Pandora's Box

Through the red dust and ash of the morning, the shadows of people running in a panic and absolute chaos all over. And through it all, a large shadow moved swiftly through, gaining speed as it advanced closer.

And closer.

And no matter how fast I tried to run, my lungs burning from the smoke and ash and dust, my body sore and everything in me despaired.

The giant form approached swiftly, red cloth flying behind them, the wicked glint of red armour in the firelight and sunrise. The horses thundering hooves echoed in my head, even though it charged from behind me.

I barely managed to avoid the rise and fall of his sword cutting towards me. I tripped over something, my own feet or something else, and fell flat on the dirtied ground. Dust clouding my nose and eyes and burning them, making them water painfully.

Red puddles with tiny little rivulets painted my arms and gown. Sightless eyes stared back at me from where they lay around, bodies dropped within the dust and fire storm of fleeing people. The hearty glow of the fires suddenly disappeared and complete darkness overshadowed over me.

I spun around, on my back facing Him.

The hooves, scuffed the ground, the snuffs deep and growling as it stared down at me through its armour. He sat atop the horse, completely black from my sight as it blocked out any light from my spot. The only light coming from it was from behind the helmet.

Eyes, the very colour of the blood staining my skin and the dirt, glowed ominously.

“Please...” I shivered, trying to crawl away as it raised its arm closest to me. The long, powerful sword, wickedly curved, he raised above his head and the horse reared up with a blood-chilling shriek.

“Please!” I raised my hand to protect any part of myself I could, and rolling out of the way. I felt a powerful, tear of pain rippling down my arm. Rolling to an awkward stop a few feet away, coughing and tried to climb to my feet but there was no escape.

Panicking, my breath rushing in quickly as I slowly turned to face the horseman. He continued to approach on horseback, arm out and sword barely a breadth away from my throat.

“I can’t please...I don’t have a choice...” I prayed and whispered, eyes closing refusing to watch anymore death and bloodshed in its own eyes.

I felt the steel of his sword touch my throat and then disappear, a brush of air as something moved fast and cutting to me, while I waited for death-

“Ngh, No! Wha-” I gasped, eyes snapping open only to close suddenly as the bright light hit my eyes harshly, making them water. “Ah, my eyes, Christ.” I threw my hands over my eyes, before slowly allowing some light to come through my blinking eyes.

Everything around me swam in doubles and I was slowly aware of a dull ache radiating inside my head as soon as some light hit my eyes. But the more my eyes opened and everything slowly came into focus, the dull ache faded a little more.

Groaning, I slowly pushed myself up but collapsed with a gasp as a sharp ache shot from my right wrist and hip. My head hit the pillow with a thwump, relieving the soft material but my body was starting to awaken and I needed to move.

Slowly, carefully, I pushed myself up avoiding using or leaning on my wrist or hips and sat up in the bed I was in. With a heavy sigh, I rubbed my face with hands, rubbing my eyes further to wake up and blearily stared at my surroundings.

I noticed my wrist was bandaged up tightly. My top was different.

Wait! Where are my clothes? How did I?

My top was replaced with a longer red and black buttoned long sleeve shirt, with a soft but thick material keeping me at least warm. My hair hung around my shoulders, felt like a rat’s nest atop my head. My body ached and felt heavy.

I was in a familiar bedroom. With dark wood painted walls, a small lamp on either side of the bed were dimly lit. A thick quilt lay over me, a nice deep blue pattern. There were no other decorations for the room, not even a closest for clothes or anything, which I had thought the first time I’d seen was strange.

When did I see this room-?

My mind flitted back to the dream just breaking into my head just before I woke up and slowly pulled the quilt over my head as I hunched over, placing my head over my knees as my chest tightened.

Oh god! Oh God! I knew it! I’d seen that scar before! It was-

Some noise from outside the bedroom made me look up but it was far away and my bedroom door was partially open and I couldn’t see anyone or anything.

Anything...like those hooded figures...Oh god, the car chase! The fucking car flipped over! I - we were chased! Oh god, those eyes, that scar...Shit, shit, shit! Where’s my stuff? I need to get out now!

Cursing like an insane person in my head, I quickly but quietly threw back the covers on me and threw my legs over the side and ignoring the slight ache that made me almost crumble next to the bed, I slowly walked to the door.

Limping to the door, I slowly pulled open the door, sticking my head out slightly so I could peek out either side. There was a staircase that led downstairs and the floor I was on was quite spacious, a couple doors down on either side. Some frames decorated the walls sparsely, neatly. Slowly, I crept around the banister and gripping on the sides, slowly and as quietly as I could limped down the stairs. Thankfully the stairs didn’t creak-

Crrreeaakkk

I froze. My toes resting on the next step as the creak echoed quietly and I held my breath. My heart thundered so hard in my chest I was sure anyone miles out could hear it. My blood rushed through my ears and my breathing halted.

There was no sound or any flicker of movement around the corner that led into the lounge room. I slowly crept down further, glancing around for any sign of my clothes or bag. I peeked in behind the wall into the lounge and saw no one. The TV was black, the sofas were empty. A fire was on it the fireplace, large and homey looking.

But all I felt was chilled and panicked.

No more bloody panicking! There’s your stuff! Grab it and go!

I saw my clothes hanging over the sofa near the fireplace and my black bag set closer to me and creeping in, while glancing around for anyone. I peeked in through the opening and saw no one in the kitchen and dining room. My breathing relaxed and I lunged for my bag. I yanked it open and found all my stuff inside, appearing to have been untouched.

Okay, let’s get the Hell out of here now-

“You’re awake.”

With a cry, I spun around, spinning my bag around like a discus and it hit something with an oomph.

“What the Hell lady!?” He grabbed the pouch of my bag as I swung at him again. His large hand clamping down on it without issue and yanking it from me. “What are you-”

I stumbled back as he stepped closer to me, falling against the couch, my hip groaning in protest.

“Would you stop already? You’re gonna hurt yourself even more already.” He advanced closer and I lashed out with my foot, catching his knee and he stumbled in surprise, while I quickly rolled up to my feet.

“Why you-” I threw my foot up, just kicking his hip. His eyes widened briefly at the vicinity of where I almost hit.

So close!

“Okay, seriously, stop now or else!” His already dark eyes grew dark as he glared at me. I stumbled back shakily, moving closer to the fireplace but my back hit the wall.

No! No! Not here!

My fingers brushed something cold and slight and I didn’t think. I just pulled it out of the tube it sat in and swiped at him. He jumped back. His expression was stunned but morphed into irritated.

My panic was rising within and my breathing grew heaver as my wrist ached and my hip hurt from the stumbling and bumping. I kept swinging, while slowly moving away from the fireplace as he moved around the sofa to come closer to me.

“I’m serious here for goodness’ sake. If you don’t sit down, you’re gonna hurt yourself.” I lunged and swiped at him and he rubbed his hand which I almost caught. “Seriously lady! If you don’t stop, I will make you!” He snarled, his eyes flashing red briefly or it was the fire from the fireplace.

I stumbled over a smaller lounge chair leg and he moved deftly towards me. With a shriek I swiped at him.

CLANG

My eyes widened briefly as he caught my fire-poker with his own he had swiftly picked out of the tube. He smirked wickedly. He held his own easily, pushing back against mine, making me stumble backwards, my legs bumping into furniture.

“Well, well, aren’t we vicious.” He swiped across me and I barely raised the poker in time to catch his strike but his smirk suggested he was just toying with me and I felt a white-hot feeling grow inside me. Gripping the poker with two hands, I swung low and I not expecting that, I left a little nick on his thigh. He scowled.

“I said stop, for the love of God!”

Keeping my poker pressed against his, I raised my foot and pushed on his lower abdomen which didn’t make him flinch at all.

It did for me.

I fell back on the sofa arm rest and quickly scurried around while he sighed in frustration and moved closer.

“I swear to God, if you kick, swipe or punch me again, I will stop you. And you will not like it!” His poker caught my downward cut easily, as he stood there glaring down at me.

“Stay away!” I hissed, pointing the poker at him like a sword and his eyes narrowed.

“Not if you’re hurt. So, for Pete’s sake relax already-” He stepped in and gripping the poker tightly, I swung at his chest.

He did not like that.

His eyes turned pitch black. With a grimace while he backed off my swipe, he quickly lashed out with his poker, twisting the weapon around mine, and somehow circling me around in the opposite direction. Stumbling backwards, until the wall next to the fireplace hit my back, he grabbed my wrists in his hand, raising my arms straight up, the force pulling me up to my heels as he pressed his body right up against mine. The tension wired in our bodies, the only sound was the fire crackling and our heavy breathing. My heart thundered in my chest as I stared up at his face, his eyes glowering down at me.

“I told you to stop. Be smart for one blasted second!” He hissed, his face mere inches from mine. I panted for air, feeling sweat drip down my eye, my thigh was throbbing badly, especially with my body now completely stretched up. He smirked down at me as I had to tilt my head to look up at him. “I’ll say, this is quite comfortable for me.” He continued to smirk and gritting my teeth, I squirmed against him, enough for me to raise my knee and connect with something that had him groan in pain but not enough for him to release me. “Oh, for the love-” He groaned. I opened my mouth to scream, hopefully neighbours would hear. His hand clamped down over my mouth and I shook my head, despite the growing fury in his eyes, he yanked me away from the wall, only to spin me around with a shove of his shoulder, still gripping tightly with his wrist, his poker catching mine. With my back to him, I struggled against him but my poker arm was bent upwards against my chest, the poker pressed tightly against my shoulder pointing upwards.

His arm holding his own poker was crossed over my chest and arm, pinning it tightly against me while he shoved me forward. Gritting my teeth, shaking against him, as I yelled and cursed, I raised my foot to force myself away from the wall, refusing to be trapped. He cursed in my ear.

“For fuck’s sake lady!!” He shoved forward and my foot slipped as he twisted me aside, pressing me into the wall. One arm released me to catch on against the wall and soften the blow as he pressed me right up against it.

“I told you to stop.”

Gritting my teeth, I writhed and struggled against him, trying to kick my feet upwards but he lined his body against mine completely. I was no match for him. He was a boulder and I was but a mere pebble thrown at him, trying to make a tiny crack.

“Christ lady, do you ever stop?”

I released a few Greek words that would make my mother wail in despair. Tilting my head, I caught his upper arm and managed to latch on some skin and bite down hard.

He cursed loudly, spewing as he moved his arm around me tighter like a snake, and further pressing me up against the wall. Stuck between two hard spots, I was immobile and my heart dropped as I realized I was severely trapped. His front pressed right up against my back was solid like the stone wall my front pressed against. My arm ached from the tightly bent position as did my wrist from the wild swinging around. My heart, was pounding so loudly in my chest I’m sure he could feel it with his arm right across my chest. The rush of blood in my body made my head spin and my body was shaking from the smothering heat, the rush and gasping for air. He was breathing heavily but not as much as me, his chest pushing against my back as he breathed heavily near my ear, a shudder running my spine. The heat next to us from the fireplace was becoming too much. There was too much heat all around me and it was becoming suffocating.

“Let me go!” I rasped, wriggling against me and pressed further into me. His voice right next to my ear made my skin shiver at the huskiness.

“Why should I?”

“Because I... I said so!” He snorted.

There is literally nothing to say that could free me...not from him...

“I said let go-” I yelped when his other arm slammed against the wall above my head, further caging me in. My thundering heart was going faster as I was sure I could faint and my breath shook heavily.

“Then I suggest you relax.” He hissed in my ear. “If I wanted to kill you, I could.” His grip loosened slightly on my wrist but I didn’t dare move in case. “Let go of the poker. Now.”

The demand made me want to snap back but biting my tongue, I forced my fingers to slowly uncurl from around the poker except-

“I can’t...you’re crushing my hand...” I stammered, my breathing ragged, glaring over my shoulder at him before glancing away at the proximity of his face, the already growing flush on my face furthering.

“Oh right, sorry...” He muttered, obviously not happy and I felt his hand release mine slowly but not before he quietly spoke in my ear. “I swear in the name of Ares, if you swing that poker at me again, I will be quite annoyed. And you know what I am capable of.”

Gritting my teeth, I nod tensely.

He releases my hand slowly and I slowly uncurl my fingers from the steel rod and it slips down my hand and he catches it with his spare hand before it can hit the ground. We remain unmoving for seconds, before he moves slowly.

“Okay, now I’m backing off.” He spoke gruffly and slowly his arm unlatches from around me. The force of his grip allowing air to ascend around me. The heat grew only slightly, less unbearable. His body moves away and a part of me craved that warmth folded around me again but I shook it off. I waited a couple seconds once he had moved away complete before slowly, I turned around, remaining slow in case and desperately wishing I had some weapon of sorts.

I kept my back straight against the wall as I came face to face with him, and the damn poker which he held up warily, the tip lightly pressed up against my collarbone. I hoped my face showed no emotions, even though my eyes burned. I felt fear, anger and wariness all in one as I faced the person before me.

“Well, this is familiar, wouldn’t you agree?” His voice was gruff but a humourless smile twitched against his lips as he lowered the poker against my chest, leaving us both standing there, facing each other. “Please don’t come after me now.” His lips twitched as if he was laughing at the thought me doing that.

Looking at him now, he seemed so different, so different from that silhouette millenniums ago and yet this was the same person who had recently helped me. But now...

Warren’s eyes were dark but not quite black, his expression blank, cool. His dark curls were clinging to his forehead and the back of his neck which glistened slightly as if he had just showered.

Which I just happened to notice; his upper torso was completely bare.

Oh, my Aphrodite.

My mouth went dry as my gaze ran over his abdomen. His skin glistened from the shower, the colour a lovely and warm olive shade. Every muscle was carved on his body like a marble statue, pure muscle yet lean and tall. Shoulders almost twice my shoulder-width, upper arms that I could just wrap two hands around. A few tiny, slightly puckered scars and a couple long ones, littered down his stomach and some disappearing down beneath the long, black sleepwear pants, which hung low on his hips.

My throat was dry oddly enough, my tongue instinctively wetting my suddenly dry lips, pressed tightly against the other as I quickly tried to refocus and looking up at his face, his eyes were glimmering, he had a brow raised as his lips twitched wickedly, catching my obvious staring. My face heated terribly as I glared at him.

Oh Zeus, just smite me where I stand.

“It’s been a while, Pandora.”

I gulped, my heart jumping to my throat hearing my name for the first time in days and coming from him...it left a thrill inside me that I didn’t quite understand.

“Obviously you’ve figured out who or what I am.” His brows furrowed as he leant back, arms crossed over his chest as he stared me down. “I was on edge waiting for you to realize. How did you finally realize who I was?”

“You were dressed in your armour back then. I never really saw you. But it’s you’re scar, on your wrist.” I licked my dry lips and he remained unmoving, watching me with his all-seeing eyes. “Your eyes during the chase, when we...crashed. It just finally came back to me.” Another thought came to mind that almost made me laugh humourlessly, shaking my head stunned.

“And, you’re name.” I shook my head, snorting. “I get it now. Warren. War. Red. It’s clever. For the second horseman.”

“Don’t count yourself special. I don’t try to hide or be blatantly obvious.” Warren sniffed, looking slightly offended. “It was a name that stuck for a while.”

We both went silent, the silence constricting and suspenseful as we stared at each other. Both distrustful and wary.

“How did you find me? Back at the station? When I left and was being chased by those...”

“I knew something was going to happen. Much like that ogre that attacked you the night I found you. I wasn’t sure what was going on but I couldn’t shake off the feeling. So I left in case you happened to pass by. I didn’t see you. But I saw that thing.”

I frowned; my suspicions still unresolved.

“You had a bad feeling?” I muttered and he narrowed his eyes.

“You are welcome by the way.” He scoffed, stepping back slightly. “Could’ve left you there to be gutted or dragged off God’s know where.”

“Well excuse me for being somewhat distrustful!” I snapped. “You’ve shown up twice now, when I just happen to be in danger and save me! Also counting the fact that you are War! The second horseman! I can’t see why I wouldn’t be wary around you at all! You aren’t a big fan of me!”

His eyes narrowed further, a dangerous glint in them but he nodded slightly.

“Trust me, I don’t get it either. Nor am I quite happy about it. Saving you is becoming quite the job.”

My jaw grinded as I glared back.

“But let me remind you again. I could’ve left you to be killed by that troll. Or if you are so distrustful of me, consider the fact that I haven’t killed you once I figured out who you were or when you were just trying to skewer me.”

Damn, I didn’t have anything for that. He did save me...a couple times now. And yeah, he could definitely kill me. But...

“Okay, well, thank you for not killing me...and well, saving me. Multiple times now.” I glanced at the floor, shifting awkwardly on my feet avoiding that intense glare, before I glanced back up briefly, a frown on my face. “Doesn’t mean I can fully trust you still.”

“Not asking for your trust, princess.”

“Stop calling me that.”

“Or what? You gonna try and throw another swing at me? From the looks of it, I thought you liked what you saw.”

I blanched, eyes widening in shock while I shook my head babbling no words until he cut me off sharply.

“And I suggest go put something warmer on as well.” He pointed down to my legs which I glanced down at remembered the new shirt I was wearing but also realizing-

“Did you-” I pulled my top down as low as I could which wasn’t much, using my hands to cover the skin of my legs. My legs were bare, the top drifted down just above my knee, still showed so much of my legs. “Did you undress me?”

“You had blood and other atrocities on you. Your clothes were already ripped and not to mention the cuts on your thighs needed cleaning.” He gestured to my thigh which I vaguely recall the claws cutting down my thighs. “I certainly can’t dress your wounds while you’re wearing your pants.” He shook his head, turning away. I stammered at him but he was already walking away, leaving me flustered and flabbergasted.

A man pretty much saw me naked! Oh lord, that’s not something I’m going to even question right now.

“You didn’t, um-” Shakily, I moved away from the wall, only to crumble onto the floor as my foot gave out, aching slightly. Cursing, I tried to pull myself up with the use of the sofa next to me.

“Are you asking me if I actually took advantage of you-”

"No!” I snap. “I like to retain faith that there are some moral decencies in this day and age.” I growled, hauling myself up until a hand gripped my forearms suddenly and yanked me off the floor and sat me down on the sofa.

“Just watching you struggle, I don’t whether to laugh or shake my head at you.” I glared up at him and he returned the look. With a heavy sigh, I continued.

“I mean, I just wanted to ask if you saw everything, because while I appreciate you cleaning me up, the thought-”

“I didn’t see everything. Relax. Your underwear remains untouched. I’m not as evil as you may think, taking advantage of someone is a level I would never dare cross.”

“Okay,” I mutter, “And I would never accuse anyone unless I knew absolutely. So, relax yourself instead.” I shifted til I was sitting more comfortable on the sofa and sighed as my body partially relaxed against the cushions.

I was vaguely aware of him standing above me and looked up at him, warily. He raised a brow at me and with a heavy sigh, shaking his head he disappeared into the kitchen.

“I’ll get dinner started then.”

My stomach growled in response and I scowled silently as I curled up in the sofa, facing the direction he left in. I could hear movement in the kitchen and silence, though I could see him partially looking over the couch.

The smell of food wafted, something slightly burnt but I could hear a sizzling and a stronger smell that had my stomach groan and greedily call out. Warren came out of the kitchen suddenly, I flinched in surprise but he didn’t take any notice or pretended not to. He walked easily to where I sat, two plates in his hand with a fork and knife atop each plate. He handed me a plate with food and takes a spot on the lounge chair across from me on the other side of the fireplace and TV.

“Would you like a drink?” He suddenly asked while I glanced at my plate of food.

“Um, yes please.” I whisper and he’s up on his feet back to the kitchen and rummaging around before appearing again, two glasses filled with orange juice to the brim. He takes his spot across from me again, plate on his lap with his utensils and starts to dig in.

I slowly cut up the bread and egg on my plate, nibbling it warily but he doesn’t pay much attention to me and I hated the feeling of being rude to avoid eating someone’s food.

“Um, so...how, I mean, that creature,” I mumbled around my food while he glanced up at me. “The one from the taxi, did you...kill it?” Warren remained silent, straightening up in his seat as he swallowed his mouthful.

“If I didn’t then, it should be by now or still recovering.”

“Oh.” I muttered, chewing my food lost in thought. “How did, I mean did you know...”

“I saw someone being attacked. I intervened. I wasn’t sure it was human at first but I made it leave in quite the rush.” The small faint smile on his face was chilling and cold but it faded quickly and his brows furrowed as his eyes glazed over. “Trust me when I say I saw you, I thought I was seeing a ghost.”

“You remember me, even though-”

“Even though I met you once only few thousand years ago? Yeah, I remember your face. It’s hard to forget yours.”

My cheeks grew hot. I cursed myself for blushing when it would have nothing to do with that.

“Why didn’t you leave me there? You have nothing to do with me, nor are you particularly fond of me...”

“I figured you would have to be someone who at least looked like her, or so I told myself. But when we talked...” Warren coughed, fighting back a choked laugh as he sipped his juice. “You’re not a very good liar or actor. Like, really bad. And if you’re asking me why I didn’t tell you who I was, I think the idea is pretty damn obvious. I mean, from what I could see I have nothing to worry about. But I certainly didn’t want any...repercussions.”

“Put you back in the box you mean?” I mutter, frowning down at my plate.

“That infernal box should be thrown down a chasm, never to see the light or touched by anyone.”

“I’m with you there.” I mutter.

“So, did you see who you needed to see up in Long Island? Like I said long trip and those things to know you were there, seems you’re in a bit of-”

“Ah no, it didn’t work out.”

“What do you mean?”

“The ones I needed to see weren’t there. And I needed to leave quickly, because something was really wrong. Kind of chased out...by something.”

“You went all the way up there and no one was there and you left?” Warren shook his head. “What a waste indeed. Who exactly did you need to see?”

I pressed my lips tightly together, silently assessing him and he glanced up at my continued silence and noticing my sharp look, he shook his head, rolling his eyes.

“Seriously, I have no reason to kill you. Not even harm you, unless you want to give me a reason to.”

“Really?”

“You’re harmless to me. You have no box to threaten me. I have no issues with you as of now. I think you can understand.” Warren glared at me and I sighed heavily.

“Fine, I was summoned, requested by the Fates-”

Warren choked on his food, quickly reaching for his glass while I jumped up ready to help but he sipped his glass slowly and gasping he looked up at me.

“I’m sorry, The Fates!? The Moirai?” I nodded slowly. “The three hags of fate?”

“You shouldn’t insult them.”

“They can’t do much to me. Trust me there.” Warren shook his head, running a finger through his hair. “Being summoned or invited or anything to do with them is a big deal. And they weren’t there?”

“No...” I sighed heavily, my shoulders slumping in frustration. “I was meant to meet them that night you found me. I was heading there when I was attacked...”

“Ah,” Warren hummed, rubbing his chin. “They are pretty strict on timing and not very accepting of excuses of any manner. But still, I mean, surely they can’t be that cruel...it’s a major waste of time for them as well just inviting you and not going through with it.”

“Well, honestly, better late than never.” Warren huffed and I smiled faintly down at my plate. “Rather be late than dead. And honestly, I was surprised your still alive. I had assumed you died long ago cause you’re mortal, but seeing you are still alive...that was a major shock. I didn’t know that you’re a harbinger.”

“Harbinger?”

“A carrier or omen, something to that effect.”

“I’m not though...I mean, I did die.” Warren frowned, glancing up at me from his plate.

“What do you...”

“I mean, I died. Back then. Actually, not long after our first and last encounter...thousands of years ago,” Warren blinked slowly, his face an unreadable expression, while I stammered on. “I only just, well came back from the dead, a couple weeks ago.”