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Date Posted: 20:12:38 06/20/02 Thu
Author: moondreamer
Subject: Instinct - Chapter 20
In reply to: moondreamer 's message, "Instinct" on 11:51:56 05/22/02 Wed

Chapter 20.

Unaware of the drama playing out that would affect them; Ian, Luke, Gabe and Sara were all sitting around Sara’s loft. Ian and Luke had communicated silently with each other regarding young Bowman. Their fear that Sara would be left alone should Irons prevail against them weighed heavily upon them. The need to procure her an ally was strong.

Having decided to give up the ghost, so to speak, Ian and Luke were trying to explain to Gabriel exactly how they came to be. Gabriel looked as if he understood most of it but Sara’s eyes had crossed several times during the discussion. At various points Gabriel’s enthusiasm overwhelmed him and he bombarded Ian and Luke with technical questions that brought a rather squeamish look to Sara’s face.

“But why did he do all of this? What’s his purpose? This is all as cool as hell, but why would he spend this much time and money over the years to create the two of you?”

Sara and Ian looked at each other, then Sara spoke reluctantly. She was afraid of what would happen to Gabe if they drew him further into The Witchblade’s unforgiving web.

“It’s because of this, Gabriel.” Sara raised her wrist and showed Gabriel The Witchblade.

“It’s true then? All the lore? All the myths? Oh man! And you can wield it? You passed that gnarly test? I knew it! Oh wow Pez! You have to give me a complete download on this.”

Sara almost laughed at Gabe’s onslaught of questions. This was the first time The Witchblade had brought anyone joy since it had come into her hands.

“Irons wants to control The Witchblade, either through controlling Sara, or by eventually wearing it himself.” Ian’s voice was somber as he spoke. As much as he loved Sara, it was still difficult, this betrayal of the man who had been everything in his life. “In this aspect, I am afraid he is quite mad.”

Sara could feel the unspoken pain behind Ian’s words and stretched her hand out to cover his. His eyes met hers and as they sat there, suspended in time for a moment. Gabriel looked up and caught their glance. He could almost see the physical connection between the two of them.

Embarrassed, Gabe looked away and saw that Luke was also watching the pair. Gabe whistled softly to himself. Taken aback by the raw longing readily visible in Luke’s eyes. Oh man, this was one difficult situation.

“So, what’s next?” Gabe asked. He hoped his question would break the suddenly tense moment.

Luke stood and walked over to the kitchen window. “What’s next is Irons’ death.” His tone was flat and bitter.

Sara stood angrily. “I told you, I cannot let you murder him in cold blood.”

Luke looked steadily back at her. “And I am unable to watch as he rips your still beating heart out of your chest and uses it for his foul purposes.”

“What?” Gabe exclaimed. His eyes traveled from one to the other questioning this graphic statement.

“Her blood, Gabriel. That is what Kenneth Irons desires. His own special fountain of youth. The Witchblade has altered Sara’s DNA. With Sara’s blood he can extend his life. His goal is to live long enough to somehow figure out a way to wear The Witchblade himself.” Ian walked over to Luke and Sara and extended his hand to both of them. Using himself both physically and metaphorically as a bridge between the two.

As they clasped hands, as they stood there united for that moment they could all feel the other. One mind, one heart, one body. It was an amazing feeling for the trio. They had each felt so alone and isolated for so much of their lives. Here was unity. Here was purpose. Here was unconditional love and acceptance.

Sara felt her anger drain away, awed by the healing wonder of this moment out of time. She closed her eyes as she opened her heart to Ian and Luke and while each expressed it differently, finally accepted the love she could feel deep in each of them, and returned it.

Gabe held his breath as he watched them. Their images seemed to shimmer and shift; a strange glowing aura seemed to surround them. He could see flashes, steel and armor, silk and chiffon, light and dark. He wasn’t really sure what he saw. He only knew that it was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen.

They dropped their hands and the moment faded. Sara looked away as once again her eyes filled with tears.

“Can’t we just leave? Can’t we just walk away from all of this? I’ll give him The Witchblade. I don’t care. I just don’t think I can stand to lose either of you.”

“Karma, Sara. Karma. This is our destiny. All of us.” Luke raised a hand and jerkily touched her cheek gently. This time she did not flinch away from him in disgust or fear.

“I’m coming with you.” Gabriel announced abruptly.

“No Gabe, it’s too dangerous. “ Sara’s response was quick and unequivocal.

“You guys will need someone at your back and right now I’m your best choice.”

Ian and Luke looked at each other and nodded. The decision to trust Gabriel Bowman had been a good one. Should they fail in their attempts he would give his life to aid Sara.

“Let’s go, then.” Ian said.

Sara looked around her apartment as they filed one by one out the door. Somehow, she knew things would be different the next time she saw it. If there would even be a next time.

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