When he finally came to he found himself back in his apartment. Voices could be heard and he tensed immediately, still somewhat in that half insane state of mind. He took a few breaths to calm himself. What had happened? The only thing he remembered clearly was the look on Liamâ€™s face before he killed himself, Maverick with Shizu and him trying to shoot Ivan. He swore under his breath at the thought of possibly hurting his good friend and immediately cursed himself for losing control and wondered if everyone was alright in the end and he hadnâ€™t killed anyone. Sure, it felt good to get in that state, but there were definitely consequences. If he harmed them in any way he would never forgive himself but then again he always says that whenever he falls into that state. When he tried to sit up he discovered there was a sharp pain throughout his body and he couldnâ€™t move. He hadnâ€™t noticed the injuries at all before aside from his shoulder and a few cuts on his face from the explosion as well as the wound in his thigh.<br/><br/>A heavy exhale escaped him and he clenched his jaw, trying not to let the pain get to him. This was what he meant by his tolerance for pain being rather high. Whenever he fell into that murderous state of mind everything was blocked out, including pain, he could have a broken leg and still be able to walk on it to an extent. Much to his relief nothing had been broken but he was still very much in pain. However he knew lying here was not going to do him any good. Ignoring the pain to the best of his ability he forced himself to sit up on the bed and fight off the dizziness that seemed to hit him once he did so. He noticed there was a bottle of wine on the nightstand and grinned faintly at it before reaching for it. His shoulder was stiff but he wanted the damn alcohol and ignored the pain again, pulling the cork out with his teeth slowly and taking a swig.<br/><br/>It felt damn good to get some of that magical alcohol in his system. As always, he reminded himself that it would always feel good to him. Comforting him, putting him at ease, and definitely helping him get out of his bloodthirsty state that was still lingering a bit.<br/><br/>It took him a moment before he was able to ignore the pain enough to stand, narrowing his eyes and groaning softly as he limped over towards the door. There was a conversation happening on the other side. Once he recognized the voices he felt relieved but when he heard Shizu revealing herself to the others he was tense as all hell. At that point anything could have happened. He lingered behind the door for a bit with slight curiosity, wondering right then and there if Ivan and Maverick would try to kill her, but nothing happened. Letting out a soft exhale of relief he was about to head back to the bed when he heard Maverick say, â€œWell Ivan you remember Zachariah? Heâ€™s the one who tipped me off about Azrai being in danger. How he knew about it long before any of us had is beyond me but I donâ€™t question the man. He made no mention of an Oni, though, and only told me that the girl was special and was to not be returned to Japan. Guess we all know now.â€ Azrai heard him sigh.<br/><br/>He cracked the door slightly and was about to step out when he realized he was shirtless. That simply would not do considering Shizu was still present. The least he could do was make himself presentable, so he went to his drawer and pulled out a t-shirt, throwing it over himself. He was still in his boxers but at least he was covered. â€œI know for a fact we canâ€™t stay here long but I really donâ€™t know where else to go from here. These people are persistent, and Iâ€™d hate to have this apartment covered in blood.â€ Maverick continued as Azrai stepped out of the room finally. He kept his hand against the wall for support as he made his way into the living room. They didnâ€™t seem to notice he was awake because Maverick spoke more. â€œThe only thing I can think of now is leaving Jerusalem but something tells me that might just be what they want. However, I have people watching over us as Iâ€™m sure you know, and should Zachariah see somethingâ€™s up heâ€™d let us know.â€<br/><br/>â€œSo it was Zachariah who had sent you?â€ Azrai spoke out finally, continuing to lean against the wall, grinning faintly as he drank down more wine. â€œI have to say that is quiteâ€¦ unexpected considering I have not spoken with him in nearly three years.â€ He seemed to be back to his old self but Maverick was still a bit cautious. Sometimes Azrai could be rather unpredictable whenever he came out of one of his bloodthirsty mindsets; it was a reminder that it was a damn good thing that they came here instead of the hospital though he knew for a fact the man would probably need a professional doctorâ€™s touch. The man, from what he understood, had come in contact with a few wounds and he never noticed himself how the shoulder wound and bruise on his nose seemed a bit older than the cuts.<br/><br/>Maverick looked him over once more and nodded, â€œYou should consider yourself lucky, too. He paid for my trip here and everything. From the looks of things youâ€™d either be dead if I hadnâ€™t shown up and threw these people off, even if it was only slightly.â€<br/><br/>Azrai looked at the ground for a moment as silence fell over the apartmentâ€™s living room. For a moment and Maverick wondered what was going through the manâ€™s mind now. He always seemed so deep in thought, though he supposed that was just him being him. However when the man looked back to the trio he let out a soft exhale, â€œShizu would youâ€¦ mind sitting either outside or in the bedroom for a moment? You are not in trouble, I assure youâ€¦ I just need to discuss some things with Maverick and Ivan.â€ It was a light way of saying he felt he should deal with his punishment now to get it out of the way, feeling he deserved it especially now. He had been so careless and stupid this entire mission and the professional side of him was chewing him out though the feeling of failure was no longer making him want to vomit.<br/><br/>------<br/><br/>â€œThey are safe for now, sir,â€ one of his men said to him in a low voice, giving him a reassuring nod. Zachariah was pleased, definitely, but he was still not ready to call off his snipers just yet. This was going a bit too smoothly, but then again considering who he was up against it was no surprise; these people were definitely an inviting bunch and he couldnâ€™t help but smile as he kept a close eye on his monitors. This was not over yet, not by a long shot, and that was the fun of it. It has been quite some time since h has dealt with such a powerful organization that definitely knew their stuff. It was a shame they were enemies, their skills would be useful in rebuilding, but then again that was always said about enemies. They all wanted each otherâ€™s skills and yet opposed their ideals and such. Perhaps that was the reason they wanted Azrai so badly; the man was valuable in quite a few ways as an expert marksman and a cold-hearted killer.<br/><br/>If they wanted to control the killer side of Azrai they would find themselves dealing with something more than they bargained for, however. That state was unpredictable even if it could be triggered easily if once knew how. However he doubted that was the case, knowing full well there was something deeper that they were missing. Perhaps it really did have to deal with the Oni girl and where she had come from, judging by the conversation on the other end of Maverickâ€™s wire. Hopefully Elias would be able to get him enough information. Zachariah looked to the clock. There was a little over two hours left before he would contact the man again and see what he has uncovered. They needed more time. It wasnâ€™t like they could wave a wand and it was a shame they had not caught on to these people sooner. In the end they have all been blind.<br/><br/>â€œGood. If anything seems to make even the slightest movement towards the apartment, eliminate the threat, but make sure they are identified. If they donâ€™t belong and prove to be an enemy then simply take them away, however donâ€™t be reckless.â€ He told his snipers after another report of everything seeming to be alright was given. â€œThe fun has only just started.â€