Chapter 20: Meter Maid
"Let me get this straight," came the thoughtful but grumbled words of Bill's brother. Budd was leaning against the frame of the patio door clad in a pair of jeans, white t-shirt, and a pair of cowboy boots. "Jeff was really workin' for CLIP and he used Bea to get information on all a us. And, when you found out, you and Elle beat the living shit outta 'em before Bea shot him in the head." He rubbed a hand over his forehead as if in a silent protection to his own skull. "That's fucked up, Bill."
"Yeah...that's pretty much the gist of it," Bill replied from his lounge chair, his own cowboy boots perched on the edge followed by black slacks and a typical southwest looking shirt which he seemingly failed to button all the way up. "Son of a bitch really pulled a fast one on us...," he reached for his drink sitting on the arm of the chair, " he had every bit of that coming. Of course," he chuckled, "Beatrix blowing his head off was an unexpected bonus...about a foot away...with my 45 Mag...," he made a face, knowing that his brother was fully aware of the results of that combination, "...that was something to see." He lifted the drink, "Fucked up is one way to put it," he took a long drink and set the glass back down.
Bill squinted back up at his younger brother. "What worries me...is that Jeff was able to get information back to CLIP...and not frivolous shit, like what sort of cologne I use because you know how weird they are like that, but important stuff. I think, for sometime here, we are all going to have to really watch our backs," he leaned forward, planting a serious look on Budd, "Because, I can tell you I don't want that fucking bitch knocking on my door."
Budd had missed Bill's serious look since he was intently imagining the gory details of having one's head blown to smithereens by some crazy blonde bitch. His mouth hung agape as he turned back to Bill. "Oh, yeah. I wouldn't want that neither." His own expression turned serious. "How'd Bea deal with it? Ya know, the emotional." Unlike his brother, Budd had more of sympathetic side. Which could be counted as either good or bad.
Bill looked away into the trees surrounding his garden, "She was alright...a little bent out of shape...nothing I can't blame her for. She'll deal...she always does. She probably went home and beat the shit out of something for a few days...," he shrugged, "...get it out of her system." He looked back at his brother, "Beatrix may be emotional...but I think she's getting a better grip on it. You should have seen how pissed she was...Jesus, Budd...that woman was born for vengeance," he said with gusto.
Bill leaned back, happy with his assessment. He knew that eventually Beatrix would become a harder person...grow a thicker skin...he could already see the change happening. It would be beneficial for her, but there was also something lost when that metamorphosis was completed.
Budd had been watching Bill with an unrecognizable suggestion of concern. There was something in the way Bill assessed Beatrix in such a delicate and yet controlling manner that didn't settle correctly. But Budd kept smart for once and chuckled lightly. "Well, BillI you got no argument on that one. She's smart enough to catch on to that there grip." His chuckles died down and turned more serious which wasn't saying much for Budd's serious side. He moistened his lips. "But, she's just smart for a blonde."
Bill's sharp look turned back on his brother, "Just smart for a blonde?" he repeated with slow deliverance. Among Bill and Budd's many, many differences was their often clashing views of women. This of course didn't mean that they both couldn't be complete assholes when it came to that subject.
"I would like to think, after a couple years, " Bill stated coolly, "...that you would have a slightly better view of Beatrix then...she's just smart for a blonde. Perhaps if you started looking beyond a pussy and a pair of tits you might actually learn something about her. Of course," he frowned with disapproval, "...I know that's difficult for you." His lip twisted, "I suppose then because you haven't managed a way to get her to fuck you yet...she's just smart for a blonde eh?" Bill knew this was opening a huge can of worms...but he didn't give a shit. He'd been picking fights with Budd for over thirty years...some things don't change.
Realizing he was perhaps being a tad too defensive, Bill fell silent. Doubtfully he wouldn't have reacted so much if the women in question had not been Beatrix...surely even Budd was beginning to figure that out.
Budd threw his arms up defensively. "I was just throwin' in my two cents." Sometimes Budd found the times to stand up for himself and in this matter he wanted to. But, he still kept check and stayed the submissive persona around his brother. Whenever they got into arguments they always ended with Bill winning or Budd walking off putting guilt on Bill. As thick skinned as the man was he had a tender spot for the younger brother. "You can take it or leave it but don't shove it up my ass."
Later that day, the phone in Beatrix Kiddo's apartment rang. Upon picking it up, a female voice replied.
Beatrix had been sitting at the kitchen table picking at a microwave bowl of left over fried rice for lunch. She was dressed in a pair of jeans and a white tank top with a Japanese lotus flower imprint. Over the past few days Beatrix had gotten past what had happened. Not completely though but enough that she was able to focus again. She had a tendency to hold onto past events and keep them with her for years to come. Similar to holding a grudge but not necessarily in that figure of speech.
Upon hearing the phone she half expected it to be Bill asking her to come in to review a new assignment. Bea was more than willing to get back on track and going on an assignment was the easiest way to do so.
This voice was clipped and self and absolutely no nonsense. "Am I speaking with Beatrix Kiddo aka the Black Mamba?"
That surely wasn't Bill. Slender brows furrowed in mild curiosity and caution. She had received phone calls such as this before so she wasn't about to take it as seriously as it would end up being. "Who wants to know?"
The cool female voice on the other end of the line replied, "An interested party. I believe you were acquainted with a former employee of mine...Jeff. Hrm, yes of course you were...he told me all about it," an amused chuckle...that quickly turned into fury, "That of course was before his brutal demise." A pause, perhaps to collect herself, "I want you, Black Mamba to know that I...Rita S. Beele...am going to kill you."
This was a comforting way to start the afternoon. When Beatrix finally thought she had almost gotten Jeff and what happened out of her system some crazy ass bitch girl friend bites her ass. Either way the tall blonde couldn't help but feel amused by the woman's threatening words. She wasn't threatened at all. Perhaps a pinch but nothing painful. "Splendid," Bea rang in her tone laced with mockery and hidden contempt. "But, if Jeff talked so much about me than you are well aware that I'm not an easy target to hit off. I know that you won't...well...no...I promise you that you will not kill me or if time foresees it will not be an easy kill."
"We'll see about that honey," the self assured female voice replied. "I am well aware where you live, not only you, but that dinosaur of a boss of yore's. So...if I were you, I'd starting counting your days...starting now." With that, there was a soft click and the line went dead.
Beatrix pulled the receiver away from her ear and stared. Brows furrowed with a glare. Start counting your days? What the fuck? It sounded lame and Bea felt a tad on the pissy side. She had been perfectly content enjoying her left over Chinese food but than that bitch had to call her. She had finally been able to get over Jeff and the past jumped back at her. It was impossible to keep the past buried even if it had only been buried for a few days.
Well, she certainly couldn't leave that 'dinosaur' of a boss out of this charade so a visit seemed necessary. Bea took her time to finish her luke-warm fried rice before leaving the apartment. As calmly as she was taking this threat she had that nagging feeling to take the threat seriously. It wasn't that she was beginning to be too cocky to the fact that she could easily kill off this Rita person, but more to the emotional aspect. If Rita knew enough she could easily throw things at Beatrix that could crack through her wall.
She started up the car and began to drive the mere ten minutes to Bill's hacienda.
"I wasn't planning on shoving anything up your ass Budd," Bill grumbled. He knew had was overreacting on this, but when it came to Beatrix he was finding it hard not to...besides he loved to geode Budd on. Bill took a long drink, glaring at his brother over the rim of the glass. Of course Budd was just trying to help...in his own moronic, often wrongly worded way. He meant well, and Bill knew that. "Look...Budd," he set down the glass, "If you've got some problem with Beatrix, I think you should just come out and tell me." He wanted to say more perhaps more about the very likely event of he and Beatrix having...something...but that might have been too much for Budd to take in at the moment. Besides, that eventuality was still somewhat in the works...Bill wasn't about to get ahead of himself on this one.
Honestly, Bill was going to do whatever the hell he wanted to do...no matter what Budd thought. But that didn't mean he didn't care about Budd's opinion...he was his brother after all...the only real tie he ever had to anything. "I would...be...interested to hear your opinion," he said finally, this was very difficult to get out.
Budd was in utter shock. The last thing he ever expected was for Bill to actually ask his honest opinion and Budd had a much easier time being honest than his older brother. Hands slipped into the pockets of his slightly sagging jeans, his thumbs tucked out on the rim. His head tilted down in deep thought and he even began a pass from the doorframe to the middle of the patio and half way back. He cleared his throat, "My problem with Beatrix would 'ave to be...she's smart, cunning, sexy, sly...deadly. Come on, Bill, next to you she's the best we've ever seen. Because of those problems Beatrix is--"
"I'm what?" Came that over sensually tone of voice hinted with curiosity.
Bill had been listening to his brother with a good amount of amusement and genuine interest when Beatrix walked onto the patio. If she had only waited a few more minutes. Bill frowned as he turned his head and listened to what she had to say.
Budd picked his head up and over his shoulder in a snap. "Is here!" He boasted with too much enthusiasm.
Bea raised slender brows in speculation. She had surely walked in on something important. But what she had to say was of a greater importance. Arms elegantly crossed over her chest as blue hues stared through the shaded lenses of her sunglasses. "Sorry to barge in," she began in monotone. "But, I just received a phone call from one pissed off girlfriend--"
"Elle?" Budd questioned. Obviously much of the seriousness of the moment before had passed.
"No, not Elle. Rita, I believe you both are familiar with her. I've been so adequately told that my days are numbered."
He let his feet fall off of the patio chair, "Shit!" He should have known this would happen. He shook his head, "Girlfriend...well...I'm not sure about that knowing Rita...but pissed off boss I can guarantee."
Bill stood up, "Fuck...I can't believe she called you and not me..." he mumbled and paced for a moment, and then turned back to Beatrix, "Rita S. Beele is, as you have just found out, the founder and current head of CLIP...which ridiculous thing that stands for I can't remember at the moment. Anyways, she's always despised me...I've attempted to stay out of her way for the concerns of better business. But she seems to look at us as unwanted competition and she's always despised that. Now, with Jeff she's found something of a legitimate excuse to come after us."
He paused, crossing his arms, "CLIP's not a big organization...six members perhaps, about our size. But they seem to pride themselves on being...ahead of the game or some shit like that. Rita's a sucker for technology...she seems to think effective assassinations require lots of high tech gadgets and useless crap like that." He sighed, picking up his drink, "She's always liked to think she's had one up on me...personally, I think she's just a bitch who got a little lucky." Bill stopped speaking, turning to glance at Beatrix, "Did she say anything else? Any sort of threat that might give us a hint of what she has in mind?" With Rita it was doubtful, but he thought he'd ask anyways.
This was not an ideal turn of events. Beatrix remained standing there with arms crossed and pretty blonde head tilted giving her full attention. So, this bitch Rita was into the high tech gadgets. That gave her vague thought of those T.V. shows with the wanna be spies with the lipstick that magically transformed into a knife. Those always made her laugh.
Brows furrowed as she began to recall the past phone call and all that was exchanged. "It seems she knows more about me than I'd care to have out in the open. But, I never gave Jeff all that much information to begin with." A sly smirk crossed her facial features but it dissipated along the lines of being more serious. "She knows where I live and she knows where you live." She wanted to make reference to Rita's dinosaur remark but that was best saved for a time that didn't call for smart ass remarks. "And she is more than positive that she will kill me. How and when and where, I failed to retrieve that jist of information."
"She's always been far too overconfident," Bill frowned. "Every once in awhile she'd track down a phone number of mine and call me with death threats...after of course she explained in detail just how she tracked down my number using some fucking piece of technology." Bill sneered, "As if I gave a shit." He sat back down on the patio chair, "Well, obviously she's coming here...it's only a matter of when." He didn't appear to shaken by it, then again this was Bill. "The best we can do is be ready...she'll most likely round up her whole gang of suit wearing pretty boys and attack without any sort of style or finesse." Obviously Bill had dealt with this Rita person for sometime it couldn't be called a rivalry, since Bill firmly believed she didn't even compare to himself He treated it like something more of an annoyance.
He glanced up at Beatrix, giving her an intense look, "She could go after you first Kiddo...it's hard to tell. Personally, I would rather not give her the time of day...which I've pretty much managed thus far, but with Jeff...this time I have a feeling she's out for some real blood."
Budd, being Bill's own blood relative received a few threatening phone calls from Rita in the past. She thought that Budd, being the brother would hit some nerve endings on Bill. She couldn't have been more wrong and that phone call ended quickly. He raked a hand through his hair and let out a mediocre chuckle. "You should feel honored there Bea. Rita hardly goes after 'real' blood."
Beatrix exchanged a look with Budd but blue hues hinted that she found his commenting more on the amusing than bemusing side. "Oh, I am." She flashed a coy smile. Like Bill she wasn't too concerned. Actually, she was looking forward to a fight. There were a few moves she had been perfecting over her 'down time' and was anxious to try them out; on something other than wood.
Budd tipped his head in Bill's direction. "If Rita's gonna pack up her squad suppose we should too, huh?"
Bill frowned, it seemed like such a waste...but Budd was probably right. "Yeah...well, let me see what I can do." In other words, if moving squad members back to "home base" didn't effect the cash flow then it was fine.
Bill remained silent for a few moments, "I've never actually dealt with CLIP...in a combat situation that is...," he smirked, "We aren't exactly supposed to be fighting each other. Anyways," he waved a hand, "...I know Rita tends to employ younger assassins...they are all very well trained in weapons and technology. But I'm not so sure about hand to hand...so we should have an advantage in that department. I just hope we can round up everybody before she shows up...then again," he shrugged nonchalantly, "...it's nothing we can't handle ourselves."
Of course, as much as Rita's overconfidence was her downfall...it was equally as much for Bill. Budd gave a sharp nod. "Sounds good ta me. I'll go see if anyone's around. I know O-Ren mentioned somethin' 'bout going to Taiwan for the weekend. It seems to be a trend with her lately." He smirked and began a moderate paced walk off the patio and around the outside of the house to the drive way.
Bea stayed a few minutes longer to exchange more information on Rita. Just a few tid bits on the type of skills she possessed and some detail on the past between CLIP and DiVAS. There wasn't anything new or that helpful so she left shortly.
Rita had been true to her word, four days later...her and her CLIP squad made their move...or more like their moves.
CLIP, now without Jeff consisted of six members...Rita included. Like the DiVA's, they all had code names. Rita was known as the Queen of Hearts...the rest likewise were all entitled as royal card denominations...Jeff, coincidentally had been known as the Ace of Hearts. Bill of course found the whole thing pretty damn silly...I mean at least snakes were pretty cool. What Bill had not expected was for Rita to divide her forces. Of course, he'd find that out later.
Bill had been idly sitting at his bar, listening to some music...he was just about to go out into his garden for a little morning workout when there was a loud crash from the front patio.
"Fucking armatures," he snarled, making a lunge for his Hanzo sword. He'd been expecting this sort of blatant behavior. As he unsheathed his sword, he was able to speed dial Budd on his cell phone, "Budd, round up whoever you can and get your ass over here!" Throwing the phone to the side, Bill spun around to face two attackers both young men in black suits, force their way through his front door. But before he could more than easily take them both out he was ambushed from behind. He instantly realized his mistake...of course CLIP...cat burglary like tactics were one of their specialties, the haphazard door entry had just been a distraction. The third attacker had nonchalantly snuck in through the small window in the spare bedroom.
Bill had no time to do much of anything. His sword was kicked out his hand and his rear attacker smashed him in the face with something hard enough to put him out cold.
Rita, and her remaining two members meanwhile, had headed over to Beatrix's place.
Since Beatrix lived in an apartment, her situation was somewhat different. A front entry was really the only option next to scaling the building and Rita simply wasn't in the mood for such skullduggery...besides she'd put runs in her nylons. There was a loud knock on Beatrix's front door. Rita, standing between two young men again in black suits waited patiently. One of the men placed his thumb over the spy hole on the door.
Rita was an intimidating woman, standing at nearly six feet. She was big boned and broad shouldered. She appeared to be in her thirties and of perhaps mixed Hispanic heritage. Her black hair was tied back in a tied bun. Her features would be very pretty if she didn't look so damn cold. Like her male counterparts, she was dressed in a black suit and tie, her skirt and heels the only difference.
Rita and her goons were obviously armed with both pistols and semi-auto's. The Black Mamba was about to get a not-so-pleasant house call...surely equally as unpleasant as Bill was receiving.
Beatrix happened to be in the living room. She was clad in 'happier' colors: a pair of chopped jeans that were now capris and a sky blue tight fitting peasant top with V-neck and puffed short sleeves. Locks of layered blonde hair was pulled up in a high pony tail, clean cut bangs were even across her forehead, and loose strands framed her angelic features elegantly. Bare feet were crossed a top the coffee table as she stared at the television screen. There was a commercial for the local grocery store and that they were having their annual food sale. It was weird to have a food sale, usually one had a clothing sale, but this was a rather oubliette part of Mexico. She was about to make a note to herself to drop by the grocery store just to stock up on the discounted Bimbo bread but her note was interrupted by the abrupt knocking. She leaned over and flicked off the television in mild irritation. Bea made sluggish movements to the door. The knocking persisted. "Hold on," she called to the door. Irritation growing.
As she approached the door she squinted an eye up against the peep hole only to find it blacked out. Too bad this had been normal; damn delivery boys sticking flyers on the door, or she would have been more prepared.
Upon opening the door the tall blonde was, well, surprised. To say the least.
Rita smirked, cold brown eyes widening a tad. This Beatrix Kiddo was far prettier than Jeff had let on.
"Beatrix?" Rita raised a curved eyebrow. "How wonderful to finally meet you." She snapped her fingers, "Boys..." The two men at her side, both of which looked like they belonged in GQ came at Beatrix. They proceeded to grab the tall blonde at both sides.
Rita had been warned that Beatrix was quite a fighter and she wasn't about to take any chances. She pulled a small pistol out from her suit pocket, aiming it at Beatrix's face. The blonde looked irate. "Make one little kung fu move and I put a nice little third eye on that pretty forehead of yours. Got it?" She smiled, a chilly smile, "Your going to get it eventually, but I thought you'd first like to see what's left of your Snake Charmer before you do." Her eyes narrowed, "You should never have done what you did to Jeff..." her voice dropped to a hiss.
In this situation Beatrix could have easily gotten out of it. The stakes would have been high but she'd manage. Only problem was she didn't attempt anything. She remained unmoving, nostrils flared, and blue hues burning with rage. She would have kicked all their asses if Rita didn't go and mention her Snake Charmer. Bill was more skilled than any of them even Black Mamba would admit to that but everyone had their moments of weakness. No one was invincible. Bill's were few and far between. Even so, it made her blood boil and concern prickle her skin.
Instead of putting in a smart ass remark about Jeff she kept lips in a tight line and glared daggers into the woman who thought she was so damn clever. Time would tell.
Rita tipped her head to the side, "Very well." She seemed a little disappointed that Beatrix hadn't said something...it seemed this woman was looking for any excuse to elicit violence. Jeff's death was in itself just an excuse to go after the DiVA's. "Let's go," she motioned with the pistol. The two men holding Beatrix, shoved her quite urgently away from her apartment into a black sedan.
One man drove, while the other sat next to Beatrix. He seemed almost drone-like in his devotion and concentration. Rita meanwhile sat behind Beatrix, her cold eyes glaring daggers into the back of the blonde's head. Nobody said a word. When they arrived at Bill's, another similar black sedan was in the driveway. "Out!" Rita demanded, pistol in hand again.
Again, Beatrix was roughly pushed out of the car and across the familiar red adobe tiled patio, through the front door which by the looks of it had been forced open. Beatrix was shoved into the living room, the two goons stepping away back to flank Rita. The three men whom had attacked Bill were standing around...they had smashed some stuff, nothing much. They seemed far too obedient to do much while Rita was gone. One of them was playing with Bill's Hanzo sword, very obviously he had no idea how to the handle the weapon.
"Where's Bill?" Rita asked, sounding far too nervous for her own good.
"Over there," one of the goons pointed to the far end of the living room near the back patio doors. "I think he's pretty complacent now...but he sure put up a hell of a fight for an old bastard."
Complacent was one way to put it...having just got the shit beaten out of him was another. He was laying on his side, still barefoot. The men had beat him up pretty damn good, he ironically looked much like Jeff had just days before...his face bloody..torn clothing. There was a good sized red puddle emitting from his side, some injury he appeared to be hiding from view.
Beatrix had remained undaunted and relatively calm if she hadn't been so pissed off the entire time it took to arrive at Bill's. But, when they stepped inside and Bea got a good look at Bill's condition she didn't feel that calm anymore.
Bill couldn't remember the last time he'd gotten beaten this badly...many, many years. He'd had his nose broken three times in his life...now four, he forgot how much that hurt as well. But these fucking amateurs hadn't really done that much damage, if he had been them he'd have broken a leg or two...idiots. The slash to his side was pretty bad...but it was nothing he couldn't handle. In fact, injuries aside, he appeared to be undaunted...he still wore a haughty expression on his face. Of course, Bill was also a great lair...he'd probably die with that same expression on his face. On seeing Beatrix, Bill gave her a little smug smile and a wink.
Unlike with Jeff the tall blonde did not run to Bill's side in evident compassion and concern but remained where she was. Besides, this was Bill not Jeff and she'd never go running to Bill even if he were on the tip of death. Cruel but appropriate.
Even so he looked perfectly fine not counting the massive amount of blood. If the situation wasn't so serious she'd have found it relatively amusing. But she found it more and less amusing. Beatrix allowed a weary smile to tug at the sides of her lips and blue hues were warm. As soon as the temperature rose it degraded back to zero and settled back on Rita. Once again the blonde remained silent, due to two reasons. One being it was a way to show how utterly irate she was and two; she knew it was pissing the hell out of the woman.
Upon seeing Bill, Rita started laughing...it was a shrill and somewhat chilling laugh. "Well, well...how the mighty have fallen," she walked up to him...heels clicking on the wood floor. She crossed her arms across her broad chest. She shook her head. "All these years Bill...I thought you were something...and now look at you, it's very disappointing."
Bill smirked, his gaze shifting from Beatrix up to Rita, and like Beatrix's dropping drastically in temperature, "I suppose...we can't all be pleasers Rita," he sounded calm but there wan obvious strain in his voice from fighting the pain.
Rita returned with her own smirk, "The Snake Charmer? Bill, you couldn't charm me if you the last man on this fucking earth."
Bill spat a little blood out on the floor, "Well...of course Rita...the key word there being...man," he replied smoothly.
Rita's smile cooled a little at that low blow on Bill's view of her sexuality. "Always the wise ass..." she gave him a little kick, which Bill seemed to completely ignore. "Well, that's just about over with. You and this Black Mamba here went too far with what you did to Jeff. That was against our code."
"What code?" Bill laughed, but he quickly stopped, the action obviously causing more pain. "Besides, how do you know Beatrix had anything to do with it? Sure...of course I did it, but there's no need to involve her."
"Oh," Rita raised an eyebrow, "...that's quite noble of you Bill...didn't know you had it in you," her gaze slid over to Beatrix. "I know she was involved...believe me. And like you, she's going to pay dearly." Rita tapped back over to Beatrix, grabbing the blonde roughly by her chin. "Pretty young thing...I can see what Jeff saw in you. I'm sure he enjoyed screwing you." There was just the slightest hint of jealousy in her voice. Her eyes bore into Beatrix, "Sadly, there's no fuck without a coincidence eh?"
She let go of Beatrix's chin and spun on her heel. "Give me that sword," she grabbed Bill's Hanzo sword from one of her goons. "You know Bill," she swung the blade around with just a tad more skill then the man who had been holding it, which wasn't much, "I never quite understood why you run things the way you do. You live in a time of incredible weaponry and technology...and yet you continue to use such arcane methods...," she snorted, "...kung fu and samurai swords...oh please! In case you haven't noticed this isn't 1975 anymore."
Bill almost rolled his eyes except that hurt too much. Not this shit again. As if the phone calls hadn't been bad enough. Rita continued to swing the blade, "I mean...seriously, between me and my men...we are carrying devices that can look through walls, measure body temperature 100 feet away, mimic and detect voice patterns, shoot inferred lasers, cut through glass and disarm a bomb."
"So basically," Bill replied from the floor, "Your one giant ugly bitchy Swiss army knife."
Rita froze, her hand tightening on the sword's hilt. "Enough of this bullshit."
Bill smirked, "I couldn't agree more..." he said with complete confidence.
Of course Bill was playing his typical confident smart ass self...but as it was many times, it was an act. There was no way in hell he was going to be able to get up. He could try but he knew that that blow to the head he received earlier would assure instant dizziness and possibly passing out if he stood up. He had complete confidence in Beatrix but she was currently greatly outnumbered. But these things didn't shake Bill's resolve. He rolled onto his back, hand clutching at his side...blood oozing out from between his fingers. "Let me know when your done with the whole Bond villain speech thing Rita...you're really boring."
Beatrix kept quiet and patient as the 'adult's talked. Blue hues were watching steady disgust as Rita carelessly whipped Bill's Hanzo sword about. She wasn't sure if it was bothering Bill but it was bothering the hell out of Beatrix. Bill never ever let anyone touch that blade and here was this crazy ass bitch set on vengeance playing with the blade as if it were a mere toy. Perhaps it was respect towards Bill or a man she never met or the plain and simple fact that Rita got to play with it and she didn't. A sly smirk glinted in her eyes but her facial features remained irate. She had remained quiet long enough. "You may want to be careful there, Rita. That blade is very sharp and I'd 'hate' to see you chop off your own arm," she chimed in a leveled icy tone.
Rita whipped the sword around to face Beatrix, "Shut...the...fuck...up...," she hissed slowly. Her cool and calm demeanor was beginning to give away to something more ferocious. Bill was looking as if he had spent the remainder of his energy on being a smart ass. He set his bloody and pale head back onto the hardwood floor, eyes on the ceiling...haughty expression still intact.
"Nobodies limbs are coming off except yours bitch," Rita continued to advance on Beatrix. She cocked her head to the side, "I don't know where you get off thinking you're so great, but all of that is just about to end." She snapped her fingers and all five suited men began to slowly circle in on Beatrix.
Bill hated not being able to do something...it was so goddamn frustrating. He was used to action, not sated compliance. But there was no point in getting worked up about it, that wouldn't help his situation...in fact, getting angry was only going to cause his blood to pump faster onto the floor. Taking a deep breath, he turned his head to watch, his eyes flicking to his Hanzo blade in Rita's hands...that alone was nearly enough to get him irate, so he quickly changed focus on Beatrix...finding that image much more soothing.
Rita took a step back, letting her five assassins do the work. The men all had drawn their pistols and were now in a tight circle around Beatrix. "Well," Rita announced with naked satisfaction, "This is it Black Mamba. I truly hope you take a moment to thank Jeff for what's about to happen to you."
Beatrix felt like a cornered rat. Not that she couldn't handle herself or let on to the fact that this was a hard predicament to get out of. Five firearms aimed at every inch of her body in a tight circle were unsettling at the most. Blue eyes darted back in forth in calm and collected movements at each of the men. Feet shuffled around in her own little circle to give herself a good view of where each one was placed. Her jaw was firm set and hands were tight to her side as she came to an abrupt stop. She was now facing between two the men in front of her. Both glaring intensely, watching her every move. But Beatrix wasn't watching them, she was watching the tall vase on the pedestal that Bill kept by the patio door for decoration and aesthetic value. She never liked the thing. Tall, oblong, the color of marble but a hell of a lot shiner and gave off a mirrored reflection.
In the reflection of the vase she could see two shadows lurking in the far off corner. Only the trained eye or a snake's eye could catch this. Black Mamba blinked as a smile curved over her lips. Did she mention she loved that vase? Before any of Rita's lakies could make a move Black Mamba had ducked down to balance on her heels as bullets whizzed over her head and hit the back of two of the men.
Stepping out from one of the adjacent hallways stood Budd. He was dressed in black slacks, white button up shirt, and a black jacket to match. In his hand was a sub machine gun which he was beginning to reload. Standing next to Budd, dressed in a head to toe black cat suit was Vernita. A similar sub machine gun to Budd's in her arms. She fixed a deadly glare on the CLIP members and mowed down one of men who attempted to run towards the front door. The man fell screaming, full of holes and smashed into a wall of Oriental pottery.
Bill cringed from his place on the floor. Now only two men remained and Rita. Rita had turned towards the newcomers with a horrified look on her face. "What the fuck is this?"
"It's called an ambush bitch," Vernita said acidicly, "You should be vaguely familiar."
Rita stood there, looking pretty damn awkward for a few moments, her strong jaw working. Her remaining two assassins stood, guns still partially raised. She suddenly whipped out her own pistol with impressive speed and placed the barrel of it against Beatrix's temple. "Don't move. I think you'll know what will happen."
Vernita pressed her lips together, her gun lowering a few inches. She should have known this Rita bitch wouldn't be so easily gunned down. Well all in good time.
Rita licked her lips, "You're going to allow me and my two men to leave unharmed...or she goes down with us."
Most women enjoyed being allowed to play the role of damsel in distress but Beatrix wasn't the type. She'd more likely be pictured as the demonic dragon set on the destroying the town and burning the damsel to ashes. She was never big on fairy tale books as a child. Besides, the feeling of cool metal against her skin the blonde was relatively calm. Blue hues glanced between Budd and Vernita whom stood there unwillingly not moving an inch for the sake of a comrade's life. Her gaze shifted to Bill and the growing crimson pool beneath him. He needed aid and soon.
Her intense gaze came back to stare down the side of the barrel to Rita's irate profile. Beatrix knew that the worst possibility was letting Rita go free and that was unacceptable. So, Black Mamba took matters into her own hands, literally. One hand whipped out and snatched Rita's wrist, the one with the gun. She twisted her hand out horizontal to her body in a rather obscure and painful position. Similar to the technique Pai-Mei used but this was pulled out on the side instead of the back. Blue hues darted to the two men. "Take one step and I'll snap her arm in half."
And thus Beatrix had turned the tables.
Vernita couldn't help but smile a small sly smile. Her gun snapped back up to firing position. Bill would have been proud, but he was finding it hard to stay awake... he was aware enough to know that things had turned back in their favor.
Rita yelped, the pain in her arm sudden and surprisingly intense. Her hand spasmed and the gun fell to the floor with a clang. "Fuck!" she screamed. "Do what she says," she wailed to the two men, "AH!"
The two men looked horrified that they were being bested in such a way. But they complied, guns lowering...taking a few tentative steps away from Beatrix. Tired of this stand off, Vernita swung her gun up to aim and shot both men in the head with deadly accuracy.
Rita let out another wail, "NO!" She strained against Beatrix's grip, but that only made it hurt worse, "Stop! Just...augh..shit! Don't you fucking do it! I had every right! FUCK!"
Vernita's smile widened, "Bea...I think that bitch is all yours."
Beatrix gave Vernita a half smile and went back to her pray. Blue hues were burning with hostile fury that had been pent up for too long. She twisted the woman's arm with enough force to tear muscle ligaments and body tissue. Hearing her painful wails was music that Beatrix had been growing rather partial too. She let go and watched as Rita stumbled a few feet away before Beatrix preformed a high kick to the woman's chest sending her back into the wall with a harsh impact. "You had every right?" She repeated in a final cold tone. "You had the right to send one of your own to spy on us, to invade our privacy when we gave you no immediate threat?" Her hand shot forward and pinned against Rita's throat and pressed her firmly to the wall. "Incase your curious how I killed Jeff, I'll tell you. I shot him in the head, blood and skull fragments every where. I'll try to make your death less...messy."
Budd had lowered his machine gun and was watching Bea with a hidden wonderment. Hearing a distinct groan from the floor he quickly motioned to Vernita to come help him check on Bill. Kiddo could easily take care of herself from here on out.
Rita's eyes bulged, as Beatrix pinned her up by her throat. Her arm hung limply at her side, now damaged beyond use. "I...augh.." she choked, unable to say anything distinguishable. Despite her predicament, Rita continued to look straight at Beatrix with a death glare. The glare only intensified when Beatrix described killing Jeff. Rita made a choking noise, that would probably been a yell, if her throat had not been so constricted.
Meanwhile, Vernita had gone to check on Bill. She knelt by his side, brows knitted. He looked like shit. She hated seeing Bill like this...it didn't' suit him at all. "Jesus Bill," she mumbled, hands checking his side which he was still clinging onto with an iron grip.
He offered Vernita a weak smile, looking out of it, "Pretty sight eh?"
Vernita shook her head, "Just don't move."
"I...wasn't planning on it..." he replied with still a good amount of attitude.
Rita tried to kick Beatrix with one of her heels, but the blonde had her pinned far too expertly. Her face was becoming rather flushed. "...fuck...y..you.." she managed with a sneer and spat in Beatrix's face. On reflex Beatrix shut her eyes and slowly reopened them as a free hand came up to wipe away the saliva. There was a mild flicker of disgust in her eyes as she continued to keep them locked with Rita's.
Budd had grabbed a pillow on his way over to Bill and gingerly propped it under his head. His reaction and facade was similar to Vernita's. Having the shit beat out of him just wasn't Bill. "Loosing your touch, huh Bill?" He joked warmly.
Bill's lip twisted, "I'm losing more than that right now Budd..." he smiled. Bill was pretty damn mad at himself for getting so thrashed...it shouldn't have happened. It wasn't like him to end up like this...and he was despising every second of it. Pity, like humility did not suit him well either. "Where's...Rita?"
Vernita glanced over her shoulder, "Bea's about to kill her ass."
"Ah...very good..." he looked pleased under the coating of blood.
The tall blonde let up on her hold on the woman's throat. "Feel free to speak something of a greater intelligence before I end your life."
Rita sneered, "I...have nothing to say to you...not..worth...the effort," she once again struggled in vain against Beatrix's grip. She set her jaw in a firm line, obviously hell bent on saying nothing further to the blonde. A killer knew when she was about to face her own music.
Beatrix shrugged her shoulders. She didn't care what Rita had to say she was just being more considerate. Not that it lasted that long. She decided to stick with her decision to keep it clean. Her hand went back to press against Rita's throat. Applying more and more wait as she slowly but surely began to crush the woman's windpipe. Blue hues stared into the slowly glazed over eyes of Rita. Struggling persisted until Rita's body went completely limb. And so...the life of Rita and CLIP came to an end.
Beatrix eased off her hand and Rita fell like a rag doll to the floor. A satisfied smile crossed her deadly features as she stared down at her dead body. She than casually stepped over, reached for a towel on the bar, and came over to join her three comrades.
Her smile faltered when she saw Bill. She exchanged looks of worry with Budd before leaning down beside him, balancing on her heels. Her blonde head canted to view the oozing wound on his side. She grimaced. Her hand settled atop Bill's in an affectionate and careful manner. She made an effort to unclamp his hand with little avail. If she really wanted too she could force if off but that would permit unneeded pain. "Bill...let go so I can put pressure on it."
Bill's hand remained clasped to his side...obviously this was a well learned survival tactic. He wasn't about to just hand over trust to anybody. "No..." he said stubbornly, his pained gaze finally landing on Beatrix. He was finding it hard to concentrate on anything...things were getting fuzzy...but he was able to settle on her face. Bill of course, was well aware of his own physical condition. After all, knowing human anatomy and the way it worked...and didn't work...was one of the keys to being a good killer.
He looked at Beatrix for a moment longer and then slowly removed his hand which was completely covered in blood. He didn't say anything to her, he just fixed her with an intense look...partially based on delirium and partially based on a new leaf turned over in the name of trust.
Vernita glanced at Beatrix, she looked as if she was going to say something...but did not.
"Thank you," Beatrix bluntly said. The second his hand was away she pressed the towel up against the open wound with necessary force. She wasn't about to let up on the pressure she was applying just because it was hurting someone she cared about. She'd hurt him more if she allowed him to bleed to death. Bill could be a stubborn fool. That had been evident. If he wouldn't have allowed her to put her own pressure on the wound she'd be forced to pry it off. She knew both of them would be more than unhappy by that.
Blue hues were fixated on the towel that was soaking up a new color of crimson, loose blonde strands veiling the sides of her face as it canted down. She knew he was watching, trusting her. It was hard to comprehend so Beatrix didn't bother and kept to the task at hand. She glanced over to Budd. "Get me the first aid kit."
The man complied without a second thought and dashed off to the spare room. He was more than familiar with Bill's home to know where he kept things stashed. There was little Bill could do by lie there like some helpless child. He absolutely hated it...every second of it. He wanted to say something, but he knew it was foolish to waste the energy...besides pretty much everything he wanted to say at the moment involved a smart ass comment. Perhaps not the appropriate time. He simply continued to watch Beatrix as if he were a surgeon having surgery preformed on himself. He never failed to be the skeptical hard ass even when he was like this.
Vernita watched, feeling a little helpless. Beatrix had vastly superior first aid skills than her and she didn't want to get in the way. Normally she'd try to be comforting or at least say something comforting...but hell, this was Bill! It just seemed wrong...if she said something like, that he'd probably reach out and hit her for even trying. Besides, it wasn't like this sort of shit had never happened to Bill...the man had scars that made her cringe...but she knew it had been sometime since something like this had happened to him. "Is there anything I can do?" Vernita mumbled to Beatrix as Budd returned with the hefty first aid kit.
Budd came back down beside Vernita and put the first aid kit on the floor between them. He clipped the box open to reveal the various medical supplies. A mini surgeon's office. Surprisingly the man hadn't said much since Rita had been killed. As many times as Budd had been around to see Bill exceed extensive injuries it still never set right. This was his own living blood and he didn't like seeing that blood spilled on the floor.
The towel Beatrix had been using was completely soaked through and was beginning to stain her white hands. "I need antiseptic, needle and thread, and gauze." She answered Vernita without sparing her a glance. In all honesty Bea wasn't much of a surgeon; she never went to med school and didn't pay attention in health class. But, she knew enough to hopefully 'not' kill Bill.
Vernita nodded, rummaging through the first aid kit for the items that Beatrix had requested. After a moment, she found them and laid them out next to Beatrix.
Bill meanwhile was beginning to lose touch with reality. He lost the intense gaze he had been holding on to Beatrix and closed his eyes. He mumbled something about walking alone in the desert, the sun god Apollo and three Indians. Verntia's brows furrowed, "What the hell is he talking about?" Sounded like some weird drug flashback to her. She watched as Beatrix prepared to perform surgery. Her gaze flicked to Budd, the man looked stoic and pale. She was somewhat touched by this and offered Budd a small smile. Budd returned the smile and settled down on the floor in a sitting position. His gaze was watching Beatrix with the intensity that Bill had been faltering on. His brows furrowed and concern grew more when Bill began hallucinating.
Beatrix was sitting Indian style beside Bill and was accurately threading a needle. She glanced down, worry evident in her eyes. "Bill," she cooed softly but with a stern undertone. "Stay with us." She knew that with the amount of blood he had lost it was expected to be delirious but it wasn't safe to stay that way. Lingering on the edge of sanity and reality was fine but he wasn't lingering. Her lips pursed as she set the needle and thread down and snatched up the antiseptic. "This is gonna hurt like hell. Ready?" She didn't wait for a reply and poured a steady amount onto the open wound. She wasn't one for neatness as long as the wound was sterile enough that she could start stitching.
Vernita cringed, "Oh shit..." She knew what this felt like.
Bill was quickly whisked away from his desert back to harsh reality. The pain was nearly unbearable. He let out a string of cuss words that would make a sailor blush and leapt forward towards Beatrix. An instinctual reaction no doubt. Vernita was on it and quickly shoved him back down, hand pressing down on his head...another on his shoulders. "Fuck...augh...help me Budd," she called over her shoulder. "Hopefully he'll just pass out soon..." She had no desire to fight with Bill as Beatrix stuck a needle in him.
Bill might have been one stubborn bastard, but even this was a fight he was bound to loose. After a moment or two he was old cold from the pain.
"Well...there ya go...as passive as a baby," Vernita smirked, wiping some sweat off her brow, "...for the moment." She glanced at Beatrix, "Let's get this over with Bea..."
Beatrix was leaning back to evade Bill's forward advancement on her. Even if it was out of pure reaction it startled her but when Budd and Vernita pinned him back down she let that startled state pass. Her expression came firm set and emotionless. Blue hues stared down in intense concentration.
Long white fingers plucked up the needle and thread. She craned her head down and pink lips puffed out as she blew softly on the wound to dry the liquid. The easy part was over, now came the hard part. She was no house wife whom spent hours a day with a sewing set but she had stitched up a few holes in her clothes over the past years. She had enough experience to know which type of cross stitch to apply to this type of battle wound.
She tied a knot on the end of the strength with the aid of her teeth. Beatrix was nervous but it was hard to tell. The only obvious psychical aspect was the sweat that was making blonde bangs stick to her forehead. Slender brows narrowed as she let the needle hover. She began to count numbers in her head, starting from ten and down to five. Lips adlibbed the numbers as they passed through her head. Three...two..."One." And she stuck the needle through Bill's skin and weaved the string out to the other side until it went taught from the knot on the other end.
Hard part was over. She began to intricately weave the thread in and out patching skin together to make a tight tuck. She had to pause a moment to steady herself. She stared at her progress. Three quarters of the way done. She glanced up to Vernita and Budd whom held looks of amazement and disgust. Beatrix cleared her throat. "Do you think Bill would mind if I stitched my initials on his side?"
Vernita bust out laughing, the tense silence broken. "Yeah...I think he might not appreciate that too much..." she continued to laugh, amused by Beatrix's comment. Of course, out of everybody Beatrix would probably be the one he'd be the least pissed off about. Vernita wasn't exactly sure why she thought that, but she knew it was true.
Watching the whole thing was pretty damn disgusting and Vernita was grateful that Beatrix was nearly done. Elle would probably have loved this... But Vernita had to admit Beatrix was a good hand when it came to first aid. Ironically, the best killers often made the best doctors. Bill was completely out. Which was a good thing for them all. He would have loathed to have seen himself like this.
It took a good hour for Beatrix to play doctor. Deep down she was enjoying it but on the surface she hated the idea of having to stitch up something, especially Bill. She was far from grossed out by it. Beatrix knew that if she had to perform surgery on herself she'd do it and apply all the needed pressure. Even if she had a bullet wedged in her calf she'd pluck it out without a second thought. It was something that had to be done. No way out.
It was closing in on the evening hour and Budd, Vernita, and Beatrix were gathered at the table munching on pizza they had delivered. No one felt right going home just yet. At least not until Bill regained consciousness. Budd was munching contently on a slice of pepperoni with a half drunken bottle of beer. He had remained fairly silent the entire evening but he had silently given his approval to Bea's handiwork. Which was more than enough.
Beatrix was sitting across from Budd nibbling at her first slice of plain. She hadn't been that hungry. Understandable but she continued to force something into her empty stomach. Vernita picked at her pizza. She wasn't particularly hungry either, but she continued to pick at the food in front of her.
Bill was still lying where they left him...still covered in blood but no longer bleeding all over the place. It was hard to recognize him from a few feet away, a turquoise ring on his hand and a heavily torn typical "Bill shirt" were the only real giveaways. By all rights he looked dead, but at closer inspection it was obvious he was not.
Vernita kept glancing over at Budd, who had been uncharacteristically quiet throughout the whole thing, She couldn't blame him...but damnit she wished he'd say something. "Bill's gunna be pissed about his living room," Vernita piped up, really just to break the silence. She spotted his Hanzo sword lying a few feet away, "Not to mention the fact that that Rita bitch soiled his Hanzo blade." She picked at her pizza, "What a bitch..." They had dispensed of the bodies by throwing all of them into the black sedan they had come in and pushing it off a nearby cliff. In these parts nobody would take much notice or care. Vernita looked over at Beatrix. The blonde looked as if she was forcing herself to eat. "I'd say Bill owes you big time Bea," she said, once again trying to break the mood...well, that wasn't exactly the best way, but oh well.
Beatrix broke her eyes from staring at the pizza as if it were going to get up and dance. "He owes me a lot of things. Just something to add to the list," she said quietly but with a good amount of sarcasm. She peeled off a section of cheese, popped it in her mouth, and chewed slowly.
Budd leaned over and grabbed up another slice of pizza from the cardboard box. He always seemed to be able to eat. Not that the two women minded, it wouldn't go to waste that way. He looked up and finally spoke in his usual tone, "We'll try to clean this place up after we're done." Bea gave a nod of approval. "He is known to be a neat freak."
Vernita smirked, "Yeah...no shit..." Neat freak was one way to put it. She was pretty amused by Beatrix's "owing" comment, but she kept silent on that one.
They finished eating in relative silence. Vernita and the others had begun to try and clean things up when Bill's voice rang out from the floor. "Somebody get me some fucking water right now." Vernita exchanged glances with Beatrix. Well looks like Bill was awake and back to his usual self.
Vernita went to the sink poured a large glass of water. She crouched by Bill's side. Oh yeah..he was awake and he looked pissed. "Here ya go Bill," she quickly handed him the glass, which he snatched with a bloody hand. He drowned half the glass in one gulp and poured the rest over his face. Vernita backed away a few steps...she wasn't exactly sure how Bill was going to react to this whole thing.
Beatrix was with Budd sweeping fragments of now worthless china into the dust bin. She watched as Vernita retrieved the glass of water. He was back to his old self, unfortunately more angry than before. She didn't blame him but that didn't mean he had to scare Vernita half to death. She handed Budd the broom to finish up and made sauntering steps over to where Bill lay and Vernita stood.
She came up alongside her darker skinned companion. Blue eyes narrowed down on Bill as arms crossed over her chest. Her expression was placid. "Good, you're awake." Pretty blonde head canted as he made a movement. "Don't even try to get up. Don't make any rash movements. I'll be damned if you split those stitches open. And if you do, I'll make sure you pass out again." She threatened in the kindest of manners.
Bill frowned up at the two women, his hand instantly going to his side. There was a look of concentration then barely concealed approval. "You did this Kiddo." After a moment, he held the glass out, "More water...now." Vernita pressed her lips together, and snatched back the glass...going back to the kitchen.
Bill raised an eyebrow at Beatrix, "That's pretty damn impressive." His hands came up his face, "Fuck...," he pressed on his nose, "Augh..." He let his arms drop...there was little that could be done for the rest of him besides just letting it heal.
Vernita returned with the glass of water, which Bill then repeated the same thing with.
"Rita's dead," Vernita announced as she watched him, "Beatrix choked her ass out. CLIP is extinct."
"Hrm," Bill didn't appear all that elated nor impressed by these facts.
"They..uh...broke some stuff, nothing major," Vernita continued.
"Like my fucking nose!" Bill shot back before letting his head fall back. "Goddamn..."
Vernita raised an eyebrow and sauntered off...fuck the bastard.
"I can't lay here all night Kiddo," Bill spoke up again, but more civilly, "How did the stitching go?"
Beatrix was tempted to say something about the way Bill was showing gratitude. Vernita had put in a helping hand as well but she let it slide knowing it would impact bickering that no one needed. Blue eyes returned to him and she shrugged her shoulders. "It went."
"Beatrix stitched her initials into your side!" Budd yelled from across the way. Obviously he was back to his old self too. He chuckled and tossed shards of glass into the garbage can.
Beatrix shot a glare in Budd's direction but it was all in good fun. "It went as smooth as can be expected. No worries," she clarified in a warm tone. Steps were taken over to his side as she knelt down. Balancing on the balls of her feet, hands (still taking on a crimson tint) settled on her thighs. Her features were worn with exhaustion but it had yet to dominate. "Stay in an upright sitting position for five minutes to make sure you don't puke. Than we'll help you into the bedroom. Fair?" Brow raised in question.
Bill didn't exactly appreciate the entails comment...he didn't check of course, but the very thought irked him. He was tempted to send a smart ass comment Budd's way...but decided his energy was perhaps better spent elsewhere. Bill's attention turned back to Beatrix as she knelt at his side. "I'm not going to puke," he looked insulted at the very suggestion. He propped himself up on his elbows, looking utterly stubborn. After a moment, he glanced over at Beatrix, "Give me a hand here Kiddo." For Bill of course this was extremely humiliating...but he had little choice. He'd rather receive help then have to lie in a pile of his own congealing blood all night. Although that was a tough choice.
Once Bill was sitting, which had to admit was incredibly painful...of course he was doing his damndest to hide that, he sat slouched over...a hand on his head. The living room was an instant roller coaster. "Shit..." He tried to cross his legs, but that was out of the question his side was far too tight with injury. "Ok...," he breathed after a moment, "I think I need to sit for a few more minutes..." He avoided Beatrix's gaze.
Beatrix shifted on her heels to try and keep balance. Bill's skin was taking on a clammy white complexion as he tried to sit there. Nonchalantly she put an open palm gingerly against his back to make the posture easier to deal with. She knew he despised this. It was more than understandable. Killers hated to show their vulnerable side. They all had them some just concealed it better than others.
Her eyes were a warmer temperature as she watched him as one would a sick child. She decided to try and keep his mind off of the pain. That helped for most people. It helped her. Bill was another subject. "I crushed Rita's windpipe," she said in an melancholy voice. "It was pretty cool. I was gonna put my fist through her throat but I took consideration to how messy that would be in your lovely abode." She offered a gentle smirk.
Bill returned the smirk, looking pallid. "Wish I could have seen that," he said a little weakly. "I'm glad you considered my furnishings," he quipped, trying to sound at least like somewhat of an asshole...he wasn't entirely pulling it off at the moment.
After a few minutes, Bill willed himself to stand up, with a good amount of help he was able to swallow enough pride (and it was allot to swallow) to allow himself to be led down the hallway. Everything was a blur after that. He remembered a few fleeting images, saying something inappropriate to Beatrix, swallowing pills, excruciating pain and long bouts of darkness. For some reason in the middle of this haze, he remembered sometime ago when Beatrix had been shot and how he'd initially been rather cruel about the whole thing. He had tried to tell her that he shouldn't have been like that...but he didn't think he was able to get that out...at least not in a comprehensible way. Beatrix, while certainly not warm and fuzzy was far more genial than he had ever been when the roles had been switched.
He pretty much just remembered being really fucking pissed off at himself. He should never have allowed this to happen. He hadn't been injured this badly in over nine years...and he certainly had not gotten any younger since then. It wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't lost so much damn blood. It had been far too close of a call for comfort. This type of shit wasn't supposed to happen to him anyways, wasn't he infallible? Well...ok...maybe that was going too far.
It was...who knew how long later, when Bill awoke feeling as much there as he had since being cut down by his own sword...oh yes, he remembered that now...fucking assholes cut him with his own blade. Good thing they had no idea what they were doing, because if they did... he sure as hell wouldn't be in one piece anymore.
He realized that somebody else was in the room. He lifted his head up to see Nikishi in the corner preparing tea, the soft clink of china the only sound in the room. He propped himself up on his elbows, "Fuck!" He hadn't really realized he wasn't wearing a shirt, and it was cold as hell...well at least he felt cold. He wrapped the cover over him...Jesus, at least he was still wearing his pants.
Nikishi looked up, "Ah, Bill you are awake now...that is good."
"Where's Beatrix?" He blinked, why in the hell had those been the first words out of his mouth?
"Oh, she's gone right now...she left awhile ago. She said she will come by to check in soon."
"Ah," Bill fell back down onto the pillow, his head protesting painfully. A hand checked his side; a bandage had been wrapped around his torso. It appeared dry...that was good.
Nikishi shuffled over, the tea tray in her hands. "Here...tea, green tea your favorite."
Actually some Scotch sounded far better at the moment, but Bill took the cup of tea with a nod, "Thank you Nikishi."
She nodded and set the tray down on the nightstand. Folding her hands across her front, she stood up straight. "Do you need anything else right now Bill?"
Bill thought about that for a moment, drinking his tea, ...yes...a pint of Scotch, a pound of good Mexican weed, maybe a hot shoulder rub and a long shower. He shook his head, "Nothing right now Nikishi...some food...later."
Nikishi nodded, "Yes, of course," with that she scuttled out of the large room.
Bill turned to the tea tray, which hurt like a bitch and spotted a TV remote on the tray. He smiled; he often forgot how good Nikishi was. He picked up the remote and switched on the hanging TV in the corner. After a few moments of channel switching, he settled on sumo wrestling on ESPN 3 and lay back onto the pillow.