A Challenge

### **Summary**

The gang make it to Lessia, a fortified city, not knowing Fabian and Lara are waiting. Fabian has a plan to conquer the city and force Abraham into a winner take all fight

#### **Plot**

**Lessia Train Station**

The Gang steps off the train and head for the exit. Riley comments how easy it was to get off the train without anyone trying to stop them. Abraham reminds her they are in the city state and they aren't subject to the same laws as the rest of the country. Patrick agrees with both and that they should lay low until they can get the next train out of there. The gang agree and find a hotel as close to the station as possible.

**Hotel**

The gang finds a hotel quickly and begin to settle in. Patrick looks out the window, knowing Michael has someone in the city looking for them. Aurora then opens her bag and shows them 3 pendants. Riley asks what they are but Aurora explains they are glamour crystals. Abraham smiles, explaining they protect the identity of the one wearing it. Aurora compliments Abraham on his knowledge. Riley also smiles saying the girls have the brains and the guys have the brawn. Patrick scoffs at this but is slightly amused. Each of them put their charms on and look in the mirror. Abraham asks why Aurora doesn't have one but she replies she could only get three. Patrick expresses concern on the matter but Aurora assures Patrick he and Abraham are the ones with wanted posters. Abraham can't deny her logic and assures her she did a good job. Patrick decides to head downstairs to get a drink. Riley decides to get some sleep. Patrick comes downstairs and picks up a newspaper, the front page showing an article about a Government official gone missing, the 4th in a week.

**Unknown Location**

Fabian is in another hotel overlooking the city. Another man enters. Fabian asks if the Government official has been imprisoned, to which the man replies it has been. The man then asks what is the purpose of dismantling a Dictatorship when the problem can be dealt with the death of one man. Fabian smiles and replies he wants to make Boris nervous and that he only kills when he has to. He has already taken measures to offer better contracts to the Security companies Boris employs and that it is a systematic dismantling of Boris system. The man remarks that Fabian must like playing with this food. Fabian is harsh in his tone and orders the man to leave. Fabian looks over the city as Lara enters. Fabian isn't pleased she is here but she tells him she is there to make sure he doesn't screw up the job. Fabian insists the situation is in hand but Lara questions why they haven't been spotted in the city yet. Fabian thinks for a moment but he regains his composure, knowing they are on their way. Lara leaves

**Hotel**

Patrick tells the Aurora and Abraham about the missing Government Minister and another article he found about the Gold Empire's declaration of War on the City states. Aurora wonders if there is a connection. Patrick agrees but Abraham asks why it concerns them if they are leaving tomorrow. Patrick answers that the city states may lock down and keep out anyone. Abraham acknowledges it could be a problem and tells the others they will just have to find a way in but that they must get to the Bronze Kingdom. Abraham then invites the pair for a drink. Patrick accepts as does Aurora with reluctance

**Unknown Location**

Lara is on her laptop, looking through lodging bookings. A voice speaks to her through a speaker, asking her if she thinks her plan will work. Lara knows all city lodgings keep files on all bookings. The voice asks why would they choose to stay in a registered location even under assumed names. Lara says even she is unsure but knows its worth a shot, looking for a group of 4 people booked at once. She gets some results then picks up a bag and heads out

**Hotel**

Riley joins the group as they are all sitting together, drinking. Each of them musing about their past, all the things they have done and dreams. Abraham stands and heads to the bar to get another round. When he reaches the bar, Lara is there. She is stirring her drink and looks to Abraham, commenting on the party he seems to be having. Abraham nods and looks at the others. Lara checks her pendent, seeing it glowing. A look of confusion creeps on her face but she straightens up when Abraham looks back at her and notices her lack of company. Lara smiles and introduces herself. Abraham gives his name as Joseph. Patrick then approaches and takes the drinks, thanking Abraham but not addressing his name. Patrick sits down as Riley asks who she is. Patrick shrugs but Aurora advises against talking to strangers. Patrick tells her not to worry. The glamour charm is working and he senses her as a normal person. Lara and Abraham continue talking but Abraham excuses himself to go to the bathroom. Lara carefully watches the others before she slips in after him. Abraham emerges and sees Lara there. At first he smiles but she punches him the gut and knees him in the face. He falls to the ground, the glamour crystal shattering sliding off his wrist. It is then that Lara sees Abraham. She admits to being surprised. Riley then notices Lara isn't at the bar and neither is Abraham. Patrick laughs, admitting they are probably banging already. Riley isn't convinced and leaves the table. She heads to the back hallway, seeing Lara with a knife over Abraham. She runs and tackles her. The girls scuffle but Lara is out matched by Riley's strength. Riley gets Lara into a choke hold and forces her to pass out. She then rouses Abraham up. Patrick and Aurora come around the corner, asking what happened. Riley explains Abraham was almost assassinated. Patrick looks at the girl, seeing the charm on her wrist. Aurora recognizes it as well, as a Hunters amulet. Patrick is stunned that they were found, but Aurora points out, Abraham has lost his glamour charm. Patrick forms his sword but Abraham stops him, telling him they need to question her. Patrick isn't convinced she'll talk, but Aurora tells them, she'll make her

Back at the room, Lara is tied to a chair as she comes to. She flinches but Abraham assures her they won't hurt her...unless they force her to. Abraham asks who she is. Lara doesn't answer but Aurora opens her book, flipping through the pages but Patrick tells Lara, she's looking for a psychic spell and tells her its not the most pleasant spell to have someone roaming through her head. Lara smiles, telling him her brain isn't a nice place to be. Aurora finds the spell and places her hand on Lara's head. Aurora starts to focus but Lara tells them she'll talk. Aurora steps back as Lara tells them her name and that has been tracking them since they escape Paris. She was on the train when the hijackers took it over. Abraham remembers some of them were shot. Lara admits she did it. She even admits killing the meat factory owner and Aurora's former Master and that Fabian is in the city. The gang are stunned and decide to leave, but Abraham asks if he knows where they are, they would have attacked by now. Lara admits she is alone and Patrick surmises she wants the glory for herself. Riley grabs Lara's neck, asking if she can kill her now. Patrick and Abraham have no objections but Aurora does, telling them they are not murderers. Abraham tells her how far Lara has come and how far she will still go. Lara tells them she may not have told Fabian, but he surely will be wondering where she is. Abraham agrees then punches Lara, knocking her out. He admits they may not be murderers, but they do need a head start. The gang start to pack up when Abraham asks Aurora if she really can see into people's minds to which Aurora replies, that she was bluffing and that she can't. The gang head out of the hotel. Its late at night but they find a Jeep and steal it. Patrick tells them they can't get the train since Abraham's glamour is gone. Riley suggests driving to another town and getting the train from there. Patrick them tells them it won't be easy, as they spot a border that is closed. He drives them around a few turns before stopping the Jeep

**Unknown location**

Fabian is still awake, despite the late hour. He tries to call Lara but does not get an answer. The man from earlier enters as Fabian is furious Lara left without him. The man admits she is a hunter and likes to hunt. Fabian knows something isn't right but then asks if Boris has been brought to them. A man in a Military uniform is brought in before Fabian. Fabian smiles as Boris protests about the lack of jurisdiction the Gold Empire has. Fabian agrees, but it isn't about jurisdiction. He tells his men to lock Boris up and further tells his men to arrest the rest of the high ranking government officials. A dozen men head out as the last man muses that its like the Night of Long Knives. Fabian agrees. Another man rushes in, telling Fabian Lara was found, bound a gagged in a hotel room. Fabian tells him to look for security cameras in the area. He checks his computer then spots the gang stealing the Jeep. At first Fabian is confused as he doesn't spot Abraham at first, but then sees his face. He is still confused as to the identity of the other 3 but then realises the deception. He tells his men to find the car

**Streets of Lessia**

The Gang are still in the car, driving around in the dead of night with few cars around, looking for a way out of the city. Riley asks if its really the best idea to be driving at night. Patrick asks her why but she answers that they are one of the only cars out at night and won't be hard to find. Abraham agrees and decides they have to make a break for the nearest city gate. He drives on a little before they spot one. He brings the jeep in close but parks out of sight. Abraham and Patrick step out, telling the girls they will clear the guards out. Both of them quietly sneak up to the gate area. Patrick forms a knife and kills the first guard while Abraham takes out another. Patrick rushes into the guard station and kills the guard at the desk. Abraham forms his metal into a chain and throws it up to one of the towers. He digs it into the side of the wall and pulls himself up. Patrick makes sure no one else is about as Abraham slashes down another two guards and breaks the search lights. He comes back down to the ground as both of them rush back towards the car but they see two Black SUV's with near a dozen armed men...and Fabian. Fabian compliments them on a job well done and how hard its been to catch them. He forms his sword and challenges Abraham to a fight. Patrick tells Abraham not to but Fabian continues to goat him, asking how long its been since he's been challenged and how badly he's been wanting it. Abraham steps towards Fabian, his hands opening but Patrick strikes him on the back of the head. Fabian orders his men to open fire but Riley drives out of the alley in the SUV. Aurora uses her magic to create a wall of fire as Patrick pushes Abraham into the car along with himself. Riley slams on the gas as the gang drive down the road and out through the gate. Riley asks if anyone is following but Patrick says no. Aurora admits she is expecting a helicopter. Patrick tells her the open fields are too dangerous to challenge Kemiya's. City environments encourage restraint and an easier chance. Fabian is furious Abraham got away but he receives a phone call. Fabian answers and informs Michael that Abraham got away. Michael sighs, telling Fabian that despite his failure to take care of Abraham now concerning him, he is beginning to question Fabian's abilities, calling Fabian a failure. Fabian tells him Lessia is in his control. Michael is glad of the news but he warns Fabian, to bring Abraham's head, or he'll never be allowed to return, before hanging up

#### **Quotes**

**Riley:** "This just seems far too easy"

**Abraham:** "Remember fuzzball we're not in the Gold Empire at the moment"

**Riley:** "Don't call me Fuzz ball"

**Patrick:** "He's right"

(Riley looked at him)

**Patrick:** "About the Gold Empire thing...and how easy it is, but lets find somewhere to lay low for the time being"

**Riley:** "Another hotel. Almost like my dream come true"

**Abraham:** "And what dream was that?"

**Riley:** "Travelling Europe of course. I'm a wolf. We don't sit still for long"

**Abraham:** "Yeah, you play fetch and roll over"

**Riley:** "Very funny"

**Patrick:** "No doubt Michel has someone in the city looking for us"

**Aurora:** "And on a different topic I have these for you guys"

**Patrick:** "Pendants?"

**Aurora:** "Glamour charms. I figure....since we're all the run, you could use some disguises"

**Abraham:** "Not just a pretty face"

**Fabian:** "I've already turned the Security companies against Boris"

**Man:** "You really like playing with your food...don't you?"

**Fabian:** "Maybe I do. Shall I play with you?"

**Lara:** "Oh, that sounded dirty"

**Fabian:** "Do remember I am not fond of this arrangement"

**Lara:** "And you think I'm getting a kick out of it? I'm only here to bag the elephant...and to make sure you don't screw up"

**Fabian:** "I didn't screw up"

**Lara:** "You've been chasing these guys for weeks...and haven't caught them, not to mention that little slip up at the Paris train station

(Fabian thinks for a moment but he doesn't respond)

**Patrick**: "Just read something in the papers. Seems Government officials have been disappearing around here"

**Riley:** "Ok?"

**Patrick:** "And the Gold Empire's declaration of war against the City states"

**Riley:** "Again...ok?"

**Abraham** "If we're leaving tomorrow, how does this bother us?"

**Patrick:** "If there is war, border restrictions will be tighter?"

**Abraham:** "Ok...good point...and if you're going to call me stupid...just have the balls to say it"

**Lara:** "Registrations for...4 people"

**Voice:** "You really think this will work? There are probably dozen's of groups of 4 checking into hotels and they'll likely be under assumed names"

**Lara:** "In one day, that list will not be long. Its worth a shot. Fabian just sits in his hotel room waiting for everyone else to do his dirty work"

**Voice:** "It may take too long. I doubt they'll stay long in town"

**Lara:** "Its worth a shot"

**Abraham:** "A young lady alone is never a good sign"

**Lara:** "A guy with friends...not a bad one yourself"

**Abraham**: "Just staying in the city for the night. I'm....Joe"

**Lara:** "Lara...and don't do the croft joke. I've heard it all before"

**Abraham:** "I seem to recall...she was rather badass"

**Lara:** "Well, not me"

**Abraham:** "So...you live here?"

(Lara looks as her charm glowed)

**Abraham:** "Hey easy tiger. We won't hurt you...unless you force us"

**Lara:** "Just get on with it!"

**Patrick:** "I told you she isn't going to talk"

**Aurora:** "Doesn't matter if she does. I'm gonna get it out of her. Just...need to find the spell"

**Patrick**: "Or you could just tell us? I mean...I wouldn't want anyone poking around my head"

**Lara:** "My brain isn't a nice place to be"

**Lara:** "Ok...ok I'll talk!"

**Riley**: "Huh. That was easy"

**Lara:** "I've been tracking you two since Paris. I was on the train that was hi-jacked. I got on further up the line"

**Abraham**: "I do remember Petar said some of his men were shot. That was you?"

**Lara**: "I also killed the owner of the meat factory"

(Lara looked at Aurora)

**Lara:** "And your former Master"

**Abraham:** "Seems you've been one step behind us this entire time"

**Lara:** "Oh some occasions, but by choice. And Fabian is in the city"

**Patrick:** "I knew it!"

**Aurora:** "So why isn't he here now?"

**Patrick:** "She wants the glory for herself"

(Riley grabs Lara's neck)

**Riley:** "Can I kill her now?"

**Abraham/Patrick:** "No objections"

**Aurora:** "We can't just kill her"

**Abraham:** "Why not? You heard how far she's come and she will not stop"

**Aurora:** "We are not murderers"

(Patrick sighs but he nods as Abraham punches her, knocking her out)

**Abraham:** "Maybe not, but we still need a head start"

**Fabian:** "Abraham...Wallman!"

(Abraham and Patrick look at Fabian)

**Abraham:** "Been a while Fabian. Come to find me?"

**Fabian:** "I guess I have"

(Fabian forms his sword)

**Fabian:** "What say we settle this...right here and now?"

**Patrick:** "Don't be stupid Abraham"

**Fabian:** "Oh come Abraham. When was the last time you had a good hard fight? The thought of death creeping into your mind?"

**Abraham:** "Had one not too long ago actually"

**Fabian:** "And how did it feel?"

(Abraham opened his hand as Fabian smiled)

**Patrick:** "Come on Abraham. The gate is open, we need to get moving!"

**Abraham:** "I loved it!"