The Grounds Keeper

Chapter 12 Theo Vasillios Vs Eathon Lorenzo

Arthur stumbled as he rose to his feet, sweat poured off of his face and his stomach churned, his arms felt like lead, especially his shoulders, his muscles felt like they were on fire and every step was a conscious effort. Theo hadn't even sat once and with the exception to the slight sheen of sweat on his body he didn't seem at all the worse for ware, in fact he hopped about energetically with that infuriating grin on his face.

Vivian had cried when she saw him try to stand after the 14th round. Arthurs vision blurred but he continued forward, even raising his arms felt like a chore, he knew he had nothing left in him to give, but he had one last plan even though he knew it would most likely mean his death "does dancing around an unskilled fighter make you feel any better about your life you chump, make you feel like you didn't waste your skill and carrier to be someones guard dog?"

Theo's grin faded and he stopped his shuffle to stand dead still glaring at Arthur with predatory ferocity. "Surprised I know about that? I'm a journalist, I make it a point to research, some carrier you had, the number one light heavyweight contender in the world, an up and coming star who fought with genuine passion, your father must have been proud" Theo's scowl had deepened, and he was beginning to shake

"He taught you well, to have left your dyeing mother on her last day to fight for the world title. Do you think she watched it? I don't think she had the strength to be honest." "Shut up you scribbling fuck!" but Arthur pressed on with his accusatory tone "She loved you more than anyone and you decided to leave her side when she needed you most, all to seek the validation that you craved like a mad pig lusting after a truffle from your father who never even acknowledged your existence." Arthur began to laugh as he saw Theo begin to approach him, he saw his fist clenched so hard that that there was blood seeping from where his nails punctured his skin. "And the funniest part is you still lost, it was all for nothing you loser." Arthur closed his eyes in acceptance he could hear the air tearing before the bone shattering impact, it was as though a sledge hammer had stuck his cheek just below his eye, the pain was enormous.

He felt the hot feeling of blood gushing from the torn flesh just under his eye and as he stumbled back, he only heard the second impact against his ribs. It sounded like a butcher slapping a side of beef against a wooden chopping block. But the following punch to the same area yielded a snap as he felt his rib cage cave inward. He wanted to fall but as he slumped to his knees a rough hand had grasped his collar and out of his one good eye Arthur saw Theo wind up a fist slowly. And it wasn't the promise of impending pain that scared him. It was the man's eyes. Piercing into him with hate so hot it hurt more than his shattered ribs and cheek bone.

"Why is it that despite the fact you're dying you still managed to beat me? I guess I really am a loser" Vivian clung to the man's raised arm desperately with all her body weight "Stop you said you would leave us alone if he managed to touch you. Your fist is part of your body" Theo let go of Arthurs collar allowing him to collapse to the floor. The timer rang for the last time and Theo spat on the floor in rage "you're right. I promised to leave you alone" he threw Vivian atop Arthur on the floor and spread his arms out as his robe animated itself flying onto his body "enjoy yourselves" he snapped his fingers and an orb of crystal clear ice surrounded Vivian and Arthur. A gentle snow fall began around them. "I am leaving, and I will never bother you both again. For as long as I live. The frost will slowly intensify so you won't feel much pain. And after an hour or so you will be together forever immortalized in un melting ice, try to embrace each other in a suitably dramatic way. So that when they find you, it looks beautiful" she screamed something at him then, but the ice was far too thick to hear her.

Vivian fell to her knees beside Arthur holding him close, the cold grew within the confined space. The tears falling from her face blurred her vison as she began to whimper "help us please" over and over again. She wasn't sure but she felt as though she saw a tear run down Theo's face as he looked down at her. He turned and began to leave the building. Her tears began to dry as she shivered feeling Arthurs body shift slowly beneath her.