The cause

"Elara, you shouldn't be here!" Alex spoke, restraining his anger. He hadn't expected to see her face anytime soon, especially after helping her out of trouble with her extra-legal procurements. As he stood there, his gaze focused on her. Long black hair caught his attention first, giving off a sheen rarely seen in his life. Gothic accessories adorned her body and hair – a black lace corset, layered skirts with intricate patterns, fishnet stockings, and buckled ankle boots. Dark makeup accentuated her pale complexion, while silver and gold jewelry adorned her fingers. Around her neck, a small gray necklace with a little red gem shimmered as she moved, nestled between her cleavage.

"Well... I... Look, come in first," Elara attempted to speak before grabbing his shirt with her right hand and pulling him into the apartment, swiftly closing the door behind her. As Alex surveyed the fully furnished kitchen and lounge room, he noticed clothes for four people scattered around haphazardly. Supposed to be bare basics. How long had she been here? Alex pondered before getting straight to the point. "How long?"

"I've been crashing here for three weeks now. Believe me, everything you're eyeing was fair game. Had some company for a bit, but they bailed, leaving behind whatever they couldn't be bothered to take on their journey. When you took me to your previous place after getting me out of trouble last time, I noticed the address scribbled behind where you stash your cash in the drywall. Figured it could come in handy if the need ever arose, you know?" She was interrupted.

"Look, I just don't understand why you're back. You're even WEARING the gem around your neck that almost got you locked up before I got you out of that station." Alex frustratedly spoke, his left foot tapping, a bad habit he just couldn't shake.

"Hey! If people are checking me, it's not the gem they're watching but what's between them," Elara replied, pushing out her well-endowed chest, letting the gem almost disappear down her cleavage. Alex stared a little too long before returning his gaze to her face, noticing a white foundation complementing her look, lashes coated with black mascara, black winged eyeliner, and plump dark lips.

She continues "Don't worry, this won't be on their radar; they're after you. So shall you show me what is in your bag? There is no one else they will be looking for."

Alex sighed and settled onto a nearby sofa, pushing aside numerous pillows and breadcrumbs. Opening the bag, he revealed a small gold idol with eyes adorned in opals and the body resembling a snake. "I acquired it just an hour ago at the same exhibition center where you obtained yours. The fools didn't even bother changing the locks," he smirked, contemplating how something so valuable could lack proper security. "Even though I managed to get out of there, it seems the owners complained to a politician or two, and now the chief of police is tailing any lead, specifically mine. If I seize an opportunity to leave, I'll fence it and turn a tidy profit."

"If you manage to escape, that is," Elara responded, her deep blue eyes fixed on the golden idol. "The one I have and the one you possess might be intertwined. This artifact holds a few intriguing secrets; I am still learning about them. This book contains more information," Elara spoke as she walked over to her desk, nudging aside a pile of paint cans with her ankle boots a long the way. Grabbing a book the size of a laptop, she sat next to him, brushing up against him and unfolded it, looking at the pages.

"Look, I don't care about the info, I only care about the one who takes it off my hands for the right price. If it doesn't get me out of here with it, then we are just wasting my time. I ain't leaving it either, your eyes will find it no matter how hard I try" Alex let out his frustration with what was happening, being calmed by the perfume that was coming next to him, reminding him of floral he used to be around years ago.

"From the sounds of things, you might not escape without some assistance from this idol," Elara responded, her gaze fixed on the book as she flipped through the pages. Her hands moved steadily until she reached the page featuring a hand-drawn picture of the idol along with a description. Tracing the writing on the page with her black and red fingernail, she read aloud, "The possessor of this idol bears the responsibility to... Blah blah blah, ethics and annoyances from old dead fools."

Flipping to the next page, she continued, "They are granted the right to change those around them, by placing one hand on the idol and another on the item. State your desires, and success is guaranteed. Grave caution is advised; a gem of the North Star is necessary to fulfill the requirements. It only works for one person at a time."

"So, you articulate the desired result, and it will be achieved?" Alex inquired.

"Most likely. Also, that gem is probably around my neck; there's a small hole for it at the back of the idol," Elara replied, searching the book for any useful information.

Getting up and looking out the dusty window, Alex sees the police are sprawled and are out searching. They ain't focusing their attention, so they don't know where I am. Alex thought, while seeing the police vehicles outside the complex, plaguing the area. "Either I run, hide or blend in." Alex wondered.

"Why not try to blend in?" Elara inquired, a grin stretching across her face.

"I will depart," Alex declared, "My idol will come with me; it will aid me later when I sell it. Your earlier words will serve as my pitch to fetch a higher price; someone else will buy the lie you gave me".

"Now wait," Elara interjected, fiddling with her gem. "Let me attempt something for a moment." Raising her hand against Alex's chest, she spoke while holding the idol in the other. "Embrace the mystique of transformation. Let the idol weave a feminine guise around you. Shape-shift into the elusive feminine to hide in plain sight. Leave your pursuers ensnared in the confusion of their assumptions."

A brief flash emanated from the idol, and a surge of light enveloped Alex's chest, the brilliance blinding them both.

"WHAT DID YOU DO?!" Alex yelled as his skin felt like it was engulfed in fiery waves, his chest pulsating with intense pain.

"Returning the favor, I'll liberate you as you did for me, though not in the same manner, sweet soul," Elara smirked as the light faded, and Alex fainted, his skin now bright red and wriggling.

• Hey thanks for reading to the end so far. The first two is all set up and the fun starts in the next chapter. Any advice or thoughts, please let me know below. It is my first time doing this. I felt like I should give back, so I'll try my own story and see how it works out. Thanks ^^