Friends Til the Very End

 

By Jessica Peavler

 

Edited by: Emma Drew and Melanie Hoyle

 

 

~~Chapter 1~~

 

            Artemayy sneaks back into her house, carefully, not to wake her boyfriend, Islotho, and her step-sister, Miki Riocu.  She also has three half brothers, Spike, Harry, and Mark Davis.  Mark and Spike both run a famous game shop, and Harry is always having late-night adventures and shows up at around five-thirty in the morning.  Harry is twenty-one years old, but he still acts like a little kid, which is somewhat cute and somewhat ridiculous.  She also happens to be a multitasker; she works three jobs; librarian, an artist, assassin, and a spy for the United States government, along with cooking, cleaning, and taking care of everyone in her house.  Everyone knows about the librarian and artist jobs, but no one knows about the spy business or the bounty hunting.  Spica was her spy and bounty hunter name, so if the family members of the people she killed wanted to get back at her, they would have a hard time doing so.

            She snuck upstairs and into Islotho’s and her room, slipped off black boots, pants, shirt, and raven cloak.  She then slipped into something a little more comfortable.  Then all of a sudden, she heard something or someone downstairs, so she crept back downstairs to find someone lurking around in the darkness of her living room.  She went over and tapped him on the shoulder, and asked, “What are you doing in my house?  Answer or you’ll be sorry!”

            When he turned around his jaw dropped because of what Artemayy was wearing.  When she smacked him, it brought him back into reality.  He said, “Ummm...  I was ummm...  oh, I was just admiring the wonderful technique of this house,” he stuttered.

            “Yeah, right!  You were thinking you could come in here and steal that painting over the fireplace, weren’t you?”  Artemayy asked impatiently.

            Ummm...  how did you know?” the stranger asked quiveringly.

            Artemayy gave a startled look when he asked this question because no one knows about her mind reading skills except Islotho, Miki, and Harry.  Finally, after about a minute or two, she said, “Simple, a lot of people think they can steal it.  If you wanted one of the paintings, all you had to do was ask.  I’ve painted loads of drawings that are exactly like the one above the fireplace.  By the way, what is your name?”  She paused for a moment and saw the look he gave her and then added, “Don’t worry.  I’m not going to phone the police.  It is just out of plain curiosity.  I happen to know how to handle intruders on my own without the police helping me thanks.”

            He didn’t say anything for a moment and then stuttered, “Ummm... My name is Nalani Cooper.”

            “Okay, Nalani, come with me.  Why do you want that painting?” Artemayy asked.

            “Well, I wanted to sell the painting for really big money.  And I want the money to try and rent a house or an apartment,” Nalani answered quickly.

            “Hmmm... Well, just to let you know, a painting like that is worth around five hundred dollars or more.  So, in order for you to get started I’ll give you five paintings and a job as my library assistant.  So how about it?  Think you can handle that?” Artemayy asked.

            “Ummm... okay, I’ll take the job as your assistant,” he answered happily.

            Islotho came downstairs and asked, “Hey, baby.  Are you comin’ to bed or what?”

            “In a minute hun,” Artemayy called and Islotho went back upstairs.  “Okay, where was I?  Oh, I go to the library Monday through Saturday at eight-thirty in the morning.  So I’ll expect you to be there by lets say nine o’clock a.m.  The library is on the corner of Main Street and Mapleton Road and you will start next Monday.”

            “Okay.”

            We walked to the basement and his jaw dropped to the ground as he saw that the basement was full of paintings.  Artemayy gave him the five paintings that she told him she would give him.

            “By the way, why are you doing all this for me?” Nalani asked.

            “Well, it’s because I have so many paintings and I believe in forgiveness,” Artemayy answered sweetly, which really isn’t like her at all, she usually sends the person to jail, but this one seems so different from the others.

            “Thanks and I’ll see you on Monday,” Nalani said as he left the house.

            Then Artemayy yawned and went back to bed, where Islotho was already asleep.  She guessed he got tired of waiting for her to come upstairs.  Oh well, she thought that she could just make it up to him if she made pancakes for breakfast.

            The next morning when Islotho got up, pancakes were already on the table and Artemayy was getting around for work.  She had an early meeting at the library cause some dumb *censored* burnt a few books in the library, now section S were disintegrated to pieces. 

            “Where is Harry?  Isn’t he home yet?” Artemayy asked Islotho as he entered the kitchen.

            “Nope, don’t care!!!!  PANCAKES!!”  he screamed as he saw the pancakes on the table.

            SMACK!  “DON’T CARE!  HE’S MY BROTHER, YOU ASSHOLE!” yelled Artemayy as she threw the plate of pancake in the trash angrily.  She then stormed out the door and off to work.

            When she entered the office of the library, she asked the assistant at the front desk who she will be interviewing today.  The assistant handed the list of names to Artemayy.  Artemayy went straight to her office and looked at the names; Andrew Vincent, Bella Marley, and Nadia Matthews.

            These three are going to have to wait until after today’s meeting for their interviews.  She then looked at the sticky note on top of the paper and sighed.  ‘Meeting cancelled.’  Just then, the phone rang.  Artemayy jumped out of her seat, knife at the ready.  When she realized what it was, she calmed down and answered the phone.  It was Islotho.  ‘Shit!’ she thought.

            “Please forgive me?” he asked.

            “Why should I?  All you care about are your stupid little toys and food.” she answered, angrier than ever.

            “Because I found this note saying, ‘Spica, give up!  Or else you’ll lose your brother!’  What does that mean?  Who’s Spica?”

            “I  ... I  ... I don’t know.  Is it signed?”

            “Yeah.  “The Assassin to Beat You” what does that mean?”

            “LOCK THE DOORS, MIKI’S NOT GOING TO SCHOOL TODAY, AND HIDE IN THE BASEMENT!  NOW!  I’LL BE HOME BY ONE!”

            ‘They should be safe till noon in the very least.  Who knows who I really am?  I’ve got to figure this out before they get the rest of my family.  I can’t leave work without interviewing these three people first.  Okay, the quicker the better.  Let’s interview them the half ass way.’  Artemayy thought.

            The first person to show up was Bella Marley.  As she walked in Artemayy told her to make herself comfortable while she went to get some coffee.  When she got back, Marley was busting a gut with laughter.

            “Why are you laughing, there is nothing in here to be busting a gut about?”  Artemayy asked seriously.

            “Those quotes are hilarious.  ‘Insanity destroys reason, but not wit.’ and ‘If you are going through hell, keep going.’ are classics.  Where did you get them?” she giggled.

            “Get out.  Apparently, this is not the right job for you, so good luck in the hilarious world of death,” she said, looking quite annoyed.

            The second was the same as the first.  His name was Andrew Vincent, and he pointed out three quotes; ‘Guns don't kill people, people kill people, and monkeys do too (if they have a gun),’ ‘You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist,’ and ‘Life, like a child, laughs, shaking its rattle of death as it runs.’  He left in the same mode as Marley.

            The third was not like the rest, she looked at all the quotes and asked, “Obsessed with insanity and death quotes, aren’t you?”

            “Obviously.  The other two I’ve had come in today thought they were quite funny.  I don’t see how they are funny.  So, let’s start, shall we?”

            “Fine.  I’m ready for anything.”

            “...”

            “Okay, you’re hired Ms. Nadia Matthews.  See you tomorrow to fill out your paperwork.”

            Somewhere around eight forty-five, someone knock on the office door.  It was Nalani Cooper.  He had a gazed look in his eyes.  You could tell he wasn’t use to getting this early in the morning.  Artemayy offered him some coffee, and handed him some papers to fill out.  Bad mistake.  Don’t give Nalani coffee.  When he was done with his coffee and papers, he was bouncing off the walls, literally.  Good thing she was use to demons, otherwise this would require an exorcist.

            After about two hours of bouncing around, Artemayy began to give him the tour of the library.  Artemayy told him that he will basically be doing her job while she was out and making sure all the proper files are organized and IN ORDER.  He understood his job and asked for more coffee, and the whole library yelled, “NO!!!!”  At that, he went off to work in a grumpy mood.  No coffee for him ever again.

            Around eleven o’clock, Artemayy told Nalani that all he had to do was finish the pile of files and he’d be done for the day.  At that, she left and hurried home to see her family.  When she got home, she noticed her boyfriend did exactly as she said.  That’s a first.  When she entered the house, darkness overpowered her.

            When she woke up, Islotho was looking down at her.

            “What the hell happened, I come home early to see if everyone’s okay and I GET KNOCKED THE HELL OUT!  WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU?!?”

            “Sorry, I thought you were someone else and you can’t be too careful,” said Islotho with an ‘oh shit’ look on his face.

            At that, she was glad to be his girlfriend, and grabbed him by the head, and began to kiss him, until suddenly.

            “EEEEWWWWWWW, GROSS!!!” yelled Miki.

            “If you don’t like me kissing my boyfriend, then go upstairs and do your homework that is due tomorrow. And don’t say you don’t, cause your teacher called me and said you have a three page paper to write on mythology,” Artemayy told her sharply.

            “What?!?  No fair,” Miki said with an attitude.  At that she stormed off upstairs and slammed her door.

            Artemayy smiled and asked, “Now, where were we?”

            Islotho smiled and said, “I don’t know, I think I’ve lost my memories of the past ten minutes. Why don’t you remind me?”

            Artemayy then hit him in the head and asked with a smile, “Now do you remember?”

            While rubbing his head he said, “And that’s why I love you.  You’re so violent!”

At that, they started kissing again, until another interruption occurred.

            “OUCH, GOD DAMN MOTHER FUCKER!” yelled Miki.

            Artemayy and Islotho turned toward the sound of the rather obscene shouting and tripped over themselves trying to get to her.  When they got to their feet, they managed somehow to get up the stairs in one piece.

            When they got upstairs, Miki was holding her foot.  She looked up and said, “Sorry, I accidentally kicked my bed.  Oh and pardon my French.”

            At this, Islotho and Artemayy walked out of the room, shaking their heads.  Artemayy began to think that the only alone time she could have with Islotho was if they went out or send Miki to a friend’s house, but giving the circumstances, she has to stay here.

            She yawned and realized it was almost ten o’clock at night.  She went to Miki’s room and told her to take her shower and go to bed.  Miki was about ready to complain, but saw the look Artemayy gave her.  She grabbed her stuff and went to the bathroom.

            When Miki got out of the bathroom an hour later, her hair was blue.  Artemayy smiled, she was just like her in every possible way.  She even wanted to be an assassin, and asked her to train her the other day.  Artemayy had told that right now isn’t the right time, but time has it’s ways of biting you in your ass.  Artemayy went into her office, and began to type her little sister a note.

 

‘Hey Sis,

            You still interested in being my apprentice?  Meet me after school tomorrow at the library.

Love,

Spica

P.S.  Don’t tell anyone, not even Islotho!!!  I’m outside your door knock once no, twice yes.’

 

Artemayy printed out the letter, folded it up, and slide the letter under Miki’s door.  She heard footsteps and then ten seconds later, KNOCK KNOCK!  Artemayy went to bed.

            Islotho walked to the kitchen realizing that he had missed a day of work and that he'll have to do a lot of work early in the morning. He made a pot of coffee and decided to try and get a jump start on tomorrow’s work. He packed up a few items that would be necessary to do his work and wrote a note to Artemayy.

 

'Dear Artemayy,

            I went to work early so I could get a jump start on some work that I still need to finish. I'm not sure when I'll be home, but I'll try and be home in time to see you get off of work. Oh before I forget I made coffee, but I took about half of it with me so I could stay awake while working.

Love,

Islotho

P.S.  I'll try and find time to go looking for your brother.'

 

            Islotho leaves the note at Artemayy's place at the table along with a red rose. It's about one in the morning when Islotho gets to the shop so he can start working on his car that he's repairing so that he won't have to walk to a lot of places. As he works he hears the door open and when he turns around hoping it would be someone that he could talk to, but as luck would have it, his brother walked in.

            “So little bro, why aren’t you with my girl right now?  Is she at home alone and in bed?  I wonder should I go over and keep her company?” he asked with a smirk on his face.

            “Work, non-ya times two, and hell fucking no.  And she isn’t your girl, Rico.  As soon as I find the right moment, I’m going to pop the question, and there isn’t anything you can do about it.” Islotho answers angrily.

            “Please, you two have been going out for what, five-six years.  She’s been waiting for that question for two years.  How much longer does she have to wait?  If you don’t fucking ask her soon, I’ll fucking take her, and I’m going to have fun with her all night.  There’s a prophecy for ya, small fry.” Rico said confidently.

            Rico was literally setting up a ticking time bomb with Islotho; cause when Rico said ‘small fry,’ Islotho tossed a hand grenade at Rico’s feet.  When Rico realized the grenade, he only managed to get a few feet away before it went off.  BANG!!!  The grenade sent Rico flying out the door.

            Islotho smirked and looked at his leg.  ‘Shit.  I wasn’t far enough,’ he thought.  His leg had twelve grenade fragments embedded into it.  He sighed and began to pull the fragments out, and as he does, the wounds healed and all that was left were bruises.

 

~~Chapter 2~~

 

            Around five o’clock in the morning, Artemayy wakes up and realizes Islotho isn’t there.  She gets out of bed and goes downstairs.  When she enters the dining room, she sees a rose but the petals have already fallen off.  She reads the note and smiles.  He should have taken the whole pot of coffee cause its going to taste nasty by this time.  She walks over and dumps the rest of the coffee out, and begins to make more.

            She then goes to her office and begins to check her e-mail.  She only has one new message and that’s from her boss.

‘Artemayy, two of our assassins have gone missing.  They were last seen going into their apartment last night.  They were summoned this morning and never showed up.  It’s up to you to find them.  There pictures are sent to your cell phone.  Good luck! ~~ BOSS’

            Artemayy goes back downstairs and gets a cup of coffee.  She gets her phone and looks at the two assassin pictures her boss sent.  Okay, she went upstairs and changed clothes, all black, and changed her form.  She then goes to tell her sister to get up and get around for school and that she has to go to work early.  Miki looked at her like she was crazy.  Artemayy then winked at Miki and she understood.  At that, she was off.

            When she goes to the apartment, she sees the bed was messed up but almost everything else was in place.  When she goes to the bed, she smells chloroform, a substance whose fumes knock people out.  She tells her boss and he tells her to go and find them.  The mission that they had just finished put them in a very dangerous position and the brother of the leader of the organization that they had put behind bars was probably behind the kidnapping.

            When she goes to the base that her boss told her to go, she hears screams and crying from the passageway.  The passageway leads to the dungeons.  She gets closer to the door and hears a pitiful scream and a man yelling for someone to stop something.  When Artemayy opens the door, she sees a girl lying on the ground.  She was in bondage and was being raped by a man with long black hair.  No one had noticed that she had opened the door.  She had only opened it a little bit and peaked inside.  The girl screamed and the man pulled out only to turn her over to go in from the back.  She was crying and saying she was sorry to a man named Ray.  Artemayy looks up and sees a man chained to the wall.  He looked on the scene of the girl being raped with anger and horror.  He was trying to break out of the chains so that he could get at the man.

            Artemayy throws a dagger at the man and it hits him.  She goes into the room, gets the guy down, and then he unties the girl.  The girl gets up and throws herself into his arms.  When asked why this affected her so much, she replied that the assassin who killed her parents, raped her for forty-eight hours, only stopping when he needed a break.

            As she left the two assassins to gather themselves, Artemayy calls her boss.

            “Hello, sir.  I have found the two missing assassins.  Their fine but I think the girl needs to see a doctor,” Artemayy said.

            “Very well, and thank you.  The money has been transferred into your account.  Now if you don’t mind, can you keep an eye on them for a little bit?” said Boss.

            “Sure, but you know me, you’ll have to pay me for that.  Cause I’ll have to create a cover story with my other job and my family,” said Artemayy, not liking one bit of it.

            “I know the drill,” said Boss.

            At that, Artemayy put her phone away and walked over to the two assassins and asked, “So, what are your names?  The real ones not the spy issued ones.”

            The guy spoke first, “My name is Ray and this is my girlfriend, Airi.”

            Airi hit him and said, “You’re not suppose to tell.  Even if it’s another assassin.”

            “You know, she’s right, but that not what this is about.  The Boss wants me to keep an eye on you guys for a bit.  I needed to know your names so I could create a cover story.  Okay, this is how it is, you two are my cousins from out of town and I have to show you a good time.  Anyone asks, don’t answer.  Understood,” Artemayy ordered.

            “Yes, maim,” Ray answered.

            “And don’t call me maim, my name is Artemayy.  You will hang out at my job, then you might be helping me train my little sister.  She wants to be an assassin like me.  You can tell her the truth of why you’re with me.  You will meet a lot of crazy people, no doubt about that.  My family is weird.  Get use to it.”

            “How is your family weird?” Airi asked.

            “Simple, we’re demons.  Now, let’s go.  I’ll be late for work.”

            Ray’s jaw dropped as Artemayy changed back into her human form.  SMACK!!  Artemayy looked around and saw Ray rubbing his cheek and Airi giving him an evil look.  She shook her head.

            She then went to the door and checked to see if the coast was clear.  Is was.  She then signaled the go ahead.  When they got outside, they went on their way to the library like nothing happened.

            When we got to the library, Airi’s and Ray’s mouths dropped at the size of the library.  As expected, the lady at the front desk asked who the other two were.  For once, Artemayy took the time to explain to her that if people were with her, don’t ask.  That’s how the last person was fired.

            Artemayy then took Airi and Ray to her office and told them to stay here and to make themselves at home.  Artemayy went to the closet and got out some spare clothes and laid them on the chair.  At that, Artemayy left them alone.

 

~~Chapter 3~~

 

Meanwhile, Islotho went back to work after the "accident" in the shop. "Man that set me a little bit more behind on the plans that I’m already behind on. Oh well, at least I'm only working on my car right now, because if I was working on someone else’s car, they would be hating me right now."  He closed the door so that no one could see his secret to how he works so fast. After working on the car he sat down in his office hoping that maybe he could get some sleep or at least catch a small nap from working so long. Right when he laid his head down his cell phone rang.  He opened it and responded, "Islotho's repair shop, Islotho speaking."

“Yes I was wondering if you could help with your other profession" the voice said. Islotho froze 'no one knows about my other profession, not even Artemayy' he shook it off and lowered his voice.

"You have my attention and what do you need and how do you know about my first profession?" He had no problem with making more money on slow day but he still wondered if he should tell Artemayy about his talents. The voice on the phone laughed a little then his tone turned serious.

"I've been looking in to the backgrounds of all of the people that have worked on my car and yours stuck out like a sore thumb. Now down to the real matter of business, I need you to add more big bangs, explosive rounds, and my favorite hydrogen grenades. I know that that may sound like a lot of hard work and long hours but I'll pay you very well."

Islotho butted in, "How well are we talking because most of those are really hard to find and the hydrogen grenades are no joke so I'll need the government to leave me alone and if you are the government or any part of it I need to know."

The voice thought about it for a moment, "Well let’s just say that you'll have full protection under my company and we're a privately owned and operating company. Now for the pay you'll be receiving will be, if you complete the order on time and its all there, one million dollars in cash. Now the delivery will be at eight thirty tonight, so that gives you eight hours to make five big bangs, five hundred exploding rounds, and five hydrogen grenades. Oh and before I forget I won’t be there picking them up I’ll have my best employee pick them up.  Do not make the delivery yourself.  Have a fellow employee do that.  Delivery at the corner of Lexington and Rose.  It must be on time, or they are as good as dead.  Code is Death.  Out."

“Why?” Islotho asked.

CLICK.

 Islotho walked to his cabinet and opened it up. He's in luck he has a little over a thousand rounds of explosive rounds, about thirty big bang grenades, and ten hydrogen grenades.  “Well that was easy enough.  Now, maybe I can get some sleep around here without anymore interruptions.”  As soon as he said that the stores door opened. He quickly closed the cabinet doors and locked them. Peering out the office window, stood the kid he was mentoring. 'Shit that started today' he remembered as he opened the office door to let the kid in.

"So I hope that you're ready for a mentorship like no other because here at Islotho's repair shop we're the best this side of town. I hope you're ready for some hands on work right from the start because today we're going to be working on my car that I’ve been working on for the past six years and it still needs more work."

 He nodded with a smile, “My name is Elros, and that's who's car it is out in the shop that looks like it's been completely built from the ground up. I personally like it and I'm sure who ever you giving a ride in it will love the feel of it." The kid must have been no older then twelve, but his skills around cars could prove as an asset to him and his work.

 

~~Chapter 4~~

Ring, ring.

“Hello, Nalani speaking,” Nalani said as he picked up the phone.

A voice asked, “May I speak to Artemayy Riocu please?”

“Sorry, she’s in a meeting right now …” Nalani started.

“GET HER NOW!” the voice yelled.

“Yes, sir,” stuttered Nalani.

He walked over to Ray and said, “Go to the conference room down the hall and tell Artemayy she has an urgent phone call.”

Ray gave a thumbs up as he walked out the door.

 

Ray walked into the conference room as Artemayy said, “So what are we going to do for this year’s Valentine Ball?  We are open to suggestions, except yours Susan.”

“Why not mine?” a girl down the table asked.

“Because your idea for a ball includes only greasy, fatty foods.  It’s a dance, not an all you can eat buffet,” Artemayy said rather harshly.

Ray took this chance to interrupt, “Excuse me, Artemayy.  There’s an urgent phone call for you.”

“Thank you, Ray.  This meeting will conclude next Wednesday.  You better have ideas.”

Everyone grabs their papers and books and walked out the door.  Artemayy was the last to leave and as she left, she locked the door.

When Artemayy entered her office, Nalani said, “There’s a guy on the other end of the phone, and he’s mad.  Your coffee is on your desk.  Have a nice day, and see you tomorrow.”

Artemayy went to her desk and picked up the phone, “Artemayy speaking.”

The voice asked, “Are you alone?”

Artemayy shoed everyone out of her office and joked, “Not unless you count a cup of coffee, Zack.”

“Very funny.  Now, I have a job for you.  No killing involved.  Just a pick-up, and bring back-up,” he said.

“I work alone, you know that.  I’m not bringing back-up,” Artemayy argued.

“Fine, but the back-up is around the corner just in case you need it.  Pick up is at eight thirty tonight at the corner of Lexington and Rose.

“If you say so.  What am I picking up?  Wait, let me guess, parts for your car?” Artemayy asked.

“You know me so well.  Out!” Zack said as he hung up.

‘His usual call ending.  He really needs to get a life,’ Artemayy thought as her little sister walked in the door.

“So what am I learning first:  Montro, Fisca, or Silon?” Miki asked eagerly.

“None of those.  You’re going to learn how to be quiet and…”Artemayy started.

“WHAT? BE QUIET!” Miki yelled.

“If you let me finish, I’ll explain.  You’ll be learning to be quiet and listen to everything around you.  I’ll be appearing somewhere around you and you’ll point out where I am.  Now, put these blindfolds on,” Artemayy said as she tossed Miki the blindfold.

“Ready?”

“Go.”

Every time Artemayy reappeared in the office, Miki pointed her out.  After about an hour, Artemayy was torn from head to toe, literally.

“Okay, you’re done for the day,” Artemayy said, looking rather exhausted.

Miki took off the blindfold and looked at her sister.  She asked, “Are you okay?  You don’t look so good.”

“I’m fine.  It’s the transportation spell, don’t worry.  You’re not supposed to use it repeatedly in a short amount of time.  But good job, you pointed me out every time,” Artemayy said as she leaned on her desk.

“What else will I be learning today?” Miki asked.

“Nothing, but I do have one question for you.  Are you a human or demon?  I’ve got to know.”

“I’m human.  Why?”

“Just wondering.  Next lesson will be on Thursday, same time, same place,” Artemayy said.

There was a knock on the door and Miki opened the door.

 “Sorry, I didn’t know when to come in.  Is this a good time?” asked Nadia.  She walked in and looked at all the cuts on Artemayy’s body.

“It’s fine.  Come on in and take a seat.  I have the paperwork out and ready.  So go ahead and fill them out,” Artemayy instructed.

“Okay, is there anything else you would like me to do?” Nadia asked.

“No, just leave the paperwork on my desk and come in at ten tomorrow morning.  Ask for Nalani.”

She nodded and went to work.  Artemayy went out to find that Airi and Ray were waiting in the lobby.  They were as ready to leave as everyone else was.

 

~~Chapter 5~~

 

Meanwhile, at Islotho’s Repair Shop, Elros was welding two pieces of metal together.  Islotho wanted Elros to at least know the basics on his first day.  He did really well for a twelve year old.  Islotho thought that he would be perfect for the delivery.

Islotho then went into his office and closed all the blinds.  He unlocks his weapon cabinet and puts five big bangs, five hundred explodive rounds, and five hydrogen bombs into a briefcase with a combination lock.  He shut and locked the cabinet and the briefcase.

Islotho sat down at his desk.  He opened the file cabinet door to get a sheet of paper and he saw a small black box.  He picked it up and opened it.  He sighed.  ‘Why can’t I seem to get the courage to ask Artemayy to marry me?  Every time I find a chance, I choke,’ he thought as he looked at the three stoned diamond ring.

Elros came into the room and said, “See, I told you I could weld.  What’s that?”

“This is my girlfriend’s engagement ring, and I never said you couldn’t weld.  I just want to make sure that you know the basics.  Now, I have a job for you to do.”

He wrote something of the piece of paper and gave him both the suitcase and paper.

“Follow these instructions.  Do not sway off course.  Otherwise, you’re dead.”

Elros walked out of the repair shop, and thought, ‘Man, what a nut job.’  He opened the paper and read:

“Drop off briefcase

on Lexington and Rose.

Someone will meet you.

Do not talk unless spoken to.

Someone else will be watching you,

so don’t screw up.

Drop off at 8:30 p.m.

No later or you die.

Code:  Death”

 

~~Chapter 6~~

“So, does everyone know what they are doing?” Artemayy asked, taking a drink of coffee.

“Yep.  Ray and I are going to be right down the road, acting like a happy couple,” Airi said smiling.

“And we’ll all be in contact.  When you tell us to run, we run,” said Ray, who was upset that he couldn’t join in if there was a fight.

“And I’ll be here to tell Islotho that you had to stay at work and that dinner’s in the fridge.  Why can’t I come?  This is so lame,” argued Miki.

“You’re not ready yet.  Besides, you play a major role in this.  You make sure Islotho never finds out about Spica.  He’s already getting suspicious,” said Artemayy.

She looked at the clock.  It was only seven thirty p.m.  ‘Damn.  Time sure goes by slowly when you’re waiting to go somewhere,’ Artemayy thought.  She stood up and said, “Okay, everyone.  Let’s get into character.  Not you, Miki!”

Miki was about to change her cloths and follow, but Artemayy caught that thought.  Artemayy glared at her and Miki grabbed her books, stuck her tongue out, and went upstairs.  SLAM.

Ray stared at Artemayy when she changed her form and her cloths.  SMACK!

“Sorry, I’m use to changing anywhere in my house.  I need to get use to company being over,” Spica said, trying to cover for Ray.

 

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