We have a dance!
In the brothels of Buenos Aires
Tells the story
Of the prostitute
And the man
Who fell in love…
with her.
First there is desire
Then… passion!
Then… suspicion!
Jealosy! Anger! Betrayel!
Where love is for the highest bidder,
There can be no trust.
Without trust,.
There is no love!
Jealosy.
Yes, jealosy…
Will drive you… will drive you… will drive you… mad!
Roxanne
You don’t have to put on that red light
Walk the streets for money
You don’t care if it’s wrong or if it is right
Roxanne
You don’t have to wear that dress tonight
Roxanne
You don’t have to sell your body to the night
His eyes upon your face
His hand upon your hand
His lips caress your skin
It’s more than I can stand
(Roxanne)
Why does my heart cry?
(Roxanne)
Feelings I can’t fight
You’re free to leave me, but just don’t decieve me
And please believe me when I say I love you
Yo que te quiero tanto, qué voy a hacer
Me dejaste, me dejaste
En un tango
El alma se me fue
Se me fue el corazon
Ya no tengo ganas de vivir
Porque no te puedo convencer
Que no te vendas Roxanne
(Roxanne)
Why does my heart cry?
(Roxanne)
Feelings I can’t fight
(Roxanne)
You don’t have to put on that red light
Roxanne
(Roxanne)
(Roxanne)
Name : Sissy Malone
FC : Nicole Kidman
Sex : Female
Age : 30
Height : 178cm
Weight : 60kgs
Eyes : Green
Hair : Red
Occupation : Stripper/courtesan
Race : Succubus
Markings/Tattoos/Piercings : Ears
Abilities : Levitation, hypnotism, inhuman strength, flexibility, inhuman speed, soul reaper.
Likes : Music, alcohol, money, fame, men, dancing
Dislikes : sweaty men
History : Daughter to an immigrant family from Ireland, the bold redhead, found her rise to get out of the slums, came from dancing. Her speciality however was on making men practically cream when she does her strip teasers, and then of course, follows it up with extra special lap dancers. Having worked many burlesque clubs, she has wandered into Fred’s fine meats, and seeks to get a job at this secretive club behind the butcher shop. Will she fall for the owner though?
As Johan emerged, and saw that Jasper now had Josephine on the dance floor, he stood solemly, his hands pushed into his pockets, the droplets of the girl’s blood on his chin. There was sorrow in his eyes, and this was seen by one of the lead female dancers; Nina. She crossed the floor, and stood at his side, watching the angel dance, her glow radiating all about her.
“Face it, Johan….there are some that we cannot have. I seen the way you look at her. You could never have her. You’ll kill her. And then what?” Nina threaded her arm through his, and lent her head on his shoulder. She was a demon, like he. A succubus, and knew what he was. Johan sighed, and stared at the floor. He had fallen in love with a creature, that was irresistible to his hunger. She reached for his cheek, to caress it, knowing that she could not hurt him. “Johan…would you ever look at me like that?”Her words whispered, for she had loved Johan for as long as she remembered. Johan showed a slight smile. “You are the star dancer of the circus, Nina…what would you want with me? All the men are your meals.” She shrugged, that being true. “I get lonely too. Forget her…before it eats you inside.”
He continued to watch Josephine and Jasper dance, while Nina could only keep her eyes on Johan. She waited forever…she could wait a little longer.
Josephine was having the time of her life swirling around the dance floor with Jasper. He claimed to not be very good, and yet he managed to keep up with her with both ease and grace of a fine dancer. As she pressed closer to him in their passionate dance, a familiar scent wafted through the air and permeated her nostrils. Stopping in her tracks, she pulled away from Jasper to smile slowly. He was here. Closing her eyes, she allowed his intoxicating scent to wash over her like a tidal wave. It was too strong to resist, and she knew she couldn’t deny him if she wanted to. Opening her eyes, she whirled around to try and spot him in the crowd. And then she saw them. Josephine watched in horror as another woman caressed the man so she desperately wanted to touch. Why wasn’t it her over there touching him like that? Feeling as though her heart would crumble at any moment, she picked up her skirts and murmured “Excuse me…”
Before Jasper could stop her, she was already rushing across the dance floor towards Johan. The illusionist reached a hand out towards her and shouted over the music “Josephine, wait!”
But it was no use. His scent, his handsome features, his entire being called out to her, and she couldn’t bear to see him in the arms of someone else. Her steps quickened until she was finally in front of the incubus. Ignoring the woman completely, she looked up at him with her big blue eyes. Hurt mixed with affection was shining behind them as she spoke breathlessly “I love this song.” As if that were a good enough reason to rush over there so quickly, she reached out to hold his hand. Running her thumb over his hand, she smiled softly as the music changed to a slower, more romantic song that had Josephine’s heart pounding. Sure that he could hear it, the half-angel pulled him towards the dance floor and begged in her soft sweet voice“Come touch me..”
Before Johan could answer Nina, the woman whom he had kept his eye on for most of the night was before him and stealing his hand, to lead him out to the dance floor. Surprise mixed with shock that she could be so bold made him move effortlessly after her, while Nina was enraged and stood with her hands on her hips. If she could have leapt between them and tore them apart she would have.
Johan assumed the dancer’s lead role, and took her into his arms once again. Having just fed on the trollop that threw herself at him, he did not hunger as before, but he still found Josephine’s allure to intoxicating. Around and around they swirled in a mesmerizing dance, while his eyes could not leave hers.
“Why are you doing this?” He asked of her, curious as to why she left Jasper for him. She had to know what he was, and that he was also a danger to her. But the more they danced, the closer her held her to him, almost possessively. His eyes reflected her face, and he was becoming the hunted. How could an angel do such a thing. He felt his breath almost leave him at her scent, her smile radiated her inner beauty. He was falling…falling hard.
“The things I want to do with you…are sinful and not to be heard by virgin ears.” He said lustfully, forgetting himself, as his cheek brushed hers. And they continued to dance.
As Johan assumed his proper position, Josephine smiled up at him tenderly. So formal, even after he practically threatened her on the balcony. The way his eyes remained on her face made her feel wanted. Heat, lust, and desire spread through her like a wild-fire and she gripped his shoulder tightly as though she were afraid she would fall under the weight of his penetrating gaze. His question hung in the air between them, and she didn’t respond at first. Instead, she snuggled close to him in the sanctity of his hold and pressed her cheek against his. Johan’s scent flooded her senses and her eyes fell shut as she enjoyed the closeness she was sharing with him.
Josephine didn’t care that he would hurt her. She didn’t know exactly what he was, but she could tell by what he had said to her on the balcony and by the way Jasper had fought so hard to keep her by the illusionist’s side that this man was trouble. And yet, she found that she couldn’t keep away from him in spite of it all. He was the biggest threat to her not because of his words, but because of her feelings for him. Though they had only just met, Josephine felt herself falling under his spell, and she knew she would do nothing to stop him. His touch, scent, everything abouthim made her feel as though she would give up her very soul just to get the chance to hold him for one night. Perhaps tonight was the night.
Looking up at Johan, Josephine finally answered in her soft melodic voice “Because I’m yours. From the moment you first touched me, I became wholly and completely yours.” Her eyes opened as his cheek grazed against hers, her heart swelling at the feel of his skin against her. For something that was supposed to be so wrong, it felt so right. Sighing softly, she pulled her hand from his to wrap both around his neck. Fingers raking through his hair, she turned to brush her lips against his jaw with a soft whisper “Then let us not allow the other virgins to hear our passions…” Smiling as she knew she was playing with fire, Josephine waited to feel the reward of his burning desire coursing through her.
Like the pair were dancing on a cloud where no one else could see them, the incubus was ensnared by the angel’s beauty. But her action, her words were so decadent. How could a woman tempt his very soul and ignite his aching lust in a way no other woman could. Not to feed, not to drink her essence. It was so much more. They danced a lover’s rites. Time no longer seemed to matter, the melody was their hearts beating as one. The closer they got, the more intimate it become. Fingers winding through his hair, as his right hand moved down to caress the roundness of her buttocks through the many layers of her skirts. The incubus felt like he was drowning, gasping for breath, and his Adam’s apple rising and falling. When he asked her why she was doing this she answered’
“Because I’m yours. From the moment you first touched me, I became wholly and completely yours.”
Oh to complete her, would require the right setting. A large mansion chamber, surrounded by candles. A night in white satin where their bodies writhed in orgasmic bliss. Poets and artists would be unable to capture the beauty of the coupling. Smooth, steady strokes. Faces buried in each other’s chests. Every position imaginable. Again and again. And it would be he that was her servant, to pleasure her through the night. Sweep her away to the starry night, and bathe in the moon’s glow. He could see it all. She deserved nothing less.
Death would not come from his lips. His kiss would be one of love. Blinking he tried to snap himself out of the self induced haze. Love at first sight…and it felt so right.
“Let me love you, angel heart. On bended knee I give my all to you. I surely be the one to die this night, if you break free from me.”
The two danced closer and closer as the music went on, and a flush crawled up the back of Josephine’s neck as she felt Johan grab her backside. It was so intimate and forward, she was at a loss for words and almost her breath as she pulled back slightly to look up at him. Would he hurt her? Staring deep into his eyes, she couldn’t help but smile in complete adoration for this man. The way he held her possessively made her feel like the most precious treasure on the earth and she didn’t ever want to leave the sanctity of his embrace.
As Johan gasped as though he couldn’t breath, she leaned in to rest her lips on his throat. Her fingers continued to rake through his tresses and she couldn’t stop her hips from shimmying closer to the incubus. She so badly wanted a taste of him, to somehow convey physically to him all of her emotions that were swirling from her heart to her head. This love was so wrong, but felt so right. As he spoke words of love to her, Josephine felt herself go limp in his arms. Holding onto him for dear life as they danced, she shook from the intensity of her feelings for him. If she were to die tonight, she would die utterly happy.
Lifting her head to look up at him again, she murmured softly as she tried to not beg for him to take her right then and there“Please, just give me one kiss before I burst with need…I need satisfaction for a craving I do not understand.” Her nipples were pebbling under her gown and she felt incredibly warm and moist in her nether region. His scent continued to flood her senses and all knowledge of right and wrong melted under the power of his seductive gaze.
Meanwhile, Jasper sat at the table he and Josephine had abandoned to dance all alone with a bottle of wine. As he drank the delectable nectar, he watched the way the half-angel glow brighter and brighter the longer she danced with Johan. It just didn’t make any sense. What good could come from an angel and an incubus? That man was built for sex, lust, and death. Josephine was the epitome of what was pure and right in this world. The illusionist had expected the angel to glow less and less under his charm and spell, but it appeared to be the opposite.
Josephine was positively radiant as she pressed herself against Johan. There was such happiness and love surrounding her aura that he was surprised flowers and fireworks weren’t bursting around them. Letting out another sigh, Jasper downed his drink. He wasn’t jealous, but he wasn’t happy either. One way or another, that man was going to hurt her. He was not built to love.
Standing up from the table, Jasper threw his napkin that was laying across his lap down onto the table and stormed over to the dancing lovers. As he approached them, he smiled wryly and gave them a short bow. “I am dreadfully sorry for interrupting, but don’t you think it is time for the madame to find her father?” Jasper was desperate to stop Josephine from tempting the incubus further. She smelled so strongly of desire and lust that he was surprised Johan had enough will power to not drag her off the floor…yet.
Josephine shook her head as though coming out of a spell and looked over at Jasper curiously “Mr. York! Forgive me for abandoning you.” Pulling away from Johan, she smiled at the illusionist warmly. The farther she pulled from Johan, it seemed the clearer the haze that had fogged her mind had become. She turned to curtsy to Johan, a shadow of sadness lurking behind her eyes as she smiled weakly at him “I am terribly sorry, but he is right. This is just…We can’t. Forgive me for taking up all your time.” Turning away from the both, she hurried into the crowd to find her father.
As the angelic creature rushed away, Jasper turned to look at Johan with a severe look “I do not know what you are playing at, but I will die before I see her fall prey to your devices. You are nothing but a monstrosity and I will not allow you to ruin her.” Turning his back to Johan, Jasper walked away. Though he had meant to keep his word on protecting Josephine, the illusionist knew it would be a difficult feat. Johan was a skilled hunter, and Josephine knew nothing of the world.
Johan felt his beloved fall limp in his arms. Surely she too felt the same way. Never before had a woman grant him such power, and he felt like their bodies were infused upon the dance floor. Almost a dizzy like sensation as she touched him so boldly. To the untrained eye they should see that they were doing more than merely dancing. They were literally making love, fully clothed in a sea of swirling damsels and fine gentlemen. Johan wanted to seal this love. Her lips needed his, and he felt a raw hunger, that rose up like a powerful tiger about to pounce on a lamb.
“Please, just give me one kiss before I burst with need…I need satisfaction for a craving I do not understand.”
“My Angel heart, I will give you more than a kiss. A token of my love, like a jewel it will be beautiful and delicate, just as you are. I don’t understand my feelings. How you have bewitched my senses.”
He bent his head so close. Another chance. Lips but mere inches apart. Oh God, her scent. He was lustful and wanting to savour her lips, her body. He craved her like no other before. Just…one…kiss.
Suddenly…that bastard York appeared.
“I am dreadfully sorry for interrupting, but don’t you think it is time for the madame to find her father?”
~NOOOOOO!~ the inner demon in Johan cried in his head, as he felt Josephine pull away…apologising prefusely. The look on Johan’s face. Sorrow. So close, and yet..so far away. He stood as his arm fell to his sides, again defeated. That bastard Jasper, he only wanted Josephine for himself. It was clearly a war now between the illusionist and the incubus.
Jasper made sure his thoughts were known as he spoke to Johan in a condescending tone.
“I do not know what you are playing at, but I will die before I see her fall prey to your devices. You are nothing but a monstrosity and I will not allow you to ruin her.”
Johan stood his ground as the illusionist went off to find Josephine. The incubus slunk back into the shadows of the dance hall, planning a murderous spree, if he could not have his beloved Josephine. His eyes flashed a violent red, and with curled fists, he left the dance floor.
Josephine practically ran through the crowd of people in the dance hall, her slippers padding lightly on the ground as she rushed towards the exit. What was happening to her? Holding her hands to the sides of her face, she closed her eyes and tilted her head down. She shouldn’t have done that; she shouldn’t have danced with Johan again. He was dangerous, that much she could tell from their conversation on the balcony. But Josephine just couldn’t stay away. As she thought about them dancing, a small smile graced her lips. She thought about the way his eyes looked at her, the way his arms held her…and his intoxicating scent that made her knees weak.
Letting out a soft sigh, she opened her eyes and realized she was in too deep. Josephine was playing with fire and she felt the threat of the flames licking at her heels. She had to get out of here. Pulling open the door to the exit, cold air hit her face as she stepped out into the night. Looking around her, goosebumps prickled her skin and she seemed to be brought back to reality. There was just no way she could stay here a moment longer, or her virtue would be non-existant with Johan present. But as she walked down the lonely streets away from the underground circus, she had no idea that she was being watched.
Katherine stepped out of the shadows as the half-angel walked down the streets, her greedy eyes fixed on her glowing aura. She was just so pure and fresh and young…so ready to be plucked. What the fuck was she doing in that place? Creeping up behind her, she prowled silently as she watched the innocent Josephine deal with her inner turmoil. Oh this was going to be too easy.
Seeing Jo distracted, Katherine suddenly had her pinned to the nearest wall by her throat. Leaning in, the vampire queen licked up the girl’s neck and purred “Mmmh…untainted. Just how I like my meals.” Before Jo could even react, Katherine had her teeth in Jo’s neck. Jo fought as hard as she could at first, but she soon grew limp in Katherine’s arms. Katherine was draining her nearly to death, keeping her alive just barely enough. This girl was half-angel, and the rumors of her healing abilities had spread far. This girl would be just fine and Katherine knew it. Lifting the now unconscious woman into her arms, she turned and carried her down the streets towards her home.
Down time. All the patrons, the gentlemen, the colourful ladies of society had gone home, and all that was left was the dancers,the performers, the scum of the underbelly of the nightclub scene. Some were drunk from the absentine’, others lounged with a woman on their laps, the waft of cigar smoke hung like a veil over many. There had been much talk of the angelic beauty of Josephine, that had graced the halls of the Bizzare Circus, but at the missing posters, that had sprung up across London by a father worried sick for her return, it was clear she had been taken by someone or something, after dancing with Johan. Many suspected it was he, but he suffered far more than most. Antwon, a spanish dancer stepped out onto the floor, as the pianist tickled the ivories absently. Johan was pacing the outskirts of the dance floor, well above the others, when Antwon glanced up at him, and said. “I will tell you a story….of an angel….and a demon. It never ends well. TRUE LOVE cannot exist between the light and the dark. It is…impossible.”
Johan stopped in his place, staring down at Antwon, knowing full well who he was talking about. Antwon continued, spinning on his heel, as his audience lapped it up. “What are we? We are the children of the night. Those that the society call dogs. They come here with their fat purses, and spend it on drink and a sniff of our women’s sex. BUT…this is our feeding ground. Those stupid fools, the mad fops think they control the world. No, I tell you. We do.” There came a cheer from the crowd, as Antwon swept up Nina in his arms, and then he mocked the dance between Johan and Josephine.
“Love…turns into passion, desire turns into lust. Then..suspicion, jealousy, anger….HATE…its enough to drive you…MAD!”
All the other dancers fall out across the floor,and assume the tango position as Antwon sings Roxanne. The thunderous sound of boot strikes on the floor, as Nina can only watch Johan, as he heads for the door. He had in his hand an invitation to a dinner held by Katherine. He doesn’t know why it was stuck to his door with a knife…but he was sure there would be answers. Scrunching the paper between his hands, he opens the doors to the Circus, as he sings softly as though Jo can hear him……..
(Christian:)
Never knew I could feel like this
Like I’ve never seen the sky before
Want to vanish inside your kiss
Every day I love you more and more
Listen to my heart, can you hear it sing?
Telling me to give you everything
Seasons may change, winter to spring
But I love you until the end of time
Come what may
Come what may
I will love you until my dying day
(Satine:)
Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place
Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace
(Both:)
Suddenly my life doesn’t seem such a waste
(Satine:)
It all revolves around you
(Both:)
And there’s no mountain too high
No river too wide
Sing out this song, and I’ll be there by your side
Storm clouds may gather,
And stars may collide
(Christian/Satine:)
But I love you (I love you)
Until the end of time (until the end of time)
Come what may
Come what may
I will love you until my dying day
Oh, come what may
Come what may
I will love you, oh I will love you
(Satine:)
Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place
(Both:)
Come what may
Come what may
I will love you until my dying day
-Uri had gone to great expense, to arrange for a team to come from Japan, especially to prepare Lotus for her final hours. In a special case, that had been brought over, directly from Japan, was the ceremonial Kimono, the one sure to enhance the beauty of his Japanese flower. A trained fitter was sent to escort the kimono, so that when the time came, Lotus would be assisted into getting ready for her Russian debut. Misako stood in her apartment, facing the large bay window that overlooked the Moscow skyline. Her face was stern, since she had opened up solely to Ira of her tragic past. With arms folded across her body, as though wrapping her tight, closing the petals around her, she tried to find solace in her mind. The Geisha now viewed this night as her final act. The curtain was set to come down on the Geisha, whether she completed this mission or not. She understood this. A life for a life. A lotus for a Viper.
In his own room, Ira lay upon the large poster bed, staring at the ceiling. Never before had he been so conflicted about a mission that had been set for him. Thoughts raging, his heart now unsure as to his feelings for Ayalah, now that he knew the truth of her past with Uri. Uri. That was another thing. The vile acts that bastard committed, how he single handily destroyed Misako’s life, and now was sacrificing her to save his Viper. To his right on the side table was two tickets to the Ball. Reaching across he picked them up and stared at them. A masked ball, that would be held in one of the most renowned buildings in Moscow; the Radisson Royal Hotel. Ira tapped the tickets upon his open palm, exhaling slowly. Eyes returning to the ceiling as he tilted his head back. The original plan, was to show off Lotus and entice Yuri to pay heed, and possibly gain entry to his inner circle, using the ideal of buying rights to sexual favours from his “women”, and in turn providing Lotus to the men of that circle that fancied a little Japanese. It could work, in hindsight, but then again, it could fall flat. Decisions. Ira was specially trained for gaining access to the most rigorously secure buildings of the world. His talent was not what was in question, but Uri definitely had two motives to have Lotus perform this mission as he had directed. One was to replace Viper as a new sex toy for the mad Russian, the second, to allow Ira simple access to the compound, should she succeed. Either way, Lotus would be at high risk. She had become disposable to Uri, and Ira now realised this. Ira’s lips pursed tight, as he tossed the tickets to the ball aside. He now contemplated action that would go against the orders of Uri. Ira…was about to go rogue.
A light tapping on Misako’s door, was followed by a small cough. A feminine one. Misako at first did not move, but then realised that it would be the agent assigned to dress Misako, to be ready for the Ball. It would take hours to do, what with the hair and makeup, then the ceremonial dressing . Why did time seem to go so fast? As though the very clocks were spun forward. Lotus was now resigned to her fate. Another light tap. The assistant was growing impatient, being made to wait out in the hall. Misako could no longer delay this, and turned slowly, still in bare feet. The texture of the carpet on her skin, was comforting, but not enough to quell the sinking feeling, as she crossed the floor to the door. Undoing the latches and then the last lock, she turned the handle and saw a diminutive woman, dressed traditionally, and carrying a small bag. She bowed before Misako and then entered silently.
A bell boy wheeled in the large trunk that contained all of Misako’s outfitting, and equipment, needed to turn the simple Japanese girl into a work of art. Crafted by skilled hands, and with her poise and knowledge, she would be irresistible to the men that seek to tear away each petal, and land at their feet. Another night where a foreign man’s hands would seek to use her, for their own desire. Oh the nights she had been taken, again and again. And yet, she mastered detachment, from body, as if her soul could rise up and step aside, then go gazing out at the window of freedom, while her body was nothing more than a puppet. Strings pulled to make a man smile. But every time, that a man took her, her soul crept further away. She knew one day, her soul would not return, and her cold lifeless body would be left for those that cleaned the rooms.
The bellboy was given a tip, and then dismissed without word, Misako closing the door once more, whilst the Japanese assistant started to open the trunk, and piece by piece, start to remove all the fabric of the Kimono, along with boxes of makeup and tools to do Misako’s hair. Hair pins, ornate and antique, were placed out on the dresser, while Misako was gestured to sit, and be ready for the transformation to begin. Misako stared into the mirror, seeing her reflection. Without the makeup and the finery, she was in her mind the plain girl that would not gain a look from any male, just a face in the crowd. In her heart, she felt the first strike of the blade….her time was coming, and she knew it. But the show must go on.
As the assistant picked up an bone handled brush, and went to step in behind Misako to begin preparing her hair, the door between the apartment burst open and Ira came in, gun drawn at the assistant. “Step away from her, or I blow your head off!” The assistant dropped the brush upon the floor, where the handle cracked, and she bowed stepping back, fearful of why the Israeli was coming at her with a gun. Misako turned her head slowly, her right eye catching sight of Ira, holding the gun with his right hand, the tickets to the ball in the left. He tossed the tickets in the garbage and then with gritted teeth, he snarled at Misako. “Change of plans. We are not going to the ball.” Shocked by his sudden emergence into the room, she creased her brow, and started to turn on the stool. “What are you talking about, Ira? It’s our mission.” Ira re holstered his gun and then took out a box of matches and sliding the box back, a row of matches were in view, he took one out and struck it, the red head bursting into flame, as he then tossed it into the bin. The tickets instantly caught fire, and you could see the yellow of the flames, before they slowly extinguished, with smoke smouldering from the top of the bin. Glancing up from the burnt tickets, Ira simply shakes his head. “Our mission was to recover the Viper. And that is exactly what we shall do. *he then turned his attention toward the assistant and said sternly*…Your services are no longer required. The Geisha will not be making an appearance. *Ira then smiled at Misako and offered her his hand* “She has other plans.”
It had been years, since Misako had been given the choice for her destiny, so to see Ira extend his hand, to take her from the chosen path of Uri and to become what she truly should be, was the greatest gift. One that she would grasp with both hands. Slowly rising from her stool, she brought her chin up proudly and crossed the floor, reaching out and taking his hand in hers, as his steely eyes stared down onto her face. “We are a team, and we do this together, or not at all.” Ira’s fingers interlocked tightly with Misako’s, as both turned to look out at the Moscow skyline. The Wolf and the Lotus; united. The match had been struck, and the countdown had begun.
Minus two hours to the ball.
Ira hung up the phone from their Russian contact, Peter. He was shocked to say the least that Ira was not preparing Lotus to get ready for the ball, but even more so, that neither would attend the ball to seek out Yuri themselves.
Phone conversation:
“Wolf, I take it you will be ready for the car to pick you both up at the right time. Traffic is expected to be bad this evening. I suggest you be ready and waiting in the foyer.” Peter said hoarsely, having had one too many cigars.
“We will need the car, but not to take us to the Ball. Change of plans. I want you to ensure the car has gear required for accessing the compound and also a copy of the plans of the interior. If Yuri is at the Ball, he should have fewer men in attendance at his estate. Lotus and I are going to get Viper back, without having to get into Yuri’s circle.” There was a long pause, as Ira could hear the clink of ice cubes in a glass, since Peter had just downed his drink quickly.
“You are going against Uri’s orders. You know what this means?” Peter asked, curious of what Wolf would say.
“All Uri truly cares about is getting back Viper, nothing more. So, this is a slight detour, and it also means that we do the job faster.” Ira spoke firmly, as in behind him, Misako stood, with her hand placed gently upon his shoulder. “What I want you to do, is attending the ball in our place, and keeping tabs on Yuri’s movements. This should give us more time, to do what must be done. Alert us while we are at the compound, if he should be returning. “
Behind Peter’s desk, he picked up a portrait of his family and sighed, before setting it down again. His family were still in Israel, and Peter knew that if Uri had wished it, he could arrange for Peter to never see his family again. Peter ran his finger over the image of his wife, and then uttered. “Very well, I just so happen to have a suit….although I look like an oversized monkey in it. Hate these formal things. Bah! *he cursed in Russian for a minute, but then resided to his fate* “You are lucky my Friend. I don’t know why you are doing it this way, but I am sure you have your reasons. Your request shall be fulfilled.”
Minus thirty minutes to the Ball.
The black Mercedes was parked just outside the entrance of the Le Royal Meridien National Hotel. Checking his watch, he grumbled, and then adjusted his cuffs, feeling very uncomfortable about his attire. Suits were like straight jackets to him. And this tuxedo was simply a black version of one. “Why do people wear these things?” he mumbled in broken English, as the doors to the foyer opened, and Ira with Misako behind him, emerged from the building. Peter pushed his bulk off the car and strode over, taking Ira’s hand and shaking it, only then noticing Misako, dressed in a black jumpsuit. Her hair was brushed down, and she looked immaculate, but nothing like the Geisha he had seen before. Impressed, he nodded, and on releasing Ira’s hand, he chortled. “You are so much more beautiful without the paint. But I imagine you are more deadly.”- observing she was carrying a black sports bag, he quirked a brow. “Shall I take your bag?” He asked, extending his hand for it. She offered it up without argument, and watched as Peter approached the boot, pressing the boot key pad on his keys and the boot popped open, with little fuss. In the boot, an array of equipment, with everything from abseiling ropes, harnesses and hooks, to electronic devices, guns, and even some explosives, to be used at the compound. Infrared goggles, for seeing through the darkness, heat seeking devices, bolt cutters; two lap tops, and changes of clothes. There were also air tickets, to fly the three back out of the country, with papers prepared. Closing the boot smartly, Peter then faced the pair.
“This will probably be the last time we see each other. I will be wearing a wire and com when I enter the Ball, and will keep you updated with progress reports. And…*he then took out a small electronic device that had suction pads on its base. “Should I need to get you more time, I simply set this off. It is a remote device that could stall Yuri’s engine from starting. “ Ira opened the back passenger door for Misako, who bowed politely at Peter, and got into her seat. Seeing she was comfortable, Ira then closed the door firmly, before saying to Peter. “As of now, we are off the radar. If we are caught, we will be viewed as possible terrorists, even though we seek to get back one of our own. I take full responsibility for this mission. We will meet again, Peter. Just not here in Russia.”- He smacked Peter’s arm, in a jovial way, showing affection to the over sized Russian. Peter drew Ira into a massive bear hug, slapping his back repeatedly before letting go. “Just a reminder for you. The GPS system contains the location of the compound, so you will be able to find it easily, even on a night like this. I highly doubt that Yuri is expecting this, however, remain cautious. Take care, my Friend.” Ira broke from the bear hug, and gave something of a mock salute, as he ran around to the driver’s side of the car and opened the door smartly. The keys had been left in the ignition, and the car had a full tank of fuel. Getting into the car, he pulled over his seat belt after shutting the door. Drawing back his cuff, he pressed in the time on his watch. It was exactly 6.00pm, the time the ball was to start. The drive to the compound registered on the GPS as being approximately 56 miles, so this then registered the time of arrival about 8.00pm, give or take, depending on the roads and traffic. Turning on the engine, he glanced in the rear vision mirror at Misako, who had been quiet this whole time. He offered a reassuring smile, and then a single nod. The engine purred loudly, as he hit the indicator, and pulled away from the curb. Standing still outside the entrance to the Le Royal Meridien National Hotel, Peter gave a wave, and then hot footed it to his second car, where the driver was ready to take him to the ball.
The ride from the Hotel down the streets of Moscow, and then heading out onto the motorway, were silent. Misako was going over in her mind, how to proceed once they make the compounds outer limits. She was used to being brought into situations, and then becoming the pawn in Uri’s games to bring down politicians and other world leaders, with her sexual prowess and charms. Geishas were entertainers, first and foremost. This operation would tear her straight out of her normal duties. Secretly, she had a dream of what she wanted to do to Ayalah, when she was freed from the Russian compound. Course, it was just a dream. There was no time to think of vengeance at this point. She owed it to Ira, to get the job done.
8.04pm – Yuri’s compound
The black Mercedes slowed to a crawl, as the GPS alerted that they had reached their destination. The estate bordered on the coastline, a grand image, even under the veil of darkness. Lights could be seen beyond the high perimeter walls, and Ira shut off the lights and engine, as the car cruised to a stop, just shy of the boundary. A buzzing in Ira’s ear, followed by the voice of Peter, was welcomed, when Ira placed his hand up to his receiving device. “ I hate parties. Ugh. Wolf, the targets are here, including that one that Ayalah helped kidnap. The Mia, I think she is called. They treat her like dog. Leash and shit. Pathetic. Yuri is playing cards…he should be a while. I try to get closer.” The signal ended, and Ira opened the car door, looking about as he stood on the gravel. Popping the boot, he shut the door quietly, and then tapped on Misako’s window, for her to exit as well. She didn’t wait, she simply opened the door, and tied her hair back, as she followed him around to the back of the vehicle. The air had a nip to it, and she was not dressed for such elements, feeling the cold, she shuddered. Arranging all the necessary equipment in two large bags, he glanced back at Misako, as she unzipped her own bag, taking out twelve shurikun and a sheathed katana. Misako threw a strap over her shoulder, so the blade would be hoisted upon her back. The shuriken she pocketed into a special pouch. Ira slung one of the heavier bags over his shoulder and then handed one to Misako. “I can’t carry both.”- Accepting the bag with a light “oomph” she followed suit, and slung the bag over her back. It was indeed heavy, but the equipment was necessary to do the job. Checking his watch again, ira said. “Just after 8.00pm, the buffet would be serving, so we should have ample time. Come on.” Closing the boot, the pair make their way around the vehicle and trudged off into the bushes, that surrounded the perimeter fence. What they didn’t know was that a laser tracker had picked up their movements, and set off an alarm, inside the compound. The sound was a shrill sound, much like a fire drill, but more menacing. Ira cursed under his breath, and then using his wrist watch, which was giving out a grid of the power installation, he found they were close to the transformer, that supplied power to the compound. Taking out the bolt cutters, he cut off the chains that bound the lock in place, and handing the bolt cutter back to Misako, he tore open the cover, and started to turn off, the power grid, which included the electrified fence toppers. Suddenly, the compound was bathed in total darkness, and the shouts from the remaining guards in Russian could be heard loud and clear. Disoriented and going on the offensive, this gave Ira and Misako the break they needed to simply enter through the now open gates.
*
Taking no chances, they both donned their night vision goggles, and ran from bushes, to trees, past the ornate garden statues, to get closer to the main building. Once reaching the terrace, where they could see a guard coming their way, Misako got in behind a pillar, dropping her bag down at her feet, then slowly sliding her katana from its sheath. The look on her face. Determination. Kill or be killed. If it was a time to die, she would do so with honour. Blade held vertically, she held her breath, and as the guard ran past, she side stepped out, and then whistled. The guard turned, but only to have the katana slice through his neck, his eyes rolling back, as the blood vessels spurted out a spray of crimson. The heart pumping out more and more, as he fell to his knees. Dead. One down…many more to go. Miskao wiped her blade, on a flimsy cloth from her pocket, then re-sheathed the blade, in a fashion that emulated a noble warrior of Japan. Strapping it on her back once more, she picked up her bag, as Ira took the guns from the guard, and then kicked open the living room glass door. If they were going to make noise now, it may alert Ayalah, depending on exactly where she was. The night goggles allowed the room to become like light. Polished and high valued furnishings littered the room, as the pair made their way through. Doors could be heard opening and closing, while more shouts, rang out. Obviously, they were keen to get the power back on, but also find out who had breached the perimeter. Dropping down his bag, Ira knelt down and unzipped it, taking out the lap top, and quickly opening, it, seeing a plan light up of the interior of the compound. The lower floors were of the dungeons, and it is clear that this may well be where Ayalah was kept. Shutting the lap top and tossing it back into the bag, he got out a utility belt with extra magazine clips, as well as the explosives, a rope for abseiling and another gun, a hand gun. Rising up, he urged Misako to do the same, while the panic gave them a brief amount of time. “We split up. You…take on the guards, as many as you can. I am going down to the underground section and find her. Then we get the hell out of here.” Seeing Misako do as she was told, he gently ran his hand over her head, while she was crouched, and took off out of the room, heading for the lower region of the estate. Misako took a deep breath, and then rose slowly. Suitably armed, with swords, and skuriken, she kicked her bag under a covered table, and strode out the door, going in the opposite direction of Ira. The lotus was about to bloom. <3>
