicely. His dark hair slicked back some before he stood. Of course he was finished before the woman, men were just that way with hair. Boots shuffled against the ground and he moved towards them, catching a glimpse of the paper and few of their words. Lips pursed for a moment and he slightly crouched between their two chairs elbows resting on either armrest. "Well, it's been lovely, really it has, but I do believe my massage is in order." Eyes glanced up towards Sara" Pleasure once again. I've no doubt our paths will cross again, Sara.." he gave a weary glance up towards the male stylist before looking towards Lara. " As always, Lara.." he stood and glanced down "..I'm sure you remember how to get a hold of me. Hmm, love? I'll be around in New York for a short while, before heading back." He gave a slight wink and turned, walking towards the opening lifting his leather coat from the rung it had been hung upon and heading towards the locker/changing areas for his massage.
Lara sighed," I'd rather keep it under lock and key, it's a testy subject matter with me Sara." Arms stayed folded under the swells of her breasts as the now very silent stylist finished trimming Lara's hair," Mary Queen of Scots, you don't think..." Lara quickly checked the date on the paper," The date reads today, how?" a brow arched quizzically at the Detective. Eyes rolled," I'm flattered." The high society accent was flat, laced with intense sarcasm. Her once good mood had shifted very much in the opposite of that direction," Yes I am brash." hazel orbs narrowed dangerously," As are my guns, fists and knees." She grinned a moment rather dastardly," As is my throwing arm if you remember correctly." Her lips created a perfect o. her eyes followed," I'm glad at least one of us got satisfied." Eyes traveled slowly down the man's form, pausing in a certain spot then back up to his face with a cheeky grin. Another lie of course, she always got the better end of their romps usually. Features narrowed slowly. Her blood was now well into the boiling point," Shag?...." Snap. That was all it took," I was just a SHAG to you?" Up she came causing the stylist now very timid to fall to the floor behind her. She turned on the man as he stood between her chair and Sara's. Smack, the palm of Lara's hand swept swiftly across the man's face," Arsehole." With that brown-green orbs fell to Sara," I'll be getting dressed." Quipped the accent quickly as she walked towards the changing rooms passed gawking faces. Within a second Lara had rounded on her heels," Oh ruddy hell, go back to your own businesses and leave my love life alone!" Slam. And that was the last of Lady Lara Croft and her fiery temper the Spa would see for right now anyhow.
Reaching back as he grabs the second man and scooping him into a waiting claw, Herman hurls him into the crate and crushes the lid shut, making it impossible for him to escape.. seeing the third and the fourth begin to double back and cut thru the museum again, he sprints after them. slamming doors shut they try to distance themselves from the giant beast. But The demon was ever vigilant and his strength never faltered. with massive shrugs the thick heavy doors exploded into splinters and bent steel. a fire door slid shut in front of him, only to be knocked down with one solid push of his hand. he had no time for this . the faster he was done, the faster he could return to the institute.
"Right before I was assigned to the Microwave Murder case. I'm sure you remember that one right? It was in all the papers." A long breath escaped her lips as she felt a cold chill run down her spine with the memory. "Whole bodies cooked though frozen in angelic poses. You have seen the look on some of those faces; it was like they embraced their death.as though the sick fuck had convinced them they deserved to die." Sara bit her lip, trying to remember that she was in a public place and although Lara might not mind hearing her shop talk about killings it was far from a suitable topic. At this point, Sara's stylist had pulled her hair up into a loose bun, that revealed the tender arch at the back of her neck and the blonde and red highlights that UV rays infused though her locks. "Shit I'm sorry, it's just that that case was really unsettling." After doing a few touches on Sara's hair, in addition to bisecting the bun with a hand painted of chopstick, Eric spun her chair." There. perfect" he smiled. Sara thanked him and walked to her own changing room donning a little black spaghetti strapped number. The dress was slit up either side of her athletic thighs and as she stepped out of the room in a pair of chunky heeled shoes from the bag she had slung over her shoulder her cell phone began to ring shrilly. Grumbling, Sara answered. A voice heavy with breath began to stutter into her ear. It was her partner Jake McCarthy. Sara's eyes widened as he described a few of the calls that were coming into the station and that she might want to drop everything and get her ass over to the Museum of Natural History Science. "Lara," Sara knocked on her door. "Time to get a move on... it looks like we might finally have a lead." The Witchblade wielder shook her head as she remembered her last visit to the museum. A shootout with Tora no Shi, and a merging of her Witchblade with Jackie Estacado's Darkness upon the assassin Ian Nottingham. "This is gonna be great." She muttered.
Lara was hot. No, she was boiling. Her fist connected with the locker that contained her clothing. It was satisfying," Great. Lovely. Peachy. You just had to let the man get under your skin didn't you?" Retorted the English woman to her own reflection, as she combed her hair with shaky hands. Sara and she were going to dinner before the woman's shift and sort of her own shift as well. She styled it loose, off to one side a wave of auburn falling over her left shoulder and down her back. Carefully, forcing herself to calm down the Brit slipped into a stylish tight red dress. It was long and had slits up either side it was held onto her form by a halter like neck design and accompanied by red stilettos. Yes, Miss I-Don't-Wear- Dresses was not so much of that sort anymore. After all you can't always wear work clothes to social events can you? Once dressed she slipped her pack over one shoulder and stepped out. One her right leg concealed for the most part is a garter, on the garter a small black handgun. Just incase. The tall British Bombshell emerged," Good. I feel like working." It seemed the clothing she was attired in made no change in her demeanor in the least," So where are we headed?" A brow arched," You sound rather pleased." Pure sarcasm, however one would notice Lara's hazel gaze wasn't going to stop with dagger shooting for a long time thanks to the afternoon's eventfulness.
All right, no mister nice non killing nice guy.....} With blinding and efficiency, Herman erupts with speed and his wings unfolded, cutting through the building as if they were giant swords made of adamantium. Shifting his weight and pivoting to one side he shreds straight thru one, severing his torso as he raced after the last one who held the book of the dead to the best of his knowledge. He would lose possession of it, if it were the last thing he did. curling up and springing thru the air, knocking people down and slashing with his wings, he flies straight towards his intended target only to see him duck under his grip! With lightning fast reflexes Herman redirects his flight comes down atop the final man with a gut wrenching impact , leaving him covered head to toe in the man's entrails. reaching down and yanking the book free from the man's death grip, a satisfactory grin was drawn to a frown as he sees it was actually the book of the Living. grumbling under his breath. " Why can't I get a break Today??? First some jackass puts his pacemaker and tries to give me a hickey.... then the three stooges plus shemp want to play keep away??? MAN, can't A GUY GET A BREAK , LORD!!!!!" Throwing the book at cement, it seals itself inside the rubble, cracking the foundation a bit. Just as he was prepared to leave, he saw a glint from the other direction, a man running thru the gate and out into the alley.
Both hands gripping the cold steel of the gothic cross.. his feet resting on the horizontal bar.. His mind wondered.. as from his perch atop the cross above the church.. the place he felt welcome and at home.. the place he was drawn to night after night.. Long red cape pushing pushed out in front along his left side.. almost like an evil flag atop the church it waved a fluttered... His ties with the world where long gone and forgotten and he had only now slowly made trusts with people again.. one, being Sara Pezzini.. He looked around as if being awoken.. something triggered inside.. he looked in the direction of Darkstar.. where he was exactly he didn't know.. he stood and leaped of the cross descending a few feet then his cape acting like a parachute glided him to the next roof
Glad her .357 and two speed loads were in her purse Sara nodded to her friend. After reaching into her purse she laid down a week's pay on the counter and took off toward the door. The extravagantly overpriced day at the spa was paid for each of them tip included, her head shook as she walked to the door. Money wasn't her biggest concern right now. getting the few blocks downtown was. The assertive 'click click' of her heels was enough to turn heads in her direction Sara noted the 'candy apple' red sports car (rented by the tomb raider's brother, and borrowed by the 'Crofty' . err crafty chick) "I'm sure you're better at this then I am, you drive I'll navigate."
Lara mused," I am, but to warn you...well never mind." Lady Croft was quite the driver. Traffic wasn't so bad and with Sara navigating, they would be there quickly," So who called you on this lead and may I ask what it is?" Around Lara she could hear whispers. It took everything the British woman had to keep form telling the whole place off. She bit her tongue and walked outside," Nosey gits." Exhaled the voice into an 'I-wanted-to-say-that-for- the-last-five-minutes' sort of tone. Keys were fished out of her bag and the car unlocked by the simple touch of a button. The slinky red dressed British devil slipped into the driver's seat and buckled up," After all it is the law." Chortled the still quite temper heated woman. The engine was revved and as soon as Sara was in and buckled, Lara took off," Just give me directions I'll have us there in five love." A wryly wicked grin passed across her lips.
Grumbling as he keys the COM switch. " Cassandra, the book was the WRONG ONE! I am currently heading west bound thru the alley," his voice was extremely low because of the nanomachine amour. " Four spooks are down, I am in pursuit of a fifth. I think he might have the book on him. Relay a message to Ken. Shadow work is a bust. We are gonna have to be a bit more direct on the next go around.... Darkstar out." Flapping his wings he begins to take flight, higher and higher he began to go as he made his way after the man running from the museum, he was quick, even for a norm.... but somehow Herman did truly think it was a normal that was behind all this...
He did not know why Lara requested him to be at the historical museum, nor did he know why she was not that when he arrived. Lara bit at any chance to whip out her glasses and dig into business, but being ten minutes late was extravagant even for her. Ivan sauntered into the museum with attitude radiating off every limb. The man was British, and a Croft one, at that. The dark lighting resulted in him stripping off his Oakley's, revealing emerald orbs. Reaching the front desk, he nonchalantly leaned against the counter and looked down at the young lady working the computer, "Dear, has Ms. Lara Croft been here yet?" A quick check of the computer and the woman averted back to Ivan to answer, "No sir. But you're welcome to begin looking around." For what? Lara still never completely informed Ivan of what was going on, and vagueness was her game. The museum found it necessary to preserve their exhibits by pumping frigid air, so Ivan rewarded himself for remembering to wear his tan leather jacket. Slipping his hands into his pockets, he idly strolled through the cluttered corridors, attempting to find interest in the statues and paintings.
Quickly arriving to be beside the alley, on a siding building.. he noticed the creature following.. then the man running.. Al quickly surveyed the situation.. and then dropped of the building.. landing in the shadows in front to eh man who was being chased.. as the human passed him.. Spawn lashed out gripping the book.. "What are you after beast" he looked to the cover.. then turned quickly, the long red cape sweeping the alley as it moved slightly from the shadows.. he grabbed the man who once held the back and ran with him.. grabbing him by the shirt.. he jumped up swinging of the fire escape till he reached the roof... still running the man screamed pleading for his life.. "I'm Saving you..!" he continued across the buildings.. to he was in view of the museum.. the place the screaming had been yelling about.. "Is this book from there..?" he looked to the man he had a good hold of as he continued to plead for his life.. "Damn it" he looked back to see the creature give pursuit still.. it wasn't that he was afraid of fighting the oncoming danger, it was the fact the book appeared to be valuable.. no man would run in the face of danger to protect a book.. Al took another leap of the building.. coming across the street and waited out the front of the museum.. the book in his hand.. he released the man.. he didn't go to far away
Seeing the caped one carrying he raises an eyebrow as he scans him in mid air and smiles softly. { Gee I thought the freaks came out at night!} Coming up quickly behind and adheres to a nearby wall watching the creature, as the scan is complete is perturbed by the fact he seems to be an echo on spectral analysis, but show to be 50 degrees warmer than a norm. " You can keep the runt in your hands, Demon.... But is MINE! Or your Existence is forfeit! Walking down the wall standing straight up using his mega wall crawling ability, His massive 38 feet wingspan glinted in the light from the metallic nanomachines that had coated it and hardened it to Adamantium, the substance the machines were made of. " Your call..."
Sara didn't bother with a seatbelt. At the glib remark from Lara the cop smirked, "At least one of us is paying attention to the law tonight. Although I have a feeling we might be bending a few of those before long." Hurriedly giving directions the homicide detective filled in her counterpart with the news. "That was McCarthy.. he said it sounded like something .that sounded like my MO." Grumbling she pointed, "Take a left up here and ... Jesus Lara mind the cab!" Sara gave her friend a look of shock and added, "Holy shit you drive this car like I drive my bike... What you got a death wish? This is New York, not some grassy knoll in Sussex County!" They arrived in a thrilling display of smoking tires and squealing wheels before the somewhat trashed front steps, and Sara hopped out. "Why do things like this always have to happen when I'm wearing heels?" she muttered. The Witchblade on her wrist began to whisper silently into her head it wasn't words per se more of an impression in her mind of the imagery... ~Not here.. In the shadows.. with the Hellspawn. follow the screams.~ Sara turned and her bright jade eyes caught Lara's hazel ones as she peeked her head atop the car's roof. "He's gone from here. and it looks like Spawn might have joined the throng." She informed the woman. Moving on instinct alone the statuesque woman ran (as best she could in heels) toward the adjacent alleyway.
Sheridan knew that he'd put his foot in his mouth this time, but his and Lara's relations had always been rocky. Head turned slightly as he had made contact with his cheek and he looked back towards her standing still. Brows narrowed over his eyes towards the woman, "Oh BLOODY HELL!" the woman was already storming away from him. "Lara, stop! Bullocks Lara, That's not what I meant" he grumbled and moved after her, but it was no use. Eyes had glanced back around towards the people who were gawking and he barked slightly towards them "What are you buggers lookin' at, hmm? There's nothing to see 'ere." Arms crossed roughly over his chest and he went off to his massage. Though the massage hadn't helped to calm his nerves anyway and his cheek was still slightly red from the slap. Cutting his massage short he paid and slipped out of the salon pulling his leather jacket back over his shoulders. Eyes glanced down towards the table near the door as he was exiting picking up the paper. If he knew Lara, and he did. She would have gone there. Stepping into the street some he lifted his hand hailing a cab and climbed in the back seat. The cab pulled up slowly a block away from the Museum so as not to really draw attentions. Walking up he stopped a young kid paying him ten dollars for his Yankees cap. Pulling the hat on him folded the paper under the crook of his arm and ducked into the museum. Eyes shifted under the shade of the ball cap as he moved, walking casually as if he was a normal New Yorker, rather than a British ex-spy looking for a certain Tomb Raider. He moved down the hallways, sometimes stopping to look at displays or other things, he blended in. he was just another face in the crowed. Another body moving along. He stopped slowly dropping his back against the wall near where the missing display would have been, and he glanced slightly over his shoulder into the open room. Before pulling the paper up in front of his face casually leaning against the wall before moving to the designated bench there was. Lara defiantly would not be happy about his being there. Especially since their meting in the Salon. Had that been fluke? No, not really. Was he keeping tabs on the Tomb Raider? Perhaps so. For now, he silently waited and watched just outside the area. And he'd postponed the 'dinner' with the Salon's receptionist to go to the museum instead. Shoulder rolled slightly and he glanced up towards the woman, clearly a tourist that had stopped sitting next to him. "Mind my sitting here?" Sheridan glanced over the folded corner of the paper "Not at all.." his accent was hidden and he sounded rather, American. The elderly woman made idle conversation with him, though he was still paying attentions to his surroundings.
Slender, yet powerful hands gripped the steering wheel. And literally gripped, driving was one of Lara's many usually none violent releases. Usually. She turned on the disc player, and out roared Outkast's "Speedballin" To which the auburn haired woman nodded her head. Ivan would kill her for taking out his beloved CDs and putting in her music. Oh well, he could take a number. they arrived in one piece, with Lara smirking," You think I drive a car like I'm on the grassy knolls of Sussex County you ought to see what I can do with a bike Darling." Mused the English Brat. Her tenseness was slowly wearing off," And you didn't say hi for me?" Mock pout," I'm sore Sara really." Such smart-assed-ness she possessed. Smoothing out the wrinkles of the red dress," I was so looking forward to dinner. Oh well at least this will give all the Museum guards something to gawk at." It wasn't the first time Lara had done work in this dress, the red halter topped number had been used when she brought down the Chicago Mafia, and the stilettos had been there too. Casually Lara's slender fingers pressed against the gun tucked into the garter holster on her right leg just above the end of the slit on that side that rode dangerously high on her thigh. tossing back her loose locks, the Tomb Raider nodded," The Blade tell you this?" A brow arched. Probably so," Why heels? remind me to scare the bloody hell out of Jake for this one." Suddenly before Lara could say another word, the Detective was out of sight," Bugger." Oh well, Lara would go in and play questionnaire to the Museum authorities. She walked in as though she owned the place. Head held high, shoes clicking lightly against the marble flooring," Lady...um Croft I presume?" A kid about twenty or so approached her," Yes?" Lara smiled slow, playing just a little with the poor kid," Where...is De-De-Detective Pezzini?" The auburn head cocked to one side," She's following a part of the lead outside, mind showing me where this occurred?" the kid swallowed hard and nodded," this way." Lara promptly followed," Oh, you'll have to excuse my attire, we were having a girls night out. Dinner and all that." The Kid turned red," Not a problem." Lara winked subtly at him as the walked towards the Biblical selections of the Museum.
Walking down the length of the wall he stops for a moment as his censors begin to pick up more people entering the area, and from the spectral analysis, one of them was armed with something from of unearthly dimensions. a soft smile crossed his lips, looking in their direction he could see them approach with his x-ray vision, one was carrying a firearm, but the other carried two 44 magnums and a knife on her. Judging from the Creature from Hell below, he smiled as he gauged this a minor extension to the current event horizon. with quick gestures, and some massive hand strength, Herman rips the wall apart, grabbing the surface with he palms of his hands, he pulls the entire height of the outer wall the shear five stories across as he leaps clear and hopes to trap the beast from hell underneath it. " Too slow jelly roll! Now let's what color goo comes from your eyes now. " the amour crackled with life energy as he smiled, his crimson sparking brighter as he keeps tabs on the creature and the man via X-ray vision.
He looked to the man formally with the book.. "Go... RUN!!" it was dangerous fro him to hang around.. he walks towards.. from Darkstar.. his eyes watching me as they seeped a green mist.. he quickly flicked back his cape gripping 2 of the many automatic guns that hung over his body.. aiming to the now wall that hung over him.. and began to shoot.. bullets blasting from the army equipment he had gained.. massive holes being blasted through the bricks.. dust and broken rubble falling to the alley ground.. Al dodged the attack my blasting a big enough hole in the wall/weapon that was aimed to crush him and jumped through.. now with both guns aimed at Darkstar.. chains ripped from his form gripping at everything.. and launching him to the roof.. during this.. speeding bullets blasted at Darkstar
It had truly been a very eventful day. First with the events of last night, and now with someone trying to steal the book of the dead out of the Natural History museum. Ian had made his way over to the museum, as soon as Irons had picked it up on a police scanner. He was interested in acquiring it, and that meant that Ian would have to do the dirty work. Creeping across the building in the shadows of the room, Ian puts his full ninja skills on use at this moment. Security guards may be dumber than bricks, but someone could get lucky and see him. Carrying two Katana at his side, he continues to make his way through the building, looking for the item he was supposed to collect for Irons tonight.
Long slender legs ran quickly though the trash littered alley and as she san her fingers blindly unclasped her purse as she drew her already loaded .357 snub nose. A quick inventory of the small bag would have revealed two speed loaders a lipstick, pressed powder compact, and police issued handcuffs. Her footfalls echoed though the dank alley as she made her way past the carnage toward her intended target. The usually loose hair was pulled up in a stylish bun affixed with a hand painted chopstick. The upsweep revealed the curve of her neck and shoulders and it didn't hurt things that her spaghetti strapped evening gown cut low in the front and slit high on either side of her thighs. Pouty lips pursed a bit as she leveled the gun in both hands. Pointing the snub nose toward the heavens Sara side stepped toward the corner of the alley. Granted her attire was odd, but she had been expecting dinner and drinks with the tomb raider, not a shootout with 'typical Pezzini' written all over it.
Now on the roof.. he looses sight of his opponent.. and he was yet to get a good look at him.. he looked around himself.. then leaped of the building.. He moved around a little pulling the book he had taken when all this had started from a heap of trash he through it into.. he picked it up wiping of some of the trash then glanced to the bright lights of the museum.. he looked around the alley one more time.. then crossed the street.. without a bit of stealth the Hellspawn moved through the front doors.. walking past crowds of people.. workers and guards.. not one brave enough to step up till he reached meters from the pedestal the book was supposed to be on.. he stepped through the security beams and placed the book down.. as he turned a guard walked to him.. yelling something but he remained silent till he moved through the corridors back to the exit he spotted Lara.. he stopped looking to her.. pointing in the direction of where the book was now resting and he then continued to the exit.. another guard walking directly in front.. obviously on a power trip.. *Hey I bet you took that book*... Al looked right into the guards eyes.. "I don't have time for this" he then exited the museum..
The museum was rather large, he should have planned for that. It also would have helped to know where exactly the book is, but that wasn't important right now, since he was inside. His eyes turn towards the back of his head, seeing the rune on the skin of his glow, meaning that the Witchblade was nearby, and that of course meant Sara was nearby as well. Deciding he was going to have to step up his speed a little bit. His eyes widened when he saw the book out in the open on the pedestal. Now it was just a matter of getting it. Hiding himself in the shadows of the room, he waits, for the security guards to pass by, before moving in. As the security guards passed by, Ian carefully waited and plotted his next move. There seemed to be a small lapse in time, where after one guard would leave, and the next would appear to patrol that area. Waiting for the right time to move in, he saw the lapse in time was beginning, as he broke off into a full sprint towards the book. Then, tilting downwards, he moves into a full handspring, moving off of his hands and into the air, feet first into the same direction. Seeing the book under him, he deftly grabs it as he goes by, then lands on his feet, instantly crouching to his knees on the landing to help support his feet from taking all of the force.
Things were beginning to get busy at the museum and civilians were slowly beginning to leave, not wanting any part, though the more curious folk stayed about. The conversation with the woman went on for some while, even when the book had been returned. The woman he was speaking with was a widower, spending time in New York for her granddaughters graduation, and he just nodded along to her before she slowly stood having to go to the bathroom. Sheridan had paid attention to his way and surroundings and he allowed the old woman to take his arm as he escorted her and bid her a nice night and rest of her trip before he himself ducked into the men's room. Hands moved some pulling back the open side of his jacket to his ribs where tucked away was his gun. A P226: SIG Sauer Superb Service Auto. Just like Lara had her gun of choice, and Sara as he assumed, the former spy had his. Perhaps it was it was superbly accurate, rugged, reliable service auto and it worked for him. Though it worked for the Brit. Fingers moved and he pulled a column magazine into it, looking over it once before safely tucking it away. He doubted he'd have to use it, but still he wouldn't be caught off his guard. He folded the paper and removed the baseball cap setting it on the counter before moving out. Eyes glanced about before he moved, boots shuffling against the marble ground he was heading back towards the other room. Still remaining out of sight from the room he took and angle were he could still look in. Form began to moved and then he stopped. There was something else, he wasn't alone there. Eyes turned about some everyone else had cleared from the area, but some of the museum was in a bit of a ruckus and the boy was still leading Lara to the room. Eyes glanced towards the room and who ever was hiding in the shadows. His fingers moved cautiously inside his jacket brushing against the gun in its holster. Form stepped from behind a statue raising the pistol from its holster while he shifted careful not to make too much noise, nor started the dark figure he'd seen. Was he after the returned book? Wouldn't want to make a mess of the museum. nor muck up his holiday of sorts. "..But I'd put it back were I you."
Pezzini turned and faced the empty alleyway and her orbs of jade and bisecting yellow widened in surprise at the torn apart wall. Realizing that this was more then likely the thief's point of entry to the museum, Sara gingerly stepped over the rubble and entered the thrashed room. She didn't really know what she was looking for in here, but it was clear that something huge had just gone down. Turning around and around she tried to quickly asses the situation. This is where her skills as a homicide detective really shone. Her glance caught the bodies strewn here and there, entrails splattered against the far wall made her face grimace in disgust. In her investigation, she saw a shadow move and deftly turned aiming her weapon in the direction to the masked figure. The custom tweaked .357 magnum snub nose made her feel like a character out of Starskey and Hutch and although most of the officers in her department were turning toward automatic 9mm's this sturdy relic from the past made her feel like a superhero. Drawing back the hammer on the weapon with her calloused thumb Sara's thins brows knit together, and it was with this .357 that Sara made her point clear, "I think you should heed his warning pal. unless you want me to blow your grey matter all over the wall."
The kid lead Lara towards the displays," Fascinating." Remarked the Surrey girl. Hazel eyes took in the displays, every last one of them," Nice collection." She heard the boy make a sound," thanks Lady Croft." A man sitting by an elderly woman caught her attention a moment," Hmm." Came the soft sound from her throat. Couldn't be. She shook her head and simply went about her business with the boy as they stopped," Here, the Egyptian collection." The boy's gaze shifted," What in the hell is that?!?" Lara's arms folded," Don't fret love, He doesn't bite." Snicker," Much." A nod of thanks to Mr. Simmons. All eyes shifted to Lara," Guard the book." Was her retort. It was simple. Hand rested near the weapon strapped to her leg. She had chosen her one of her usual. A silver and black Desert Eagle Magnum .44. This was also her favorite gun, well next to Mr. Estacado's Golden Desert Eagles which for a brief moment of time she did own one of. Eyes darted about. Lara had a bad feeling about this," The security in this place is simply aghast. My Butler in his Kevlar with a shotgun could do much better then these fools." And then it happened, "No!" Too late," Bloody hell!" Gun was drawn and aimed within mere milla-seconds and two shots rang out. Her full lips fell into a sneer, the Bombshell had a pretty good idea who the thief was," Nottingham." The name like a curse under her breath and if it couldn't get any worse," Terry Sheridan if I did not know any better I would swear you were stalking me." But before he could answer she lifted her free hand," Save it. I need your help. And don't let it go to your head." On the sharp heels of her shoes Lara stepped forward," Do you know the power of which that book you hold possesses? If put into the wrong hands it could destroy lives, the time existence we know now. It could alter everything." Her finger was heavy on the trigger, waiting," Do you really want to put that kind of power into the hands of a mad man hell bent on ruling the world?" Her gaze narrowed, he was under Master influence, bullshit talk would do nothing ," Put it back. I'm warning you, my mood is raw and I would give nothing right now just to riddle you with bullets." And if who she figured was Nottingham was smart he'd know she wasn't fooling around. At. All. hazel orbs did not drift off target," Glad of you to join us Pez."
His dark eyes scanned the area.. and then he spotted Sara.. outside. he walked to her.. then noticed her actions turn hostile towards something.. he looked around.. Ian.. "Sara... I returned the..." he watched Ian.. "He has the book..!" .. he took a step towards Ian's direction then back to Sara quickly.. from just the green eyes it was easy to his emotion of anger.. "Lets go" he started running.. his legs forcing him across the ground.. he could run extremely fast.. the long red cape lifting from the ground, yet it was light enough to not weight down Al.. he stopped, looking to Lara.. all guns pointing at Ian.. he wasn't in the safest of situations.. Al Simmons just watching.. the mist rising from his piercing green orbs.. the signature black and white mask.. victims last memory.
The soft tension within his posture showed little hint of his expression as to seeing the Hellspawn returning the book into museum. He knew it would be simple enough to retrieve and to scan the needed information, and replace if it was necessary. the ancient relic of the powers of the gods could be wielded like a weapon and he knew that it must be protected and put into safe hands at all cost. even at the price of his own life. Seeing the other man grabbing the book and making a break for it, he cared little now for whatever stood in his way. Calling his armor about him once and becoming the armored demon Darkstar, He leaped into the air and glided after the 'would be' thief from the air and readied to dive on him at a moments notice.
Damn, he was beginning to get popular tonight. First Terry, then Lara, then the Spawn from last night. That would mean Sara would not be far behind, and he would have to at least carry the book in one hand. He didn't think he could fight them all off, as he was now outnumbered four to one, with only one hand being usable. Looking around briefly for options, he saw a window right behind him, about fifty feet away, a large pane glass window above him, and the main exit way , far away in front of him. The window behind him was going to be the one to go to, then. "I'm afraid I must decline your request. Certain people would be rather upset if I didn't get this back to them. But perhaps another time?" He quips as he just narrows his eyes from underneath the ninja mask at Lara. Then moving into a sprint from his crouched position, he turns and bolts for the window about fifty feet behind him, seeing it rapidly approaching. He was wondering how many dives he was going to take tonight like this, figuring it would probably be a lot. Seeing the window within leaping distance, he pivots to the side just a little, to go out shoulder firs, and making sure to concentrate on one spot of the window, being able to break it the first time. diving out of the window, seeing shattered glass fall around, he moves into a tuck and roll as soon as he lands, but has to take a moment to clear his mind of the cobwebs that was presently occupying it.
He looked around... and then ran towards Ian.. the large cape flapping behind dragging on the ground,, he then leaped the height of the building.. landing on the roof he disappeared from view.. he could hold a better pursuit he felt then the rest.. he leaped of the building landing on the following and so forth.. running down Ian slowly..
The man smirked having watched Lara move by when he was still with the elderly woman then they met once more. Ian Nottingham. He had heard the name and a brow perked towards Lara for a moment "Can't I just be enjoying holiday in New York? Must everything always be about you, Lara dear?" he was slightly joking even if his tone held a more cautious mannerism to it eyes training upon the man who'd taken the book. The sound of another hammer being pulled back and a voice. Glancing for a moment he caught the detective, Sara her gun readied as well. "Seems its turned in to a gala. now if only I had a martini.." eyes turned back towards the man holding the book and he mused slightly towards Lara asking for his help "..don't worry your pretty lil' head love, I won't. Besides I had been here first anyway." Something else moved, and their numbers grew now the cloaked man moved into the room. Still he kept his pistol raised "Looks like your in a tight spot." He muttered towards Ian his accent falling from his lips. shifting slightly, his index finger was already just above the black trigger of the silver gun. Waiting. When the man moved springing his finger pulled against the trigger and the shot rang out. But Ian was already out the window and he wasn't sure if he'd hit his mark or not. Giving an almost disappointed sigh he murmured under his breath "Oh, bloody 'ell.. and to think I could have been to dinner, instead of wasting a bullet on springy there."
Eyes rolled at Terry," Oh just sod off." Hissed that aristocratic accent of hers that probably belonged on some high maintenance sort of woman with diamonds and rich playboy husband. Hazel orbs narrowed as Ian leaped out the window," Bugger." Off went her gun as well, the bullet hitting one of the arches in the window causing more glass to shower down," We are all in deep trouble. Very deep trouble." The slender tanned right leg of Lara Croft slipped out between the sides of the slit in her dress as she holstered her weapon again, "If Irons' manages to work that book for it's true intentions we are all walking dead beings right now." She would need to move into said promised penthouse from Jackie first thing tomorrow morning and get Bryce over from England whether the computer geek liked it or not. Lara was brooding mad. Why had she not simply taken the book herself from Spawn and guarded it was beyond her. The Brit wanted to punch something, anything if it gave her reason enough. Slender hands forced her long tresses back off her shoulders and face and down her back, which was bare till you reach the small were a draping fabric of red rested )," We need to come up with a game plan to get that book back." hazel orbs scanned Sara and Terry," Suggestion box is open now. Start submitting." She eyed Sheridan," And yes you're now including in this little game." Eyes shifted to someone else who literally jumped out of no where," Who are you?" Gun was out again, locked, and aimed her finger taunt against the trigger," You best tell me now." All work and no play makes Lara Croft uber bitch with gun. Especially on days like today.
watching the man leap from the window, Darkstar dives to intercept the man, but sees that the curtain caught a statue throwing his perception of the man, his taloned hands shred thru marble as it were butter. growling he sees the man getting away as he shreds his way out of the curtain. " God, I have really pissed you off haven't I? you just want this guy to get away or something?"
Sara sent several slugs in the direction of the nimble ninja her gun flashing in the darkness of the room and illuminating her face. The intensely dark shadows gave her features a gaunt _expression, and her running feet stepped closer. With each footfall she drew the trigger back, expelling her six shooter of it's payload. Her teeth grit together in a grimace of anger. Each time her finger pulled back the trigger the light flashed over her face, the _expression grew with her hatred. Each still frame of the detective's visage expressed her love of violence and intense frustration at losing the mark. "Arrrgh!" Sara complained with the growl toward Darkstar's comments and then all at once she took in the sight of what has spoken. Her orbs of green darted with yellow widened into saucers of fear and surprise. The gasp that escaped her lips fell to the quartet's ears almost in perfect succession with her fall to the floor. Skidding to one knee before the creature's feet Sara deftly turned her now empty weapon (with her left hand) toward the creature and blindly reached into her purse for her speed loader. (with her right)
reaching out taking the gun barrel, twisting the end so it points straight up, Herman looked at her as is not amused by the weapon what so ever. " Is there something you want little lady?" Not letting go of the barrel, he commands some of the nanomachines to return the weapon to it's original state as he holds it out. " I dun know who you are, or what you are doing interfering with me on this! " He glared at her as he towered her as if she were a small child, he knew the feeling too well, before his mutant powers formed and his height sky rocketed from age 13 to 14. Crimson beams of light shot around the small group and softly danced over the semi erotic postures of these assertive women. Inside his head He kept repeating over and over { I am a married man I am a married man....}
His head jerked to look behind him to hear bullets being fired at him. Moving into starting a run as fast as he could, he makes his way away from what he thought would be safe. But he was wrong when one of the bullets grazed his leg. Collapsing to the ground, and looking over his leg, he could see where the bullet had torn off part of his pants, and blood was starting to flow from the wound. He was still too close, they could still find him, he hadn't put enough distance in between him and them. Stumbling to his feet, he grabs the book, and starts to move as fast as he could, which wasn't very fast at all. He wasn't going to be able to run now. Looking around for someplace to hide, He finds an alley off to the side, where he just settles for moving into the shadows, and setting down Until something better came by. Ian removed his mask from his face, finding it a little hard to breathe in his state with it on. Tossing it to the side, he made a unpleasant face as he thought about his situation. Irons didn't have the book yet, which would probably be taken out on his hide, and in his current state, Irons wouldn't get the book for a while longer which would mean more than previously thought. Looking over the book's surface, he truly wondered if giving the book to Irons was the best thing to do . Well, he knew it wasn't, but it seemed it was the way to keep him breathing for just a little longer. Sweat was beading upon his brow, as he looked to the book. Maybe it was time for him to go against Irons now. He couldn't let the man have the book, especially knowing Irons.
Glancing towards Lara he, rolled his eyes slightly and shifted. Well it seemed everyone was fairly gung ho about things especially with dealing with Ian. Eight shots had been fired, and then another man jumping out of no where to attack as well. Brows narrowed the gun trained on the other man for a moment before glancing towards Lara "Oh.. well.. that's just bloody brilliant isn't it. And what says I wanted to be wrapped up in this tiff anyway?" his accented voice quipped slightly while looking back towards the other man. His day had become quite interesting indeed. Eyes watched as Sara landed close to the other down on the ground and he bent the gun. Well that was clearly no good. no good at all. Form moved as he shifted across the floor his eyes remaining on the guy. Blinking once he glanced about. Light? Still he held his pistol watching and not lowering it. The former spy wasn't nearly ready to allow his guard down, and now with this man who could be a new threat to things. "I think one of the shots hit that, Ian fellow.. are you birds going to stay here an entertain?" he was moving once again the easiest way out would be up through the window that Ian had gone, still he needed to look at it to judge it. The woman were in dresses and heels, and he was comfortable in slacks and a long sleeved shirt. Cautiously he moved around towards the busted window. If he was right, and the man Nottingham was injured he probably wouldn't be able to get very far.. and there might be the possibility of catching up with him.
Hearing the Limey dressed like a waiter from Spago's, Herman smiled and thumbed towards him. " Who's Sean Connery Jr.?" Taking a few quick steps and scanning the area with his x-ray vision and the multi optic sights, Herman pinpoints Ian hunkering behind the dumpsters. " Typical, they always try to go home to hide....." Smiling to himself as he did not consider the ladies or the limey a threat, he began to walk rather quickly . His massive height and leg length allowed him to cover more ground than any of the three, forcing them to jog to keep up.
Sara turned her weapon down and shook out the empty casings. The brass hollows fell to the floor with a plinking that echoed in the vast room. The homicide detective had seen her fair share of strange granted. But this guy. took the cake. Stammering Sara finally managed to answer his question, "Who is intervening? The NYPD that's who." Quickly the woman twisted the speed loader into the barrel and snapped the tumbler in place. Grumbling she stood, in the process she revealed a hefty amount of leg and the side strap to her knickers. She paid it no mind, resettling the dress about herself and retorting to their comments, "Friend of yours?" She asked the 'James Bond junior', "Mind telling me what that thing was?" Stepping though the half crumbled wall again, Sara followed as best she could. Bits of shattered cement and drywall were everywhere, and it took a deal of patience in her attire to navigate to a clear area.
He snorted slightly towards the mans reference to him. "He's not even bloody British.." Grumbling slightly under his breath, though he'd still been moving and glanced out the window. A brow rose looking towards Sara, catching a glimpse of her leg, yes but he still looked up. "Why does everyone always point fingers at me first? How should I bloody know who he was?" gun lowered slightly and he moved through the opening in the wall that the detective moved though. His accent muttered as he moved down the alley way. The mutters in themselves were more mocking in manner and to himself. "Oh yes.. lets ask the ex-spy.. if he knows what's bloody going on. Brilliant idea. Sean Connery, Jr. pfh. ..oh yes, freaky bloke must have been with Sheridan.. lets all just ruin his holiday." A booted toe moved as he kicked a can down the alley glancing about listing for sounds. He'd had managed his way through the rubble quicker than either of the women would have been able too. But still that strange man was moving with strides he'd have to put some effort into to match. Still he was moving at a good pace down the darkness of the alley.
A brow arched, it seemed Sara's mood was not much worse then her own. Lara's mind wandered, what was that weapon of Sara's thinking right now? Did it understand the deepness of the trouble they were all in now? Probably so, that Gauntlet, the Witchblade had infatuated Lara for years now. Then again for those who knew about it when did it not infatuate your very being? She lowered her own aim watching this strange Being closely," I asked you a simple question. Just answer it." Came the high and mighty British tone," Who are you?" She repeated the question, incase he missed it the first time. Hazel orbs narrowed briefly, the British Archaeologist was trying her best to keep her temper at bay. It had not been the best day for Lara to work on managing her anger at all. First the spa ordeal and now this business with The Egyptian Book of the Dead, but on that she was rather more or less mad at herself. Eyes zeroed in on Sheridan," Too Bad. It's what you get for running into me." A quick, ha-so-there grin was given," I'm going to need all the assets your resume' contains on this Terry." In other words, yes she admitted it. Lara need his help. Shocker there. Eyes shifted to Sara a moment," So, Detective what now?" She holstered her weapon after putting a new clip in, hands rested now at the curve of her hips," Should we go after Nottingham assuming He got hit and did not get very far or do we go somewhere else and plan out our Strategy?" Irises of greenish brown moved from Sara to Terry and back again. It looked like follow him. Lara walked forward, and peered out the broken window, then walked through it without a care in the world," Well if you were us, you'd point your fingers at you too Darling." Mused the British Bombshell snidely. She laughed," You know I forgot how cleverly funny you are." Again her tone sarcastic, and the tensions rises once again. This time brought on by Lara herself.
Removing the shirt portion of the Ninja attire from his body, he moves to wrap it around his leg to stop the bleeding now coming from his leg. He would have to get it looked at soon, he knew that much. His head turned as he heard people moving into the alleyway, they must have followed after him. Damn, there wasn't any more time. He couldn't get away, and he couldn't fight all four of them. He looked to the book in his hands, and shook his head lightly, thinking he was crazy for what he was about to do. Getting to his feet with some effort, he looks to them coming down the alleyway, then deciding on what he was going to do. Moving out of the shadows, he steps into the lighted part of the alleyway, looking to them, a disdainful look on his face. He stops, looking to the four of them, then back to the book in his hands. He then looks ahead, and tosses the book to their feet. "Take it." He says simply, with a somewhat defeated tone in his voice, though the stoic face remained on his expressions. "I'll deal with Irons myself when I get back. If this book is so powerful, Irons should not have it." He says, taking a deep breath after that, then moving to lean against the left side of the alley, still in the lighted section. "And I don't feel like getting into another fight tonight. Especially an outnumbered one." He says, more like admits, as he looks to them, wondering what was going to come next.
moving even faster down the alley, Herman raised his arm to his mouth as he spoke into it, " Draft, Send a clean up crew down to the History museum. I was forced to do some damage in order to try and apprehend the book." How extensive were the damages, sir? I will need a fair estimate to know how many to send. " Looking side to side as he passes over the rubble. " One wall demolished , five floors worth of damage, and some extensive structural interior damage...." " Thank you sir.... I will send the teams in shortly, in the mean time, will you so kind as to complete the mission?" Not liking to be talked down to even if it was a super computer. " Will do, Darkstar out" looking over his shoulder at Lara as he rounds the corner. " Pushy pushy aren't we, dear heart? No pillow talk? no subtle swaying of emotions? Geez you are worse than my boss, " Smiling he walked down the alleyway and spotted Ian easily with his X-ray vision. " Let's just say, I am one of the good guys, not government, not the black op helicopters, that Men in Black crap.... I simply work for an organization that looks out for the well being of ALL mankind.... and that book is needed ..." Seeing the book coming towards their feet, Herman's reflexes so attuned to that of a cat, He kicked the book straight up like a soccer ball and into his hands. Staring at the man for a moment as he speaks and then Herman just nods. " Tell Me where he is.... and I will have a little talk with him. " Not knowing Irons from Adam, He could care less, but if this guy was able to discover the whereabouts of the book, then perhaps this schlep just memorized the entire thing by the time they had gotten there. " Better yet, buddy boy... This lady is NYPD.... you were seen running from the scene of a crime.... You want to go into her protective custody... if you know what is good for you!" Cracking his knuckles for a solid sound of Steel popping from steel, the effect of the intimidation usually worked. " Or I might have to play with ya a bit"
Sara tucked a loose tendril of hair behind her ear as she side stepped down the alley. Licking her somewhat parched lips the detective arched her neck as she listened intuitively for anything amiss. At the sound of crunching footfalls on littered asphalt, she turned her attention to the small side alley and took in the now sans mask and shirtless Ian Nottingham. She was caught off guard, and was furious. Her desire to take her out her frustration on Kenneth Irons' audacious presumption that he could simply walk away with a priceless and potentially dangerous artifact like the Egyptian Book of the Dead was beyond refute. Ian was more than enough of a target for her right now. As her orbs of Jade closed in a slow blink, her brow knit together with the imagery the Witchblade sent into her mind. ~She saw herself quickly closing the distance between herself and Nottingham. reaching out with her right forearm to knock him into the adjacent dumpster. Pulling her left hand up in a uppercut swing to jam it's barrel up under his chin and the inevitable pull of the trigger as she blew grey matter out the back of his head.~ Sara shuddered and opened her eyes feeling almost sick. The roar of her gun still echoed in her ears as though it had all just happened. "Get out of here Nottingham before I let the Witchblade do what it wants to you." Sara spoke to the trio. "Black ops huh? I know you guys. last time I trusted you're kind I was put in a lab under heavy sedation and nearly dissected for research." Sara narrowed her eyes, "You have your damned book, but somehow I'm sure it would be safer in the hands of an archeologist." Sara lifted a brow and tilted her head toward Lara, "When this is through you owe me a drink." She chewed her lip and kept her eye on the ninja hoping he would heed her advice.
Lara was in shock. Sheer complete and utter shock. Nottingham was going against Irons? Hazel orbs fixed wide on tall, dark, and creepy. Slender fingers moved from wanting to grab her gun and aim it at Ian's head. Her gaze moved from Sara, to Terry and back on Sara again, curiously. That was until the weirdo starting talking," No, I'm never cordial." A brow arched as he explained to her who he was, which only served to make her all the more lost and wanting to bust a cap in his ass. Moody indeed, but the again she had every right to be so," And just what do you need The Egyptian Book of the Dead for?" Eyes slit, narrowed dangerously Lara Watched her friend carefully," You know Pez, you are becoming trigger happy." She winked at her pal slyly," Too much hanging around me darling." However the woman looked pale suddenly," Are you okay Sara? What did you see?" She came to her Friend's side, who was practically like a sister to her," Come on let's go to my new place. It's nearby." Suddenly Lara felt a tug at her skirt," Bloody hell!" She jumped near sky high and looked down," And what do you want?" A brow arched at a strange looking black evil impish creature who held up something shiny and a note, while jumping up and down Eyes traveled to peer at Sara a moment, then took the things offered," Um.. thank you. No go away." It did so rushing back into the shadows," I hate being nice to those things." Lara's voice held distaste as she eyed the shiny thing which were a set of keys. A brow arched once more as full lips pursed and she read the note to herself. ~Lara, as you already know you got your penthouse and it is furnished. Here are the keys, so you no longer have to keep picking the lock to get in. I received your money transfer this morning. I am watching your every move. Remember this. Also remember if I want something anything from you I get it as we agreed.~ The paper was folded and slipped next to her gun on the holster/garter strapped to her leg," About time he gives me a bloody set of keys." Hazel orbs studied her friends awaiting the questions to start popping out. Quickly she tried a small subject change. ," I've got some scotch and martinis there." She looked to her comrades," And we can discuss about our tactics and how to get that book back." Of course her main concern," And make sure Irons does not get it."
"Ah yes, enjoy your little snicker.." he muttered and kept moving. The night had put the former spy in a bit of a sour mood. Still he moved and saw the shadow of the larger before them and something else move in the shadows. the injured Nottingham. And the other mans comments reached his ears which pulled a slight smirk to his face before it faded away thinking some of the relationship between the two. From shifted and he still held the gun partly lifted, still he didn't think it would be much use, seeing what the man had done to one of Sara's guns. Though he too wasn't with out his knowledge of things and he knew that what the detective wore about her wrist was more than an idle trinket. Still he looked weary towards the other man, both still. The former spy wasn't without his doubts and wonders. Lips pursed a moment before moving back towards the girls. "I don't think he wants to give it to you, love." He murmured slightly and shifted glancing about when Lara moved to Sara's side. He was closer to both women now as they stood in the alleyway. A brow arched when the little creature scurried about the darkness and he gave a slight huff. He may have been an ex-spy for the British government, but he still fell back upon his skills and there were few things he didn't pick up on at least partially. Eyes moved towards Lara and Sara then back to the other. "I think we could all go for a drink, right about now.." he murmured once again.
raising an eyebrow as he holds the book under his arm and raises the other to hail the com, " Draft, one item to beam directly to Mister Lee's office!" looking over to Sara he smiles as the book becomes a flurry of dust and particles floating into he air, the book was now in safer hands and on it's way to the bottom Ken's cave where he will put into the safest place known. " As I said....Miss Pezzini... I am not apart of Black ops. if I were there would little more than a smear right now. I am in the employee of one of the worlds benefactors! He has seen fit that the manuscript will remain intact, and that it shall not be used in such a manner as to which you believe it will. I am not affiliated with the military, nor am I a government official! I am not your enemy.... and believe it or not, Your Witchyness...." Reaching into an unseen pocket and pulls out a business card. " I do happen to hold three PhDs. I am a Geologist, an Archaeologist, and a Robotic engineer. I hold four Bachelors degrees and have just recently published a book on the subject of Advanced Molecular Mechanics! From the fixing of single cells to the restructuring of Lead into Gold! I am also a Dean at a College.... So if you doubt my credentials. Detective, I will be happy to send them to your office!" Seeing the shaking in Sara He decided to back off, He knew that the prolong exposure to that strange weapon must be affecting her psyche. Instantly he could the respect he had for her blossom. She was after all, blessed yet cursed by that thing on her arm. Upon seeing that thing dart out of the dark, " That is too weird, I think everyone has minions now! In a softer tone of voice, he began to let the power drift from as he dropped the demon form and reverted to his 6'7 human form , but the nano amour remained in place. " You know what, don't take this wrong way, Pezzini... Yeah I know... I do I know your name and stuff.... easy...It's not why you think, at the place I am employed, we have very powerful telepaths and computers, we can be hardwired into the freaking white if we put our minds towards it! We know who you are, we might give you some insight on that thing you call the Witchblade.... I know you feel no trust has been earned, but I am just a guy who wants to see the world excel... You want to protect the world. you work behind the badge! I am not restricted.... I fight for the greater good of mankind..... we are not that different.... I was born this way, Fate chose you.... " Keep the card, If you need some help.... but somehow I doubt you will call, I haven't the most pleasant of burglars. " Smiling he lowered his head. "Now if ya don't mind, I am off to paint the town, I am not back on duty for about week now". Grinning he begins to whistle as he heads off down the road and pulls out a Dempsey hat and begins to walk with a bounce in his step.
His eyes narrow, just at the mention of the name of Irons. Yes, it was definitely time to go take care of business. He looked to the dark one, not intimidated by such a person. "I'll try to remember that. Maybe if you would stop "playing", you would find time to actually look menacing." He says as he then looks back to the group. "Don't worry on Irons. I will be taking care of Irons myself. He's been a thorn in my side for far too long." He says, even though he would have to wait until the leg healed of his. He thought it was smug of them to just throw this off as nothing, and plan of having drink s back away from here. His eyes narrowed at the Dark one, as he was speaking to Sara, especially like that. "Now, if you'll excuse me." He says, as he starts to move out of the alley.
Sara rubbed the back of her neck and plopped her .357 into the small purse. "Self absorbed asshole." She grumbled more to herself then to anyone else. "Reminds me of O'Fallon downtown. there's a piece of work." She shook her head and looked to her dear friend Lara. "I'm fine, just a little wake up call." Pinching the bridge of her nose with her forefinger and thumb the brunette couldn't help but grin. "I think I've had just about as much excitement as I can handle in one night. I hear a TV dinner and an efficiency apartment calling my name.Enjoy your evening." Sara was clearly put out. Although she forced a smile toward the Brits she was positive they had a few things to work out. She took the cue and walked toward the street to hail a cab. The woman was used to a solitary life; diners, late night infomercials, watching the sun come up after hours of insomnia. Placing her forefinger and thumb behind her teeth she whistled shrilly to the nearing yellow car.
Once again resumed his look out post upon one of the high points of the city.. his hands gripping the cold steel of the cross while he feet rest on the horizontal bar.. zoned out.. his cape danced in the wind.. in full view for all to see.. a black figure atop a cross.. siding with a massive red cape.. he rested his chin on the tip of the cross.. his deep green eyes where watching yet his mind wasn't paying any attention.. his blinking grew long and drawn out as if it was a massive effort.. yet he still seemed to stay awake and rather alert.. he just didn't look it
She mused," I did." Her tongue promptly stuck out at him. Childish, yes she knew. But it did serve it's purpose none the less. Curiously she watched her ex-lover, wondering how he was going to react to all the strangeness and mystery of the situation. However, knowing Sheridan like she did Lara knew he probably had some sort of an idea of what was happening around him. If not he would ask point blank about it. Eyes moved now to the stranger holding the book," Well then." Huffed her tone as the book seemingly vanished from view. She didn't question it," Good guy? If you say so." She caught another huff and arched a brow at Terry," Something annoying you?" of course the Darkling bit...ah yes. Mr. Overly observant spy boy was piecing things together. Lara was impressed. However, unless he or Sara asked she wasn't going to let loose any information. It was one way to get back at the man and get under his skin for a change. A nod," Yes, I agree." Well, well now she was agreeing on something with him? However she had not forgotten what he had said earlier in the Spa," Gr. I'm sorry I'm being too nice to you right now." Chin tilted upwards as she tossed her hair over her shoulders. Miss High and Mighty indeed. A brow arched at Sara," Um.. Sara really do you think you ought to be alone..." As her friend got further away, the Brit's voice got quieter," Hmm. Right. Bugger." Stuck alone with Terry Sheridan not good. This could only lead to two things, well four. Fighting, verbal fighting, talking or well...kiss and make-up. Lara preferred that it ended up as talking, but somehow seriously doubt it.
She crossed her arms," Well then. Like always you didn't think before you speak." She kept that high and mightiness about her demeanor for now, as her gaze swept across her attire. It was fine, perfect. Thank goodness. A brow arched," Skirt chaser." She spat it like an insult. Which is what it's intention was. She began to walk out of the alley as well, hand rolling the keys about in her fingers. Something caught her gaze. Gold. Nice taunt there Jackie, she thought to herself. Distance was kept between her and Sheridan. It usually never turned out good if they got too close to each other," A pickle? " The English accent questioned him," What do you mean by that?" She emerged a little ahead of him from the alleyway, a relived sigh passed her lips," Good. Still there." She was of course referring to the red machine parked along the curb," Might I offer you a ride to where ever you are going?" She was forcing herself to be semi-nice as she walked around the Mustang and unlocked the driver's side. A pause before getting in await for an answer.
Sara was well rested and fed, her emotions on edge from the previous thirty six hours of hell in a hand basket. A long sigh of relief escaped her lips as she sank further into the warm scented bath. "You know Lara," she spoke slowly and didn't move, as she balanced cucumber slices on her eyes. "As much as I give you shit for the life of luxury, I have to admit that a day at the spa was a great idea. I'm not looking forward to tonight's shift; I'm kinda getting used to this lifestyle." Pezzini was lying of course; she loved her job no matter what she said or how many bodies she had to toe tag. A slender blonde walked past, her perky ponytail bouncing back and forth as she paused to check in on the girls. "Can I get either of you anything before your appointment with the hair stylist?" Sara lifted one cucumber and peeked out, "I think I'm alright how about you Lara?"
The Brit scoffed," Actually, if you want the truth." Hazel orbs peered about a moment before whispering somewhat, I hate my lifestyle," Always having to attempt properness at social events. Kissing ass." A sigh," But I was born into it and I cannot do much about that." The sassy bombshell rested in her own warm scented bath, her hair actually loose and flowing around her for once, hazel orbs were not covered like Sara's were. Lara was never one for that cucumber bit. Instead however her face held a mud-mask, deep down Miss Tough as Nails did indulge herself in girlie-girl enjoyments of life. The spa had also cleaned up her sustained wounds from her tiff with Jackie better as well," Ivan is not pleased about my deal with Jackie at all." There was a small splashing sound as Lara shrugged," However, I figure Mr. Estacado might be useful to us." Also, something else tugged at the Brit's mind since this morning before her and Sara met at the spa and because of this she had been abnormally silent. Something Ivan had said about an ex spy having been by Croft Manor recently after she left for New York. She sighed knowing all to well what the words ex spy meant, "Um sorry. No I'm lovely Thank you." her voice seemed distracted.
The nimbly blonde winked, "Whenever you're ready, your stylists are waiting." Pezzini removed the cucumbers sitting up slightly at the Tomb raider's words. Lavender scented water splashed onto the tiles with her movement. "Useful? Are your Daft? Too much tea time girl? Jackie Estacado is a mafia hitman! I don't trust a word that murdering slime ball has to say." Sara's tone wasn't mean or hated filled, but it displayed her distaste toward The Darkness perfectly. Green irises looked toward Lara openly, "He has more reasons to lie to us than anyone. What makes you so sure you can trust him?" Sara stepped out of the tub, and gave a quick look toward the Brit. Reaching for a terry cloth robe, Sara covered her revealed skin.
After tracking the ancient texts thru the plains of the Sahara, and the mountain peaks of the Himalayas. A dark shadow begins to loom over the Royal museum of human studies in the city of London England. Great powerful wings begin to fold as the creature, roughly the shape of a man, but more resembling the horrific depictions of a demon from countless years of Christian beliefs. Towering over the portal, he smiles as he extends his hand, a fast moving liquid going the access panel and pouring beneath the keys, in his minds eye, he can sense the coursing forms of the nanomachines that are surging thru the hardwired security system, systematically the machines begin to splice the wires, and small sparks dot the discharge of the energy they held. discharged and now offline, he smiles as the nanos return to his being and he steps thru the door, the microscopic machines erupting from his pours like water or sweat and begin to bend light around him making him harder and harder to see. His mind is on just one task, find the book of the dead, it will lead him to the true and then back to his home where it will and shall be locked away. His crimson glowing eyes scan around the museum as the nano machines build themselves into censors and make his task of finding the storage easier, allowing him to see clearly in the dark. Scanning thru walls with his x ray sight, he is able to increase his scan ten fold, and cut down the time needed to search for the items he is pursuing
Lara removed herself as well from her own bath after the Blonde had removed the face mask from her features and slipped into a terrycloth robe, as well. Very distracted, her mind fell to wondering what Sheridan could possibly want with her, again. Well besides the obvious. However the man had seriously pissed her off. But then again, name a man in Lara Croft's life who hasn't pissed her off at one point or another. However what had went down between Lady Croft and Mr. Sheridan remained between them. Bryce had suspected he broke her heart, and for that the computer geek spent a week with a sore nose, and was simply instructed to mind his own business by Hillary. Earth to Lara, come in Lara," Hmm?" Hazel orbs drifted to Pez a moment," Oh well, because I kicked his arse basically twice." A slight smirk emitted across her lips," Well, the last tiff was a sort of draw. He threatened to tear my ankles off and I threatened to blow his brains out with my guns." As they walked out of the baths Lara's face took on a sheepish look," We talked, and I struck him a deal." She would let Sara ask about that one rather then offer the information willingly, again her mind began to wander. Damn men, why did they always have to weave in and out of her life like radio waves?
Sara caught the eye of her hair stylist and then looked toward Lara. "I was thinking of a change. perhaps red?" She sat in the leather chair and nodded to the handsome face that waited twirling a pair of scissors. AS the chair spun, he began to brush a wide toothed comb though her locks of light brown hair and began to study his latest project. With a voice that denoted his sexual preference, he retorted to Sara's question about hair color, "Sweetie I don't think there is a color that you can't wear, but I assure you change is always good."
Growling softly as he makes his way thru the museum and finding nothing at first glance he spots a guard and watches for a moment as he listens in. Noting that it was about how scored with a fair haired lass who works as a curator. softly chuckling he gets the guards attention as he walks up, the nanomachines dropping from the surface and shrinking back thru his pours. His horrific spectacle of his being shocks the men as he runs up and gabs them by their faces before they can fall to the ground, " Now good sirs, could you tell me of a certain that may have been here!..." He asks them about the book of the dead without revealing what it truly is, He smiles as they are visibly shaking and one of the guards grabs for his stun gun, zapping Herman in the neck. Screaming in pain and forced to drop them, he scolds himself for being foolish enough to lower his defenses. the guards begin to run away and call on their radios for backup. " There is a freak in a fright suit on the second level corridor! we need back up! Send the terrorist task force if ya need to!" Herman begins to stand as the nano machine, disrupt the electrical field coursing thru him, his eyes blazing bright crimson his breath becoming like brimstone as a small cloud exits his nostrils. standing rather quickly he begins to assert the suit to full combat mode and pulls out a watch communicator. " Cassandra, I don't see any sign of it here at the moment and I have alerted the security to my presence. Can you transport me to the History museum in New York, I may have a better chance of finding it there..." With out a reply, his atoms become like stardust as he destroyed in location only to be rebuilt in the exact same order at a new location. stretching for a moment, he looks around as he sees that he is in the west wing of the museum, right next to the storage. then an unseen voice from inside his ear transmitted directly to the eardrum by a series of nanos, " This time be more subtle, Herman! " Smiling he walks off as the nano machines hide his form from sight.
What did he have to do today? Nothing. A hand moved through his hair once again. perhaps he'd get it trimmed, and a message. He always did enjoy those and why shouldn't he? Women running their fingers though his hair as he lay back, if he was lucky there chests would brush against his cheek. Ah. And messages, lying on a table in only a towel with a woman working her fingers against his muscles. Yes he rather enjoyed that. The British man had been working hard, even now he'd come to New York for business. Black leather boots moved against the ground towards the front counter and he dropped is forearm folding against it softly. Form leaned forwards on his folded arm waiting for the receptionist. Eyes watched with a perked brow as two blondes past him and he flashed them both his cheeky, roguish smile. Watching them blush slightly before they turned towards the loo. Attentions pulled back towards the girl now standing behind the counter. "Hullo.." he said smoothly, voice still hanging to his British accent. "I'd like a trim.. and a massage. if you've any openings, love." He watched the girl look through the books pencil him in for the trim and glance to the message book. She gave a slightly flustered look for a moment and he leaned forwards. "If there aren't any. I could always take you out to dinner an' perhaps you could -relax- my muscles." Another trademark smile now towards this woman. Though she tried to remain her cool, he smirked slightly while she turned her face back down brushing some strands back. "Your hair appointment is ready, now. and I'll keep looking into that message." His palm tapped the counter slightly and he pushed himself up "Thanks, bird.." he started to walk towards the salon area "..and don't forget about the other offer." He almost cooed over his shoulder in a rather chipper tone, while hands moved into the pockets of his pants while he walked. A tanned woman was waiting for him at an open chair "Good afternoon mister.." he tipped his head slightly and glanced towards her "Sheridan, Terry Sheridan.." the woman smiled softly, while he shrugged off his jacket.
Lara was just getting her split ends trimmed. The 'Lady' by title only of course rather enjoyed her long locks," Red? Hmm." The Brit's head cocked to one side a moment studying her friend," Might be nice.." Change was good for people who wanted it, but Lara did not. Hazel orbs furrowed as a snippy looking young woman not much younger then Lara herself came up behind the Surrey native," Lady Croft right?" A simple nod," Right. Okay so what do you want done?" Eyes stared forward into the mirror a moment," Just trim the ends please." The girl went to say something," But we could--" Instantly Lara cut her off," The ends. Nothing more." The girl huffed and did as told, while the sassy bombshell smirked at Sara as if to say, see what proper forcing can get you? Lara began to relax now, her mind falling away from her ex-lover who her Brother took such a nice moment into pointing out he was looking for her. Hazel orbs closed and then," Oh bloody hell." Eyes popped open seeing a smarmy man through the mirror with dark hair. Instantly Lara had turned the chair around and was standing making her way towards Terry Sheridan. The glare in her orbs rather full of daggers," What. Are. You. Doing. Here?" A slender index finger jabbed him in the chest. There was rather a hint of distaste in the British accent as she positively glared at the man. ," besides flirting with anything that walks passed you with ass and tits." Jealous? Possibly. Lara did have a bit of a streak with that emotion, and what a spectacle of herself she was making dressed only in a robe and nothing else.
Orbs of green darted toward Lara's adjacent chair, and a perfectly shaped eyebrow arched toward the sky. Although with the lifestyle of a cop tended to lessen her chances at keeping up with an artificial hair color let alone keeping her nails in shape, Sara Pezzini sometimes loathed the 'Plain Jane' appearance. "As much as I'd love to see myself in red I just don't think I'd have the time to keep it up. Besides, I have red highlights. its close enough for government work." Her ear heard the accent and her eyes turned back toward the mirror as she took in the handsome face. "Dear lord." she mocked a British accent that sounded closer to an Irish one. ".I think I've seen the light." Mock fanning herself Sara's mouth dropped into a shocked O as Lara abruptly stood and walked to him. She looked to the stylist and asked a rhetorical question, "Was it something I said?"
Seeing a small group of men behind a fenced off area of the facility, He notices the wrapped items and began to use his x-ray vision and could see the tablets of blackened bronze brass and gold, knowing full well what it could most likely be, He begins to call forth the nanos to burrow a hole thru the lock, but he noticed that a roll up door was beginning to rise and he hadn't the time for the subtlety of lock picking. Take a few giant steps back, and running hurling his armored form thru the fence, the sound was like a car wreck, metal screeching and rumbling as he lands on the far side. Roaring as his wings unfold as the nano cease bending the light around him, his hideous demon features explode into existence like a flood among the senses, the men scatter as they fire at him, bullets bouncing off the amour. with a quickened pace, he runs over and grabs the first man by his head and launches him thru the air. the poor man fell like a rag doll on a series of crates meant for hauling heavy artifacts. bullets ricocheted around him.
The tanned woman smiled towards him taking the leather jacket hanging it up on a rack before moving back. "Terry, hmm, what a nice accent you have.." but the stylist stopped just barely before the man as another woman moved forwards and there was a finger jabbed against his chest. The tall Brit's eyes rolled slightly and he moved already her perfume and the accent giving her away with out even looking. "Ah, Lara, darling. don't go getting your knickers in a twist.." form moved and he looked towards her his hand moving up to clasp hers, raising it to his lips he kissed it then let her go. "Pleasure as always." From shifted and he headed towards the chair brushing past the woman. gave a coy smirk towards the long haired woman, glancing over towards the other than had been near her, before looking back to Lara herself. "And from the looks of it, bird. you could use a massage yourself." Turning on his heels he moved back to the Tomb Raider, he was a partial one himself, though most of his specialties lie in the spy end of things. With a simple flick of his wrist digits moved through some of the lengthy tresses before moving. "Same old' Lara. but what 'as 'happened to your manners?" eyes glanced towards the other woman she was clearly there with "Aren't you going to introduce me to your lady friend?" a brow arched slyly before arms crossed over the black v-neck styled shirt.
Hazel orbs turned on Sara," No. He just somehow walked back into my damned life." The slender finger pointed at the man again," And to think I broke him out of prison to help me. I never should have." Scoffed the accent haughtily. Her own eyes rolled back," Swarmy Git." She tugged her hand from him quickly, before he could let it go. Damn him. Damn him. Damn him to hell, even," You'll never put my knickers in a twist." Boy if that was not a lie. He had been about the only man who could really bother, fluster, and ruffle the feathers of Lara Croft. Eyes narrowed," I bet." he was obviously doing his usual thing," That and picking up women like always. I feel sorry for the poor sap you marry if you ever do. She'll have to keep you on a bloody leash." She scoffed at him," Please, you don't know anything of what I need or don't need." Another probable lie, after all can we say ex- lovers? She stiffened as he brushed back her hair. His touch had always been nice, and unfortunately her body could not forget such touches. Her breath caught quickly, but even more quickly she forced it out of her throat," Yes, some things never change." The woman snapped at him coldly. Brownish-green orbs drifted over to Sara a moment with a sigh," Sara Pezzini," A slender hand followed by a cold stare and flushed angry cheeks gestured to Sheridan," Terry Sheridan.. a.. ex.. friend of mine." The last words and his name rather forced out of her mouth towards Sara.
The stylist shook his head and in turn checked out the handsome spy, "Strong jaw line. a designer outfitted by Prada. I hate to tell you this sugar, but I think he might be playing for the other team." Obviously the stylist fell into the trap that well dressed men in this place were usually gay and Terry Sheridan being no exception to the rule. "Then again, from the way he's checking out your friends assets I might be mistaken." With a somewhat girlish gesture he turned to his station and grabbed a pair of thinning shears. Sara lifted her index finger, "Will you excuse me for one moment. I don't want to start an international incident here." Uncrossing her legs, the detective stood and followed her temporary partner. Tucking her hair behind her ears, and licking her lips Sara's gaze trailed up from the floor to meet with Miss Croft. "Next time you give me a rash about my PMS I'll have to remember this." She smiled, hoping her jaunt at humor would break the tension a bit. Extending her right Witchblade donned hand, "Detective Sara Pezzini." Sara added, "Lara and I go way back don't we Lara?" Her lips curled into a devilish grin as she remembered their last mishap in Cairo.
A sigh pulled from his lips and form shifted watching the woman move. "I'm sure..." he breathed from shifting once again, the hair stylist just watched the two for a moment. Both Brits were moving, things held between them clearly. Lips pursed a moment "Is that so?" arms uncrossed from his chest had moving through his hair once again "I don't much fancy leashes.." he watched the woman moving and shift once again. True the British spy had his style, and his charms and clearly he oft had women here and there. Lara had been one of them as well. Eyes glanced towards the other woman as she rose moving towards he and the Tomb Raider. He caught the cold edge of her words and his were dry "I suppose they don't.." form shifted and he turned head tipping slightly "..That's not the only ex title I own..." he murmured before taking the soft hand of the detective. " As.. Miss Saucy here has already started, Terry Sheridan. My Pleasure." He shook her hand softly before shifting on his boots. "As much as I'd -love- the chirp with you birds my appointment time is passing by." His British tone held a slight air of coyness with it and he shifted dropping back into the leather chair, turning slightly with an arched brow towards Sara's hairdresser. "Yes? Can I 'elp you?" elbows rested on the arms of the chair awaiting his own hairdresser, while looking towards the two women.
Arms folded. Here the Brit thought nothing else could go bad, wrong or in different from this expedition and naturally it did. Most of the Spa/Salon had taken interest in the current shall it be said lovers ex or not spat. For a brief moment, hazel orbs glanced, glared and rolled at Sara. This was a touchy subject with the British archaeologist. Especially the part of that subject standing before her. Terry Sheridan. Their relationship had been rocky, full of passion, constant squabbles, and often resulted in physical or verbal assaults on each other and always started by Lara usually. Croft Manor saw a lot of broken objects during that love affair. A brief nod," Yes, we're old chaps Sara and I." A brow arched at Sheridan," Well, my sources say you were by Croft Manor this passed week. Might I inquire as to why?" Perhaps she had been hanging around Pez to often, she now sounded like she was interrogating a suspect. She went suddenly silent. Damn him yet again," You're....you're insufferable." She turned with a wave movement of her long auburn locks and sat back down into her chair as the stylist began to trim the ends," I know you don't." Came a tort reply to the leash comment, her tone all to knowing. brow arched at the stylist of Sara," Trust me love, he's very straight, and very much a royal pain in the arse." Arms folded," I know all too well from experience." Why not let it out into the world. Surely it was obvious by now. Surely, and if not, well now it was for sure," One I'd love to forget.. except for the sex. That was always wonderful darling." Two could be cheeky. She wanted to make him blush, hot under the collar, flustered whatever. An even score. Hazel orbs drifted back to Sara," If we get a warrant to search Irons' place he will only hide the evidence before we even get there." Something caught Lara's gaze, this time a newspaper," Oh no...this is very bad." Lara held the paper up for the Pez to see," The Egyptian Book of the Dead has been taken from the British Museum...if Irons'..." The woman could not even finish the sentence and doubted she would need too. Ideas began to formulate in her clever mind, orbs drifted to Sheridan.. as she pondered even more on the words ex-spy.
Coyly Sara inserted her tongue into her cheek and turned to head back to her friend. "What the hell was that all about?" she whispered, hoping Terry couldn't overhear what with the hair dryers and whatnot. Sara took the initiate to tuck her arm into Lara's as they walked, denoting her genuine concern for the girl. Taking a seat Sara winked to the stylist and retorted in addition to Lara's comment, "better luck next time Eric, but I doubt with a pretty face like you're you'll have any trouble." Sara bit her bottom lip as she smiled brightly to the hairdresser donning frosted tipped hair. Her attention was drawn from the topic of sexy British men at the mention of a possible connection to their case. Instantly Sara went into detective mode and began to scan over the article. "What disturbs me Lara is." Her tone lowered, green eyes widening in horror. ".I killed him, I'm sure I did. He... (she stammered)...he fell from a ten story window. he couldn't possibly have survived." Eric quietly worked, as he listened in on their conversation.
The former spy shifted for a moment watching, listening, and studying. After all old habits die hard. A brow arched for a moment. "Why, to see you of course, Lara 'love'. Perhaps go out for a spot of dinner, a drink.." he gave a cheeky smile towards her. His form shifted, rising now from the chair. "You always were a brash one, doll, perhaps that's what I loved about you." Shoulders rolled slightly glancing over the open station towards Lara. "How could I forget? You've been my best shag, Lara." Eyes glanced up towards the stylist when she moved closer. "Though many have tried, it doesn't quite compare." Chin turned over his shoulder slightly looking back towards the woman. "Perhaps we should give another go at a romp sometime, hmm?" he joked, with that roguish smile playing upon his lips once more. Following after the other woman to the sinks. When the stylist led him to have his hair washed he relaxed for the moment yet still tensions within that area were high. His hair was towel dried and trimmed up nicely. His dark hair slicked back some before he stood. Of course he was finished before the woman, men were just that way with hair. Boots shuffled against the ground and he moved towards them, catching a glimpse of the paper and few of their words. Lips pursed for a moment and he slightly crouched between their two chairs elbows resting on either armrest. "Well, it's been lovely, really it has, but I do believe my massage is in order." Eyes glanced up towards Sara" Pleasure once again. I've no doubt our paths will cross again, Sara.." he gave a weary glance up towards the male stylist before looking towards Lara. " As always, Lara.." he stood and glanced down "..I'm sure you remember how to get a hold of me. Hmm, love? I'll be around in New York for a short while, before heading back." He gave a slight wink and turned, walking towards the opening lifting his leather coat from the rung it had been hung upon and heading towards the locker/changing areas for his massage.
Lara sighed," I'd rather keep it under lock and key, it's a testy subject matter with me Sara." Arms stayed folded under the swells of her breasts as the now very silent stylist finished trimming Lara's hair," Mary Queen of Scots, you don't think..." Lara quickly checked the date on the paper," The date reads today, how?" a brow arched quizzically at the Detective. Eyes rolled," I'm flattered." The high society accent was flat, laced with intense sarcasm. Her once good mood had shifted very much in the opposite of that direction," Yes I am brash." hazel orbs narrowed dangerously," As are my guns, fists and knees." She grinned a moment rather dastardly," As is my throwing arm if you remember correctly." Her lips created a perfect o. her eyes followed," I'm glad at least one of us got satisfied." Eyes traveled slowly down the man's form, pausing in a certain spot then back up to his face with a cheeky grin. Another lie of course, she always got the better end of their romps usually. Features narrowed slowly. Her blood was now well into the boiling point," Shag?...." Snap. That was all it took," I was just a SHAG to you?" Up she came causing the stylist now very timid to fall to the floor behind her. She turned on the man as he stood between her chair and Sara's. Smack, the palm of Lara's hand swept swiftly across the man's face," Arsehole." With that brown-green orbs fell to Sara," I'll be getting dressed." Quipped the accent quickly as she walked towards the changing rooms passed gawking faces. Within a second Lara had rounded on her heels," Oh ruddy hell, go back to your own businesses and leave my love life alone!" Slam. And that was the last of Lady Lara Croft and her fiery temper the Spa would see for right now anyhow.
Reaching back as he grabs the second man and scooping him into a waiting claw, Herman hurls him into the crate and crushes the lid shut, making it impossible for him to escape.. seeing the third and the fourth begin to double back and cut thru the museum again, he sprints after them. slamming doors shut they try to distance themselves from the giant beast. But The demon was ever vigilant and his strength never faltered. with massive shrugs the thick heavy doors exploded into splinters and bent steel. a fire door slid shut in front of him, only to be knocked down with one solid push of his hand. he had no time for this . the faster he was done, the faster he could return to the institute.
"Right before I was assigned to the Microwave Murder case. I'm sure you remember that one right? It was in all the papers." A long breath escaped her lips as she felt a cold chill run down her spine with the memory. "Whole bodies cooked though frozen in angelic poses. You have seen the look on some of those faces; it was like they embraced their death.as though the sick fuck had convinced them they deserved to die." Sara bit her lip, trying to remember that she was in a public place and although Lara might not mind hearing her shop talk about killings it was far from a suitable topic. At this point, Sara's stylist had pulled her hair up into a loose bun, that revealed the tender arch at the back of her neck and the blonde and red highlights that UV rays infused though her locks. "Shit I'm sorry, it's just that that case was really unsettling." After doing a few touches on Sara's hair, in addition to bisecting the bun with a hand painted of chopstick, Eric spun her chair." There. perfect" he smiled. Sara thanked him and walked to her own changing room donning a little black spaghetti strapped number. The dress was slit up either side of her athletic thighs and as she stepped out of the room in a pair of chunky heeled shoes from the bag she had slung over her shoulder her cell phone began to ring shrilly. Grumbling, Sara answered. A voice heavy with breath began to stutter into her ear. It was her partner Jake McCarthy. Sara's eyes widened as he described a few of the calls that were coming into the station and that she might want to drop everything and get her ass over to the Museum of Natural History Science. "Lara," Sara knocked on her door. "Time to get a move on... it looks like we might finally have a lead." The Witchblade wielder shook her head as she remembered her last visit to the museum. A shootout with Tora no Shi, and a merging of her Witchblade with Jackie Estacado's Darkness upon the assassin Ian Nottingham. "This is gonna be great." She muttered.
Lara was hot. No, she was boiling. Her fist connected with the locker that contained her clothing. It was satisfying," Great. Lovely. Peachy. You just had to let the man get under your skin didn't you?" Retorted the English woman to her own reflection, as she combed her hair with shaky hands. Sara and she were going to dinner before the woman's shift and sort of her own shift as well. She styled it loose, off to one side a wave of auburn falling over her left shoulder and down her back. Carefully, forcing herself to calm down the Brit slipped into a stylish tight red dress. It was long and had slits up either side it was held onto her form by a halter like neck design and accompanied by red stilettos. Yes, Miss I-Don't-Wear- Dresses was not so much of that sort anymore. After all you can't always wear work clothes to social events can you? Once dressed she slipped her pack over one shoulder and stepped out. One her right leg concealed for the most part is a garter, on the garter a small black handgun. Just incase. The tall British Bombshell emerged," Good. I feel like working." It seemed the clothing she was attired in made no change in her demeanor in the least," So where are we headed?" A brow arched," You sound rather pleased." Pure sarcasm, however one would notice Lara's hazel gaze wasn't going to stop with dagger shooting for a long time thanks to the afternoon's eventfulness.
All right, no mister nice non killing nice guy.....} With blinding and efficiency, Herman erupts with speed and his wings unfolded, cutting through the building as if they were giant swords made of adamantium. Shifting his weight and pivoting to one side he shreds straight thru one, severing his torso as he raced after the last one who held the book of the dead to the best of his knowledge. He would lose possession of it, if it were the last thing he did. curling up and springing thru the air, knocking people down and slashing with his wings, he flies straight towards his intended target only to see him duck under his grip! With lightning fast reflexes Herman redirects his flight comes down atop the final man with a gut wrenching impact , leaving him covered head to toe in the man's entrails. reaching down and yanking the book free from the man's death grip, a satisfactory grin was drawn to a frown as he sees it was actually the book of the Living. grumbling under his breath. " Why can't I get a break Today??? First some jackass puts his pacemaker and tries to give me a hickey.... then the three stooges plus shemp want to play keep away??? MAN, can't A GUY GET A BREAK , LORD!!!!!" Throwing the book at cement, it seals itself inside the rubble, cracking the foundation a bit. Just as he was prepared to leave, he saw a glint from the other direction, a man running thru the gate and out into the alley.
Both hands gripping the cold steel of the gothic cross.. his feet resting on the horizontal bar.. His mind wondered.. as from his perch atop the cross above the church.. the place he felt welcome and at home.. the place he was drawn to night after night.. Long red cape pushing pushed out in front along his left side.. almost like an evil flag atop the church it waved a fluttered... His ties with the world where long gone and forgotten and he had only now slowly made trusts with people again.. one, being Sara Pezzini.. He looked around as if being awoken.. something triggered inside.. he looked in the direction of Darkstar.. where he was exactly he didn't know.. he stood and leaped of the cross descending a few feet then his cape acting like a parachute glided him to the next roof
Glad her .357 and two speed loads were in her purse Sara nodded to her friend. After reaching into her purse she laid down a week's pay on the counter and took off toward the door. The extravagantly overpriced day at the spa was paid for each of them tip included, her head shook as she walked to the door. Money wasn't her biggest concern right now. getting the few blocks downtown was. The assertive 'click click' of her heels was enough to turn heads in her direction Sara noted the 'candy apple' red sports car (rented by the tomb raider's brother, and borrowed by the 'Crofty' . err crafty chick) "I'm sure you're better at this then I am, you drive I'll navigate."
Lara mused," I am, but to warn you...well never mind." Lady Croft was quite the driver. Traffic wasn't so bad and with Sara navigating, they would be there quickly," So who called you on this lead and may I ask what it is?" Around Lara she could hear whispers. It took everything the British woman had to keep form telling the whole place off. She bit her tongue and walked outside," Nosey gits." Exhaled the voice into an 'I-wanted-to-say-that-for- the-last-five-minutes' sort of tone. Keys were fished out of her bag and the car unlocked by the simple touch of a button. The slinky red dressed British devil slipped into the driver's seat and buckled up," After all it is the law." Chortled the still quite temper heated woman. The engine was revved and as soon as Sara was in and buckled, Lara took off," Just give me directions I'll have us there in five love." A wryly wicked grin passed across her lips.
Grumbling as he keys the COM switch. " Cassandra, the book was the WRONG ONE! I am currently heading west bound thru the alley," his voice was extremely low because of the nanomachine amour. " Four spooks are down, I am in pursuit of a fifth. I think he might have the book on him. Relay a message to Ken. Shadow work is a bust. We are gonna have to be a bit more direct on the next go around.... Darkstar out." Flapping his wings he begins to take flight, higher and higher he began to go as he made his way after the man running from the museum, he was quick, even for a norm.... but somehow Herman did truly think it was a normal that was behind all this...
He did not know why Lara requested him to be at the historical museum, nor did he know why she was not that when he arrived. Lara bit at any chance to whip out her glasses and dig into business, but being ten minutes late was extravagant even for her. Ivan sauntered into the museum with attitude radiating off every limb. The man was British, and a Croft one, at that. The dark lighting resulted in him stripping off his Oakley's, revealing emerald orbs. Reaching the front desk, he nonchalantly leaned against the counter and looked down at the young lady working the computer, "Dear, has Ms. Lara Croft been here yet?" A quick check of the computer and the woman averted back to Ivan to answer, "No sir. But you're welcome to begin looking around." For what? Lara still never completely informed Ivan of what was going on, and vagueness was her game. The museum found it necessary to preserve their exhibits by pumping frigid air, so Ivan rewarded himself for remembering to wear his tan leather jacket. Slipping his hands into his pockets, he idly strolled through the cluttered corridors, attempting to find interest in the statues and paintings.
Quickly arriving to be beside the alley, on a siding building.. he noticed the creature following.. then the man running.. Al quickly surveyed the situation.. and then dropped of the building.. landing in the shadows in front to eh man who was being chased.. as the human passed him.. Spawn lashed out gripping the book.. "What are you after beast" he looked to the cover.. then turned quickly, the long red cape sweeping the alley as it moved slightly from the shadows.. he grabbed the man who once held the back and ran with him.. grabbing him by the shirt.. he jumped up swinging of the fire escape till he reached the roof... still running the man screamed pleading for his life.. "I'm Saving you..!" he continued across the buildings.. to he was in view of the museum.. the place the screaming had been yelling about.. "Is this book from there..?" he looked to the man he had a good hold of as he continued to plead for his life.. "Damn it" he looked back to see the creature give pursuit still.. it wasn't that he was afraid of fighting the oncoming danger, it was the fact the book appeared to be valuable.. no man would run in the face of danger to protect a book.. Al took another leap of the building.. coming across the street and waited out the front of the museum.. the book in his hand.. he released the man.. he didn't go to far away
Seeing the caped one carrying he raises an eyebrow as he scans him in mid air and smiles softly. { Gee I thought the freaks came out at night!} Coming up quickly behind and adheres to a nearby wall watching the creature, as the scan is complete is perturbed by the fact he seems to be an echo on spectral analysis, but show to be 50 degrees warmer than a norm. " You can keep the runt in your hands, Demon.... But is MINE! Or your Existence is forfeit! Walking down the wall standing straight up using his mega wall crawling ability, His massive 38 feet wingspan glinted in the light from the metallic nanomachines that had coated it and hardened it to Adamantium, the substance the machines were made of. " Your call..."
Sara didn't bother with a seatbelt. At the glib remark from Lara the cop smirked, "At least one of us is paying attention to the law tonight. Although I have a feeling we might be bending a few of those before long." Hurriedly giving directions the homicide detective filled in her counterpart with the news. "That was McCarthy.. he said it sounded like something .that sounded like my MO." Grumbling she pointed, "Take a left up here and ... Jesus Lara mind the cab!" Sara gave her friend a look of shock and added, "Holy shit you drive this car like I drive my bike... What you got a death wish? This is New York, not some grassy knoll in Sussex County!" They arrived in a thrilling display of smoking tires and squealing wheels before the somewhat trashed front steps, and Sara hopped out. "Why do things like this always have to happen when I'm wearing heels?" she muttered. The Witchblade on her wrist began to whisper silently into her head it wasn't words per se more of an impression in her mind of the imagery... ~Not here.. In the shadows.. with the Hellspawn. follow the screams.~ Sara turned and her bright jade eyes caught Lara's hazel ones as she peeked her head atop the car's roof. "He's gone from here. and it looks like Spawn might have joined the throng." She informed the woman. Moving on instinct alone the statuesque woman ran (as best she could in heels) toward the adjacent alleyway.
Sheridan knew that he'd put his foot in his mouth this time, but his and Lara's relations had always been rocky. Head turned slightly as he had made contact with his cheek and he looked back towards her standing still. Brows narrowed over his eyes towards the woman, "Oh BLOODY HELL!" the woman was already storming away from him. "Lara, stop! Bullocks Lara, That's not what I meant" he grumbled and moved after her, but it was no use. Eyes had glanced back around towards the people who were gawking and he barked slightly towards them "What are you buggers lookin' at, hmm? There's nothing to see 'ere." Arms crossed roughly over his chest and he went off to his massage. Though the massage hadn't helped to calm his nerves anyway and his cheek was still slightly red from the slap. Cutting his massage short he paid and slipped out of the salon pulling his leather jacket back over his shoulders. Eyes glanced down towards the table near the door as he was exiting picking up the paper. If he knew Lara, and he did. She would have gone there. Stepping into the street some he lifted his hand hailing a cab and climbed in the back seat. The cab pulled up slowly a block away from the Museum so as not to really draw attentions. Walking up he stopped a young kid paying him ten dollars for his Yankees cap. Pulling the hat on him folded the paper under the crook of his arm and ducked into the museum. Eyes shifted under the shade of the ball cap as he moved, walking casually as if he was a normal New Yorker, rather than a British ex-spy looking for a certain Tomb Raider. He moved down the hallways, sometimes stopping to look at displays or other things, he blended in. he was just another face in the crowed. Another body moving along. He stopped slowly dropping his back against the wall near where the missing display would have been, and he glanced slightly over his shoulder into the open room. Before pulling the paper up in front of his face casually leaning against the wall before moving to the designated bench there was. Lara defiantly would not be happy about his being there. Especially since their meting in the Salon. Had that been fluke? No, not really. Was he keeping tabs on the Tomb Raider? Perhaps so. For now, he silently waited and watched just outside the area. And he'd postponed the 'dinner' with the Salon's receptionist to go to the museum instead. Shoulder rolled slightly and he glanced up towards the woman, clearly a tourist that had stopped sitting next to him. "Mind my sitting here?" Sheridan glanced over the folded corner of the paper "Not at all.." his accent was hidden and he sounded rather, American. The elderly woman made idle conversation with him, though he was still paying attentions to his surroundings.
Slender, yet powerful hands gripped the steering wheel. And literally gripped, driving was one of Lara's many usually none violent releases. Usually. She turned on the disc player, and out roared Outkast's "Speedballin" To which the auburn haired woman nodded her head. Ivan would kill her for taking out his beloved CDs and putting in her music. Oh well, he could take a number. they arrived in one piece, with Lara smirking," You think I drive a car like I'm on the grassy knolls of Sussex County you ought to see what I can do with a bike Darling." Mused the English Brat. Her tenseness was slowly wearing off," And you didn't say hi for me?" Mock pout," I'm sore Sara really." Such smart-assed-ness she possessed. Smoothing out the wrinkles of the red dress," I was so looking forward to dinner. Oh well at least this will give all the Museum guards something to gawk at." It wasn't the first time Lara had done work in this dress, the red halter topped number had been used when she brought down the Chicago Mafia, and the stilettos had been there too. Casually Lara's slender fingers pressed against the gun tucked into the garter holster on her right leg just above the end of the slit on that side that rode dangerously high on her thigh. tossing back her loose locks, the Tomb Raider nodded," The Blade tell you this?" A brow arched. Probably so," Why heels? remind me to scare the bloody hell out of Jake for this one." Suddenly before Lara could say another word, the Detective was out of sight," Bugger." Oh well, Lara would go in and play questionnaire to the Museum authorities. She walked in as though she owned the place. Head held high, shoes clicking lightly against the marble flooring," Lady...um Croft I presume?" A kid about twenty or so approached her," Yes?" Lara smiled slow, playing just a little with the poor kid," Where...is De-De-Detective Pezzini?" The auburn head cocked to one side," She's following a part of the lead outside, mind showing me where this occurred?" the kid swallowed hard and nodded," this way." Lara promptly followed," Oh, you'll have to excuse my attire, we were having a girls night out. Dinner and all that." The Kid turned red," Not a problem." Lara winked subtly at him as the walked towards the Biblical selections of the Museum.
Walking down the length of the wall he stops for a moment as his censors begin to pick up more people entering the area, and from the spectral analysis, one of them was armed with something from of unearthly dimensions. a soft smile crossed his lips, looking in their direction he could see them approach with his x-ray vision, one was carrying a firearm, but the other carried two 44 magnums and a knife on her. Judging from the Creature from Hell below, he smiled as he gauged this a minor extension to the current event horizon. with quick gestures, and some massive hand strength, Herman rips the wall apart, grabbing the surface with he palms of his hands, he pulls the entire height of the outer wall the shear five stories across as he leaps clear and hopes to trap the beast from hell underneath it. " Too slow jelly roll! Now let's what color goo comes from your eyes now. " the amour crackled with life energy as he smiled, his crimson sparking brighter as he keeps tabs on the creature and the man via X-ray vision.
He looked to the man formally with the book.. "Go... RUN!!" it was dangerous fro him to hang around.. he walks towards.. from Darkstar.. his eyes watching me as they seeped a green mist.. he quickly flicked back his cape gripping 2 of the many automatic guns that hung over his body.. aiming to the now wall that hung over him.. and began to shoot.. bullets blasting from the army equipment he had gained.. massive holes being blasted through the bricks.. dust and broken rubble falling to the alley ground.. Al dodged the attack my blasting a big enough hole in the wall/weapon that was aimed to crush him and jumped through.. now with both guns aimed at Darkstar.. chains ripped from his form gripping at everything.. and launching him to the roof.. during this.. speeding bullets blasted at Darkstar
It had truly been a very eventful day. First with the events of last night, and now with someone trying to steal the book of the dead out of the Natural History museum. Ian had made his way over to the museum, as soon as Irons had picked it up on a police scanner. He was interested in acquiring it, and that meant that Ian would have to do the dirty work. Creeping across the building in the shadows of the room, Ian puts his full ninja skills on use at this moment. Security guards may be dumber than bricks, but someone could get lucky and see him. Carrying two Katana at his side, he continues to make his way through the building, looking for the item he was supposed to collect for Irons tonight.
Long slender legs ran quickly though the trash littered alley and as she san her fingers blindly unclasped her purse as she drew her already loaded .357 snub nose. A quick inventory of the small bag would have revealed two speed loaders a lipstick, pressed powder compact, and police issued handcuffs. Her footfalls echoed though the dank alley as she made her way past the carnage toward her intended target. The usually loose hair was pulled up in a stylish bun affixed with a hand painted chopstick. The upsweep revealed the curve of her neck and shoulders and it didn't hurt things that her spaghetti strapped evening gown cut low in the front and slit high on either side of her thighs. Pouty lips pursed a bit as she leveled the gun in both hands. Pointing the snub nose toward the heavens Sara side stepped toward the corner of the alley. Granted her attire was odd, but she had been expecting dinner and drinks with the tomb raider, not a shootout with 'typical Pezzini' written all over it.
Now on the roof.. he looses sight of his opponent.. and he was yet to get a good look at him.. he looked around himself.. then leaped of the building.. He moved around a little pulling the book he had taken when all this had started from a heap of trash he through it into.. he picked it up wiping of some of the trash then glanced to the bright lights of the museum.. he looked around the alley one more time.. then crossed the street.. without a bit of stealth the Hellspawn moved through the front doors.. walking past crowds of people.. workers and guards.. not one brave enough to step up till he reached meters from the pedestal the book was supposed to be on.. he stepped through the security beams and placed the book down.. as he turned a guard walked to him.. yelling something but he remained silent till he moved through the corridors back to the exit he spotted Lara.. he stopped looking to her.. pointing in the direction of where the book was now resting and he then continued to the exit.. another guard walking directly in front.. obviously on a power trip.. *Hey I bet you took that book*... Al looked right into the guards eyes.. "I don't have time for this" he then exited the museum..
The museum was rather large, he should have planned for that. It also would have helped to know where exactly the book is, but that wasn't important right now, since he was inside. His eyes turn towards the back of his head, seeing the rune on the skin of his glow, meaning that the Witchblade was nearby, and that of course meant Sara was nearby as well. Deciding he was going to have to step up his speed a little bit. His eyes widened when he saw the book out in the open on the pedestal. Now it was just a matter of getting it. Hiding himself in the shadows of the room, he waits, for the security guards to pass by, before moving in. As the security guards passed by, Ian carefully waited and plotted his next move. There seemed to be a small lapse in time, where after one guard would leave, and the next would appear to patrol that area. Waiting for the right time to move in, he saw the lapse in time was beginning, as he broke off into a full sprint towards the book. Then, tilting downwards, he moves into a full handspring, moving off of his hands and into the air, feet first into the same direction. Seeing the book under him, he deftly grabs it as he goes by, then lands on his feet, instantly crouching to his knees on the landing to help support his feet from taking all of the force.
Things were beginning to get busy at the museum and civilians were slowly beginning to leave, not wanting any part, though the more curious folk stayed about. The conversation with the woman went on for some while, even when the book had been returned. The woman he was speaking with was a widower, spending time in New York for her granddaughters graduation, and he just nodded along to her before she slowly stood having to go to the bathroom. Sheridan had paid attention to his way and surroundings and he allowed the old woman to take his arm as he escorted her and bid her a nice night and rest of her trip before he himself ducked into the men's room. Hands moved some pulling back the open side of his jacket to his ribs where tucked away was his gun. A P226: SIG Sauer Superb Service Auto. Just like Lara had her gun of choice, and Sara as he assumed, the former spy had his. Perhaps it was it was superbly accurate, rugged, reliable service auto and it worked for him. Though it worked for the Brit. Fingers moved and he pulled a column magazine into it, looking over it once before safely tucking it away. He doubted he'd have to use it, but still he wouldn't be caught off his guard. He folded the paper and removed the baseball cap setting it on the counter before moving out. Eyes glanced about before he moved, boots shuffling against the marble ground he was heading back towards the other room. Still remaining out of sight from the room he took and angle were he could still look in. Form began to moved and then he stopped. There was something else, he wasn't alone there. Eyes turned about some everyone else had cleared from the area, but some of the museum was in a bit of a ruckus and the boy was still leading Lara to the room. Eyes glanced towards the room and who ever was hiding in the shadows. His fingers moved cautiously inside his jacket brushing against the gun in its holster. Form stepped from behind a statue raising the pistol from its holster while he shifted careful not to make too much noise, nor started the dark figure he'd seen. Was he after the returned book? Wouldn't want to make a mess of the museum. nor muck up his holiday of sorts. "..But I'd put it back were I you."
Pezzini turned and faced the empty alleyway and her orbs of jade and bisecting yellow widened in surprise at the torn apart wall. Realizing that this was more then likely the thief's point of entry to the museum, Sara gingerly stepped over the rubble and entered the thrashed room. She didn't really know what she was looking for in here, but it was clear that something huge had just gone down. Turning around and around she tried to quickly asses the situation. This is where her skills as a homicide detective really shone. Her glance caught the bodies strewn here and there, entrails splattered against the far wall made her face grimace in disgust. In her investigation, she saw a shadow move and deftly turned aiming her weapon in the direction to the masked figure. The custom tweaked .357 magnum snub nose made her feel like a character out of Starskey and Hutch and although most of the officers in her department were turning toward automatic 9mm's this sturdy relic from the past made her feel like a superhero. Drawing back the hammer on the weapon with her calloused thumb Sara's thins brows knit together, and it was with this .357 that Sara made her point clear, "I think you should heed his warning pal. unless you want me to blow your grey matter all over the wall."
The kid lead Lara towards the displays," Fascinating." Remarked the Surrey girl. Hazel eyes took in the displays, every last one of them," Nice collection." She heard the boy make a sound," thanks Lady Croft." A man sitting by an elderly woman caught her attention a moment," Hmm." Came the soft sound from her throat. Couldn't be. She shook her head and simply went about her business with the boy as they stopped," Here, the Egyptian collection." The boy's gaze shifted," What in the hell is that?!?" Lara's arms folded," Don't fret love, He doesn't bite." Snicker," Much." A nod of thanks to Mr. Simmons. All eyes shifted to Lara," Guard the book." Was her retort. It was simple. Hand rested near the weapon strapped to her leg. She had chosen her one of her usual. A silver and black Desert Eagle Magnum .44. This was also her favorite gun, well next to Mr. Estacado's Golden Desert Eagles which for a brief moment of time she did own one of. Eyes darted about. Lara had a bad feeling about this," The security in this place is simply aghast. My Butler in his Kevlar with a shotgun could do much better then these fools." And then it happened, "No!" Too late," Bloody hell!" Gun was drawn and aimed within mere milla-seconds and two shots rang out. Her full lips fell into a sneer, the Bombshell had a pretty good idea who the thief was," Nottingham." The name like a curse under her breath and if it couldn't get any worse," Terry Sheridan if I did not know any better I would swear you were stalking me." But before he could answer she lifted her free hand," Save it. I need your help. And don't let it go to your head." On the sharp heels of her shoes Lara stepped forward," Do you know the power of which that book you hold possesses? If put into the wrong hands it could destroy lives, the time existence we know now. It could alter everything." Her finger was heavy on the trigger, waiting," Do you really want to put that kind of power into the hands of a mad man hell bent on ruling the world?" Her gaze narrowed, he was under Master influence, bullshit talk would do nothing ," Put it back. I'm warning you, my mood is raw and I would give nothing right now just to riddle you with bullets." And if who she figured was Nottingham was smart he'd know she wasn't fooling around. At. All. hazel orbs did not drift off target," Glad of you to join us Pez."
His dark eyes scanned the area.. and then he spotted Sara.. outside. he walked to her.. then noticed her actions turn hostile towards something.. he looked around.. Ian.. "Sara... I returned the..." he watched Ian.. "He has the book..!" .. he took a step towards Ian's direction then back to Sara quickly.. from just the green eyes it was easy to his emotion of anger.. "Lets go" he started running.. his legs forcing him across the ground.. he could run extremely fast.. the long red cape lifting from the ground, yet it was light enough to not weight down Al.. he stopped, looking to Lara.. all guns pointing at Ian.. he wasn't in the safest of situations.. Al Simmons just watching.. the mist rising from his piercing green orbs.. the signature black and white mask.. victims last memory.
The soft tension within his posture showed little hint of his expression as to seeing the Hellspawn returning the book into museum. He knew it would be simple enough to retrieve and to scan the needed information, and replace if it was necessary. the ancient relic of the powers of the gods could be wielded like a weapon and he knew that it must be protected and put into safe hands at all cost. even at the price of his own life. Seeing the other man grabbing the book and making a break for it, he cared little now for whatever stood in his way. Calling his armor about him once and becoming the armored demon Darkstar, He leaped into the air and glided after the 'would be' thief from the air and readied to dive on him at a moments notice.
Damn, he was beginning to get popular tonight. First Terry, then Lara, then the Spawn from last night. That would mean Sara would not be far behind, and he would have to at least carry the book in one hand. He didn't think he could fight them all off, as he was now outnumbered four to one, with only one hand being usable. Looking around briefly for options, he saw a window right behind him, about fifty feet away, a large pane glass window above him, and the main exit way , far away in front of him. The window behind him was going to be the one to go to, then. "I'm afraid I must decline your request. Certain people would be rather upset if I didn't get this back to them. But perhaps another time?" He quips as he just narrows his eyes from underneath the ninja mask at Lara. Then moving into a sprint from his crouched position, he turns and bolts for the window about fifty feet behind him, seeing it rapidly approaching. He was wondering how many dives he was going to take tonight like this, figuring it would probably be a lot. Seeing the window within leaping distance, he pivots to the side just a little, to go out shoulder firs, and making sure to concentrate on one spot of the window, being able to break it the first time. diving out of the window, seeing shattered glass fall around, he moves into a tuck and roll as soon as he lands, but has to take a moment to clear his mind of the cobwebs that was presently occupying it.
He looked around... and then ran towards Ian.. the large cape flapping behind dragging on the ground,, he then leaped the height of the building.. landing on the roof he disappeared from view.. he could hold a better pursuit he felt then the rest.. he leaped of the building landing on the following and so forth.. running down Ian slowly..
The man smirked having watched Lara move by when he was still with the elderly woman then they met once more. Ian Nottingham. He had heard the name and a brow perked towards Lara for a moment "Can't I just be enjoying holiday in New York? Must everything always be about you, Lara dear?" he was slightly joking even if his tone held a more cautious mannerism to it eyes training upon the man who'd taken the book. The sound of another hammer being pulled back and a voice. Glancing for a moment he caught the detective, Sara her gun readied as well. "Seems its turned in to a gala. now if only I had a martini.." eyes turned back towards the man holding the book and he mused slightly towards Lara asking for his help "..don't worry your pretty lil' head love, I won't. Besides I had been here first anyway." Something else moved, and their numbers grew now the cloaked man moved into the room. Still he kept his pistol raised "Looks like your in a tight spot." He muttered towards Ian his accent falling from his lips. shifting slightly, his index finger was already just above the black trigger of the silver gun. Waiting. When the man moved springing his finger pulled against the trigger and the shot rang out. But Ian was already out the window and he wasn't sure if he'd hit his mark or not. Giving an almost disappointed sigh he murmured under his breath "Oh, bloody 'ell.. and to think I could have been to dinner, instead of wasting a bullet on springy there."
Eyes rolled at Terry," Oh just sod off." Hissed that aristocratic accent of hers that probably belonged on some high maintenance sort of woman with diamonds and rich playboy husband. Hazel orbs narrowed as Ian leaped out the window," Bugger." Off went her gun as well, the bullet hitting one of the arches in the window causing more glass to shower down," We are all in deep trouble. Very deep trouble." The slender tanned right leg of Lara Croft slipped out between the sides of the slit in her dress as she holstered her weapon again, "If Irons' manages to work that book for it's true intentions we are all walking dead beings right now." She would need to move into said promised penthouse from Jackie first thing tomorrow morning and get Bryce over from England whether the computer geek liked it or not. Lara was brooding mad. Why had she not simply taken the book herself from Spawn and guarded it was beyond her. The Brit wanted to punch something, anything if it gave her reason enough. Slender hands forced her long tresses back off her shoulders and face and down her back, which was bare till you reach the small were a draping fabric of red rested )," We need to come up with a game plan to get that book back." hazel orbs scanned Sara and Terry," Suggestion box is open now. Start submitting." She eyed Sheridan," And yes you're now including in this little game." Eyes shifted to someone else who literally jumped out of no where," Who are you?" Gun was out again, locked, and aimed her finger taunt against the trigger," You best tell me now." All work and no play makes Lara Croft uber bitch with gun. Especially on days like today.
watching the man leap from the window, Darkstar dives to intercept the man, but sees that the curtain caught a statue throwing his perception of the man, his taloned hands shred thru marble as it were butter. growling he sees the man getting away as he shreds his way out of the curtain. " God, I have really pissed you off haven't I? you just want this guy to get away or something?"
Sara sent several slugs in the direction of the nimble ninja her gun flashing in the darkness of the room and illuminating her face. The intensely dark shadows gave her features a gaunt _expression, and her running feet stepped closer. With each footfall she drew the trigger back, expelling her six shooter of it's payload. Her teeth grit together in a grimace of anger. Each time her finger pulled back the trigger the light flashed over her face, the _expression grew with her hatred. Each still frame of the detective's visage expressed her love of violence and intense frustration at losing the mark. "Arrrgh!" Sara complained with the growl toward Darkstar's comments and then all at once she took in the sight of what has spoken. Her orbs of green darted with yellow widened into saucers of fear and surprise. The gasp that escaped her lips fell to the quartet's ears almost in perfect succession with her fall to the floor. Skidding to one knee before the creature's feet Sara deftly turned her now empty weapon (with her left hand) toward the creature and blindly reached into her purse for her speed loader. (with her right)
reaching out taking the gun barrel, twisting the end so it points straight up, Herman looked at her as is not amused by the weapon what so ever. " Is there something you want little lady?" Not letting go of the barrel, he commands some of the nanomachines to return the weapon to it's original state as he holds it out. " I dun know who you are, or what you are doing interfering with me on this! " He glared at her as he towered her as if she were a small child, he knew the feeling too well, before his mutant powers formed and his height sky rocketed from age 13 to 14. Crimson beams of light shot around the small group and softly danced over the semi erotic postures of these assertive women. Inside his head He kept repeating over and over { I am a married man I am a married man....}
His head jerked to look behind him to hear bullets being fired at him. Moving into starting a run as fast as he could, he makes his way away from what he thought would be safe. But he was wrong when one of the bullets grazed his leg. Collapsing to the ground, and looking over his leg, he could see where the bullet had torn off part of his pants, and blood was starting to flow from the wound. He was still too close, they could still find him, he hadn't put enough distance in between him and them. Stumbling to his feet, he grabs the book, and starts to move as fast as he could, which wasn't very fast at all. He wasn't going to be able to run now. Looking around for someplace to hide, He finds an alley off to the side, where he just settles for moving into the shadows, and setting down Until something better came by. Ian removed his mask from his face, finding it a little hard to breathe in his state with it on. Tossing it to the side, he made a unpleasant face as he thought about his situation. Irons didn't have the book yet, which would probably be taken out on his hide, and in his current state, Irons wouldn't get the book for a while longer which would mean more than previously thought. Looking over the book's surface, he truly wondered if giving the book to Irons was the best thing to do . Well, he knew it wasn't, but it seemed it was the way to keep him breathing for just a little longer. Sweat was beading upon his brow, as he looked to the book. Maybe it was time for him to go against Irons now. He couldn't let the man have the book, especially knowing Irons.
Glancing towards Lara he, rolled his eyes slightly and shifted. Well it seemed everyone was fairly gung ho about things especially with dealing with Ian. Eight shots had been fired, and then another man jumping out of no where to attack as well. Brows narrowed the gun trained on the other man for a moment before glancing towards Lara "Oh.. well.. that's just bloody brilliant isn't it. And what says I wanted to be wrapped up in this tiff anyway?" his accented voice quipped slightly while looking back towards the other man. His day had become quite interesting indeed. Eyes watched as Sara landed close to the other down on the ground and he bent the gun. Well that was clearly no good. no good at all. Form moved as he shifted across the floor his eyes remaining on the guy. Blinking once he glanced about. Light? Still he held his pistol watching and not lowering it. The former spy wasn't nearly ready to allow his guard down, and now with this man who could be a new threat to things. "I think one of the shots hit that, Ian fellow.. are you birds going to stay here an entertain?" he was moving once again the easiest way out would be up through the window that Ian had gone, still he needed to look at it to judge it. The woman were in dresses and heels, and he was comfortable in slacks and a long sleeved shirt. Cautiously he moved around towards the busted window. If he was right, and the man Nottingham was injured he probably wouldn't be able to get very far.. and there might be the possibility of catching up with him.
Hearing the Limey dressed like a waiter from Spago's, Herman smiled and thumbed towards him. " Who's Sean Connery Jr.?" Taking a few quick steps and scanning the area with his x-ray vision and the multi optic sights, Herman pinpoints Ian hunkering behind the dumpsters. " Typical, they always try to go home to hide....." Smiling to himself as he did not consider the ladies or the limey a threat, he began to walk rather quickly . His massive height and leg length allowed him to cover more ground than any of the three, forcing them to jog to keep up.
Sara turned her weapon down and shook out the empty casings. The brass hollows fell to the floor with a plinking that echoed in the vast room. The homicide detective had seen her fair share of strange granted. But this guy. took the cake. Stammering Sara finally managed to answer his question, "Who is intervening? The NYPD that's who." Quickly the woman twisted the speed loader into the barrel and snapped the tumbler in place. Grumbling she stood, in the process she revealed a hefty amount of leg and the side strap to her knickers. She paid it no mind, resettling the dress about herself and retorting to their comments, "Friend of yours?" She asked the 'James Bond junior', "Mind telling me what that thing was?" Stepping though the half crumbled wall again, Sara followed as best she could. Bits of shattered cement and drywall were everywhere, and it took a deal of patience in her attire to navigate to a clear area.
He snorted slightly towards the mans reference to him. "He's not even bloody British.." Grumbling slightly under his breath, though he'd still been moving and glanced out the window. A brow rose looking towards Sara, catching a glimpse of her leg, yes but he still looked up. "Why does everyone always point fingers at me first? How should I bloody know who he was?" gun lowered slightly and he moved through the opening in the wall that the detective moved though. His accent muttered as he moved down the alley way. The mutters in themselves were more mocking in manner and to himself. "Oh yes.. lets ask the ex-spy.. if he knows what's bloody going on. Brilliant idea. Sean Connery, Jr. pfh. ..oh yes, freaky bloke must have been with Sheridan.. lets all just ruin his holiday." A booted toe moved as he kicked a can down the alley glancing about listing for sounds. He'd had managed his way through the rubble quicker than either of the women would have been able too. But still that strange man was moving with strides he'd have to put some effort into to match. Still he was moving at a good pace down the darkness of the alley.
A brow arched, it seemed Sara's mood was not much worse then her own. Lara's mind wandered, what was that weapon of Sara's thinking right now? Did it understand the deepness of the trouble they were all in now? Probably so, that Gauntlet, the Witchblade had infatuated Lara for years now. Then again for those who knew about it when did it not infatuate your very being? She lowered her own aim watching this strange Being closely," I asked you a simple question. Just answer it." Came the high and mighty British tone," Who are you?" She repeated the question, incase he missed it the first time. Hazel orbs narrowed briefly, the British Archaeologist was trying her best to keep her temper at bay. It had not been the best day for Lara to work on managing her anger at all. First the spa ordeal and now this business with The Egyptian Book of the Dead, but on that she was rather more or less mad at herself. Eyes zeroed in on Sheridan," Too Bad. It's what you get for running into me." A quick, ha-so-there grin was given," I'm going to need all the assets your resume' contains on this Terry." In other words, yes she admitted it. Lara need his help. Shocker there. Eyes shifted to Sara a moment," So, Detective what now?" She holstered her weapon after putting a new clip in, hands rested now at the curve of her hips," Should we go after Nottingham assuming He got hit and did not get very far or do we go somewhere else and plan out our Strategy?" Irises of greenish brown moved from Sara to Terry and back again. It looked like follow him. Lara walked forward, and peered out the broken window, then walked through it without a care in the world," Well if you were us, you'd point your fingers at you too Darling." Mused the British Bombshell snidely. She laughed," You know I forgot how cleverly funny you are." Again her tone sarcastic, and the tensions rises once again. This time brought on by Lara herself.
Removing the shirt portion of the Ninja attire from his body, he moves to wrap it around his leg to stop the bleeding now coming from his leg. He would have to get it looked at soon, he knew that much. His head turned as he heard people moving into the alleyway, they must have followed after him. Damn, there wasn't any more time. He couldn't get away, and he couldn't fight all four of them. He looked to the book in his hands, and shook his head lightly, thinking he was crazy for what he was about to do. Getting to his feet with some effort, he looks to them coming down the alleyway, then deciding on what he was going to do. Moving out of the shadows, he steps into the lighted part of the alleyway, looking to them, a disdainful look on his face. He stops, looking to the four of them, then back to the book in his hands. He then looks ahead, and tosses the book to their feet. "Take it." He says simply, with a somewhat defeated tone in his voice, though the stoic face remained on his expressions. "I'll deal with Irons myself when I get back. If this book is so powerful, Irons should not have it." He says, taking a deep breath after that, then moving to lean against the left side of the alley, still in the lighted section. "And I don't feel like getting into another fight tonight. Especially an outnumbered one." He says, more like admits, as he looks to them, wondering what was going to come next.
moving even faster down the alley, Herman raised his arm to his mouth as he spoke into it, " Draft, Send a clean up crew down to the History museum. I was forced to do some damage in order to try and apprehend the book." How extensive were the damages, sir? I will need a fair estimate to know how many to send. " Looking side to side as he passes over the rubble. " One wall demolished , five floors worth of damage, and some extensive structural interior damage...." " Thank you sir.... I will send the teams in shortly, in the mean time, will you so kind as to complete the mission?" Not liking to be talked down to even if it was a super computer. " Will do, Darkstar out" looking over his shoulder at Lara as he rounds the corner. " Pushy pushy aren't we, dear heart? No pillow talk? no subtle swaying of emotions? Geez you are worse than my boss, " Smiling he walked down the alleyway and spotted Ian easily with his X-ray vision. " Let's just say, I am one of the good guys, not government, not the black op helicopters, that Men in Black crap.... I simply work for an organization that looks out for the well being of ALL mankind.... and that book is needed ..." Seeing the book coming towards their feet, Herman's reflexes so attuned to that of a cat, He kicked the book straight up like a soccer ball and into his hands. Staring at the man for a moment as he speaks and then Herman just nods. " Tell Me where he is.... and I will have a little talk with him. " Not knowing Irons from Adam, He could care less, but if this guy was able to discover the whereabouts of the book, then perhaps this schlep just memorized the entire thing by the time they had gotten there. " Better yet, buddy boy... This lady is NYPD.... you were seen running from the scene of a crime.... You want to go into her protective custody... if you know what is good for you!" Cracking his knuckles for a solid sound of Steel popping from steel, the effect of the intimidation usually worked. " Or I might have to play with ya a bit"
Sara tucked a loose tendril of hair behind her ear as she side stepped down the alley. Licking her somewhat parched lips the detective arched her neck as she listened intuitively for anything amiss. At the sound of crunching footfalls on littered asphalt, she turned her attention to the small side alley and took in the now sans mask and shirtless Ian Nottingham. She was caught off guard, and was furious. Her desire to take her out her frustration on Kenneth Irons' audacious presumption that he could simply walk away with a priceless and potentially dangerous artifact like the Egyptian Book of the Dead was beyond refute. Ian was more than enough of a target for her right now. As her orbs of Jade closed in a slow blink, her brow knit together with the imagery the Witchblade sent into her mind. ~She saw herself quickly closing the distance between herself and Nottingham. reaching out with her right forearm to knock him into the adjacent dumpster. Pulling her left hand up in a uppercut swing to jam it's barrel up under his chin and the inevitable pull of the trigger as she blew grey matter out the back of his head.~ Sara shuddered and opened her eyes feeling almost sick. The roar of her gun still echoed in her ears as though it had all just happened. "Get out of here Nottingham before I let the Witchblade do what it wants to you." Sara spoke to the trio. "Black ops huh? I know you guys. last time I trusted you're kind I was put in a lab under heavy sedation and nearly dissected for research." Sara narrowed her eyes, "You have your damned book, but somehow I'm sure it would be safer in the hands of an archeologist." Sara lifted a brow and tilted her head toward Lara, "When this is through you owe me a drink." She chewed her lip and kept her eye on the ninja hoping he would heed her advice.
Lara was in shock. Sheer complete and utter shock. Nottingham was going against Irons? Hazel orbs fixed wide on tall, dark, and creepy. Slender fingers moved from wanting to grab her gun and aim it at Ian's head. Her gaze moved from Sara, to Terry and back on Sara again, curiously. That was until the weirdo starting talking," No, I'm never cordial." A brow arched as he explained to her who he was, which only served to make her all the more lost and wanting to bust a cap in his ass. Moody indeed, but the again she had every right to be so," And just what do you need The Egyptian Book of the Dead for?" Eyes slit, narrowed dangerously Lara Watched her friend carefully," You know Pez, you are becoming trigger happy." She winked at her pal slyly," Too much hanging around me darling." However the woman looked pale suddenly," Are you okay Sara? What did you see?" She came to her Friend's side, who was practically like a sister to her," Come on let's go to my new place. It's nearby." Suddenly Lara felt a tug at her skirt," Bloody hell!" She jumped near sky high and looked down," And what do you want?" A brow arched at a strange looking black evil impish creature who held up something shiny and a note, while jumping up and down Eyes traveled to peer at Sara a moment, then took the things offered," Um.. thank you. No go away." It did so rushing back into the shadows," I hate being nice to those things." Lara's voice held distaste as she eyed the shiny thing which were a set of keys. A brow arched once more as full lips pursed and she read the note to herself. ~Lara, as you already know you got your penthouse and it is furnished. Here are the keys, so you no longer have to keep picking the lock to get in. I received your money transfer this morning. I am watching your every move. Remember this. Also remember if I want something anything from you I get it as we agreed.~ The paper was folded and slipped next to her gun on the holster/garter strapped to her leg," About time he gives me a bloody set of keys." Hazel orbs studied her friends awaiting the questions to start popping out. Quickly she tried a small subject change. ," I've got some scotch and martinis there." She looked to her comrades," And we can discuss about our tactics and how to get that book back." Of course her main concern," And make sure Irons does not get it."
"Ah yes, enjoy your little snicker.." he muttered and kept moving. The night had put the former spy in a bit of a sour mood. Still he moved and saw the shadow of the larger before them and something else move in the shadows. the injured Nottingham. And the other mans comments reached his ears which pulled a slight smirk to his face before it faded away thinking some of the relationship between the two. From shifted and he still held the gun partly lifted, still he didn't think it would be much use, seeing what the man had done to one of Sara's guns. Though he too wasn't with out his knowledge of things and he knew that what the detective wore about her wrist was more than an idle trinket. Still he looked weary towards the other man, both still. The former spy wasn't without his doubts and wonders. Lips pursed a moment before moving back towards the girls. "I don't think he wants to give it to you, love." He murmured slightly and shifted glancing about when Lara moved to Sara's side. He was closer to both women now as they stood in the alleyway. A brow arched when the little creature scurried about the darkness and he gave a slight huff. He may have been an ex-spy for the British government, but he still fell back upon his skills and there were few things he didn't pick up on at least partially. Eyes moved towards Lara and Sara then back to the other. "I think we could all go for a drink, right about now.." he murmured once again.
raising an eyebrow as he holds the book under his arm and raises the other to hail the com, " Draft, one item to beam directly to Mister Lee's office!" looking over to Sara he smiles as the book becomes a flurry of dust and particles floating into he air, the book was now in safer hands and on it's way to the bottom Ken's cave where he will put into the safest place known. " As I said....Miss Pezzini... I am not apart of Black ops. if I were there would little more than a smear right now. I am in the employee of one of the worlds benefactors! He has seen fit that the manuscript will remain intact, and that it shall not be used in such a manner as to which you believe it will. I am not affiliated with the military, nor am I a government official! I am not your enemy.... and believe it or not, Your Witchyness...." Reaching into an unseen pocket and pulls out a business card. " I do happen to hold three PhDs. I am a Geologist, an Archaeologist, and a Robotic engineer. I hold four Bachelors degrees and have just recently published a book on the subject of Advanced Molecular Mechanics! From the fixing of single cells to the restructuring of Lead into Gold! I am also a Dean at a College.... So if you doubt my credentials. Detective, I will be happy to send them to your office!" Seeing the shaking in Sara He decided to back off, He knew that the prolong exposure to that strange weapon must be affecting her psyche. Instantly he could the respect he had for her blossom. She was after all, blessed yet cursed by that thing on her arm. Upon seeing that thing dart out of the dark, " That is too weird, I think everyone has minions now! In a softer tone of voice, he began to let the power drift from as he dropped the demon form and reverted to his 6'7 human form , but the nano amour remained in place. " You know what, don't take this wrong way, Pezzini... Yeah I know... I do I know your name and stuff.... easy...It's not why you think, at the place I am employed, we have very powerful telepaths and computers, we can be hardwired into the freaking white if we put our minds towards it! We know who you are, we might give you some insight on that thing you call the Witchblade.... I know you feel no trust has been earned, but I am just a guy who wants to see the world excel... You want to protect the world. you work behind the badge! I am not restricted.... I fight for the greater good of mankind..... we are not that different.... I was born this way, Fate chose you.... " Keep the card, If you need some help.... but somehow I doubt you will call, I haven't the most pleasant of burglars. " Smiling he lowered his head. "Now if ya don't mind, I am off to paint the town, I am not back on duty for about week now". Grinning he begins to whistle as he heads off down the road and pulls out a Dempsey hat and begins to walk with a bounce in his step.
His eyes narrow, just at the mention of the name of Irons. Yes, it was definitely time to go take care of business. He looked to the dark one, not intimidated by such a person. "I'll try to remember that. Maybe if you would stop "playing", you would find time to actually look menacing." He says as he then looks back to the group. "Don't worry on Irons. I will be taking care of Irons myself. He's been a thorn in my side for far too long." He says, even though he would have to wait until the leg healed of his. He thought it was smug of them to just throw this off as nothing, and plan of having drink s back away from here. His eyes narrowed at the Dark one, as he was speaking to Sara, especially like that. "Now, if you'll excuse me." He says, as he starts to move out of the alley.
Sara rubbed the back of her neck and plopped her .357 into the small purse. "Self absorbed asshole." She grumbled more to herself then to anyone else. "Reminds me of O'Fallon downtown. there's a piece of work." She shook her head and looked to her dear friend Lara. "I'm fine, just a little wake up call." Pinching the bridge of her nose with her forefinger and thumb the brunette couldn't help but grin. "I think I've had just about as much excitement as I can handle in one night. I hear a TV dinner and an efficiency apartment calling my name.Enjoy your evening." Sara was clearly put out. Although she forced a smile toward the Brits she was positive they had a few things to work out. She took the cue and walked toward the street to hail a cab. The woman was used to a solitary life; diners, late night infomercials, watching the sun come up after hours of insomnia. Placing her forefinger and thumb behind her teeth she whistled shrilly to the nearing yellow car.
Once again resumed his look out post upon one of the high points of the city.. his hands gripping the cold steel of the cross while he feet rest on the horizontal bar.. zoned out.. his cape danced in the wind.. in full view for all to see.. a black figure atop a cross.. siding with a massive red cape.. he rested his chin on the tip of the cross.. his deep green eyes where watching yet his mind wasn't paying any attention.. his blinking grew long and drawn out as if it was a massive effort.. yet he still seemed to stay awake and rather alert.. he just didn't look it
She mused," I did." Her tongue promptly stuck out at him. Childish, yes she knew. But it did serve it's purpose none the less. Curiously she watched her ex-lover, wondering how he was going to react to all the strangeness and mystery of the situation. However, knowing Sheridan like she did Lara knew he probably had some sort of an idea of what was happening around him. If not he would ask point blank about it. Eyes moved now to the stranger holding the book," Well then." Huffed her tone as the book seemingly vanished from view. She didn't question it," Good guy? If you say so." She caught another huff and arched a brow at Terry," Something annoying you?" of course the Darkling bit...ah yes. Mr. Overly observant spy boy was piecing things together. Lara was impressed. However, unless he or Sara asked she wasn't going to let loose any information. It was one way to get back at the man and get under his skin for a change. A nod," Yes, I agree." Well, well now she was agreeing on something with him? However she had not forgotten what he had said earlier in the Spa," Gr. I'm sorry I'm being too nice to you right now." Chin tilted upwards as she tossed her hair over her shoulders. Miss High and Mighty indeed. A brow arched at Sara," Um.. Sara really do you think you ought to be alone..." As her friend got further away, the Brit's voice got quieter," Hmm. Right. Bugger." Stuck alone with Terry Sheridan not good. This could only lead to two things, well four. Fighting, verbal fighting, talking or well...kiss and make-up. Lara preferred that it ended up as talking, but somehow seriously doubt it.
She crossed her arms," Well then. Like always you didn't think before you speak." She kept that high and mightiness about her demeanor for now, as her gaze swept across her attire. It was fine, perfect. Thank goodness. A brow arched," Skirt chaser." She spat it like an insult. Which is what it's intention was. She began to walk out of the alley as well, hand rolling the keys about in her fingers. Something caught her gaze. Gold. Nice taunt there Jackie, she thought to herself. Distance was kept between her and Sheridan. It usually never turned out good if they got too close to each other," A pickle? " The English accent questioned him," What do you mean by that?" She emerged a little ahead of him from the alleyway, a relived sigh passed her lips," Good. Still there." She was of course referring to the red machine parked along the curb," Might I offer you a ride to where ever you are going?" She was forcing herself to be semi-nice as she walked around the Mustang and unlocked the driver's side. A pause before getting in await for an answer.
