The Chambers Chronicles II.I

[Lara Chambers]

The Chambers Chronicles
By Lara Chambers

The road is long and dark. That was pretty much the story of her life. Nothing ever came easy. And while at a younger age it seemed impossible to do, it wasn't. The urge to become someone better was always present. Pushing for something more than was in reach. It was a gift and curse at the same time. LARA CHAMBERS knew her own weakness. Knew every mistake she had ever made. But in the end they all had to be made. Getting her closer to a goal she wasn't aware she had. Becoming the person she was today was hard work. A summary of decisions that sometimes weren't hers. But she accepted. Became comfortable with her fate. Her life. Pain was essential fuel to keep you going.

So is Anger.

People like SPIRAL knew that too. She had looked into his eyes. Well eye but that didn't diminish what she had seen there. There was no limit for this man and he was going to take her apart. Not because of a championship belt. He didn't seem motivated by something like that. But the truth was this, she humiliated him. Causing him to faint inside that cage when he thought she was hardly a threat. After he tried to belittle her abilities and the person she was. On social media.

A round of applause.

Little did people know about the british bombshell. Including people under the UNLEASHED flag. Certain individuals wanted to pretend they were dangerous. Insane. And without limits. She had done things that most of them couldn't imagine. Almost everyone would be disgusted with them too. But Lara didn't care. Not anymore. There would come a time she would have to answer for it. Pay for all her dues, right? But that day was not today. There were still things left to do in the days to come. Stories to tell. People to destroy.

Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster. ~ Sun Tzu

T H E  G O L D E N  H O U R
Moscow, Russia
29th of March, 2017 [Aftermath From Russia With Love]

It was done. The audience probably figured it out before her, still holding onto the body of Spiral. He didn't move. He was alive, but didn't move. Her arms wrapped around him in what could look like a cuddle. And in many ways it was. It was the official that got her to remove her arms. They hurt. For the first time in the past minutes she felt the stinging pain. Everything after that was like a memory from the past. Someone pressing a title close against her chest. The cold metal a nice welcome to a racing heart.

It was only a match.

No. It wasn't. It had been a dance with the devil. On her way out she signed some autographs but that happened in trance. Stepping through the curtain was when reality hit her. When all of the emotions became reality. A handful of people stood there. Smiling. Waiting.

"Who let you bitches backstage?!" She said a little out of breath. It was then that a smile spread on her face. Which she regretted a second later, feeling a sharp pain shooting through her brain.

That will do for a great headache. Tomorrow.

The first one to break out of the group was DEVON RIVERA. Her husband. Her motivation. Her reason. He ignored whoever was still around when he wrapped his arms around her. Putting his lips on hers. His touch was comforting and at the same time put her whole body on fire. Like every other time they have been close the whole world lost its colour. Blurring her vision. With only him as a certainty. Way too soon for her taste he stepped back, smiling.

"I almost got jealous about the way your body wrapped about this psycho." He chuckled.

"I can hug you like that, babe... not quite sure it will satisfy your needs."

They shared a brief laughter before her eyes fell onto the people standing there. It was hard to ignore the warm feeling spread on the inside of her body. Friends. Something she wasn't used to. Something she didn't think she needed.

You have been wrong Lady of Chambers.

One after the other they stepped forward. Hugging her. Including ETHAN THOMPSON. The man she had knocked out earlier tonight. He had been standing next to Nadja letting everyone else go before him. When they stood face to face a small smirk appeared on his face.

"Well done, but you know I will come for this in time."

He motioned towards the title that was still hanging over her shoulder. It didn't take longer than a second before her cocky grin came back. She ran her fingertips briefly over his cheek, feeling the spot she hit earlier.

"I am well aware of that. I won't be hard to find, machoman."

The whole group had just began to move as someone caught her attention. Lara was certain that none of the others seen him. Too busy with their chats and enjoying a happy moment. But her mind just didn't work that way. Her eyes always busy to observe everything and everyone around. Meeting the eyes of the person made clear that he waited for her. DANILO.

Of course.

"I gotta get something out of my dressing room. Move ahead. I will join you in just a moment."

Her voice was emotionless, the smile still intact. Neither of them did question her words so they moved along. Going as far as exiting the building. Somewhat released she walked closer to the middle aged person. It was no surprise to see him. Yet it made her feel at least a little uncomfortable. Lara was in no hurry to reach him. His face half in the shadows, but the smile visible.

Way too dramatic.

"Congratulations, Miss Chambers. You haven't failed to impress."

"I bet you would say the same to Spiral if the outcome had been different, right?" Her voice was by no means harsh.

His smile grew a little further. Showing off perfect teeth that made him look even more like a comic figure. Surreal. Somewhat disgusting.

I have seen worse. Remind yourself.

"You are a smart woman, Miss Chambers. But we are not talking about what could have been." His hand reached out for her, reaching for her naked shoulder. But in the last moment changed directions, pointing at the title. "You haven't failed to gather the attention of people in higher places."

"I am here to do my job. I couldn't care less if old, sweaty guys get a kick out of it. You 'invited' me to be part of Unleashed." She almost spat the words out. "I am a fighter, Danilo, not a puppet on a string. You may deliver that message to your bosses."

"Always so tense. I like it." He chuckled, remaining way too close. "But you have not understood your place in this, Lady Chambers. You have been picked, but you weren't the only. You must remember your position." Another small pause, giving her time to let those words sink.

Her blue eyes gave him a cold stare. Every muscle in her body becoming tense. His voice sounded as sweet as honey, just like the first time, but the threat behind his words was real. She had been in situations like that before. Way too often. But dealing with the Russian MOB was as inviting as needles through your eyes.

To each their own.

SHUT UP!

Well done Chambers.

"We don't want anything bad happening to your loved ones. Only because of an attitude problem."

It took every bit of self control to not snap his neck in this very moment. Every cell in her body screamed for taking matters into her own hands. But she couldn't. Not in the way and form she wished. Instead Lara folded her arms in front of her chest and observed every detail of Danilo's face. Every wrinkle. Every scar.

I will be the last thing you see before you close your eyes forever. One day.

"You may tell the gentleman that I am fully aware of my role." She stepped closer almost forcing him against the wall. Immediately two people stepping out of the shadows. "But, and you listen very carefully, never dare to threaten my friends and family. At any point. Ever. Again."

He motioned the guys build like closets to step off. And they would. Fixing his suit before nodding his head. Lara was turning away from him, slowly starting to walk down the hallway. Her wrestling boots scratching against the concrete. She was aware he looked after her and even though his voice was nothing more than a whisper, Lara heard.

"We don't hand out threats. We make undeniable promises."

I know. Neither do I.

It was hard to always be the one that held it all together. The one that was so tired of being strong, but had no other choice. Hiding it all behind a smile. Brighter than anyone else was able to give. For them. Not for herself.

She wouldn't look back. She couldn't. Giving him the satisfaction of seeing the horror on her face. Instead she kept walking towards that other life she lived. The one where Lara Chambers was a good wife. A good friend. A normal girl that made a money out of fighting people.

For however long she could keep up the facade.

H O W  D O  Y O U  F E E L
Las Vegas, Nevada [Martinez Mansion]
February 2013

It was one thing to talk a big game, completely different to step it up. Every person had thought about killing another human being. As a joke. In moments of big anger. Lara was no different from those people. But there would be a different sooner or later. All those fantasies would become a dark reality. One she could never wash off ever again. Little did she know about the consequences. Even less about the damage she was doing to her own soul.

Some wounds will never close.

It hadn't even been three months since she had started her new 'job'. Living a totally different life from what she was used to. Surrounded by people that you wouldn't wanna meet in a dark alley. But, and that was the funny thing, they were her friends. A lot more loyal than anyone she ever met. Rough and disturbed, but still her friends.

It was not different today when they all sat in the huge mansion, discussing music and movies. Lara leaning back on one of the huge sofas, her leather boots resting on the lap of another girl. They were having a laugh till one of the suit monkeys entered. That was what they called the security guards of Shawna. They never smiled. Never interacted. Unless they brought people to the boss.

"Lara Chambers, follow me."

"No hi? No how are you? I am wounded, Trevor." Of course she knew that wasn't his name, but who really cared? Seeing he didn't react to her joking attempt, she shrugged her shoulders and got up. "If you don't hear from me again... well you know the deal."

Much to her surprise Shawna was already waiting outside in the hallway, fancy dressed as always. The amazon-like woman looked at her from head to toes, smiling. She motioned the gorillas to step back, giving the two girls privacy. With a few well measured steps she was standing only a few inches away. The presence of her body almost overwhelming.

"Your training has been going very well. So it is time to test out how successful we have been." She ran her well-manicured fingers through Lara's dark hair. "I wanna see what you are capable of. Are you ready?"

What an odd question. In any other situation this could have been a conversation between friends. But they were no friends. No one was the friend of Shawna Martinez. She was the boss. A small grin spread on Lara's face.

What is there to smile about?!

Good question. But the truth was, she was excited. Not scared. Not disgusted with what was going to happen. No. Excited. For someone that had felt like a victim all her life, power was a very bad advisor. A lesson she was going to learn. But that was still in the future. This was today.

"I am going to make you proud." Although her words were directly said to Shawna, she didn't only dedicate them to her. Also to herself.

"Have you made a decision?"

"Knife."

That was a natural answer for her. Ever since a young age she was scared of guns. Maybe a result of her father holding one against her mother's head. They both were high as fuck. But that was the usual. Kids did remember things, even at a very young age. Deep in the back of their mind it was all saved. It was well hidden behind a thick wall, till they were big enough to accept it.

Memory, a tricky thing.

As if she had expected that answer Shawna pulled out a black, medium sized box. Waiting for the dark haired female to open it. Slowly and with utmost care she did, her eyes becoming wide. The shiny instrument on the inside was having her full attention. Taking it out to weigh it in her hand, it was perfectly fitting. As if it was made for her.

"It's yours. Don't ever lose it." Shawna's voice sounded serious. "You could say that this will be your new signature. To a life full of adventures."

Lara nodded. Still too fascinated with the knife. She followed Shawna as they left the Mansion. A look back over her shoulder to the silhouettes of people looking after her. They knew so much more than her. They were aware that the girl leaving this house now, was not the girl coming back later tonight. And they still let her go.

They will protect you, for as long as they can use you.

She couldn't remember if they had ever been in this area of Las Vegas. Away from the bright lights. Away from the people that loved to party and game their lives away. There were still clubs on the side of the street, but different. Not as stylish. Not as flashy. Somewhat shady. Lara had to use all her self control to not shudder, seeing the amused face of the driver.

"Where we going?"

"You know... you asked me the exact same question around two months ago?" He chuckled under his breath. "We go wherever Miss Martinez wants you to go. Satisfying enough?"

She rolled her eyes. But knowing this was going to be her first job she hardly felt in the mood to have a discussion. Leave alone complaining about the tight leather pants rubbing uncomfortably against her arse. And else. Her breasts almost jumping out of her top. She couldn't even see down to her boots, the double d army blocking the view.

"Everything okay?"

The driver asked, his eyes looking at him through the mirror. It was obvious that he had been following her every move. He had a hard time hiding the laughter that was waiting so badly to come out. She shrugged her shoulders and began to laugh herself. Making it easier for him to join in.

"I look like a whore... right?"

"God no. I highly doubt that professionals wear Versace leather pants... it is just... you look so different from when we met." He slowed down a little. "Are you sure that this is what you wanna do? There is no way back from this."

There swung some sort of concern in his voice. It made her smile. Without a doubt he was the only in this whole madness that still had morals. Also, the only one that did not ever sleep at the mansion. Seeing the ring on his finger, she knew why.

People make bad decisions. Everyday.

"I am fine. I got my orders." She fixed her knife on the back of her pants. "Before you can worry... I will be back."

P E O P L E  H U R T  P E O P L E
Las Vegas, Nevada
February 2013

The smell was a mixture of all the things you didn't wanna inhale. Piss. Blood. And other fluids. Much to her own surprise the sickness didn't hold on very long. Her body was adapting as soon as she moved the shabby, velvet curtain out of the way. The audience was slowly turning their heads. Most of them perfectly fitting into the picture. Wasted. Living on borrowed time.

Don't we all?!

She walked with her head held high, trying to not lose her boots. Looking down on the floor, it was dirty and sticky. If I catch something in here, she will pay double. She held a silent monologue on the way towards the bar. Seeing the watery eyes of the bartender she sat down, letting him stroll over.

"What you want to drink?" He licked over his dry lips. It wasn't hard to guess his thoughts.

"Everclear."

His expression was slightly confused but without another word he walked off. For every person that ever tried Everclear, eek. It was highlevel alcohol, without any taste. But it burnt whatever germs that could exist. Which was without a doubt the only reason she ordered that tasteless piece of shit. He came back with the bottle and a semi clean glass. Filling it before letting his eyes wander over her body again.

"Anything else, darling?"

"Now that you mention it... I was supposed to meet a guy here. Tall, dark hair, a nasty scar over his eye. Adrian... whatever."

Her opposite tried to hide his emotions, but all with a moment too late. Lara was giving him her best fake smile. Alluring and inviting. She went as far as running her fingers through her long hair while licking over her lips.

"You seem to know him, honey. It is really important that I meet him... life or death important."

His facial expression changed slightly and he nodded his head, motioning her to remain seated. Without any further verbal response he was walking off. Leaving through a small door at the end of the bar. She leaned back when feeling a tickle in the back of her neck. A weird form of stimulation keeping her body on alert.

"Once upon a time there was a little girl... she walked out to find her pot of gold... and returned with scars all over her pretty face." She was talking to herself, passing time. Not that anyone in here would have noticed. The door opened once again and he motioned for her to get up. Lara took the bottle with her when approaching the door.

"He awaits you."

That was all the bartender said, almost pushing her through the door. She took a good sip out of the bottle before walking down the corridor. The light was dimmed and there was only one other door. Taking a deep breath she thought of knocking, but then almost bursted out laughing.

Like anyone welcomes DEATH.

So instead she just stepped inside facing off with the person she was looking for. He sat behind an old, wooden desk. A cloud of smoke surrounding him, while he only briefly looked up. But that look was telling a tale. He knew why she was here. He was aware that this was not going to end well for him. Yet he didn't try to run. He looked tired.

"She took quite some time. And then sending a beautiful, little girl... I am disgraced by Miss Martinez."

Lara laid her head to the side observing. His face and his words weren't matching at all. If anything he was highly amused about  the circumstances. Kicking a chair out for her to sit down. Lara slowly walked closer and sat down in front of him.

"You know why I am here, right?"

"Because I made a stupid decision... no wait, many stupid decisions." He chuckled. "What makes you think that I will go down without a fight? Or that you will leave this club alive?"

Her expression was still somewhat soft when she got up again. Walking around the table to stand behind him. He smelled probably worse than the club itself, but that hardly did matter. Lara leaned down, her mouth next to his ear.

"Because you know that running is pointless. She will always find you. Stalk you. And there is nothing you can do about it, my heart. Don't you appreciate she sent me instead of those that would toy with you?" Her voice was alluring, her breath tickling his skin. "You know what they say about dying?"

He moved his head slightly looking right into her eyes. "That we only get to do it once?"

"That it is easier than falling asleep... ."

He never saw it coming. Their eyes were locked for all the time passing. He didn't scream. Not even attempt to. For a smelly bastard like that he certainly had some sort of bravery left. Moments later he fell forward, his head resting on the table. If it wasn't for the red pool of blood creating underneath him, it could have been that he slept. Having an afternoon nap.

"Consider your debts paid, Adrian."

It was weird to talk to him. Weird to see him like that, when they had just talked moments ago. Lara stood there for a little longer, almost expecting him to get back up. But that never happened.

So. That was how it felt to take a life.

There was nothing ecstatic about it. Nothing glamorous or fulfilling. If anything it showed how little a human life meant. How quick a light was going out. This wasn't about size or might. It was about who had the knife. The gun. The poison. Nothing more, nothing less. Death wasn't romantic like you found it in the books. Death was final.

I bring death. No. I am death.

If she knew it that afternoon or not, this was just the first of many. But probably the easiest she would ever get. No personal feelings. No fight. Just a man that had given up running. To become the person she was supposed to be, many things would have to happen. Starting with the first. The easiest.

Lara Chambers had to die.

Lady of Chambers