Broken (Feat. Sara Pezzini, Kenneth Irons, Terry Sheridan, Lara Croft, and members of the Yakuza.)

Sara was exhausted. Although she was surrounded with every comfort her heart could possibly desire, she wasn't comfortable. Regardless that her usual dreams were riddled with unsettling images and grotesque themes, in this environment their hold on her psyche were all the more intense. The woman had spent a bit of time the previous day installing hardware for the ex-spy Terry Sheridan, and the remainder of the evening casually searching the penthouse for evidence to pin on Irons. She knew there was something here to connect him to the robbery at the British Museum, but so far all of her attempts to find said evidence was coming up nil. So here Sara Pezzini found herself sitting cross-legged on the floor (just out of sight of the camera that constantly scanned the room) dialing the spy to fill him in on her progress. Her thumb depressed the two way button to connect to the debonair Sheridan. "The eye of Osiris is open. Repeat, The eye of Osiris is open." She smirked loving this 007 shit. Perhaps it was years of watching Bond movies with her father, a sort of bonding for the two of them. then again perhaps it was Sean Connery. Sara smirked again waiting for a response.

Form moved slightly as he stood. It was better to leave quietly than leave with her yelling, and he wasn't in the mood for a row with her, especially over Jackie. Was the spy turning to submission. Not really. It was more of a means to keep things less complicated then they needed to be. But with Lara Croft, that was hardly possible. Either she'd be mad at him for saying things, or she'd be mad at him for not saying things. Either way it seemed to always turn around to him. He had already been standing to move out and head towards the ducatti which he had back as transportation while the BMW was being modified when he heard the sound. Reaching into his jacket he pulled out the phone that was similar to the one he'd given Sara. He pressed the button back holding it up. "Brilliant. What about the bird..found a can of worms yet?" it was amusing slightly to him. He could tell the look in her face last night, when he was giving her the goodies that she enjoyed it. What was it about spies that drew people in. mystery, skills..the toys the travel, not knowing if they were watching or when they'd show up. Maybe that's why he grew up to be one. Stepping outside the sushi restaurant he leaned against the wall near his bike, still holding the phone. His normal cell, tucked away in his pocket.

The mellow and energetic sounds of Mozart's Symphony no. 25 in G minor could be heard despite the low volume at which Sara was listening to the CD. This was a desperate situation, and the homicide detective feared at every turn she would be discovered, but the excitement of interacting with an international spy (ex or not) sent enough adrenalin into her system to wake up the dead. This kind of danger was almost like a drug to her. Perhaps that's way she chose such a field as law enforcement? The Bird? Was he talking about her or Irons? Probably her. she'd heard those Brits refer to woman as birds. She laughed out loud. Who ever thought her knowledge of Austin Powers movies would come in hand on the job. The detective bit her tongue and finally depressed the button again. "Negative. The Bird may have to dig to find this worm." Her eyes cast to the door as she saw a shadow pass, her heart skipping a beat with a pang of fear. Dare she move? Her thoughts went wild, until she remembered the door was in fact locked. just mind the volume Pez, this isn't the holiday inn in which you're staying. This is a bed and breakfast from hell. and she wouldn't be surprised if Jack the Ripper himself was carving up the meal. Depressing the button again, she spoke lower this time. "The tracks for the train may lead to the business district." She whispered hoping he might get the hint to search out Kenneth Irons industry. "However, all paths do lead home." She implied that she was not finished searching the house.

Leaning his back against the wall still his brows shifted. He watched as people passed by minding their own business after all it was New York, who would pay much mind to a man on a phone leaning against a wall. No one. It was just as Sheridan had figured it, still she hadn't found anything. He had no doubts that Iron's kept important information tucked away and well hidden for those with prying eyes still. They needed something. And the plan there was, he didn't much care for. Shifting his shoulders some he pressed the button again noting her slightly lowered tone. "I've taken the train to the stop. But my luggage wasn't full." He'd gone into the offices, caused a sprinkler system go off. But maybe there was something he missed a file, hard copy or even on the computer. But he knew one thing the program he took from the computer needed another part. And he highly doubted it was in the same place. Most things never were. "Perhaps the rest got left at the station.. hidden where no one else could see. And if you look very closely, perhaps the mouse is the key." At least she seemed to do fairly well at comprehension of what he was saying, as she him. "Take the path as many times as it takes to find the worm. But the bird must watch for the snake, it might be lying it the grass waiting." He paused a moment before pressing the button again "and "Dr. Jones", has an idea to fly the bird from the coop, though he's not sure about the landing."

A lock of auburn hair fell from her temple and tickled the bridge of her nose as she grumbled pushing it away and scratching at the agitated flesh. It felt that everything she did was deafening to her ears. Her eyes cast to the door as she cupped the phone to her ear, hoping to conceal all of the noise it might project into the room. She listened as the very delicious voice of one dark and mysterious secret agent flooded back into her ears. Sara understood what he was saying. Lara had a plan to get her out and he had already searched Irons' offices. God damn it there had to be more. Just as she thought about it, her mouth curled up into a grin and one brow arched skyward. "Perhaps the snake's pet mouse could steal the cheese?" The officer gasped at the sound of breaking wood as her door was kicked in, the frame splintering apart from the force behind it! She felt her breath caught in her throat as one very angry Kenneth Irons was upon her in seconds. She left her finger depressed on the talk button realizing that trying to hide the phone at this point was irrelevant, so perhaps it was best to allow the spy to hear what was going on. "You really think I'm the fool. I mean you must," He laughed grabbing her at the wrist and pulling her to her feet. "I'm thrice your age woman! Did you not think that I may have acquainted a thing or two about treachery in thus time?!" His grey eyes seemed more alive now then they ever had to her in the past; Alive and filled with and awful light. It made her stomach clinch up with a thousand butterflies. "Ken, I du-don't.." she stammered trying to look for an excuse about the phone. "Honestly Sara. I don't know what I'm going to do with you. But rest assured. I will enjoy it." He plucked the phone from her hand and snapped it shut, as he flashed a devilish grimace. A few agonizing hours later: Bruised and broken, Sara was lying on the floor of her bathroom. It looked like something out of her case files in here. The mirror was smashed, its shards scattered across the floor (her temple bled from a large gash). The shower curtain had been pulled free of the hooks, (a desperate grab to help soften a fall). A straight razor was left open adjacent her foot, a clump of matted hair still stuck to it with a red smeary thumbprint, (a thin slice of warning at her throat, while her hair was pulled back). Sara pushed up from the tiles, noting the impression they left on her naked flesh. It was cold. so cold in here. Her eyes cast up to the security camera in the bathroom. Hands squelched against the porcelain as they slipped in the viscous sea of red. She felt shattered. lost. The pitter patter of blood and saliva dripped from her half open mouth and horribly swollen split-lip. If this was any indication as to how Nottingham was "trained" Sara began to understand his temperament. What befuddled her was that the Witchblade hadn't protected her. in fact she didn't even hear it's voice in her head, yet Kenneth's runes were glowing brightly.

After the semi-civil lunch between Lara and Terry, the British Brat returned to the penthouse tired and with the hint of a headache. Night was soon to fall and that meant soon yellow eyes would be watchful over their Master's beauty. However, Lara felt like the not being watched tonight. Slowly she moved about the penthouse closing every window, shutting every curtain and then locked up the door and the sliding glass ones leading out onto the balcony. But, what was unknown to Lara was that she had been being watched all day, not just by Jackie's people, but by those of which want him dead. The bed down the hall sounded highly uncomfortable. Ivan was going to be out all night doing who knows what or who for that matter, which left Lara alone to silence and relaxation. Without so much as kicking off her boots or removing weapons the woman fell upon the large comfortable sofa in the living room area and curled her long frame into a ball. Soon sleep found her, a dreamless exhausting sleep indeed. Though usually very aware even when deep into slumber Lara was not so this eve at all as outside shadows played across drawn white curtains of the balcony and an eerie silence filled the air. Of course she had indeed set the security system, but of course these shadows which were defiantly not Darklings knew this as the sun's last few rays slowly slipped behind the New York City skyline.

There had been a pause on the other end, though perhaps. Maybe so, but to the spy it sounded more like lying in wait. Brows knitted slightly while awaiting the silence, silence he was often well accustomed too. Then breath pulled from his lips as the female hushed voice resumed. The Mouse, of course he'd seen the 'mouse' Nottingham with Sara on the veranda the first night he'd met with her. Wetting his lips some the button was held down as his voice flowed softly, "But a serpent is always lying in wait. Toying with brids and mice until they are good enough to devour. Still.." but his voice trailed something was wrong. Just as his fingers shifted from the button sounds from Sara's came through. Jaw set firm as he heard the devilish voice, Irons, he'd found her. Now form stood upright, rigid as he listened. The man was cunning, dark and he could still hear Sara's voice ringing 'Don't' in his ears as the line went silent and then beeped. "Shit!" he cursed a booted foot moved kicking over a chair that had been on the outside patio. His hand closed over the phone shoving it into his pocket. Moving he quickly got on his bike, kicking it started and the engine roared violently to life. The back tire squealed, smoking against the ground before he ripped out into traffic like a shot. His mood was rather dark and the way he was driving reflected it. It was dangerous. He cut it close while pulling into opposing traffic to pass a car on the left hand side, and barely squeezed between the two cars. He was headed towards the secret safe house he'd set up for himself. When he arrived like always he parked around in the alley of the pizza place and taken the buildings fire escape up to the roof and leapt cross the gap to the other building. He moved inside, and locked the multiple locks behind him. She'd gotten the taps in for him but at what costs? His form moved swiftly over the open space to the monitors typing in a code to activate the security systems tap. There was a flicker and other monitors came to life humming with sound and focusing the black and white picture feeds. With brows lowered he scanned over them, passing over one but quickly going back to it. There was a lump that grew in his throat. There lying in a mess was the detective. What had he done. Everything now took a dark turn, hanging as if an 18 wheeler to a rocky curve. Teetering back and forth. His hands had become fists, and one hand moved up roughly against his the side of his face and against his hair. "Bloody fuck." He growled darkly and the muscles in his arm tensed. His fist slamming against the drywall and right through and he stood there with his fist into the hallow of the wall, the hole about his forearm.

Lara shifted slightly in sleep, her body turning back now facing the room as she pressed against the back of the sofa more so as if trying to bury herself into it face first. Outside figures dressed all in black ninja attire moved without sound, using motions and hand signals to talk with one another, they all knew most of them would not be going home tonight. The Brit stirred slowly, hazel orbs peering about the penthouse a moment," Hmm.." Something was making her feel uneasy, but what? A cold chill ran down her spine. Now she indeed sat up, most of the place was dark save for a light in the kitchen which she had chosen to leave on. A swift movement on her right caught the Brit's attention. She was not alone, when suddenly the whole place went dark," Bugger." Slowly her eyes began to adjust, a bit of light illuminating the living room from outside and that's when she saw them," Interesting." Men, several at least four she counted swiftly with stealth like moves going passed the windows before the balcony. Another movement behind her, Lara turned to look. Nothing. Slowly her braided head rotated back around to peer at the sliding glass doors before her. Open. Not good. Orbs narrowed and brows furrowed," Someone's mucking around with me." Came the words like a hiss under her breath. The Tomb Raider slipped off the sofa and onto the floor, listening for the most part. Voices, they were talking now and in Japanese. The Yakuza. Her gaze narrowed all the more. Mr. CIA agent was a fool that mafia had played him down the line. Oh well Lara had been looking for a chance too kick some ass and it looked like her chance was up now. A grin, a dangerous grin slowly spread across her full lips as she crawled towards the hallway which would give her some coverage incase of a gun fight. The brass balled Archaeologist did just that, again a foot came towards her in that same second up came her hand to catch it mid-flight towards her," I don't think so." And its owner found himself thrown onto the floor as more of theses "shadows" began to take on Lara the odds very much not in the Lady's favor.

All she knew was pain. Pain and shadows, clouded over her head as she finally found her way into the shower. She sat in the tub, almost afraid to stand from the lightheadedness that was consuming her. Something in her was dying, it was her resolve. The ice cold water hit her in the back as she sat with her legs curled up into her chest and stared blankly out toward the drain. The water was pinky mixed with blood from her numerous wounds, and try as she might to coax the Witchblade into helping aid her, it wasn't responding. Did she do something wrong? Had she angered the weapon? Her mind cast out these questions. She blinked slowly, as fat droplets of rain dribbled off of her eyelashes and snaked her hair across her cheeks in wet tendrils. Her mind cast to the conversation with Terry. God she hoped he wasn't planning something stupid, not with her in this condition. She hugged a little tighter. Christ I hope he didn't see anything though the feed. I must look like hammered shit. at least that's how I feel. While Sara toiled over her current state and the affairs of her friends Kenneth Irons was busy planning. "Yes of Course, "he was talking to his assistant though the phone. "First class and hold all of my meetings for tomorrow. Yes I've forgotten a prior engagement had just some to my attention." Without leaving her time to respond, he hung up. Leaning back into his chair, Kenneth spun to look upon the surveillance cameras feed. It was only a whisper of her shadow behind the chalky curtain, but it still made him smile. He had dealt with more stubborn folk in his time, it was just a matter of patience and proper coaxing. she would be broken, civilized and most of all his. He pursed his lips and watched more. Take his ex-wife Danette Boucher. She was once like Sara, willful and stubborn. and if Sara thought he was being harsh. He shook his head, if only she could imagine. This was simply foreplay to the greater conditioning.

Light. Lara needed it and bad, sure she was holding her own alright, but they had been trained for this and she had not. Fists were flying and even here and there a few bodies went smacking into walls. Lara's own included, several times she found her body tossed like a rag doll into a wall or something equally hard. Her anger was boiling, which only seemed to make her fight all the more better. But when she took one down ten seemed the come out of now where to replace them, she was growing tired her body full of cuts and bruises as blood now dripped from the side of her mouth. The odds were unbelievable, even for Lara who was slowly wearing down as was their plan. However, the British Bombshell would fight to the death if it came down to that. Suddenly the sound of a knife being drawn brought Lara to turn around just in time to fee a slash across her arm as she did," Bloody hell..." A moments pain as, she grimaced then ignored it, pushing it away. Guns were now out. No more miss nice Tomb Raider. Shots filled the air, with each bullet there came a flick of light as they exploded from the barrel which helped Lara line up her next targets as the living room and kitchen of the penthouse began to get painted a new color. Red. The men stood no chance now," Back off !plan eliminate!" Came a voice in Japanese and instantly Lara got the idea of what it meant. All the quote "Shadows" sent by the Yakuza retreated to the balcony hooks and lines coming from around their waists as they each secured a hook on the side before balancing on the railing. Lara had chased after them shooting, hitting most of them causing the black clad men to fall to their inescapable deaths below. Click, click. That fatal sound. Hazel orbs looked up as the empty clips fell from her guns clattering to the floor everything seemed to move in slow motion as the last remaining men all removed something from their sides, curious looking long black objects which held a blinking red light atop them. Lara knew what they were instantly," Oh shi--" The Brit's words were cut off as the men tossed several explosive devices into the penthouse, they came through the sliding glass doors and windows of the balcony showering glass upon Lara cutting her arms and face all the more. She had to think fast, but what to do? Suddenly time was up as all the devices gave off a sign beep at once. Boom.

Forehead rested against the wall where his fist had punched through and he slowly pulled his hand from the hole. His mind was repeating things to him. Pulling his head back slightly he dropped it forwards again with a slight thud. What to do. What to do. A beeping sound pulled him from his boarding and the sound of the recorder starting. That voice. Irons. He turned sharply as the black tape wound catching the conversation of the phone call. Hold his meetings, something else to do. Eyes now drifted back to the monitor with Sara. Was that what he had planned? break Sara's will.. make her like Nottingham? He swallowed he had to think of something. He couldn't get in Irons place. Well he could have but it wouldn't do much good. his mind was reeling with thoughts before another beep sounded from another corner of the room. Stepping over some of his gadgets he entered a few things on the controls and eyed the beeping. It was the systems he'd set up the other night at Lara's. he hadn't entered her balcony to be cheeky or show his flare, but to set up a security breach system. Lips pursed, Sara was hurt and possibly going to get more and now Lara. He'd told Jake he wanted the man to have a full days worth of sleep before joining up with anything. The spy had no one left to contact. Curses fell with his British accent and he attached another holster around his waist. The open spaces were filled with 9mms, his two p226 SIGs in the holsters against his ribs, a smaller pistol tucked against his ankle. What was he going to do, he hadn't a clue. Then the beeping monitoring Lara's stopped and Terry froze. That wasn't a good sign, if it had been disconnected another system monitor would have sounded. No, it was destroyed. He cracked his knuckles slightly and eyed the silver cases about the room and opened one. A few little small bombs put into the backpack, then pulled up the egg crate foam lifting a British L96A1, putting the barrel and the scope in the pack while strapping the rest on and he was out of the apartment and heading down over the roof and the fire escape to his bike.

Indeed think fast as the penthouse began to explode quickly around her. Lara let the impact shoot her forward out onto the balcony rolling atop broken glass and blood as she slowly rose. The whole pace was coming down before her very eyes as the concrete of the balcony was slowly beginning to tear apart from the building. Steadily Lara held her balance, she was thirty stories up. How she was going to get out of this one was beyond her, however she was going to get out of it. Hazel orbs swept about coming to stop on one of the fallen Yakuza men with a rope still around his waist," I always did want to play Batman." With that slender fingers ripped the rope from the dead man's body. Suddenly the balcony shifted again, knocking Lara to her knees," Bugger." It was slanting now, dangerously one wrong move and it would go crashing thirty stories down. This left the woman to crawling towards the inside of the penthouse, once within the blazing inferno Lara secured the hook of the rope around one of the glassless steel window pains. At that moment the balcony gave way and Lara began freefalling with it her hands tight around the rope as she air surfed a large slab of the balcony towards the ground below. A sizable group of onlookers had now gathered beneath the building that once house a penthouse of Jackie Estacado. Cops, firemen and news crews as well all watched as a woman began to fall holding to a rope. The woman of course being Lara Croft, but they didn't know it yet nor would they. The rope went taunt, causing the Brit's body to jerk upwards loosing her grip on the rope. A few screams of onlookers carried up to Lara as she used the momentum of the jerking motion to propel her body in through a lower window on the building. More glass, more cuts along her skin. Each one stung like one could not believe, cuts upon cuts, cuts upon bruises. For the longest time the Brit laid there, catching her breath as she slowly rolled over finding a nice surprise resting in her leg. A large chunk of glass which she slowly removed with a hiss of pain from her lips," Ruddy bastards." No one below had seen Lara bust through the window, no one at all. Soon every local TV station in NYC was reporting the large blast and the woman who had fallen to her death. Crushed by concrete. However unknown to everyone else, Lara was indeed very much alive. Even though she didn't look it and was pissed off beyond measure as she lay there gathering her senses and wits about herself once more.

Blindly, without raising her head Sara snaked an arm up to the faucet, shutting off the water. She pressed her lips together licking water from them. It tasted like coppery blood in her mouth, but at least it had reached a subtle ooze rather then the spigot it was before. Running her right hand up her face and though her hair Sara cleared the icy water off her skin. Wincing as her fingertips met with the large razor cut at the line of her hair near the temple, and then to the goose egg and gash a few centimeters next to that. The brunette pushed up to stand, as white and red dots flashed over her sight. She had a concussion. If her body didn't hurt so bad, she would be punching something. As it stood right now, she conceded to limping to her robe and quickly dressing. As she clicked the light off and cinched the tie about her waist, Sara actually looked back to the mess and wondered, "Should I clean that up?" Her brow furrowed and she cursed dejectedly, "Damnit," Her gaze turning with her form to the bedroom as she realized her own thought. Her mind thought to the weapon she had hidden inside the teddy bear and as she crawled on her hands and knees across the coverlet, her arms curled about the plush toy and the detective hugged it. At that moment in a white robe hugging a 'Paddington Bear' she looked very frail and very alone.

The motorcycle was already moving through the traffic that was stopping as it neared the scene of the penthouse. Still it panged him there wasn't anything he could do to get to Sara, without Iron's finding out more and becoming suspicious. And he would be good to anyone dead. There were cops and people, everywhere, while the blaze licked towards the sky. Reports already being cast that she was dead. She couldn't be, hell she was the Tomb Raider, and he knew better than that. Of course, he'd been dead before. Moving around the back of the building to stop onlookers from detecting him. Pulling out one of the 9mm a shot fired to the lock and he kicked the door in slipping inside he moved to the elevators, which had automatically shut themselves down due to the explosion. Prying his way inside he removed something from the side of his pack attaching it to his waist while the rest clamped against the cables of the elevator. With the 9mm still out he shot the control panels and then the cord and momentum pulled him up. The 9mm was quickly thrust back into place as he was moving up the shaft reaching behind him while still holding on he pulled out a large metallic disk. And muscles tensed as it was tossed and a 'clink' sound filled the shaft as it attached to the back of the floor door. Hands gripped to the other as he still was moving up and he unhooked himself from the clamp. Body fell as the other cable was slack and he growled while his feet hit the wall stopping himself hanging from where the metallic disk had stuck. Pulling his weight up he hooked to the disk while prying the doors open and once there was enough room he moved holding now to the handle grip of the disk while he unhooked. The black clad form of the spy dove through the opening tucking into a roll, just as someone was moving past. He shifted to his feet in one swift motion now the silver end of his Sig was placed against the back vertebrae of the man before him. "One more move and it'll be your last." The shadowed figure shifted but moved pulling from the end of the gun spinning back into Terry grabbing away his gun. "Wrong move, mate." The shadowed figure had been one of the Yakuza, clearly on his way down from Lara's place. A fist punched out into the man as he backed, before moving to elbow the spy in the side of the head. Sheridan backed up gripping the elbow and twisting it and his arm violently the opposite direction. Shoving the man backwards a boot moved up making hard contact with the wrist of the man, sending his Sig in a spinning arch skywards. Releasing the elbow with a bit of a shove he spun looking up over his shoulder. The gun was on its way back down and the Yakuza was coming back for revenge of his shattered wrist. Blocking a hit with his left forearm, his other reached behind his back catching the sig in hand. While another attack was coming the gun was whipped around and his finger moved against the trigger shooting the man through the Achilles tendon. There was a yelp in the hallway as he stumbled back gripping Sheridan by the collar of his shirt as he started to fall through the open elevator shaft door. His body jerked forwards with the weight and his hand grabbed the handle of the metallic disk. His muscles strained slightly from the jerk down. "See you in 'ell, you bastard. But not yet.." his other hand had moved and the tip of his gun against the mans forehead and a shot was released from the chamber of his gun point blank right into the mans head. "You messed with the wrong bloke." Blood splattered across his face slightly and the grip on his shirt was released as the shadowed yakuza fell backwards down into the dark shaft. Still holding his weight he pulled, using his elbow against the floor as he pulled himself back through the elevator doors.

After a few moments, Lara Croft felt she could move again. But barely so. Her body screamed at her, pain threatened to wear her down. Not in this life time. She slowly stood, pushing away the pain for now, later it would be dealt with. Right now she needed to get out and away from here. Surely more Yakuza were about. After all if they indeed knew who they were dealing with then just incase she came out alive, which she did to finish the job if needed. Lara was ready for that. Checking the waist of her black pants sure enough a certain golden desert eagle rested there. A bit of a smile, glad she did not remove it from her person when she had laid down to take a nap. She was armed, that was the important thing. She had landed in the third story window, a bit of a jump but not one she couldn't handle. With a little jolt to the system Lara landed on her feet below the inferno-ed building now the fire from the explosion quickly spreading. The people around the scene had turned their attentions to that and did not notice the barely alive British Lady moving towards an alley way. Where to go? Several places came to mind all of them no good. Jackie's Dojo would put him in danger, hell if she went near any living human being she would put them in danger. Not good. Lara would have to lick her wounds by herself and then a thought came to mind. Sara's apartment. Perfect place, nor was it that far away. She would have to go by foot, they had even ransacked her rented Aston Martin and the bike John had left her. Lovely. Lara's anger temperature was rising well beyond boiling now indeed. They would pay, but something told the brash Brit that someone would most likely beat her to the punch. Perhaps even two people, or three depending. Her movements held a stealth about them as she stuck to shadows and was constantly taking peeks over her shoulder. Of curse it ran through her mind, they all think I'm dead. Perhaps for now it was for the better indeed. No one else would get hurt, and better just her hurt then more people. Sticking to the alleys Lara made fairly good time despite her injuries which to some she had already discovered rather quickly. A sprained ankle, possibly some bruised ribs, numerous cuts and bruises. Her leg and right arm both cut deep, leg by glass, arm by a knife. She was lucky to only come out with that. Hell, Lara was lucky to have come out alive. A strange convulsion ripped through her body suddenly sending her to her knees," Damnit." She hissed as her body began to rid her of any internal blood. A pale bloodied hand pressed against the brick of the alleyway wall as she knelt there coughing and spitting up blood. She felt shaky and cold)," Got to.. stay awake." But her body had just been through hell and back. The Brit was finding it difficult to stay alert and conscious. Her body doubled over, slender arms coming to fold around her upper torso as she tried to stop the sudden shaking and chill she now felt.

A very self confident billionaire sat before a roaring fireplace. With his right ankle resting atop his left knee, he sipped a glass of single malt scotch and ruffled the newspaper. He always enjoyed the obituary section, good place to scan for possible real estate leads. To his standards, the paper was outdated already, and he crumpled it into a ball, tossing it into the hungry orange pyre. The glowing embers licked at the paper crackling contentedly as the light from the flames alit Irons' face. Things were almost perfect. His cold calculating stare watched as the fire consumed the paper, trailing it up into the flume in dark specks. He sipped the scotch again, rolling the liquid across his tongue to savor the warm flavor. His cell phone rang out into the room, breaking the silence. He was almost annoyed at the interruption upon his own thoughts, but he flipped open the Samsung S105 and replied. "Yes?" An accented voice cut over the line, "Mister Irons, we thought you might want to hear the news before the local news. Lara Croft is dead." Ken settled back into his overstuffed chair removing his foot from its resting place. "Indeed! And to what do I owe this gratitude?" The voice on the other end belonged to a huge figurehead in the Yakuza. "You have shown us infinite patience with the incident involving Nottingham, While his honor has been disgraced. You have proven yourself to be a valued asset in our cause. And after your phone call we would have been more then pleased to spare the woman, but I'm happy that we were able to find a middle ground on the topic of her removal. Stage one is complete, and I don't think the Mafia will last much longer in New York without their prized asset, and his plaything." Kenneth stood and walked toward Sara's closed door, the smile on his mouth was cruel and devastating. No pleasure, no rapture, no exquisite sin greater, then breaking a stubborn thoroughbred. He mulled this over as he knocked on her door. Without waiting for her to reply, he pushed it open. It was mainly broken, but the hinges were intact and it swung to. "Mmm.. "he cast his grey emotionless eyes over her. "So much trouble for such a little thing, but you know how I feel about that partner of yours." Kenneth sat down next to the blankly staring Pezzini. "He's a loose cannon jumping at shadow. In my opinion he should have stayed in med school. Science is so fascinating. That bleach blonde surf rat has no business on the force." As he spoke his hands brushed over Sara's hair gently. At last she found some words, "I wanted to talk to him before I resigned from the force." She lied, barely able to match his confident tone, but maybe that would work for her favor. sound vulnerable. "He wouldn't understand a simple letter without talking to me. I just." Ken pulled her form against his body as he cut her off, "Come now. that wasn't so hard was it? All I want from you is the truth. I want to ensure your well being, but I won't lie to you Sara. I do not tolerate impertinence." He held her closer, "I have something rather unsettling to tell you. There's been an accident." He was barely able to contain his grin, but managed to pull off partial sincerity.

Eyes scanned towards the wall he was on the twentieth floor and gave a heavy sigh, the blood still against his face. Moving he kept the SIG out before him, boots shuffling against the stairwell. As he gained levels the destruction was becoming more and more board and wide spread and something caught his eye. There was someone struggling with legs trapped under a part of wall. His lips curled up and brows knitted together another Yakuza. Moving he stepped on the wall applying more pressure. "Now then, I'm going to ask you questions and your going to answer. Understood." The face stared up at him, his movements had stop besides a wince when Terry applied pressure to the slab "You were here for Lara Croft?" there was no answer "Of course you were. Iron's press his button to send you blokes?" still no answer "Listen mate, you better start answering or I'm going to start shooting off body pieces, starting with the family jewels." The trapped man moved while Sheridan took his aim "Was it Irons.. or still the vendetta against Jackie?" the man nodded his head as his lips pursed. "That doesn't answer my question." There was a slight sound. "Fuck.. you.." came broken voice. "Now that wasn't very nice.. must 'ave just slip out did it?" there was a gun shot and the man lurched forwards and he gave a shocked expression. "Oops. My finger must 'ave slipped." He crouched slightly "Now your not going to tell anyone about our little, chat, are you mate?" the man shook his head and Sheridan backed off looking up the stairs. Blocked. He turned slightly and started back down and looked back. "Lets keep it that way shall we?" the trigger was pulled once more and he turned heading down the stairs. He reached the floor he had entered and pulled a rope from his pack tying it to the handle and moved down into the shaft, repelling down. Slipping back out as he had entered he stopped. Eyeing the ground. Gravitational blood drops. Crouching his fingertip pulled across the small red drop. Still warm. Eyes looked up another Yakuza maybe. His gun was removed once more as he walked following the trail of drops until he stopped. There lie Lara body upon the ground. Replacing the gun he shifted picking Lara up. If they though she was dead, he was going to try to keep it that way and he knew just the place. He hadn't even told Lara about the safe house he'd set up and he moved setting her before him on the bike. Shifting he leaned over her keeping her body as fairly hidden as he could between him and the bike. The engine revved and he used back alleys to the apartment. The tricky part had been getting her to it. He had to maneuver her over his shoulder to be able to make the gap and he stumbled slightly landing on the other side. Once inside he lie her upon the mattress on the ground and set his things aside pulling a medical case from under the desk. sighing some, he set to work. Picking up his cell phone he shifted "Dimitri..I need to call in a favor." His voice slipped into russian as he spoke into the cell and nodded "Da." And then he hung up looking back towards Lara before moving to the monitors at Irons place. There was a slight growl from his lips Iron's was with Sara again.

She moaned slightly feeling like all her insides had been turned out," Why couldn't they have simply shot me?" A failing question, that would have been to easy. However Lara could have dealt better with being shot again then this. Sure she's a strong woman in peak perfect shape, but she is also human. This was her mortal down fall. Also her one biggest weakness. Tough or not to take that much of a beating by people like the Yakuza and then to free fall almost thirty stories only to end up crashing through a window was a toll on anyone. Even Lara Croft, and she was feeling the results almost instantly. More blood came up, her throat now dry and all she could taste was simply that. Blood. The Brit ought to get up and move, get out of there before more Yakuza found her. Desperately she tried to stand, no such luck. Down went London Bridge again. So weak, so tired, so cold. Her arms hugged against her tighter trying to cease the shaking of her form. Shock...she was going into shock? Probably. Her mind was a whirl. Someone lifted her, instantly she recognized the cologne," Terry. And then the world went dark, for now. Hazel orbs slowly pressed open against their will, Lara had a good habit of forcing herself into a conscious state. Brows furrowed painfully as her head pounded," Where.." Eyes fell on Sheridan," the bloody hell am I?" Ignore the pain, ignore the pain. She told herself over and over again. Again the want to pass out swept over her. No, she pushed it away, forcing eyes to remain open.

Careful now... don't spoil the moment. Irons savored her anticipation as her frame tensed. She was marvelously exquisite! The once so scornful woman was so vulnerable now. Ah yes this was delicious to watch. Her green irises glanced skyward the left nearly hidden from the puffy bruise at the ridge of her cheek. She could feel a weight in her stomach and the urge to vomit. "Shhh. I know. She was like a sister to you. Sara. Look at me." He cooed faking remorse. Very slowly her abused body turned toward him. She kept her eyes shut for what felt like an eternity, pushing back the tears that wanted to fall. She swallowed looking for a voice that was choked in her throat. Finally her jade pools swam up to match glance with his. She had a million things to scream in his face, a million pleads that he was wrong. everything was swimming in her head. "If I could have stopped this I would have. They just didn't want to budge on the matter." He was lying, he could have done something, he just didn't. The punishment to his prize was just the appetizer. The surfer rookie was next. and he would make Sara pull the trigger. "There are some things even I cannot stop. She did run with a dangerous crowd Sara.. this was inevitable." She didn't' want to hear any more. "I just want to be alone." She spoke her voice hollow and muted. Her hand gripped the Paddington Bear's paw as her thoughts darkened. The detective pushed away tucking her knees up into her chest. "You told me she would be ok! That was the deal. I- I can't f-fucking believe that you c- couldn't do anything to stop it!" Her voice was muffled and her tears bubbled out of her as if they pained her. She hid her face against her legs. Her voice muted against her skin. "What makes you think I'm going to stay now?!" Kenneth stared out the French doors to the veranda. "I know you'll stay, one way or the other." He stood and walked to the doors opening them to allow the air to rush into the room. "Sara. I can be VERY persuasive." He left the room walking out onto the veranda as he took in the view and relished in her beautiful torture.

He didn't respond when Lara called out his name when he found her, it was back to training basics. Get the injured and get out, answer questions later. While Lara had still been out he'd already cleaned up the wound upon her arm, and washed away the blood from some of the smaller cuts. There was a shift as she stirred forcing herself to question. Sheridan's hand moved to the back of his belt pulling out the locking blade knife from it and he paused looking towards the Surrey woman. Pausing with the knife held in his hand he looked at her " 'hidden and that's all the matters. Or could be your dead.." he turned on the small TV in the room where news was already spreading about the incident. He had knelt besides the mattress on the floor and looked back towards her. "And you can be as mad as you want, but I'm only going to say this once save your bloody breath, or I'll be forced to gag you." The knife moved against the leather of her pants just above the wound cutting around it. It had been a bad day. And it was starting to show on the spy, even to the dead blood against his cheeks. Fingers moved washing the wound before stitching it some, pouring a bit of alcohol on it. He'd been taught how to dress wounds, he'd done it to himself many a time. And now the bandage was wrapped about her leg and he stood folding up the knife and tucking it back away. "Any thing else?" he glanced in the small mirror on the wall and picked up the damp rag whipping the strangers blood from his face. There was a heavy sigh pulling against his lips watching the screen. His hand rested against the edge fingers gripping around the sides. Shoulders rolled forwards and his head hung some before glancing over towards Lara. The breakdown. From the way Sara reacted even silently on the screen, Irons had told her the news. It reminded him of training, watching each of those break around him while final strings were pulled.

She hissed slightly. It hurt to breath. Yes, bruised ribs had to be. Lara had had them before. At least she was comfortable for the most part. A bit of a nod," Good, I don't want them to find me...I want them to think I'm dead." Her normally refined haughty accent quivered and came more as a whisper then anything, as she referred to the Yakuza. Weak. How she hated to feel like this, but she was not helpless. Lara Croft is never helpless. Hazel orbs shifted about as she tried to setup, bad idea the instant she did the room spun," Whoa.." Her dazed orbs blinked and slowly she laid back down without much protest. The Brit's mind was full, sure most of her thoughts didn't make sense, but then again some did too. Mainly her thoughts concerning Sara and Jackie. Irons probably told the Detective with a sick gleam in his gaze and a hidden smile that her friend was dead. Jackie...Jackie would find out the hard way, from either the news or a Darkling who may have seen the explosion. Question was about that those little beasties knew everything did they know she lived? Something doubted it in Lara's mind. Desperately she swallowed, mouth dry, throat more so," Water.. so thirsty." She coughed, how it hurt as the world spun again as she did so. Leaning up slightly she spit out more blood, then laid back," Excuse me!" Eyes splashed with brown and green fixed, then glared at Terry," Sod off." Came her retort to him telling her to be quiet," You wouldn't dare." Her chin angled towards the ceiling, still Miss High and Mighty. Then she saw the blade,' What are you going to do with..." Rip. Eyes went wide then dangerously narrowed," You owe me a new bloody pair of pants." Speaking of pants and thinking of Jackie; A slender hand came to feel about her middle at the waist of her pants)," Where's my gun Terry Sheridan?" It had been there a second ago, and now it wasn't. Of course he unarmed her, for his own safety most likely seeing as he did threaten her and ripped her pants. Suddenly her features realized what the man was watching and conveyed it," That ruddy arsehole told her didn't he?" Fists clenched," I'll kill him. I swear I will." It was a solemn vow, one she had made before after an almost similar situation as now," I shall kill them both I will." Again a wave of pain," Uh." And she grew silent once more hazel irises shifting about, finding a window to stare out and the moon winking at her.

The low rumble of life stories below them was like music to his ears. A thriving metropolis and soon it would all be his. His two strong hands gripped the railing supported by interlocked balustrades. The wind was surprisingly cool for so late in the summer, but he rather liked cool weather, kept you on your toes. He smiled listening to her try to hold back her tears, yet forcing them out in heavy retching coughs. His attention turned as he saw her stumble to her feet and rush toward the bathroom, her teddy bear in tow. Woman and their devices. he almost laughed at the notion of her hugging the plush toy like a child. Had he broken her that badly? A pair of lips pursed and then broke into a satisfied expression. Sara's face was grim and determined. She slammed the bathroom door behind her and quickly fell to her knees to the old fashioned razor Irons had used on her hours (or at this point what seemed like days) before. The tacky blood on the handle slid the blade a bit as she set to work cutting the bear open. Pulling out the stuffing she tucked the clip into the base with a determined set to her jaw. "I can be persuasive too." she muttered to herself. Strafing out of the bathroom her heartbeat thudded in her ears. She side stepped with bare feet across the hardwood floor, her robe billowing open in the night air. Green orbs still weeping settled the gun into the butt of her right hand, her left gripping the handle and trigger near white knuckled. He turned, his eyes, barely blinking as he saw her shadowy movement. "Please. put that thing down before you hurt someone." Kenneth began to close the distance, picking a microscopic piece of lint from his lapel. The brunette bit her lip and drew back the hammer. "Oh but I INTEND to hurt someone." She cut him off, her voice returning to its former anger. "Last warning, Sara; You really. Don't.. want. to make me angry. I might regret what I have to do to you."

"It's better that way. If they think your dead.. plans will move on." he shrugged slightly he moved some watching her trying to sit and he put fingertips against her shoulder pushing her back down some "Stay.. you wouldn't want to go mucking up any of the tending. And for once would you ruddy listen to me." He had moved some after tending her leg and licked his bottom lip slightly at her words, letting them roll of his back. Like water to a duck. He waved his hand when he stood to the fact he owed her a new pair of pants and of course he knew she'd question about the gun. "Don't worry, Lara Croft.." his form moved filling a glass of water "..your precious gift from Jackie's safe." Boots moved across the floor as he set down the glass dropping a straw in it as well next to the mattress. He'd been focusing upon the monitors for a while when he heard Lara's voice once again. "I'm sure of it.. just as sure as I am there are two Yakuza in that building who met their end at the end of my gun." While she had been out he'd tucked away the silver cases into a corner of the room and the sniper rifle near the window table. Arms crossed over his chest slightly as he watched her fit, "it may be better that way. If Iron's believes your dead let him. I'm not about to compromise anything more. And as far as Irons is concerned, I don't even exist." A brow arched slightly before his lips parted "See.." he said "..if you would 'ave listened to me when I told you to 'old your breath. You wouldn't be causing yourself more pain." Head shook slightly as he pulled the chair from the monitor table, sitting upon it backwards arms draped folded across the back of it. And he angled himself so he could watch both them and Lara. And his semi-relaxed form jerked up and his hands moved to the controls. Typing in something and bringing up the image to the larger monitor. It was Sara, she'd taken the 'Paddington Bear' that had been modified with her and now she stood with the specialized gun raised. "Bird.. what are you planning on doing." His eyes scanned over the feed, spotting Iron's on the end of it the gun aimed towards him. Things were about to take another loop. Things could get ugly real fast, and his eyes watched the screen. "Let 'er 'ave the normal rounds in that thing..."

Lara laid there in complete silence for the most part. A brief nod," Yes I know..." She almost moved to say more about how Jackie and Sara would think her dead , but stopped. Terry was behaving himself about things for the most part and so should she. For the most part of course. Hazel orbs stared out the window contently for now, a grimace here a grimace there," I know, I know bruised ribs." The girl knew what was wrong with her for the most part," Hence why I keep tasting blood." Snidely she mused, still having her normal bite about her. Another wince and she became silent again following his orders. A smile to the glass and a nod to say thank you as she held her tongue. Instantly she took up the glass, downing half of it and taking her time as well. Ahhh, it felt good against her throat and inside her dry parched mouth for something other then blood to taste. A brow arched," Don't be so snide. It's a nice gun with a history." An all knowing look came across her face at that before she rested her head back once more in silence. A bit of a smile crossed her slightly pale lips," You know I never listen to anyone Terry. Not even Jackie." She tried laugh, but found it to hurt too much," So don't feel bad." Eyes traveled to the screens around the room, she could see a little of what Terry did and frowned slightly," Bugger, I wanted to kill him." Her tone was almost joking, but then seriousness took over as the Brit watched chewing at her lower lip nervously.

A driblet of blood worked its way down her forehead and off her eyebrow, but her gaze didn't waver. Her hair was still slightly wet from the shower. basted stuff took forever to dry. It hung in dark rings down her back and across her eyes. "Don't give me that shit, you could have saved her you son of a bitch! Christ you own half lf the goddamed city. I'm gonna enjoy watching you bleed." Sara spoke though clenched teeth now. Years of training in the academy, combined with her field experience. it was like watching an artist at work. Carefully she took in the shot. She was close enough to send the bullet right into the center of his forehead with her eyes closed. "Likewise.." Irons retorted stepping even closer. His fists clenched and the red/orange runes carved into the flesh and bone of his right hand began to glow brightly. His silver eyes glinted in the dim light, as they narrowed. She had randomly grabbed a clip. Not knowing if they were the explosive kind or straight rounds. The moment was drawn out as if on a string. Sara fixed her aim with Ken's head, nit caring right now that she might go down for murder one. Her forefinger drew back on the trigger and as the hammer set into place at the back of the bullet's casing a flame licked the front of he gun, and the white hot casing was ejected from the side of the barrel. In the same moment Sara suddenly grew cold and weak. Kenneth reaches out with his rune en-carved hand and caught the bullet before it struck him in the head. A puff a smoke as he closed his hand around the exploding round, and then shook the lead fragments from his fingers "Strike one." He grinned his hands upon her throat in seconds. The Witchblade seemed heavy. unnatural to her... repellant. As it snaked out over her right hand the tendrils that touched Irons changed in hue to match his hair and eyes, suddenly Sara felt very vulnerable. "I warned you, didn't I? Now." he sighed mockingly, "this is really gonna hurt."