It was a very emotional moment for him, especially after Zachariah had informed him that Azrai had been awake. It wasn't like he didn't trust Shizu, knowing that she would never lie but still he had had his doubts. Zachariah had confirmed it all for Ivan but still there was this sense of unease in the back of his mind. Was this really a sign of recovery? He could only continue to send prayers to the sky in hope that it really was. Ivan continued to look at Azrai, he noticed that he looked less pale but there was still need for more improvement. The monitors sounded more stable than they had previously. It seemed as if things were slowly looking up for everyone. It had given him a great sense of relief though he knew that they would have to wait for a little longer.<br/><br/>"Itâ€™s better he recovers at his own pace than not at all," Ivan murmured. Sure it sounded a bit morbid and maybe it was a bit unnecessary to say but Ivan couldn't help the slip of tongue. It just showed how worried he had been about his friend recovering. However, his words rang true, it was definitely better that Azrai was recovering. Whether Shizu knew it or not, he was completely grateful for her. If it hadn't been for her offer then Azrai wouldn't have made it with only the antidote. He was sure that Shizu probably felt like she hadn't done much but she was wrong if she thought like that. He owed her so much right now and he promised himself that he would make sure she obtained her freedom. He owed her that much.<br/><br/>Still, Ivan was worried that Azrai might not make it. It would take a while for him to recover, that much Ivan knew. He only wished that he would recover faster though his injuries had been severe and the poison hadn't helped at all. Ivan wondered how Shizu's blood would change Azrai and he wanted to ask Zachariah his thoughts on it as well. That would have to be something that they would have to monitor once Azrai recovered fully. Although Shizu said that it wouldn't change him externally, he wondered what it would do to Azrai internally. There shouldn't be any physical changes but Ivan was curious to see what would change within his friend. That would have to be a topic of discussion later. For now, he was too tired to worry about the consequences of the blood transfusion. He was merely concerned with Azrai making a full recovery.<br/><br/>Ivan knew that there was still much to be done while Azrai remained unconscious. He had been fortunate enough to get a plane for Lucian and Shizu, thanks to his contacts. He continued to watch Azrai as Zachariah laid him back down, knowing that there was still no time for rest. Not like he would take it if it had been offered to him. Maybe when he finally felt comfortable enough, he would rest for a while. But even he knew that he wouldn't be fine until he knew that Lucian and Shizu had made it safely to Elias. Even after that, sleep would escape him until Azrai came around fully; ready to tear them to pieces for letting Shizu leave without his consent. Ivan inwardly groaned, really not looking forward to that conversation but it couldn't be helped. This was for the best.<br/><br/>He glanced up as Zachariah began to speak to him again. When there was movement, they stopped glancing down at Azrai. They moved out into the hallway, knowing that it would be a hassle to have to deal with Azrai if he woke up now. Ivan stood beside Zachariah, crossing his arms over his chest. He could tell that their leader was riding an emotional rollercoaster the more they talked about Azrai and the condition he was in. He knew that it was difficult to think about the possibility of losing him; it continued to fill doubt in Ivan's mind. "Yeah, I'll get on that as soon as possible. Elias is still creating a place for her as we speak," Ivan said, glancing down the hallway as Maverick came to join the conversation. Hadn't he been told to rest? It wasn't like Ivan could say much since he had been moving about ever since they arrived at the medical base. Hell, shouldn't they all be resting? There was no time for anything like that. There was still too much to do and there was little time to do such things.<br/><br/>As Maverick spoke, he knew that the man would break if he heard any more bad news. This was all too difficult for everyone to deal with. Azrai was part of the family they had in the organization. Losing him would be more than devastating for all of them. However, a wave of peace was washing over everyone in the base. It was a nice feeling after all the high tension and panic that had filled the air. Zachariah seemed to place his faith in God and the hands of the medics, while Azrai was recovering. Ivan trusted in his decision, so he sent a few more prayers before he brought his mind back to the other important matters at hand. He followed Zachariah and Maverick into an empty room, he leaned against the wall. It was quiet in the room for a while, Ivan letting out a slow and steady breath. He nodded his head as Zachariah spoke once more. He blinked a few times before he looked at their leader as he let out some of the emotion that he was feeling.<br/><br/>"I agree, God was and will always be looking out for us," Ivan murmured gently. "I can't say that I wasn't worried about all that had happened today but...I am more than thankful for things to turn out this well, despite all that we have lost." Ivan rubbed his face, the stumble on his chin beginning to bothering him. Man, what he wouldn't give for a hot shower, a shave, and a nice cold beer. There was so much that he wanted to do at this point but he knew that he couldn't, not until everything was finished. Not until Shizu was gone. The only good thing about her departure would be that they would be able to monitor her from a distance. As long as Elias set up everything that was required, Shizu would live a safe life...even if it meant that she would be constantly watched. Maybe one day, she wouldn't have to have cameras on her.<br/><br/>"I should go gather the two of them now, I am sure they are ready to leave," Ivan said, knowing that he shouldn't hang around too long. Like Zachariah said, the sooner Shizu left the better. He nodded his head, a sign of his departure, before he stopped and looked at the two men in the room. "I know that this may not be true but I can't ignore this thought. If Azrai doesn't take the news well, he may try to find her." Ivan paused, knowing that his words may not sound pleasant. "We shouldn't allow him to find her, under any circumstances...at least not for a few years. We need to make her only a memory...for now." Ivan hated playing the villain in this situation but he was only thinking what was best for all of them.<br/><br/>If Azrai chose to look for her, it would take him away from his responsibilities for the organization. Who knew what would happen if he managed to find her? They were both were targets at large for their enemies; he knew that they would be watching out for any interaction between them. Shizu was Azrai's weakness right now and the enemy had seen that. Who knew how many other opposing forces had been watching the fight between Sanctus Unum and them? Ivan was only trying to make sure that everyone would be safe. And what would Azrai accomplish if he did go out to find her? They both had a scarred past and people who were after them, it would only spell out more trouble in the end. Ivan could only hope that the others understood where he was coming from. "I guess we can discuss this when I come back," Ivan stated before leaving the room.<br/><br/>-----------<br/><br/>Shizu noted the smile that Lucian gave her and offered one back, though it was small and meek. She truly did like the pilot and she knew from experience that he was a trustworthy flyer. Her eyes watched him, noting that he looked tired and was worried that he would be pushing himself to leave so soon. Not to mention, Shizu really didn't want to leave just yet but it would be a risk if she stayed around too long. A gentle chuckle left her as Lucian spoke; it seemed as if all the men here had the same comments on Azrai's condition. The chuckle didn't last long as he stated that it served Azrai right. Was it because Lucian still thought that she wasn't worth saving? A feeling of discomfort settled in her chest, knowing that that could be the problem. Nonetheless, she chose not to show how his words had bothered her. Soon, she would be on her own and out of everyone's hair.<br/><br/>She moved out of the doorway as Lucian made his way out into the hallway. She placed a hand on her stomach as he spoke about the two of them having a meal. In all honesty, she wasn't hungry, her stomach was in knots. The blood transfusion had drained most of her energy and the blood that she had received afterwards had done the job to keep her healthy. Then again she didn't want to tell Lucian that she had enough blood in her system to last her the rest of the day. She wasn't sure if he knew of her true nature and didn't wish to make him uncomfortable. So instead, she smiled slightly and nodded her head. "I suppose that a bite to eat would be helpful," she murmured after clearly her throat. It was strange to entrust her life into someone else's hands. All she had known for protection was Azrai. It almost felt...wrong going to another person.<br/><br/>"It seems that things have settled down, I suppose now would be a good-"<br/><br/>"There you two are," Ivan said in a low tone, cutting Shizu off. The woman could feel slight tension between the Russian and pilot though it had died down significantly from the first time they had encountered one another. Ivan glanced over at Shizu, taking in her appearance. She looked a bit rumpled and dirty but it shouldn't cause too many stares. He glanced at Lucian, who didn't look any better but what could be done? Lucian wanted to get the hell out of here and Shizu needed to leave in the next ten minutes. "It seems like you two are ready to leave, so without further hesitation I'll give you a brief run down on the plan." Ivan stated crossing his arms over his chest, giving the two a stern look.<br/><br/>"Today, I shall be your designated driver to the plane," Ivan started off. "Before you both fly off, we can stop somewhere to eat and I'll take you to the location of the plane. Everything sound good?" Ivan raised an eyebrow, not really caring for a response because things needed to happen and happen fast. He nodded his head and turned, motioning for them to follow him out of the base. He could sense slight hesitation from Shizu and he glanced over his shoulder, noticing that she seemed to be struggling with her decision. He let out a slight sigh, stopping as he looked at her. He really really hated playing the villain but it seemed like he had no choice. "Shizu," he called out in a stern voice.<br/><br/>She hadn't really been expecting to leave so soon. Well, maybe she had. She was hoping to spend a few more minutes here, maybe checking up on Azrai just one last time. Maybe she would have told him how much she appreciated him and how much he meant to her. Though, it seemed that she would probably never be able to say such things to him. Ivan had come and told them of the plan. Now, they were to leave after eating. She wanted to follow after them but her feet wouldn't move. She was torn at this point, she couldn't leave here. Not yet. Her heart accelerated in her chest and she glanced towards the direction of Azrai's room. They wouldn't catch her if she ran but her body was too tired for such exertion.<br/><br/>She was about to make the decision when Ivan's voice called out to her. She flinched, looking up at him with wide eyes. She opened her mouth to apologize but Ivan cut her off. "Let go of whatever feelings you have towards him now," Ivan said, his tone chilling. "They won't do you any good now." The look of hurt that crossed her face made Ivan feel like complete and utter shit. Shizu dropped her head, staring down at the ground as if in deep thought. She felt her heart clench in her chest, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Ivan was right, what were these emotions capturing her? She felt nauseous; her stomach was tumbling and rolling. It felt like something as jumping around in her chest. Why was she feeling these things? She bit her lower lip, feeling herself becoming rather reluctant to leave. She wanted to hear him tell her goodbye or something like that, his voice would have given her the confidence that she needed to leave. Wouldn't it?<br/><br/>"You are right," she said gently, lifting up her head, staring at Ivan. The threat of tears was still in her eyes but she wouldn't allow them to fall. "It'll pass," Ivan stated in a rough manner. Her back straightened and she held her head a bit higher, not wanting them to think that she was heartbroken. She refused to let them see how much those words stung but then again Ivan was right, wasn't he? It would pass. Shizu let out a heavy breath as she began to walk towards them, Ivan allowing her to pass him. If she turned around, he would stop her from going to see Azrai. They continued down the hallway in silence, there was nothing more to say. This had been the last part of the deal she had made while Azrai was recovering. She promised to be sent somewhere else, only after she made sure he was alright and recovering. It would be too dangerous for her to stay around, especially after they had defeated Sanctus Unum. There were many rogue agents roaming around, wanting to take revenge. It would be harder to track the two of them down as long as they were separated. It was for the best. He would be safe. She would be safe. Everyone would be happy, right? Then why did it feel like this? Why did it hurt so much to leave him while he was unconscious? Surely, he would forgive her. Maybe he would come to resent her. It was no longer supposed to be a problem anymore, his feeling and thoughts that is, but they were.<br/><br/>This wasn't the first time that Ivan felt like an asshole but then again he had to be honest with her. He had rescued plenty of women and men from unholy situations. Some of the victims had become attached to him and he knew it was because he had saved them. Shizu was probably feeling the same as any other victim. It was definitely better for them to be separated now. Ivan left out another heavy breath, knowing that some of the female medics that had overheard his scolding were not happy with him. Way to go Ivan, he thought to himself but it had to be done. He needed to sever the attachment now or else it could potentially cause complications down the road. They already had enough on their plate. Ivan stopped by a desk, grabbing a few needed items before leading the two up the stairs to the outside world. "Lucian, if you could contact me once you have reached Elias that would be more than helpful," Ivan said, trying to make this uncomfortable silence go away.<br/><br/>They reached the top of the stairs and Ivan grunted as he opened the door, an inconspicuous car was sitting down the street for them. Ivan took in the smell of the fresh air, well it was still a bit dusty from the battle but even things out here were calming down. "That's our ride," Ivan said while nodding at the old vehicle. "The plane is located just outside city limits, about an hourâ€™s drive. You two should rest up a bit after eating while I take you to the plane." Ivan turned heading towards the car, running through a mental checklist of everything. So far everything looked good. "So...what do you want to eat?" Ivan wasn't the best at dealing with people; typically Maverick was the one to do this kind of thing. Many people found Ivan's personality as dry as the desert. He lacked conversational skills and the only emotions he seemed to be capable of showing were anger and annoyance. Too bad Maverick was still too injured to do this but Ivan wanted to make sure things got done.<br/><br/>"Anything is fine with me," Shizu muttered in a distant manner. She felt oddly detached from the situation but she tried to keep herself in check. There was no need to have a breakdown in front of them. She clutched her belongings in her hands, glancing over at the pilot. "What would you like to have, Lucian?" She asked, only because she didn't want to been seen as depressed. She would try her best to convince herself that this was the best decision.