Chapter 6: Getting Burned

     I got the tickets pretty quickly. All I did was sell something that I had acquired in China. My boss was happy to hear I was leaving as soon as I was. Guess he really wants to get rid of this package.

 

 



     In Egypt. It was a quick flight, quicker than I thought it would be. Maybe because I dozed off. I didn't waste any time.
     As I walked to the address I was given, I realized how hot it was. Mental note: never move to Egypt - way too much sun.

      The lady that took the package talked to me for a bit. In passing she mentioned someone having problems with their basement. Apparently they inherited the house, and the basement was loaded with traps. They wanted someone to disarm it for them.

     Of course I volunteered to help right? Not much time to spend here, but might as well keep myself busy.

     Entered the basement, and instantly my body temperature rose by 4 degrees or more. Judging by the heat and the flames emitting from the floor - these were all going to be fire traps. Could've warned me

     Doing pretty well. Sticking my arm in dark places, dangerous but thrilling. Finding switches to deactivate the nearest trap. 

      Found a hidden trap. Sure did, and burnt my ass too. Lucky a well was nearby. I dunked my hot butt right down in that water and extinguished those flames.

     After that I decided to search the floor for before I triggered any more.  

     Piles of rubble don't stand in my way either - clear them out! Under this one is another hole, probably hiding the switch for another trap. 'Dive right in Luca, everything will be fine' Yeah. I hate bugs. Really. I stuck my hand in there expecting the same thing as before - nothing but a switch. Imagine my shock and disgust when I feel millions of little legs crawling on me!

     Not lying, I squealed like a little girl. After that I couldn't shake that fear factor.

     Started making my way toward the exit, I didn't want to be in here anymore. Ugh, more traps. These things are everywhere! Know what else? There's nothing to show for all this hell I'm going through. Time to leave, it's not worth it.

     Unfortunately I attempted to cross the final trap and failed. Miserably. Caught on fire again I dropped to the floor and rolled around until I no longer felt the licking heat on my back. My clothes were burnt off, there was barely anything left. Had to leave in my boxers. Didn't walk either, I was so ready to get out of there that I ran.

     When I got out, I realized it was dark. I didn't have any idea that I had been down there that long! My flights at noon tomorrow.

     I slept in, way in. Which is okay. I didn't have any other plans. Wasn't going back to that basement. No way.

     When I did rise, I went to town - if you can call it 'town'. Market, maybe that's a better term.

     Spending the last few hours of my visit to Egypt charming snakes didn't seem like a horrid idea. Basket at the market was available.
     Nothing happened though. Blew on that horn thingy for all I was worth. Even checked the basket. I think they jipped me, there was no snake!

     The flight home was boring, but quick. They served dinner on the plane, some kind of really dry roasted chicken and rice. Very nasty. I hope I don't travel again any time soon.

     My boss was very thankful. I reported to him as soon as I got back. At least the pay from him kind of paid for all the shit I went through. It was a good size paycheck.

Chapter 5: Home again

     Back home. It feels kind of weird to consider Sunset Valley my home already. I unpacked all my things pretty quickly when I got home. Both the legally acquired things and the not quite so legal things.

     My house is starting to fill up. At least I have a chair now. I know these gems that I looted from those chests could fetch a good price, but I just can't bring myself to sell them. They look good on my brand new dresser.

     My boss called. Geesh I just get back and he's calling me already? Told him everything was fine, the package was delivered safely. He was happy about that. Actually I got a promotion out of the deal, so that's cool.

     That flight was long, I'm starving.

      Opened my fridge only to realize I have no food. Nothing worth while anyway. Guess I'll make a trip to the grocery store.

     Got everything I needed, got it all home, but didn't even cook anything. I just ate a few apples. It was after that when I figured out it wasn't food hunger that I was experiencing.

     On the way home I passed a huge house. Outdoor carport. Nice truck, very nice. I had to stop by. Be neighborly.

     He let me inside, we talked for a little bit. Just wanted to introduce myself. After I excused myself I watched him through the windows for an hour. He went to bed.

     Stealing that truck was amazing. I dropped it off at the body shop before crashing in bed. After a thrill like that, I slept like a baby. It was great.

     When I woke I remembered that I had the day off. I'm not good with off days. I can't stand to be still.

     I read a book after breakfast. That was boring, I guess that's just not my thing. Then I remembered my training dummy for Martial Arts. I'd have to say that's a lot more exhilarating than reading.

     After lunch I cleaned up the dishes. It was then that my stolen sink decided to spray water everywhere. That annoyed me. I can't say that I am a very good plumber, very much lacking in this department, but I fixed it. I think.

     Even though I had a great workout with the training dummy, I didn't feel fulfilled. After sunset I decided to go for a jog.

     I passed a small park with a chessboard. Nice chessboard. Matching chairs too. I just had to have that. It would go nice in my study. Whenever I build one.

     I wasn't too far from home so I took it. Good thing that there's a storage area for the pieces under the board. It was awkward to carry, but I managed. I went back too. Got the two matching chairs. Nice. I rock.

     When I brought the chairs back home I spotted my new truck out back. Awesome. I like that body shop, they're quick.

     Just as I was getting ready to settle in for the night my boss called me again. What the hell? He bugs me a lot. Must really like me. Okay paying attention now, he mentioned Egypt. What am I the go to guy for going across the sea? It's another package to deliver.

     "Okay yeah sure, sounds fun. Give me a few days to get the dough for tickets." I responded. "I'll pick it up tomorrow at work."

Chapter 4: Red Handed

Chapter 4
Red Handed

     Great day for a jog. Perfect setting too. Took the 'Dragon Maw' offer, figured I'd jog there. Good distance away, some obstacles. Like this huge mountain it's on.

 



     Jogging loosens me up. Having some urges again, that itch is back. Jogging helps me focus, get it out of my head when it's unavailable.

     Look at a that. This place must be huge. Nice display - kind of ominous. Glad I'm not a coward.

     Big room. There is a door at the back there, but if I have learned anything about exploring, and finding the good stuff - it's not to take the obvious way. Looking around a little bit I notice a section of the wall looks different. Following up with that finds me a secret door. My instincts were right, I knew I was good.

     Fabulous to find piles of money behind these doors. Oh, look... I guess those are supposed to be sarcophaguses? Kickin'.

 

     SHIT! Something pulled me in there! I dont' know what it was. It tossed me around a bit, then kicked me out. That's not cool. I didn't even get anything out of it. Just a headache.

     Standing there dazed I thought maybe it wasn't a good idea to go poking around in someones burial box. Whatever, I know I'm going to do it again. I can't resist the temptation, nor the possible treasure.

     Maybe I should have just taken the obvious door.

     The woman who offered this said to just search this place until I found what I was looking for.

     Stepping through that door sent me into some kind of trance. I saw a vision. A vision of someone taking something. Was it me? That is probably what the woman wants me to find - or see anyway. I'll have to tell her.

     Hmm, what else is in here?

 

     A pedestal with a pile of coins in the corner captures my attention. Got 'em. Nice. Actually leaving, I noticed a panel behind a bench. Not hidden enough for the likes of me.

     Stepping on that pops out two holes in the wall. You know I'll look in there.

     Found some gems and more coins in them. Awesome. I wonder how much these things go for? Time to go.

     I told the woman who posted that note what happened in my 'vision'. She was pleased someone finally did it. Now she knew what to look out for. I didn't know what she was talking about, nor did I really care. My mind was starting to drift, and I was feeling anxious. I think I've put it off for too long.

     Those chairs were nice. Yes they were. 

     Won't be that hard. This place isn't that busy anymore, it's into evening. Everyone is going home. I have two arms. Maybe two chairs. Take them and run. Hide them and go back later. Yep, I'm so good at this.

     Again, by the time anyone is looking for me, I'll be long gone. My flight is tonight.

 

     I came back for more. Yeah, that wasn't enough. I had put off my urge for so long it seemed I needed more to satisfy it. I should know better. Never push your luck.

     A guy passing by. Maybe a sly back flex will look natural? Seems to work. Take another glance around, no one else there. Snatch up an artifact.

     Oops.

 

     Someone caught me. He came out of his store to yell at me. I gave him some excuse like 'only moving it, and looking.' Don't think he bought it. Oh wait, maybe if I bought something from him?

     That worked. It cost me more than I would have hoped, but to get him off my back - it's worth it. So I go now with a training dummy, and a book on martial arts. Also a chest, kind of like those treasure chests I've been raiding.

     Then he said "Go before I change my mind." Blow the guy off, whatever man. He won't call the law.

     Went to where I hid my chairs, gotta get them packed along with everything else. Stashed in a tower, turned to go and paused at the view. I'm not a big 'sentimental' guy, but this place is rather nice.

     Flights in a couple hours, actually I am glad I'm flying out tonight.