Knock knock, motherfucker

The ride to the station was long. It wasn't as hot as before as clouds had taken to the sky and were covering the sun. A storm was slowly approaching. Mild roaring of thunder could be heard in the distance. Annie lived as far from civilization as she could without moving in with the wolves deep in the hills. Rain hadn't come for weeks so the car left a cloud of dust as it rushed along the dirt road leading to the highway. No one spoke a word.

Annie had said everything she wanted back at the house when she told them about the hostility and caution exercised in the region. There seemed to be belief that something was about to happen at San Francisco so the city had been put under lock-down. Ace and Barry would have to use extreme caution when entering. Their best chance, as it were, was to take a train into the city. It would be essential that no one knew they were coming.

The ride was bumpy as Annie didn't know how to drive the car quite that well but she had insisted on driving as she would also be the one to bring the car back.

The station they entered was spacious. Bigger than any Ace had been to. The ceiling was made of glass. At some point in time it might have seemed like there wasn't a ceiling at all but someone had neglected their responsibility so the glass was stained and lightly green. Possibly algae or something of the sort.

Annie got them both tickets while they did their best to look nonchalant. As much as a giant with barely anything covering his scar riddled chest and a disgruntled man dressed in a pitch black coat with spray paint on the back could. Annie didn't take long. Soon she was back and pressed two tickets into their hands. She gave them a quick smile and turned to leave.
- Umm, Ace..
Ace looked to see what Barry was examining and looked down at his ticket. It was for a train headed in a completely different direction.
- WAIT! WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA!? THIS ISN'T EVEN THE RIGHT TRAIN!
Annie turned on her heal and smiled at Ace.
- That's the idea. They can't know you're coming. Get into the right train's cargo car or something!
With those words and a flick of her raven hair she was gone.
Ace and Barry stood dumbfounded.
- If she didn't buy us the right tickets then what was the point of buying them at all?
- Gate check?
Ace looked over his shoulder towards the doors they had to go trough. Indeed - they would require a ticket.
- How do you propose we proceed?
Ace didn't have an answer ready. He looked around and caught sight of a few signs signaling what's where. Thinking but a minute he motioned Barry to follow him and headed for a sign that said "Departure hall".

There weren't many people left on the platform. It was reserved specifically for the train they were to take and most of the passengers were already on with an elderly woman, trying to get her enormous bag trough the door in the very front of the train, being a sole exception. Getting there had been easy as the security after the gate was rather lax. A cold draft could be felt on the platform. An attendant walked up to the woman and started gesturing towards the back of the train, the woman shouting furiously. Neither Ace nor Barry could quite make out what they were yelling about, worrying a bit as them moving to the back could cause problems. But that didn't seem to be the case as, with the help of the attendant, the woman began to push the bag trough the door with an even more severe determination to succeed. Ace checked the baggage car's door - unlocked. With a silent thud it sled open. Ace motioned Berry to head on in.
- Ladies first.
- You do know men just say that to get a good, uninterrupted view at women's behinds?
Ace choked.
- Shut up.
Pushing Barry to the side, although not moving him even slightly, Ace jumped in.
- Nice ass.
- SHUT. UP!

The ride was long but they were able to enjoy it as someone had decided to move a set of furniture - four chairs, a table and one of those psychiatrist couches things. Ace spent most of the ride sitting in a makeshift throne he had created on a pile of bags while Barry laid on his back in the gold ornate couch. They had tried to map out their plan of action but found themselves stuck as the whole 'operation' had a rather large flaw - neither of them really knew where they were going or how to find the small, nondescript building they were to look for. In their haste they hadn't paid enough attention to Annie. They did have an approximate idea of where to look so they decided to cross that bridge when they get to it. Ace was used to that kind of planning as he rarely invested enough time into research to have his plans execute flawlessly.

The trip had lasted for about 3 hours when the train came to a slow stop. Ace straightened his back in the throne.
- That was quicker than I had hoped.
Barry gave Ace a look of amusement.
- Did you expect this trip to last the whole day?
Ace tilted his head and rested it on his fist.
- And maybe the whole of tomorrow.
- We should get out before someone notices us.
Ace jumped to the ground and, adjusting his coat, walked to the door.
- You really think they would get their bourgeois asses off the seats that quick?
He placed his hand on the handle and pulled it open, turning to Barry as he did.
- See - no one.
- Ace, look behind you.
Ace turned to find ten gun barrels pointing at his face. A man in a long, navy blue coat stepped in between the armed men whilst adjusting his glasses. There was a golden Diamond pin at the end of his red tie. He looked Ace in the eyes and smiled malevolently.

Wild Coyote

The dinner they were sitting in was rather musky. The air was damp and heavy even with the door wide open. The two men were sitting at a table by the window. Their clothes were dusty and their faces covered in sweat and sand. A woman in her late 40s dressed in a sun-faded waitress outfit walked up to them towel and notebook in hand. She stood by their table, legs wide, spat on the table, wiping the spit with her towel across the whole table. Making a choking sound she addressed the men.
- So, what'chall be havin' tday?
One of the men pushed his glasses further up his nose and calmly answered.
- I'd like a coffee. Black. With two sugars. Thank you. What about you Strong?
The large man on the other side of the table was visibly more disgruntled. He mumbled under his breath.
- A black coffee and a large serving of legs and bacon.
- Don't forget to say please!
The slender man winked at Strong. The waitress slowly wrote everything down and went back into the kitchen.
- Do you think the boss will kill us?
- Not if we can get that guy back.
Strong grumbled.
- He's long gone by now.
- The gas in his ATW should be trough by now. And he's in the middle of a desert. I don't think he's getting anywhere.
- I guess you're right.
The slender man sighed.
- When have I ever been wrong?
They sat in silence for a while. The wind was tossing sand around on the other side of the window. Their order arrived slowly already with a check. The woman placed the food and drink on their table and extended her palm towards them, staring at them whilst chewing gum. Both men stared at her for a moment and the slender man pulled out a 10$ bill and placed it in her hand.
- Keep the change.
The woman turned her back to them and left. The coffee was horrible. The slender man left untouched and waited for the larger of the two to first fish his meal.
- mmnch.. Uhh, what's our plan of action?
- Simple. We'all get a car and go down the road. He'll turn up eventually. Dead hopefully.
The large man finished his meal, drank his whole cup of streaming coffee in one swing and got up.
- There's no time to waist!
He rushed out, breaking the door as he did and the slender man slowly followed him, dropping a five dollar bill by the broken door.

Boarding pass

The shock had already more or less passed. The room was still and a clock could be heard ticking in the distance. Ace was sitting on the old, worn-down couch between Barry and Annie. He was staring at the white cube on the scratched dark wood table. 

- You mean to tell me that this thing came from me, that my blood looks like that? ... How did that happen?
- My guess is that it happened during the selection. But at what point exactly? No idea. It could be because of your drive.
- It's not like this for both of you is it?
Ace's voice trembled slightly, he felt alien.
- I'm afraid not.
Annie took a small, shiny scalpel and made a cut on her palm. A tiny stream of blood trickled from her hand to the floor. She gave Ace a wry smile.
- All of us aren't capable of taking as big of a beating as you.
She gently put the tiny, blood-covered blade on the table next to Ace's sword. Ace slowly stood up and stepped over the table.
- What does this mean? I mean, am I immortal?
He looked into her deep eyes.
- Ha, ha. Immortal? No. Far from it. Yes, you can, as we already know, soak up a lot of damage. But you can still die. If you push it too far.
She let out a short sigh and licked the wound on her palm. Looking into Ace's eyes with a cheeky smile she added.
- At least, that's what I think.

Ace shifted his weight
- Is there anyone who could know more?
- Mmmm..
Grinning, Annie slowly removed her lips from her hand.
- Yes, I think that there are two brothers, researchers, who might know more. Bookworms those two.
Ace's eyes brightened in excitement.
- Where can I find them?
- I think they own a book shop at the further end of the city. Quite lovely. They have a study on the second floor. I've spent a few nights there.
Ace shifted his stance again and after taking a breath asked.
- "Spent a few nights there"?
- Uhh, yeah. Research.
Barry had got up and walked up behind Ace. He placed his hand on Ace's shoulder.
- Maybe we should get moving? Don't you want to figure out what this means for you?
Annie moved herself closer to the table and reached for the Ace's blade.
- Let me infuse this..
She slid her fingers along the long weapon, leaving a blue radiance around it. Then she placed her slender finger on the white block of solution and with a flick of her fingers made them collide. The light was so bright it made Ace cringe. When he was finally able to look at it it was white. Annie had merged both objects making Ace's sword turn into solution.
- Try reaching for it and thinking of holding it real hard.
She smiled at Ace. Ace put his hand forward and stretched his fingers towards it. Nothing happened. Ace just stood there cringing and making faces. He let his arms fall to his sides and let out a deep breath.
- Screw this.
And with those words the blade lashed towards Ace like the tentacles of an octopus, wrapping around his fingers and finally forming itself back in his palm. Everyone stood with open mouths.
- W..w.. Wow. That's amazing!
Ace slashed at air, getting a feel for the upgraded weapon.
- What else can it do?
Annie put a finger to her lips and thought for a bit.
- You might be able to store it in yourself..
-WHAT?!
Ace's shout filled the room and made Annie fall back in her seat.
- W..well I think that would be possible..
- Would the brothers know more?
- Possibly. You can ask then when you're there.
Ace turned to Barry.
- We must go. Now.
Annie looked at them both and added nonchalantly.
- You'll be taking the train into town.

We are golden

He was taken out the back into an alleyway where a black sedan with tinted windows had been parked for the,. An enormous man opened the backseat door and motioned Drew inside. Drew's hands were now free so getting inside wasn't an ordeal. They probably figured he wouldn't attempt anything with that giant around. And, for the time being, they were right. Attempting anything now seemed insane. The inside of the car was quite spacious. There were blue neon lights lined around the edges of the car's interior. The passenger-side front seat was pushed back as far as possible, making the configuration of the seats quite odd. The human-tank took that front passenger seat with the loud-mouthed rat-boy sitting next to Drew in the back. They were missing a driver. They sat in silence. Rat-boy was toying with his diamond pin and didn't seem to mind the wait. However the man in the front was growing more anxious by the minute. Just at the point where it looked like he would begin to rip the car apart using nothing but his enormous hands, the driver-side door opened and a slender man with thick rimmed glasses and well groomed, dark hair got in and tuned the key in the ignition, making the car let out a soft purr.
- Calm down, Strong. There is no rush.
"Strong" let out a deep grunt.
- The Boss-
- The Boss won't mind. Really. He's quite busy at the moment. She looked like a catch, the Boss will be in a good mood for quite some time, boys!
He said it with absolute carelessness, like the man next to him wasn't at all a threat, smirking at the tank's grumpy expression.
- It's high time we tried for a promotion.
He laughed a and floored the gas pedal, launching the car into the crowded street.

After driving for about an hour the car slowly came to a halt. The sound of churning gravel had had a kind of numbing effect on Drew. It took him a moment to register that they were no longer on the dirt road and were instead in the middle of a private airfield. He could see rows of jets on the runway and a few ATW's to the side by an empty hangar. The men started getting out of the car. The slender one laid back against the car, slowly lit a cigarette and began moving towards one of the jets while the rat-boy stretched himself and looked around in an appalled manner. Obviously, sun was not his element. The car door opened and Drew was pulled out of the car violently, falling to the ground.. The tank had seemed large while Drew was on his legs, but lying beneath him, when he could easily curb-stomp Drew out of existence, made him look humongous. Drew slowly got back up to his feet. The sun had come up a good 20 minutes ago and was now slightly burning his eyes.
- We're going to take a ride.
The man's voice was deep and hoarse, yet his speech was perfectly clear. Somehow it made Drew's skin crawl.
- Start moving.
The man showed Drew towards the jets.
- Oh shit... Not that again.
He had just went trough one 'rough' flight and another one was definitely not on his agenda.
He started walking forward, taking note of his surroundings. The rat was rather close, a taser loosely strapped to his side. That could very well be his way out of this situation. The tank being a few steps behind and not paying direct attention to him,  Drew took a few steps and then lunged shoulder first into the rat-boy's throat, knocking him down. Drew quickly pulled out the taser and, without hesitation  discharged it into the man's temple. He was out cold. Rolling off of his limp body Drew rushed to the closest ATW. To his relief, the keys were in the ignition. This place was probably secure enough, or far enough from civilization  for them to leave everything unattended.
- GET THAT MOTHERFUCKER!
The sound was horrible. It reminded Drew of a train rushing right at him. The tank had sounded scary before but this fierce shout that left his (or possibly - its) foam covered mouth made all the color drain from Drew's face. The veins on the tank's forehead were pulsing red as he ran, to Drew's surprise, not towards him but to a hangar in the back. The slender man had appeared from the jet and was running towards Drew, trying to get his gun out of its holster and nearly tripping. Drew turned the key and, as the ATW came to life, steered away from the man running at him. Rushing to an open gate, leading to the desert, he looked back to see the large man slowly walking out of the hangar. It took him a second to recognize the large, shining object in the tanks's hands. That was the biggest minigun Drew had ever seen. A quiet "fuck" slipped from his lips as the gun began to warm up with a sharp buzz. Then it began firing.

RRRRRRRRATATATATATATATATATATATA!!

The gun was heavy and the fact that it spit out god-knows-how-many bullets per minute didn't help, making it too much for even the tank to fully control as it sprayed a hail of bullets across the run way. The slender man yelled out as the bullets swept forward, destroying the remaining ATWs and ripping the rat-boy to pieces. The stream of bullets was now quickly moving towards Drew. Cursing, Drew pushed the gas pedal as far as it would go,dashing towards the dust filled desert.

Well, isn't this the worst foreplay ever?

- And that there's the Diamond Casino. Big-shots-
The girl stopped to unwrap another lollipop. Cherry flavored  She slid it slowly into her mouth whilst making sure to keep eye contact with Drew. There was so much make-up on her face that Drew had to wonder if there's even a single spot on it that's not plastered with cosmetics. Her mascara was off in one side. She probably did it in the dark. She was wearing a navy-green coat with a fur-trimmed hood. Drew had given it to her when he picked her up. The pockets were filled with the lollipops she was sucking on. He took it from the hospital when he went to get his cut fixed up. Underneath, all she had on was a black "Guns & Roses" tank-top and net leggings, with tiny black shorts barely covering her privates. Just looking at her gave him chills.
- You're sure you don't want to do it? You did pay me and I feel kind of-
- You were saying before..?
For some reason the girl repulsed him. There was something about her. Something he couldn't put a finger on. But whenever Drew tried to pin it down, it slipped away.
- Big-shots from around town gather here every now and then. It's almost like their Meka.
- Mecca.
- Whatever, Blondie.
- Any idea why the Big-shots find this place so irresistible?
- Not a clue, they only take their regular girls with them.
She made a loud popping sound as she pulled the cherry flavored lollipop from her mouth.
- Could I get inside?
The door didn't look to be guarded from the outside. It looked like any other casino. Incredibly plain, in fact. But who knows what could be going on inside.
- Want to gamble baby? I could be your wing-woman.
Drew took a moment to look into her hazel eyes. Her hands were slightly trembling.
- Do you even know how to spot?
- Spot?
- Case closed. Can I get in?
She puffed and turned her gaze to a large pyramid-shaped hotel.
- What reason would you have to go there?
- That sounds like a good place to sack a few things.
The sly smile was washed from his face as he felt something cold press against the back of his head. The girl looked back at him. Making sure to catch his eyes.
- We've been waiting for you.

The room was almost empty. Besides the couch Drew was sitting on there was only a block of polished metal. It didn't look heavy but was probably screwed to the ground. On the block there was a small object lying erect in the middle. He couldn't quite make out what it was from where he was sitting. 

The casino had been all but plain on the inside. Nearly everything was made out of gold. Walking past a table he had caught a glimpse of the chips in play. High stakes would be a severe understatement. Every table was probably worth at least a few apartments full of cash. He didn't see much as he was rushed to the back of the casino. In the middle of the whole room  there was an enormous statue of a golden man holding his fingertips on a kneeling man's forehead. The lower man was, by the look of it, supposed to be turning into gold. 

Drew's thinking was cut short by a rather short, dark-haired man walking into the room. His hair was kept short with a 'rat's tail' at the back. Under the white shirt Drew could see barely make out long, winding tattoos. It was impossible to tell what they were be supposed to be. The black vest the man was wearing had a gold diamond pin above the left breast pocket. He slammed the door shut with his dress shoes and yelled out.
- Yo, fucker! So ya been thinkin' bout messin' with our game, aye?
Irritation lashed across his face and he put his hand to his ear. An earpiece. He wasn't the one making the decisions. Thank god. He looked like a prick.
- So yas be commin' with me. Gots' that?
Not wasting his breath Drew got up from the couch. It took him a bit of effort as the couch was quite deep and with his hands behind his back he had little balance. The ill-behaved man stood at the door and looked at Drew, ushering him to come. As Drew went past the metal block, he glanced at the object resting on top of it. 'Passion red'.

Drag me to hell

The long stretch of road was dusty with sand and dried tumbleweed being constantly blown across the desert next to it. A man in a gray wife-beater and black jeans was walking slowly but intently down the crusted concrete. His steps bounced in his black combat boots raising speckles of dust in the air every time he lifted his feet. Music glared from his earphones. He had just passed a sign that said he has 60 more miles to go. Every now and then he took a bored look back in hopes of seeing a car. His short, silvery hair shivering in the wind. The last car he had seen had passed him a day before without so much as slowing down to hear him out. Back then he looked at least a bit decent. He had a cut on the back of his left shoulder that probably needed medical attention. It was about two inches deep and was covered in sand and dust. The heat did nothing to better the situation.
Not paying attention he stumbled and fell. As his earphones fell out he heard a car approaching from behind. He kicked backed and raised a finger gesturing that he needs a lift. The car was a warm coffee color and without a roof. It reminded him of something Presley would drive. He couldn't remember the what the name of the brand was. The car slowly stopped to a halt a little further behind him. He got up slowly. Picking up his earphones as he did. He approached the car and leaned on the empty passenger door, hiding his wound, and looked up to find a young woman by the steering wheel, slowly inhaling smoke from a cigarette she was holding loosely in her slim fingers.
- So, handsome, what's your name?
She gave the man a slick smile, smoke dripping from between her gleaming white teeth.
- Andrew, mam.
He took a short pause.
- Mind giving me a lift?
Andrew gave the woman a cheeky smile.
It was visible that he was nervous. His face didn't show it but his fingers kept tapping a maddening rhythm on the door he was leaning on.
- Well.. Andrew, I think we can arrange something. You get a ride and I get a story. This trip is awfully boring. You might be my chance to spruce it up a little bit.
She inhaled the smoke again slowly, eyes fixated on the distance in front of them.
Andrew was a bit reluctant. He had never been much for talking. Even less so about his life. Especially his recent endeavors. He struggled to swallow but finally worded his response.
- You got a deal.
He opened the door and got in. He'd always wanted to jump into one of these roofless cars but he was tired and didn't want to risk damaging the car with a failed attempt.
The woman dropped her cigarette and started the car. Andrew moved his head to the side so that wind would cool his face. It whipped at his face but the air felt so much better against the heat that he didn't care. The woman unwrapped a cough drop and gracefully slid it between her thin, red lips. She gave Andrew a wink and stretched her neck exhaling deeply as she did. Then she began to speak.
- So, sugarplum  what brings you out here and what's with that atrocious choice of hair color? You're not 80 years old are you?
She turned her head toward the silver haired man in the passenger seat and slid her sunglasses down on her nose revealing a deep gaze that seemed almost hypnotic. Andrew realized just now that he hadn't even noticed that the woman had sunglasses on the whole time. Or what her face really looked like. He'd been too fixated on everything else to even take a look. His face lit up red so he turned his gaze towards the desert they were speeding through. He could feel the woman grinning behind him.
- That's a nasty scar you've got there.
Andrew cringed as he felt a cold finger slide across the skin next his injury. At the very least he could avoid answering about his hair.
- It's nothing. I got into a little scrape a ways down the road.
Scenes of fire, shouting and a lot of gunfire blinked trough his mind like old motion picture frames. The fall, the unlikely survival, the man jumping after him. The knife.
- 'A little scrape' in the middle of the desert? You just happened to be wondering around here?
Her voice sounded smirk yet warm. The mixture unnerved Andrew. It felt as if he was sinking.
- No, it's my first time in this country.
As much as tried he couldn't hide it. She could sense just how lost he felt. His usual hard, go-to-town attitude didn't last even ten minutes with this woman.
- And you end up in the desert? Didn't even visit an airport.
She sounded puzzled yet sly.
- I guess you could say someone pulled an elaborate prank on me..
- That's a bit far for a prank don't you think?
- I've had worse.
The woman removed her 'passion red' chopstick from the purse lying next to her and proceeded to add a fresh layer of it over her lips. Andrew gazed at her completely mesmerized. He was a bit startled when she began to talk again.
-So I guess the gray hair makes sense now.
She gave him a quick glanced and continued.
- I suppose that little scrape has something to do with the plane that crashed?
- It crashed?
- So I struck gold again..
The woman gave herself a cat like smile in the mirror and placed the chopstick back in the bag.
- We'll be there soon.
- There?
- A place of a million lights.
- That's where your journey ends?
- No, but that's where our separate journeys begin.
Her words cut the conversation. They rode in complete silence. Andrew wondered who the woman was and what she was doing in such a place, wherever they were. But he didn't dare to ask. Somehow he knew he wouldn't get his answers. Not too long and he began to see lights in the distance.
- Las Vegas, baby! Woooooh!
The woman started laughing and turned on the stereo.
"Can you see the Joker flying over~" Blared from the speakers as they left nothing but dust behind them.

Solution

- Take a seat in that chair.
Annie pointed Ace to a large, padded chair in the middle of the room. She carried a small table next to it and put a platter with tools and medicine there. Ace sat down and looked at Barry who gave him a reassuring smile and a nod. Ace exhaled deeply and laid back. Suddenly he was pushed deep into the chair and couldn't move the slightest bit. He could only stare forward and listen.
- I guess I should have let you know we're staring.
- HAH! You scared the living crap outa'im!
Barry's hearty laughter did in no way reassure Ace. Annie stepped into Ace's line of vision and bent forward for him to hear better.
- It's going to hurt like hell so please don't squirm.
She stretched her arm, looked at Ace and directed her hand towards him. Fingers stretched.
The ring on her slender finger began to glow and slowly covered her in dark light. Once it had engulfed her the light launched towards Ace. It pierced trough his chest and it could be seen from the pain in Ace's eyes - it wasn't done with just that. His eyes started rolling back into his head.
- Barry! Take the MD from the table and administer it on Ace!
- The MD? What is that?
- A morphine dose. Quick!
- You could have just said that.
Barry took a syringe, stumbled over to Ace and, without much ceremony, stabbed him square in the chest. In a moment Ace's eyes returned to their place and didn't appear half as terrified as they had been before. Barry exhaled with relief and planted himself on a couch opposite of Ace. The dark tentacles started going in and out of Ace as if sewing him. Annie was trembling but her eyes were firmly focused on Ace. Then, with a final snap the tentacles retreated into the ring on Annie's finger and she fell to her knees. Barry was there immediately and helped her get up. With the help of Barry she got to the table and took a vial of solution. Gripping it in her hand she stumbled over to Ace and stabbed another needle into his chest. This one intended to fix him up for good. Ace slowly regained his movement and quickly removed both needles.
- I absolutely hate them.
- Hate what?
- Needles, Barry, needles. And I just got STABBED with two of them!
Ace threw the syringes into the furthest corner of the room.
- Ace, I think you should be saying thank you to someone here.
Barry nudged his head towards Annie who was now completely lying in Barry's arms.
Ace stepped closer and found her wondering gaze.
- Thanks.. umm.. I don't know what I'd do without you.
- Heh, you'd probably die.

The response ruffled Ace a bit and he snapped back.
- Well I'm not THAT useless, mind you.
Annie slowly looked up at Ace.
- Bring me your sword.

Ace looked at her. Puzzled slightly. Was she going to try and stab him again?
- My sword? What do you need that piece of garbage for?
- I've got something that might change your mind about it.
Ace looked into her eyes for a moment, but not sensing any faltering in her resolve he stepped out of the room and went to the car. The sword was sort of a relic. He liked it but it hadn't proven to be of much use. It's not like you can stand up against guns with a mere blade nor can you hide it efficiently so it could be used by surprise. He took the sword from the floor of the rear end of the car and went back inside.
Annie was sitting on the couch with the table in front of her. On the table there was a white cube  Solution. Ace slowly went towards her.
- Where did you get solution so pure? 

Getting solution in such a state was rare if not impossible.
- You gave it to me.
She gave Ace a wry smile.
- Give me your sword.
Ace placed his blade on the table next to the cube.
- What do you mean by "you gave it to me"?
Barry looked at him with a look that Ace was unable to read. He was hiding something.
- Ace, this came from you. I had a feeling that this is the case so I wanted to make sure. Ace. This is your blood.

The boy, the bear and the enchantress

Dust  was being dragged in the air as the black SUV rushed along the dirt road next to an enormous lake. There were hardly any clouds in the sky so the sun had heated the car up to an ungodly temperature. The front passenger seat was covered in fast food containers laid on top of Ace's dusty coat. The windows were up as the dust around the car would make the already damp air unbreatheable. Ace could hear his friend snoring in the back seat. 

- I hope she's not as upset as we think she is..
- She'll rip your balls off the moment she sees your face.
The giant man in the back seat let out a deep laugh that was interrupted by a snore.
- I thought you were asleep.
- Can't sleep with you blabbering.
- That's usually not an issue for you Barry.
- We're about to have our heads chewed off, you think I can get some proper sleep while I know that?
- It's not you she's mad at..
- Yeah but if you puss her off I'm more likely to get torn a new one.
- We're almost there. Brace yourself.
The SUV slowed down as it took the last few meters to the wooden house. It was rather beautiful and calming after the city and it's skyscrapers.
The car crawled to a halt by the front entrance. Both men stepped out of the vehicle and took a few reluctant steps toward the door.
- You know, I think I could try living with my ribs like this. There's still time to turn back.
- Ace, you take on armed men like it's nothing. You even took down a tank for christsake. Don't tell me you're afraid of one little-
- DON'T EVEN DARE TO CALL ME LITTLE YOU GODDAMN BEAR! AND DID EITHER OF YOU SHITS NOTICE WHERE YOU PARKED YOUR DAMN HEAP OF METAL? I GREW THOSE PLANTS FOR- UGH. I hate you.
- Nice to see you again Annie.
The girl in front of Barry and Ace had dark hair haphazardly pin in the back yet it was still covering a good portion of her face. That could be from her furiously rushing trough her house to yell at her arriving guests. She held her arms crossed on her chest like an upset child. The dark ring resting on her left band's index finger had caught Ace's attention as he knew all too well what it can do.
- You're always a charmer.
Barry's deep laugh was did nothing to warm her up.
She nimbly slid down the steps and put her arms around Ace's waist, crushing him as hard as she could.
- I hope you're ready, because l'll make sure that the pain is so terrible you'd wish you were dead.
Her whisper was slow and sent shivers down Ace's spine. Of course, she knew they wouldn't just visit her for the 'fun' of it.
Leaving her hand wrapped around Ace, the girl ushered both men inside.

The house was refreshingly cool after the long car ride. The smell of tea hanged in the air. There were landscape photos and pictures of wolves along the hall. On the other side there was another door leading to a terrace. The lake could be seen from there.
Annie took Ace and Barry into a conjoined room.
- Make yourselves comfortable. I have to get prepared. What exactly did you do this time?
- I entered an overdrive with broken ribs I-
- YOU FUCKING IDIOT! You expect me to break you apart and put you together again?
- I figured you'd enjoy it..
- I.. Why would you enter an overdrive with such heavy injuries?
Barry slowly extended the blood soaked dagger towards Annie.
- Annabelle. Ace didn't have a choice.
Annie stared at the blade. Clearly shocked. Her hands were trembling. She rushed out of the room without a word. The room went silent. A grand clock announced the time with two loud rings.

Lights out

The blood on Ace's fingers had already dried off. He was still holding the Cravenian but he wasn't able to feel it. Both of his hands were hanging loosely at his sides as he was staring blankly into the sun. It's light was slowly draining from the large, sky-piercing buildings of New York. He exhaled deeply and took a step back.
Looking over his shoulder he said - I'm sorry but you're not coming with me today.
Ace turned towards the door and, without a second glance back, stepped out and headed out of the building. A dark and incredibly slim figure slid from a corner that had been shrouded in darkness. Pulling the dark mist along with it the figure moved to the dead body in the middle of the room in a blink and swept it away.

Ace walked trough the dusty lobby. It had once been a busy area with people going in and out, attending to their business. Ace pushed the boarded door and stepped out into the street. It was early but there were still enough people for him to go unnoticed. He scanned the buildings around him for the large soft drink sign under which he had parked his car. There were multiple traffic tickets lying on the ground around the car.

- Did you really have to scare them? You know I could deal with a few parking tickets.
An enourmous hand slowly reached out for Ace's shoulder. A deep voice filled the dark SUV with laughter.
- It was way too much fun. I just couldn't help myself. You know how is.
- I'm glad that they didn't tow the thing.
- With me inside? I'd like to see them try.
Ace started the engine end pulled off from the curb and into the stream of cars.
- We're going to have to pay her a visit.
- I don't think she'll be pleased to see you..
- I'm not looking forward to it either. How about you punch me now so that it doesn't feel as painful later?

There's time and place for everything

Right about now was a really bad time to be alive. Especially seeing as how the only way out would be rather unpleasant.

DAMMIT!

Ace kicked in another door as he was rushing frantically to the side of the building. The skyscraper, being abandoned and all, should have plenty of space and the large windows should provide enough light for him to have a fighting chance. Ace rapidly places his steps hoping that the shadows in front of him don't suddenly spring to life and take his.

In his haste to bring some sense to Seven, Ace had forgot to look into one key detail about the building. He never checked why it was put out of commission. He found that out in the seconds to come as his foot violently penetrated the floor and made him crash downwards bringing most of the ceiling along for the ride. 

Covered in dust and pieces of what a few moments ago had been his footing Ace opened his heavy eyes. Taking a deep breath, he lunged forward with as much force as he could and dashed to a door in front of him. As the wooden frame made a echoing thud against the wall Ace's eyes were blinded by sunlight. Staggering into the sun lit conference room, checking every step, Ace struggled to ease his blade into his trembling hand.

Missed me?

Just as Ace turned towards the direction where the poisonous snarl had come from, he felt one of his ribs brake as he was launched backwards. Luckily, if it can be considered that, Ace felt his head smash against a wall. Sending a low thud throughout the abandoned office complex. Pain, nicking at his nerves, slowly began to set in. Ace slowly lifted his head and looked forward. Waiting for his eyes to focus on the dark figure in front of him. Standing in the middle of the room. Smiling. 

Ace hadn't seen Seven in a long time. Last time he saw Seven smiling was when they were drinking ale in a pub in Ireland as Seven joyfully told Ace about his last nights exploits. The room he was in now strangely reminded him of that time. The walls were the same green tone, Seven was wearing the same jacket he had worn that night and the dagger.. The dagger in Sevens hand reminded him of how they had played darts. The dagger. It'll probably be decorating Aces forehead in a couple of minutes. Once Seven gets all his talking out of his bloody system. He never missed the bulls-eye.

I would usually begin by tearing bits peaces off of you with my dear friend here. Said Seven dangling his dagger in front of him. But.. Since we're old friends I'll give you a fighting chance. It's been a while since I've had a decent opponent. Everyone's such a wuss. Seven let out a poisonous snarl.

You expect me to fight you in this condition?

You don't have much of a choice now do you? Plus, facing you while you're at full health would be preposterous. Do you remember who thought me to always have an advantage?

I guess I should be flattered that you had to beat me senseless before you would dare to even show up.

You..! Anger flared in Seven's eyes. Heh.. I'll skin you like the worthless dog you are! Seven postured himself for an attack.

And at that moment Seven made his fatal mistake. He never learned not to show off. As he was about to attack time slowed down around Ace. He collected all the energy he had left. Every last bit. And began a quick stride forward. Arm extended, he grabbed the dagger Seven had mindlessly tossed in the air as a taunt to Ace and watched shock flicker through the eyes of his old friend as his own dagger tore into it's owners head. 

Darkness.

For a moment that felt like eternity Ace was lying on the floor on his back gasping for air as pain and sadness pounded at his senses. Seven was never the brightest member. He certainly didn't know when was the right time and place to show off. Ace rolled around to his stomach and got up on his legs. He stumbled slowly towards his friend's corpse. Touching Seven's warm skin made Ace feel sick. He moved away and hurled. There was a bit of blood mixed in. That's never a good sign. He moved back to Seven's lifeless body. He placed one of his hands on the blood covered brow of the dead Spades member while he struggled the dagger out with the other. As he pulled it out he could almost hear the short, curved blade whispering. Carnwennan - the dagger of shadows. Nothing good had ever been associated with the thing throughout the conflict. He looked back at Seven. His cold eyes were still wide in shock. Ace slowly closed Seven's eyelids and moved to the window.

Once the night sets in I'll be ready to go.