After the dust settles?. (Feat. Jackie Estacado, Lara Croft, Ian
Nottingham, and Sara Pezzini)
The miracle workers that Jackie had employed seem to do their job better than any other. The hole in Jackie's arm was patched up pretty nicely and in no time he'd be back to normal. His other arm had sustained burns and would take a little longer to heal. Jackie was currently roaming around his estate... or rather his Dojo. The Dojo was a large tower that extended many flights upwards. It seemed like a regular work building but when you got inside... everything changed. With many hidden areas, Jackie was able to stay here and lay low for the most part. His roaming would lead him of course to the medical room where Lara had been placed. She was in a regular bed for the time being and seemed still unconscious but you never did know with this woman. After entering he'd take a seat beside her bed and fold his arms at his chest. Simply awaiting her arrival back into reality. He knew that things weren't gonna be all peachy when she woke up. Especially when she tried to turn and realized that her side was still out of order. The doc's did what they could with the time given and seemingly removed the bullet and patched her up nicely, leaving a tiny scar in a very unnoticeable area. Hopefully she'd be a lot calmed than he figured she'd be because he really didn't wanna hear it right now. The afternoon was unfolding indeed. It was 4 p.m. now so she'd be up any minute now unless her condition was worse than he figured.
His mind was in a panic. He was in the middle of a Kata, when the Rune on his hand began to glow as it had never done before. Something was utterly wrong. A voice in the back of his mind urged him to find the Wielder. Racing down to his car from his Dojo, he instantly got in, and started the ignition. His foot could have very well been like an Iron Curtain, because he was slamming it down onto the pedal as hard as could. He didn't know exactly where she was, he was relying on only his senses to guide him to her. They had worked in the past, they had better work now. He slowed as he approached the hospital, the feeling getting the strongest here. He stopped as he got out, throwing a jacket over his bare chest, as he walked in. Immediately going to the front desk, he needed to see if what he was fearing was true. He looks to the front desk person, worry evident in his eyes. "Sara Pezzini's room." He calmly states, hoping to get directions. The nurse looks to him, then a few charts, then back to him. "She's in the ICU right now. You can't go in there, but there's a waiting room right next to it. Down the Hall and to your left." She says, pointing it out to him, as he nods and makes his way down the hall. She was in Intensive Care, it had to be serious. Once approaching the Intensive Care Unit, he finds the waiting room, as he takes a seat and sits down. Hopefully, some doctor would be able to tell him more of what happened, as he sat and pondered if she was going to truly be alright.
Lara had no idea where she was. She wouldn't not until she wakes up, but even then she wouldn't know. Why had Jackie basically kidnapped her for? The Brit had been bandaged, operated on and given medicine which had made her sleep for who knows how long in all truth. Her mind kept playing the carnage of the morning over and over again. Like a endless nightmare. Maybe if she hadn't have taken that bullet it would be different. She wondered, was Sara alive? Was Terry mad, not knowing where she was. Knowing Terry Sheridan he was probably gearing up to find her right now. Being an ex-spy, he'd have the resources to do so without a problem. her hair had been unbraided and was falling on the pillow, the Doctors, Jackie's miracle workers had placed the Tomb Raider in a pair of extra workout clothes from her gym bag which someone had brought by earlier after her arrival there. It was her more comfortable attire used mostly when she visited a place of Martial Arts. loose baggy gray sweat pants, and a white tank-top. Slowly, her senses began to awaken. Instantly the Brit was aware she wasn't alone, where-ever she was. hazel orbs opened and focused," Where in the bloody hell am I?" Eyes fell on Jackie, widened, then narrowed. Her anger temperature began to rather quickly rise. She sat up rather quickly, but the movement caused her sore body to force her right back down again," Bugger." The greenish-brown orbs glared at the dark haired man. The British Brat had woke up testy alright," You know, you made this bad for the both of us by doing what you did." Her tone was shaky as she tried her best to hold back the desire to yell at him," He'll come looking for me." And then her friend, one of her best if not really her only one came to mind," Is she...Sara alive?" She hoped he knew.
The life support machine beeped as her weak body fed her heartbeat's rate into the machine. A mechanical hiss of air being pumped into her lungs, and a multitude of tubes were linked into the cop's prone body. A steady drip from the IV fed vital fluids into her body. For hours the doctors had worked on her pumping pint after pint into her body as she bled out. Her neck was wrapped in white gauze, the flesh mended with a surgical stitch. A large vase of flowers sat at the adjacent table clearly an expensive choice. If one were so inclined to read the card the note would read, "My deepest sympathy. With love, Ken" She remained in a state of dreaming pain, imagery of the past days flashing into her memory.
The Darkness raised his brow in awe as Lara awoken. He wasn't aware that people woke up in this sort of manner. But then again, this was Lara we're talking about... she the least bit predictable of most the people he had come to know. He reached to his right side and grabbed at a small cup containing some herbal drink. His usual drink in during the daytime. He remained silent for a second as he sat there and drunk. He was thinking to himself now, she obviously wanted answers and she'd most likely try to fight them outa him so he might as well get started with some answers now. He looked her in the eye while leaning down and putting a hand on the side of her pillow, face to face with her now... "Your at my dojo. If you really feel the need to know where exactly you are."... A smile set on his facial features now as he stared and looked her over... "Well... She's in the hospital right now. I believe she'll be just fine later on, she's kinda in a bad way right now. She's a tough girl though."
The tension was killing him. For once, he wasn't the smooth, collected, stoic person he let on, knowing that Sara was in there right now. A doctor slowly came up to him, as Ian turned to look at him. "Are you a friend of Miss Pezzini's?" He asks, as Ian numbly nods. "She's in a lot of pain right now, but I think it would be alright if you go and see her now. But please, only a few minutes." He says, as the doctor walks off to check on other patients. Ian slowly stands up, and walks into Sara's room, and almost drops his jaw, seeing her bandaged and with tubes in her like that. He slowly walks over to her bedside, looking down at her, he was partially still in the shadows of the dimly lit room. He gently takes her delicate hand into his own, and gently squeezes it. He looks down to her, as he gently rubs his thumb over the back of her hand. "Get better, Sara. You have to. I....I don't know what I would do...without you here." He says, as he could feel the sting of tears in his eyes. Only a few nights ago, he had told her he cared for her, as much as he could care with every fiber of his being. He couldn't say that he loved her then, but now...now was different. "I love you, Sara." He says, gently kissing her hand, as he then moves away from her gently, and then out of her room completely. He hung his head low, leaning back against the door, thinking about what to do next. He then raised his head, his eyes narrowing, and burning with a fury not usually there in his stoic _expression. It was time to go back to his Dojo. He would need a few things.
Silently seething she watched him drink. So casual and layed back. She damned him for being that way," Hm. Nice." She commented coolly on his Dojo. Her body was sore, her side throbbing just a little still as was the grazed spot on her leg, which had also been bandaged. Eye to eye. Lovely. her features remained set in the stone of obvious unease and anger as she glared into his blue gaze as he smiled," I would not be smiling if I was you Jackie Estacado." The British accent was chalk full of emotion. Heated tempered emotion. He had put himself at some risk and Lara aswell, question was to what extent. If she could have pushed him away, or pushed herself back more into the pillow she would have, however she had pushed her head into it enough already. A deep breath, her mind and body were fighting now thanks to His move of becoming so close to her. Lara's mind was in anger, her body sore and rather enjoying the feel of someone so strong so close at the moment. her mind was screaming for him to get away, for her to slap him. Her body however was begging to be held. Sometimes the Brit detested being a woman when it came to situations like these. For the longest time she remained silent, just glaring at him hands balled into fists as she sought control over both mind and body.
The first thing Ian might have noticed was that the Witchblade wasn't on her wrist. It had shifted to a position about her neck, concealed by the bandages and was desperately mending her wounds as she rested. Her mind's eye flashed over the memories of the Witchblade. It showed her several other Blade-wielders in similar dark situations. A pirate. Her dark curls matted with blood as she lay on the deck of a ruined ship her crew slaughtered. A medieval peasant strapped up on a pike of wood, her hands nailed into the wood above her head and her body ruined from rape and beatings. Lastly she saw the first. Her armor was cracked and scorched. Her entire civilization decimated by a war for the Witchblade. The alien gift bestowed to her was a coveted prize by an entire race of beings, and that lust for power the end of all she knew and loved. Sara's brow furrowed as the dream turned darker. A flash of lightning and an image of Kenneth Irons standing above her broken body, the Witchblade upon his arm and his dark laughter echoing in her ears. Sara sat bolt upright in the bed at Ian's touch her mouth working to scream. Due to the ruined windpipe a sickening broken noise her only result. Fingertips worked against the bandage, as her eyes focused on Ian. ".Where is he?" she mouth slowly, the words barely audible. "Lara. Jackie. Terry." Her eyes closed as she swallowed. She looked ready to puke, but she was pushing out of the bed, the cords following her movement to get up.
He saw the anguish in her expression, he was only testing something and the results were questionable still. His eyes closed and he put a hand over his face for a moment, thinking to himself once more. He had nothing to say right now so he simply would just get up and go. She was angry him, obviously but he didn't know exactly to what extent. All coolness in his manner remained as he started towards the room's door, planning to leave her be for now. She apparently needed some alone time so that was what he'd give her. She was a woman and thus very much more emotional than he could ever be or allow himself to be. He slid both hands into his pockets and gave her his attention once more before departing from the place. The people in the dojo knew of her presence and would tell her where to go if she wished to leave his place. With that last look he turned and finally put his thoughts into action, heading for the door. A sigh escaped him as he did so, an open expression of feeling a loss. He felt as if something was missing within himself that he longed to have found, hopefully sooner than later.
He looks back to Sara, a smile breaking on to his face, seeing her awake. Immediately, he was back at her side. "I'm going to take care of him , Sara. My way." He says, the smile fading off of his face, as he looks to her. "I'll be back to see you later tonight. Rest." He says simply, as he moves back out of her room, and down to his car, his face set with determination. Within thirty minutes he was back to his place again, not wasting a single moment to going to his armory, instantly looking around at the various weapons for his use. Changing to a obsidian clad ninja uniform, save for the mask, Ian looks to the weapons, as he starts pulling some out. He hashes twin katanas at his side, as he looks around for something else to take with him. It was then he saw the single, solitary sword in it's glass case, almost yearning to be used. He walks over to the case, and gently removes it with the utmost care. Strapping it onto his back, and then placing a black, leather trench coat on his back, he felt this was a necessary situation for using the fabled sword, Excalibur. Moving out of his place, and down to his car, he immediately starts it back up again, heading to Jackie Estacado's place. The High Tower may have been imposing to some, but not for him. He was too determined to let anything get in his way. Walking into the lobby of the tower, he sees two guards come up to him. "I'm here to see to Mr. Estacado." He says simply, before drawing a katana from his side and slashing against their chests, as they fell to the floor. Looking ahead, he continues to move on.
She waited for him to say something. Anything and nothing came. Her body now wakening was slowly beginning to feel like itself again. Her thoughts shifting slightly, he knew she was mad. But she didn't know what he was feeling right then. Oddly, Lara wanted too. Badly. The Brit had come to discover Jackie Estacado was not an easy man to read. He was a mysterious man, quiet somehow, and kept himself in disclosure. Lara had that habit herself, disclosure. But hers was different, it ran deep on her emotions and hid them well for the most part. Her thoughts began to shift some more, perhaps she shouldn't be too mad at him? After all he had only done what he thought best, Sara had lost it that morning. Terry was shot as well, so Jackie had in truth really only been the one with enough mind to do something to save her. A sigh, she moved to speak, but before she could he moved to walk out. ," Bugger." Quickly, but carefully she stood from the bed and moved towards the door this action causing to realize how badly bent out of shape her body was. However, her will was strong. Lara Croft is a very stubborn woman when determined. And she was determined now," Jackie...wait...I...I'm sorry." She looked away feeling foolish. her hands gripped the door to steady her," I didn't mean to loose my temper. it's just this is all such a big mess now, much more so then before." Finally she forced her eyes too look at him, to study his face. Lara was not a weak woman in any situation and so in the best manner she could her long form straightened and head was held high, but not in a haughty manner in a manner of honesty and understanding ," I should be thanking you." With her movements slow, the Tomb Raider moved herself infront of Jackie a hand coming to rest at the side of his smooth muscular face. She would thank him indeed in a way she figured he would find deeming," You once again saved my ruddy exsistance." Dangerous people, deal with dangerous people and Lara Croft and Jackie Estacado are about as dangerous as one can get. With that, her body moved upwards just slightly and met his lips with her's, as her mind damned her for being a typical female at that moment.
As Nottingham exited her hospital room she winced again. He meant well, she knew that he was only trying to protect her, or perhaps his boss's investment, but she couldn't let any more bloodshed fall today. With a grimace she pulled the IV from the crook of her arm, the metal syringe plinking onto the ground as morphine flowed out onto the tiles. Shaky hands removed the heart monitor and breathing tube, the machine reading a flat line as it disconnected from her body. Donned in a hospital gown, still bandaged about her throat, and barefoot, the detective stumbled out of the room toward the stairs. A nurse at the station caught a glimpse of the detective leaving and immediately called for security. Sara was rounding the hall, her head bowed down and her left hand clasped at her neck. A wound that would have killed another in minutes and she was up and walking. or at least trying to. Upon the arrival of three orderlies, Sara went into a defensive stance. The first two tried to close in, "Easy there miss.. we don't' wanna hurt you.. but you're in shock.. you need to lie down. Sara grabbed the first at the hand that was trying to clamp down on her shoulder and she used his weight against him. With a twist, she broke his wrist and tossed him into the other man. The two fell into a heap against a crash cart. The third was wide-eyed. "Whoa there! Take it easy." He had pulled a syringe from his pocket and had it cupped against the back of his wrist. Sara's eyes narrowed and her head tilted to one side. "Get out of my way." She simply commanded her voice gravelly. He backed up as if he was going to leave her go, but as she walked toward the door he lunged knocking her over. The syringe was plunged into her thigh as she screamed hoarsely. "You don't understand! I have to get.out . of.. here!!" Sara kicked back with her bare foot and the action broke the orderly's nose. She was on her feet in a few seconds, groggily running out into the street as she ducked into a cab. " Take me to the Jigoku no Daidokoro." The cabbie turned back to size her up. "Lady are you sure? You don't' look so good." Sara gave him a pleading look, "Please. I don't have much time." The message was read loud and clear. He didn't even charge her as he pulled up to 'Hell's Kitchen' he simply said, "God speed." Sara exited the cab, her eyes barely open from the heavy dose of meds. Her bare feet trailing a blood trail as she walked though the pools of coagulating blood past the corpses in the lobby.
His motions stopped as he heard Lara's movements from off of the bed. And before he knew it she would be directly in his pathway for departure. She was stopping him from leaving... Another of his tests, but this one was a bit more successful. In Jackie's mind he still had no one to trust and with how close he & Lara were becoming, it was evident that she'd keep learning more and more about him and he'd be forced to trust her, whether he liked it or not. He was ready to trust her but his mind pushed him against it. His eyes scanned her once more, watching her every movement. He stood there, motionless and in perfect silence. As she spoke he felt the urge to say something but did not speak just yet. He rather, leaned forward a bit and took a step towards her. She apparently was having mixed emotions or feelings about the entire thing so he thought to help her with her frustrations, at least give her a temporary relief. He put a finger up and pressed it against Lara's lips the moment She said she should've been thanking him... "Shhh... It's alright, you don't need to thank me. I was just doing what I should've been doing"... he closed his eyes for a second and tried to collect his thoughts which were fluttering around due to Lara's presence... "I..... There's something I wanna tell you but I don't know if I can."... with that he took Lara's frame into his hands, holding her close, his lips taken by her own. The moment was perfect but everything that seems perfect has a slight technicality... specifically Ian in this case. He continued the kiss, more so a tongue kiss than any ordinary one now. During this time the panel in his pocket vibrated wildly, meaning that he needed to be alert because trouble was happening.
Blood poured like rain on his travels up the tower. Anyone that tried to stop him, would and did die. Some did the smart thing, and hid. He wouldn't go after them, but he did have to continue on the stairs that would lead him higher and higher into the tower. His face rarely changed as he continued to make more victims of his rage. It was normally in the stoic position that meant he wouldn't show them what he was feeling as he killed them. He wondered how far this tower actually went up , but he would continue to climb, no matter what the cost. Sara was hurt, because of him. That's all that he needed to know, or wanted to know. He eventually moved up to the higher floors of the building, as he saw a barricade of guards, all armed and ready to shoot him. Ian narrows his eyes, as he sees Seven of them, all taking defensive positions while getting a bead on him. "Don't move!" One of them in back shouted. He looks to them with his already drawn katana, as he just smirks slightly and disappears into the shadows behind him. They all started to look around where he could have possibly gone to, but all of them turned to one of the guards on the left, as a katana was sticking through him, the guard screaming in agony as blood came rushing out of his wound. The six others started to fire behind the guard, but were apparently hitting nothing. Next, the two guards in the back were the next to go, followed by the remaining flanking guards on the left and the right. The one remaining guard, looks around nervously, and starts firing blindly wherever, as Ian picks up his sword from the body of the first guard, and looks to the last remaining one. Moving along the sides of the hallway and keeping low to the ground, Ian brings his sword back, and removes the guards left leg at the knee. As the guard then falls, he turns and slices right through the arm that was still holding the gun, as it feel to the ground. Ian looked to the guard, as he tried to save as much blood as he could from his wounds. "Please....I have a wife and child...I'm only doing my job!" He tries to plead for his life, as Ian swings his sword in a vertical circle a couple of times, before driving it right into the man's chest. Removing it, seeing the last guard dead, he looks to him. "So am I." He says simply, and then continues to move up into the tower.
Her eyes closed. What did he have to tell her? A million and one things came to her mind indeed. His taste, his touch could probably drive a woman mad. So dangerous, it was almost thrilling. Even for a formidable dangerous person like Lara Croft. Oh what had she gotten herself into this time? Again that fight began in her mind, Jackie, Terry, Jackie, Terry. Lara had always been a logical woman. Hence why her brother dear was always telling her to lighten up, but to the woman lightening up meant trouble like this. The kiss was deepened and boy could this man kiss. It was intense, almost held an urgency to it. Slender fingers worked their way into the dark tendrils of his hair as he held her against him. What kind of possible game are you playing Lara? Her mind began to shoot questions such as at the Brit. She arched a brow as they kissed, his words echoing in her mind; should have been doing? What was that supposed to mean exactly? Lara and her curiosity, it began to nag at her just as much as the questions were. Her emotions and feelings were becoming more and more mixed as the kiss seemed to wear on. Why did she have to be attracted to two men at once? Why could she not simply choose? A mental sigh she did not know, perhaps she would never. But for now perhaps it was best to focus on one thing at a time. Right now the one thing at this time was Jackie. Slowly she was the one once more to break the kiss," Mm." For the a moment she simply looked at him allowing her form to rest against him letting him hold her up as her body was tired," What do you want to tell me?" She pressed the issue, curious indeed. A brow arched rather amusedly," Jackie, either you're in a very good mood or you got a pager going off." Hazel orbs gestured towards his pocket," Something is vibrating in your pocket." She mused slightly, as it might be bad news. A strange cold chill down her spine made her think it was so.
Sara was climbing as fast as she could, but without the aid of the Witchblade she was no match for Nottingham's speed. Her eyes widened in horror as she passed the carnage. So many. dead... it was all her fault. Tears welled up in her eyes for the poor souls that lay before her feet. "My God I'm too late" she moaned, her voice cracking in emotion. Even the most seasoned cop would have been moved at the carnage in which she partook. It was too much to take in all at once, she found herself looking from body to body the blade working the memory of their deaths into her mind. The weapon was working furiously to mend the wounds on Sara's neck, but it was in no state to act aggressively. A headache worked though her temples like an ice pick, it felt like she was losing her grip on reality. as though she was going to fall. Working against the meds she stumbled up the stairs as quickly as she could. The brunette was consumed with guilt. Lara, Terry, even Jackie's lives were compromised due to her accursed weapon, and now this carnage. it was like walking though a war zone. Oddly Sara fit right in.
He knew by the way her body reacted that she was enjoying herself A smile crossed along his lips as she pulled her lips back from his. He stared her down now almost trying to ignore the panel in his pocket until Lara had to bring it to his full attention. He looked down and reached into his pocket for it and grabbed it, exposing it now. The red light was blinking rapidly, meaning that there was an intruder and something real serious was going down. He narrowed his eyes then swooped Lara from her feet, slowly taking his time he walked towards the bed. He set her smoothly down onto the mattress. He looked away then looked at the panel images... "Ian's intruding on my space. I think it's best that you stay here... things will get real ugly real soon.
He was on the final floor of the tower now, blood still dripping off of the Katana he had done the slaughtering with. He looked around, seeing really only one main entrance to Jackie's suite. Two very burly and mean looking guards then slowly came out of the shadows, as they look to Ian. "This is as far as you go, Sir." The one on the left says, As Ian raises a brow to him. "Really? You might want to ask the others downstairs about that. Oh wait. You can't." He says with a sinister smirk, as the one on the right checks the security monitors for the lower levels "He's right, there are bodies everywhere." The guard says as the one on the left looks back to Ian. Ian moved into a ready position as he looked back to the guard. The guard looked back to the other guard, and motioned him to follow. "come on, Let's go down to Harry's and get a drink." He says, as the other guard looks back to him. "So were just going to let him go?" He asks, as the other guard nods. "Yup. We make less than thirty thousand a year. I'm not losing my life for that creep in there." He says, as the guard nods to Ian, looking back to the suite. "He's in there." He says, as he and the other guard leaves the top floor. Ian then looking to the suite in front of him, he lets out a battle cry, then start running for the door, then leaping into a front jump kick, moving to kick the door down. Once getting up, he holds his katana in a ready position, looking around for Jackie.
A brow arched. He was smiling again, but this time he did have reason too. However the smile didn't last long, his movement was quick as she felt him lift her," Jackie, what's going on?" It had to be bad, his expression had turned fairly dark. Hazel orbs glanced towards a window. The sun was setting. Lara's gaze quickly snapped back towards Jackie," Nottingham is what?!?" oh great, Lara had a funny feeling this day was not going to end on a good note. Eyes jutted swiftly to her bag a moment in the corner of the room. The gun was resting there, just barely visible. Lara felt silly being forced to stay somewhere and physically she couldn't argue much with the man. Arms folded and she sulked," I never get to have fun." Of course to Lara ugly situations were fun. Kicking some ass was fun. The brownish- green irises peered at the man a moment," Just don't get yourself killed. Obviously he's here in revenge for Sara." Was that worry in the Lady's tone? Oddly to her own disbelief yes. She knew Jackie was very able to handle and take care of himself, but then again this was Ian Nottingham he was about to take on. Lara knew from horror stories that Sara had shared, that Ian was one hell of a fighter. Especially with a Katana," You know how he feels about Sara. He loves her and he'll do anything to keep her safe. Including kill Irons if necessary." Hence she also meant if needed he would aim to kill Jackie as well," Just be careful." Meanwhile the Brit had a funny feeling it was a good thing she could move somewhat and had a gun nearby. Sure, she could defend herself without a gun wounded or not, but a gun just made it easier.
'Splendid!' Kenneth smiled as he sat in his gallery of Witchblade artifacts. The crackle of the fireplace was soothing. It's mellow glow worked over the ice in his glass of single malt scotch. The time was drawing near. He could feel the Witchblade weakening it's wielder's psyche. He keened his head back against the overstuffed chair and let out a long breath, relishing in the sensation. Light beads of sweat stood out on his forehead as he felt his two pawns nearing in proximity. The last time Ian had felt the energy of the Witchblade it nearly drove him mad with bloodlust. Nothing compared to the euphoria of the blade's power. Ken's left hand gripped the chair's arm as his hoary eyes fluttered open. "I will have you one way or the other." He spoke aloud, though it wasn't clear if he was referring to the Witchblade or its host. With a casual gesture he moved the Queen across the impressive chessboard. "Check." He spoke to the empty room.
Sara stumbled at the top of the stair, her hair a ragged mass of brown about her shoulders while her breathing was hard and ragged. With blood streaked fingertips she reached out toward the open doorway a few yards from her. She knew they were inside, and her heart feared the worst. A cold chill of dread worked down her spine as her eyes rolled back. The voice of the Witchblade was in her head and it sounded afraid. ~'No! Run! Not Strong Enough. RUN!'~ She fought hard against the urge to pass out. "Nottingham! Get out of here!" Sara shouted as loudly as she could. Her voice cracked as she felt the excruciating strain on her throat.
His eyes looked to the setting sun.. "Heh, It's starting to get a little late. Time to put Nottingham to bed."... He cracked his neck from side to side then immediately after cracked his knuckles. The room was very large and the distance from the door to bed was quite far. His office was about the size of an average homes living room times 6. Jackie's narrowed eyes burned as the sun's rays of light dissipated from sight and the moon was made to be seen. It was about 7 p.m. now... this meant the Darkness was back in business for the rest of the day. Darklings spurred up from the contents of the floor. About 7 of them for the time being. Other's would arrive soon enough if he beckoned for their arrival. Jackie's naturally blue eyes emitted a deep blood red color, making it so his pupils were made invisible. His body engulfed in a black flame, various pats of his body collecting the armor of the Darkness. The armor would gradually spread it's gold, silver and metallic green form along his entire structure. Covering from the top of his eyebrows to the bottom of his chin, exposing the neck barely and continuing down from the top of his chest all the way down the rest of his structure. Jackie's right hand shifted it's form somewhat and formed a hand cannon in form of a Desert Eagle but he was allowed by his power to form whatever he wished thus making the gun much more lethal than the actual one would be. He closed one eye and tilted his head a bit to the left side, his aim going to the doorway which was in a moment about to be kicked down by Mr. Nottingham himself. The devilish smirk never leaving his face but with the facial armor it would not be noticeable. One.... Two.... Three... and there it was, Nottingham feet first kicking his door down. Good timing indeed. He mentally commanded his weapon and with what seemed to be a rapid spray, bullets we're let off. Seemingly to escape all at once. The DE was made to be rapid fire as he thought it should be. The recoil was little to none as the gun was built into his structure. At least 16 shots were let off... each heading to various location towards the door, scattered for the most part.
His eyes instantly look onto the mask of Jackie Estacado, cursing himself for not getting here just a little bit earlier. Shots rang out, as he instantly strafed to the right to try and deflect any of the shots coming towards him. With great nimbleness and speed, that was implanted into him very early on, he seems to be able to make it over to behind a marble pillar, as he instantly starts checking over himself to see if her was hear anywhere. It seems most of it went through his coat, as he looked to his sword. That wasn't so lucky. It was chipped and cracked in many places, it was better off being a dagger now. His sword was sturdy, but not enough from what Estacado was firing. Tossing the sword off to the side, He slips out of his jacket and tosses it over to where the sword is, hopefully to make them think that he was going to be moving over there. He looked out a window at the far end of the room, seeing night was just starting, and Estacado would be like this for the rest of the night. He couldn't even hear Sara's call through the gun blasts, but he was running out of ideas and quick. A direct attack wasn't going to cut it, and those Darklings of his were going to be a real bother as well. The rune on the back of his hand glowed softly, meaning that Sara was nearby, and he couldn't risk her getting more injured than she already was. Drawing the second katana from his side, he looks around the room, trying to see if there was anything he could use to his advantage. A vase here, a table there, a fireplace off to the right. He stops, as he looks to the fireplace for a moment, maybe getting an idea on how to at least distract them. "For someone who's the mob's best hitman, your aim was poor, Estacado. " He calls out, trying to hide his location for maybe just a little bit longer. Standing up , but still behind the pillar, he looks off to see a possible way to get out of here, through the bedroom. That wouldn't work, he chastised himself, as he looked to the fireplace yet again. It seemed to be a gas fireplace, with the gas lines running down through the floor. There was a small space where it hit the floor, before going through it, that looked like it could be used. His aim would have to be dead on though. Looking to his right, he moves into a sprint from his position by the pillar, towards the next available hiding spot, past the fire place.
Lara watched as he moved away from her and towards the door. His comment made her smirk a little. The Brit knew Ian did not face good odds at all. Hazel orbs watched as his transformation into The Darkness began," Fascinating." Indeed it was that. She had never seen this occur, most times it was daylight and he was normal, or night had already fallen and he had already donned the armor. Well the night of the train track ordeal slightly counted, but she really hadn't been paying attention then. The room was large, very large. Lara had noted this when she woke-up and now it worried her. And the worry had it's reason as Ian came through the door," This is not good." hazel orbs fell to the gun in her bag, a few steps away. She could end the fight right here, right now. However Sara's cracking voice came into her ears causing all thoughts of the gun to fade from her mind. Sara looked like death warmed over. Worse then the Brit herself. Lara was going to kick her friend's ass for escaping the hospital. However she had good reason, so perhaps a yelling was a bit more in order. Her pupils went wide slightly, the brown and green colors almost seeming to swirl as she watched Jackie unfurl a rather amazing bullet assault on Nottingham. She could do nothing really but watch. The gun was slipped under the blanket and sheets around her as eyes reverted back to the fight. Ian was the servant of Kenneth Irons who was a sneaky yank all in his own accord. Lara had a feeling that Ian had been trained in the same sneaky manners. Eyes glanced to Sara again, if only she could get over there and help her. She knew it was gas, all she had to do was aim at one of the lines and then boom! Ian would be cut off. Shifting her position on the bed, she knelt forward, the gun not her usual, but it would do. It shot and had a half a clip of bullets in it. Out snapped her arm straight, the barrel of the gun fixed on one of the lines. The trigger was squeezed, the shot rang off as the bullet reared from the chamber, out the barrel and sped towards the line. In a matter of sheer milliseconds it hit. Woosh! Was the next sound heard as the bullet hitting the line caused it too break. The Bullet hit the side of the stone fireplace causing a spark. Luckily just what the brash Brit had wanted it to do. A fire ignited. Now another trick. A window behind her seeing as the fireplace was no leaking a gas they needed fresh air coming in and a way for the gas to get out. Another shot as glass shards littered the floor. Quickly Lara, glanced at Jackie and then The Darklings about, hoping He and they wouldn't get to mad at her for helping out just a little as she gave Ian a little wave, and a smart grin as she lifted the smoking barrel of the gun to her lips and blew off the rising gray cloud.
Detective Sara Pezzini slowly walked into the penthouse office and leaned her tired frame against the door jam. Green irises bisected by shards of yellow blinked in surprise as she regained a bit of her strength. Her feet were bare and coated in the blood of Jackie's innocent guards. Sara's eyes were open doors to her inner turmoil and sadness. She was near crying as she internally blamed herself for all of this. If she had just listened to Lara none of them would be dead, sure she would have been fired, but at least these innocent souls wouldn't forever haunt her memory. feed her guilt. Dragging her hand though her hair, Sara traced a line of innocent blood across the bridge of her nose, she pushed off the door's frame and walked directly toward the hitman Estacado. The Witchblade rested at the hollow of her throat, still covered by the bandages and in a recessed state. "The killing stops here." She spoke as loudly as she could, her voice ragged, but cleaner then before. The blast of fire cut between herself and Jackie as her sorrow filled eyes met with his. Yes she was protecting Ian, hell she was protecting herself. The heat from the ignited gas singed at her skin and licked against the edges of her hair. She stood stoically eye to eye with Jackie her eyes open and honestly expressing her regret and her fear.
Jackie reopened his one closed eye and gives the room a quick glance, from place to place, checking for Ian. He had a feeling the man wasn't at all downed, the smoke having cleared up from his fire and no sight of Nottingham having given him this impression. The Darklings, all armed and dangerous, were moving around the room... they were the most loyal things he'd ever had upon his company and they handle themselves quite well in the face of danger. A few had swords, others with guns of all different types. Jackie stood in the same spot as they circled the perimeter. This hiding wasn't gonna do Nottingham but so good as long as the little guys were here. They'd sniff him out and fight to kill. Jackie's hand reformed itself into the original clawed fist that it started out as. He reached behind his back and waited. Along his back was forming a 7 foot long sword. It would beneath his palm and when fully created he grasped it and took the hilt with both hands, sliding it in front of him. His body was settled and poised, he was ready to strike at any moment now, eyes rapidly bouncing from place to place, ears listening for the slightest unfamiliar sound created. the ring of a gun shot echoed throughout the room and took his focus. Lara had a weapon? Damn... not for the best right now, hopefully she wouldn't get trigger happy. He looked to Sara Pezzini... the Witchblade was back apparently, but she looked in no condition to be here for a fight. Jackie was better at controlling his urges to kill but the issue of the Witchblade & the Darkness stayed in mind as the symbiote gave gestures, even commands. Jackie was in control and his logical way of thinking and even feeling gave him more of an edge against the urges of the Darkness. The explosion was worrying him somewhat... she blew up a gas pipe and now gas leaking was the last thing he needed with all these guns out in the place. Even with the newly made opened window, there was still the threat of a worst explosion if one of the Darklings attacked. Something took his focus once more. It was Sara this time... she had boldly came all this way and was now seemingly face to face with him. He did nothing yet, but stood and listened. His fighting stance with the sword gradually eased up as did the muscles in his body. She seemed so sincere with her gesture... he could no longer feel the negativity of the Witchblade but rather now he felt the sorrow and pain of Sara Pezzini. He closed his fist fully and the sword scattered then disappeared from sight. If it was her wish to end the fighting then he would do so. As Jackie eased, the Darklings stayed ready, simply awaiting his command... Jackie's narrowed eyes opened and the facial armor removed itself. He felt somewhat sorry for the woman and it showed on his _expression... "Tell Nottingham to come out of hiding... and I will permit you both to leave from here without any further problems..."
He sees the fire separating them both, realizing that his plan had worked. somewhat. It was distracting Estacado enough to where he was losing his concentration on finding him. He looks to Sara; she was a mess, as he then heard Jackie's comment, about him coming out of hiding. He slowly turned from his hiding spot, Looking Estacado, dead on, he looks back to Sara. "Sorry to end this short, but our tussle has to end." He says, looking to Lara, earning her glare for her services to Jackie. He then turns the other head, and heads straight for Sara, picking her up in his arms as he moves towards a far window behind them both, as he charges through it, shoulder first, seeing the ground fall rapidly towards them. He looks to Sara for a moment, as he lands, seemingly unharmed, as he moves with her as far away as possible.
Hazel orbs blinked as Sara, her barely walking and alive friend moved between the two fighting men. Oddly Lara picked up on something, Jackie and Ian looked rather a lot alike. Both of them tall, good builds, and black hair. Blue eyes as well. Interesting. A brow arched. However her ears took over her mind," Good girl Sara." Whispered the Brit as she heard the words of her friend. Now it was all on Jackie. What would he do? Lara knew the man held more control over his Entity then Sara did, but as into the moment and fight as he was would it matter? A gasp as she watched the sword form, her hand reached for the gun again only to have one of the Darklings knock it from her hand a wag a finger at her," Bad." Childishly Lara stuck her tongue out at the creature, who in return gave the gesture back," Cheeky little monster." Hissed the British accent at it. It seemed not to care what she said and went about it's merry way now with Lara's gun, well it wasn't exactly Lara's gun. But that's another story. Now all she could do was watch, watch and hope. The sword was dropped and Jackie's words forced a sigh of possible relief from the Tomb Raider's full lips, but now what would Ian do? The Assassin did indeed come out of hiding. The man shocked the Archaeologist beyond belief. he shot a glare at her, which was returned in kind. He could kiss her ass as far as Lara was concerned. brown and green orbs watched as the man moved up to her friend and gathered her up into his arms and leaving with her. Lara stood, willing her body to the window to watch Tall, Dark and Creepy make off with Sara. The Brit clenched a fist and pounded it down on the sill," If he so much as hurts a hair on her head I will kill him." Lara made it a solemn vow, "Same goes with Irons." She knew damn well that was where Ian was taking Sara and it cut into her gut like a knife.
The miracle workers that Jackie had employed seem to do their job better than any other. The hole in Jackie's arm was patched up pretty nicely and in no time he'd be back to normal. His other arm had sustained burns and would take a little longer to heal. Jackie was currently roaming around his estate... or rather his Dojo. The Dojo was a large tower that extended many flights upwards. It seemed like a regular work building but when you got inside... everything changed. With many hidden areas, Jackie was able to stay here and lay low for the most part. His roaming would lead him of course to the medical room where Lara had been placed. She was in a regular bed for the time being and seemed still unconscious but you never did know with this woman. After entering he'd take a seat beside her bed and fold his arms at his chest. Simply awaiting her arrival back into reality. He knew that things weren't gonna be all peachy when she woke up. Especially when she tried to turn and realized that her side was still out of order. The doc's did what they could with the time given and seemingly removed the bullet and patched her up nicely, leaving a tiny scar in a very unnoticeable area. Hopefully she'd be a lot calmed than he figured she'd be because he really didn't wanna hear it right now. The afternoon was unfolding indeed. It was 4 p.m. now so she'd be up any minute now unless her condition was worse than he figured.
His mind was in a panic. He was in the middle of a Kata, when the Rune on his hand began to glow as it had never done before. Something was utterly wrong. A voice in the back of his mind urged him to find the Wielder. Racing down to his car from his Dojo, he instantly got in, and started the ignition. His foot could have very well been like an Iron Curtain, because he was slamming it down onto the pedal as hard as could. He didn't know exactly where she was, he was relying on only his senses to guide him to her. They had worked in the past, they had better work now. He slowed as he approached the hospital, the feeling getting the strongest here. He stopped as he got out, throwing a jacket over his bare chest, as he walked in. Immediately going to the front desk, he needed to see if what he was fearing was true. He looks to the front desk person, worry evident in his eyes. "Sara Pezzini's room." He calmly states, hoping to get directions. The nurse looks to him, then a few charts, then back to him. "She's in the ICU right now. You can't go in there, but there's a waiting room right next to it. Down the Hall and to your left." She says, pointing it out to him, as he nods and makes his way down the hall. She was in Intensive Care, it had to be serious. Once approaching the Intensive Care Unit, he finds the waiting room, as he takes a seat and sits down. Hopefully, some doctor would be able to tell him more of what happened, as he sat and pondered if she was going to truly be alright.
Lara had no idea where she was. She wouldn't not until she wakes up, but even then she wouldn't know. Why had Jackie basically kidnapped her for? The Brit had been bandaged, operated on and given medicine which had made her sleep for who knows how long in all truth. Her mind kept playing the carnage of the morning over and over again. Like a endless nightmare. Maybe if she hadn't have taken that bullet it would be different. She wondered, was Sara alive? Was Terry mad, not knowing where she was. Knowing Terry Sheridan he was probably gearing up to find her right now. Being an ex-spy, he'd have the resources to do so without a problem. her hair had been unbraided and was falling on the pillow, the Doctors, Jackie's miracle workers had placed the Tomb Raider in a pair of extra workout clothes from her gym bag which someone had brought by earlier after her arrival there. It was her more comfortable attire used mostly when she visited a place of Martial Arts. loose baggy gray sweat pants, and a white tank-top. Slowly, her senses began to awaken. Instantly the Brit was aware she wasn't alone, where-ever she was. hazel orbs opened and focused," Where in the bloody hell am I?" Eyes fell on Jackie, widened, then narrowed. Her anger temperature began to rather quickly rise. She sat up rather quickly, but the movement caused her sore body to force her right back down again," Bugger." The greenish-brown orbs glared at the dark haired man. The British Brat had woke up testy alright," You know, you made this bad for the both of us by doing what you did." Her tone was shaky as she tried her best to hold back the desire to yell at him," He'll come looking for me." And then her friend, one of her best if not really her only one came to mind," Is she...Sara alive?" She hoped he knew.
The life support machine beeped as her weak body fed her heartbeat's rate into the machine. A mechanical hiss of air being pumped into her lungs, and a multitude of tubes were linked into the cop's prone body. A steady drip from the IV fed vital fluids into her body. For hours the doctors had worked on her pumping pint after pint into her body as she bled out. Her neck was wrapped in white gauze, the flesh mended with a surgical stitch. A large vase of flowers sat at the adjacent table clearly an expensive choice. If one were so inclined to read the card the note would read, "My deepest sympathy. With love, Ken" She remained in a state of dreaming pain, imagery of the past days flashing into her memory.
The Darkness raised his brow in awe as Lara awoken. He wasn't aware that people woke up in this sort of manner. But then again, this was Lara we're talking about... she the least bit predictable of most the people he had come to know. He reached to his right side and grabbed at a small cup containing some herbal drink. His usual drink in during the daytime. He remained silent for a second as he sat there and drunk. He was thinking to himself now, she obviously wanted answers and she'd most likely try to fight them outa him so he might as well get started with some answers now. He looked her in the eye while leaning down and putting a hand on the side of her pillow, face to face with her now... "Your at my dojo. If you really feel the need to know where exactly you are."... A smile set on his facial features now as he stared and looked her over... "Well... She's in the hospital right now. I believe she'll be just fine later on, she's kinda in a bad way right now. She's a tough girl though."
The tension was killing him. For once, he wasn't the smooth, collected, stoic person he let on, knowing that Sara was in there right now. A doctor slowly came up to him, as Ian turned to look at him. "Are you a friend of Miss Pezzini's?" He asks, as Ian numbly nods. "She's in a lot of pain right now, but I think it would be alright if you go and see her now. But please, only a few minutes." He says, as the doctor walks off to check on other patients. Ian slowly stands up, and walks into Sara's room, and almost drops his jaw, seeing her bandaged and with tubes in her like that. He slowly walks over to her bedside, looking down at her, he was partially still in the shadows of the dimly lit room. He gently takes her delicate hand into his own, and gently squeezes it. He looks down to her, as he gently rubs his thumb over the back of her hand. "Get better, Sara. You have to. I....I don't know what I would do...without you here." He says, as he could feel the sting of tears in his eyes. Only a few nights ago, he had told her he cared for her, as much as he could care with every fiber of his being. He couldn't say that he loved her then, but now...now was different. "I love you, Sara." He says, gently kissing her hand, as he then moves away from her gently, and then out of her room completely. He hung his head low, leaning back against the door, thinking about what to do next. He then raised his head, his eyes narrowing, and burning with a fury not usually there in his stoic _expression. It was time to go back to his Dojo. He would need a few things.
Silently seething she watched him drink. So casual and layed back. She damned him for being that way," Hm. Nice." She commented coolly on his Dojo. Her body was sore, her side throbbing just a little still as was the grazed spot on her leg, which had also been bandaged. Eye to eye. Lovely. her features remained set in the stone of obvious unease and anger as she glared into his blue gaze as he smiled," I would not be smiling if I was you Jackie Estacado." The British accent was chalk full of emotion. Heated tempered emotion. He had put himself at some risk and Lara aswell, question was to what extent. If she could have pushed him away, or pushed herself back more into the pillow she would have, however she had pushed her head into it enough already. A deep breath, her mind and body were fighting now thanks to His move of becoming so close to her. Lara's mind was in anger, her body sore and rather enjoying the feel of someone so strong so close at the moment. her mind was screaming for him to get away, for her to slap him. Her body however was begging to be held. Sometimes the Brit detested being a woman when it came to situations like these. For the longest time she remained silent, just glaring at him hands balled into fists as she sought control over both mind and body.
The first thing Ian might have noticed was that the Witchblade wasn't on her wrist. It had shifted to a position about her neck, concealed by the bandages and was desperately mending her wounds as she rested. Her mind's eye flashed over the memories of the Witchblade. It showed her several other Blade-wielders in similar dark situations. A pirate. Her dark curls matted with blood as she lay on the deck of a ruined ship her crew slaughtered. A medieval peasant strapped up on a pike of wood, her hands nailed into the wood above her head and her body ruined from rape and beatings. Lastly she saw the first. Her armor was cracked and scorched. Her entire civilization decimated by a war for the Witchblade. The alien gift bestowed to her was a coveted prize by an entire race of beings, and that lust for power the end of all she knew and loved. Sara's brow furrowed as the dream turned darker. A flash of lightning and an image of Kenneth Irons standing above her broken body, the Witchblade upon his arm and his dark laughter echoing in her ears. Sara sat bolt upright in the bed at Ian's touch her mouth working to scream. Due to the ruined windpipe a sickening broken noise her only result. Fingertips worked against the bandage, as her eyes focused on Ian. ".Where is he?" she mouth slowly, the words barely audible. "Lara. Jackie. Terry." Her eyes closed as she swallowed. She looked ready to puke, but she was pushing out of the bed, the cords following her movement to get up.
He saw the anguish in her expression, he was only testing something and the results were questionable still. His eyes closed and he put a hand over his face for a moment, thinking to himself once more. He had nothing to say right now so he simply would just get up and go. She was angry him, obviously but he didn't know exactly to what extent. All coolness in his manner remained as he started towards the room's door, planning to leave her be for now. She apparently needed some alone time so that was what he'd give her. She was a woman and thus very much more emotional than he could ever be or allow himself to be. He slid both hands into his pockets and gave her his attention once more before departing from the place. The people in the dojo knew of her presence and would tell her where to go if she wished to leave his place. With that last look he turned and finally put his thoughts into action, heading for the door. A sigh escaped him as he did so, an open expression of feeling a loss. He felt as if something was missing within himself that he longed to have found, hopefully sooner than later.
He looks back to Sara, a smile breaking on to his face, seeing her awake. Immediately, he was back at her side. "I'm going to take care of him , Sara. My way." He says, the smile fading off of his face, as he looks to her. "I'll be back to see you later tonight. Rest." He says simply, as he moves back out of her room, and down to his car, his face set with determination. Within thirty minutes he was back to his place again, not wasting a single moment to going to his armory, instantly looking around at the various weapons for his use. Changing to a obsidian clad ninja uniform, save for the mask, Ian looks to the weapons, as he starts pulling some out. He hashes twin katanas at his side, as he looks around for something else to take with him. It was then he saw the single, solitary sword in it's glass case, almost yearning to be used. He walks over to the case, and gently removes it with the utmost care. Strapping it onto his back, and then placing a black, leather trench coat on his back, he felt this was a necessary situation for using the fabled sword, Excalibur. Moving out of his place, and down to his car, he immediately starts it back up again, heading to Jackie Estacado's place. The High Tower may have been imposing to some, but not for him. He was too determined to let anything get in his way. Walking into the lobby of the tower, he sees two guards come up to him. "I'm here to see to Mr. Estacado." He says simply, before drawing a katana from his side and slashing against their chests, as they fell to the floor. Looking ahead, he continues to move on.
She waited for him to say something. Anything and nothing came. Her body now wakening was slowly beginning to feel like itself again. Her thoughts shifting slightly, he knew she was mad. But she didn't know what he was feeling right then. Oddly, Lara wanted too. Badly. The Brit had come to discover Jackie Estacado was not an easy man to read. He was a mysterious man, quiet somehow, and kept himself in disclosure. Lara had that habit herself, disclosure. But hers was different, it ran deep on her emotions and hid them well for the most part. Her thoughts began to shift some more, perhaps she shouldn't be too mad at him? After all he had only done what he thought best, Sara had lost it that morning. Terry was shot as well, so Jackie had in truth really only been the one with enough mind to do something to save her. A sigh, she moved to speak, but before she could he moved to walk out. ," Bugger." Quickly, but carefully she stood from the bed and moved towards the door this action causing to realize how badly bent out of shape her body was. However, her will was strong. Lara Croft is a very stubborn woman when determined. And she was determined now," Jackie...wait...I...I'm sorry." She looked away feeling foolish. her hands gripped the door to steady her," I didn't mean to loose my temper. it's just this is all such a big mess now, much more so then before." Finally she forced her eyes too look at him, to study his face. Lara was not a weak woman in any situation and so in the best manner she could her long form straightened and head was held high, but not in a haughty manner in a manner of honesty and understanding ," I should be thanking you." With her movements slow, the Tomb Raider moved herself infront of Jackie a hand coming to rest at the side of his smooth muscular face. She would thank him indeed in a way she figured he would find deeming," You once again saved my ruddy exsistance." Dangerous people, deal with dangerous people and Lara Croft and Jackie Estacado are about as dangerous as one can get. With that, her body moved upwards just slightly and met his lips with her's, as her mind damned her for being a typical female at that moment.
As Nottingham exited her hospital room she winced again. He meant well, she knew that he was only trying to protect her, or perhaps his boss's investment, but she couldn't let any more bloodshed fall today. With a grimace she pulled the IV from the crook of her arm, the metal syringe plinking onto the ground as morphine flowed out onto the tiles. Shaky hands removed the heart monitor and breathing tube, the machine reading a flat line as it disconnected from her body. Donned in a hospital gown, still bandaged about her throat, and barefoot, the detective stumbled out of the room toward the stairs. A nurse at the station caught a glimpse of the detective leaving and immediately called for security. Sara was rounding the hall, her head bowed down and her left hand clasped at her neck. A wound that would have killed another in minutes and she was up and walking. or at least trying to. Upon the arrival of three orderlies, Sara went into a defensive stance. The first two tried to close in, "Easy there miss.. we don't' wanna hurt you.. but you're in shock.. you need to lie down. Sara grabbed the first at the hand that was trying to clamp down on her shoulder and she used his weight against him. With a twist, she broke his wrist and tossed him into the other man. The two fell into a heap against a crash cart. The third was wide-eyed. "Whoa there! Take it easy." He had pulled a syringe from his pocket and had it cupped against the back of his wrist. Sara's eyes narrowed and her head tilted to one side. "Get out of my way." She simply commanded her voice gravelly. He backed up as if he was going to leave her go, but as she walked toward the door he lunged knocking her over. The syringe was plunged into her thigh as she screamed hoarsely. "You don't understand! I have to get.out . of.. here!!" Sara kicked back with her bare foot and the action broke the orderly's nose. She was on her feet in a few seconds, groggily running out into the street as she ducked into a cab. " Take me to the Jigoku no Daidokoro." The cabbie turned back to size her up. "Lady are you sure? You don't' look so good." Sara gave him a pleading look, "Please. I don't have much time." The message was read loud and clear. He didn't even charge her as he pulled up to 'Hell's Kitchen' he simply said, "God speed." Sara exited the cab, her eyes barely open from the heavy dose of meds. Her bare feet trailing a blood trail as she walked though the pools of coagulating blood past the corpses in the lobby.
His motions stopped as he heard Lara's movements from off of the bed. And before he knew it she would be directly in his pathway for departure. She was stopping him from leaving... Another of his tests, but this one was a bit more successful. In Jackie's mind he still had no one to trust and with how close he & Lara were becoming, it was evident that she'd keep learning more and more about him and he'd be forced to trust her, whether he liked it or not. He was ready to trust her but his mind pushed him against it. His eyes scanned her once more, watching her every movement. He stood there, motionless and in perfect silence. As she spoke he felt the urge to say something but did not speak just yet. He rather, leaned forward a bit and took a step towards her. She apparently was having mixed emotions or feelings about the entire thing so he thought to help her with her frustrations, at least give her a temporary relief. He put a finger up and pressed it against Lara's lips the moment She said she should've been thanking him... "Shhh... It's alright, you don't need to thank me. I was just doing what I should've been doing"... he closed his eyes for a second and tried to collect his thoughts which were fluttering around due to Lara's presence... "I..... There's something I wanna tell you but I don't know if I can."... with that he took Lara's frame into his hands, holding her close, his lips taken by her own. The moment was perfect but everything that seems perfect has a slight technicality... specifically Ian in this case. He continued the kiss, more so a tongue kiss than any ordinary one now. During this time the panel in his pocket vibrated wildly, meaning that he needed to be alert because trouble was happening.
Blood poured like rain on his travels up the tower. Anyone that tried to stop him, would and did die. Some did the smart thing, and hid. He wouldn't go after them, but he did have to continue on the stairs that would lead him higher and higher into the tower. His face rarely changed as he continued to make more victims of his rage. It was normally in the stoic position that meant he wouldn't show them what he was feeling as he killed them. He wondered how far this tower actually went up , but he would continue to climb, no matter what the cost. Sara was hurt, because of him. That's all that he needed to know, or wanted to know. He eventually moved up to the higher floors of the building, as he saw a barricade of guards, all armed and ready to shoot him. Ian narrows his eyes, as he sees Seven of them, all taking defensive positions while getting a bead on him. "Don't move!" One of them in back shouted. He looks to them with his already drawn katana, as he just smirks slightly and disappears into the shadows behind him. They all started to look around where he could have possibly gone to, but all of them turned to one of the guards on the left, as a katana was sticking through him, the guard screaming in agony as blood came rushing out of his wound. The six others started to fire behind the guard, but were apparently hitting nothing. Next, the two guards in the back were the next to go, followed by the remaining flanking guards on the left and the right. The one remaining guard, looks around nervously, and starts firing blindly wherever, as Ian picks up his sword from the body of the first guard, and looks to the last remaining one. Moving along the sides of the hallway and keeping low to the ground, Ian brings his sword back, and removes the guards left leg at the knee. As the guard then falls, he turns and slices right through the arm that was still holding the gun, as it feel to the ground. Ian looked to the guard, as he tried to save as much blood as he could from his wounds. "Please....I have a wife and child...I'm only doing my job!" He tries to plead for his life, as Ian swings his sword in a vertical circle a couple of times, before driving it right into the man's chest. Removing it, seeing the last guard dead, he looks to him. "So am I." He says simply, and then continues to move up into the tower.
Her eyes closed. What did he have to tell her? A million and one things came to her mind indeed. His taste, his touch could probably drive a woman mad. So dangerous, it was almost thrilling. Even for a formidable dangerous person like Lara Croft. Oh what had she gotten herself into this time? Again that fight began in her mind, Jackie, Terry, Jackie, Terry. Lara had always been a logical woman. Hence why her brother dear was always telling her to lighten up, but to the woman lightening up meant trouble like this. The kiss was deepened and boy could this man kiss. It was intense, almost held an urgency to it. Slender fingers worked their way into the dark tendrils of his hair as he held her against him. What kind of possible game are you playing Lara? Her mind began to shoot questions such as at the Brit. She arched a brow as they kissed, his words echoing in her mind; should have been doing? What was that supposed to mean exactly? Lara and her curiosity, it began to nag at her just as much as the questions were. Her emotions and feelings were becoming more and more mixed as the kiss seemed to wear on. Why did she have to be attracted to two men at once? Why could she not simply choose? A mental sigh she did not know, perhaps she would never. But for now perhaps it was best to focus on one thing at a time. Right now the one thing at this time was Jackie. Slowly she was the one once more to break the kiss," Mm." For the a moment she simply looked at him allowing her form to rest against him letting him hold her up as her body was tired," What do you want to tell me?" She pressed the issue, curious indeed. A brow arched rather amusedly," Jackie, either you're in a very good mood or you got a pager going off." Hazel orbs gestured towards his pocket," Something is vibrating in your pocket." She mused slightly, as it might be bad news. A strange cold chill down her spine made her think it was so.
Sara was climbing as fast as she could, but without the aid of the Witchblade she was no match for Nottingham's speed. Her eyes widened in horror as she passed the carnage. So many. dead... it was all her fault. Tears welled up in her eyes for the poor souls that lay before her feet. "My God I'm too late" she moaned, her voice cracking in emotion. Even the most seasoned cop would have been moved at the carnage in which she partook. It was too much to take in all at once, she found herself looking from body to body the blade working the memory of their deaths into her mind. The weapon was working furiously to mend the wounds on Sara's neck, but it was in no state to act aggressively. A headache worked though her temples like an ice pick, it felt like she was losing her grip on reality. as though she was going to fall. Working against the meds she stumbled up the stairs as quickly as she could. The brunette was consumed with guilt. Lara, Terry, even Jackie's lives were compromised due to her accursed weapon, and now this carnage. it was like walking though a war zone. Oddly Sara fit right in.
He knew by the way her body reacted that she was enjoying herself A smile crossed along his lips as she pulled her lips back from his. He stared her down now almost trying to ignore the panel in his pocket until Lara had to bring it to his full attention. He looked down and reached into his pocket for it and grabbed it, exposing it now. The red light was blinking rapidly, meaning that there was an intruder and something real serious was going down. He narrowed his eyes then swooped Lara from her feet, slowly taking his time he walked towards the bed. He set her smoothly down onto the mattress. He looked away then looked at the panel images... "Ian's intruding on my space. I think it's best that you stay here... things will get real ugly real soon.
He was on the final floor of the tower now, blood still dripping off of the Katana he had done the slaughtering with. He looked around, seeing really only one main entrance to Jackie's suite. Two very burly and mean looking guards then slowly came out of the shadows, as they look to Ian. "This is as far as you go, Sir." The one on the left says, As Ian raises a brow to him. "Really? You might want to ask the others downstairs about that. Oh wait. You can't." He says with a sinister smirk, as the one on the right checks the security monitors for the lower levels "He's right, there are bodies everywhere." The guard says as the one on the left looks back to Ian. Ian moved into a ready position as he looked back to the guard. The guard looked back to the other guard, and motioned him to follow. "come on, Let's go down to Harry's and get a drink." He says, as the other guard looks back to him. "So were just going to let him go?" He asks, as the other guard nods. "Yup. We make less than thirty thousand a year. I'm not losing my life for that creep in there." He says, as the guard nods to Ian, looking back to the suite. "He's in there." He says, as he and the other guard leaves the top floor. Ian then looking to the suite in front of him, he lets out a battle cry, then start running for the door, then leaping into a front jump kick, moving to kick the door down. Once getting up, he holds his katana in a ready position, looking around for Jackie.
A brow arched. He was smiling again, but this time he did have reason too. However the smile didn't last long, his movement was quick as she felt him lift her," Jackie, what's going on?" It had to be bad, his expression had turned fairly dark. Hazel orbs glanced towards a window. The sun was setting. Lara's gaze quickly snapped back towards Jackie," Nottingham is what?!?" oh great, Lara had a funny feeling this day was not going to end on a good note. Eyes jutted swiftly to her bag a moment in the corner of the room. The gun was resting there, just barely visible. Lara felt silly being forced to stay somewhere and physically she couldn't argue much with the man. Arms folded and she sulked," I never get to have fun." Of course to Lara ugly situations were fun. Kicking some ass was fun. The brownish- green irises peered at the man a moment," Just don't get yourself killed. Obviously he's here in revenge for Sara." Was that worry in the Lady's tone? Oddly to her own disbelief yes. She knew Jackie was very able to handle and take care of himself, but then again this was Ian Nottingham he was about to take on. Lara knew from horror stories that Sara had shared, that Ian was one hell of a fighter. Especially with a Katana," You know how he feels about Sara. He loves her and he'll do anything to keep her safe. Including kill Irons if necessary." Hence she also meant if needed he would aim to kill Jackie as well," Just be careful." Meanwhile the Brit had a funny feeling it was a good thing she could move somewhat and had a gun nearby. Sure, she could defend herself without a gun wounded or not, but a gun just made it easier.
'Splendid!' Kenneth smiled as he sat in his gallery of Witchblade artifacts. The crackle of the fireplace was soothing. It's mellow glow worked over the ice in his glass of single malt scotch. The time was drawing near. He could feel the Witchblade weakening it's wielder's psyche. He keened his head back against the overstuffed chair and let out a long breath, relishing in the sensation. Light beads of sweat stood out on his forehead as he felt his two pawns nearing in proximity. The last time Ian had felt the energy of the Witchblade it nearly drove him mad with bloodlust. Nothing compared to the euphoria of the blade's power. Ken's left hand gripped the chair's arm as his hoary eyes fluttered open. "I will have you one way or the other." He spoke aloud, though it wasn't clear if he was referring to the Witchblade or its host. With a casual gesture he moved the Queen across the impressive chessboard. "Check." He spoke to the empty room.
Sara stumbled at the top of the stair, her hair a ragged mass of brown about her shoulders while her breathing was hard and ragged. With blood streaked fingertips she reached out toward the open doorway a few yards from her. She knew they were inside, and her heart feared the worst. A cold chill of dread worked down her spine as her eyes rolled back. The voice of the Witchblade was in her head and it sounded afraid. ~'No! Run! Not Strong Enough. RUN!'~ She fought hard against the urge to pass out. "Nottingham! Get out of here!" Sara shouted as loudly as she could. Her voice cracked as she felt the excruciating strain on her throat.
His eyes looked to the setting sun.. "Heh, It's starting to get a little late. Time to put Nottingham to bed."... He cracked his neck from side to side then immediately after cracked his knuckles. The room was very large and the distance from the door to bed was quite far. His office was about the size of an average homes living room times 6. Jackie's narrowed eyes burned as the sun's rays of light dissipated from sight and the moon was made to be seen. It was about 7 p.m. now... this meant the Darkness was back in business for the rest of the day. Darklings spurred up from the contents of the floor. About 7 of them for the time being. Other's would arrive soon enough if he beckoned for their arrival. Jackie's naturally blue eyes emitted a deep blood red color, making it so his pupils were made invisible. His body engulfed in a black flame, various pats of his body collecting the armor of the Darkness. The armor would gradually spread it's gold, silver and metallic green form along his entire structure. Covering from the top of his eyebrows to the bottom of his chin, exposing the neck barely and continuing down from the top of his chest all the way down the rest of his structure. Jackie's right hand shifted it's form somewhat and formed a hand cannon in form of a Desert Eagle but he was allowed by his power to form whatever he wished thus making the gun much more lethal than the actual one would be. He closed one eye and tilted his head a bit to the left side, his aim going to the doorway which was in a moment about to be kicked down by Mr. Nottingham himself. The devilish smirk never leaving his face but with the facial armor it would not be noticeable. One.... Two.... Three... and there it was, Nottingham feet first kicking his door down. Good timing indeed. He mentally commanded his weapon and with what seemed to be a rapid spray, bullets we're let off. Seemingly to escape all at once. The DE was made to be rapid fire as he thought it should be. The recoil was little to none as the gun was built into his structure. At least 16 shots were let off... each heading to various location towards the door, scattered for the most part.
His eyes instantly look onto the mask of Jackie Estacado, cursing himself for not getting here just a little bit earlier. Shots rang out, as he instantly strafed to the right to try and deflect any of the shots coming towards him. With great nimbleness and speed, that was implanted into him very early on, he seems to be able to make it over to behind a marble pillar, as he instantly starts checking over himself to see if her was hear anywhere. It seems most of it went through his coat, as he looked to his sword. That wasn't so lucky. It was chipped and cracked in many places, it was better off being a dagger now. His sword was sturdy, but not enough from what Estacado was firing. Tossing the sword off to the side, He slips out of his jacket and tosses it over to where the sword is, hopefully to make them think that he was going to be moving over there. He looked out a window at the far end of the room, seeing night was just starting, and Estacado would be like this for the rest of the night. He couldn't even hear Sara's call through the gun blasts, but he was running out of ideas and quick. A direct attack wasn't going to cut it, and those Darklings of his were going to be a real bother as well. The rune on the back of his hand glowed softly, meaning that Sara was nearby, and he couldn't risk her getting more injured than she already was. Drawing the second katana from his side, he looks around the room, trying to see if there was anything he could use to his advantage. A vase here, a table there, a fireplace off to the right. He stops, as he looks to the fireplace for a moment, maybe getting an idea on how to at least distract them. "For someone who's the mob's best hitman, your aim was poor, Estacado. " He calls out, trying to hide his location for maybe just a little bit longer. Standing up , but still behind the pillar, he looks off to see a possible way to get out of here, through the bedroom. That wouldn't work, he chastised himself, as he looked to the fireplace yet again. It seemed to be a gas fireplace, with the gas lines running down through the floor. There was a small space where it hit the floor, before going through it, that looked like it could be used. His aim would have to be dead on though. Looking to his right, he moves into a sprint from his position by the pillar, towards the next available hiding spot, past the fire place.
Lara watched as he moved away from her and towards the door. His comment made her smirk a little. The Brit knew Ian did not face good odds at all. Hazel orbs watched as his transformation into The Darkness began," Fascinating." Indeed it was that. She had never seen this occur, most times it was daylight and he was normal, or night had already fallen and he had already donned the armor. Well the night of the train track ordeal slightly counted, but she really hadn't been paying attention then. The room was large, very large. Lara had noted this when she woke-up and now it worried her. And the worry had it's reason as Ian came through the door," This is not good." hazel orbs fell to the gun in her bag, a few steps away. She could end the fight right here, right now. However Sara's cracking voice came into her ears causing all thoughts of the gun to fade from her mind. Sara looked like death warmed over. Worse then the Brit herself. Lara was going to kick her friend's ass for escaping the hospital. However she had good reason, so perhaps a yelling was a bit more in order. Her pupils went wide slightly, the brown and green colors almost seeming to swirl as she watched Jackie unfurl a rather amazing bullet assault on Nottingham. She could do nothing really but watch. The gun was slipped under the blanket and sheets around her as eyes reverted back to the fight. Ian was the servant of Kenneth Irons who was a sneaky yank all in his own accord. Lara had a feeling that Ian had been trained in the same sneaky manners. Eyes glanced to Sara again, if only she could get over there and help her. She knew it was gas, all she had to do was aim at one of the lines and then boom! Ian would be cut off. Shifting her position on the bed, she knelt forward, the gun not her usual, but it would do. It shot and had a half a clip of bullets in it. Out snapped her arm straight, the barrel of the gun fixed on one of the lines. The trigger was squeezed, the shot rang off as the bullet reared from the chamber, out the barrel and sped towards the line. In a matter of sheer milliseconds it hit. Woosh! Was the next sound heard as the bullet hitting the line caused it too break. The Bullet hit the side of the stone fireplace causing a spark. Luckily just what the brash Brit had wanted it to do. A fire ignited. Now another trick. A window behind her seeing as the fireplace was no leaking a gas they needed fresh air coming in and a way for the gas to get out. Another shot as glass shards littered the floor. Quickly Lara, glanced at Jackie and then The Darklings about, hoping He and they wouldn't get to mad at her for helping out just a little as she gave Ian a little wave, and a smart grin as she lifted the smoking barrel of the gun to her lips and blew off the rising gray cloud.
Detective Sara Pezzini slowly walked into the penthouse office and leaned her tired frame against the door jam. Green irises bisected by shards of yellow blinked in surprise as she regained a bit of her strength. Her feet were bare and coated in the blood of Jackie's innocent guards. Sara's eyes were open doors to her inner turmoil and sadness. She was near crying as she internally blamed herself for all of this. If she had just listened to Lara none of them would be dead, sure she would have been fired, but at least these innocent souls wouldn't forever haunt her memory. feed her guilt. Dragging her hand though her hair, Sara traced a line of innocent blood across the bridge of her nose, she pushed off the door's frame and walked directly toward the hitman Estacado. The Witchblade rested at the hollow of her throat, still covered by the bandages and in a recessed state. "The killing stops here." She spoke as loudly as she could, her voice ragged, but cleaner then before. The blast of fire cut between herself and Jackie as her sorrow filled eyes met with his. Yes she was protecting Ian, hell she was protecting herself. The heat from the ignited gas singed at her skin and licked against the edges of her hair. She stood stoically eye to eye with Jackie her eyes open and honestly expressing her regret and her fear.
Jackie reopened his one closed eye and gives the room a quick glance, from place to place, checking for Ian. He had a feeling the man wasn't at all downed, the smoke having cleared up from his fire and no sight of Nottingham having given him this impression. The Darklings, all armed and dangerous, were moving around the room... they were the most loyal things he'd ever had upon his company and they handle themselves quite well in the face of danger. A few had swords, others with guns of all different types. Jackie stood in the same spot as they circled the perimeter. This hiding wasn't gonna do Nottingham but so good as long as the little guys were here. They'd sniff him out and fight to kill. Jackie's hand reformed itself into the original clawed fist that it started out as. He reached behind his back and waited. Along his back was forming a 7 foot long sword. It would beneath his palm and when fully created he grasped it and took the hilt with both hands, sliding it in front of him. His body was settled and poised, he was ready to strike at any moment now, eyes rapidly bouncing from place to place, ears listening for the slightest unfamiliar sound created. the ring of a gun shot echoed throughout the room and took his focus. Lara had a weapon? Damn... not for the best right now, hopefully she wouldn't get trigger happy. He looked to Sara Pezzini... the Witchblade was back apparently, but she looked in no condition to be here for a fight. Jackie was better at controlling his urges to kill but the issue of the Witchblade & the Darkness stayed in mind as the symbiote gave gestures, even commands. Jackie was in control and his logical way of thinking and even feeling gave him more of an edge against the urges of the Darkness. The explosion was worrying him somewhat... she blew up a gas pipe and now gas leaking was the last thing he needed with all these guns out in the place. Even with the newly made opened window, there was still the threat of a worst explosion if one of the Darklings attacked. Something took his focus once more. It was Sara this time... she had boldly came all this way and was now seemingly face to face with him. He did nothing yet, but stood and listened. His fighting stance with the sword gradually eased up as did the muscles in his body. She seemed so sincere with her gesture... he could no longer feel the negativity of the Witchblade but rather now he felt the sorrow and pain of Sara Pezzini. He closed his fist fully and the sword scattered then disappeared from sight. If it was her wish to end the fighting then he would do so. As Jackie eased, the Darklings stayed ready, simply awaiting his command... Jackie's narrowed eyes opened and the facial armor removed itself. He felt somewhat sorry for the woman and it showed on his _expression... "Tell Nottingham to come out of hiding... and I will permit you both to leave from here without any further problems..."
He sees the fire separating them both, realizing that his plan had worked. somewhat. It was distracting Estacado enough to where he was losing his concentration on finding him. He looks to Sara; she was a mess, as he then heard Jackie's comment, about him coming out of hiding. He slowly turned from his hiding spot, Looking Estacado, dead on, he looks back to Sara. "Sorry to end this short, but our tussle has to end." He says, looking to Lara, earning her glare for her services to Jackie. He then turns the other head, and heads straight for Sara, picking her up in his arms as he moves towards a far window behind them both, as he charges through it, shoulder first, seeing the ground fall rapidly towards them. He looks to Sara for a moment, as he lands, seemingly unharmed, as he moves with her as far away as possible.
Hazel orbs blinked as Sara, her barely walking and alive friend moved between the two fighting men. Oddly Lara picked up on something, Jackie and Ian looked rather a lot alike. Both of them tall, good builds, and black hair. Blue eyes as well. Interesting. A brow arched. However her ears took over her mind," Good girl Sara." Whispered the Brit as she heard the words of her friend. Now it was all on Jackie. What would he do? Lara knew the man held more control over his Entity then Sara did, but as into the moment and fight as he was would it matter? A gasp as she watched the sword form, her hand reached for the gun again only to have one of the Darklings knock it from her hand a wag a finger at her," Bad." Childishly Lara stuck her tongue out at the creature, who in return gave the gesture back," Cheeky little monster." Hissed the British accent at it. It seemed not to care what she said and went about it's merry way now with Lara's gun, well it wasn't exactly Lara's gun. But that's another story. Now all she could do was watch, watch and hope. The sword was dropped and Jackie's words forced a sigh of possible relief from the Tomb Raider's full lips, but now what would Ian do? The Assassin did indeed come out of hiding. The man shocked the Archaeologist beyond belief. he shot a glare at her, which was returned in kind. He could kiss her ass as far as Lara was concerned. brown and green orbs watched as the man moved up to her friend and gathered her up into his arms and leaving with her. Lara stood, willing her body to the window to watch Tall, Dark and Creepy make off with Sara. The Brit clenched a fist and pounded it down on the sill," If he so much as hurts a hair on her head I will kill him." Lara made it a solemn vow, "Same goes with Irons." She knew damn well that was where Ian was taking Sara and it cut into her gut like a knife.
