Shadow Steps (Closed for Asa)

[raiguy]

Ryan was enjoying his meal when his phone went off. He looked down at the words on the screen.

The girl is going to die due to what she has uncovered.

Ryan got up, dropping money on the table as he quickly made his way to the last place he knew she would go back to. He was thankful his contact found out they were moving for Liria, but hoped he got there in time.

As Ryan ran up to the entrance of the sushi bar, he saw the team get out of the SUV. He quickly ran into the sushi bar and yelled, "Hide Liria!" before a shot ripped through his right shoulder, spinning him around.

Ryan recovered quickly, ignoring the burning pain as best as he could as he pulled his pistol out, dropping the first hitman with two shots. He moved through the restaurant to where Liria was, shielding her as he took down two more hitmen. He knew there was one more, and it was confirmed when another two shots ripped through his torso. Ryan's pistol dropped from his suddenly weak hands as he collapsed to the ground, time suddenly slowing as he saw the smug smile of the bastard that he suddenly recognized.

 

[Asa]

Someone tried coming through the back and grabbing her old friend the cook but for his troubles found a specialized round from the LadyHawk finding its mark between is eyes. She was not some wilting violet her father had made sure of that but then turned right around and treated her like one anyways.

Hearing him fall she turned back around LadyHawk ready watching the slightly surprised look on the guys face standing behind the other man who was staring through Ryan. She glared recognizing one of the men there as well. She did not realize that she had been hit too in the leg. She was in that almost combat focused state as she stared them down.

 

[raiguy]

Ryan clawed for his pistol, grabbing it with shaky hands as he sighted in on the hitman. Before his hands gave out, he quickly pulled the trigger, happy that the shot was on target as the hitman dropped, the back of his head torn out by the .45 round. Ryan let the pistol drop as he slipped into unconsciousness, his last thought being she's safe now.

 

[Asa]

He removed one but there had been one that she saw... still staring him down she did her best not to let Ryan passing out Luckily the chef moved over to him and pulled him away telling her to be careful. Standing she still barely realized that she was wounded as she stared at him.

You do not have the guts to pull that trigger yourself... We both know that don't we Col Zavee now you can turn around and walk out or I can explain to dad why I was able to get the drop on someone like you... cause I will make sure that the rest of the team gets to deal with you... They can dole out a worse fate than I could at least here... so you want that article to go whats the word... viral... you know all too well I always have a backup on a backup... Bring it...

The man shook his head... Its not my place to do anything... I was just told to see the job done... looks like one of you will die... my job is done... you burn them you burn them I am out...

 

[raiguy]

Ryan drifted in and out of consciousness, never long enough to really ascertain what was going on. He just hoped everything was alright.

 

[Asa]

The chef did all he could to help him watching over his friend as well till the other man she spoke to turned and left and the wound in her leg finally demanded her full attention.

Ambulance called... Your father called... Everything okay you sit down now... You gun man stay still you not good right now.

The old chef talked to them trying to keep both of their attention.

 

[raiguy]

Ryan somehow was able to stay conscious long enough to see Liria sit down next to him. He smiled and weakly took her hand.

"At least you are safe," he whispered, a thin line of blood trickling from the corner of his mouth as he faded into unconsciousness again.

 

[Asa]

Ambulances arrived as well as her father and the next thing Liria knew she was in the hospital. Looking around she saw her father sitting there and told him who she saw and he told her Zavee had taken his own life so he suspected he was involved.

Where is Ryan?

 

[raiguy]

Ryan wasn't really sure what happened, only that the pain got more intense, then slowly faded away.

 

[Asa]

Her dad told her not to worry he was going to be fine and to sleep which followed by her falling straight to sleep due to the nurse standing there waiting for the cue as he knew she would not just rest willingly.

Then he went to check on Ryan. So ya gonna live or what?

The Col chuckled.

 

[raiguy]

Ryan woke up to the sound of the col, then couldn't help but grin

"I must have died if you are the one greeting me," he chuckled, then winced in pain.

"So exactly what happened?" Ryan asked.

 

[Asa]

One of my associates from the looks of it was being blackmailed and went with the last hitmen saw what he must have told his boss was one of you two getting killed then killed himself.

He sat down and watched the young man for a moment.

 

[raiguy]

Ryan looked at the col then finally decided to ask it.

"Is Liria ok? And why are you staring at me like that?"

 

[Asa]

She is fine... calf took a little damage but nothing she won't get over. Still trying to figure out your angle in all of this.

The Col stood and walked towards the door. Three doors down resting least for now... made them sedate her.

 

[raiguy]

Ryan chuckled then grinned before calling the col back.

"My part was having a friend inform me that they got wind from a source that Liria was going to be taken out due to what she found out. I tried to get there to protect her. I don't know why, but I couldn't stand the thought of her getting hurt," Ryan said, then closed his eyes, trying to figure his emotions out.

 

[Asa]

He nodded and walked back out he had far too much to sort out as well with the death of one of his associates

Liria slept most of the day.

 

[raiguy]

Jordan passed out after the colonel left, surprised at the amount of pain he felt. It was a lot less than he thought it should be.

 

[Asa]

After a couple of days Liria was released from the hospital and headed back to her place and got back to work on her articles and reports. She was not going to let any of this stop her. Out of respect she attended the funeral of the one who had helped those going after her and other events on base that she had gone to all her life always maintaining thoughts on her work and fighting off the occasional stray thought about Ryan.

 

[raiguy]

Ryan slept much of the time while in the hospital, finding out he had taken 3 slugs in the chest. Nothing would be damaged for long, and he was mending rapidly. He grew bored very quickly, never having been much of a TV watcher. Instead he found ways to keep his wits sharp, and his reflexes as honed as they could be while he was still recuperating. His thoughts continually strayed to Liria, and he often had to kill off hopes she'd visit him.

 

[Asa]

After all expectations were met she did end up going by the hospital once she figured with his attempt at protecting her she at least could check on him once.

Hey... Here ya get out soon.

 

[raiguy]

Ryan was pleasantly surprised to see Liria.

"Yeah, but it's not like it matters. I'll still be bed-ridden. Only this time it will mean that I have to call a buddy to come take care of me," he said, extremely annoyed with it all.

 

[Asa]

We have paid for a home healthcare nurse for you. One from the base... cheaper for dad and better care. He will be there when you get home.

She smiled a little. Bed rest won't be so bad least I know you won't be shooting up my favorite sushi bar for a while.

 

[raiguy]

Ryan laughed at that, then coughed a bit. He laid back down and smiled.

"I'm just happy you're safe," he said softly, then looked away.

"Thank you for the in home care. And I'll try not to shoot up a restaurant from now on," he said, cracking a genuine smile.

 

[Asa]

She smiled a little. Thats alright and yeah I am.

She was not sure what to say or do she never really dealt much with people in a more social intimate or whatever way beyond work or the base and not like she dated much with that many uncles and her dad around.

 

[raiguy]

Ryan smiled, suddenly feeling drained. He weakly motioned for Liria to come closer, then waited for her to bend down, her ear gently brushing his lips.

"Thank you for letting me remember how to care and open up," Ryan said, gently kissing Liria on the cheek as he drifted off to sleep, a smile on his face.