Chapter 5 - Choices

It was two days since Teyla had been taken. Two long and horrible days. John felt his fists curl at his side. His impatience was matched by his anger and soon he was sure that he would lose all sense and storm the palace. Two days and only rumours of a great fight – which she had won – but had been badly wounded.

Ronan had been practically impossible to keep inside while Rodney revelled in the rest. It had taken them the entire night to reach Athera's supposedly trusted friends home on the other side of the palace. The friend had cleared out almost the moment they had arrived, swearing to tell no one that they were there, but not wanting to be a part of it.

It had brought them closer to the Arena, closer to Teyla. Last night they had heard the roaring of the crowd, and he had wondered if they were cheering for Teyla - or against her.

Ronan paced in the small kitchen at the back of the house while Rodney filled his face with various fruits. John stood at the window, looking out at the small garden. Athera had been gone all day yesterday, arrived home late, and left early this morning. It was now evening. She said that she had contacts that would be able to help them smuggle them into the Arena without being seen, guards that could be trusted…and paid off.

Rodney noted the curled fist at Sheppard's side and frowned. 'Colonel, why not take a load off? Mh? I'm sure we'll get into horrible danger soon enough.'

John gritted his teeth and shut his eyes turning to Rodney. 'It doesn't bother you in the slightest, does it? Teyla could be fighting for her very life right now with thousands of people cheering on the other guy, and you're okay because you've got a comfy seat and a plate full of food.' He said waspishly.

'Of course it bothers me.' Rodney snapped, standing from his comfy seat. 'But there is nothing we can do right now, and I don't fancy torturing myself over what might be happening when really, we have no clue. It's just not logical.'

Ronan had paused in pacing and nodded, looking at Sheppard. 'He's right.'

John raised an unimpressed eyebrow. Anytime that Ronan sided with Rodney was a time to worry.

'We don't have a clue, and thinking about it isn't going to help.' He stated, and then walked toward him. 'So let's do something.' He said with gritted teeth, looking as on edge as he possibly could be. 'Teyla doesn't have time for us to be sitting around, we know that.'

John nodded and Rodney remained silent. Sheppard sighed frustratedly. 'We wait for Athera to come back, and if she has nothing, then we go in.' He sat on an empty chair and rubbed his face. 'Hell, we might have to be captured in order to get to Teyla anyway.'

'Great, and who is going to come and save us?' Rodney asked, folding his arms. Suddenly, realisation dawned on his face. 'Hey! Elizabeth will. She'll send help, if she hasn't already.'

'I already thought of that. After the first twenty four hours she would have sent a team to look for us, and then they would be in the same predicament we're in. Only problem is, I haven't heard anything about new "Star Masters," have you?' He explained. 'Which generally means that something went wrong. We don't leave our people behind.'

'Problems in Atlantis?' Ronan suggested.

'Maybe. Or they've been captured and it's all being kept really secret. This city has some of the worst gossip I know of.' Sheppard leant forward. 'I heard this morning that a couple in a whole other city were eaten by a bear whilst…well, you know…and it only happened yesterday.'

McKay shook his head with an incredulous expression. 'Oh please. Even if they were having…' He paused and shifted in his seat. 'Even if they were in the throes of passion, they still would have gotten up and ran away. And I thought you said that they lived in a city?'

'Bears can live in cities.' Sheppard insisted.

'Yeah, domesticated bears.' He added.

'And they couldn't have run away because bears are damn fast when they're hungry.' Sheppard said confidently.

'Bears are fast anywhere and in any state – look, it's not true, it's just a load of ridiculous, made-up rumours. Maybe they were having…' He rolled his hand. 'But instead of being eaten by a bear, they were caught by dear old mum.'

'Having sex?' Ronan stated with a frown. Rodney closed his eyes and put a hand on his forehead.

'Yes, Ronan, having sex. It's like talking to a kid.' He said despairingly.

'A kid who can say "sex" and not have to use hand gestures.' Ronan reminded him. 'Also a kid with a large gun.'

Rodney narrowed his eyes at the Satedan. 'The point is, we can't trust anything that's being said.'

Sheppard glared at him. 'That was my point.'

Rodney shook his head. 'Whatever. Do you want some food?'

John just glared at him.

'Fine.' Rodney stuffed an apple in his mouth and choked on it as Athera swept through the back door in a cloak. John stood.

'Anything?' He asked.

'Yes.' She said breathlessly. 'But we must leave now if we are to make it in time. The fight begins soon.'

'She's fighting tonight?' Ronan asked darkly.

Athera nodded. 'I am afraid so. My resources say that it is a fight of special importance, the Emperor himself has made arrangements for her.'

'Let's go.' Ronan headed for the door, but Athera stood in his way.

'Wait! Please understand that you may not be able to save her tonight. Or at least try to, but you can get a good look at the Arena, its layout and military force.' She said gently. Ronan ignored her and swept past.

John and Rodney followed swiftly.

The Underworld.

'You must always guard your side. I have noticed that with women, as they are so rare in the Arena, warriors will attack the side to damage the liver. I do not know why, but it is common.' Tycho said hurriedly. 'What ever he has done, do not hesitate Teyla. It will do no good.'

Aegen had been taken and had died in the Arena only moments ago. The roaring of the crowd's approval still sounded. The guards had come and Teyla was dressed to kill – literally. Leather knee high boots tied tightly, breastplate attached firmly and sword gripped in her hand. The small leather skirt she wore would provide little protection for her legs, as she had found out last time, but it made for easier manoeuvring.

Teyla felt surprisingly calm, it was the gathering crowd and approaching guards that made her feel edgy. Also, Tycho throwing last bits of advice in her ear, as nice as it was, was also distracting. The guards opened the door and stood menacingly, pointing crossbows at her. Teyla raised an eyebrow.

'And if I do not go to them?' She whispered to Tycho. Why not make them come and get her?

'They would start killing prisoners. It has happened before.' He told her. 'I am sorry there is not more I can do.' He looked down at her with worry and Teyla smiled.

'You have done much. Thank you.' She turned to the guards and glared, walking forward.

The inmates began chanting, making a guttural sound as though they had been hit in the stomach. They slammed their feet on the floor and sang until the room vibrated with the many male voices honouring her as she walked to the Arena.

As soon as the door was slammed shut, the prisoners surged toward the small windows, standing on hay stacks, boxes and each other to watch the fight. Tycho had managed to steal the spot at the end where Teyla had looked through before. Boran pushed his way through the crowd where his box awaited him; he hopped on and turned to Tycho, his eyes never leaving the ground of the Arena as the mutilated corpse of Aegen was dragged away.

'Do you think your girl will last, Tycho?' Boran asked cruelly.

Tycho gritted his teeth and with his green eyes blazing, answered. 'She is not my girl.' He said forcefully. 'And she will last.'

The crowd cheered as the Altus Domino demanded praise for the Emperor. On the second level of the stands overlooking the blood stained sand, Ronan, Rodney, John and Athera filed in at the back, all wearing cloaks.

Athera turned to the Guard at the door and nodded her thanks, slipping him a few coins. She lowered her voice. 'You will receive the rest when the fight is over.' She promised, and the guard nodded, closing the door behind him.

Ronan immediately pushed his way to the front, Rodney giving the onlookers smug looks as he followed in the Satedan's wake. John held Athera's hand as he guided her to the front, a little way from the others. Athera looked highly concerned.

'You should tell your friend not to be so aggressive. He already stands out in a crowd as it is.' She insisted, watching Ronan with worrisome eyes. John turned with a grin.

'The thing with Ronan is you can only suggest or hint. Telling him doesn't really work.' They reached the front and John leant over the stone balcony immediately coming back as the flames from the circle below rose into his face. 'Ow.'

Athera leaned over his shoulder with a hand on his arm.' Are you alright?'

'Yeah, I'm fine. Just slightly singed.' John blinked and then leaned over carefully. He saw a massive arena with the sand already stained. Two men with rakes ploughed it over before running off. John looked up and saw the three other rings above him. It was spectacular. 'Wow.' He paused. 'Well, you know, wow if it weren't so barbaric. Real nice society you got goin' here.'

Athera looked around her at the happy faces disgustedly. 'Graccus never used the Arena like this; he used it for public ceremonies and celebrations. Now it is only used for death.'

'Like I said, nice' John commented, and then horns sounded and the crowd fell quiet. Athera pointed to the throne area on the other side of the room and he watched as an attractive man in red robes stepped down and raised his arms.

'Titus.' She whispered. John narrowed his eyes and glanced over at Rodney who gave him the same troubled look.

'Excellent beginning to an excellent evening!' Titus shouted to his audience. 'He fought bravely – although only for a short time.' He said wickedly. A feint ripple of appreciative laughter echoed throughout the arena. John, Rodney and Ronan looked around with frowns. 'My people, our next competitor has fought for you before only once! And she lived – only just.' He paused for effect, looking around the hall. 'But I know she is capable of more. Such a body cannot just be for sexual sin, it can bewitch the minds of even the greatest warriors to their death.' He said confidently.

John felt his grip on the balcony tighten and a heat swept through him. He looked over and saw Rodney whispering fiercely to Ronan who looked ready to jump over the side, march across the arena and shoot the Emperor between the eyes. He saw Ronan's hand on his concealed sidearm under his robes, and he also saw his grip lessen. Rodney had apparently managed to contain Ronan's fury. For the time being.

In the dungeons below, Boran laughed loudly and looked back at the crowd with a huge smile. Tycho growled and pushed him off his box with a loud crash.

'Ass.' He turned back to the Arena.

'And since she is such an evil temptress, I have prepared a great challenge for her. But first, let us greet her back to the Arena.' He said powerfully, extending an arm to the large doors across the room. John leant over further to get a better look and managed not to allow the heat to stop him. He saw them open, and a small, curvy, and familiar figure walked out.

John looked over at Rodney and Ronan and their eyes were glued to her. John heard Rodney comment. 'What is she wearing?' He looked back. He was right. She looked the part of a gladiator with her armour, and she looked every bit the woman too. Even from this distance he could see her scars as she walked to the centre of the ring, the roars of the crowd around them deafening.

Titus raised his hands and the crowd fell silent. John immediately realised that it wasn't through respect, but fear. He was a tyrant in the truest sense of the word.

Titus let his hands drop and he looked down at Teyla with a mischievous eye. 'Have you anything to say before the games begin, little warrior?'

Teyla raised an eyebrow and then pointed her sword to the ground of the arena. 'If I am so little a warrior, then why not fight me down here yourself?'

The crowd gave nervous laughs and whispers consumed the hall. John grinned in approval. 'That's my girl.' He whispered quietly. Ronan and Rodney smiled.

Titus laughed to himself, his eyes never leaving her. The smile faded. 'Perhaps, that time will come. But I have a special surprise for you, Star Master.' He said bitterly. 'Bring them!' He yelled.

To her left Teyla saw a small door open down the far end of the arena, and two guards brought out a woman struggling against them. They threw her on the sand and pulled a chain from the floor, attaching it to her wrist before leaving her and closing the door firmly. The woman was filthy and hysterical. She looked up and Teyla felt her stomach hit the floor.

Milarya watched the cheering crowd with wide eyes, tears streaming down her face. Teyla started toward her but heard a yell behind her, at the other end of the Arena. She turned.

Another small door opened and the guards brought out another prisoner who they chained to the floor. Teyla felt an immediate fury and desperation as the little boy tugged at his chains in terror.

Diodorus Paramonos Thales. The sweet and beautiful little boy from Athera's house fought against the chain but to no avail. Teyla glanced back at Milarya and saw her doing the same. Teyla stood her ground, knowing what was to come. She felt her eyes sting with tears of fury and bit them back. She turned her eyes to Titus who watched her intently, waiting to see the look of defeat he had wanted from the start.

She would not give it to him.

John had immediately recognised both prisoners from their travels and had immediately recognised what Teyla had to do. He wanted to help her, but to even try would result in their capture and then there was no way of escaping. One of them would die and Teyla had to choose.

Rodney walked over to Sheppard with Ronan at his side, a look of sheer worry on his face. 'What do we do?'

'You can't.' Athera said emotionally, watching the little boy with tears in her eyes. 'If they find you, you will all die and then Teyla will have no hope.' She snarled through the tears. 'I do not understand how this happened! I told his mother to leave, to hide!'

'Well, they obviously found her.' Sheppard said firmly. 'And him.'

The boy sat on the sand and cried while Milarya kept pulling against the chain. Tycho did not know them, but he could see from Teyla's expression that she knew them, and that she loathed the Emperor for doing this to them. Perhaps her violence would not be held back today.

Teyla felt her pulse race. She could not decide between them until Titus made his next move. Until he showed her how he was planning to kill them. Sure enough, the crowd cheered even louder and Titus's eyes flicked to something behind her.

Four figures had emerged, but they were not human. Grey and moist with a mouth full of teeth and hands of sharp talons, they wore armour only on their chests as they hunched over like gorillas. Each wore a small helmet that covered their eyes, large, black and shiny eyes which blinked at her. They snarled and moved impatiently.

Teyla turned to Titus, desperately thinking of what she could do.

John breathed heavily and felt his hand stray to his side arm concealed in his robes, for all the good it would do. Teyla had no choice. There were four enemies, two for each prisoner – she would have to save one and leave the other to die.

Rodney leant over to him and whispered. 'There's nothing she can do, is there?'

'No.' Ronan answered, and looked at him darkly. 'That's the point.'

Boran stomped onto his box and glowered at Tycho, his mouth opened wide to yell. Tycho held up an agitated hand. 'Watch.' He commanded. Boran shut his mouth, gritted his teeth and turned back to the games.

Teyla knew she had to choose, and it was tearing her up inside. Tycho was right, she needed to focus, she had to in order to save one – but which one? Dio was an innocent boy, but Milarya had helped her in the first place, had done a huge favour knowing that it would put her in this position…how could she choose?

Titus smiled widely and spoke gently to her, just so she could hear. 'Special enough for you?'

Teyla loathed him. It was pure. It was deadly. It made her want to scream with every fibre of her being to make him shatter. Her grip tightened on her sword and watched him nod to the creatures behind her.

In that moment, she knew who she must save, and who she must leave to die.

The creatures snarled and the pairs sprinted in either direction toward their pray.

Teyla ran toward the one she must save.