The Tomb Raider buckles down (Feat. Lara Croft, Ivan Croft, Patience, Gabriel Bowman and Terry Sheridan)

Lara's emotions were raw. Too much had happened over the last twenty four hours. It would, it should be enough to drive a person insane. But Lara is used to insane driving situations. That night after her argument with Terry she had not gone back to the penthouse, instead she had walked to Sara's apartment. The Brit was going to play detective. Once she had picked the lock, inside she found the place seemingly untouched, eerily quiet. Putting her mental skills to work the Brit scouted about the real Detective's apartment, coming across a notebook. It was your average everyday sort, but inside it was full of Sara's contacts over the years. Lara found her own name, even Jackie's. Jake of course, Julie Sara's sister and....," Who is this?" The Magdalena- Patience," Hmm. Hell's Kitchen location." Closing the book, Lara placed it into her pack and left. Back to the Penthouse she went and down the hall to Ivan's room," Up." Came her accent as she opened the door with a thwack!," We got work to do." The light switch was flipped on as the brass balled woman turned into her own room and began to attach her holsters and place her twin Desert Eagle .44 Magnums into them," There we go." Out into the space between the hall, living room and kitchen before the front door and waited for her brother. He'd know she meant business. Lara was tired of mucking around, it was time to get the ball rolling everyone's lives were at stake now. She had this gut feeling, and This Patience woman was one of the people she stole a copy of the Book of the Dead from to keep it out of Irons' hands. For a moment hazel orbs fixed on the lilies Jackie had sent, an almost sad smile pressing across her full lips with a sigh as she recalled the argument with Terry at the same time.

Ivan new the importance of this. When Lara became distraught, something was wrong. The twin couldn't sleep the previous night, so when Lara charged into his room unannounced, he was ready. Dressed in nice, casual clothes with guns hidden just below the surface, he sauntered out of his plush bedroom and turned the futile light off. Habitually patting his shoulder holsters to make sure his Desert Eagles were still intact, he swaggered down the hall with attitude dripping from each pore. The two were just alike in attitude and the way they carry themselves. It was not hard to conclude that the two were of the same breeding. Ivan maneuvered around Lara and made his way into the sleek kitchen. It was surprising to see the kitchen in such immaculate shape without Hillary around. After all, Lara was retched at keeping living quarters humane enough to convene in. He nonchalantly reached into the refrigerator, extracted a small orange juice, and began chugging on it while hipping the door shut. Having already downed half of it, he released the drink with a grateful sigh. "I got my guns, sis. And a reserve hunting knife on my boot," he lifted his jeans up enough for Lara to spot the knife strapped into a secure, discreet holster. Letting the jeans puddle back against his black boots, he leaned comfortably against the counter adjacent to him, "Anything else I need to take? I'm sure you have two of everything, but I don't want to be shorthanded when a gun is pressed to my temple."

The Magdalena, generations upon generations have brought the world these warriors of the Church. Since the death of Christ. Lone warriors and servants to God they devote their lives to the protection of those who are good, of the innocence. That was her now life's mission, to help, to protect, or serve. Rather new, Patience was catching on very quick. She had wrestled with vampires and demons of all sorts already. And she was firm in her actions. Located in Hell's Kitchen, her apartment was set. Not really run down totally anymore, since she had her hand at things, but not the most charming either. The whole sections was slummy, a bad part of New York, one of the worst really. Perhaps that was why she chose to be there. The run down buildings, the homeless at every corner you could find, the guns, the drugs, the murders, the darkness that loomed like a cloud over this poor community. Well, if that's what you would call it anyways. She was set in her apartment at the time, gazing out the window, looking almost for anything that went wrong. Neighbors considered her strange sometimes, how she kept to herself, but she listened yes, she could hear the arguments coming from apartments all around her, she could hear their innerness, The screaming, the confessions. She was far from unaware of the situations just in the place she lived. As she turned from the window, she moved towards the table, which rested upon it, some of her tools. A sword, almost like a rapier, a gun, her cloak, things which she strapped on and got ready. She had a feeling today was going to bring something she would have to get herself into.

Idly she stood, her mind wandering about again. Hazel orbs dropped to stare at the bandage still beneath her clothing. Lara was tired of wearing it, surely it was healed by now as well as she was getting around. Less then one day and healed? Impossible. Well, not quite. She recalled the one time in Cambodia, with Powell and greedy Mr. West. The Monks had healed her within hours. Slender fingers took hold of the white wrappings and pulled them free from her waist," Hmm." A brow arched, she was indeed healed a small scar left as a reminder of the bullet she had taken playing Hero. After depositing the wrappings, Lara eyed the pure while Lilies once more and then allowed her gaze to fall on the picture of the man who had sent them. His cell number on the back. The Brit pocketed the picture, that number might come in handy. A brow arched as he entered dressed," Well then." Had he been dressed when she walked into his room? She had been so pre-occupied that she doubted she paid attention," We're going to visit a friend of Sara's today. The Magdalena, or Patience. She's an agent for the Catholic Church." Lara moved towards the door and out it," Good to see you're prepared Brother Dear." A cheeky smile and then down the steps, the Bombshell preferring the exercise. As Ivan followed she explained about Sara, and mostly everything else leaving out the interesting juicy things and her argument with Sheridan only a few hours ago. She would be driving today. The glaze set into her hazel orbs made it obvious that Lara was taking the reins with this one. This being one of her infamous damn the torpedoes, off the cuff plans. Translation: She was making it up as she went along. Inside her rented gray/silver Aston Martin, the brash woman tore away from the curb as soon as Ivan was settled and properly buckled in," Sorry, but we haven't much time." Lara knew it was of the essence," Tempus Fugit." Time Flies. And with Kenneth Irons involved one could not waste even a second. Soon the car had turned and was falling into a bad section of the City, Lara held her head high," Don't stare out the windows." She should have requested tinted now that she thought about it. Finally the car rolled to a stop, the Brit getting out tossing her usual braid back over her shoulder," Here we are." Brownish-green orbs peered about, such a place for an acclaimed Warrior of God to be living indeed.

Not even having time to finish his orange juice, he slid it down the counter and walked out the door, trailing close behind Lara. It was true: the girl wasn't messing around. Running a hand through his brown locks, he swung around the other side of the sleek car and strapped himself in before getting slammed against his seat. "For chrissakes, woman. Who started the fire?" Ivan was used to speeding off at unregistered speeds, but usually he was doing the driving and was prepared. Shaking his head and gathering himself, he looked around as the neighborhood changed from posh living to ghetto boondocks. The twin couldn't help but sneak a peek out of his window at the run down houses, drug dealers littering the sidewalks, and the overall oppressive feel of the place. The ride was short-lived, but when you ride twice the speed limit, you arrive at most places before being able to settle down into the seat (not that he wasn't pressed against it hard enough during the beginning). He easily slipped out of the car and shut the door gingerly, brushing off his shirt momentarily before maneuvering around the car to join his sister.

Gabriel Bowman, dealer in ancient artifacts who owns Talismaniac.com a small shop focused on the obscure and rare dealing in idols, icons and talismans. He was slowly becoming a close contact for Detective Sara Pezzini to glean information on her strange and bizarre cases, not to mention the Witchblade. Gabriel was surprisingly young for someone with such an important and profitable job, but it was after all a dot com world and Bowman was just reaping the benefits of an occult society. Unfortunately the lures of a job like his had its drawbacks; This afternoon's events being one of those occasions. The youthful, man found himself with his collar turned upward walking down the cracked sidewalk as he tried desperately to maneuver the dolly on the uneven surface. He was wheeling a six foot tall crate containing a statue guaranteed to promote a longer lasting libido. Rumor had it, that this piece was a part of the Ming- dynasty. A statue of a thousand-armed Manjusri riding a lion was concealed inside the crate. Pausing for a moment, his trained eye caught sight of the expensive car. This had to be the guy. or gal? He was waiting for, who else would have a car like that in this neighborhood? But why the hell didn't they bring a bigger car? He groaned at the thought of hefting it onto the roof.

When she has finally gotten ready. Patience moved back towards the broken window. Glaring down into the street before her, with keens eyes. Searching, studying, every being that was there. The usual, Brennith and the gang were down by the fiery trash can near the corner, chatting up the storm with their stories of their lives. She was always nice to them, especially the older man Brennith he was the most spirited and life loving being she had met. Even though he had 'nothing', he had everything. Down the road, not to far, was the usual dealers, trying to pawn their narcotics off to the nearest prostitute, whose pimps usually were close behind. Even a man carrying a crate down the way, which well, wasn't totally out of the ordinary. Yes, everything was very normal, that was until her brown orbs shifted towards a car which had just pulled up. A car that did very much not belong to this section of the city. No, it stood out like a sinner in a crowd of nuns. And who should walk out, a woman, who did not fit the area at all. Then another man who removed himself from the car as well. Suspicious she did become, why where they standing in front of her building, and what did they want? Moving to a room which contained most of her precious belongings, one that was guarded with the most extreme of alarms, she made sure that the spear and everything else was safely concealed and locked away before making her way out of the apartment Moving down the halls, hearing the usual yelling and bangs, it wasn't long before the now strangely dressed woman was to the front doors. Pulling the hood over to conceal her features, she moved slowly out into the streets. Stopping only a moment to take a glance around before towards the man and woman from the expensive car. Something about that woman was not going very lightly over with Patience. In fact, she was down right putting her mood in a horrible one. That was the flash that hit her mind, yes, she knew her now. Now that she confessed. She was the one that took the copy of the Book of the Dead, a book she wanted Back. She was originally going to ignore the two and walk away but she couldn't. So, turning slowly she faced them, not that she was sure they didn't already notice her. And in a low voice is growled. " What do you want here thief. A big mistake returning to the scene of your crime. Your sin."

Lara mused," Kenneth Irons did." That should be enough to pacify her brother on just who started the fire. The Brit scanned her surroundings, becoming familiar with them. Once Ivan was out of the car on went the alarm," I seriously doubt she's like that." A brow arched just slightly. Perhaps she was. She chuckled," She would drown me Brother." A clever wink. Out of the two, Lara figured she would need the most spiritual saving. The sarcasm faded quickly as she moved towards the run down apartment building," But she's a Warrior, not a Priest." The Magdalena showed herself," Ah. Good, you remember me." Hazel orbs fixed onto brown ones," Lara Croft, Patience isn't it?" A slight gesture of a slender hand," This is my brother Ivan. We're here to ask of your help." There was a pause," A good friend to all of us here has been placed under dire circumstances." The English accent was drawn into a odd state of seriousness, "Sara Pezzini." The name would instantly hit the woman, Lara hoped. Once the Brit could be sure she had Magdalena's attention, only then would she explain the reason behind her stealing the book from her.

Throughout the conversation, Ivan stayed mute and sporadically patted his chest, checking to make sure his guns hadn't run off somewhere. He hoped that Lara knew what she was getting herself into, because the poor twin was still in the dark as to why they were dealing with a woman who obviously had no desire to meet with them.

Patience was not amused at all. She didn't like this woman, at least not yet. To her, she was like all the rest of them, those people who assumed that breaking the commandments was just a silly joke, that nothing was of consequence when you did. That it did not affect the world, but was your own pleasure. She didn't look towards Ivan as he was gestured, the only sights of him she had was from the corner of her eyes, no the unmoving woman had her eyes in straight contact with Lara's. Never blinking, or at least not for a while. She did not seem to welcoming or impressed. "And why would I help you?" her tone was straight, and never faltering. She was even ready to turn and tell them they had a better chance of being saved than of getting her help, but she heard her words. The mentioning of Sara, and that seemed to rise a reaction out of her stoic features. Her eyes widened just slightly, and her features themselves seemed very concerned." Sara? What has happened to my friend?" she was solely wanting the information on the situation.

Curiously Lara glanced at Ivan a moment. Hazel orbs scanning her Twin, he was nervous she could tell. He had always been the one out of the two too be a little more leery. A silent chuckle, she bet he wouldn't last very long around the Darklings, or Jackie via Darkness armor. gaze swiftly returned to Patience. Lara would wait for Patience to mull what she had said over in her mind," Kenneth Irons has her." She answered this question first and then explained the book," I stole your book, which at the proper time shall be returned to you because of Irons. He is after them, why I do not know." Lara had a few ideas, but she wasn't about to go saying yea or nay to any of them just yet," It's somewhere safe, this I can assure you." But where the Brit did not eve know herself. Jackie had them hid for her," A rather close friend of mine is keeping a eye on your copy and another for me." A moments pause to let that sink in with the woman. )," Now down to business." Lara once more spied on her overly quiet Brother, then gave her attention back to The Magdalena," Here's the plan," Time to finally somewhat formulate one," I know, or well I have a fairly good idea where Irons is holding her. Something tells me He wants us to find her." " There are five of us involved on this. One of us will give a distraction and for this distraction we are pulling this plot into work tonight." Yes, Jackie and his menacing creatures would provide said distraction," The other four, meaning you, Ivan, Terry Sheridan a friend of mine and myself will enter Irons' pent house." Eyes shifted a moment, Lara didn't mention Jackie's name as he normally did not set to well with people. And the Brit had her suspicions that Patience knew all to well who Jackie was and had probably tangled with the man on occasion ," Once in there, Ivan and I will rescue Sara. You meanwhile will recover the stolen artifacts pertaining to the Book of the Dead." Lara let the silence instill now. Hopefully that sounded like a good plan. Mentally she crossed her fingers.

As Lara -ought- to know, the twin was not weary of much, except for the few Holy beings who talk to God more than they converse with those around them. Once some life rose in Patience's face, he felt more relaxed and not as edgy around her; at least she was human and conveyed some natural emotions. Patience, as well as Ivan, was hearing the plan for the first time. Lara always did love to spite Ivan by not telling him the full basics of the situation, then sending him in there with his pants around his ankles with a gun in his hand. He was a Croft, through. If you threw anything at him, he would catch it and throw it back twice as hard. He traded his solemn visage for a calm, trusting look, hoping that Patience will agree with the diplomat Brit and help them rescue Sara. Lara may josh around, but if you mess with one of her friends or family members, all hell will break loose; Ivan shared the same trait, and even though he was not familiar with Sara, he will do anything to get her back for his sis.

Gabriel leaned against the crate as he noted the newest woman on the scene. His pale skin denoted that he probably spent most of his life in front of a computer or with his nose in a book. It was apparent that he was Irish to the core, the ever permanent tinge of red on his cheeks. He had a slight droop to the corner of his eyes their shade of the cleanest blue, and the more familiar to Ireland then red hair a mass of dark brown. It was with these curious and strangely wise eyes that Gabriel Bowman watched the trio. After receiving no look of interest he figured they must be squabbling about the choice of vehicle, and decided that it was time to put this box in their hands, he was tired of waiting. He was glad he didn't have to lug this thing any further and an inquisitive brow arched as he walked closer. Reaching into his back pocket he produced an invoice. "Excuse me, I'm supposed to be delivering this statue to ." he looked down to the name on the bill, "Hector Mobius?" his eyes turned to Ivan as he assumed he was the buyer. "Did you want to sign for this?" Sleepily he rubbed the light traces of stubble on his chin and couldn't help but check out the two women.

Finally she glanced towards Ivan for a moment. She didn't get as much from him as his sister, and having her take a personal thing only made Patience rather, well not like her to much. She studied him for a moment, calculative before turning her attentions back to Lara and her explanation of why she felt it best to steal from her. " Perhaps you meant well, but whoever this Irons fellow is, he would not have had such a easy task of trying to get the book from me. I would have protected it, but you thought that it was better to not tell me about the situation or consulted me, so in my eyes, it may be a while before I forgive you. Especially if you do not give me back what you have taken." narrowing her eyes just slightly then, she was telling the truths, and nodding slowly she would accept. " So you want me to steal from someone? To break my beliefs.. I will do, that but I am also going to return them to their rightful owners. Not to you if that is what you were thinking, unless they were yours. Now then, I will help you rescue Sara. But know this.. I don't do it for you and because you asked me, I am doing it because Sara is a friend." She still obviously did not like Lara, not yet. "You know where you can find me, I have work to do" Her eyes glanced towards the man that had the crate then as he spoke. A brow rising slowly, she got nothing from him, no he hadn't done anything in her eyes. So her demeanor towards him changed totally from the other two. With a smile and nodded to him as well. "Hello" she seemed much friendlier to him. Turning her attentions back to Lara she spoke again " I will talk to you later." and with that, she turned slowly and nodded to Ivan before walking off, and out of sight.

She waited, fingers flexing in a fighting manner. Lara almost prayed for Patience to go along with this. In the end it would result in her getting her book back; Well, possibly. That depended on Irons really. Tired of flexing her long fingers, Lara rested them at the curve of her hips. It was idle moments like this that made the Tomb sweat just a little. Her nerves were raw as it was anyhow, this was only adding to the pile; However it needed to be done, someone like The Magdalena. Hazel orbs shifted to Ivan he was restless," Ivan, take the car and go back to the penthouse. I need the stuff Bryce sent over hooked up." Her Twin was better versed with technology then she," Fine, fine." He muttered, but Lara could tell he was actually willing to go," Here," She tossed the keys at him," Take the Aston with you. I'll walk or something." With that the Croft Twin was gone. Back to patience now a nod," Understandable." The auburn haired Archaeologist nodded and did not say much, merely listened. Then the woman left before Lara could say much else," Bugger." Now what? Time to walk, with that in mind the Raider rounded on her heel and began the stroll towards the area of the penthouse. Silence, time to think. Something she did not wish to do at the moment. Suddenly Lara stopped, a young man was standing there with a rather large crate. She arched a brow," No. His name is not Hector Mobius." Why did that name strike a cord? The Brit couldn't quite place her finger on it," Curious, what do you have there?" The thick obvious British accent in its refined manner asked. Lara watched her brother drive off, as usual completely ignoring people when they addressed him.

It was true, Gabriel looked like he had just awoken and detested the early hours. although it was half past eleven. One could guess that his usual morning started sometime after noon, way after noon. He was wearing a Dead Kennedy's t-shirt and a faded pair of blue jeans, a chain wallet tucked in the rear pants pocket. His somewhat oversized leather jacket was well beaten in, each sleeve split open to reveal the sticking and inner lining, so yeah he was casual to the umpteenth degree. Spinning this way and that he was startled at the hasty departure of the two. "If I don't have the right guy I apologize. It's just that you don't usually see a top of the line Auston Martin in these parts, I figured that guy must have been my buyer." Gabriel tucked the paper back into the right pocket at the back of his pants and after brushing his hands off on the front of his jeans he extended one. "Gabriel Bowman. Sorry for the confusion." He nodded back to the box, "I deal in antiques, so you can see why I'm a little uncomfortable in this part of town." His eyes worked over her frame and he noted the weapons. He had a pocket knife she had a Desert Eagle. two of them. His sleepy eyes were suddenly very much awake.

Lara nodded," Mistakes happen, don't worry yourself." Hazel orbs study the boy, young man. Overly casual, appeared to have just awoken. Silently the Brit mused," Gabriel Bowman is it?" A slender hand reached out to shake his, "Lady Lara Croft." Curious fellow, she listened intently to his bit about what he did," Ah, I deal with what some might call antiques as well." A hint of a grin displayed across her full lips as she watched his expression go from not so awake, to fully charged at the sight of her guns," Don't worry Love, I only use them on the bad guys." Her tone was light, trying to put him at ease somewhat. A bit of a laugh," No, I wouldn't suppose you did see Astons around here much." Hazel orbs watched the car as it turned the corner disappearing," I adore them personally. Such splendid automobiles." Eyes fell on the large box again," I take it that is one of your antiques?" Her curiosity was kicking into gear.

The Irish descendant stopped in mid stream nearly choking on his own words. "Lara Croft? As in THE Lara Croft?" It seemed his interests were peaked as well. "Is it true that you single-handedly found and destroyed the triangle of the Illuminati? I mean come on now. someone must be pulling my leg here." Gabriel looked about for one of his friends with a video camera. That would be right up their alley. Make him come all the way down here with a statue worth more then most make in a decade and make him look the fool in front of a look-alike with an expensive car. "I know that James probably put you up to this, so I apologize for his behavior, he's such and asshole sometimes. That?" he looked back to the crate. "Rumored to bring fertility and vigor back to the libido. Ming-Dynasty. If you'll excuse me I have to get this back in the truck before something unthinkable happens." He smiled blushing a bit rubbing the back of his neck as he turned back toward the crate. "Tell James I'm gonna get him back for this." The grin was unmistakably for her but internally he was a bit pissed at his friends prank.

A brow was quirked in amusement," Yes, I'm The Lara Croft." A quizzical expression over took her features," Yes, yes I found the Triangle of Light." A brief sigh, it made her think of her Father," And I did indeed destroy it." Her expression changed rapidly, somewhat ," Along with the Illuminati." A chagrin wink was given. Her brow dropped, "Hmm. No I'm not pulling your leg." James? Must be one of his mates, a friend who often played tricks on the boy. A nod was given," Ming Dynasty you say? Late or early?" She wanted to peek at it obviously, " Not very rare. I've seen many, but certain styles and traits in each are different depending on the sculptor." She laughed," You really don't believe me do you?" A bit of a wiry grin," Test me then." Arms folded," I could use the chance to think about some other things then what is currently abroad in my head." She almost felt like begging him to do so, but didn't not her style with strangers.

"Early." He stopped to answer then continued, hefting the box back on the dolly. "If you really are Lara Croft.Unngh." he began to push the dolly, "then I'm sure you're aware that I should get this off the street. I don't mind if you want to take a look, but wait till I get it back in the truck at least." After a few minutes of huffing and puffing Bowman was lifting the box into the back of a large moving truck. On the side it read -Talisman.com- Gabriel turned, somewhat out of breath. "Alright. If you are Lara Croft then you can answer me this. Ancient Chinese calligraphy often used this as ink." Leaning against the box, Gabriel swallowed and took in a heavy breath.

A nod," Yes I was meaning after you returned it too your truck. Of course." She followed him towards the truck, a brow arching slightly as she eyed the side," Hmm. I'll have to pay your website a visit." Perhaps she could even deal with this kid at some point," You asked an easy question." Lara cleared her throat," It is believed that the Chinese bamboo and animal hair brush has been used for writing and painting since China's earliest dynasties a time span of almost 5,000 years." She went on over answering his question ,"Chinese painters and calligraphers use a water-based black ink made from soot or charcoal mixed with glue." She smiled," That a good enough answer or would you like me to go into how they make the ink and so forth?" Swarmily the Brit crossed her arms and grinned," Anything else you'd like to ask me?"

Things had been going almost swimmingly until the larger row the two Brits had the early hours of the morning in front of the diner. And over what? Mr. Mafia? What bothered him more was how much this thing with Jackie and Lara was getting under his skin. The former moved over some papers arranging and setting things about, while rubbing the back of his neck slightly. He hadn't any real sleep and was now working on all the information he had of things. "Tch." He breathed slightly and stuck the blade of one of his knifes into the tabloid picture of Jackie he'd rummaged across. She called him jealous. Was he? Lips pursed a moment while brows narrowed at the thought and he moved from the table tucking the SIG away its holster. Moving across to the window he looked down over New York city streets. "Bloody place.." he muttered before moving away from the large window. The flat he was staying at was on the eight floor of a decent sized building. But the rooms were fairly bare. Sitting on the edge of the large bed he pulled on his boots before draping his arms across his knees leaning forwards. There was someone else clearly pulling their strings. This wasn't just about the book any more. There was a small buzzing sound before a beep and the phone ring of 'God Save the Queen' and Sheridan moved to his small phone lifting it. "Sheridan." There was a bit of silence before a voice from the other side, and he paced while he listened. There were very few times his phone actually rang. It was either a bit of information. A meeting place, or part of a business proposition to entice the former spy for his services. That call had been some what of a mix between them. moving he picked his jacket up and a small envelope tucking it against his chest. moving around the small scattered desk area he picked up the blade, tucking the locking blade back before tucking it away in his pocket. He kept two magazines with him along with another SIG and a smaller against his ankle. Picking up the small set of keys he left the apartment and headed out. He blinked before letting his eyes adjust to the light. He put his thumb and middle finger into his lips pressing against his tongue as he -wolf called- a cab and slid into the back seat. He gave the cross streets and the driver headed on his way. Stepping out he paid his fair and moved dropping his back softly against a street light. Moving he lifted his left wrist checking the time, then started to keep his eyes for the contact.

The 27 year old young man smiled knowingly. "Yeah I know I asked you an easy one. If you can't give me the basic rundown on Chinese calligraphy I'd know you were up to your eyes in bullshit." His lips curled into a grin as he jumped out of the truck slamming the door to. "Yeah, secondly, did you want to take a look at something I've recently acquired? I could use a second opinion."