Hey! I'm so sorry for leaving you hanging! I'm up to my neck in college assignments, followed by exams and practical exams! I also had a little Writer's Block. It's a real douche bag. Anyways, I got it done, I'm personally not a little bit happy about the description-dialogue ratio, but I'll leave that up to you guys.

Enjoy the fourth chapter! I'm sorry for the two week hiatus! Be assured, this is not discontinued! I will finish it!

"Don't you remember I'm your baby girl?

How could you throw me right out of your world?

So young when the pain had begun

Now forever afraid of being loved."

- Demi Lovato; For The Love of a Daughter

Chapter 4: The Past is a Ghost

One Week Later…

Post Mid-day…

13:00…

24th September 2010…

(Scene: John Adams Hall, University College London, Endsleigh Street, London/Lara's POV)

A week passed since Sam's accident, a close call to being crushed or seriously injured by a car that swerved out of control. There are times, I let my temper get the better of me and I did give the driver a bit of a scare. Sam scolded me for that when I brought her to the doctor, who examined her. Thankfully, she saw no injuries or bruising and my friend was only in a mild state of Shock. It's Saturday again, the lecturer decided to give myself and the other classmates a break from extra lectures. I'm guessing he's already sick of us, I bet he has a good feeling that we're straight-A students. I submitted my essay on Monday and it somehow, ended up being on top of the pile, so it was first to be graded.

While I was on break with Sam and her friends, my lecturer: Mr Connolly walked up, looking at me in particular. That scared the crap out of me! I was trying so hard not to turn into a giant wolf and flee, whining like a puppy was going to raise questions too. Expecting to be yelled at or something like that, Connolly just handed me my paper with an 'A' in the corner. He was impressed at the amount of detail and research I put into it, commenting my paper would rival a research student and not to mention, praised my brilliantly, accurate use of the Harvard Citation and Referencing System. Mr Connolly even had my paper checked for plagiarism! Normal procedure though, I couldn't argue. He told me to keep up the good work, but not to burn myself out and just enjoy First Year. In other words, he's subtly saying: "Don't come to any extra classes. You're grand." I was still happy, knowing I have passed the module, but still, I want the other fifty percent.

Happy days for me. Sam is out again, looking for accessories or upgrades for her camera. I know she loves that device, so I expect her to be out for quite a while. This gives me time to see if I can finish what father started. The libraries in UCL won't be much help, they wouldn't have much when it comes to myth, especially the Supernatural. That sort of thing is far off the boundaries of logic and reason. Then here I am, standing between that line and a very fragile one too. Perhaps I can scourge the nearest archive. The London Archaeological Archive and Research Centre was somewhere I always wanted to visit, but there be nothing about werewolf lore. No archaeologist or historian believes in this 'bullshit' or 'fairytales'.

I have to call Roth, I need his help! Right now, I'm at a dead end, a brick wall. Maybe Roth can help me go through father's notes, he probably missed something while reading them. Father has always been cryptic in his notes and it takes a hard, focused mind to decipher them. Walking over to my study desk, I picked up my phone, dialling Roth's phone number. I waited a few seconds.

"Lara, how are you doing?" Roth questioned,

"Better than I was last week. I still feel guilty." I am correct in what I'm saying. Jake may have been a dick, but he didn't deserve to die like that. Me, scrawling, lacerating him. Tearing his limbs off their joints… eating him. I also heard, yesterday the police announced the case is gone cold. They couldn't find anything and all predatory animals were securely locked up. London Zoo was crossed out. It makes me feel I should go to the police, turn myself in, show them it was me by turning into my first werewolf form. Don't think like that! I realised I left Roth hanging too long. "But right now, working out how the suppressant was made is my priority.",

"Right, so come up with anything?" I sighed frustratingly,

"That's the problem Roth! There's hardly any information when it comes to Werewolf Lore and Myth. Plus, I don't trust online sites." That narrows things down quite a bit.

"Shit! What now?",

"I was wondering if you could help me with father's notes again. You might have missed something." I suggested. Roth on the other hand was worried, Croft Manor was a mixture of sad, happy and tragic memories for me. He fears I might have a relapse.

"Lara I don't know if that's a good idea.",

"What choice do I have! Father is always hiding secrets, who knows what he hid!" Roth was silent, he wasn't happy about this. "Please Roth, for me! I don't want to hurt any more people." He finally conceded with a sigh.

"Alright. I'll pick you up from your flat around two.",

"Thank you Roth." We hung up then. What secrets were you hiding father?

Surrey isn't located far from London, depending on the route taken. If you're driving obviously, there's three different routes, one takes fifty-five minutes, the second fifty-eight and the third an hour and two minutes. Knowing Roth, he'll take the quickest route. I sat down on the couch, picking up one of my note copies and began studying, also to kill time as I wait for Roth.

One Hour Later…

14:00…

My mind was brought back into the land of the living when I heard Roth's jeep pull up along the path and he honked the horn to get my attention. I got up, grabbing my keys. I also left a short note for Sam just in case she comes back early and wonders where I am. I locked the door behind me, leaving the apartment. Roth stepped out of the car, quickly rushing to me and crushed me in a tight hug. Thank god for Enhanced Strength!

"It's good to see you girl!" He smiled,

"You too Roth. Come on, let's go to my old home.",

"Are you sure about this Lara?" I looked at Roth, hard in the eyes.

"Roth, there's no other place to turn for answers. I have to do this!",

"OK, I respect your decision." We stepped into the jeep, Roth turned on the engine and we drove off.

Fifty-five Minutes Later…

14:55…

(Scene: Croft Manor, Surrey, England/Lara's POV)

Roth pulled up outside the gates of my old childhood home. I never thought I would come back here, it's still in perfect condition, no thanks to Winston. Stubborn old butler! Croft Manor has practically become his home too and I treat him like more than a butler, not just a friend, but family. The Manor stood out with pride behind the gates, the large double doors, asking me in. My stomach was doing flips, I killed mother in what was meant to be a safe haven, but you are always far from safe with a werewolf.

"The past is never dead. It's not even past." I muttered, quoting William Faulkner. My past, the history that always haunts me, never left. Ten years may have passed, but it still feels like yesterday. Sure, that didn't go unnoticed by Roth, for being a Naval Veteran, he knows a few quotes of his own. He can get philosophical when he wants to be, what do you expect of a mentor and father figure? He knows quotes that will counter mine.

"We are products of our past, but we don't have to be prisoners of it." I looked at Roth, did he just quote Rick Warren!? He said nothing, he was leaving it open for my interpretation, but the quote speaks for itself. I have blamed myself for so long, I trapped a part of myself in it, or I purposely made myself a prisoner. All the guilt that I built up, letting it consume me, it became my prison cell without a key. I sighed and just got out of the car. I don't have time to challenge Roth with an argument of Philosophy. Roth stepped out too, locking his car.

Opening the gate, we walked up to the doors of the Manor. Roth knocked, we were greeted by Winston, still dressed in that same butler suit. His face widened into a smile, pulling me into a hug.

"Lara! It's been so long already!",

"Nice to meet you too Winston, but I wish it was on better circumstances. I need access to my father's stidy and library.",

"Well of course! As long as I'm still here, you can return to the Manor as you please. But stay for tea at least!" I smiled at him, how can I reject a cup of tea, just the way I like it.

"Yes Winston, I'll stay for the tea. No one can make it better than you do.",

"Excellent! I'll have the kettle brewing and please refrain from locking me in the walks-in freezer again." He grinned. I went red with embarrassment, face-palming too as Roth laughed his heart out. That memory is still fresh in the veteran's mind, apart from me running to him in my penguin pyjamas. Just leave me be! I was nine years old! And I was bored, angry I wasn't allowed into mother's room! Father locked up the West Wing after I killed mother. As retaliation, I set a trap for him. Spare me the humiliation! Roth and I entered Croft Manor, as Winston hurried off to boil the kettle.

My eyes gazed around the grand hall of a shadow of my childhood home. If Sam was with me, she'd have that blasted camera out, faster than I could blink and start documenting. To my left was the sitting room, straight through the solid oak doors. To my right were two paintings of mother and father. A thin gold plated sheet on the bottom of the painting, an engraving of their names: Lord Richard Croft and Lady Amelia Croft. I looked to mother's painting, I can't believe I ended her life! My legs began to buckle as I began to hear the brutal sounds of that horrific day again and Roth noticed. I caught his shoulder for support.

"Hey, easy lass. Take your time. I know it's hard for you, being back here." He soothed,

"It's not that. Every time I look at her face, I see the pain I put her through. I hear her screams of agony, the tearing of her flesh, begging me to stop, try to remember who I am…" I stopped, I couldn't continue speaking of that day.

"Lara, as I told you many times: It's. Not. Your. Fault." Roth punctuated each line to make his point clear.

"IT IS ROTH!" I snapped, actually snarling. My voice echoed the big hallway. It kind of made him jump back a bit. "What's the point of this suppressant? I'm still a werewolf, a monster! Perhaps I'm better off dead. Let the last heir of Croft, be with her family." Roth squared his shoulders, straightening his back.

"You're giving up just like that?",

"I'm a lost cause! I'm nothing but a danger!",

"Then you're no longer a Croft. A Croft, never gives up, never loses hope. I'm sorry it has come to this Lara." I clenched my fist, my anger boiling.

"I. Am. A. Croft!",

"Say it again." He grunted. I have to convince him that I deserve the family name.

"I am a Croft!" I repeated, with more conviction and confidence. "I am Lara Croft, Countess of Abingdon and daughter of Richard and Amelia Croft!" Roth's posture loosened a little.

"Then act like one." He said softly, "Let's head up to your father's study first, then we'll attack the library." I followed Roth up the staircase. I facial features softened as I followed Roth. What was the point of that? Is he subtly teaching me to have more self-confidence in myself? Learn how to speak out without fear? Be proud of my heritage despite what happened ten years ago? Who knows what's going through his mind.

He led me to my father's study, it's ages since I've last set foot in there. The last time I've been in there, was when I climbed up a tree, dragging myself through the wide open window. I think I was seven. Father saw me and lifted me in, I always looked up to him, my eyes full of wonder and curiosity. Yet, there's one thing he constantly told me:

"There are some bits of my work your mind is unable to comprehend, but when the time comes, you'll understand." What did he mean? So many questions but so few answers. What was he hiding? Keeping safe? Now I'm straying of the main point to why I'm here. Focus on that, then I'll plan on reading other aspects of my father's work, because surely he has done other things apart from looking for a cure to Lycanthropy.

Roth pushed the double set of doors that led into father's study. I stepped in, looking around, taking in the beauty of a room I haven't seen since I was young. This whole thing is a painful walk down memory lane. Father and I were so close, until I killed mother, his wife. I approached his desk, all his old notes scattered across the table in disorderly fashion. I walked around the desk, running my hand along the wooden edges until my fingers met a small gap. I stopped, dragging my finger along it to make sure I wasn't imagining things. I frowned and of course, Roth noticed. The gap is small, I would've missed it if I was dragging my finger any faster.

"What did you find?" I felt a finger-sized hole in the side of the desk, placing my finger in there, I pulled it. The secret compartment came out like a very small drawer. I put the drawer on the table, I gasped with excitement, even Roth was surprised! "Dicky you stubborn bastard! Too clever for your own good!" Inside were more notes, why was he hiding them? Did he fear someone would try to steal them? They were all dated, placed in chronological order. I picked up the notes, going to the most recent one dating 2002. I began reading it.

"Log 25, 2002:

At long last, two years of research have finally paid off! I may have not found a way to remove this curse, but I know how to create the suppressant to Lyncathropy! Lara and I will not have to fear turning on the night of the Full Moon! We can live a normal life! There is not much to the Werewolf suppressant, all that is needed is Wolfsbane, with some of its toxins removed; simply boiling it for fifteen minutes will do and a small drop of our own blood.

The minute amount of toxins will know the cells in our body that link to our transformation and attack them. It will stop the whole turn! But this will have to taken every time a turn is imminent. This is still a major breakthrough! It will have to do until I find a way to forever banish the Werewolf curse that plagued our family bloodline for so long!"

I smiled, he did figure out a way to create the suppressant! And it's really easy to do! I can live a normal life! No one will ever become victim of my second werewolf form! I felt that an impenetrable brick wall has been taken down. I then cocked my head in curiosity when there was another sheet behind it. It was not a document, it's a short note written by father! It was for… me!? My heart suddenly, went heavy as I began to read it in silence, imagining my father's voice.

"My dearest Lara,

After Amelia, I'm so sorry for the way I treated you. I locked you up, called you a monster when I'm no different. I was stricken with grief. It all could have been avoided had I told you sooner, but I never expected you to turn so early. The transformation does not usually happen until you reach thirteen years of age. I guess you are one of those rare cases.

I'm sorry I abandoned you, when you needed me the most. I'm sorry for leaving you to cope with this nightmarish curse alone. I never blamed you for Amelia, your mother's death. I hope in time, you can find it in your heart to forgive me, or maybe it's already too late for that. If you hate me, you are right to feel that way. I just hope you can forgive me at some point.

I am always with you Lara, never give up on achieving what you want. Never let anyone make your decisions for you. Think big, aim high and leap further than anyone. Whatever you do and choose, I am proud to be your father.

Always remember: "That the extraordinary is in what we do, not who we are."

Love you with my dying heart,

Richard Croft."

Oh father! I forgive you now, I wish you were here so I can say that to you, face to face. Why did you leave me? Who murdered you? There's so many unanswered questions. All those dark thoughts and opinions I had on father, all seemed to melt away like ice becoming water. The things he did to me, what I felt like was abuse, I hated him. I wanted to kill him myself. There was a huge sense of relief, a weight taken off my shoulders that father never hated me for I have done. He put himself at fault too, he wished he could've told me sooner. I held the handwritten note tightly, the last remnant of my father, his voice full of love and pride, not logical and formal like in his research notes. I felt Roth's hand on my arm, giving me a soft smile.

"At least you know he has always loved you.",

"I was so angry at him." I replied, "I resented him for shutting me out, pushing me away. Now, I wish I could tell him I'm sorry. Though, it still doesn't mean I believe him about all these myths he was chasing.",

"You wouldn't know Lara. The line between myth and truth is fragile." He then cleared his throat. "Now, on the other hand, how do we get Wolfsbane imported?",

"I'm no botanist, but Wolfsbane is common in this country. It shouldn't be too hard to get."

Roth and I walked out of father's study, heading to the sitting room. Once we stepped in, Winston had our tea ready on the table. We both sat down, I offered Winston to join us and he didn't couldn't refuse. He well knows I treat him more than a butler. I sipped my tea, the old man got it right again. Bugger! I remember Sam telling me her birthday is this week! September twenty-ninth if memory serves me right! Oh no! I have five days to get her a gift! She's an absolute camera nut, the current model she has is a Nikon D3300 Digital SLR.

We were walking around Oxford Street one time and just so happens we passed a camera store. In the front widow, one camera caught her eye in particular: the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ2000 Digital Camera, costing £1099. After all the hours I put into working, I can afford it. As soon as she saw it several days ago, I made it my mission to save up the money and to get her that god damn camera, even if I have to work overtime.

"What are you thinking about Lara? Something is on your mind." Winston asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"It's Sam's birthday this week." I answered,

"Who's Sam? Sounds like a guy. You never told me." Roth said in his hard accent. I nearly panicked.

"It's short for Samantha! She's a girl! She just likes to be called Sam!",

"Nearly gave the old man a heart attack lass. So, what's on your mind?" He joked,

"As I said, her birthday is this week and I want to give her something special. There's this camera she wants and I've saved up enough to buy it. I just better get it while it's still there." Roth leaned back into the couch.

"Here's the deal Lara, you tell me the model of the camera and I'll get it for you. Save you the trouble.",

"Roth no! I can't do that to you!",

"For one day girl, just put away the Croft stubbornness and give me the bloody model!" He teased, but being serious at the same time. I signed in defeat, knowing I could not win a war of words with the Naval veteran.

"It's a Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ2000 Digital Camera. It's in stock in Jessops, Oxford Street." I grumbled. Roth was quickly scribbling it down on a small sheet of paper. He's too good.

"Consider it done. I'll have it on your doorstep by tomorrow evening.",

"You're the death of me." I grumbled under my breath. Of all types of people that father had to aquatint himself with. Winston just laughed. I looked at the clock in the room. Is that the time! I better get to the flat! On the clock was 6:15pm. I spent three hours and fifty-five minutes in the mansion. Perhaps, I may return, live here, when I feel ready. I finished my tea, putting it on the saucer. "Thank you Winston, but sadly, I better get back to the college." We stood up from our seats.

"It was nice seeing you. Also, before I forget, did you find anything?",

"Yes. Father figured how to make the suppressant. Wolfsbane is all that we need to get.",

"Consider yourself lucky, the garden outside is filled with Wolfsbane, well in the greenhouse. Your mother had quite a skill with plants. I will have it gathered for you. Come back again soon and I will help you make the suppressant.",

"Thank you Winston." I hugged the old butler. We said our goodbyes, I was first to exit until I picked up Roth and Winston talking, chuckling almost. The last thing I heard from Winston was:

"Looks like the young Croft is in love.",

"You know what Winston, I say you hit the nail on the head there." I never got into Roth's jeep so quickly! But I couldn't help but ask myself: is Sam and I more than friends? Roth stepped into his car and we headed back for London.

Fifty-five Minutes Later…

19:10…

(Scene: John Adams Hall, University College London, Endsleigh Street, London/Lara's POV)

Roth dropped me off at the entrance to the flat. On the way back for the whole fifty-five minutes was spent arguing about who'll pay for Sam's gift. I told Roth I'll pay him back in full, but he insisted to pay it himself and I couldn't have that! It wouldn't be fair on him! Eventually, by the time we reached my flat, we finally came to a compromise: we'll split the cash. We're both equally stubborn. I told Roth I'll be literally five minutes or less to get the money, so all I have to grab is £529.50 from my room. I stepped out of the car, ran in, grabbed my half of the money, out and Roth exactly calculated three minutes thirty seconds by the time I got back to the car. I handed Roth my half of the money and I said goodbye to him, he drove off and promised to have the camera by tomorrow evening.

Now, it isn't too dark, I guess I'll go for a stroll to kill time. I currently have most of my study and assignments done for now, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to take a break from my studies. Some of my lecturers are actually worrying about my wellbeing. Turning to my right, I began to walk. If I'm right, I think that's the general direction of Gordon Square. Sod it! I really wish I had my iPod now.

One Hour and Thirty Minutes Later…

20:40…

(Scene: Gordon Square, London, England/Samantha's POV)

All the things I needed for my class on Monday are bought and ready to use. So after all that shopping to improve my current camera model. I would really love an ARRI, but they're for rent only and they are like expensive! I can easily afford it, but there are other cameras that work just as well. The camera I saw at Jessops, while being in Lara's company, caught my eye and I just fell in love with it! I decided to go for a stroll before heading back to the flat. May be I can use this time to think about my growing feelings for my roommate.

I mean, we only know each other for like a week and a half or is it two weeks now? But it's scary to see how quickly things can escalate. It's like we're soul mates! Destined for each other! Although, there's something still bugging me about Lara. It still baffled me how she was able to stop a car in its tracks! You would have to be Superman! Er… girl, Supergirl! Doesn't matter either way you get the point. If Lara can stop a car, then… is she actually human? I decided not to dwell on it. I was listening to my music, I had no sense of attention to my surroundings until someone grabbed me from behind. I screamed at the top of my lungs, hoping someone would hear me and help!

(Lara's POV)

My head sharply shot up, when I heard a scream belonging to a familiar person. It was Sam.

"Help me!" I could hear, and I didn't need my heightened senses to hear that! Shit! Sam is being mugged by someone! Why is the world suddenly against me!? A growl managed to reach my throat. No one hurts Sam and gets away with it! Not on my watch. Running at top speed, I leaped, changing into my first wolf form. At least this transformation is painless.

(Samantha's POV)

I struggled to get the person off me, who was trying to take my belongings. Out of desperation, I slammed my foot down on him, causing them to let go in surprse. He was quick to recover though, as he grabbed me roughly by the arms, drawing a switchblade. He put the blade against my throat.

"Just give me your stuff or I will hurt you!" He threatened. I couldn't see his face, but I see his eyes were uncovered. The lower half of his face was covered by some type of scarf and he was wearing a hoodie. How bad can my weeks get!? First, I was close to getting crushed, now this! Being mugged! All of a sudden, I couldn't feel the man's hand on me, I turned around to see a large creature in front of me. There was a threatening growl being emitted from its throat, hairs standing on end and I wouldn't be surprised if the teeth are bared too. I can say one thing for sure: the ears were definitely pinned back. In absolute fear, my attacker fled and I'm sure he wet himself.

If you want a nicer atmosphere or more feeling for this part of the story, I suggest reading this meet up, while listening to Joachim Heinrich - Wolf. I've listened to the composition myself, it's very fitting.

The creature turned towards me. I was about to flee, in fear it would turn and attack, but instead, its body language softened, ears perked forward. I'm no animal behaviourist, but I think it's telling me, that it means no harm. I stared in awe of this beautiful creature. It was a wolf, an abnormally… no huge wolf! It was twice as big as the standard Grey Wolf. Its size matched that of a Grizzly Bear! The wolf's fur was a gorgeous dark-brown, you would almost mistaken it for black! It was thick and soft. The fur blew gently in the direction of the small breeze. I stared into its eyes, those eyes are not something you would see often, there were a beautiful gold colour, glowing almost. Yet, if you look closely, you can see minute tints of brown. The wolf licked its lips and pitch black nose with its tongue.

This is something out of this world! The young, but large wolf slowly approached me, but showing no sign of wanting to do me harm. It gazed right into my eyes with its own, like… its looking into my very soul. I'm guessing this wolf is a female, judging by the fact it has no… you get what I mean. I reached out carefully with my right hand. This creature just saved my life! She did not injure the man, but left him with a healthy fear of wolves. My hand reached her head, my fingers grazed against the soft, thick fur. It was like rubbing a thick blanket. I made my way to behind her right ear and scratched it. The wolf let out a contented growl, liking the fact she is being stroked, cocking her head to the side even!

The magical moment was short lived when the female wolf, ran off in a burst of speed with its powerful hind legs before I could blink. This all took me a while to process, I just experienced something out of one of those scenes from Twilight: New Moon! But this is real, not fiction! Oh my god! I have to tell Lara! But… will she believe me? I mean, this is something illogical to her. Ah feck it! I'm telling her, even if she does or doesn't believe me, I definitely know what I saw and I wish I recorded it. Having the need to tell Lara, I sprinted off back to our flat.

Twenty Minutes Later…

21:00…

(Scene: John Adams Hall, University College London, Endsleigh Street, London/Lara's POV)

I made myself look normal as much as possible after saving Sam, again, from being mugged. I like the first wolf form much better. I was on the couch trying to study. What is wrong with me!? I let Sam scratch me behind the ear like a pet dog! And I was liking it! I loved how Sam's long, delicate fingers stroked me. I'm so confused about my feelings at the moment! Damn you Winston! I don't know where I stand with her! Sam and I have been friends for a week and half! I think, I have lost track of time in college. I don't want to move too quickly! Also, Sam did look at me, for a split second with fear in her eyes. It took my change in body language to convince her I wasn't going to hurt her and had no intention to.

My problem is: if I make my feelings known to Sam, will she accept me for who I am? Or will she be like any other people? People who run away when they see something that the human mind cannot comprehend. They try to look for reason within the Supernatural. My thoughts were interrupted when I heard Sam running down the hall towards our room. Has she literally sprinted from Gordon Square!? She's fitter than I thought. Oh no! She's going to tell me what happened to her! Pretend to be surprised! Sam bursts through the door, causing it to bang against the wall.

I raised my head, peeking out over my textbook, pretending to look confused. She was gasping for breath, so I got up to pour her a glass water. Sam took the glass off me and gulped it down in one go. I could see the excitement in her eyes, the shock as well. Here it comes.

"Oh my god! Lara! You will never believe what happened to me!?" She said excitedly. I have to pretend I have no knowledge of this. Play the game Lara.

"What?",

"OK, so I was strolling around Gordon Square until someone grabbed me and tried to steal my stuff!",

"Are you OK!? I should've been with you." I replied, trying to sound guilty. It's so hard when I was actually there, at that moment!

"I'm fine, trust me. But will you believe me if I told you what I saw?" She asked shyly,

"Try me.",

"I was saved by this big, magnificent creature! A wolf! The size of a Grizzly Bear! I'm not kidding! I really wish I had photographic proof!" I do believe you because I was there. She even nailed down the first wolf form size. It's not an exaggeration that I'm the size of a Grizzly in my wolf form. Really, I nicknamed it the Twilight wolf form.

"It's hard to believe, but I'm going to go with it.",

"Don't worry, this is just between you and I. We're roommates right? We share everything together!" I wish that was completely true. I don't want to lose you because of this curse. I lost too many people because of it. It's the main reason for my social awkwardness, my insecurity and being an introvert. I learned to keep to myself. To sum it up, I have become a total nervous wreck of a (cursed) human being.

"So, take-out?" Sam offered, "Pizza or Chinese? But you have wanted to try Japanese too!",

"Chinese is fine Sam. The usual."

Same Time…

(Scene: Secret Base, Main Office, Unknown Location, Unknown Country/No POV)

A young militia in his early thirties was sitting in an office of a secret paramilitary organisation. He has gotten word from planted spies in England and read the intelligence. He found it most problematic, having the need to address it immediately to his Superior. The figure in front of him, sitting in a chair, turned, but his face was hiding in the shadows. The soldier held his tongue until he was told to speak.

"You are granted permission to speak Cadet." The superior ordered. The young man nearly stuttered over his own words until he managed to straighten himself up.

"I have received intelligence from the spies in Surrey, England." He shakily passed the documents to the boss. He took them, opening the folder, analytically looking at the papers and photographs. He hummed to himself.

"So, we have another mutt to deal with.",

"Excuse me sir?" The man's voice was full of confusion,

"Do not worry yourself too much. Leave it to me. Thank you for giving me this. You are dismissed." The soldier nodded, then saluted sharply before walking out.

Once the boss knew he was out of ear shot, he picked up his telephone on the desk, dialling in a number. The phone beeped until someone answered.

"Yes?",

"Get me Lieutenant Jenkins." He commanded,

"Right away." There was sounds on the other side as the phone was being handed to another person.

"Lieutenant Jenkins." He said over the phone in a gruff tone,

"Jenkins." The boss simply said,

"Sir! What's wrong?" Jekins' voice suddenly became formal and in a tone, that is ready to take orders.

"You and your men have a mission.",

"What is it sir?" Jenkins was interested,

"It looks like your men have another hunt." He said bluntly,

"How!? There hasn't been sightings since that Croft guy!",

"Then you will be doing justice in getting rid of the last heir.",

"With pleasure, but sir, what about the other mission?" The boss could tell his Lieutenant was grinning with hunter's excitement.

"Plans have changed. You enjoy your hunt, I will send another person to find the Star Phenomenon on Yamatai. Remember, you are doing the will of God and He does not tolerate the existence of Satan's creatures!",

"With pleasure sir!" They hung up, the boss placing the phone back in its holder. He leaned back in his seat.

"Things have gotten more interesting." He thought.

Trouble is brewing! Lara Croft has target on her back now! You can all guess who this mystery organisation is. I think it's fairly obvious if you noted a few key words and carefully read every single document and the GPS Secret ones in the first TR Reboot. I know this branch does not exist, but I had to it. But yeah, I did promise mentions of the game.

Hope you enjoyed this Chapter! Fifth one will hopefully be up shortly, if not, expect a gap like this.