Chapter 8: A Surprise Occurrence
"So we have everything," said Phoebe glancing down at the table. They had gathered everything, even the necklaces that they were sure the Elders wouldn't give them.
"Yeah," said Paige. "At midnight, Cole, Leo, Phoebe, and I cast the spell while Piper goes into the portal to find Pearl."
"Actually," said Piper. "I think Phoebe should go. She has better fighting skills than all of us combined and the main reason, I'm pregnant."
"I agree," said Leo. Cole nodded in agreement.
"Okay," said Paige. They glanced at the clock. Five minutes till midnight.
As soon as all the people in Troy were slumbering deep, the horse's secret doors opened allowing the soldiers to climb out. Achilles and Pearl were hiding in the head away from everyone else. Achilles climbed out of the head first and offered Pearl his hand. Pearl rolled her eyes and agilely climbed out on her own. He smirked at her and they dropped to their feet without making a sound. The other soldiers were getting out when Pearl ran for the palace with Achilles on her tail.
"Where are you going?" asked Achilles.
"To the palace," said Pearl. "I have to help the royal family escape." Achilles smiled at her.
"I'll help," he stated. Pearl beamed at him. Together they ran until they reached the palace wall. Together they nimbly climbed it. Achilles reached the top first and helped Pearl up. She smiled and rolled her eyes yet again. He smirked at her and they continued on their way.
Phoebe leaned against the wall while everyone in the room set up everything.
"Hey," called Paige. "Are you okay?" Phoebe nodded.
"I'm fi-" She never finished her sentence as she was sucked into a vision.
Pearl was running through the throngs of people when she stumbled across an empty room. She entered and looked around. It was obvious she was looking for someone. Suddenly she gasped in pain. She fell to the ground with a thud. A man was looming over her with a bloodied sword.
Phoebe came out of it and started hyperventilating. Piper and Paige ran over to her with Leo close behind. Cole stayed behind as he knew he was the last person she wanted to see.
"Phoebe what is it?" asked Piper. Phoebe was hyperventilating and gasping of air.
"I saw Pearl," she gasped out. "She was- she was-" Phoebe couldn't finish before she broke into tears. Piper and Paige got the message and held their sister. Glancing at the clock, they knew they only had three minutes before midnight.
"We have to hurry," said Leo. They nodded. Phoebe wiped away her tears and got into the middle of the circle wearing the protective necklace and clutching Pearl's in her hand.
"Wait," said Cole. He held out his hand and a bow with a sack of arrows appeared. "Take this. I taught you before how to aim. You might need it." Phoebe eyed it carefully before taking in and swinging the sac on her back. She was wearing training shoes, shorts, and a t-shirt, ideal for running.
Piper, Paige, Leo, and Cole grasped hands and formed a circle around Phoebe. They began chanting their spell.
"Sands of time, we summon thee,
Converge to send our sister to thee,
Throughout the wind, we send this rhyme,
Send her to our cousin's time."
As soon as the spell was over, Phoebe was surrounded by bright white lights and she disappeared.
"I hope she does okay," said Paige peering into the bowl of water they set on the table to watch their sister. Piper nodded and began watching with her sister.
Pearl and Achilles ran through the mass.
"What exactly do we do?" asked Achilles.
"Find the Royal Family," answered Pearl pushing her way. "They have to escape, because it starts a significant development in history which I will explain later."
"And then?" asked Achilles.
"Lead them to the lowest part of the castle. There is an escape there." Achilles nodded and set off in a different direction. Running, Pearl stumbled across a man lying on the ground dressed in fine robes. He turned towards her as she bent down slowly next to him.
"Thank you," gasped the man. "For saving my son, my niece, and my family. Please save them." Pearl immediately knew that he was King Priam.
"I will," she vowed. He nodded and closed his eyes.
Pearl ran until she reached the temple. She looked and saw Briseis kneeling in front of a statue, praying.
"Briseis," she called and ran towards her. Briseis looked up and ran to her friend. "You must run. You must escape before-"
"Before what?" asked a voice from behind her. Pearl turned and gasped. Agamemnon was standing behind her with three of his men. Two of them grabbed her while one grabbed Briseis. Agamemnon stepped towards her threateningly.
"I almost lost this war because of your little romance," he said. And grabbed her neck. Pearl struggled against the soldier and he tightened his grip on her neck. "You shall be executed as soon as we burn this city and your friend-" He took out his sword and brought it to her neck.
"Release her," said another voice from behind them. Pearl smiled when she heard that voice. Achilles stood behind them sword out.
"Come any closer and I'll slash her neck," warned Agamemnon. Achilles stood still. He didn't want to take any chances. He looked at Pearl smiling clod heartedly. "As I was saying,-" Agamemnon screamed in pain and fell to the ground dead, an arrow sticking out of his neck. Pearl looked and saw Phoebe standing over the balcony with a bow and another arrow prepared. Achilles quickly got to work and killed the remaining soldiers. Phoebe lowered her bow and ran down the stairs, towards her cousin.
Pearl helped Briseis up and Achilles was standing next to Pearl. She saw Phoebe and ran towards her enveloping her cousin in a tight hug.
"Phoebe!" she gasped. Phoebe held her cousin tighter tears falling from her eyes.
"I thought I was too late," said Phoebe. "I had a vision that you were dead and when I saw you, I acted on impulse." Pearl held her cousin tighter. Achilles and Briseis looked at each other and then towards the large castle doors to the temple which were currently being broken down by soldiers.
"I really hate to say this but," Achilles said coming up to Phoebe and Pearl. They looked at her as she pointed towards the double doors.
"Oh," said Phoebe. They instantly released each other and Phoebe handed Pearl a necklace. "This will restore your active powers." Pearl smiled and put it on.
"Great," said Pearl. Briseis looked up and gasped. Paris stood there with his bow and arrow raised.
"NO!" screamed Briseis. Pearl looked up just in time to see an arrow coming for Achilles. It was heading straight for his heel, the only vulnerable spot in body. She reacted on instinct and waved her arm which sent the arrow in the other direction that it crashed into a statue. She flung her other arm and threw the bow and arrow out of his hands. Achilles looked up and began to lift his sword but Pearl quickly pushed his hand down.
"Stop," screamed Briseis as she ran to her cousin.
"Cousin?" he asked.
"I promise," she said. "I will explain, but we must get out of here. Where are Hector and Andromache?"
"They left by the tunnel," he said. "I stayed to find you. They are waiting for us by the river." Briseis nodded. Pearl ran up to her.
"You must run," she said. "Troy is falling. You must run. It isn't a choice anymore." Paris looked at her with wonder.
"Who are you?" he asked. Pearl shook her head.
"Later," she said. "Go."
"But what about you?" asked Briseis worried about her new friend.
"I'll follow. Go!" Paris grabbed Briseis and pulled her towards a passageway. Phoebe came up to her followed by Achilles.
"The fact that he was supposed to die still remains," she said. Pearl nodded.
"I know," she said. "I couldn't let them kill him." Phoebe nodded. She turned to Achilles then to the garden in front of the statue of Apollo.
"Take him and his strength too,
And multiply their strength by two."
Finishing her spell another Achilles appeared in the middle of the garden with an arrow sticking out of his heel. He was lying on the floor as if he was dead.
"Not bad," said Pearl. Achilles just stared at it in wonder. "I'll explain later. Please, we have to hurry." Achilles nodded and the three of them made their way to the passage Paris and Briseis had taken. Once they crossed it they made their way towards the tunnel which would lead towards the river. Achilles was leading the way. He stopped when they reached a door. He pulled the latch and the door opened showing a passage way. Achilles led Phoebe and Pearl in and closed the door behind him. Pearl used her telekinesis to swing the latch from the outside closed. They began running through the passage. Pearl opened her back pack and took out a flash light. Phoebe nodded in approval.
"Nice," she said. Pearl nodded. They ran as fast as possible and finally came to the river where the saw the escapees waiting.
Paris and Briseis came upon the other fugitives. Helen and Andromache ran and embraced her. Hector embraced his brother.
"You have been very brave," he whispered. Paris nodded. "We must move."
"No," said Briseis. "We must wait for my friend."
"What?" asked Hector.
"The girl that saved you," said Paris. "She's inside the city with another girl and Achilles."
"Achilles," said Hector enraged. "How?"
"I don't know," said Paris.
"Achilles?" asked Andromache. "He almost killed you and now he's saving us."
"Not by choice," said a voice from behind the settlers. They turned and saw Achilles standing there with Pearl and Phoebe behind him. Hector pulled Andromache behind him and stepped forward. Achilles smirked. "I don't think you're in any position to threaten me, Prince."
"You're not exactly in any situation to be cocky either," said Pearl coming up to him. "Or did we forget the bow and arrow trick I pulled."
Phoebe rolled her eyes and stepped forward.
"You must follow the river and up to Mount Ida," said Phoebe. Pearl had filled her on the plan she had. "The Greeks won't go that far."
"Who are you?" asked Hector again.
"We're from the future and we're here to alter it," answered Pearl.
"Or just save it," muttered Phoebe. The escapees looked shocked by this revelation.
"So you know everything?" questioned Helen. Pearl raised her hand in a gesture that said sometimes.
"How are we going to get home?" questioned Pearl to Phoebe. Phoebe raised her hand and looked at her wrist watch.
"I have no idea," she said. "But we better think fast. The effect of the spell will wear off and I'll be back home in ten minutes."
Paige and Piper who had been watching the whole exchange looked at each other worriedly.
"What are we going to do?" asked Piper.
"We could try a spell," suggested Paige. Piper nodded and turned to the bowl of water.
"Earth, water, fire, air,
Aid me in this task I dare,
Where family wanders let me see,
As I will,
So mote it be."
She plunged her hands into the water. "Bring me Phoebe, Pearl, and Achilles."
"What?" yelled Paige. "Achilles?" Piper was too focused on her task to notice her sister's shouting. Please let this work, she thought. Please.
"Follow the river," yelled Hector to the survivors as they moved out and began following the river. Briseis hugged Pearl one more time.
"Thank you," she whispered. "For everything." Pearl nodded and told her to catch up with her family. Briseis nodded and ran to where the others were moving.
"You did the best you could," said Phoebe. "Now they can start Rome." Achilles came up and put his hand on Pearl's shoulder. Pearl leaned into him. Phoebe looked at them and sighed.
"I'm happy for you," she said looking at Pearl. Pearl smiled at her cousin. Achilles kissed Pearl's forehead. "But if we don't think fast you'll never be-" Just as she was about to finish, they were surrounded by lights and suddenly, they were in the Manor with Piper, Paige, Leo, and Cole looking at them.
"Together." finished Phoebe slowly. She glanced around and saw her sisters. "It's about time." She threw her hands in the air. Pearl wiggled out of Achilles grasp and ran to her cousins.
"Piper! Paige!" she exclaimed hugging them. They hugged her back.
"Pearl," they sighed together. Paige started ranting.
"Oh my god, are you ok? What happened to you? Why is your arm bleeding?" Pearl looked and noticed her shoulder wound bleeding again.
"Oh man," she sighed. Leo smiled and stepped forward.
"I got it," he said smiling. He held out his hand and a glow came out of it healing her.
"Thank you, Leo," said Pearl hugging him. Cole looked around and faded out. Pearl didn't seem to notice and turned back to them.
"Thank you so much," she told them sincerely. They all smiled at her. Achilles looked around the strange room gaped. Her time was so different from his. He looked at the way everyone was dressed, their furniture, equipment, everything.
"Guys," said Pearl. "I want to introduce to someone." She gestured towards Achilles who was standing there looking out of place.
"We know," said Piper. "Achilles."
"How did you-" asked Pearl trailing off.
"You could say an old friend helped us," commented Leo. Pearl nodded making a mental note to worm who it was out of them later. She went over and grasped Achilles hand in her own and squeezed it gently. She brought him forwards to her family.
"Guys," she said. "This is Achilles."
"Nice to meet you," said Piper holding her hand out. Achilles looked at Pearl and she gestured for him to take her hand. Achilles hesitantly held his hand out to Piper and she took it. She shook his hand twice and dropped it.
"It's a hand shake," said Pearl. "That's how we say hello." Achilles nodded and bowed to Piper and Phoebe.
"My Ladies," she said. They were both impressed.
"At least you can pick 'em," said Paige looking Achilles up and down. "And hot too." Pearl blushed and Achilles looked confused.
"Anyway," said Pearl glaring at Paige. "These are Piper, Paige, and Leo, and you already know Phoebe." Achilles nodded to them politely.
"Pearl," said Piper. "Your Grandmother is super worried. You've been gone for almost a week." Pearl nodded.
"We're definitely going to hear your story tomorrow," said Paige. Pearl nodded.
"One more thing," said Phoebe. "How are you going to go out in the streets with Mr. I'm warrior." Pearl looked at Achilles and nodded. Leo stepped forward.
"I'll give you some clothes," he said and walked out of the attic. Achilles looked at Pearl and she gave him an encouraging look. He nodded and walked out of the attic.
"I thought he was killed by an arrow to his heel," said Paige.
"He was," said Pearl. "Or at least fake him was. We created a double." Paige nodded.
"He seems nice," said Piper.
"And hot," added Paige. Pearl looked at her.
"Please keep your comments to yourself until I tell him everything," said Pearl mock glaring at Paige. Paige smiled.
"Tell us everything tomorrow," said Piper as Achilles came back inside in a shirt, jeans, and some sneakers.
"Good thing he's about my size," said Leo walking back in. Pearl hugged her cousins one last time.
"I'll see you tomorrow," she said. She positioned her backpack on her back and walked out followed by Achilles who nodded at her cousins again and followed her.
"Your cousins are nice," he said. Pearl smiled at him and took his hand.
"Their my best friends," she said sincerely. Achilles grimaced.
"Are all clothes in your era so tight?" he asked. Pearl laughed.
"You get used to it," They walked out the door together and Pearl rummaged through her bag until she found her car keys. "Thank god I didn't lose these." She unlocked her car which was still parked in front of the Manor. She looked at Achilles who was still dumbfounded. "This is a car. You use carriages as transportation. We use cars. Open the door and climb in." Achilles did as he was told and climbed into the car and sat down. Pearl climbed in and started the car and drove to her house.
"This century is amazing," he said as they drove through the streets. He looked at the buildings, lights, cars, and people.
"I know," she said. "You'll get used to it." She parked her car in front of a one story house. "This is my grandmother's house." Achilles got out of the car and opened Pearl's door for her. She smiled at him and locked the car. Glancing at her watch, she noted it was passed one in the morning. Her grandmother was bound to be asleep, but she ran the bell anyway. She heard shuffling inside and the door opened.
"Pearl?" asked Blanche.
"Hey," said Pearl. Blanche started crying and took her granddaughter in a vice tight grip. They were both shedding tears of joy by then. "Grandma," sobbed Pearl. She had missed her grandmother's comforting touch, her soft smile, everything, especially her cooking.
"I missed you so much," said her grandmother not yet noticing Achilles who was watching the two with interest.
"I did too," said Pearl. Blanche released her and looked at her granddaughter. Pearl remembered Achilles and smiled at her grandmother. "Grandma, I want you to meet someone." She took Achilles hand and brought him forward. "This is Achilles." Blanche looked shocked but smiled at Achilles and gave him a hug. Achilles stood their shocked, unsure of what to think of this.
"Welcome," said Blanche. She let go of him and ushered him inside. "Come on in. You must be tired." She entered the house followed by Pearl who swung the door to the house closed with her telekinesis.