Untitled Story (Will Rename Later) Chapter Three

Once Kyron left, I attempted to eat but found I lost my appetite and picked at the food on my plate. While an apology was nice for what had happened, hearing the details definitely brought my mood down. It did leave me with one more question that I neglected to ask him while he was here: why in the world he let me have the artifact? I admit that it saved my ass from failing for the third time in a row and another scolding from Avron, but if Kyron’s boss was anything like mine… I’d have hated to be in his shoes.
I frowned softly and stood up, grabbing my ticket to go pay, pausing to look at the card Kyron left on the table. Uncertainty filled my mind on bringing it along; I wasn’t sure how to explain it off if anyone found it in my possession, let alone how they’d react. I debated with myself for a few moments on the matter and started to walk away when something told me I should just hold onto his card. With a sigh, I turned back around and picked it up off the table before going up to the register to pay. I was definitely going to pay if anyone found it.
Stashing both the card and my receipt in my back pocket, I walked out of the restaurant just as my phone began buzzing in my front pocket. I yelped in surprise but hurriedly pulled the device out of my pocket, answering without looking at who was calling.
“Hello?” I asked.
“Hey Mairyl, it’s Iris. How’re you doing?”
I smiled hearing my best friend’s voice. She had a thing about calling rather than texting people. “Other than a concussion from a job related accident I’m alright. How about you?”
“You got hurt again? Damn it Mairyl, you need to get a new job. I’m doing well and thanks for asking.” She replied and I cringed a little at her tone.
“While I’m flattered you’re calling, did you need something or were you just checking in?” I asked, groaning internally at sounding so impersonal.
“Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to go to the mall and hang out for a bit. You feeling up to it or do you need to rest more?”
“I’d enjoy that, but I do have to take it easy still.” I answered.
“Great! Do you need me to come pick you up or are you driving?”
“No go on driving till my next doctor’s appointment, so I’d appreciate a lift. Just give me a little bit to get home since I’m out on a walk.”
“Okie Mai. Just let me know when you’re ready. I’ve got to pick Thaddeus up from work shortly since his truck is in the shop again. I swear I’ve told him more than once to buy a new one but does he listen? Nope.” – I swear I could hear Iris rolling her eyes at the mention of her boyfriend – “Anyway, I’ll talk to you in a bit.”

“Yep, be safe.” I said, ending the call with a sigh.
It had been a little bit since the two of us had been out together; I was usually busy getting dirty and she was busy taking care of her relationship. We had met in high school during art class and became inseparable after I had punched someone in the nose for making fun of her artistic soul. I served detention with a smug attitude for proving myself capable of taking a man down. Unfortunately, that was a time past and the guys were still going through puberty; I would hate to take on a seventeen-year-old Kyron to be brutally honest.
The walk back to the dwelling was uneventful. I quietly navigated through the hallways to my room, closing the door behind me before stashing the card in my pantie drawer. I stared at its hiding place for a moment or two, frowning since it didn’t seem safe enough. My gaze darted around the room for somewhere safe and I bit my lip as I spied the frame that held the picture of my parents sometime after they got married but before they had me. No one ever touched the pictures; they knew how much they meant to me.
Stepping up to the mantle, I took the photo down, eyeing it with sorrow for a couple minutes. I wished I had more time with my parents because it didn’t seem fair that I had so little time with them when others had spent more time in their presence. Flipping the frame over, I undid the clasps holding the back to the frame and pulled it up, setting the card at the bottom of the photo before placing the back and fastening the clasps once more before setting the frame back on the mantle.
“I wish you were here… then maybe my life wouldn’t be so screwed up right now.” I whispered.
To be truthful, once I discovered I had a talent for talking to spirits, I tried to find them for a couple years. They never answered. I wondered if they hated me or something along those lines but I knew it wasn’t my fault what had happened. Ghosts and spirits were finicky about who and what they talked about with the living. Sometimes they were even spiteful enough to send me in the wrong direction because they didn’t want me finding their treasure. Unfortunately for them, they wouldn’t be able to take it to the next life.
I pulled my phone out and shot Iris a text saying I was ready as I opened the door once more, heading for the front entrance. I slipped it back in my pocket before looking down to find Syrus right in my way. “Excuse me.”
He frowned and pulled an earbud out when I nudged him with my foot. “Come again?”
“I said excuse me. You’re sitting in the middle of the hallway.” I replied, giving him a frown of my own.
“I’m sorry.” He mumbled, picking himself up off the floor, stopping and staring at me.
“Can I help you?” I folded my arms as the staring contest ensued, finally receiving an answer after a moment or two.
“Well… promise not to laugh?” He asked.
“If it’s not a joke, I promise. What’s up?”
He hesitated again and I was ready to just walk away when he grudgingly grumbled, “I was wondering if you were interested in going out sometime.”
Hearing this came as a surprise. My mouth fell agape, my mind struggling to process the words that just left his mouth. Blinking a couple times, I gave him a disgruntled look. “Did I hear you correctly? You want to go out with me? Have you been sitting there since I returned home to try and work the nerve up to ask that?”
He merely nodded. He glanced away, fiddling with the wire of his earbuds. “Probably shouldn’t have asked that huh?”
“Look, I need to think about it. I’m still trying to heal from the concussion. How about I give you an answer in a day or two?” I answered, hoping that would be the easiest way to let him down.
“Fine, but I feel like you’re going to say no already. I don’t mean to make things awkward.” He replied, walking away from me in the direction of his room.
“What the fuck…”
I shook my head, continuing on my way to the front entrance once more. Firstly, Kyron came to apologize for hurting me – which I was still upset about – and wanted to be friends. Second, Iris wanted to hang out – that wasn’t abnormal but it hardly happened anymore. Lastly, Syrus, my adoptive brother wanted to try and see if we had anything between us. I pinched the bridge of my nose and made a small unhappy noise. I had a lot to think about and it wasn’t going to help me rest one bit…


“Okay, you’ve been extremely quiet Mairyl, what’s wrong?” Iris asked, as we looked at one of the racks in her favorite boutique.

Snapping out of the quiet trance of watching her wavy brown hair bob, I gazed at her and shrugged. “Sorry. There’s a lot on my mind right now.”
“Would you like a sounding board for it all?”
I gave her another shrug. “If you don’t mind it being about a couple different men…”
“Ooh, do tell me everything.” Iris piped up, grinning excitedly.
Looking in her blue-green eyes, I knew I could trust her with anything I said and it wouldn’t go anywhere. “Which do you want to hear first? The lunch escapade or when you came to get me?”
“What happened on my way?” She furrowed her brow, turning her attention back to the rack.
“Syrus asked me out.” I said, causing her to sputter before coughing
“He did?! What did you say? God above, that… wow.”
“I told him I needed to think on it for a couple days just because of the brain injury and things. I don’t quite know how to let him down because I don’t think of him that way. Never have.” I admitted, kicking the thin carpet beneath my feet.
“Just gotta be truthful Mai. No easy way around it but doesn’t mean you have to be an emotionless bitch in letting him down.” Iris answered almost instantly.
“I’m not a bitch.” I frowned.
“Mmm, you get pretty grumpy when guys ask you out and you don’t have an interest in them.” She gave me a look that said don’t-try-to-lie-to-me.
I made a noise and brushed it off. “Whatever.”
She turned and lightly touched my arm. “Are you feeling okay Mai? Is this too much?”
Taking a breath and releasing it, I replied, “I think I’m still upset about the concussion.”
“I was wondering if that was playing with your emotions. How did it happen if you don’t mind me asking? I know you were working but you didn’t say…”
“That’s where lunch comes in. See, I couldn’t remember anything from the night it happened other than where I was and what I was looking for… Kyron showed up -”
“Wait, Kyron showed up? You mean that blonde cutie you talk about all the time? What did he do?” She inquired, actually taking an interest in him.
I hated to break it to her that while he may be good looking he could be a bastard. “He’s the one who gave me the concussion in the first place.”
Her eyes went wide, a horrified expression taking over. “What the hell? I knew your job was tough as it is, but this? Good lord. You shouldn’t see him again if you can help it."
“Kinda hard to avoid him really… but he apologized and had the audacity to suggest being friends. Can you believe that?” I said, shaking my head.
“He apologized for hurting you? That’s… actually a good thing, but he honestly shouldn’t have done it in the first place.” Iris continued frowning deeply, finally pulling away from the rack.
“What do I do? I don’t have anything lined up so I can leave… and it wasn’t till recently that I’ve had trouble doing my job either.” I sighed.
Iris sighed to herself but put a hand on my shoulder. “You’ll figure it out. You’re smart, brave and talented enough. Let’s go look somewhere else. I’m not finding anything that really screams out to buy it today.”
I nodded and linked our arms together. “I do hope you’re right.”
“Have I ever steered you wrong?” She smirked.
I paused to look at the ceiling as I thought about all the times we did get into trouble outside of school. “Multiple times. Should I start listing them?”
Iris made a dismissive noise as we headed towards the exit. “The past is in the past dear. Besides, how many times have you been the one to start things?”
“Only because people were starting in on you.” I answered in defense of my actions as we walked out of the boutique and onto the next store...

Untitled Story (Will Rename Later) : Chapter Two

Two Days Later

     A hospital visit which resulted in a CT scan along with an overnight stay with a ruling to take it easy for the next week and a half were the worst ruling I ever had. However it wasn't a bad idea considering my head was still fuzzy over the events at the mausoleum that night.
     I looked down at my hands and eyed the ring while sitting at the counter in the kitchen early the third day since I had gone after the artifact. Everyone in the company lived in a huge building. There were halls that led to master bedrooms with their own bathrooms. There was an enormous dining hall and kitchen with a large communal laundry room and we even had two pools and hot tubs. There was a parking garage with our own assigned spaces based on our room numbers. In short, it was a glorified apartment complex.

     As I continued gazing at the circle of metal and sapphire, I couldn't help but think on my boss. I knew Avron would want it as soon as possible, but he hadn't been worried if I had it in my possession; he was more worked up over the fact I had a concussion and bruised ribs. Part of me didn't want to turn it in since I thought it was beautiful, but I hadn't earned the top spot retrieving artifacts by keeping them for myself. A breath escaped as footsteps echoed from behind me.
     I twisted around to discover Syrus walking in. Syrus was Avron's younger brother. He had dark brown hair that was rather shaggy looking and scruffy facial hair. His eyes were ice blue, polar opposite of Avron. They didn't look alike till you looked at their noses and jaw. He was more slender than his brother and nowhere near as bulky, but he still kept me on edge.
     Syrus stared at me for a moment. "You doing okay Mairyl? Heard you have a concussion."
     I strategically moved the hand wearing the ring from his sight on the off chance he got nosy as he had a tendency to do. "It's still a bit fuzzy and other than a headache and minor ear ringing I'm okay. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
     "Well Avron would like to talk to you about your last mission… and I got hungry." Those were not the words I wanted to hear out of him but expected to come eventually.
     "Is he in his office?" I asked, slipping off the stool, taking a moment to regain my balance for my vision started dancing.
     "Yes. I'd go right now, just saying. He's pretty antsy about the ring." Syrus yawned, walking over to the fridge.
     I sighed softly. "Of course he is. Thanks for asking about my welfare as well."
     I left the kitchen and slowly ambled through the halls to where his office resided. I slipped the ring off my finger and kept quiet as I knocked on the frame of the door since it was partially open. He rustled something inside before calling, "If that's you Mairyl, please, come in."
     I took a step inside and looked about, even though I had been in this room multiple times. It just happened to be a dark, mysterious place with the glow of a flaming fire always lit in the fireplace. There was a massive brown bear rug in the middle of the room and a lamp in the corner across from the fireplace. There was a jungle plant by the window, which was surrounded by velvet curtains and the blinds were pulled down, blocking any possible sunlight from infiltrating this dark haven. There was a bookshelf opposite of the window that held trinkets as well, but I didn't often pay attention to it; I was normally just dropping things off but as of late, I had been summoned in here to be chastised.
     "Syrus told me you wanted to talk?" I managed to squeak.
    "Yes I did. Would you like to sit down?" He said, settling on the desk on the side opposite of his leather desk chair.
     Shaking my head, I walked over once I shut the door and settled for standing on the bear rug. "I'm fine. I was hoping this would be quick to be honest."
     "I'll try to make it quick. I know you need to take it easy." – He started, his gaze looking me up and down – "Do you actually have the ring?"
     As he asked, I couldn't help but stare at him. Avron was tall but he was slightly shorter than Kyron and Syrus. He had ink colored hair that was cut in a long thick crew cut that was a variation of the retro 50's style. His eyes were a deep blue and his nose was rather sharp followed with a sharp square jaw. He had a mustache and goatee that didn't touch but were clean cut. He generally wore long sleeved button-down shirts with slacks and a tie but today, he wore a plain tee and jeans.
     I looked down at my ragged black knee high boots, not daring to look him in the eye as I held the ring out for him. "Here, take it."
     He got up from the desk and towered over me as he proceeded to pick the ring up from my hand. "So you did manage to get it… how?"
     I sighed huffily. "Look I don't remember anything other than going to the mausoleum and running into Kyron. Everything goes fuzzy from there other than talking to him again and I ended up with that thing before it goes blank once more."
     "Thank you for actually succeeding this time. I was preparing to yell at you for failing again… but that doesn't excuse your idiocy. You could have died." Avron frowned, setting the ring on the desk before turning to look at me once more.
     My gaze transferred to the rug beneath my feet. "Don't you think I've scolded myself on that enough as it is Avron? I risk my life all the damn time and yet you don't care. When's the last time you went after an artifact?"
     "We're not talking about my shortfalls are we now? As for you risking your life, I do care if you live or die. However, I can't help this is our profession and you feel it necessary to try and pay my family back for bringing you in after yours perished." He answered, completely ignoring my question.
     "Don't bring my parents up ever again Avron!" – I shrieked – "I'm done talking now. You got your stupid ring and I'm unavailable to retrieve anything for the next week. I don't want to hear from you till I'm clear."
     I stormed off to my room before he could say anything more to me on the matter. The subject of my family bothered me to no end to this day. My parents had died after a home invasion when I was only nine years of age and Avron's family had taken me in afterwards, looking after me as one of their own. He was right that I felt it necessary to try and repay their kindness for taking me in, but he didn't have to bring up my folks.
     Arriving at my room, I locked the knob and put the chain lock I had on it in place. My fingers came up to my collarbone, fingering the ankh necklace my mother had given to me years ago. In ancient Egypt, ankhs were a symbol of life, which was why I received it as a gift from her the day before her death, whether she knew it was the end or not. Returning to reality after a few moments, I observed the familiar area around me. There was a queen sized canopy bed with translucent curtains off to the far left corner from where I was. There was a side table with a lamp across the room in the other corner. I too had a fireplace about halfway across the room on the wall that was always kept up by the staff and had a couple pictures of my family up on the mantle since they were long gone. I had a dresser set and a dresser table that I usually only used for my hair since I barely wore makeup and a door that led to the bathroom.
     Thinking on the bathroom, a shower sounded pretty nice about then. It had been a couple days since I had one and they were always welcome when I was upset. Stepping in the bathroom, my sight fell upon the ornate mirror above the sink surrounded by white marble counters. Out of habit, I went ahead and stared myself over to make sure there was nothing out of place, taking note of the new bruises to try and avoid hitting them if I could. My hair was a dark honey color and looked a ragged mess. My eyes were a molten honey color and almost that perfect almond shape. My face happened to be a soft diamond shape with perfectly placed slightly full lips and a straight nose. I wouldn't trade my features for the world since they accomplished the task of getting looks left and right from the men.
     Flipping the light switch on, I went over to the shower stall and turned the chrome faucets on, cranking the hot on a bit more than the cold. The dirtied shirt came over my head and dropped to the tiled floor with a soft thump, followed by my boots, pants, bra and panties. I padded over to the counter and pulled my studs out, followed by the necklace I treasured so dearly. I stepped into the stall and shut the door, allowing the hot water to roll over my aching body with a small moan. As I washed up, I thought about what I was going to do for the day. Driving was out of the question till I was symptom free, but I still wanted to get out and do something. There was a restaurant just a block away I had wanted to try out but I was wondering if that would be too far of a walk… if anything happened, I could just text Avron or Syrus to come get me.
     I turned the faucets off and climbed out, wrapping myself in a fluffy towel before going back into the main room and waltzing up to my drawers. When my fingers grazed over my favorite tank that read Fuck Your Pretty Face, I smirked and pulled it on once I got my bra back on. I delved into another drawer, pulling out a black pair of extra skinny jeans that fit like a glove and pulled them on after slipping into a lacy thong I adored. My feet took me over to my dressing table, which I sat myself down in the plush white chair to do my hair for the day. I didn't enjoy the thought of running my brush through my locks because they tended to get tangled quite easily.
     I combed my hair back and twisted it into a makeshift bun, deciding makeup was a must today. I swore I took up half a bottle of foundation to cover the bruises that showed but the rest I applied with a gentle hand, struggling with the eyeliner as per usual and managing to get it done right the first time. I loved how my honey eyes were perfectly accented with the makeup color I had chosen to put on today. I slipped into a pair of flats that had skulls and crossbones on them before grabbing my wallet and phone before heading out of my bedroom.
     "Mairyl, are you in the dog house again?"
     I grimaced when I heard that voice and watched the bothersome girl saunter up. I could just make out the faux blonde hair with those piercing gray eyes that annoyed the shit out of me because the woman that owned them thought they were all knowing. I tried to withhold a growl of irritation before turning to see her dressed in one of the most slutty things I had seen her in to date. She had a skirt that would allow any guy easy access, a top that tied in a sexy knot and five inch heels that I'm sure clacked against the tiles and whatever else they could reach.
     "For your information Vesta, I'm not in trouble. Thanks for asking." I grumbled.
     I absolutely despised Vesta. She was always jealous of my "relationship" with my adopted brothers and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't see what she found so beautiful about either of them.
     "Well damn, I was hoping you'd get fired for fucking this last job up." She snickered.
     Without thinking, my fist curled into a ball and I threw it at her, landing it in her self proclaimed pretty face. I absolutely enjoyed hearing her nose break under pressure, but I didn't appreciate the blood spurting out on my clean hand. She yelled out in pain and fell to the floor, clutching her nose whining. I grumbled under my breath before going to the sink and washing my hand clean of her fluids; I didn't want any part of her touching me longer than necessary. When I returned to look at her, she had a death glare on her face with a bit of crimson smeared on the tip of her nose.
     "Wait till Avron hears you punched me. He's going to give it to you." She hissed, running back down the hall whining like a baby.
     I rolled my eyes and shook my head, walking out the front doors to my destination…


     "Is this seat taken?"
     Everything cringed upon hearing that familiar voice and after the events of the other night, I was certain I didn't want to see him again so soon. With a sigh and a head shake, I glanced up from my plate to stare at the blonde giant. He made a face when he looked at mine but he settled in the seat across the booth.
     "What do you want Kyron? I've already got a headache and you're one of the last people in which I want to converse." I said, pressing my palm against my temple since my head started pounding.
    "I wasn't expecting to see you here, but I figured I should come apologize for uhm… the other night." He said, lowering his voice so only I could hear him.
     "What do you mean?" I frowned, slightly confused about the events that night in the first place.
     "You… you don't remember still? Oh fuck… do I really have to be the one to tell you this?" – He asked mostly to himself before sighing – "We were fighting over the ring you had and I knocked you around hard enough you hit your head on the ground… I… I feel bad for hurting you and it wasn't my intention to do so."
     As I listened to his words, the events of the night became clear and I gasped. "You – I can't – gah!"
     "Please forgive me. Again, I didn't mean to hurt you the way I did… but don't think I won't stop you if you attack." He said, looking the utmost remorseful for causing the pain I suffered with now.
     I clenched my jaw and took a breath through my nose, carefully thinking over his words before muttering, "If I forgive you, will you leave me alone?"
     "On one condition: I can get your phone number."
     I was taken aback. "What? Really? We hate each other."
     "Correction: You hate me. I am just trying to make a living like you are and we happen to be rivals… that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to get to know you as a person to be honest. We've run into each other so many times…" He retorted.
     "Well I'm too mad at you for giving me a hospital bill and injuries I didn't ask for in the first place, so no. You don't get my number." I snapped, picking at the food on my plate.
     "Well then… if you change your mind, here's mine. We may be rivals, but I'm sure we could be good friends otherwise." He sighed, pulling a card out of his pocket and slipping it over to me.
     I made a face but took it anyways. There were so many things I could do with the card. He stood up an offered a knee weakening smile. "Get out of here."
     "Enjoy your lunch Mairyl." He said, leaving the booth in an almost formal manner.
     With a small groan, I sank into my seat, feeling even more miserable than I thought I could in my life. I had the answers I had been wondering about the last couple days but to top it off, Kyron was playing nice. He did surprise me with being regretful over his actions, but completely blindsided me with wanting to be friends. I picked the card up and noticed it was his company card but there was ink bleeding from the other side and when I turned it over, I found a number on the back.
     The giant wanted to play nice… I wasn't ready to forgive and forget, but I was going to think about the proposition.

*Special Thanks To My Fiance For Helping Me Figure This Chapter Out*

Untitled Story (Will Rename Later): Chapter One

Warning: This Chapter Contains Violence And/Or Gore!  Please Be Advised!

 “Alright Mairyl, you can do this. It can’t be any worse than the mummy you discovered a couple times ago.” I told myself, taking a breath to calm the pounding heart in my chest.

I gripped the crowbar in my hand a little harder, coaxing myself into doing what I had to in order to get the job done. It wasn’t the most difficult challenge I had to face, but it was going to be tricky if I wasn’t going to break anything of value that’d tip people off that something was possibly taken from the place. The place just happened to be a mausoleum in the graveyard just past a church near the outskirts of town. Now the reason I was here… well, I was what I would like to refer to as an artifact retriever, but most people would just call it grave robbing. Nothing I could say or do would change the fact the things I had to retrieve most the time belonged to those of dead people; they had no idea what their trinkets valued to some people in the world. That was where I came in: I would find out where these valuables were located, claim them and return them to my workplace.

I gazed around at the cobwebs and the dust gathering on the surrounding objects, sighing to myself as I wished this was easier than it was going to be. It was a bit dark, despite the moonlight streaming in from the doorway, but it gave off enough light that I could see the bare necessities. Finally using the crowbar in my hands, I carefully jiggled it underneath the stone coffin’s top, just enough to create a fulcrum to pry the lid open. Applying pressure to lift the lid, dust flew up in the air and assaulted my nostrils, causing me to sneeze; unintentional, I pressed down too hard, which made the top come off and crash on the floor, shattering into pieces. Nothing smelled worse than the putrefaction of a body rotting, especially that of a more recent body.

“God almighty… this is why I’d rather be cremated when I die.” I told myself, coughing up a lung and trying not to hurl as I dropped the bar from my fingers.

I watched the dust settle once more, daring to peek into the sarcophagus. I nearly hurled staring at the half decomposed body laying peacefully in death, somewhat regretful that I had to disturb their peace. Normally the corpses I had to deal with were mostly skeletal, but this particular one had to be the most fresh I’ve dealt with. In my line of business, you had to have a strong stomach and apparently watching all the horror films I had didn’t ever prepare me for the real thing. Gaze scanning over the remains, my brow furrowed and a frown came to my lips.

Tonight I was after a sapphire ring and there wasn’t any sign of the blasted thing whatsoever. I couldn’t get mad because I had followed the directions carefully and after consorting with those beyond the veil, I had no doubt in my mind this was the right crypt. I growled in frustration and gave it a once over just to assure it wasn’t there before backing away and groaning loudly.

“Damn it all to Hell… Avron is going to kill me for not bringing this back.” I sighed deeply, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

“Mmm, you wouldn’t happen to be looking for this would you?” A voice asked, coming from behind me.

Everything inside churned and I physically cringed hearing the voice. Experience told me that I was going to be in major trouble, especially if he just came around. I bit my inner lip before turning around, glowering at the man standing behind me while he was looking at me smugly. This man was one of the multiple problems I faced, going by the name of Kyron Holzman. Kyron worked for a rivaling company and most the time he was assigned to retrieve the same artifacts that came up. We were about even when it came down to the grind of bringing home the goods.

He happened to be a six foot six inch tall giant, but it didn’t help I was only five foot one. His hair was an ash blonde that was somewhat long, complemented by a five o’clock shadow on the rounded square shaped jaw that would cause any other girl to swoon. He had almond shaped eyes, his irises a dark goldenrod color that could pierce the armor of the one he happened to be eyeing. His shoulders were broad, perfect to play quarterback in football and if you concentrated hard enough on the tightness of his shirt, you could tell he worked out. As far as other girls opinions on him went, they thought he was some god. I despised the guy.

As I looked him over, I noticed there was something small in his fingers from what little light filtered inside from his tall build blocking the doorway. Straining my eyes, I could make out something pale with another small shadow placed in the middle of something shaped as a thin circle. Dread washed through my being as a horrible realization hit me like a ton of bricks. He beat me to the punch on this artifact.

You have got to be kidding me, I thought to myself as my heart sank, finally saying, “How long have you been watching?”

He hummed to himself for a moment or two, finally giving off a smirk. “The whole time. I was waiting for about a half an hour till you finally reared your head around here.”

I knew Avron was going to kill me but to know that Kyron had it in his grasp and I didn’t try to do anything about it, it would make him more irate. I had to do something and that something was sending my foot in the direction of his hand in an attempt to knock the ring out of his grasp. Kyron yelped out as my shoe made contact with his hand, jostling the object in his fingers before it went flying out of his hand, skirting across the stone floor. It might have been a dumb move since there was so little light to see where it went, but Kyron couldn’t have the ring.

We both dove towards where we heard it landed with a quiet clang from how small the piece of jewelry happened to be, not to mention the mausoleum wasn’t too terribly large. Our heads smacked together and I cried out, resisting the urge to pull away to tend the injury, attempting to dive under him as my fingers reached out, grazing the floor to find the small band. Coming up empty handed thus far was completely frustrating and there was one plausible way to relieve the stress: send a fist into the face of the adversary. A small growl was emitted from my lips as the seconds that passed the two of us by could turn the tables at an instant; I couldn’t let the bastard find the prize first.

I attempted to knock him off balance, barely getting him to fall to the floor. He just laughed and when our gazes met, he just had amusement lighting his eyes before my fingers curled into a fist and threw it into his face. Blood exploded from his nose like a faucet from the impact, causing him to howl in pain. His elbow dug into my ribcage in response, knocking not only my body back towards the sarcophagus, but the breath out of my lungs from how hard he threw his arm.

My back screamed in agony from the impact, the stone seeming harder than normal. I slumped against the resting place for the dead, struggling to regain the lost breath whilst watching Kyron try desperately to staunch the blood flow from his nose, the front of his shirt soaked with the liquid. I knew I only had so long before he’d get back to his feet and look for the ring we were both desperate to claim, so I looked around for anything to assist me in taking the giant down. A nasty grin donned my lips as my fingers wrapped around the crowbar I dropped earlier, enjoying the weight in my hand. Ignoring the protest from my back, I scrambled to my own feet with the steel bar in my fingers, launching myself at the man.

Something I wasn’t expecting was for him to turn and grab my weapon with his free hand, still holding his nose with the other. He glared as he used his body weight as leverage to throw me off balance; my grip loosened on the rod and he seized the opportunity to violently yank it out of my hands, skinning everything it came in contact with. I yelled out, looking to my palms. Blood began seeping out of the pores and I snarled under my breath. Drawing my blood signed a person’s death warrant and sent my anger soaring sky high. That’s what got me into trouble this time around.

Eye twitching in anger as I tried to knock Kyron’s legs out from under him, more pain struck my side as I realized the bar came swinging at me and landed on my body. The wind got knocked out of me once again and I went crashing into the floor, hitting my head with a sickening thud against the stone. I laid there dazed for a moment or two, groaning softly as I pushed myself back up, withholding from hurling on the ground. From being near the doorway, I had a better view of the small room and something shiny appeared before my eyes when I turned to see where the adversary stood. Only problem with my being able to see it, I knew Kyron would be able to also should he try hard enough. He finally pulled his hand away from his nose, wrinkling it a bit before smirking in satisfaction

“Don’t you think about it little girl. You’re already a fool for trying to best me. Why don’t you just walk out of here with what little dignity you have left?” He suggested, his foot launching into my stomach before I slammed into the doorway.

I winced and crashed onto the floor, coughing and struggling to breathe again. “Damn it.”

“As I said before, just leave with what little dignity you have left.” He said once more.

I coughed again, a metallic taste resting on my tongue. A small groan escaped my mouth while I attempted to get up a second time, praying that Kyron didn’t see the ring on the floor. He walked over and hovered above my body, just daring me to rise from my spot. As I looked around, I realized my chances of getting out of this situation were next to nothing.

“Because you know I don’t give in easily.” I spat the blood accumulating in my mouth out, still struggling to at least push myself up.

I never knew I could hurt so much in my entire life and normally I had a high pain tolerance. Every breath came labored, my stomach kept churning and the headache I had I swore was going to split my head in two. It took everything in me to not puke all over the floor, let alone keep steady before the arm I was trying to push myself up with gave out. Groaning softly as my head smacked my arm, I tried getting up a second time, finally emptying the contents of my stomach, dropping to the floor before blacking out for a few moments.

Regaining consciousness, I looked around in a confused manner when I didn’t quite recognize where I was at, nor remember how I got there in the first place. I could recall I had something important to find and as I picked my brain for what it could possibly be, I vaguely remembered it was something blue I was after, but the fog in my mind wouldn’t tell me much more than that. I furrowed my brow since it didn’t seem quite right while my hand came to my head again as it pulsed in irritation, but a noise shifted my attention and another growl escaped my body seeing Kyron.

There was a worried look on his face that disappeared as soon as I looked at him, but his tone didn’t hide it as he asked, “Mairyl, are you okay?”

“Why the hell are you asking me that?” - I snapped, attempting to get up with little success - “What the hell happened?” A splitting headache took my thoughts away from my investigation.

“You don’t remember what happened?” His brow furrowed in confusion.

“Would I be asking if I did?” I snapped, frowning as a ringing started in my ear.

“No, you wouldn’t. Do you per chance remember what you were doing?” Was his next question.

I shook my head, the fogginess still attached to my head. “I think I lost my ring.”

“Your ring?” He sounded the utmost confused, but it didn’t stop him from extending a hand toward me.

Reluctantly I took it and sat up, nodding my head despite how I felt inside. “I… I don’t know why I’d have lost it in here though…”

I listened to him sigh softly, but he reached into his pocket and set a small band with a little dark stone in the middle on my palm. “This ring?”

I picked it up with the other hand and studied it carefully, a sort of familiarity striking about it even though I couldn’t quite place how I knew it. “Yeah… thanks… but I thought we were enemies.”

“I think we should get you to a hospital, get your head checked out.” He answered, completely disregarding the statement I had made about being enemies. Something didn’t bode well inside, but with all the fuzziness clouding my mind, I wasn’t about to give a damn.

Kyron kept quiet but assisted me to my feet, slowly escorting me out of the mausoleum to his vehicle. “Wait, what about my car?” I asked, taking a look back at it.

“You’re in no shape to be driving. I’m sure someone can come back and get it for you.” He frowned, rounding the car and opening the passenger door.

Everything still felt wrong and no matter how much I could protest, I was in no position to deny the help. I slipped into the front seat and put my seatbelt on, resting against the back and headrest, fighting to keep conscious. Despite my best efforts, I failed miserably.

The Beginning

Hello everyone - from newcomers to those who know me somehow or another - and welcome to my latest blog.  This one will be dedicated to my fantasy writings that I would like to have published one day.

Anyways, here's a couple ground rules:

1. You may NOT use my writings without my explicit permission first.  You wouldn't like it if I used something of yours if I didn't ask first yes?  So please be courteous!
2. If you find any of my works posted anywhere other than on here, my personal deviantart, or my FictionPress account, please contact me.
3. If you want to use something, use the contact form at the end of the blog page and I will get back to you about it.
4. You may make requests using the contact form also, just put the word REQUEST at the top of your message.
5. If you'd like a commission, please use the contact form and put COMMISSION at the top of the message.  Only serious inquires please and thank you.  I'd rather not waste anyone's time.
6. You can follow my blog by email - I'm not sure if it's just restricted to gmail or not, but you don't have to have your own blogspot account to follow.
7. ENJOY THE CREATIONS OF MY MIND! :D

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, contact me with the form - I know, completely redundant of me to say, but I need to put it in your minds - and we'll be able to chat that way.

Have a wonderful day!

~ Amy