"Hey. Is this Blaine?"

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"Yeah... it's Lara."

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"Listen. I know it's been a while and this is short notice but remember that favor you owe me? I'm calling it in. I was hoping you could-"

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"What do you mean?"

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"Well... I think I'm close to finding the lost city of Zerzura. I hate to say it but this is something I can't figure out alone. I'm in some hot water right now and there's a bounty out on my head so I need someone I can trust to work with. Do you know anybody with experience? I don't have much time so they need to be ready to travel by tomorrow."

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"I don't know where else to turn. I'm out of options and time."

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"Who?"

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"Nathan Drake?"

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"And I can trust him to not try and cash in on my bounty?"

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"More or less?!"

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"Okay... I'll take your word for it."

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"You mentioned he's a treasure hunter, right? He'll be interested in what I'm paying."

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"Okay. I'll be waiting for your call. Thanks."

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"Bye."

"Nathan Drake."

"Nate, It's Blaine."

"Blaine! How's it been? Still slumming it in Ecuador?"

"Are you busy because I've got a job for you? A good one. There's a lot in it for you if you decide to take it up."

"I'm listening."

"A friend of mine is looking for the lost city of Zerzura and needs someone to collaborate with. Someone with your skillset. Are you up for it?"

"The lost city of Zerzura, huh? I don't know. Who is this 'friend' of yours?"

"Lara Croft. She's an English archaeologist and knows her stuff. You're going to want to at least check this out before declining the offer. I talked to her about it over the phone and I'm telling you, a lot of cash just to help her put the pieces together. Also, I think I should probably tell you... she's has a bounty on her head too."

"Now there's something that-"

"Nate, look at the bigger picture. You've never been able to locate the lost city by yourself before. Believe me, she just might but she's looking for some help. Don't pass it up - this is an opportunity for you. A real moneymaker. If not for the money, do it for me. I owe her a solid."

"Right... I wasn't being serious. Okay, I'm in. So, where am I headed?"

"England."

Nathan threw his bag into the airport taxi before getting in with Blaine. The car door closed with a slam. This was it. No backing out now. Drake had to admit, he was skeptical. He'd never been able to pinpoint the lost city himself so what were the chances of someone else getting close? However, Nate had confidence in Blaine. He'd hooked him up with promising work in the past although he didn't look like the kind of person that would do it. A professional poker player, drunkard, and gambler with a soft spot for beautiful women, his fatal attraction to debt never allowed him out of harm's reach. Not exactly who you thought of when you wanted worthwhile work, but the track record said otherwise. One thing was certain - he had connections. And, in exchange for a cut of the payout, he'd give you them.

Right now, Nathan just wanted to get to the place so he could finally stretch and have some proper legroom. It was late and jet lag wasn't mixing well with a long day of flight.

"Where're you guys heading?" the taxi driver asked.

"Here." Blaine handed him a slip of paper that had the address. It read:

142, Abbingdon Road, Guildford, Surrey

"That's not too far." The taxi driver spoke. "Should be a half-hour drive. Just about."

"Great." Blaine pulled out a chrome flask from his back pocket and took a sip of whiskey. "Ahh. That's good stuff." He motioned towards Nathan, flask in hand.

"No, I'm fine."

"Are you sure? It's bourbon."

"Eh, what the hell." Nate took the flask.

The taxi pulled up to the open gates of a dark and looming manor signalling the end of their ride and the beginning of something new. The full moon and fogginess of the night only added to the already spooky ambience.

Nathan pulled out his wallet which was full of British sterling. "How much is it?"

"50 pounds." the taxi driver responded.

"Here you are."

"Thank you. Have a good night."

"Oh, actually I'm not staying. Do you mind waiting out here for a few minutes? I won't be long." Blaine added.

"Sure thing."

"Great. Thanks."

The two got out, passing the spiky manor gates and starting towards the main entrance. On the outskirts of the property were picturesque gardens that paled in comparison to the high walls they surrounded. The immensity and age of the mansion was clear enough to Drake from the outside. Easily many millions of dollars. A few of the windows were lit up by an orange glow that faded into the darker regions.

"I should shoot a horror film here." Nathan spoke. "Whaddya think?"

"You're joking."

"Oh no. I'm serious. In fact, I can already see it. Nathan Drake, movie director... Has a certain ring to it."

"Maybe Elena could help you with that. She's got experience behind the camera doesn't she?"

"She's a journalist not a filmmaker. And no. We don't really talk anymore."

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that."

"Things just aren't how they used to be. Shit happens y'know."

"Ain't that the truth." Blaine opened the door to the mansion. "She said just walk in."

The door opened up into a very large and very glamorous-looking main hall. Quaint paintings lined the walls and a comforting fire was going off in a corner of the room - its distinct crackle dissipating in the vast amounts of space offered. Expensive-looking furniture permeated the mansion at every level as if the lavishness of it all wasn't clear enough already. In all its grandeur, a set of stairs furnished with luxurious runners lay at the end of the main hall and split into left and right as it led up to the next floor. Even the few plants scattered around the room looked expensive. To put the cherry on top, a chandelier hung from the ceiling and highlighted the surrounding glamour with its fanciful radiance.

"Jesus Christ. This place is huge."

Blaine called out. "Lara?"

"I'm over here!" She responded. "Just come up. First door to your right last room down the hall"

They both made their way up the set of stairs, Nate almost stopping when they passed a suit of armor on display. Definitely from the Crusades era. Forget Zerzura, it was interesting enough just to walk around this place! "Must've cost a fortune." He murmured. Lara was sitting at a drafting table with a map of Africa in front her when they walked in.

Blaine didn't mention she was attractive.