The Chambers Chronicles II.II

[Lara Chambers]

The Chambers Chronicles
By Lara Chambers

Lara had never been someone that expected anything. Not from the world. Not from the people in it. She was good on her own. Achieving things for herself. But that was then, right? In a time where she still thought it was okay to be treated like shit. Letting people overstep lines.

Treat you like property.

And she was. Whenever her hand ran to her neck half expecting to feel something there, she remembered. It made her smile. It was good times. Never once did she feel that it was the wrong thing to do. But that Lara wasn't existing anymore. Even before Deathcore Wrestling she began to feel it. Her whole body aching for a change, wanting her to run. Getting rid of all the chains that could bind her. Maybe things could have gone different that night inside of Dick Fusco's office. More talking and less acting out on broken trust and disrespect.

Lots of maybe's Lara.

Society's problem with people like her was easy explained. No remorse. Over the years her senses became sharper. Her physical attributes more deadly than was healthy. But with every step of the way, her emotional side became more crippled. She did love and laugh. Enjoy the good sides of life. But a loss couldn't hit her as hard as a sixteen year old Lara thought. If you knew how, you could turn it all off. Forget the faces. Forget the names. Forget the blood on your hands. Most of the time.

Alcohol. The cure.

If you had brought death as often as she had, the smell didn't ever fully fade. Neither did  you lose your eye for small details. Spiral. The name was as fitting as misleading. He could possibly hide his nature to the rest of the world. If he tried. Blaming his injured eye for that loss. It made her laugh. She was a realist. That night the fight could have gone either way, which didn't smaller her win. So what was his mistake if not a minor injury? Focus. His mind was somewhere else. If he knew it or not back then. But stepping inside a cage with someone like her required your full attention.

Three golden rules of fighting a hitgirl. Observe. Focus. Finish the job.

Failed. Spiral 0. Lara 1.

She was not the target. No matter what her opponent or the men behind the scenes wanted to believe. LARA CHAMBERS was a predator.

A fine line separates a fighter from a warrior. One is motivated by reason, the other, by purpose. One fights to live, while the other lives to fight. ~ Unknown.

R I P T I D E
Las Vegas, Nevada
February 2013

They say home is where the heart is, but my heart is wild and free. So am I homeless or just heartless. Did I start this, did it start me?

Ever been on a natural high? Something that comes close to a sugar rush or being drunk. It made you feel unbeatable and on top of the world. Nothing seemed impossible when you were in that state. It wasn't any different for Lara that afternoon that had now turned into night. Split seconds after taking Adrian's life... she didn't feel anything. Almost disappointed as other people had described the feeling to her. The euphoria and ecstasy that would shake your body. She even considered something was wrong with her.

More wrong than slitting someone's throat.

It was till she stepped out into the night that nothing happened. But when it hit, it hit hard. Her muscles tense. Her mind racing through the whole scenario again. The power she had over another person. That was one way to get on a Messiah Complex.

Her hand was reaching out to the still parked car as someone grabbed her. Stopping her arm in the movement. Lara's whole body getting in defensive mode till she saw the friendly face of the driver. He didn't give her a verbal welcome back, but handed her a towel. Tempted to ask what for, her eyes fell onto her hands. Blood. Not her own obviously.

"Miss Shawna does appreciate her car's clean." He looked at her from head to toes. Handing her a bottle of water, nodding to the towel. "Did everything go well?"

Her heart was racing wildly. Ready to jump out of her chest, or exploding to a thousand pieces. It was impossible to answer him just yet, cleaning her hands. Looking down her clothes she was certain there was no more there. He grabbed both things from her and put them in the trunk. In his usual manner he opened the door, letting her slide in. The drive home seemed shorter than when getting there. They spent the ride in silence, returning to the huge mansion.

"They will expect you. Keep your calm. But first thing you do when getting inside, put your knife on the table."

"Why?" Her voice sounded strange. Rough as if she had been spending the past days in the desert.

He turned around with a friendly smile. The small wrinkles on his face clearly visible in this kind of light. "Someone will take it and clean it for you. Go now Lara Chambers."

His tone was soft. Almost if he was talking to a kid. A little disappointment swung in it. Something she didn't understand at this very moment. But years later the realisation would hit hard. She opened the door with care making her way down to the main building. Greeted by security guards that had the tendency to speak in Italian with each other. Eyeing her up with that usual look. Normally she would laugh. Even feel a little flattered. But in this very moment her whole mindset was shaken up. Her hand was instinctively going for the knife in her pocket. Ready to jump. But that never happened as the door opened. Shawna standing behind it.

"Planning to remain in the cold bella?" Her smile was friendly, but always had the viciousness underneath it.

Lara's body relaxed slightly when she stepped through the huge door, hearing it fall close. The blonde MOB leader walking down the hallway, making it to her office. A room she hadn't entered all too often. For whatever reason Lara looked down on her hands. Checking them once more before stepping in. There were more security guards surrounding the table, not moving an inch as she walked closer.

"Everything went... ."

"I know. I had you observed my gem." Shawna pointed to the many monitors that showed all different kind of places. Even the small room where she had approached the body called Adrian. Looking closer everything looked peaceful, with one difference. There was nobody in there. Everything was clean as if all of this was nothing but a dream.

"Where did A... the body go?"

It was strange referring to a person as body, but then again it was the truth. Once the light goes out forever, that was all that did remain. A body. Shawna nodded towards another monitor, showing a black bag loaded into a trunk.

You done this.

A moment later Shawna would fumble for something in her desk, putting a huge amount of money on the table. Considering this had been her first job, Lara had no idea how to react. Standing there are few inches away from her 'boss', her entire body itching. Obviously she had a rather dumb expression covering her face, as Shawna began to laugh. Not a small chuckle. A real, dark laughter.

"Take it girl. You have done a really good job. Not that I was ever in doubt of that, but you gave me all the proof I needed."

"But that is a huge amount of money." Disbelief made her voice a little shaky. "I don't think it was worth that much."

"Lara Chambers, you are really something else. You are the first hitman that tells me I pay them too much. Take the money. Go for a shopping trip tomorrow. Spoil yourself my little diamond."

A moment later all her doubts seemed forgotten when taking the money. Feeling like a fat kid in a candystore. She exited the office with a dumb grin on her face, ready to make it upstairs. Going to her room and take a shower. Feeling as if the dirt was sticking to every inch of her body. She was walking towards the stairs ready to make the next step, but never happened. Music was blasting out of the living room. Then the doors opened. One of the girls looking out.

"Where you think you are going?"

"Taking a shower. Calling it an early night." That sounded more like a question than a statement.

More people popped out of the room coming towards her. They seemed in rather good spirits, two of the guys picking her up.

"Miss Britania... you didn't really think that would work? Tonight we celebrate."

And they did.

R E D  L I P S, B L U E  E Y E S, W H I T E  L I N E S
Las Vegas, Nevada
February 2013

They say fear is for the brave, for cowards never stare it in the eye. So am I fearless to be fearful? Does it take courage to learn how to cry.

Someone turn off the noise. The sound was nothing more than a dog barking on the outside. She didn't wanna open her eyes. The moment she did a reminder as of why was sent right through her head. A sharp pain taking away her breath, causing her to lean back on the pillow again. Another fifteen minutes, give or take, passed before she tried another time. Opening her eyes slowly. That wasn't the living room. Looking down under the blanket, she was completely naked.

How did I get to my room?

There were two other people in her bed. A boy and a girl. She was less disturbed about that when her eyes fell on the small table in front of the television. Lara quietly would slide out of bed, trying to not wake her company. Walking closer to the table she shivered slightly. Lots of white powder spread over the expensive glass table. On the side different kind of pills.

Some to come up. Some to come down.

Her attention was so drawn towards the drugs that she hadn't noticed the movement behind her. Not till she felt soft hands gliding over her naked back. Looking over her shoulder she looked into the eyes of a young girl. One she didn't remember spending the time with. Or anything that happened after getting back to the mansion.

"Getting for another ride without me?" She had a thick, italian accent. Those bambi like eyes giving her an innocent touch.

First things first, Lara Chambers wasn't into girls.

Excuse me?!

The girl kept running her soft fingertips over Lara's body. For a moment she would close her eyes, trying to remember any details. About the party. About the drugs. About whatever happened afterwards. Nothing. Her mind was blank. It was hard to ignore the touch of the girl, but there was another thing more present. The taste in her mouth.

Chemical.

"...another line and we go shopping?" The girl was speaking since a while, but Lara had only gathered the last bit.

"What is your name?"

"Gianna." The answer was as bubbly as the whole girl seemed. Not offended by the question.

Moving herself from behind Lara's back, she kneeled down next to the table. Without any hesitation she prepared herself a line of the white gold. Sniffing it through a golden straw. Letting out a long sigh before handing it over to Lara. For a long moment nothing happened, her mind struggling to understand her own behaviour. She leaned down and copied the steps of her opposite. Feeling a burning sensation from her nose to her brain. Wide awake she looked at Gianna.

"Valentino or Versace?"

"Why not both?" The girl laughed.

Life was easy with a dimmed mind. No painful memories. The easy way out. And for a while that was all she needed. Lara Chambers never was ashamed of her own failures. You make your bed, you lay in it. It was a given fact that you had to reach the bottom, several times, to become who you supposed to be. A thin line between self destruction and surviving. Not always worth the outcome.

But I still walk it. Every day.

S A L V A T I O N  I S  A  L I E
New York City, New York
April 2017

They say love is for the loving. And without love maybe nothing is real. So am I loveless or do I just love less. Oh since love left I've nothing left to feel.

You can't run from your past. No matter how fast you are. Not matter how much endurance you have. It would always catch up with you. The failures or your youth would always remain. Despite all the good deeds, they wouldn't vanish. Cemented in your own history. Does your past define your future? Maybe not. Days go running and hiding, years leaving quicker then they come. Youth was a state of mind. But never an excuse. There was no salvation at the end of days. No sentimental judgment from a higher might. You get born. You live. You struggle. You die. Lara Chambers was no fantast or idealist.

Reality will fuck you. Always.

And while she was aware of her own fate, that never stopped her trying. Building bridges for other people. Lending a helping hand to those that couldn't save themselves. If they knew it or not. NADJA IVANOV. The dark haired beauty was a lot more than a case. A friend. A perfect projection of her little sister. But she wasn't. Nonetheless Lara felt responsible for her in many ways. Knowing her story. Telling a tale about a beautiful, strong woman. One that against all odds was still standing. Her head held up high.

What is your motivation?

Love. Pain. But mostly, guilt. Being in charge was not always easy. Fuck that.] Nine out of ten times it sucked balls. Lara hadn't forgotten the night when ETHAN THOMPSON and herself exchanged texts. Speaking about their plans to keep that girl safe. Sharing stories and experiences. Overlooking some of the facts. In reality everything had started long before they even noticed. Those men that assaulted her was only the first viewable slap. Followed by... .

I don't wanna go back there.

Standing there in the dark well hidden behind a wall, she was shivering. Not from the cold. From memories she couldn't erase no matter how hard she tried. The bitter taste of failure was always present. Her eyes glued to the exit of the Four Seasons. Again she checked her watch.

"Where are you Nadja... you are running late."

The door opened with a smiling girl getting out, followed by a rather pretty boy. Sven Bakker. Her friend and working colleague. Obviously he had said something funny, from afar a laughter was heard. Lara slowly set herself in motion, her body a little stiff from standing still. The same routine since over two weeks. When they walked slower she decided to fall back. At the usual corner they said goodbye, sharing a brief hug. Nadja still had a good five minutes to walk. No distance.

Unless you are stalked by the MOB.

There was a group of guys right ahead of the young girl and there Lara noticed it. Hesitation. Fear. For a split second she was indecisive in her movement. But she kept walking closer to the group, her focus straightforward. Taking a closer look they were just boys, hardly out of their teenage years. They would whistle while Nadja passed, but no harm coming from them. By the time she had taken her attention off of the group her friend had already reached the apartment. The door behind her falling close. The Lady of Chambers remained down on the street, counting inside of her head. Thirty Four seconds later the light went on and the balcony door opened.

She is home. She is safe.

"See you tomorrow Lady Russia.

Lara rolled her neck a few times before continuing her 'walk'. She kept walking for a rather long time, the cold air stinging in her lungs. When she finally stood still and looked up, a smile spread on her face. Obviously she hadn't been paying any attention as for where she was walking. The fancy, red letters above the entrance door brought back a train of memories.

Steel Bones Wrestling.

The lights were still on. The smile on her face grew a little further when she kicked the door open. Young students having a go at each other, while the trainers shouted commands. A warm feeling would spread inside of her chest. Even if it was just temporary. At least some things didn't change. Her eyes scanned the room for faces she had seen before. Catching the half serious face of DORIAN RAMPAGE. The co owner of this illustrious place. He noticed her presence, excusing himself to a petite blonde female. Her cheeks blushed slightly when he rested his hand on her shoulder.

Always the charmer.

He had reached her side in no time, embracing her in a brief hug. His light blue eyes focusing on her outfit. One of his eyebrows shot up.

"Casting for the next Avengers movie?" He had a hard time keeping the chuckle down.

"Very funny Dorian." She looked around, her focus drifting away from him.

"Shania isn't here. Emergency fly out, or whatever."

She nodded. Of course she was well aware who] that Emergency was. A young girl that was shipped somewhere else. Well protected by the Rampage family. At least one less worry for her already tired body and mind. For a moment her guard fell, the dark shadows underneath her eyes coming in sight. And Dorian didn't miss it.

"May I speak freely Miss Chambers... you look like absolute shit. Have you even slept the past days?"

Lara was ready to jump on him but remained calm. Now that she thought it about, he wasn't wrong. Although she spent every night next to Devon, she hardly had caught any sleep. Her mind constantly jumping from scenario to the next. Trying to put the puzzle pieces together.

Aren't you forgetting something? Someone?

A small laughter. Bitter and dry. Unfortunately she couldn't forget him. The threats. The passive aggressive behaviour. He maybe had many names. But to her he was SPIRAL. What did a name really change? A person as dangerous as dominant. Lara was supposed to be intimidated. Scared and running for her life. But instead she was drawn in. Cruelty had a certain fascination for people. They were as different as day and night, yet they had one thing in common.

Bloodlust.

Without taking notice she had been drifting off. Her eyes becoming empty and staring into the far. That was till she felt a poke against her shoulder, Dorian looking at her. Not unfriendly but more serious than before. Without waiting for her allowance he would drag her towards the office. For a guy that had stopped competing around ten years ago, boy he still had quite the strength. He sat her down on the the comfortable leather chair, putting two glasses on the table. Filling them with scottish whiskey, handing her a glass.

"Talk."

"About what?"

"Whatever it is that keeps fucking with your head. You zoned out for almost five minutes." He sipped from the drink. "It's either talking or I have to knock you out, putting you to sleep in your old room."

"It just has been a few busy weeks. I am fine. For real."

Try again.

She emptied the drink in one shot. Leaning back and putting her feet on the table, knowing fully well Shania would smack her. She almost expected it to happen. But nothing. Dorian hardly cared about material stuff.

"You know there are things I can't tell you. There are things I can't ever tell anyone. I have made my peace with that a long time ago. Don't get me wrong Doria. I appreciate all the things you have done for me and the Ivanov sisters. I will be forever grateful." She took the bottle and filled her glass again. "But that is only the tip of the iceberg. At least when it comes to my problems. I ain't good at complaining. So let me finish with this. I am fine. And if I am not, I will be soon enough."

"Why not take some help... ."

Lara stood up and looked at him. Face to face. Her face only inches away from her, warm breath tickling his face. The scent of the alcohol mixing with a touch of mint.

"What you gonna help me with Dorian?  I got a head full of darkness and I learned to accept that darkness is good. If I was without my pain, I would get lazy." She reached out to rub his cheek, but stopped. "I have enough blood on my hands. Some for good and some for bad. But remember who I am." Her hand moved past him and found the whiskey bottle. Her eyes once again staring into his.

"Let me remind you and the rest of the world. I am the Lady of Chambers... "

She wasn't really speaking to him, if he knew it or not . Lara began to walk towards the exit, but turned around one more time. That vicious smile spreading on her face. Her pale fingers holding onto the bottle, her tongue running over her lips.

"...try me if you dare."

Turning her face away from him to leave, step by step expanding the distance. During this conversation she always was aware of one thing. It felt cool against her skin, sending shivers down her spine. Her plan B. Her safety net. Her best friend.

The knife.