District 17

Skylar ordered a bowl of the mac and cheese as well as a half chicken sandwich. It was her favorite combination. She looked up to Eva when she asked what she did in her spare time, what made her tick so to speak. She mentioned that the Skylar from the other world spent most of her time sparring with a dummy. She wasn’t far off from that, she fought men that would be better off to be a target practice dummy, they couldn’t block worth anything, and their fighting skills were lacking. Skylar took a sip of her water, “I work a lot.” She spoke after a moment, “A lot like your Skylar.” She gave a small smile, “Honestly, since I was shot….” She lowered her eyes away from Eva. “This has been the most I have seen my mother, and certainly the most I’ve seen of my father in the past year. Honestly I’ve buried myself in everything that surrounds law school. I do however spend quite a bit of time with Ayla and Ren, when I can. I hadn’t gotten to see their new home and they’ve been in it at least a month now.” Skylar fell silent. When she broke down her life, it was sad really. Her idea of fun was getting off of work at the firm and going to the club, beating the shit out of a stranger and then heading home and covering up her bruises for work the next day.

Skylar’s brows drew together slightly as Olyver continued on in her head, begging her to stop, to not go through with the fights tonight. “I like to read.” She spoke, her voice small, she took in a slow breath and shut her eyes. “You’ll have to excuse me.” She stood and rushed from the table. Skylar stumbled slightly as she found her way to the bathroom, she pushed the door opened and locked the bolt in place before she leaned heavily against the door with her back. She slid to the floor, her breaths heavy. She held her hand to her head. “Stop it.” She whispered. “Please.” She nearly whimpered.

The waitress brought the food to the table. “Here you are, sweetie.” She smiled as she set the food down. “Let me know if you need anything else.” She filled up the water glasses before she left.

Skylar leaned into the sink, she grit her teeth, sweat beaded on her brow. Blood dripped from her nose slightly. “Stop….” She winced as she fought against Olyver. “Don’t.” She gasped. She looked to her eyes in the mirror, the color around her pupil was emerald green, though the rest of her iris remained crystal blue. She brushed the blood from her nose and washed it away as she felt her muscles loosen. She stared into the mirror for a long moment before she composed herself and returned back to the table. She gave a smile to Eva as she sat down. “Sorry about that.” She spoke softly. She took a bite of her mac and cheese and grinned. “Excellent.” She hummed happily. “What do you think of it? Delicious huh?”

Skylar looked down after Eva brushed the blood away. She bit her lip slightly. She looked back up as she listened to Eva scold Skylar Olyver. She felt her muscles loosen, her chest lifted. “Oh thank you…” She breathed, the green in her eyes melted away. She leaned forward slightly for a moment. “You were a pretty good baker before, right?” She smiled, “You’ve nothing to worry about. Just um….” She smirked and gave a nod after she took a bite from her sandwich. “Tell your interviewer that you are from High Ridge. They are known for some of the best baking in this world, and believe me, you mention that.” She nodded, “Not to mention, High Ridge is behind in the technological standpoint. They refuse to move forward. I bet if we went there it would remind you of your home.” She finished up and tossed a bill down on the table. “We should get going, I don’t want you to be late.”

Skylar led Eva from the restaurant and cranked up her car. She drove then through the city with the traffic. “Eva….I….” She drew her brows together. “I don’t want you to think any less of me.” She looked to her for a moment as they sat at a red light. “There are just things I can’t talk about, and Olyver has been harassing me about it. I hope you understand.” She pulled from the light and continued down the road. “You saved my life, I am in debt to you….and I really…” She blushed slightly and let out a small chuckle. “I really like your company, Eva.” She turned onto a new street headed toward the huge bridge that was a beautiful green color. “My life is rather complicated, being the Duke’s daughter…I’ve dealt with a lot of things that any normal child wouldn’t have to and someday I will have to deal with the burden of taking over this city…” She paused as they stopped at a light. She sighed slightly before she took in a slow deep breath. “So, I live my life the way that I want to, for now. Because, when I become the duchess, it will no longer be about me, it will be about the city and its people.” She pulled into a parking space and fell silent. They were parked outside the café. She gave a gentle smile, “You’ll do great, Eva. Just don’t be nervous, okay? Just be yourself, you have a great personality. You’ll win them over with that, and that alone.”

Skylar took in a slow breath. “I’ll be here.” She gave a smile. “Take your time.” She nodded as she leaned her seat back slightly to relax, the rumble of the engine soothed her.

Skylar relaxed into her bucket seat and allowed her eyes to slip shut.

”What are you going to do without the ringmaster here to protect you? Are you scared?” The brute chuckled. It was a replay of the night she was attacked. She felt weightless as she ran, only to feel the heat of the bullet sear into her body and shatter into pieces.

The jingle of Skylar’s cellphone caused her to jolt up in her seat, her eyes shot open and she gasped. She looked around to find herself in the café parking lot. She looked to the clock in her dashboard to find that only a few minutes had passed. She pulled the phone from her pocket and stared at the unknown number on the screen for a long moment before she answered. “Greystoke.” She spoke, her voice in a daze.

“Skylar.” The voice was muffled.

“Who is this?” She asked as she sat up in her seat and adjusted the seat back. She looked to the number once again. “Hello?”

“Skylar Greystoke. My, my.” The voice hummed. It was a male voice. But who? “I’ll advise you this, Greystoke, you need to drop the case on Elias Stone.”

“And why would I do that?” She furrowed her brows, how had this crazy person gotten her number?

“Because, your life depends on it Miss Greystoke, or should I say, many, many lives depend on it.” He chuckled then. “Mr. Grieves has already agreed to drop the case against Mr. Stone. I’m sure you will follow suite.”

Skylar took in a slow breath, this man was playing a game with her. There was no way that Blake dropped the case. He had been threatened before, several times. It was the nature of the business, not to mention the criminals that they went after. Blake told her some stories when she first started prosecuting criminals, when she went after Ainsley. He warned her and told her of the things that happened to him over the years, up to and including being shot. She’d done that already…though it didn’t have anything to do with the firm. “You’re bluffing.” She spoke finally after a long moment of silence.

“If you believe that, then I suppose it is time for me to send you a lesson.” The line went blank.

“Hello?” Skylar looked to her phone. She immediately dialed Blake. “Blake!” She said, her voice in a panic.

“Sky, what’s wrong? Are you hurt?”

“Did you receive a call? From someone about the Stone case?”

“No, not at all. Why, do you have news for me?” Blake sounded pondered.

“I’ve been threatened…the man said that you dropped the case…and it sounds like he may do something. I called him on his bluff…” Skylar spoke quickly.

“Okay, okay, I’ll clue James in on this. Text me the number. We will handle it. You’re fine, Sky, they won’t touch you. You’re the Duke’s daughter, alright?” He paused, “I’ve got a client in my office now, we’ll chat later.”

Skylar lowered the phone from her ear, she texted the number to Blake before she took in a deep breath. Was it a bluff? Was it just some idiot who thought he was funny? Or was her life really in danger. She jumped as the car door opened. She looked over to Eva with wide eyes and instantly relaxed. “Oh!” She exclaimed, her heart pounding in her chest. “That’s great news, Eva.” She smiled. She took in a slow breath, trying to calm herself as she listened to Eva’s question. “Of course. Actually, it works out that you are friends with me.” She winked. “I’ve got access to all sorts of things that a normal citizen wouldn’t. Being the Duke’s daughter has its perks.” She smirked. “We can go to the archive room at the mansion. It’ll be good, you can tell my mother the good news about the job, I’m sure she will be very impressed, as well as excited.” She pulled the car out and went onto a ramp through the city that led up to the bridge. They drove across the massive bridge to the other side of town. The houses were bigger. It was higher scale, for sure.

“What if you didn’t meld because you have your body?” Skylar asked and looked to Eva as she pulled up to a huge gate that had a giant G in cursive in the middle of it. Skylar leaned over, against Eva, to grab a fob out of the glove box. “Sorry.” She blushed slightly as she brushed against her before she clicked the button and tossed the fob back in its place. Skylar pulled up the drive, forest surrounded the home, just the tip of the roof could be seen from where they were. “I mean, isn’t that possible? That you exist here, but maybe you didn’t meld because you have a body…I mean…Your Skylar…she’s told me how her soul was knocked from her body in your world and she was sucked in with you, so…I mean….she didn’t have anywhere else to go but me. Right?” She pulled up the drive, the home was in view now. A beautiful huge Victorian home. Part of the home was mason work, the other was beautiful blue siding. The home had a tower shape to part of it, as most Victorian homes did. A second story deck extended out over the driveway, offering a place for visitors to park. Skylar pulled her mini to a stop under the deck and gave a smile to Eva. “In we go.” She spoke softly.

Skylar cut the engine and stepped out. She helped Eva with the sticky door and chuckled. “I’ve really been meaning to fix this thing, I just haven’t had the time.” She grinned before she turned and stepped inside. She didn’t even make it a step in before a man dressed in a tux stepped up and pulled her coat from her shoulders, it was…Booker. He had a cleanly kept short beard in this world, his short hair was brushed in a side comb.

“It is grand to see you Lady Greystoke.” He smiled. He then looked to Eva. “Madam.” He slipped her coat from her shoulders as well. He hung the garments on the coat rack and then smiled. “It has been months, Sky.” He grinned, “I was afraid you’d never come back home.” He chuckled then.

Skylar smiled to him and shook her head. “You know that I’ll always come back, Booker.”

“Of course.” He then gave almost a shy smile. “We’ve missed you.” In this world, he was infatuated with her, he had been her friend when she lived here. Though he was a servant to her parents. Booker had trailed along with her and played with her when she was a child. As his mother worked for the Duke as well. He was a great playmate and all of that time that he spent with the young Skylar had caused him to fall in love with her. Though, the feelings were not returned, and it was hard to tell if Skylar even realized how he felt.

“Thank you Booker.” She gave a nod. “Do let father and mother know I am here, would you? We will be in the study.” She then looked to Eva and grasped her hand, pulling her away from Booker. “Come on.” She spoke softly as she led Eva away from the main foyer. She curved down several hallways before they came to a room that appeared to be a library. There was a desk with a computer upon it in the middle of the room. “I used to spend a lot of my time in here with my father, when I was younger.” She smiled as she ran her fingertips over a few of the backs of the books. “To be a child again.” She let out a soft laugh. “Not a care in the world…” She shook her head.

Skylar then gave a smile. “Let’s have a look, shall we?” She sat down at the desk and clicked in a password. “Search what you like, Eva.” She stood and offered the seat to Eva.

’What?’ Eva’s voice was full of distress. Skylar looked up from the chair she sat in, she was holding an old children’s fairytale in her hands. “What is it?” She stood as Eva began to pace. Then when Eva slumped forward Skylar wrapped her arms around her. “Hey….” She held Eva close and pulled her head into the nape of her neck, Skylar leaned her cheek against Eva’s temple. “It’s surreal…I’m sure, frightening even…I can’t imagine…when your Skylar saved me from the Reaper….I was terrified…I can only imagine what it is like to find that you’re dead…but you’re not dead…huh?” She hugged her a bit tighter. “You’re here, Eva. That person, the one of this world, is not you, and never will be. You’re here right now.” She pulled back and gently brushed a few tears from Eva’s eyes. “Got it?” She gave a gentle smile.

Mavis stepped in just as this scene played out. “Is everything alright?” He looked to the teary-eyed Eva.

“Oh!” Skylar turned, her hand rest on Eva’s side for a moment. “Yes, father…I mean…as well as it can be.” She perked up. “Eva just received some pretty brutal news about her family.” She closed out the screen on the computer. “We have to run, now, I’m sure I’ll see you soon.” She gave him a quick hug before she grabbed Eva and pulled her along. She tossed Eva’s jacket at her.

“Where are you going?” Booker asked, his eyes sad.

“Just working on my case, Booker! Gotta run!” She called over her shoulder as she pulled on her jacket and left the home. She helped Eva into the car and then they left. Skylar drove in silence for a long time, all the way out of the neighborhood, and across the bridge. “I’m sorry, Eva.” She spoke softly. She pulled into a small store and gave a gentle smile. “Just stay here a moment, I’ll be right back, okay?” She brushed a few tears from Eva’s cheek. “We’re going to make this….” She paused a moment. “Better.” She nodded. “I promise you.” She crossed her heart a bit playfully before she jumped from the car. Skylar ran inside and could be seen through the shop windows moving around within the corner store. It was a high end wine store that sold some of the finest wine and chocolates in the city. Skylar picked out a lovely dark red wine and a set of chocolates that it would couple perfectly with. She then headed up to the counter. “Just these.” She smiled.

“I.D. please…” The man paused when he looked into Skylar’s eyes. “Oh Miss Greystoke!” He exclaimed and grinned. “Free of charge for you. Thank you so much for locking up that Ainsley scumbag and his accomplices.”

Skylar smiled, she pulled a bill from her wallet. “You’re welcome, but I’m still paying.” She chuckled as she set the bill down on the counter and took her items. “Have a great day Mr. Grady.” Skylar then rushed back out to her car. She handed the brown bag over to Eva and grinned to her. “Just what the doctor ordered, hm?” She pulled out and headed home. Before long they pulled into the driveway of her home. She carried the wine and chocolates inside and set them on the counter before she pulled off her jacket and kicked off her flats. She pulled down two very nice wine glasses and then she pulled a wine bottle opener from the cabinet and popped the cork. She poured the two glasses and smiled as she pulled the wrapping from the chocolate box. “There.” She looked to Eva. “I know….this doesn’t fix it, but I hope it helps.” She gave Eva a gentle hug that lasted a moment longer than any normal hug would. She then lifted her wine glass and held it up. “To you, Eva Brewster.” She smiled and clicked glasses with Eva.

Skylar moved and stoked the fire, getting the flames going before she sat down on the couch and sighed heavily. Her phone chimed in her pocket. She pulled it out and opened the text from James. See you soon, kid. The text on her phone read. She looked to the time then and bit her lip. She was enjoying her time with Eva. Her smile fell from her expression as she set her wine glass on the coffee table. “I…um…” She took in a breath and looked to Eva. “I’ve got to go, Eva. Did you want me to take you to Ayla’s? Or will you be alright?” She lowered her eyes, “I completely spaced the….” She paused awkwardly, “Thing that I have tonight, the dinner thing with James and the firm…um…” She took in a breath and bit her lip slightly. “I’m sorry…” She stood. “I was having a good time..” She offered a sweet smile then. “When I get back we can continue this?” She asked as she walked over to her closet and grabbed a black backpack. It was the same bag that she had the night she was shot. Ayla washed her fighting gear and folded it back into the back. “Just…” She moved and wrote her number down, “If you need something, just call, okay? It’s just dinner.” She smiled sheepishly before she then left the home. The sun was almost set now, she didn’t have long to make it to the club and James would be angry with her if she was late. She couldn’t be late. Making James angry was one of her least favorite things. Hence the reason she decided to go to the fights tonight…

Skylar drove quickly through town, she stopped at a red light. “Come on.” She looked to the clock on her dash. It was nearly 630pm already. She needed to make it to the other side of town and get dressed before 7pm when the first fight bell rang. She usually made it a habit to be there around 630 to size up her opponents, she could always pick who James would put her up against. Skylar took in a deep breath, preparing herself for the fights that would come tonight. James stated that there were several new members, so she didn’t know what to expect, she wondered if some of Jasper’s friends would be there and feel anger toward her return to the club. Skylar pulled away from the light and pulled up onto the expressway. Her phone began to ring. “Greystoke.” She spoke as she picked it up to her ear. “Yeah, I’m on the way, don’t worry.” She spoke as she multitasked and shifted gears to get up to speed on the highway. She pressed the speaker button on her phone.

“…..You don’t want to keep me waiting, kid.” James spoke, the roar of a crowd could be heard behind him. “I’ve already picked your first fight, and a few others.” He chuckled. “Tonight’s going to be fun.” He then hung up.

Skylar furrowed her brows as she drove down the highway, she reached forward and turned up her radio, she pushed the next button a few times before a song that she wanted to listen to played over the radio. She bobbed her head slightly and smirked. “Don’t worry.” She spoke, Olyver was frightened. “When I was shot, that was a freak occurrence. Just wait, you’ll see.” She turned the radio up more, drowning out Olyver’s fearful speaking. She drove across the city, the sun gone, a cold set over the land, ice began to form on the roadways. Skylar drove into the same parking garage that she always did. She jumped from her car and ran the best she could in her dress clothes. She ran the 6 blocks that it was to the club. When she pushed the door open she breathed heavily.

“Holy shit!” A man stood in the doorway, a cigarette between his lips. He wore only his boxing shorts. “It’s good to see you!” He wrapped his arm around her and pulled his cigarette away to kiss her cheek. “And to see you ready to fight.” He grinned. “Better hurry.” He puffed from the stick a few times, “Clocks ticking.” He chuckled as he ran down the stairs to the sound of the commotion.

Skylar ran down the hallway and into the bathroom where she stripped off her clothing. She stared at herself in the mirror for a moment before she pulled on her black sports bra and her blue boxing shorts. She wrapped her knuckles carefully in a black wrap before she ran from the room. Skylar nearly fell as she hurried down the stairs she tossed her bag against the wall as she came into the room. The crowd was rowdy tonight. She looked around at all the new faces. “Hey there, kid.” James grabbed Skylar by her shoulders for a moment and chuckled, “Good to see you.” He then turned, “Ready?” He smirked as he pushed through the crowd. Everyone cheered as he stepped into the middle. The floor was stained with blood from previous fights. He grinned as he looked around to everyone. “Evening.” He called out as everyone quieted down. “I have a treat for you this evening boys and girls.” He stared at Skylar as he spoke. “But first, let’s get our first fight underway.” He called a few members forward, ones that Skylar didn’t know.

Skylar stood back, with her arms crossed, she shivered slightly from the cold of the basement. “Here.” The man from before held a hoodie toward her. “Stay warm until your fight, Sky.” He smiled. This was Tyler. One of the first members that Skylar had met. He was also one of the first members to fight her, to really show her what fight club was. He helped her with the hoodie and then chuckled as he watched the fight. “These new members, they don’t fight like us, Sky.” He spoke and nodded. “They’re like when you and I first joined, eager, inexperienced, they don’t know what they’re doing.”

Skylar looked to Tyler and gave a nod, “Should be simple.” She crossed her arms over her chest as she shifted her weight back and forth. The two stood in silence, as they watched several fights go by.

James stepped into the middle of the ring again, a grin on his lips. “Now, for the first treat of the night. I want you ladies and gentlemen to see a real fighter.” He stared at Tyler and called him forward. Tyler stepped into the ring and stared to the crowd. James called in one of the new members and the fight was on. Skylar watched as Tyler danced circles around the kid, landing hooks, jabs, kicks, everything. Suddenly Tyler locked a roundhouse kick to his opponents head and the man fell flat on his face, unconscious. The crowd roared with excitement as a few members pulled the man from the ring. Skylar watched as James stepped into the ring again. “I want to call forth Evan.” He waited as the man stepped into the ring. “Now, as we all know, Evan is a veteran fighter.” He grinned, a wicked grin, “Evan helped Jasper in attacking one of our other veteran members. Kid.” He called and motioned to her. Skylar took in a shaken breath. She didn’t want this attention. She stepped forward through the crowd and pulled off Tyler’s hoodie and hung it over the edge of the ring. “This is Skylar.” The crowd cheered. “Now lets see how much she really wants revenge.” He grinned to her.

Skylar stared into Evan’s eyes as she brought her wrapped hands up. She took in a slow deep breath as the crowd fell silent, waiting for James to ring the bell. When the bell sounded the crowd roared once again, Skylar took a step back as Evan dashed forward. She brought her elbow into his back which knocked him against the ropes of the ring. She turned and swiftly brought her foot into his lower back, slamming him against the ropes. She rushed forward and grasped him by his short hair, she ripped him back and wrapped her arm around his neck, choking off his air. He swung at her, trying to make contact. Skylar wrapped her legs around his waist until he finally fell to his knees. She kneed him in the back causing him to fall on his face. Skylar waited patiently as he got back to his feet. She blinked a few times. “Stop…” She groaned as Olyver panicked. This distraction caused Evan to get a hit in on Skylar. His fist collided with her jaw, and a second later his foot slammed into her chest, this knocked her back against the ropes. Skylar blinked a few times, trying to regain her focus. When she went to stand up Evan grabbed her and pinned her down to the ground. He leaned down close. “I should have made sure you were dead that night.” He whispered in her ear. “It’s never too late to finish something that you’ve started though.” He chuckled. “I hope you said your goodbyes to everyone, Skylar.” He growled into her ear. He pulled back, his hand gripped around her neck tightly. Skylar’s eyes fluttered as he slammed his fist into the side of her head.

Skylar’s eyes shot open, she took in a quick breath and wrapped her legs around him before she flipped him onto his back. She brought her fist into the side of his head. “Good luck.” She spat blood in his face. Her nose was bleeding, though he hadn’t hit her in her nose. She winced slightly before she stood and took several steps back from him, she nearly fell. “Stop…” She groaned and held her hand up to her head. As she spoke the world fell silent around her. Skylar looked around, the world stopped. Time ceased. “Wh-what….?” She looked around with wide eyes.

I’m helping you. Trust me. Olyver spoke as time sped back up.

Evan got to his feet and rushed forward. Skylar dodged out of the way, faster than she thought possible. She brought her knee into his abdomen and wrapped her arm around his neck. She slammed him down to the ground and kicked him in the side. She then climbed on top of him and began unloading hooks into his head left and right, blood splashed onto the floor, the sickening sound of his orbit shattering filled the air. James came forward and pulled her off of him after a minute of Evan not moving. He raised her hand into the air, blood dripped from her nose as she leaned forward slightly. She had a deep purple bruise on her jaw on the left side, and a dark circle that was forming beneath her eye on the right. The crowd went crazy as she stood there, her chest heaved. It felt so good. So incredible. She grinned finally and raised her other arm up. She grabbed Tyler’s hoodie as she stepped from the ring and James called in another fight. She pulled the warm clothing on and moved to the back of the room again.

A younger guy came up to her as she brushed blood from her upper lip. “That was fucking awesome!” He exclaimed. “I want to fight you.”

Skylar looked to him, she blinked a few times and then nodded her head. “Sure.” She grinned as James came up. “This guy wants a fight with me, Ringmaster.”

James chuckled as he looked to the man. “Are you sure?” He asked. “After what you just saw?”

“Yes.” The man replied.

James grinned, “Next week.” He nodded.

“No, tonight.” The man insisted.

James took in a breath and looked to Skylar. “What do you say kid? I have two more fights already lined up for you tonight.”

Skylar took in a breath, what could it hurt? She gave a nod. “I’ll fight him.” She smiled to the boy, a bloody smile. “If he wants to get his ass kicked that bad.” She chuckled.

James grinned and stepped back into the crowd. Tyler came to Skylar’s side and nodded in approval. “I’ve missed you these past few weeks, Sky. You’re so brutal.” He chuckled.

“I have to be, I’m smaller than you guys. I have to stick up for myself.” She grinned to him.

Skylar fought in her next fight, it was over in less than a minute, she gave a harsh forward kick into the young man’s face which caused him to fall limply to the floor. Though, that was what he’d asked for. He had gotten himself into it. The poor guy hadn’t even gotten in a hit on her before it was over. She grinned as the crowd cheered her name, chanting it. Skylar won the next fight as well, easily. Just one or two punches to her abdomen. Nothing major. Skylar stood in the back of the room, she drank from a bottled water as she awaited the last fight that James had her in. Skylar looked to Tyler, he had a dark bruise on his cheek from a hard hit that he had taken earlier in the night.

“Alright! Final fight!” James called from the ring. It was nearing midnight now. “Skylar Olyver.” He called. Skylar nodded to Tyler and pulled his hoodie off, she set it on top of her bag before she pushed through the crowd to the ring. James grinned to her, “Against one of our newest members, though one of my favorite.” He allowed the crowd to cheer. “We call him the tank!” He called as a large well built man stepped into the ring. He towered over Skylar. Skylar took in a breath as she bounced about and held up her hands. She stared up to him, his eyes were dark. She waited for the bell to ring and immediately stepped to the side as he kicked forward. He came at her swinging. Skylar dodged the throws and brought her fists up into his abdomen. She whimpered as he caught her in the side with a hard hook. Skylar jumped back and winced as she watched him come forward. This was going to be a fight that she had to get him on the ground and choke him into submission…

Let me help!

Skylar stumbled as Olyver intervened. Tank took this opportunity to throw Skylar into the corner of the ring. He pinned her there and boxed the side of her head several times before he brought his knee into her abdomen harshly. He stepped back and raised his hands up as Skylar fell forward to her hands and knees on the floor. The crowd roared. Skylar pushed off and tackled the large man into the other corner. She slammed him into it face first before she kicked him in the back, smacking his face into the corner again. She then waited for him to turn around before she hooked him hard in the jaw and came back with a strong uppercut. Skylar then jabbed forward several times before she took a step back and nailed his jaw with her heel. She stepped back as the giant faltered. He took a staggering step forward. Skylar quickly rushed him and hooked again before she hit him several times in the body before she caught the side of his head with a hard roundhouse kick. Tank fell to his hands and knees. Skylar kicked him in his side and pinned him to the ground where she locked in a few good hits on his face before she stood up and backed away, he had tapped the floor, tapping out. The crowd roared as James called out that she was the winner. Skylar grinned and bounced around. The adrenaline that this brought her, that is what she lived for.

Skylar exited the ring once again, getting pats on the shoulder and congratulations. No one expected her to win against the huge man. But, she was quick and she knew where and how to hit. Tyler hugged her happily and grinned. “Awesome fight, Sky.” He exclaimed.

Skylar pulled on her jogging pants and her own hoodie and beanie before she grinned to him. “I’m back.” She giggled. She hugged him for a moment before she looked to everyone that filtered out. After a few minutes it was only her, Tyler and James.

“Great rounds tonight!” James smiled as he handed her a huge roll of cash. “You earned it, kid.”

Skylar shoved the money into her bag before she pulled on her coat. “Thanks.” She smiled, blood still on her teeth. She then turned. “Walk me to my car, Ty?” She asked with a smile.

“Of course, can’t let you get jumped again.” He chuckled. Tyler was very much her big brother that she never had. He would protect her with his life. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders as they walked from the building into the cold of the night. “How are you feeling?” He asked. “That guy got some good hits in on you, Sky.”

Skylar took in a shaken breath, she would be lying if she told him she wasn’t hurt. “Yeah, he did, huh?” She let out a laugh. “It isn’t so bad.” She leaned against him, her arm around his waist as they walked. “Just some bruises, few cuts. Nothing major. I’ll be fine, Ty.”

Tyler shook his head and laughed. “And to think you’re the Dukes daughter. One wouldn’t expect you to be so strong, Skylar.” He chuckled. Before long they stood next to Rocket. He gave her a hug and grinned. “See you soon.” He then walked off into the cold night.

Skylar climbed into her mini and groaned. She started up the car and began to drive home in silence. The drive home didn’t take long it seemed this time. She was soon pulling into the driveway of her home. She stopped and sat for a moment after she cut the engine of the car. She then climbed out with a wince and stepped up to her home. The bag was slung over her shoulder. Skylar walked into her home as quietly as possible. She set down her bag next to the breakfast bar in the kitchen and stepped to the counter. She poured herself a glass of wine and winced as she reached up in the cabinet and pulled down a bottle of pain killers. She popped a few in her mouth and swallowed before she let out a slow breath. She slipped her jacket off and hung it on the coat rack before she leaned against the kitchen counter once more as she sipped the wine. She took in slow breaths as she waited for the medication to kick in. She moved in front of the fire place and sat down. Her body illuminated slightly by the flickering flames. She sat butterfly style as she allowed the flames to warm her body. She shut her eyes and smiled as she took another sip from her wine glass.

Skylar tensed and her eyes widened when Eva spoke. Her jaw went slack and then she sighed heavily. “You caught me….” Skylar looked up to Eva as she placed her hand on her thigh, her breath caught in her chest, she stared into Eva’s eyes during the entire moment. She felt the energy enter her body, it felt as though a flame kindled within her cells, as if the cells were sprinting about to repair the damage. Her cheeks blushed a deep red when Eva pushed off of her. She watched as Eva took her wine, her mind was running a million miles per hour. “T-take you?” She choked, “I mean…um…” She bit her lip. “Sure, if you want to, that sounds like it would be fun.” She smiled then, her cheeks flushed red as she looked to Eva. She took another sip of her wine. The medication that she took was beginning to kick in, her body felt warm and fuzzy all over, her muscles relaxed. She grinned happily. “The first few times are always the hardest, but, you get better, and you learn tricks. I can teach you, before we go, if you want.” She looked to Eva with her crystal eyes. She then giggled. “I told myself, a thousand times that I would do my best to keep this away from you.” She sipped her wine and sighed, “Guess I’m not too great at hiding things, am I?” She grinned.

Skylar sat up and winced slightly, as she stood and made her way to the kitchen where she dug through her bag and pulled on a black tank top. She blushed and then smiled, “Sorry about that….” She sat back down next to Eva and then let out another laugh, “I’m really not used to anyone being around, it’s….actually very nice. I really, do enjoy your company.” She finished off the glass of wine. She stood and went back to the kitchen where she poured herself another glass and poured Eva one as well. She stepped back to the couch and sat down, she offered Eva the glass and took a drink from hers once more. “You know, before…I would just come home, toss my bag down, have a glass or two of wine, and then I would collapse onto the couch and wake the next morning with the sunlight.” She smiled, “It’s habit, I guess. It slipped my mind that I ought to go to my room and change…” She shook her head.

Skylar finished off her glass in a few more drinks. She then sat in silence for a moment. “I wish you didn’t have to leave, Eva.” She spoke softly. “I really enjoy you…your company…it is very uplifting, the things I feel, I’ve never felt.” She then let out a laugh. “I’m sure you think I’m silly.” She shook her head and placed her hand on Eva’s thigh for a moment before she took in a breath and stood, “Sorry…I’m making a fool of myself…” She spoke softly before she headed to the kitchen. She rinsed her glass in the sink and set it in the drying rack before she placed her pill bottle back into the cabinet. She stood with her hands on the counter and lowered her head slightly, in thought.

Skylar listened to Eva’s footsteps as she approached her. Her hands were resting on the counter by this point when Eva’s arms wrapped around her and she hugged Skylar from behind. She stood up a bit taller and took in a quick breath, as Eva’s cheek brushed against hers. Eva’s voice sent tingles down her spine, the feeling of her warm body hugged against her caused Skylar to blush. Then Eva did something even more courageous, she grasped Skylar by her hips and spun her around. Skylar stared into Eva’s eyes as her lower back pressed against the countertop. Skylar nearly melted when Eva’s lips pressed against her cheek, the moment felt like it lasted a lifetime, but then again it felt like it was only a split second long. Skylar stood, her jaw loose, her breath caught in her chest, her cheeks were fiery red, her eyes wide. It was then that Eva announced she was going to head to bed, and like that Skylar was alone. She stood still, like a deer stuck in the high beams of a trucker’s headlights. Slowly she reached her hand up to her cheek which still buzzed happily from the touch of Eva’s lips. She blinked a few times and shook her head, she finally took a step forward from the counter. She glanced to the cracked door to the guest bedroom. “She isn’t staying…” She muttered softly to herself. “Don’t…” She shook her head and sighed softly.

Skylar turned and climbed the staircase to her bedroom where she flipped the light on to her bathroom. She stood in front of the mirror and stared at herself. She still had a pretty gnarly black eye, and the bruise on her jaw had a bit of blood on it from when her skin had broken during the fight. She lifted her tank top away and looked to her body, bruised and battered. Tank had gotten in a few good hits, as well as Evan. She sighed softly as her mind wandered off to the moments just before in the kitchen. She shook her head. “No, don’t get attached, Skylar. You know better.” She told herself.

She had a love once. It was a lovely picture perfect story of her and the other woman, they were together almost four years, however, Skylar thought that she would stay, that she wouldn’t leave. But, when she was called upon her lover left. Months passed and she didn’t hear from her, not even a simple letter. She missed her birthday, Christmas, New Years. Everything. Skylar broke down. She crumbled on the inside. It wasn’t too long after that, that she joined the fight club, she was merely an intern with James and Blake back then. Young and fresh in school. It had been nearly 6 years since her first fight. She couldn’t believe that time passed so quickly. Though, the wound still felt so fresh.

Skylar stood in the shower, hot water cascaded over her body as she leaned against the cool tile of the shower. She hummed softly, a beautiful lullaby that Amara sang to her when she was a child. She imagined the sound of the piano as her mother’s fingers clicked away at the keys. A smile curved up her lips as she leaned her head back, the water cascaded over her body. She stood in the shower for a great deal of time, the heat felt wonderful on her bruises and cuts. She eventually exited the shower and slipped on her bathrobe. Skylar slipped on her fuzzy slippers and climbed down the stairs to stoke the fire once more before heading off to bed. Skylar tossed a few logs on the fire and poked at the embers to get the flames flickering once more. She adjusted the vent on the fireplace to allow more oxygen as she stood and stared out the window. She watched as the snow cascaded down outside relentlessly. It was good that she had the day off tomorrow. These months of winter were always extremely snowy, she loved it. Every flake, every cold day. She eventually closed the dampener slightly and pushed the logs around before she turned and headed to the base of the stairs. Skylar stared to the guest bedroom door for a long moment, her foot raised up on the first stairs, her hand on the railing. She then took in a deep breath before she headed up the stairs.

Skylar slipped into her pajama bottoms and tank top before she crawled underneath the heavy blankets of her bed. She yawned and curled onto her side before she eventually slipped off into a deep sleep.

Skylar found herself laying in the snow. She stared up into the snowy sky, it was hard to breathe. She felt a searing hot pain in her side. She looked down to see her blood oozing out of the bullet wound. She grit her teeth as she pushed herself up. She turned to find herself staring into the eyes of the Reaper. “Don’t worry, Skylar Greystoke, you’re still on my list.” He growled and chuckled.

Skylar took a few steps back, she stumbled over something and fell. She scrambled to her feet as the pain left her body, she felt numb. She looked down to see her body laying in the snow. “Wh…what’s going on?” She stared to the Reaper.

“Come on.” Olyver called. “Skylar!”

Skylar turned just as Olyver grasped her hand and jerked her away from the Reaper. “What’s going on?” She cried out as she was tugged along.

“We’ve got to find Remi.” Olyver spoke, “I can’t let him take you.” She shook her head.

“Take me?” She gasped as Olyver pulled her through the spirit world.

“Reap you.” Olyver spoke as she looked over her shoulder. “Hang on!” She shoved Skylar over the edge of a cliff. Skylar screamed as she fell through the limitless expanse of black abyss. She landed with a thud on her back on the ground beneath, however, pain did not follow. Olyver landed next to her and grasped her hand again. “Come on!” She pulled on her and tugged her through the blackness. The world around them flickered, changing, it was snowing, then it was summer, next it was pouring rain. Olyver skidded to a stop in front of an old home. She pushed the doorway open. “Remi!” She called.

“Ahhh Skylar Olyver, I see you’re having a bit of trouble?” He smirked. The other Reaper came rushing forward from behind them. Remi tossed his dagger in the other Reaper’s direction, causing him to burst into ashes. “That is the last time I protect her for you. Next time, it’s your turn, Skylar Olyver. What will it be? Will you allow him to reap her? Or will you default to other sources?” He chuckled before he gripped onto Greystoke, he lifted her into the air with his chilling hands.

Skylar tried to scream, her chest felt frozen. She gasped for air as Remi held her up. Olyver tried to fight back, to save her. Remi smirked before he tossed her over yet another edge.

Skylar furrowed her brows in her sleep, she winced and gripped her fists tight. Suddenly she gasped for air and sat up. Skylar panted as she looked around her room. The wind howled outside as the snow accumulated. Skylar looked to the time, 3am. She hadn’t been asleep long. She sighed as she lay back and hugged a pillow to her body as she curled onto her side once more. Soon, she drifted off to sleep, this time, she wasn’t haunted by the Reaper. Skylar remained asleep, her bruises on her face lightened from the magic that Eva used as she rested. Soon the morning hours came with the grey of the winter storm outside. Skylar however still remained curled on her side, her body hugged the pillow close as she burrowed into the blanket for warmth.

Skylar’s brows furrowed slightly in her sleep. She shivered and her eyes opened slowly as she pulled the blankets closer to her body. She took in a deep breath as the smell of freshly brewed coffee entered her nostrils, she smiled. She could barely remember the last time that she had woke to the smell of coffee that was brewed by someone else in her home. It had been quite some time. She slowly sat up from her bed, her body shivered once again. Usually she woke up in the night and stoked the fire, but her body was so exhausted last night she had barely moved. What was that dream that she had? Was the reaper really after her? What if Olyver couldn’t save her?

Skylar rubbed her arms as she slipped on her fuzzy black slippers and pulled on her warm hoodie. She made the way down the stairs and smiled as she felt the warmth from the fire as she crept down the stairs. She could also smell, toast? Her smile grew as she looked to Eva on the couch as she came to the bottom of the stairs. “Good morning.” She spoke as she moved into the kitchen and put together her own cup of coffee. “I hope you slept well.” She pulled a skillet from a cabinet and placed it on the stove. She then began mixing things together, she pulled a carton of eggs from the refrigerator and cracked them into a mixing bowl as she chopped up other things and tossed them into the skillet.

Skylar took a sip from her coffee and let out a soft sigh, she felt great, especially for the morning after a club night. She had a bit of bruising still on her jaw, but her black eye had disappeared, if she were to lift up her shirt her ribs had a few bruises left from the hard blows, but other than that she was basically as good as new. Skylar flipped a few things around within the skillet before she pulled two plates out of the cabinet. She smiled as she flipped perfect omelets onto the two plates and then poured a bit of salsa on top of each one. She came over to Eva’s side and handed her the plate before she sat down next to Eva. She let out a happy sigh as she relaxed into the couch. “Nice snowy day, huh?” She chuckled and took a bite of her omelet. “Does it snow much in your world? It sounds so different where you’re from…” She looked to Eva and then smiled once again. “Like an adventure to me.” She laughed, “Though, I’m sure it’s far from an adventure.” She took another bite. “Just like with anywhere, the problems always exist.” Skylar furrowed her brows as she heard her phone ringing from her bedroom. “I’ll be right back.” She set her plate down and took off in a sprint up the stairs. She nearly tripped as she came to her room and grasped the phone. She looked to the screen a moment before she answered the call. “Greystoke.” She spoke. She took in a few quick breaths and sat down on the edge of her bed.

“Who is this?” She asked the phone before she paused, listening to the distorted voice. It was the same number from before, again he was threatening for her to drop the case. “Look, I understand what you’re doing, if he is innocent he will be proven so in court. I do not build strong cases unless the individual deserves it.” She paused again as the voice spoke to her through the phone. “I spoke with Blake, he hasn’t heard a thing from you, now I would appreciate it if you would stop calling. Good day, sir.” She then hung up the phone.

Skylar slipped her phone into the pocket of her hoodie and headed back downstairs. She sat down and took another bite from her omelet. She then smiled to Eva. “You know….” She looked to Eva and gave a smile, she stared into Eva’s eyes a moment, thinking. She looked down to her food, her cheeks were a bit rosy. “I um…I meant what I said…” She looked to Eva again, her cheeks flushed red. “Last night, I um…I really enjoy spending time with you Eva…and um…” She was clearly nervous. She bit her lip and looked away, fumbling with her empty plate. She took Eva’s carefully and went to the kitchen where she put the dishes into the dishwasher. “There’s this really nice place that I would like to take you to dinner…” Skylar bit her lip again, she paused and swallowed, “Um…I mean if you want to come.” She gave a nervous smile to Eva as she came back into the living room. She went to the fire and poked it a few times, it didn’t need it, but she needed something to do. She picked up her coffee and sat down. “We don’t have to by any means…but, I’d really love to take you to a nice dinner…especially before you go…because I don’t know what that could be…and I really want to do something nice for you, Eva.” She rambled slightly and blushed, she looked away and took a drink from her coffee before she left to the kitchen again where she rinsed out her coffee mug and set it in the drying rack.