Chapter 3: Tomb Raider?

Chapter 3
Tomb Raider?

     The Halls of the Lost Army was cool I guess, I'm not really into art THAT much. At least not into art that I can't steal. The interesting part was a tile on the floor. It had footprints in it. I stepped on them, just because I could. When I did, the thing lit up and a staircase right next to me dropped from the floor. That shocked me.

     Well, I have never been much of an explorer, but this intrigued me. Maybe I could find something worth my trip here.

 

     You can bet, when the first thing I see down there is a pile of money - that I'll be happy to continue. I wonder how many things there are down here.

     Continuing the exploration I found myself trying to solve puzzles. There was a tile on the floor in here, like upstairs, that unlocked the door here - but every time I stepped off of it, it relocked it. I pulled a statue on top of it, and that worked.

     So any stone that has a gear type shape on it, I have to put something heavy on. The only things heavy down here are statues. They work so I'm not complaining too much, but if I'd have known it would be so much work ... maybe I wouldn't have come down.

     Any tiles with footprints on them are easy, just step on them for a moment. I did find one tile that was covered in crap. Luckily I found a pick axe nearby. I used that to clear the debris.

     When I ran into some kind of barrier that was shooting electric bolts out of the floor, I nearly turned around. I could see through the statues though, and what I saw made me push forward. A chest, there had to be something good in it.

     I found out that if I pushed as statue on top of the holes in the floor, they broke or something and quit shooting lightning! Awesome.

 

     There was something nice in that chest, even though I had to move more statues to get to it. Actually there was more than one chest back there. Oh, I was happy with the treasures, there were artifacts and gems, not to mention piles of coins! Maybe I will quit my day (rather night) job and become a tomb raider. Nah, I couldn't give up what I love most about my life. Though I wouldn't mind taking this up as a hobby.

     I even found myself sticking my arm into holes in the wall. That's just crazy, think of all the things that could be in there! Oh well, I haven't run in to anything odd yet, I even found some good gems in there.

     A well. What in the world is a well doing down here? It's odd enough for me to check out.

 

     Nothing down there but a tunnel. That leads to another room. A room with another 'treasure chest', now that's cool. Some coins and... what is this a star shaped stone slab? Hmm.

     Go back through the tunnel, nothing else in here. Ah, I see what the star shaped stone is for, it fits into this wall slot. That unlocks the door. Well that's a lot easier than pulling huge statues all over the place.

     Through that door I find myself in a room with nothing but a wall, and a foot plate. Step on it and the wall opens! I wasn't really expecting that, but hey whatever. Past the secret door I'm back at where I started. Well that was fun, and enlightening. I didn't know places like this actually existed. I thought they were just in moves, stages. Cool. 

     Nothing else to do, going for a walk around the Forbidden City. Hunger, can't really ignore that. How long has it been since I've eaten anyway? A while. Luckily the locals here have Tri-Tip Steak. My fave, oh so good. Even better than the townhome woman's.

     I kind of like these chairs... really. I don't have any chairs at home.

     Rough night, got up and started to leave to grab a quick shower when I noticed the woman that I share half of this room with was lying on top of the bed in her underwear. Distracting. Very - but I left. Was she trying to get my attention? I get that a lot.

      Quick cereal breakfast. It's actually been a while since I enjoyed a real breakfast food. Normally I skip right to brunch or lunch. Last night I saw the bulletin board outside, it has posting on it. 'Job' offers from people who are too lazy to do their own crap. Hey, if I get paid for it - and not to mention the loot I get on my own - why not? I never thought of myself as a 'do-gooder', then again I'm not really doing it for them anyway. I'm doing it for what I get in the end.

     Found something for exploring the 'Dragon's Maw'. Sounds intriguing.



Thank you for the gift!! I love it.

Decorations and furniture - that's my thing. I love this, its so cute and it will be placed in the Fuller home (and many others) as soon as I can manage!

I just wanted to post this to show my appreciation. Thanks again!

Chapter 2: Perfecting the Art

Chapter 2
Perfecting the Art

 

     Working as late into the night as I do, normally I don't wake up until after noon, about 1 most days. That means I get lunch for my breakfast. Mac-n-cheese is not my favorite, but I'll settle for it. Besides its really one of the only things I know how to cook. Too bad I burnt it today, maybe it's the stove.

     Since I've moved here, I feel the need to steal. Everyday. It's unavoidable. If I go a day without, I can't seem to sleep, and overall just feel horrible. So that being said, I think it's time to meet another neighbor or two. I spotted a big house on my way to work that looked like a good one. Actually it seems that two families live there, maybe it's a townhome.

     I stood outside and introduced myself to the owner. I was thankful it was a female, I have a way with girls. She invited me in before too long and offered to cook me dinner. I accepted, and while she was cooking I took a small tour of her home. A really nice place, filled with things. I'll have to come back here. That means this time I'll take something small. Less noticeable.

     I found myself actually having to use the restroom, not just pretending to have to. When I did, I noticed some wall Sconces. They were pretty cool, and I didn't have any lights in my kitchen just yet. Perfect. I took two. And also, what's cool about these, is I can hide them in my loose fitting sweater.

     Okay, time to go. Wait, she's cooking. Then I'll make it an eat and run date. I have to work tonight.

     Dinner was great actually. She made my favorite dish, not that she knew it. Tri-Tip Steak, yum. I'll definately have to come back here, even if it's just for dinner. Hey I'm not above 'stealing' a little food either!

     Late night, or maybe I should say late morning. The boss asked me to stay a while after work, and help our 'team' on a special mission. I didn't get home until about 5AM. Sleep till 2, get up. Do a little workout to keep up my strength and endurance.

     My shower really sucks. It's the cheapest one they had, but all I could afford. It's almost always cold, like the hot water pipe is busted. I'm not even close to a mechanic though, and wouldn't know how to fix it. I guess I'll just have to save up some money to get a better one.

     The money I do have saved up for now is going into my Shang Simla trip, I only need about §23 more to get it. I can accomplish that this evening, maybe I'll leave tonight.

     Spending the day at the pool is always a good way to relax. Even a hot shot, busy body like myself needs some time off. Although, it does seem like every time I get some chill time in, I always get that itch. Not that I don't on a regular basis, but when I just loaf all day it seems to be worse than when I work or something.

     When the sun started to set, I left the pool. As I walked out, I noticed an unoccupied car. Oh yeah. That got me thinking. Unfortunately there were way to many people around for me to be able to pull vehicle theft off here.

     Jogging helps me think, I have to plan. I'll jog home, or in that direction until I work something out.

     I did just that, came up with a plan. Actually a couple, because I passed an seemingly 'abandoned' car, a nice one. That would be a good target. It was right behind the bookstore, unfortunately there were a couple of guys hanging around in front of the store.

     I stood for a few minutes waiting. Hoping those men were just leaving. They didn't. I then noticed that the older of the two kept glancing at me, watching me. Did he suspect?

     Okay, so one way to do this and erase suspicion is to introduce myself. Walk up and shake his hand, no big deal right?

    

     His name was Cycl0n3. I think that's the first time I've remembered someones name. Normally when I'm 'in the zone' I don't care about names or people. Just getting my need fulfilled. Anyway, I'm assuming I remembered it because it is an odd name for a person.

     He said he was waiting for his wife to get off work. Damn. I'll have to leave. Okay on to plan B. Back to visit my townhome friends. I'll stop by home though and change clothes first.

 

     As I hoped, she remembered me and didn't hesitate to invite me inside. She offered dinner again, but I declined. We talked for a little bit, then she excused herself to the 'powder room'. Why do women call it that? Oh well, now is a good time.

     I needed something big, this was a great need tonight. Something small wasn't going to cut it. A bedroom! Those always have great things to take. This one was pretty empty though. Two mirrors, a bed, a silly kids painting and ... oh good. A dresser. That's perfect. I don't have one yet. There's a pretty good sized window here, I can get it out.

     Also, I remembered that §23 I needed to get my plane ticket. A lamp will do just fine, I can sell it as soon as I leave. Got it. Right out the window with the dresser. It'll be a tight squeeze getting this stuff in that small car, I really need something bigger. I'll have to scope around town for a truck or something.

Okay leaving, I have to get to the park before it's way to late and all my 'buyers' leave.

     I didn't know lamps were so in demand. If I had, maybe I would have taken two of them. I brought my goods to the park to sell, keeping the dresser, just selling the lamp. Anyway, there were 5 offers, I took the highest bidder at §38. That puts me over the top for my plane ticket.

     It couldn't get much better, if that woman living in the townhome did have any suspicions about me - by the time she came looking, I would be long gone. I called the airport, they have a flight going out tonight and a few seats open. I took one.

 

     So here I am in China, ready to hand over that package. I arrived in mid morning, pretty good flight. I found the guys house alright and introduced myself. Glancing around to make sure no one was watching I pushed the package into his hands. He smiled. I half hoped he would open it here, so I could see what it was. He didn't. Who would really?

     I called the airport to leave, but there wouldn't be a flight open for another 3 days. TWO DAYS?! Oh shit, okay well time off work is fine, but I wasn't sure about my thieving need.

     Since I have two days to waste here, I might as well try and stay busy. I think I'll visit the Halls of the Lost Army. They say it's awesome.

The Life and Lies of Luca

Luca Benedetto: Gemini

Traits include - Workaholic, Kleptomaniac, Athletic, Lucky and Ambitious.

He likes Tri-tip Steak, Electronica Music and the Color black.



Chapter 1
Settling in 'nicely'

 

     Hey, I'm Luca Benedetto. I just moved here to Sunset Valley to disturb some peace. Yes that's what I said - disturb the peace. I'm not here to make friends, nor play nice. I only moved away from Cagno because it was mostly cleaned out, that and the Mafia found out about me and went on the hunt. I guess my type of business can't go down without their knowledge - they disapprove of thieves and such as myself doing what we do in their territory.

     The house I got myself was probably the crappiest and smallest in the neighborhood, but I don't care. Also, it's pretty empty in there. Basically all I have is a bed, fridge, stove and bathroom necessities. I don't even have a television or anything to sit on.

     The trip from Cagno was a long one, and I am already itching. I have a need to fulfill. I wondered if I could pull it off tonight. I had arrived pretty early morning - applied for and gotten a job in the Criminal career. Back at home I was already at the top of this ladder, but I guess I will have to start over. It probably won't take long for me, I'm an expert thief.

     The street I live on is full of huge, rich looking houses. The one I moved into is small but it has a perfect view. Speaking of the houses on my street, I think I'll pay a little visit to my neighbor this evening. First I'll settle at home with some pizza, I have enough money for that.

 

     Two doors down looks good. Nice, big  -  expensive house.
    
     "Hey, I'm Luca, I just moved to Sunset Valley." I said as I shook his hand. He spoke too, but honestly I didn't hear him. My mind was elsewhere, already planning. He invited me in. Good.

     "You know, um, I really need to use your restroom. Can you show me where it is?" He pointed it out to me and said something about food. I still wasn't listening, I was still itching. I found the bathroom okay though.

     Luckily, in his bathroom there was a window. That helps. I rubbed my hands together warming them - getting them ready. My whole body warmed in anticipation. Satisfying a need like this feels amazing. Glancing around the room I decided that he had one too many mirrors. He would be fine if one went missing. As silently as I could, I removed it from the wall and tossed it out the window. I'll retrieve it when I leave.

     I flushed the toilet as I walked out, just covering all bases.

     I didn't just run out an leave the guy, that would have been suspicious. Like I said, I'm an expert. I stayed and chatted with him for an hour or so but refused his appetizing salad. I wasn't big on salad, the only reason you'll see me eat them is if I'm out of all other options. Anyway, even though I'm not completely satisfied, I'm wearing out my welcome. Time to go.

 

    

    

     Walking out of his house I felt the need rise again. Maybe it was because it was too inviting to just take something else. I had to pick up my new mirror, but I didn't want to carry it all the way home. It may only be a couple of houses, but still. A car. That would work nicely. I don't have a car yet. Cars weren't my specialty but I know how to do it. Sounds good.

    

     Oddly, it was unlocked. Not that I'm complaining, that makes it easier for me. Okay, climb in the driver seat, get under the dash, strip the green and blue wires, snip each and touch them together. Engine starts, no big deal. Can't take the car home right away of course, but I did pass a body shop on the way into Sunset Valley. It's not that late, so I'll take it there.

     All done, the car will be delivered to my home in a few nights. New color, new rims. Unrecognizable. Drop it off and run home.

 

     Morning, I feel good. Last night went perfect. Now, I have a mirror and a car. Just a small step closer to my lifetime goal. That's the thing about a dream, it has to be just out of reach, that way you strive for it.

     Shower, no shaving, I like the scruffy look. I cooked breakfast, waffles, I burnt the shit out of them but that's okay. I've never been that good in a kitchen. Okay time for work, the carpool is honking outside.

 

     My phone rings. Damnit, I hope the carpool waits. "Hello, what is it?" It's my boss. Oops, a little snippy. I listen as an odd request comes across the line. "Yea sure I guess. I mean I just started here a few days ago, you want me to leave already?" He talks some more. "Thanks sir, I appreciate that." He sees my potential, and he wants to help me move up the Criminal ladder quicker. "Okay sir, I'll be in in 20 minutes."

     He wants me to go to Shang Simla, China. Wow. That's quite a trip. It's to deliver a package, my boss doesn't quite trust me enough to let me know what it is, but I can pick it up at work today and get to Shang Simla as soon as I can. I'll probably leave in a couple of days. I need a paycheck or two to be able to afford the ticket.

     I got a call at work to let me know my car was delivered. Can't wait to drive it.