~*~
Ian had to hurry and take action. There was no doubt that Irons was up to something. Just as he replaced the receiver it suddenly hit him. Ian was still unsure of the reasons behind Irons plans. But why he had wanted them trapped was simple really and Ian didn't know why he hadn't known it sooner. It had all been about: time. It gave Irons the opportunity to formulate a plan. Give him time to prepare and put his plans into action.
It was no secret that Irons was becoming weary with Sara and her constant rejection to his offers and advances. Irons were always a man in control and the fact that he had no control over Sara infuriated him greatly. No control over the wielder, no control over the Witchblade. Something he has been attempting to gain since his brush with the powerful blade.
And there was no doubt the recent event involving Ian's newfound feelings for Sara had influenced the actions being taken now. That night Irons had punished Ian for his infatuation and devotion towards Sara Pezzini, Ian still had some of the bruises and a small scar across his eyebrow was a reminder. It was obvious that Irons no longer felt he could trust Ian completely. He was unaware how deeply Ian felt for the wielder, he didn't realize that his once loyal and faithful servant was indeed in love with Sara. Not what Irons would have suspected at all.
However his plans had been impeded when Irons had somehow been trapped in another elevator. How though? The guard had told Ian everything had been in working order. Could it have been another malfunction in the systems the guards may have overlooked? Suddenly from the corner of his eyes Ian had seen the bright glow of the Witchblade. If he hadn't known any better he would have thought the blade had just winked at him. Could the blade have situated Irons' little 'accident'? As if to answer his question the Witchblade once again flashed its crimson color before it lowered to a near dull color. Ian stared wide-eyed at the now stagnant bracelet.
Inadvertently Ian let his leather clad fingers graze over his left wrist. Lightly rubbing against the two faint scars left by his encounter with the Witchblade. Ian had finally comprehended what needed to be done. Though he hated to leave Sara behind he knew he had to, for now. If Irons was up to something, no doubt that he was, he was not going to give Irons the advantage by staying in the elevator. Trapped like a caged animal waiting for the doors to open and be lead out by its master. Only to be punished for acting against the master's wishes. No, Ian was not going to wait. Ian needed to gain back the valuable time he already lost and regain control.
Ian had managed to unlock and open the access door to roof of the elevator car. Taking one last glance at Sara Ian leapt up, grabbed a hold of the edges and hoisted himself through the small opening. He quickly closed the door and immediately worked on unlocking another access door that would lead him to a secret passageway. Soon enough Ian was making his way back down to the first floor where he would be awaiting for both Sara and Irons' arrival.
~*~
He could hear the faint muffled sounds reaching out to him. Through the darkness, beyond the fog the sound grew louder but still not clear enough to distinguish what it was. Another second past and he knew he heard his name being called out. 'Who's there?' But no words escaped his lips. 'What is going on?' He couldn't even hear his own voice. Then he heard it again. His name being called out. Trying to pull him back from the abyss. But who could be calling out to him? Elizabeth maybe? No it couldn't be she was dead. Then it must be the blade calling out to him then. He heard it again. Yes, it had to be the blade.
"Mr. Irons are you alright?"
'Wait!' he thought. It wasn't an angelic voice he would imagine the blade to be or anyone else for that matter. The voice had no doubt belonged to a man.
"Mr. Irons?" The booming voice called out his name again. The voice certainly didn't belong to his servant Ian Nottingham. So who in the bloody hell could be calling out to him?
"Mr. Irons!?"
Somehow the guard had managed to turn Irons over onto his back and began calling out to him. Irons snapped his eyes open to see one of the security guards hovering above him. Irons stared at the ugly visage of the guard above. Obvious confusion reflected on both faces. It didn't take Irons long to remember what had happened. He recalled the acute pain throbbing in his arm. The burning sensation traveled its way up from the brand on the back of his hand and along his arm. He vaguely recalled the elevator lurching to a halt, trapping him on the eleventh floor. Then as Irons continued to suffer from the horrible, corporeal pain darkness seemed to engulf him.
The confusion in Irons' eyes was soon replaced with anger. Mike, the security guard had been the only poor soul there to feel Irons wrath.
"Mr. Irons are you alright?" Mike asked again. He was still unsure if Irons had been coherent enough to respond.
"No, you idiot I'm not alright!" Irons yelled back. Without assistance Irons managed to sit up on his own. Irons sat there for a brief moment. Looking down his right arm. He examined his scar on the back of his hand and began to flex his fingers making sure the digits still worked. The burning sensation and pain was gone as if it didn't existed. Only the dried blood that lined the circles of his scar, which he soon wiped away with his black silk handkerchief, had been the only evidence of what happened.
Irons tried unsteadily to get to his feet. Mike on instinct offered his help and reached out to grab a hold of Irons arm but Irons jerked his arm away. "Don't touch me! Hand me my cane!"
Mike began to search the elevator car and spotted the cane on the floor nearby the control panel. He bent over, picked it up and offered it back to Irons. Who in turn angrily snatched the cane. Irons with slight difficulty finally got to his feet.
Mike simply stood there waiting for Irons to last out at him. He didn't know who was worst to face, Nottingham or Irons? But the look in Irons' icy blue eyes confirmed that Irons was, hands down, the worst to confront. After smoothing out his hair, dabbing away the sweat that had formed on his forehead and upper lip. Irons turned his attention to the tense guard. Irons smiled inside as he noticed the fear reflected in the guard's eyes.
"What happened?!" Irons questioned as he closed the gap between them.
Mike swallowed the lump in his throat and exhaled the breath he had been holding. "I.I don't know, sir?"
"You don't know?! Then tell me what you do know you fool!" Irons said through gritted teeth.
"I.I." Mike began to stutter.
"I can't really explain wh..what ha.happened Mr. Irons. Everything had been in working order."
"Apparently not!" Irons cut him off. Irritated that he had been stuck for who knows how long.
Irons' eyes narrowed on the guard. His grip had tightened around the handle of his cane. He wanted so much to strike but Irons held himself back. He would soon his release frustration with Ian soon enough. Through his angered state Irons had almost forgotten about Sara and Ian, both still trapped. Unless that too had been ruined by those inept guards.
"Tell me is the other car still locked as I have ordered?"
"Y.yes sir" Mike idiotically nodded his head as he answered.
Whither he was in a merciful mood or the fact that he had better things to look forward to; Irons had calmed down a bit. But he still held his icy gaze on the guard. Irons grinned imagining the look on both Sara and Ian's faces when they arrive. Irons hurriedly walked out of the elevator car, made his way into the lobby, and sat in one of the plush leather chairs. The guard obediently followed behind like a dog. Mike stood quietly awaiting more of Irons ire. To his surprise nothing came, instead Irons just gave him an order.
"Go unlock the elevator car now!" Irons waved his hand and dismissed the guard.
"Yes sir!"
Not taking any chances that Irons might change his mind Mike swiftly walked back to the surveillance room. Immediately upon entering he spotted Henry. The older man had his elbows rested on the desk and his face buried in his hands. Henry looked up when he heard the door open. He had been worried it might have been Irons but to his relief it was only Mike. Looking just as frazzled as he was.
"You were right Henry. We are the world's luckiest S.O.B's. Irons wants you to unlock the elevator car, now." Mike slumped into the chair next to Henry's.
At first Henry stared incredulously at Mike. Then quickly snapped out of it. Shaking his head 'Yup the stress is definitely going to kill me' Henry thought as he proceeded to unlock the elevator car.
~*~
Shortly after Ian left the elevator car, leaving behind Sara in her Witchblade induced vision. She had soon returned from her vision. She drew in a sharp gasp as if he had been holding her breath throughout the episode. But what was more surprising was the first word that escaped her lips.
"Ian?"
She blinked back the haziness and wiped away the tears. The elevator was still out of order; and Sara quickly swept the small room of the car. To her disbelief Ian was gone and she was left alone. Sara refused to admit that she felt disappointed that he wasn't there waiting for her like he has always done in the past.
She looked up and noticed the access door to the roof of the elevator car. 'Not spiderman my ass' Sara thought. She couldn't help but feel an aching pang in her heart. 'Why would he leave me?' She questioned. Shaking her head looked down at her clasped hands.
"Forget about it Pezzini. Why should you care, right?!" She spoke out. Hoping that if she said it out loud she would be able to convince herself that she didn't. But the emptiness she felt was still there. With a heavy sigh Sara made it up to her feet and began stretching out her sore muscles. 'Damn just how long had I been in my vision?' She wondered as she continued to stretch.
Sara looked over at the control panel. Then to the empty spot were he had been standing half dressed. A blush crept back onto her face remembering how she brazenly watched him stripping down to his tank top.
"Damn it Sara get a hold of yourself!" Sara admonished. Shaking her head she looked back at the control panel. May be she should try her luck and call security. At least she would know what the hell was going on. Just as she made her way to the panel her gaze lowered and a silver glint caught her interest.
She walked over, bent down, and picked up the silver piece. It was Nottingham's ring. Sara studied the unique design, it was shaped as a dragon and in it's hands held a small piece of stone. The color unlike her crimson red stone was a cobalt blue. It was a beautiful ring but why did he leave it behind? Was he even aware that he didn't have it?
As she held onto the ring the dichotomy of sensations rushed through her. Love and hate; pain and ecstasy; devotion and betrayal; disdain and compassion; loss and completion. In a matter of moments whatever had its grip on her had finally loosen and let her go. Though the emotions weren't as intense now it still lingered in her mind and worse in her heart.
Sara shook her head again and stood up. She placed the ring in her pants pocket and rubbed her face with her hand. "What the hell. Shit was it 'Mess with Pezzini's head and screw up her life' day or something?" Sara soon remembered that she was planning to call security and find out what was going on. Just as she was about to reach for the phone the bright lights of the elevator lit up and she could fee the cool air of the AC start up again. She heard the faint sound of the elevator working, then felt the slight shift of gravity as the elevator continued its slow descent.
"Its about damn time!" She yelled out. Forgetting the phone Sara made her way back to her little corner. Picked up her discarded coat and placed it back on. Not bothering to button up her coat. She then reached up and undid the loose bun, letting her brown tresses cascade down her back. She gathered her hair and was about to pull in back into a ponytail when the elastic band snapped. With a sigh Sara looked at the ruined rubber band in her hand.
"Why am I not surprised? Gee, I wonder what else should I be expecting tonight?!" She said as she placed the rubber band in her pocket and bent down to pick up her helmet. With her helmet secured under her arm Sara stood in front of the metal doors and watched the flashing numbers change with each passing floor.
Finally the elevator came to a halt as it reached the first floor. A soft ding sounded and the metal doors quietly hiss opened. 'Shit!' was the first word that ran through her head. There in front of Sara stood Irons and that annoying smirk of his.
Ian had to hurry and take action. There was no doubt that Irons was up to something. Just as he replaced the receiver it suddenly hit him. Ian was still unsure of the reasons behind Irons plans. But why he had wanted them trapped was simple really and Ian didn't know why he hadn't known it sooner. It had all been about: time. It gave Irons the opportunity to formulate a plan. Give him time to prepare and put his plans into action.
It was no secret that Irons was becoming weary with Sara and her constant rejection to his offers and advances. Irons were always a man in control and the fact that he had no control over Sara infuriated him greatly. No control over the wielder, no control over the Witchblade. Something he has been attempting to gain since his brush with the powerful blade.
And there was no doubt the recent event involving Ian's newfound feelings for Sara had influenced the actions being taken now. That night Irons had punished Ian for his infatuation and devotion towards Sara Pezzini, Ian still had some of the bruises and a small scar across his eyebrow was a reminder. It was obvious that Irons no longer felt he could trust Ian completely. He was unaware how deeply Ian felt for the wielder, he didn't realize that his once loyal and faithful servant was indeed in love with Sara. Not what Irons would have suspected at all.
However his plans had been impeded when Irons had somehow been trapped in another elevator. How though? The guard had told Ian everything had been in working order. Could it have been another malfunction in the systems the guards may have overlooked? Suddenly from the corner of his eyes Ian had seen the bright glow of the Witchblade. If he hadn't known any better he would have thought the blade had just winked at him. Could the blade have situated Irons' little 'accident'? As if to answer his question the Witchblade once again flashed its crimson color before it lowered to a near dull color. Ian stared wide-eyed at the now stagnant bracelet.
Inadvertently Ian let his leather clad fingers graze over his left wrist. Lightly rubbing against the two faint scars left by his encounter with the Witchblade. Ian had finally comprehended what needed to be done. Though he hated to leave Sara behind he knew he had to, for now. If Irons was up to something, no doubt that he was, he was not going to give Irons the advantage by staying in the elevator. Trapped like a caged animal waiting for the doors to open and be lead out by its master. Only to be punished for acting against the master's wishes. No, Ian was not going to wait. Ian needed to gain back the valuable time he already lost and regain control.
Ian had managed to unlock and open the access door to roof of the elevator car. Taking one last glance at Sara Ian leapt up, grabbed a hold of the edges and hoisted himself through the small opening. He quickly closed the door and immediately worked on unlocking another access door that would lead him to a secret passageway. Soon enough Ian was making his way back down to the first floor where he would be awaiting for both Sara and Irons' arrival.
~*~
He could hear the faint muffled sounds reaching out to him. Through the darkness, beyond the fog the sound grew louder but still not clear enough to distinguish what it was. Another second past and he knew he heard his name being called out. 'Who's there?' But no words escaped his lips. 'What is going on?' He couldn't even hear his own voice. Then he heard it again. His name being called out. Trying to pull him back from the abyss. But who could be calling out to him? Elizabeth maybe? No it couldn't be she was dead. Then it must be the blade calling out to him then. He heard it again. Yes, it had to be the blade.
"Mr. Irons are you alright?"
'Wait!' he thought. It wasn't an angelic voice he would imagine the blade to be or anyone else for that matter. The voice had no doubt belonged to a man.
"Mr. Irons?" The booming voice called out his name again. The voice certainly didn't belong to his servant Ian Nottingham. So who in the bloody hell could be calling out to him?
"Mr. Irons!?"
Somehow the guard had managed to turn Irons over onto his back and began calling out to him. Irons snapped his eyes open to see one of the security guards hovering above him. Irons stared at the ugly visage of the guard above. Obvious confusion reflected on both faces. It didn't take Irons long to remember what had happened. He recalled the acute pain throbbing in his arm. The burning sensation traveled its way up from the brand on the back of his hand and along his arm. He vaguely recalled the elevator lurching to a halt, trapping him on the eleventh floor. Then as Irons continued to suffer from the horrible, corporeal pain darkness seemed to engulf him.
The confusion in Irons' eyes was soon replaced with anger. Mike, the security guard had been the only poor soul there to feel Irons wrath.
"Mr. Irons are you alright?" Mike asked again. He was still unsure if Irons had been coherent enough to respond.
"No, you idiot I'm not alright!" Irons yelled back. Without assistance Irons managed to sit up on his own. Irons sat there for a brief moment. Looking down his right arm. He examined his scar on the back of his hand and began to flex his fingers making sure the digits still worked. The burning sensation and pain was gone as if it didn't existed. Only the dried blood that lined the circles of his scar, which he soon wiped away with his black silk handkerchief, had been the only evidence of what happened.
Irons tried unsteadily to get to his feet. Mike on instinct offered his help and reached out to grab a hold of Irons arm but Irons jerked his arm away. "Don't touch me! Hand me my cane!"
Mike began to search the elevator car and spotted the cane on the floor nearby the control panel. He bent over, picked it up and offered it back to Irons. Who in turn angrily snatched the cane. Irons with slight difficulty finally got to his feet.
Mike simply stood there waiting for Irons to last out at him. He didn't know who was worst to face, Nottingham or Irons? But the look in Irons' icy blue eyes confirmed that Irons was, hands down, the worst to confront. After smoothing out his hair, dabbing away the sweat that had formed on his forehead and upper lip. Irons turned his attention to the tense guard. Irons smiled inside as he noticed the fear reflected in the guard's eyes.
"What happened?!" Irons questioned as he closed the gap between them.
Mike swallowed the lump in his throat and exhaled the breath he had been holding. "I.I don't know, sir?"
"You don't know?! Then tell me what you do know you fool!" Irons said through gritted teeth.
"I.I." Mike began to stutter.
"I can't really explain wh..what ha.happened Mr. Irons. Everything had been in working order."
"Apparently not!" Irons cut him off. Irritated that he had been stuck for who knows how long.
Irons' eyes narrowed on the guard. His grip had tightened around the handle of his cane. He wanted so much to strike but Irons held himself back. He would soon his release frustration with Ian soon enough. Through his angered state Irons had almost forgotten about Sara and Ian, both still trapped. Unless that too had been ruined by those inept guards.
"Tell me is the other car still locked as I have ordered?"
"Y.yes sir" Mike idiotically nodded his head as he answered.
Whither he was in a merciful mood or the fact that he had better things to look forward to; Irons had calmed down a bit. But he still held his icy gaze on the guard. Irons grinned imagining the look on both Sara and Ian's faces when they arrive. Irons hurriedly walked out of the elevator car, made his way into the lobby, and sat in one of the plush leather chairs. The guard obediently followed behind like a dog. Mike stood quietly awaiting more of Irons ire. To his surprise nothing came, instead Irons just gave him an order.
"Go unlock the elevator car now!" Irons waved his hand and dismissed the guard.
"Yes sir!"
Not taking any chances that Irons might change his mind Mike swiftly walked back to the surveillance room. Immediately upon entering he spotted Henry. The older man had his elbows rested on the desk and his face buried in his hands. Henry looked up when he heard the door open. He had been worried it might have been Irons but to his relief it was only Mike. Looking just as frazzled as he was.
"You were right Henry. We are the world's luckiest S.O.B's. Irons wants you to unlock the elevator car, now." Mike slumped into the chair next to Henry's.
At first Henry stared incredulously at Mike. Then quickly snapped out of it. Shaking his head 'Yup the stress is definitely going to kill me' Henry thought as he proceeded to unlock the elevator car.
~*~
Shortly after Ian left the elevator car, leaving behind Sara in her Witchblade induced vision. She had soon returned from her vision. She drew in a sharp gasp as if he had been holding her breath throughout the episode. But what was more surprising was the first word that escaped her lips.
"Ian?"
She blinked back the haziness and wiped away the tears. The elevator was still out of order; and Sara quickly swept the small room of the car. To her disbelief Ian was gone and she was left alone. Sara refused to admit that she felt disappointed that he wasn't there waiting for her like he has always done in the past.
She looked up and noticed the access door to the roof of the elevator car. 'Not spiderman my ass' Sara thought. She couldn't help but feel an aching pang in her heart. 'Why would he leave me?' She questioned. Shaking her head looked down at her clasped hands.
"Forget about it Pezzini. Why should you care, right?!" She spoke out. Hoping that if she said it out loud she would be able to convince herself that she didn't. But the emptiness she felt was still there. With a heavy sigh Sara made it up to her feet and began stretching out her sore muscles. 'Damn just how long had I been in my vision?' She wondered as she continued to stretch.
Sara looked over at the control panel. Then to the empty spot were he had been standing half dressed. A blush crept back onto her face remembering how she brazenly watched him stripping down to his tank top.
"Damn it Sara get a hold of yourself!" Sara admonished. Shaking her head she looked back at the control panel. May be she should try her luck and call security. At least she would know what the hell was going on. Just as she made her way to the panel her gaze lowered and a silver glint caught her interest.
She walked over, bent down, and picked up the silver piece. It was Nottingham's ring. Sara studied the unique design, it was shaped as a dragon and in it's hands held a small piece of stone. The color unlike her crimson red stone was a cobalt blue. It was a beautiful ring but why did he leave it behind? Was he even aware that he didn't have it?
As she held onto the ring the dichotomy of sensations rushed through her. Love and hate; pain and ecstasy; devotion and betrayal; disdain and compassion; loss and completion. In a matter of moments whatever had its grip on her had finally loosen and let her go. Though the emotions weren't as intense now it still lingered in her mind and worse in her heart.
Sara shook her head again and stood up. She placed the ring in her pants pocket and rubbed her face with her hand. "What the hell. Shit was it 'Mess with Pezzini's head and screw up her life' day or something?" Sara soon remembered that she was planning to call security and find out what was going on. Just as she was about to reach for the phone the bright lights of the elevator lit up and she could fee the cool air of the AC start up again. She heard the faint sound of the elevator working, then felt the slight shift of gravity as the elevator continued its slow descent.
"Its about damn time!" She yelled out. Forgetting the phone Sara made her way back to her little corner. Picked up her discarded coat and placed it back on. Not bothering to button up her coat. She then reached up and undid the loose bun, letting her brown tresses cascade down her back. She gathered her hair and was about to pull in back into a ponytail when the elastic band snapped. With a sigh Sara looked at the ruined rubber band in her hand.
"Why am I not surprised? Gee, I wonder what else should I be expecting tonight?!" She said as she placed the rubber band in her pocket and bent down to pick up her helmet. With her helmet secured under her arm Sara stood in front of the metal doors and watched the flashing numbers change with each passing floor.
Finally the elevator came to a halt as it reached the first floor. A soft ding sounded and the metal doors quietly hiss opened. 'Shit!' was the first word that ran through her head. There in front of Sara stood Irons and that annoying smirk of his.