Ivan's crazy-ass worldwide adventures around the world

In 1997, Ivan, now nearly 50, received an unexpected letter from his old friend Lara. She invited him to London, promising to show him “the real excitement” of her archaeological life. Though a bit skeptical, Ivan couldn’t resist the lure of one last adventure, and so he packed his bags and hopped on a flight. Little did he know, the “job” Lara had planned was anything but ordinary. As soon as he landed, he was thrown into a whirlwind of museum heists, ancient curses, and high-speed chases through underground tunnels—all of which left Ivan wondering if his life back in Prague as murder-squad member had been a little too calm after all.

Background

He was very proud on his car....

Ivan, still a seasoned detective in Prague’s criminal unit, found himself surprised by his continued employment—especially after the escapade in 1990 when the priceless jewels were mysteriously “lost.” With his children grown, Ivan focused on solving cases and recently upgraded his setup with a computer and a new phone, allowing him and Lara to stay in touch in the modern way. Proudly, he’d even swapped his old Tatra 613 (which failed inspection after some crafty thieves stripped it at the airport) for a fully-loaded Ford Mondeo Ghia.

Ivan is prepared

One day, a letter arrived from Lara, inviting him to London. She promised it’d be a trip to remember. Despite his doubts, Ivan decided to accept. And, to his astonishment, he learned that the Czech Academy of Sciences had been quietly developing a time machine, making his travel to the present easier. Ivan prepared with all the caution of a veteran investigator: his trusty ČZ 75 pistol, a pair of ZKR 590 Grand revolvers in .357 Magnum,confiscated Sauer M30 Triple-Barrel hunting rifle, M1895 bayonet, His own Mannlicher M1895 and, thanks to a few well-placed contacts in the military, a stash of ten RPG-18s for emergency use. He packed essentials: clothes, hygiene items, and his respectable savings. Ready for a new kind of adventure, he set out to the Academy to board the time machine and, with both nostalgia and excitement, journeyed toward an unforgettable reunion in London.

Plot

Arrival to London

Ivan was dissappointed

Ivan’s arrival in London was as jarring as it was exciting. The time machine teleported him directly to Heathrow, just before Lara was due to meet him. Spotting her searching around, Ivan couldn’t resist sneaking up and giving her a scare. He chuckled as she jumped, then remarked, “Well, it’s certainly… over twenty years ahead in time, but it looks different than I’d imagined.” Lara, amused, reassured him, promising she’d help him settle in.

Over the next few months, Lara introduced him to the intricacies of modern life. She taught him how to use a touchscreen phone, navigate the web, and even helped him understand social media—though he found it strange and decided not to create any profiles. Ivan was baffled by how many young people seemed glued to their screens, particularly the app called TikTok. More than once, he caught them oblivious to their surroundings, and one day, he watched in disbelief as a distracted young man was struck by a taxi. Without hesitation, Ivan was the first to help, while others recorded the scene instead.

Ivan was truly proud of his new car...

Meanwhile, Lara was putting together a list of places she wanted to show him, carefully planning each step of their adventure. Although Ivan was now a silver-haired man well into middle age, Lara found his rugged demeanor and presence appealing. Realizing he was wealthier than he’d anticipated after converting half his savings, Ivan ended up with a comfortable £106,000. Nostalgia called, so he saved up to buy a fully equipped Škoda Superb, feeling a bit more connected to his homeland. He even got used to driving cars with screens—though he’d still often mutter about “the good old days” of simpler cars.

First chaos:

Lara is very wealhy as aristocrat

Lara invited Ivan to her grand estate, nestled in the English countryside—a place so opulent it looked like it had leapt straight out of a James Bond film. As they strolled through the lavish halls, filled with artifacts (including Venus of Věstonice) from all corners of the globe, Ivan’s jaw dropped at every turn. The chandeliers, priceless sculptures, and walls lined with ancient texts were a far cry from his cozy, cluttered Prague apartment. By the time Lara showed him her private gym and home cinema, Ivan could only manage a nod, thoroughly overwhelmed.

But the pièce de résistance awaited him at the back of the estate, where a pristine dock stretched out to the water’s edge. Anchored there was a jaw-dropping sight: a massive, sleek yacht, gleaming under the sunlight with all the extravagance of a royal vessel. “And this,” Lara announced with a satisfied smile, “is my yacht. Fully equipped, including a custom dive setup.” She noticed Ivan’s gaze fixating on the dive equipment, his eyes flashing with recognition. She chuckled. “I knew you’d remember. Brings back memories, doesn’t it?”

It certainly did. Ivan couldn’t help but recall the wild day of 1989, when he’d first met Lara under very different circumstances—when she was on the run from the authorities in Czechoslovakia, and he was the only one who’d been able to talk her out of hiding in the icy depths of Slapy Reservoir. Lara had always been a mystery, but back then, she’d been an almost mythical one.

“What could you possibly need all this for?” he managed, still scanning the yacht. It was outfitted with every imaginable luxury, from a gourmet kitchen to plush cabins, a high-tech control deck, and enough gear to outfit an entire dive expedition.

Lara gave him a mischievous look. “I’ve got something special planned, Ivan. We’re heading for Petra.”

“Petra?” He blinked, momentarily stunned. Petra—the legendary ancient city carved from sandstone cliffs, hidden in the deserts of Jordan. He’d only read about it in history books and couldn’t imagine it outside the black-and-white photos he’d seen.

“Exactly,” Lara confirmed, her tone carrying a blend of excitement and a subtle challenge. “There’s a rumored lost chamber under the ruins, and I intend to find it. Think of it as a cross between a vacation and an archaeological dig. You’re here to relax, and help me, of course.”

Ivan shook his head, still processing. “And… we’re going by yacht?”

“We’ll be docking and then traveling by land, but this baby is going to get us most of the way,” she explained, patting the hull of the yacht. “It’s all part of the adventure.”

With a grin, she motioned to the yacht, “Get settled, Ivan. We’re off at sunrise. And… try not to pack any explosives.”

As she walked off to prepare, Ivan let out a slow breath, marveling at the absurdity of it all. From the gritty streets of Prague to a multi-million-dollar yacht bound for one of the world’s oldest cities—he could hardly believe it. Still, as crazy as it all seemed, he felt a rare excitement bubbling up, a sense of life and adventure he hadn’t felt in years.

Mediterraean sea:

First destination

On the way to Petra, Ivan and Lara find themselves settling into an unusual rhythm aboard the yacht. Ivan, who is unused to this kind of luxury, is constantly glancing around as though expecting to wake up from a dream. The yacht is something out of his imagination—a high-end craft with sleek, polished wood, state-of-the-art tech, and interiors that rival five-star hotels. It’s a far cry from the smoky pubs and Soviet apartments of his past, and he can't help but feel like a bit of an impostor among all this opulence.

Lara, meanwhile, keeps herself busy organizing equipment and planning the next leg of their journey. But a small spark of curiosity starts to nag at her. After all, what exactly did Ivan pack in that huge duffel bag of his? Trying to act casual, she sneaks a peek when he’s out of sight, digging through his gear. Her jaw nearly drops when she uncovers his hidden arsenal: a collection of well-maintained weapons, ranging from a classic bayonet to a couple of revolvers, pistols, a triple-barreled hunting shotgun, old rifle and—of all things—a stash of RPG-18 rocket launchers. This isn’t just a few handguns for emergencies; Ivan has prepared for an all-out battle.

When Ivan walks back into the cabin, Lara gives him a knowing look and raises an eyebrow. “Where did you get all this?”

Without skipping a beat, Ivan shrugs. “Confiscated them,” he replies with a smirk, making it clear that he has his ways. For a moment, Lara sees beyond the reserved exterior to the hardened, quietly fearless man beneath. It’s a side of him that only heightens her respect—and a touch of fascination.

They continue their journey through the Mediterranean, with Lara filling Ivan in on the history and legends surrounding Petra. But when they anchor near a spot where Lara intends to explore an underwater temple rumored to hold relics of ancient cultures, she gives Ivan specific instructions to stay in contact with her by radio while she dives.

Equipped with diving gear, she slips into the water, entering the mysterious, echoing ruins of the temple. The chambers are breathtaking but disorienting, with shafts of sunlight filtering through the water to illuminate ancient carvings and statues. She spends hours combing through the temple, finding small clues and trinkets until, finally, she comes upon a relic—an artifact shaped like a ceremonial scepter, etched with symbols she’s never seen before.

Eager to share the discovery, she tries to radio Ivan, only to be met with silence. Growing frustrated, she repeatedly tries to reach him until, at last, a crackling reply comes through. She can faintly hear chewing sounds and a casual voice on the other end.

“Yes, Lara?”

Lara’s annoyance spikes. “Are you eating? I’m in the middle of an underwater excavation, and you’re having lunch?”

Ivan’s voice comes back, unfazed. “Just a schnitzel and some bread, nothing fancy.”

But the moment of irritation is short-lived. A sudden sound behind her—a distant metallic clank—alerts her to trouble. She barely has time to process it before mercenaries, led by none other than her old nemesis Amanda’s henchmen, ambush her in the temple. They quickly take the artifact from her hands, mockingly waving it before her as they retreat back to the surface. Lara has to fight her way out, dodging attacks and grappling through the cramped, flooded chambers, finally surfacing with a gasp of air and a feeling of pure rage.

She scrambles aboard the yacht, only to find Ivan waiting for her, triple-barreled shotgun at the ready. Lara instinctively freezes as he momentarily raises the weapon, the hardened look in his eyes disappearing the moment he realizes it’s her. She gives him a weary look, and they share a quick exchange of exasperated glances before he motions her to look at the other vessel nearby, where Amanda herself stands, clearly orchestrating the ambush.

Lara clenches her fists, determination taking over.

Without missing a beat, she asks Ivan to come with her to board Amanda’s ship. He doesn’t hesitate, grabbing his shotgun and nodding. They stealthily approach the other vessel, scaling the side and taking down a few unsuspecting guards in the process. The moment they reach the deck, a fierce gunfight erupts. Ivan is a revelation: he moves with practiced efficiency, firing off rounds, taking down enemies with brutal hand-to-hand combat, and even using the butt of his gun in ruthless blows that leave their opponents reeling. Lara finds herself momentarily stunned by his unyielding force; he isn’t just skilled—he’s relentless, methodically dispatching each enemy with an efficiency she hadn’t anticipated from a gray-haired guy wearing old shirt and even older, wide-cut beige pants and worn brown oxfords..

Once the mercenaries are down, Lara heads into the lower deck, searching every corner of the ship until she finds the artifact and slips it safely back into her pack. As she returns to the deck, she sees Ivan finishing off the last of the attackers, his breathing steady, his gaze intense.

They manage to make it back to the yacht, where Lara is finally able to catch her breath. She looks at Ivan, thoroughly impressed, as he calmly reloads his weapon. A question lingers in her mind, and she can’t help but ask.

“Where did you learn to do all that?”

Ivan hesitates for a moment before admitting, “I was in 601. regiment, special forces during my military service. Let’s just say, I’ve had some training.”

Lara nods, respecting his choice to keep it simple. But the image of Ivan as an unassuming detective is now permanently shattered, replaced by a man who clearly has a formidable past.

As they sail on toward Petra, a quiet understanding settles between them. Both of them are from worlds that don’t always make sense together—yet here they are, side by side, heading toward an ancient city with nothing but their combined skills and unwavering trust. With each passing mile, Ivan feels more at ease, realizing that he’s found something he hadn’t even known he was missing: a partner who understands, respects, and even challenges him in a way that no one else ever has.

Second destination

Petra:

As they continue their journey to Petra, Lara and Ivan pass the time sharing stories from their vastly different worlds. Ivan tells Lara about life behind the Iron Curtain, how he was conscripted into the military right out of high school. Despite the harshness of the socialist system, he worked his way up to lieutenant, only to later step back to the reserves when he felt his family needed him more. He settled into a career in criminal investigation, putting his instincts and training to use in a system that was often more complicated than it seemed. His tales of navigating this world—equal parts gritty and absurd—leave Lara alternating between laughter and awe.

Lara, in turn, tells him about Amanda, her former friend turned ruthless rival. She shares how Amanda’s obsession with power led her down a dark path, marked by dangerous alliances and relentless pursuit of mystical artifacts. Ivan listens intently, his eyes narrowing as he starts piecing together the threat Amanda poses.

Finally, after days at sea, they arrive in Petra. The ancient city sprawls before them, its temples and tombs carved into rose-red rock and cast in the shadows of towering cliffs. Ivan, clad in a worn brown suit that bears the marks of countless skirmishes and dusty investigations, steps out onto the rocky terrain, taking in the stunning landscape with a stoic gaze. Beside him, Lara is all poise and precision, fully equipped for whatever obstacles lie ahead. Together, they venture into the labyrinthine city.

As they navigate through Petra’s winding passages, it becomes clear that Amanda’s mercenaries are already here, lying in wait. With a silent nod, Lara and Ivan break into action, sweeping through the narrow, sand-strewn corridors. Lara dives, rolls, and strikes, dispatching foes with acrobatic precision, her pistols firing as she takes down one mercenary after another. Meanwhile, Ivan moves in his own methodical style. Unfazed and calm, he draws his pistol with steady hands, taking aim at enemies who make the mistake of underestimating him.

At one point, they’re separated when a burst of gunfire forces them into different parts of a shadowy temple. Lara climbs up a ledge, only to spot a squad of mercenaries surrounding Ivan below, their weapons trained on him. Without hesitation, she leaps from above, kicking one of the mercenaries aside as she grabs onto another to break her fall, effectively giving Ivan the upper hand. He seizes the opportunity, whipping out a hidden bayonet as he dives into the fray. In a whirlwind of close combat, he disarms one mercenary, then turns and lands a brutal bayonet strike on another, his movements precise and powerful, honed from years of experience.

The enemies thin out, but the last few mercenaries attempt a desperate stand. Lara fires her pistols at close range, taking down the final guard, while Ivan delivers a well-aimed blow with the butt of his weapon, leaving the last mercenary sprawled in the desert dust.

They stand together amid the silence of Petra, the ancient city echoing their recent battle. Lara looks at Ivan with newfound respect, impressed by his unshakable composure and grit. Ivan, catching his breath, glances at her, his typical reserve softened by a rare look of admiration.

As they make their way back to the yacht, a sense of camaraderie hangs between them. Once aboard, Lara brings up their next destination: the fabled ruins of Atlantis, a legendary site rumored to hold secrets beyond imagination. She gives Ivan a playful smile, explaining that it will be a far more dangerous journey than anything they’ve tackled so far.

Ivan, ever unflinching, nods. "If it’s anything like today, I’ll be ready."

And so, they set their course, the Mediterranean stretching ahead of them, carrying them toward their next adventure in the world of myth and mystery.

Atlantis:

When they arrive at the shores of what might once have been Atlantis, the air is thick with mystery. The ruins lie submerged, their shapes only partially visible beneath the crystal-clear waters. Shimmering reflections from submerged marble columns and broken statues beckon Lara and Ivan into the depths, promising secrets that have lain buried for centuries. Lara, undeterred, leads the way while Ivan hesitates, eyeing the water with unease. He grumbles, strapping into a small submersible attached to the yacht. "I’m not going in there without this."

As they explore a partially submerged temple, Ivan maneuvers his cramped vessel through fallen pillars, following Lara’s form below. She stops to examine a faded mural depicting ancient warriors and bizarre mythical creatures, her gaze lingering as she catches sight of something in a reflection. She turns slowly, her face frozen in shock. Another Lara steps out of the shadows, wearing her signature look and stance, and smirks at the real Lara, mirroring her posture with eerie precision.

The two stare each other down, sizing each other up. Ivan, watching through the submersible’s window, can hardly believe it. He taps the glass, calling, “Lara, there's… another you?!” before clambering out of the sub and rushing toward them.

The real Lara steps forward, still processing what she's seeing, as her double darts at her with a vicious speed, aiming a punch. Lara ducks, countering with a quick strike of her own, but the double's resilience is unnerving. Ivan leaps forward to help but is startled as the double grabs him, twisting him around, and in a moment of confusion, he accidentally headbutts the real Lara as she moves to help.

“Ugh, Ivan!” Lara yells, holding her head as she staggers back. “I’m the real one, remember?”

“Sorry—this is all confusing!” he snaps, shaking off the dizziness. Realizing his mistake, he squares off with the double, ready to defend the real Lara.

Together, they launch a coordinated attack. Lara ducks low, while Ivan, his military instincts taking over, manages to tackle the doppelgänger, sending it tumbling backward. They press on, working in sync as the double’s moves become increasingly desperate. Finally, with a powerful kick from Lara, the double slams into a stone pillar and fades into a wisp of dust.

Just as they catch their breath, the temple trembles, revealing an ancient stone pedestal with an artifact glowing faintly—a tablet inscribed with cryptic symbols. Lara reaches for it, and as her fingers graze its surface, a pulse of energy floods the room. Shadows of long-lost Atlantean guards shimmer into existence, encircling them.

Without hesitation, Ivan and Lara fend off the spectral figures with swift movements, Lara's agility complementing Ivan’s grounded strength. In one final leap, Lara vaults off Ivan's shoulders, delivering a powerful strike that dissipates the last guard.

Exhausted but victorious, they stand before the pedestal, where Lara carefully takes the artifact, feeling its ancient energy pulse through her fingers. As she does, a faint pulse runs through her hands, a wave of ancient energy like a whisper from centuries past. The symbols etched into the tablet shift slightly, almost as if guiding her somewhere. Her instincts tell her this is no ordinary relic—it’s not just a key but a kind of compass, leading her to yet another lost location.

Back on the yacht, leaving Atlantis behind, Lara and Ivan study the tablet. The symbols carved on it suggest coordinates, forming intricate patterns like a map to somewhere hidden. As the Mediterranean winds sweep across the deck, Lara’s eyes narrow in concentration, piecing together the clues.

“It’s leading us somewhere, Ivan,” she murmurs, a glint of excitement in her eyes.

Ivan, still shaking off the encounter with the doppelgängers, crosses his arms with a hint of skepticism. “Atlantis wasn’t enough? Where exactly does this thing want us to go next?”

Without missing a beat, Lara’s fingers trace the tablet’s symbols, and she matches them to places she remembers from ancient legends. Finally, she smiles, pointing at a spot on a map. “It’s taking us to the Peruvian jungle. There’s an old temple hidden there, rumored to be untouched for centuries—if we’re lucky.”

The yacht changes course, and soon enough, they’re on a plane bound for South America. After a grueling journey through dense jungle, they finally arrive at the temple entrance, concealed beneath a tangle of vines and towering trees. With the artifact in hand, Lara feels an electric anticipation; each step brings her closer to another ancient mystery waiting to be unlocked. Ivan, though tired, walks beside her, his expression now mixed with cautious respect.

Inside, the temple’s walls are decorated with elaborate paintings and carvings of ancient gods, forgotten rituals, and scenes of battle. The air is thick with the weight of centuries, and from deep within the chamber, a faint glow beckons, emanating from a hidden altar as if waiting for the tablet Lara holds.

“This is it,” she whispers, setting the artifact onto the altar. The room trembles, and unseen mechanisms within the stone begin to shift and grind. Slowly, a hidden door opens, revealing a dark passageway leading deeper into the temple’s depths.

Lara and Ivan exchange a determined look. With her flashlight in one hand and pistol in the other, Lara leads the way, each step taking them closer to the secrets of a lost world.

Peru:

As Lara and Ivan venture deeper into the hidden passageway within the Peruvian temple, the air grows colder, and the walls press in around them, decorated with symbols of an ancient, forgotten god. Their flashlights reveal intricate carvings of warriors clutching jagged blades, temples crowned with obsidian spires, and figures shrouded in cloaks. Lara’s gaze lingers on the art, noting how every figure seems to face a single spot—the very room they’re entering.

At the room's center, atop a massive stone pedestal, lies an obsidian artifact carved into the shape of a hand gripping a sun—a relic rumored to hold power over life and death. But as Lara reaches for it, the ground trembles, and stone doors close behind them. Shadows begin to dance along the walls, and from these shadows, warriors manifest, ghostly and silent, their obsidian swords raised.

Ivan, already drained from their previous battles, pulls his weapon and backs toward Lara. “Lara, I don’t think these guys are here to roll out the welcome mat.”

“I’ve seen worse, Ivan,” she mutters, bracing herself, eyes darting between the encroaching figures. They’re outnumbered, but she knows they’ll have to rely on each other’s strengths to survive.

Together, they launch into a deadly dance, Lara’s agile leaps and strikes balanced by Ivan’s grounded defense. She rolls to the side, narrowly dodging a phantom’s blade, and Ivan follows through, landing a heavy blow with his weapon. They fight as one, Ivan grunting as his strength begins to wane, each swing of his weapon slower than the last.

With a powerful strike, Lara drives one of the spectral warriors into the stone wall, watching it dissipate. She turns to find Ivan cornered by two more warriors. She shouts, drawing their attention, and Ivan, taking his chance, crushes one with a powerful swing. But just as the final warrior evaporates, Ivan collapses to one knee, gasping.

“Ivan! Hang on!” Lara rushes to his side, her eyes wide with concern. He waves her off, attempting to catch his breath, but his hand clutches at his chest.

He tries to shrug it off, giving her a wry smile. “Just… give me a second. Got a few years on you, remember?”

But she’s seen enough to know something’s seriously wrong. Ivan slumps forward, the color draining from his face as he gasps for air.

Without hesitation, Lara goes into action. “No, no, no—you’re not leaving me here,” she mutters, pulling him to the ground to perform CPR, pressing down firmly on his chest. “Stay with me, Ivan!” Her voice, usually steady, now shakes as she works frantically, trying to bring him back.

After long, tense seconds, Ivan gasps, his eyes opening slightly. He looks at her, dazed but alive, a faint smile pulling at his lips. “Looks like… I owe you another one,” he whispers, his voice barely audible.

“Dammit, you do,” she replies, trying to mask her relief. Gently helping him to his feet, she guides him to lean against a pillar, her arm firmly around his shoulders.

As they catch their breath, her gaze falls back on the obsidian artifact, still glowing faintly on the pedestal. It’s the key they came for, and despite everything, Lara knows they need it. She approaches the pedestal, carefully removing the artifact, feeling its chilling energy pulse through her fingers. With Ivan’s arm draped over her shoulders, they navigate back through the temple’s winding corridors, Lara moving with caution, keeping an eye on him as they make their way out.

Finally reaching the temple’s entrance, the sunlight flooding over them, Lara helps Ivan settle onto a rock. He breathes deeply, his color slowly returning.

As they prepare to leave, the obsidian artifact feels heavy in her pack, a silent reminder of the dangers they face together—and the friendship that keeps them alive. With one final look at the ancient structure behind them, they start their journey back to civilization, ready for whatever the next adventure holds.

All way to India:

Lara and Ivan’s journey has been one of constant tension, both external and internal, as they venture into increasingly treacherous terrain in their search for the artifact. Through it all, an unspoken camaraderie has grown between them, uniting two seemingly disparate souls drawn together by their shared resilience and unyielding drive. The yacht becomes their sanctuary in the vast ocean as they sail through the night, gliding over calm waters under a star-strewn sky. They settle into an easy silence, each lost in their own thoughts, but aware of the other’s presence, sensing a connection that has grown beneath the surface.

As they sit together, Ivan feels a pull within himself to share the past he usually keeps hidden, weighed down by the ghosts that haunt him. He begins, hesitantly at first, with fragments of his past—moments buried deep within him, memories he has long suppressed. He speaks of his father, who toiled in the brutal mines of Jáchymov, laboring in a world that ultimately claimed his life, leaving Ivan adrift at a young age. It was a sacrifice etched into his memory, the kind of loss that shaped him and left him with a steely resolve. He tells Lara of his mother, a vibrant woman whose life was snatched away in a sudden, senseless accident, a tragedy that left him utterly alone. Each word unburdens him slightly, the weight of his past shifting in the quiet of the night.

Lara listens, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the yacht's lanterns. She absorbs his words without interrupting, her eyes filled with an understanding that seems to transcend words. She, too, carries scars from her own past. Her family, though prominent and well-regarded, left her a legacy that felt more like a burden than a blessing. Raised in a world of constant adventure, she grew up with an insatiable thirst for exploration that took her to the edges of the earth. Each journey, each discovery, was not merely a pursuit of knowledge but a desperate search for meaning, a way to fill the void left by loss and unfulfilled promises.

As she shares these moments with him, the silence grows thick with the weight of their shared pain, yet neither retreats. They speak of the relentless thrill-seeking that has been both a passion and a balm, filling the emptiness with the rush of adrenaline. Ivan shares how his work as a detective was both a calling and a curse. Case after case, he sought justice and answers for those who suffered, often at the expense of his own peace. One case, in particular, during a haunting Christmas season, still lingers in his mind—the brutal events surrounding it left scars that run as deep as any physical wound.

The intimacy of their exchange, the vulnerability laid bare, opens a new layer to their connection, one neither had anticipated nor dared to imagine. The night air grows cool as the yacht moves silently forward, and as they sit beneath the expanse of stars, they find themselves drawn to each other, no longer just allies or traveling companions but two souls seeking solace in the other. The words fade, replaced by a quiet understanding, and soon their connection becomes tangible, a closeness that turns to a night of intimacy—one that feels as inevitable as it is profound.

In the days that follow, a newfound trust has blossomed between them. There is a warmth in the way they move around each other, small gestures that feel almost instinctive, as though this bond they share has unlocked something more substantial than either could have anticipated. Their conversations become less guarded, infused with a genuine understanding and support that only those who have walked through fire can recognize.

When they finally reach the shores of India, their eyes meet in silent acknowledgment of what has transpired. The memory of that night lingers in the air, its significance unspoken yet undeniable. They disembark with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that whatever trials await them, they will face them side by side.

The jungles of the Western Ghats lie ahead, thick and formidable, an untamed wilderness that guards its secrets fiercely. Yet with each step into the dense, alluring foliage, the weight of the artifact's mystery and the dangers they face feel lighter, bolstered by the strength of their newfound connection. They walk in tandem, aware of each other’s presence as they weave through the towering trees, the air thick with the scent of the wild and the promise of what lies ahead. Together, they are no longer simply following the artifact's trail—they are stepping into a journey that has transcended mere adventure, one that has become as much about discovering themselves as it is about uncovering the relic. And as they push forward into the depths of the forest, hand in hand, they feel ready to face whatever challenges the legend may yet bring.

Indian chaos

After days of trekking through the dense foliage of the Western Ghats, where the jungle feels like a breathing entity beneath their feet, Lara and Ivan finally come upon an ancient temple, half-swallowed by vines and wrapped in the whisper of forgotten legends. The structure looms, mysterious and foreboding, its stonework adorned with faded carvings and symbols worn smooth by time.

Just as they step inside, a shadow slips through the trees, and without warning, they are surrounded. From the temple’s shadows, a pair of tigers emerges, their eyes gleaming with a predatory glint. Overhead, bats scatter, their screeches echoing off the stone walls, and enormous jungle spiders creep from the cracks. Lara and Ivan react instantly—Lara’s quick reflexes and agility make her a whirlwind of lethal grace, dispatching threats with precision. Ivan, on the other hand, opts for brute force; his custom triple-barrel rifle thunders through the chaos as he takes down their attackers with surgical efficiency.

When the dust settles, they exchange a nod of relief, but their respite is short-lived. A team of mercenaries steps into the temple, armed and dangerous. Lara quickly recognizes them as henchmen of an old rival, a contact from her past who has long sought to claim the artifact for their own gain. She springs into action, diving and weaving between cover, firing with the deadly accuracy of a seasoned adventurer. Ivan, meanwhile, stands his ground, mowing through their enemies with his rifle. When his ammunition runs out, he shifts without hesitation, taking down his opponents hand-to-hand, every blow landing with brutal precision.

In the chaos, he catches sight of a mercenary sneaking up on Lara from behind. With a surge of protective fury, Ivan closes the distance, brandishing his rifle’s bayonet. He drives the blade into the back of the man’s neck with such force that the tip emerges from his mouth in a grim display. As the remaining mercenaries falter, he channels memories of his father’s harsh justice. The ones who remain defiant meet a grim fate: Ivan stages a mock trial, his voice cold and unyielding, before tying makeshift nooses and hanging them from the temple’s weathered beams.

Shaken but resolute, Lara continues her search, and after scouring the innermost chamber of the temple, she finally uncovers the artifact. It glows faintly in her hands, etched with a map that leads to their next destination—a land that promises even greater challenges. Lara and Ivan share a look; their journey is far from over, and they step back into the jungle, ready for whatever trials the path ahead may hold.

Lenin's artefact:

Cursed place

The artifact’s ancient inscriptions, faintly glowing under Lara’s flashlight, reveal a surprising next location: Moscow. More specifically, it points them to none other than Lenin’s Mausoleum. Their arrival in the Russian capital is marked by a tense, eerie quiet as they make their way through Red Square under the cover of night. The city lights cast long shadows over the historic site, adding a surreal weight to the mission.

With Ivan’s local knowledge and Lara’s unerring instincts, they slip past security and quietly enter the mausoleum. Moving through the dim, reverent silence of the place, they locate the artifact hidden among ceremonial relics. Just as Lara carefully retrieves it, she catches a glimpse of movement in the reflection of the display case: Amanda, a face from her past and a fierce rival in the world of artifact hunting, stands at the edge of the room, her eyes narrowing in a challenging glare. They exchange tense looks but say nothing, knowing a confrontation here would be disastrous.

As they step out of the mausoleum, Amanda quickly catches up, her voice dripping with disdain as she taunts Lara, accusing her of stealing the artifact and questioning her motives. The tension between them escalates, Amanda's words sharp and loaded, her aim clearly to get under Lara's skin. Ivan stands by, watching the exchange, his expression stoic but tense, ready to intervene if things go too far.

Just when it seems like Lara might hold her ground, Amanda shifts her focus to Ivan. She lets out a mocking laugh, eyeing him up and down with a sneer. “So, this is your backup now?” she says, her voice thick with sarcasm. “An aging relic to help you steal one? How fitting—an old geezer tagging along, probably barely keeping up.”

Ivan’s face hardens as Amanda’s words sink in. The insult isn’t just a jab at his age—it’s a challenge to his strength and purpose, everything he’s endured and fought for. Without a second thought, he steps forward and delivers a solid punch, his fist connecting squarely with Amanda's jaw. The impact is swift and merciless, cutting off her taunts mid-sentence as she slumps to the ground, unconscious.

The quiet that follows is thick and tense, and Lara looks at Ivan, both surprised and slightly impressed. Without wasting a beat, Ivan bends down, lifting Amanda and hauling her over his shoulder as though she weighs nothing. As they make their way back to the yacht, neither says a word; both understand the necessity of removing Amanda from the equation.

Encounter with Amanda:

After an hour, Amanda slowly regains consciousness, blinking as her eyes adjust to the dimly lit cabin. Her gaze lands on Ivan first—and immediately widens in shock. He sits in front of her, aiming two revolvers directly at her. Ivan’s expression is calm, but his eyes are cold, focused. Lara sits nearby, silent and watchful, arms crossed as she observes the scene with a detached intensity.

Amanda’s surprise quickly turns to a mocking smirk as she tries to regain her composure. “Well, well,” she sneers, still trying to maintain an air of defiance. “Looks like the old man can actually hold a gun. Didn’t think your hands were steady enough, Grandpa.”

Ivan’s face remains unmoved, unimpressed by her taunts. He lets a moment of silence stretch between them, as though giving her the chance to truly understand her position. “I'm just 47. Not that old,” he replies calmly. Amanda shifts uncomfortably, her smirk faltering just a little. She realizes she’s not dealing with just another lackey; Ivan has clearly done his homework. He tilts his head, his voice steady and deliberate as he begins his line of questioning, every word laced with subtle authority. Bit by bit, Ivan draws out her connections, motivations, and most importantly, her knowledge of the artifact and the rival factions vying for it.

Despite herself, Amanda finds herself talking more than she’d planned, her usual defenses slipping under Ivan’s relentless, methodical questioning. He keeps his tone polite but detached, offering her respect but making it clear that he’s not a man to be trifled with. At one point, he even pauses to apologize for the harshness of their circumstances. But the sincerity only makes him seem more unyielding, and Amanda realizes that her usual manipulation tactics won’t work here.

Finally, after a series of probing questions, she reveals a critical piece of information—a location hidden deep within the remote mountains, rumored to house the next fragment of the artifact. The place is dangerous, nearly inaccessible, and, as Amanda implies, guarded by people who take no prisoners.

Ivan lowers his revolvers, giving a small nod of acknowledgment, and glances at Lara, who rises from her seat, clearly ready to move. As he leaves Amanda secured in the cabin, he gives her a final, respectful nod. “Thank you, Amanda,” he says quietly. “You’ve been… helpful. I apologize if my methods seemed impolite.” His tone remains neutral, courteous but distant, making it clear that any further contact between them will remain strictly professional.

Together, Ivan and Lara prepare to set off, the location now burned into their minds. They leave Amanda safely locked in the cabin, aware that her knowledge could still be valuable. And as they head out, their focus sharpens, both of them ready to face the next treacherous leg of their journey.

Messy place:

Lara and Ivan navigate through the perilous terrain, their senses heightened by the knowledge that danger lurks around every corner. Reaching a crumbling fortress carved into the mountainside, Lara surveys the area, her sharp gaze identifying potential routes. With a nod to Ivan, she sets off, scaling the walls and slipping past traps and ancient barriers with her usual acrobatic prowess, moving silently from ledge to ledge. Meanwhile, Ivan readies himself on the ground, armed with a single-use rocket launcher and his trusty bayonet.

As Lara reaches the artifact’s hidden chamber, a sudden commotion breaks out below. Ivan has made himself known, drawing attention to himself and allowing her to slip deeper into the fortress undetected. She hears shouts and the clatter of weapons and looks down, momentarily frozen as she watches Ivan launch a rocket into a group of guards. The explosion rips through the air, and as the dust settles, Ivan drops the empty launcher, his eyes glinting with a dangerous calm.

More guards pour in, and without missing a beat, Ivan grabs the launcher’s empty casing like a club and charges forward. Lara, perched on an upper ledge, watches in mute amazement as he wades into close combat, his movements quick and brutal. The guards fall upon him, but Ivan’s years of experience show; he parries strikes with the launcher, using it to block and bash his opponents with a ferocity that belies his age. His bayonet flashes as he cuts through the onslaught, striking with relentless precision.

From her cabin on the yacht, Amanda watches the battle unfold on a screen connected to one of Lara’s surveillance drones. Her smug contempt for Ivan fades, replaced by a grudging respect as she witnesses his ruthless efficiency. He dispatches his enemies one by one, and even as they attempt to overwhelm him, he maintains control, breaking them down with raw, calculated brutality.

As the fight dies down, Ivan wipes the sweat from his brow, his face calm and unruffled. Lara descends, the artifact secured, and the two share a brief, silent look of acknowledgment. They regroup and pore over the artifact’s inscriptions, which reveal their next—and final—destination. The journey has been relentless, but now, with one last location ahead of them, they brace themselves for the final showdown.

Final battle in Paris:

The inscriptions on the artifact reveal a final clue that points Lara and Ivan to Paris, and more specifically, to the Louvre. They arrive under cover of darkness, slipping past security into the grand museum. Their target: a small but priceless statue of Mary Magdalene, rumored to be the missing piece in their artifact quest.

As Lara stealthily moves through the gallery, her sights set on the statue, Ivan prepares to create a diversion. Armed with a pistol and his trusty revolvers, he makes his way to the main hall, knowing the local gendarmerie are just minutes away from spotting them. With measured aim, Ivan fires a shot into the air, his marksmanship sharp and calculated. His movements are smooth and practiced as he takes down any guards who get too close, each shot precise. His diversion works as expected; alarms blare, and more guards rush toward him, buying Lara precious time to reach the artifact.

Lara locates the statue, carefully lifting it from its display with practiced ease. Just as she secures it, she hears the growing sound of footsteps behind her. Ivan, drawing closer, is moving quickly but starts to limp—the unmistakable stain of blood on his trouser leg reveals that a gendarme’s bullet has found its mark. Ignoring the pain, he signals to Lara, urging her to hurry.

Together, they make their way through the echoing halls, ducking through side exits and slipping past displays. Ivan clenches his jaw against the pain, focused on keeping pace with Lara. They burst out into the night, slipping through Paris’s winding streets, finally making it back to the safe haven of their yacht with the artifact in hand.

As they set sail back toward London, Lara tends to Ivan’s wound, her gaze a mix of admiration and concern. He brushes it off with a wry smile, but there’s a quiet understanding between them—the journey has taken its toll, and their final confrontation awaits. With the last piece secured, they head back to London, ready to unravel the ultimate mystery that has driven them this far.

The very end:

Back in London, Ivan wastes no time. A seasoned detective to the end, he sits Amanda down for a final, thorough interrogation. She glares at him with open disdain, but eventually, under his calm yet persistent questioning, she begins to reveal the full story behind her pursuit of the artifact. Although her responses are reluctant, Ivan’s steady, unflinching presence wears down her resistance, and piece by piece, Amanda confesses everything.

Once her story is told, Amanda waits, eyeing Ivan with a tense anticipation, as if she expects him to end things with a shotgun blast to the face. But to her surprise, Ivan only sighs, lowering his weapons and suggesting that she have a talk with Lara. Amanda blinks, caught off guard, and the hostility in her gaze fades. When Lara steps in, the two rivals exchange a long look; words aren’t easy to come by after all they’ve been through, but a tentative truce begins to form. For the first time in years, Amanda’s icy exterior begins to thaw, and after a quiet conversation, the two women part with a new understanding.

Later, as Lara and Ivan reflect on their journey, Lara finally broaches the question that’s lingered between them. “What about us, Ivan?” she asks, her voice soft. They’ve been through so much together—from their rescue missions in the late 80s to the mishaps that nearly saw her drown in the Slapy Dam, from outwitting the army to that wild day in Prague when their car was stripped bare by thieves right around them, to their shared night of intimacy that forged a bond neither had expected.

Ivan hesitates, then smiles with quiet fondness. “Lara,” he says, his voice steady and gentle, “I’m an old man, and I’ll admit it. I’m too conservative for your world.” He pauses, glancing out the window as if searching for words. “What we’ve had… it’s something I’ll always carry with me. But I’m pushing fifty, and there are things I need now that are… quieter.”

He thanks her for everything, then gathers his weapons and packs them neatly into the boot of his new Škoda Superb. With a nod to Lara, he sets off, slipping into the role of a new identity. His destination: a modest flat in Hammersmith, where he’ll start fresh as an officer at Scotland Yard. Yet, even as he builds this new life, Ivan never drifts too far from Lara; their friendship remains close, an unspoken understanding forged through their extraordinary adventures. And though their paths have diverged, Lara knows Ivan will always be just a call away, ready to answer whenever she might need him once more.

See also

Lara Croft

Lara's Czech treasure hunt