General Wicked Disclaimer: I do not own Wicked or any of its characters.
Gelphie Disclaimer: This story contains Gelphie. If you don't like this kind of stuff then don't read.
Rating is M: This story contains content that is not suitable for young readers. There is some mild language, brief abuse, some brief sexual themes, but the main reason why its rated M is because of the explicit violence.
Author's Note: This story is the sequel to the story, "When in Rome." It is recommend you read that story before you read this one. You don't have to, but this story will make more sense if you do. Remember feedback on the story, or what I can do to improve my writing is always welcome.
The Blood of Rome
Chapter 1: The End Has Begun
It was dark when two figures, a man and a woman, walked into the deserted Colosseum. It had been a year since the last fight had taken place there. Patches of sand on the Colosseum ground still held a light pink color. It marked the spots were the blood had stained and couldn't be cleaned off no matter how many times it was washed.
"It has been a long time since I've been here," the unknown man said, as his eyes scanned the arena.
"You fought here many times?" the woman asked.
"Only a couple of times, but that was enough. I wasn't a gladiator for very long. Hopefully though, with my plan, I will make back my fortune," the man answered, as he turned around sharply and rubbed his hands like he was recalling an unpleasant memory of the past. "And what brings you to Rome to join me?"
"To take back what's rightfully mine," the mystery woman spat.
The unknown man's eyebrow rose as his head tilted to one side in a questionable manner before asking, "And what would that be?"
The woman wasted no time as she answered, "The Emperor of Rome: Liir."
...X...
A few more days of scheming and things were starting to fall into place. There was only a few more loose ends to finish up. "You know the plan right?" the unknown figure asked his business partner.
"Yes, Avaric, for the tenth time I know what to do. We need a trainer and I know who would be prefect for the job. I have done more research than you think," the mystery woman replied, with toss of her hand to wave him off. "Once we have him our plan can truly go into motion."
"Do you think he will agree to join us?" Avaric asked, his eyebrows rising in an almost challenging way.
The woman smirked and her eyes drew together slyly from confident. "I think he will. If the lure of wealth won't sway him, my other goods will."
...X...
"And with one motion of her mighty dagger Elphaba slain the undefeated Tin Man! The crowd was spellbound at this display. But it wasn't long before they found their voices and let lose untamed cheers for their green gladiator...their champion. Once again Elphaba made history like no mortal had ever done." With that final sentence Fiyero gave a bow and finished his story. The audience, of about twelve, that was there listening gave a round of applause to show their approval.
As the crowd dispersed some even gave Fiyero some coins as an added thank you for telling such a wonderful tale. One person held back though and waited for all the people to leave before making her move.
"You're a born story-teller," She said, as she walked out from the shadows.
"Thanks, but it's still a starving artist's job," Fiyero replied, as he gave her a smile and quickly pocketed the coins.
"Something tells me though this wasn't your first job. The scars on your skin tell me you must have had another trade not too long ago." The woman ran her hands over Fiyero's scars and he gulped nervously from the contact.
Fiyero was obviously flattered by the simple display of affection, but kept his guard up as well, as he answered, "That was in my past."
"You can let it be your future as well. I know who you are Fiyero. You were once a gladiator and a trainer for the underground in Rome."
Fiyero took a few steps back. "I don't know what you are talking about." But the unknown woman was quick to pull him close again.
"Don't play thick, I know who you truly are. You have great talent and I can make you rich. My business partner, Avaric, and I need a trainer and we know you are one of the best. Sure you can stay here and make a few coins a day that barely pay for one meal, or you can come and work for us. You have my word you won't be disappointed. So what say you?"
Fiyero bit the bottom of his lip in deep thought. His face flushed when he felt her hands on his shoulders and her warm intoxicating breath at his neck. He had always wanted to get out of the underground business, but then again being a bard wasn't paying even though he enjoyed it. He then turned around quickly and answered, "I'll do it."
"Good, and trust me you won't be disappointed," The woman answered before latching lips with him. Fiyero didn't stop the kiss, instead, he let it grow.
...X...
Glinda was walking though the palace halls looking for her wife. It had been a year since Sir Chuffrey's rule ended, and Liir had pretty much had taken over the ruling of Rome. But the masses still called Glinda 'Empress' out of respect.
As Glinda walked she ran into Trism, Liir's lover, so she asked him, "Trism, have you seen Elphaba?"
"I think she's in the study my Empress," He answered with a distinguished bow of the head.
"Oh, Trism, you don't have to be so formal," Glinda replied, with a quick shake of her head.
"Force of habit," Trism answered, with a smile as he watched the blonde woman head away towards the study. Trism's information was spot on, for when Glinda entered the study there was Elphaba. She was admiring the Rudis given to her by her wife.
"I should have known you would be here," Glinda said, as she walked up to the green woman.
"I'm just admiring the gift you gave me not so long ago," Elphaba turned her head only slightly as she ran her hands over the wooden blade and hilt. "It means so much to me. It's the symbol of my freedom."
The green woman than placed the sword down and greeted her wife with a tender kiss. "My Empress," She whispered, as she dropped to one knee and kissed Glinda's hand.
"My warrior," Glinda breathed, with a light tug on Elphaba's royal guard uniform to will her back to her feet.
The green warrior nuzzled her love's neck in a gentle fashion before asking, "Where are the children?"
"Lirr is getting ready for his meeting with the senate, and Cora patrolling around the palace," Glinda replied, with a sharp gasp.
"Lucky for us," Elphaba whispered, as she lifted one of the blonde's legs up and ran her green hand over her wife's thigh.
Glinda had to use all her will power to pull away from the green warrior's grasp. "Don't distract me, Elphie, I only came to find you because I need you to escort Liir to his meeting."
"You could have fooled me," Elphaba replied with brief cackle, as she fixed her uniform and gave a bow to the blonde woman. "I will go and escort our son, but then we must finished what we started."
"I would want nothing less," Glinda answered, as she gave the green warrior a quick goodbye kiss before sending her off.
...X...
After the meeting with the senate, Liir came back to the palace very tense. He went straight to his room to think. There he paced from one side to the another, and would rub his hands together in a nervous and obsessive fashion. Glinda noticed her son's strange behavior and went to check on him.
"Liir, what troubles you? You have been acting so bizarre since you came home from your meeting."
Liir shook his head as he spoke. "I dare not say what troubles me for it is foolish."
"No concern is foolish," Glinda countered, before kissing him on the forehead. "Now tell me what's wrong."
"All right," Liir took a deep breath. "When I was coming home from the meeting an oracle stopped me. He fell at my feet and shouted I should beware the Ides of March."
Glinda frowned. "The Ides of March? That's coming up! On that day the military parade takes place in Rome."
Liir shook his head from worry. "I fear it because Papa will be leading the parade that day. I feel she will be a target of something sinister. I know I shouldn't get all worked up over an oracle's words, but it still concerns me."
"Do now fear, my son, your Papa is a grand warrior. I'm sure if something did happen she could take care of herself," Glinda assured him, as she rubbed Liir's back.
"You're right, Mother, Papa can take care of herself. I worry for nothing," Liir stood up quickly and gave a bow to the blonde woman. "Thank you for calming my fears." With these words the young Emperor headed off.
...X...
When the mystery woman returned back to Avaric he lifted his head and gave her a questionable look. "Well? Is Fiyero joining our team?" A simple nod was all that was given, and Avaric who was clearly enthusiastic gave a shout. "Candle you have truly pulled though for us and our plan."
"I did what must be done, now you must play your part. Liir must be mine," Candle growled.
"And he will, all in good time," Avaric assured her. "For the end has begun."