Arthur's notes:
charmed-darkangel I thought about Piper doing that as well, but I needed to set up for something else in this chapter which will be a surprise and sets up for future events. Because of your review about Prue and her moment of revenge, I was able to get over writers block, and gave me ideas for future chapters.
Thanks for the reviews to everyone because there has been times I have debated on giving up the story because of lack of traffic. But your reviews will keep me going all the way to the finish.
Chapter 11
Eyes Not My Own
Piper was now 3 1/2 months pregnant as she brought wine to Sora and her husband on the balcony as the gladiators practiced. She refused to have Paige go near her and did most of Paige's work including hers because Paige would break down at the slightest touch. Most of all she felt responsible because she was not in the room when he came in, "I promised I would protect her and I broke that," Piper said to herself as she poured the wine and looked upon the sands. Prue was sparring with Melito and yelled her name in English because she has not seen her in weeks.
"Prue."
Sora rose quickly and grabbed Piper around the throat with her hand." You will not speak in you native tongues anymore in this house, or I will have it removed for you do not need it to give birth." She said and let go of Pipers red throat.
"Wife she is far along with child, please do not cause unneeded stress," Molateus said and guided his wife to the chair while looking at Piper who was rubbing her throat.
"Do you know I had to beg Curtius for her to live, and I am not one for begging," Sora said and sat down.
"It was a needed inconvenience, once this house no longer needs influences you will beg for nothing," Molateus said and motioned Piper to leave them.
Prue was distracted when Piper yelled her name and found herself on her back from a blow to the chest.
"Do you wish to kill me too?" Melito said as Prue got up.
"His actions were his own," She replied and attacked. It was the only way to release pent-up anger and she used it to her advantage. She faked thrusting her sword and as he tried to block it she moved to the side and struck him hard in the ribs with her round shield. He tumbled sideways from the strike trying to get his breath. But she did not stop and rushed him while he was on his knees and hit his shield repeatedly with all her might, "Fuck them, fuck history, fuck this place," She yelled in her mind as Melito tried to get to his feet.
"Enough," The Doctore said and raised his whip.
Prue did not stop and continued until her hand bleed from the friction caused by the butt of the sword.
"Enough!" He yelled again and this time used his whip to stop her. Prue felt the sting around her wrist and her body went backwards as he pulled hard. She hit hard and now began to calm herself.
"And your actions are your own," Melito said as he walked away.
"You are a pent up beast, who knows neither control nor pacing," The Doctore said as Prue got up. "Save your hunger for the arena," He finished.
Phoebe was to spar with Petra next as the sun was lowering in the sky.
"Petra, little Aglaia," The Doctore said and the two stood facing each other. Petra smiled at her and she smiled back, they have become best friends since she has been there. But she has never bested him and she needed to prove herself especially after the Primus. She was neither Prue nor Piper that seemed to have a little average, one being pregnant one being the crowd pleaser. She and Paige were vulnerable to be sold and she needed to prove herself, "Come on Phoebe use what you know and concentrate," She said as Petra rushed her, but instead of waiting for him she ran towards him, she knew him, knew his moves. He put the shield out in front of him and started to slide on his knees, but she expected it and stepped on his shield and did a somersault in the air, landing right behind him as his slide and came to a stop, he felt the point of the sword on the back of his neck. Phoebe could not believe that it worked and neither could he. If this was a real battle he would've been dead. The Doctore nodded his head at her improvement as Molateus stood up looking down at them.
"She may be small but agile," He said as the Doctore told everyone to eat and drink.
"It's only in a few weeks till the birthday celebration of Festus son, and our purse much lighter then before," Sora said while fanning herself.
"I have arranged private matches with the sisters, if they win it should bring us much coin, enough for the celebration," He answered.
"I have heard of Rufus death that is still unsolved," Sora said.
Molateus gripped the banister hard but she did not notice us his face was turned away from her. "Yes it is news that weighs my heart, he was a good man."
"He may have been a good man, but he would have brought an end to the games," Sora replied.
"Only when Rome ceases to breathe will that come upon us," He said as he left the balcony.
Back on the sands Petra and Phoebe were talking as they got something to eat and drink.
"Come little Aglaia sit on my lap and tell me of your home land," He said and padded his leg.
Phoebe smiled at him but did not sit on his leg but across from him. "I wouldn't want something to go where it shouldn't," She replied with a little laugh.
"Do not be afraid of Petra's cock for a fly would find it unsatisfying," Melito said and the men found it humorous along with Petra.
"My home land, well it's usually always warm and there is an ocean with plenty of food from everywhere, and no slaves," Phoebe replied as a tear fell from her eye.
"It sounds like Olympus," Petra said and wiped away her tears with his thumb.
"Yes it does."
"No slaves?" Melito asks.
"We are free to do what we want," Phoebe replied.
The men listened intensely for some of them it was a place they would want to go, to live free.
"I'm afraid our masters would find that unbearable, for who would dress them," Melito said and continued eating.
"Then help us get home," Prue said and everyone looked at her including the Doctore. Phoebe shook her head side to side to tell her sister it was not the time. Prue noticed and laughed trying to make a joke. The tension on the patio lessened but the Doctore kept an eye on her.
Piper went into Paige's room and found her staring out the window. "Paige honey we need to talk."
"I want to go home Piper," Paige replied but did not turn away from the window. She would look at the fields of grapes and wondered what it would be like to run through them. To feel the wind in her hair and the grass under her feet again.
"I know me too, but I think I figured out a way to communicate with Prue and Phoebe to plan a escape," Piper replied and her sister faced her with hope.
"How?"
"Arria could give them notes from us and she could give theirs to us," Piper replied and rubbed her sister's arm but Paige just recoiled into herself. All Piper could do was close her eyes tight to keep the tears in, she hated seeing her like this and felt helpless.
"Won't she get in trouble?"
"No Sora likes her and if we are careful it should be fine," Piper replied.
"Ok thanks Piper," Paige said and looked at Piper's belly which was now showing much more. "How is she?"
"Irritable and apparently doesn't like it here either," Piper replied and put her hand on Paige's as she rubbed her belly. Piper has been throwing up all day but tried to keep everything down when she was around her. Paige was under enough stress and didn't want her to worry about her. "God Paige please stay with me," Piper thought as she held back the water works. It was killing her and she was constantly worried about what she might do.
Back on the sands everyone was getting ready to rest your weary bones of the night was upon them.
"Doctore have you seen Italia?" Melito asks anxiously.
"No Melito, but I am sure she is merely busy," He answered.
"Yes Doctore," He replied disappointed. Italia was his lover and he has not seen her in weeks. She was a house servant and although they have gone long periods without filling each other's lips, this was to long.
"I shell have her see in the morning," The doctore replied to lift his friend spirit. He and the other men were the only ones who knew about his relationship with her. As for the most part it was forgotten for gladiator's in house servants to be together, unless it was permitted by the masters of the house. Prue and Andy were already married before they arrived and the Doctore was permitted to marry Arria by Sora because of his loyalty and the honor he brought the house in the past when he was a gladiator.
"Thank you doctore."
Flashback: The night Piper hit Curtius.
Sora left Paige's room and the guest started to leave as well.
"Sora I have been offended I demand restitution," Curtius said as the remaining guests left.
"I will see to it, you will have her head on a platter delivered to your home by next moon cycle," Sora answered as Curtius left feeling satisfied.
A woman house servant named Italia walked into the room as Sora looked her over.
"My apologies for your name is?" Sora asks.
"Italia dominus," She answered.
"You will come with me to market and as there are things I need to acquire.
"Yes dominus."
In the market Sora, Julius who was a gladiator and also her bodyguard went down a deserted alley way with Italia.
"Similar build, same long dark hair," Sora said as she pushed Italia against the wall.
"Dominus?" Italia asked confused and concerned. Julius stabbed her in the gut and blood covered his hands as he pulled the knife out, but did not notice one of the earrings that Melito gave her was now stuck on his garment. Italia eyes widened as pain shot through her body and Sora covered her mouth to keep her from screaming.
"She has brought me to this, I am sorry Italia but I must have her child to raise as my own," Sora whimpered out as Italia's body went limp and fell to the ground.
"Remove her head and disfigured the face enough that it cannot be recognized, then deliver it to Curtius on a platter," Sora said and checked yourself to make sure no blood was on her.
End of Flashback:
Piper left Paige's room but felt a dizzy spell coming upon her and she put her hand on a nearby table to get balance.
"Oh its ok baby, it's ok," She said trying to get control of her body.
"Piper are you ok?" Andy asks as he ran over to her.
"Yeah just morning sickness," She replied with her eyes still closed as the room was not cooperating with her vision at the moment.
"Here sit down," He said and helped her into a chair that was nearby.
"Thanks Andy," She said as beads of sweat formed on her brow. She took a deep breath in and the dizziness began to fade.
"Listen tomorrow night is the big celebration, don't worry about doing anything just stay with Paige ok, you need to rest," Andy said as he wiped her brow with a wet cloth.
"Andy I am so sorry about what happened to you and Paige," Piper said and enjoyed the cool wetness even though it was brief.
"It's not your fault Piper now go lay down ok," He said and helped her to Paige's room.
Paige was staring out the window again when she heard the door open. Her entire body froze as she saw Andy and for a moment's so did his, "Dammit you guys talk to each other it will help," Piper thought as she was too exhausted to even help with the conversation. Andy began to move again helping Piper to the bed and put pillows under her knees.
"Is she ok?" Paige asks but never looked at him.
"Yeah she just needs to rest," He replied and left the room quickly. Paige fought back tears as he did so as she felt Piper's hand on hers.
"Paige it's going to be okay," Piper said and her eyes closed and she fell fast asleep.
"How is it going to be ok, I can't breathe, I can't sleep, I can't function why the hell did I have to be a witch. I know what happens after we die, I know there's a heaven maybe I should just run to it," Paige said to herself, she has seen many things in her life but one of them was the big question that very few people know. She climbed into bed with her sister and try to sleep in hopes the nightmares would not come.
It was the day of the celebrations for Festus son, Nepos who was about 15 years of age and was about to become a man. The guests arrive as the gladiators stood against the wall dressed in full armor and cleaned and perfumed. There were people dressed up as statues of Greek gods that were in the indoor ponds standing on stone slabs. Even the servants were wearing their best garments except Piper and Paige who stayed in their room and tried to sleep through the noise. Servants either had food or wine in their hands as the guest would have their cups filled and their bellies full.
"Father look at the gladiators," Nepos said as he looked at them with his mouth open as he is never seen one close up.
"My son will be the envy of his friends, for none of them have seen a Ludi before," Festus said with a smile.
"It is our honor to have you and your son here," Molateus replied.
"His head will be too large to leave even through your gates."
"Well then let's make certain of it, we should have a expedition and he may choose to gladiators," Molateus said.
"I choose?" The boy said and looked at the gladiators now measuring them.
"I would like her," He said pointing at Phoebe.
"My son always goes with the unorthodox approach," Festus said a little surprised at his has son's choice.
"And him," Nepos said while pointing to Petra, "They are of similar height it should be balanced."
The other gladiators did a little snort at that comment as Petra is always made fun of for his height. Both him and Phoebe stepped forward.
"Need I remind you this is only expedition, you may cause blood but not major injury," Molateus said as he looked at Phoebe and Petra. Everyone backed up a little to give them room to fight as Petra and Phoebe faced each other. A guard handed them a real sword of metal as well as metal shields. Phoebe looked a little worried but Petra smiled at her and she went calm. "It's just expedition it will be okay," she thought as she took her defensive stance waiting for him to rush. Prue looked at Sora through a sideways look and wondered if Piper and Paige were ok, she also looked around the house but could not see them. "They're probably in a room, Piper is showing much more now and she wants to keep her hidden. I am so glad she is with Paige," Prue continued thinking as the sound of steel hitting steel snapped her out of it.
Petra did not rush and instead waited for her to come to him. Their swords would connect creating sparks and they moved liked professional dancers, dodging and blocking each other. Phoebe would strike hard downward and Petra would use his shield to stop it as he swung his sword toward her abdomen. She felt a burning sensation followed by a sting and looked down at her stomach. She was bleeding but not much more as it was just a small cut. She became more focused and raised her eyebrows at Petra, "Ok if you want to play it that way," She said and rushed him hard, she decided to throw in some martial arts, one to please the crowd two to best him again. She was moving fast forcing him backwards as she used her shield to force his out and away from his body, then she used her sword to force his away as well and with a strong forward kick knocked him off his feet. He felt the tip of the cold blade in the center of his chest as he smiled at her and raised two fingers. The crowd applauded and was very pleased with the right as Nepos was breathing heavily from the excitement.
"Quite impressive, she has much potential and Petra moves with purpose," Sora said as she adjusted her clothing while Prue was watching her. But a bright flash as though light hitting a diamond made her look directly at it. "That necklace, it belonged to Rufus wife and he never was without it," Prue thought and tried to figure out how she obtained it.
"Well son what say you, what fate should he have?" Festus said to his son. Phoebe and Petra were laughing a little at the comment; this was not the arena and was more for show. Nepos stretched out his arm with his thumb facing sideways and then raised his head so he could look down upon them. He then pointed his thumb downward. There was not a word spoken in the room and the once laughing people now grew serious. Nepos looked at his father in a demanding way and Festus looked at Molateus the same.
"I shell pay you for the loss of the man," Festus said and looked at the two gladiators.
"No please no," Phoebe thought as she was not sure what to do as every one of her senses was on high alert. She could hear her heart beat as well as his, as it vibrated her sword while on his chest. Molateus nodded to Phoebe to comply but even he was hesitant, Petra was a good fighter and would be hard to replace. But most of all he knew this would not sit well with his other gladiators, to be at the whims of a boy.
"They will kill us both little Aglaia," Petra whispered to her and all Phoebe could do was shake her head no. But he would not let her die for this and he forced the sword into his chest with his own hand a few inches. It was too late as it has pierced his heart as Phoebe tried to stop him, but now if she pulls it out he will bleed to death slowly, or she could push it the rest of the way in killing him quickly. "Fuck, no god please not him, not him," Her mind was racing, he was her only friend besides her sisters and he was her best trainer, he also saved her life once. Petra was struggling to breathe and was in great pain.
"Gladiator finish him," Molateus said as he did not want to lose her as well considering he had a private match already arranged, worth much coin.
Phoebe and Petra would look into each other's eyes with understanding and love, but Phoebe closed hers as she forced the sword into to him to end his pain. She was no longer in this world and her eyes darted around the room lost. Prue held back tears as her blood boiled, he is a Nero in the making she thought as she looked at the boy who seemed to be very pleased with the outcome. Phoebe was taken away by the guards as the guest went back to the celebration. Prue wanted to run to her sister, it was her first kill and it was her best friend. She will not be the same; she may even be lost forever as the guards took her away from Prue's site.
Phoebe was locked in her cell and she stood there in shock as the guard walked away. Then it hit her like a train, and she paced the room squeezing her fists tight, "How could I have done it, what is wrong with me," She yelled and pulled at her own hair until she screamed so loud that even the guest heard it but ignored it. Piper and Paige would be woken up from it as Phoebe tossed, broke and kicked everything in her room. There was a puddle of water from one of the jugs she broke and she looked into it. Her face was red and tear stained but her eyes were not her own, at least from what she can remember. They were dark and changed forever, "If I have to kill everyone in this house to get to him, to get to that boy I will," She said and slammed her hand into the puddle almost breaking it in the process.
To be continued...
