I kept my breathing steady and snapped my leg up. The bag shook violently then I gave a quick switch of my feet and counteracted with a left kick before leaning in and finishing with a punch. I stopped and wiped the sweat off of my forehead while turning to look outside. The sun was setting. I wouldn't have much time to finish getting ready if I wanted to carry out tonights plan. So I turned and walked to the locker room. There I showered and stripped all the sweat from my hair and skin. Then I stepped out and dressed in all black.
As I stepped out the door I threw my hair up and made my way down the streets. By the time I made it to the museum the night had set. Out of my duffle back I pulled out the jacket of my uniform before hiding it among the bushes. Then I casually slipped it over my clothes and made my way inside.
I acted as I would normally but as soon as I was alone my attitude shifted. I had one goal today and that goal was going against my job. But I had to do it.
I turned down the hall with my steps quite. Once I knew no one would see me I stripped my jacket so I could blend into the dark easier. The painting wasn't too far from here.
Just as I turned the corner to enter the room the painting was in the alarm rang in my ears. I winced but pushed myself forward. Then I stumbled across two men. They both froze, their eyes latching onto mind.
" What are you doing!" I growled.
" Damit! I thought no one was working!" The brunette huffed.
" Lets get out of here!"
" Hey get back here!" I shouted as I ran after them. They thought that they could get past me? They had another thing coming.
Both were quick and light on their feet but I pushed to take longer strides. With one last leap I tackled the one closest to me. With a grunt we both collided to the floor, the painting skidded across the hall from the impact. Instantly he was on me.
He rolled me to where I was on the bottom when I used his momentum and kicked him off and into the wall. We both staggered when he came at me. He slammed me into the wall in a way that seemed too gentle to do any real damage.
" Riki lets go!"
I broke his hands free of my shoulders and threw a punch. He quickly dodged and kicked me in the chest.
" I'm a little tied up at the moment!"
I staggered back with my chest throbbing.
" Ah shit, are you ok?" He rushed as he walked up to me and held his hand out.
" Are you insane?" I asked as I twisted his feet out from underneath him. " You're stealing not to mention fighting me and yet you ask if I'm ok?"
He gave a groan as he sat up. Both he and I stayed in place as we regenerated from the pain of each other's hits. Then foot steps echoed down the hall. I snapped my head around and raced to my feet. Soon all of us were running down the hall. If I were to get caught dressed like this next to them then I'd get associated.
" It's the Black Foxes! Get them!"
We all charged for the back door and jumped for the wall. The two of them made it over with no problem but as for me, no matter how hard I tried it seemed the edge was just out of my reach.
The flashlights flashed around the corner and I tried again. But to my disappointment the only thing I gained was cuts on my palms. Then a gloved hand reached out to me.
" Hurry up, we don't have much time." Riki rushed in a whisper.
I looked at him in question but the shouting of the guards rushed me to lock hands with his. Giving it my all I helped him heave me up and onto the edge of the wall.
" Nice ring."
I looked down at my hand being held in his, my ring shining in the moonlight. I defensively pull my hand away. The voice grew louder and he snatched my hand again, pulling me along behind him.
I didn't even have a chance to refuse before he swept me off my feet and jumped to the other side of the wall.
" Put me down! I'm more than capable than handling myself." I growled. He let me down and covered my mouth. I flared with a frustrating blush and went to yank his hand away.
" Maybe we will meet another time, under different circumstances."
And with that he and his friend turned and disappeared, taking the painting with them.
I turned up my music as loud as it could go. I gently sang along to it as I towel dried my hair, walking into my bedroom. I began to close my drapes when I caught their reflection in the window. I went to move when I was a second too late. His arms wrapped around me and his hand covered my mouth.
" Don't yell, I'm not gonna hurt you."
I bucked and slammed my head back into his nose. The man growled and backed off, holding his nose.
" Wow she sure is vicious." A blonde spoke. I snapped around and readied myself for a fight. There were so many of them, there was no way I could take them all.
" What are you doing here?" I asked.
" We are after this." the redhead spoke as he snatched my ring from my finger. I went to step forward when a figure stepped between us. I huffed and looked up at him.
" I'll propose a trade." Riki spoke with a smirk.
" What type of trade?"
" You want your ring? Then come with us, quietly."
" Want it? You're the one who stole it from me!"
A gun barrel pressed into my back and I stiffened. A mouth came close to my ear with a gentle voice.
" Don't worry we won't do anything reckless."
" I could easily knock that out of your hand." I whispered back.
" Quick enough before I pull the trigger?"
I bit my tongue. It was likely that the gun was empty but I didn't want to take the chance. So I surrendered and followed in their steps. And that, that is how it all started.
