(A/N: Hey, everyone. So, 'Harvzilla' ended on a depressing note, but as stated before, since the show decided to have Harvey turn into a kaiju-sized monster, then we have to show the repercussions of it. That, and the co-author was[and still is] on antidepressants during the whole thing.{That's his contribution to this note, by the way.} However, we're officially done with all the sad and tragic stuff, since everything from this point onwards is about Greendale slowly moving on from the whole mess while dealing with their own grief.
In other news, me and the co-author had decided, to ensure no more retcons for this entire series, we're dropping all the complex stuff that most pieces of media are doing these days and easing into simplicity, like the cartoons of the 1900s. Mainly Hanna-Barbera cartoons, along with classic Disney films.
Third, we have one character from this story who will be getting a redemption arc throughout the first half of Secret Life-era. We won't reveal who it is until then, but you're welcome to speculate who it is.
Fourth, we know Gem's mother appear in the show. But, as in the case of Filthy Frank, which no one complained/commented about[me and the co-author is wondering if anyone will comment on this story, as we don't know whether or not we're doing a good job with this or if you guys aren't interested in this. So, please leave a comment, mostly for the co-author so he won't feel like no one cares.], then we thought to get away with this. Gem's mother is Wish Realm Regina Mills, who lost everything, and didn't want to show herself. And the Regina that appeared throughout the show: she's someone Wish Realm Regina hired to pretend to be her in public. Plus, we drop a tiny bombshell relating to the Stone family in this chapter.
Last but not least, as a reminder, not only is Sabrina the Animated Series being rewritten(the first 15 chapters are the only exceptions, due to the fact we didn't plan much when writing them), but also portions of the stuff we're putting in this series. However, we'll also put in a special section explaining the logic for this series, so keep an eye out for that when we're done with this story.
After the next episode, me and my brother will hopefully make an online family tree and post it on his deviantart account.
With all that said, onto the episode!
P.S. The Jane that appeared in 'Wag the Witch', and the Jane that we created to be Slugloafe's little sister[whose only mention is the previous chapter, this one and later chapters], are two completely different Janes, not the same ones. Just thought to clarify that.)
Aaron's P.O.V.-Greendale Jr. High-Monday(Three days after Harvzilla)
"Well, the stunt double of Gem's mother is finally gone, since she's no longer getting paid," I said, as the blonde who claimed to be Gem's mother just drove off.
"Yeah, she is," Sabrina said. "...It feels weird, though, given how long she had been pretending to be Gem's mother," she adds.
The two of us were sitting on the steps for the mostly rebuilt middle school, which was only possible due to the Stones' 'generous donations'. By 'generous donations', I meant they have to sell everything they own in order to raise money for the repairs for majority of Greendale.
The previous day, when Sabrina, Hilda and Zelda got back from Mortal Kombat(which Sabrina won both tournaments...yes, apparently there was two), they were told of what happened on Friday night. Which, by the way, I still have a lot of compression bandages around the injuries from that night, but it a small amount compared to what others went through.
"Anyways, we don't have to feel weird about the false 'Regina' being gone for long," I say.
"How come?" Sabrina asked.
"Because here comes Gem's...mo-Sabrina, look out!" I shouted, pushing Sabrina into the school building and jumping in after her, as a blue car drove right onto the school's steps.
"Who was that?!" Sabrina asked.
"If I didn't know any better, I would have to say that was Gem's mother driving," I said.
"Ugh, any minute now, she's going to step out of that door and give Gem the best news ever: they have another way of getting rich." Sabrina groaned.
Soon, the door opened...only for the driver to have issues getting out of the car. Mainly due to, ahem, wardrobe problems.
"This is why all horseless carriages are useless! If only I still have magic, then I would find whoever invented such a concept, rip out their hearts and crush them, and then for good measure, curse them and everyone else into oblivion!" exclaimed the brown-haired female as she struggled to get her dress out of the car.
"...Never knew she worked at the renaissance fair," Sabrina said, dumbfounded.
"Neither did I. Or, maybe she did, and I don't remember from the only other time I've seen her," I said.
"When was that?" Sabrina asked.
"Christmas. SIx years ago in a couple of weeks," I said.
"Oh. Oh!" Sabrina said, remembering the infamous Christmas.
"Yeah," I say, as the female, the real Regina, AKA, Gem's mother, finally got her dress out of the car. She then went around and opened the back door.
"Here we are, at your run-down ruined shack of a school. Now, out of the horseless carriage," Regina said.
"Ugh, first I'm officially broke, and then my real parents come, revealing that the father I've been living with was a duplicate the whole time. What's next, I'm going to have to wear the peasants garb?" Gem whined as she stepped out of the car.
"Yes. Now get in that building!" Regina commanded.
"Fiiiine," Gem pouted as she walked in the school, not even noticing Sabrina and me.
As Regina got back in the car, having the same struggles due to her dress, I noticed a smile on Sabrina's face.
"Aaron, do you know what that whole moment means?" Sabrina asked.
"The fact that Gem is officially broke, thus having no power nor authority, therefore her reputation is garbage, from king and queen garbage, from the garbage dynasty. You know, something her good self had somewhat foretold." I pointed out.
"Exactly what I would say, except for the Courage the Cowardly Dog reference." Sabrina said.
"Don't blame me, blame Courage." I said.
"You know I can't blame him. He's cute," Sabrina said.
"Then I win," I say.
"...Dang it," Sabrina said, snapping her finger similar to Ramses from his own episode.
"Anyways, we should head to class to figure out what we're doing for the book report. Also, I hope we're going to be working together on it," I say.
"Yeah, exactly." Sabrina said as we head towards class.
30 minutes later-Classroom
"Ancient Rome," our history teacher, Ms. Lewis, said as she wrote 'Ancient Rome' on the chalkboard. "That's right, boys and girls. It's time for everyone's favorite pastime: book reports."
Everyone groaned. Except Bernard, who exclaimed, "Yay!" Seems like everything is still the same, and yet different at the same time, since Slugloafe didn't pound Bernard's desk to force him to change his mind, like he usually does.
Then again, Slugloafe isn't feeling like doing his civil duties of being a bully, after what happened to his younger sister, Jane, on Friday night. And no, that was not a way for anyone to use the Katy Perry song, 'Last Friday Night'. Plus, everyone groaned half-heartedly, the events of Friday night still on their minds.
"Okay, everyone, simmer down. For this project, you'll be in groups of two or three, which I will pick," Ms. Lewis said.
After putting our other classmates into groups, one of which Bernard and Slugloafe are partners, Ms. Lewis finally look at Sabrina, Gem and I. "And our last group will be Sabrina, Aaron...and Gem," she said, as Sabrina and Gem glanced at one another.
"Noooooo!" the two shouted as I sat there, silent for a moment. After that moment, I muttered, "Drats", due to Gem working with Sabrina and me. Mainly because she'll either be hitting on me, or complaining about how she's 'poorer' than Sabrina.
On the plus side, now Gem could finally do the work, without paying someone to do it for her. Goodbye, Gem's falsely earned reputation, and hello hard work.
Later-Everyone's P.O.V.-Spellman's Residence
"Hmm. I know I said you girls could redecorate," Quigley said to Hilda and Zelda, continuing with, "but this is a little too much," he finished while waving his hand around the living room. Said room was now pirate island-themed, and Salem was stuck wearing a cabin boy uniform.
Then again, he is trying to get back on Hilda, Zelda and Sabrina's good side, after realizing who he was losing. It took some time, plus the entire Harvzilla event on Friday night, for him to realize what is truly more important.
Quigley sat down on the chair, his usual spot, only for his outfit to change into a pirate captain. "Oh, eyepatch," Quigley said, before standing up.
"And it is, it is,
"A glorious thing
"To be a
"Pirate King" Quigley sang as Hilda and Zelda chuckled, while Salem facepalmed.
"You'll find that I'm not so easily bought, girls. Someone will pay dearly for this...indignity." Salem declared lamely.
"We'll give you some time to get used to it." Hilda said with a mischievous smirk.
"While we work on the upstairs," Zelda added as she and Hilda, cackling at Salem's misfortune, teleported themselves to the upstairs area.
"Upstairs? You better not touch my litter box!" Salem threatened.
"We're touching your litter box...with a lot of cleaning supplies, just to get the smell of your ego off it!" Hilda shouted from upstairs.
"Plus, it's not your litter box, it's Salem's litter box. Your name is Scar, since Hilda and I legally changed it yesterday, remember?" Zelda added, also from upstairs.
"NOOOOOO!" Salem screamed while pounding the ground like a small child throwing a temper tantrum. Actually, this display of Salem gives small kids, and cats, a bad name. So, retract that last statement.
Right at that moment, Aaron and Sabrina walked into the pirate-themed living room, still discussing with each other about working with Gem on the book report.
"Think about it this way, Sabrina. This is a good thing," Aaron claims.
"How is Gem working with us a good thing?" Sabrina asked, skeptical.
"Easy. If she doesn't do the work, then she gets a bad grade. However, if she does so, then everyone will know the difference between her own work and works of others she claimed she've done," Aaron said.
"Yeah. And if she gets a bad grade, it takes away our chance of getting a good grade as well." Sabrina pointed out.
"Dang it, you're right." Aaron said, remembering that.
"It's time to say goodbye to our history grades." Sabrina said, sitting on the couch.
"Though I wonder if we step back into time or not," Aaron said, looking at the room, as he sat next to Sabrina.
"No, just Hilda and Zelda redecorating the living room," Quigley said. "Anyways, what's the problem?" he asked.
A parrot landed on Quigley's head. "Rawk, what's the problem?" the parrot asked, before getting shooed away by Quigley.
"Aye, our matey, Ms. Lewis, is making Aaron and me team up with Gem to write up a report." Sabrina said, similar to a pirate.
"Well, that does sound bad. Somewhat," Quigley added in a undertone.
"Somewhat?" Sabrina asked, dumbfounded.
"Rawk, somewhat," the parrot, well, parrotted.
"Nobody asked you." Quigley told the parrot, who flew off somewhere.
"Gem is literally the most annoying, if not the worst, person in all of middle school. She talks about herself, she wears all the best clothing just to brag about herself, and if she could, she would charge people just for the air they breathe in." Sabrina listed.
"And yet, we're stuck with her." Aaron said.
"Sabrina, Aaron, maybe you can give this a shot?" Quigley asked.
"How?" Sabrina asked.
"I don't know. Maybe Gem might bring something to the table that you two didn't thought of?" Quigley suggested.
"Yeah, maybe about how much she 'loves' me." Aaron said, using air quotes.
"Look, I never had experiences with rich snobs growing up, plus you're going to have to do the book report anyways, right?" Quigley asked.
"Yes." Aaron and Sabrina said.
"So, try and, well, getting along is out of the question. But at least make sure she does some of the work as well, okay?" Quigley said.
"Rawk, give it a sh-Ah!" The parrot exclaimed, after getting hit by a pillow.
"Okay, we'll try. As long as she puts in the effort," Aaron said.
"But first, could you promise us this one thing?" Sabrina asked.
"What's that?" Quigley asked.
"Can you promise us that Hilda and Zelda will turn the living room back to normal? Gem is coming in 5 minutes, and she would love to find something to complain about," Sabrina said.
Before Quigley said anything, the living room was engulfed in Hilda and Zelda's magic, as the pirate-themed living room turned back to a normal living room.
Salem/Scar, who was laying down on the sand, fell onto the carpet floor, due to the room turning back to normal. "Hey! Some of us are trying to tan here!" complained Salem.
"Then go to an actual beach and leave our life. Especially given the stunt you pulled on Friday," Aaron said, muttering the last part under his breath.
Five Minutes Later
Sabrina opened the front door, revealing Gem standing on the front porch, trying to have the rich person posture...and failing.
"Oh, hey, Gem. Come on in." Sabrina greeted Gem, indicating the hallway.
"Spare me." Gem said, stepping inside.
"I figure the three of us could work in the kitchen." Sabrina said.
"Look, Smellman. I'm only here because A.) I have to be, and B.), my precious Aaron is also here. If you want to work on the roof, that's fine with me. As long as you promise to jump off once we're done, so I can have Aaron, who is now a national hero, all to myself," Gem said as Sabrina closed the front door.
"And that attempt of niceness went right out of the window. Not to mention she wants me to kill myself, despite how many people died last Friday. Yep, she really is the worst person in middle school." Sabrina commented to herself.
"Take a breath and count to ten." Salem advised sarcastically.
"Shut up, Salem. And for your info, I'm going to find out what Aaron meant about you pulling something on Friday." Sabrina said.
"Wait, you don't want to do that!" Salem said, his face full of fear...for his own safety.
"And why not?" Sabrina asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Because you know how he and I don't get along. He's probably trying to throw me under the bus to make himself look good. Especially with his newfound national hero status. Plus, it's not like Gem is someone you need to worry about, given how many times you handle her, right?" Salem said nervously while sweating.
"Oh, and by the way, that is the ugliest cat I've ever seen. Mainly due to that scar," Gem said.
"Turn her into a mouse and leave the rest to me!" Salem declared, brandishing his claws.
"Actually, she has a point. For once. You are ugly, even before that scar." Sabrina commented.
"And this is all Aaron's fault." Salem grumbled.
"How so?" Sabrina asked.
"It just is." Salem pouted as he went upstairs.
"Yep, definitely getting the answer from Aaron," Sabrina said.
Soon, in the kitchen-Aaron's P.O.V.
Sabrina, Gem and I were sitting at the kitchen table, glancing at one another, waiting to see who would begin on the report.
"Look, Gem, the three of us have been looking at each other for over an hour, and it's not getting the report done." Sabrina said.
"Hey, I've been ready." Gem retorted.
"Then why don't you start reading the book?" I asked.
"Um, because I thought you could start us off." Gem said, handing me the book.
"Yeah, no. In case if you forgot, this is Sabrina's house, so she gets to make the rules. Meaning, she could start us off." I said, handing the book to Sabrina.
"Thanks, Aaron." Sabrina said as she opened the book to the section we were on. "'The Ancient Colosseum was used by the Romans for gladiatorial combat.'" Sabrina began reading the book.
"Ugh, your voice is grating," Gem said, grabbing the book from Sabrina. "I'll read." Gem added.
"Fine, just make sure you don't get insulted from the dreadful fashion choices." Sabrina snarked.
"Smellman, despite this being your ugly house, either I read it my way, or we don't do this report, and we'll all get bad grades, mainly thanks to you." Gem threatened.
"Well then, good luck with your reputation for good grades being in the trash, because I'm not letting you have your way, Gem." Sabrina said, walking off.
"Aaron, aren't you going to stop her?" Gem asked.
"No, because she's right. Either you compromise, or you can deal with having bad grades for once." I said as I followed Gem.
Gem's (Brief) P.O.V.
"Oh, why does Aaron always have to play hard to get? Especially when it comes to taking Smellman's side. I mean, a national hero like him could improve my social standing again, if I could convince him to drop Smellman. But how?" Gem asked.
She slammed her hands on the table, causing the book to jolt a bit. Gem looked down at the book, then looking into the living room, spotting an evil-looking cookie jar.
"Of course. If I hide the book there, then we'll get bad grades, causing sweet, precious Aaron to be distraught. Then, when I show him where the book is, he'll think Smellman hid it, drop her like ugly fashion choices, and go out with me. And then, I can both be rich and famous again!" Gem said with glee, as she went to pull off her plan.
Soon-Everyone's P.O.V.-Living Room
Sabrina and Aaron entered the room, looking for both the history book and Gem. They saw Gem on the couch, but no book.
"Where did you put the book, Gem?" Sabrina demanded.
"Nuh uh. Not unless I can read." Gem said in a sing-song voice.
"How about no and we call it even?" Aaron deadpanned.
"Hmm, no can do, Aaron. However, if you go out on a date with me, as a national hero in front of the right people, maybe I might tell you where the book is." Gem said.
"Never in a million years." Aaron said.
"Then I'm not telling you the location." Gem said.
"Fine. We can find it on our own," Sabrina said as she and Aaron looked around, before spotting the Spooky Jar. The two immediately knew Gem put the book in there.
"Oh no! Please tell me you didn't hide it in the Spooky-I mean, cookie jar." Sabrina said.
"Dang it, there went my plan. Anyways, you're not getting it back!" Gem shouted, walking over to the Spooky Jar.
"No!" Sabrina said, trying to stop Gem, only to be too late, as Gem took the lid off.
Suddenly, green magic poured out of the Spooky Jar. "What's happeni-Ah!" Gem screamed as she got sucked into the Spooky Jar.
Aaron and Sabrina grabbed onto the chair, trying to not get sucked into the Spooky Jar as well.
"Dang it, Aaron. Gem caused a tesseract." Sabrina said.
"Excuse me. What?" Aaron asked.
"A tesseract. By putting a mortal, AKA, non-magical object inside the Spooky Jar, she caused a rupture in the time stream. Or, you know, the 4th Dimension. Zelda taught me that one." Sabrina said.
"Drats. And the book is about Ancient Rome, so we're getting sent back to that period of time." Aaron said.
"At least there's a positive in this situation." Sabrina said.
"What could be good about this?" Aaron asked.
"At least Salem isn't the one sending us back in time." Sabrina said.
"Touche." Aaron said.
"I heard that!" Salem shouted from the bathroom upstairs.
"We know!" Aaron and Sabrina shouted. Soon, they were sucked into the Spooky Jar, joining Gem, as the three were sent back through time.
Everyone's P.O.V.-Ancient Rome-45 B.C.E.
Aaron, Sabrina and Gem were thrown out of the green portal onto the stone-paved roads of Ancient Rome. Gem held up the history book, which was torn in half.
"Great job, Sabrina. You tore the book in half!" Gem claimed, holding up half of the book, while Sabrina held up the other half that fell off.
"That's the least of our worries, Gem." Aaron said bluntly as Sabrina put both halves of the book in her fanny pack.
Suddenly, Aaron and Sabrina noticed a chariot heading towards them. "Look out!" Sabrina said as she dragged Gem out of the way and onto one side of the street while Aaron went on the other side.
"Phew." Sabrina breathed a sigh of relief as Aaron walked over to her and Gem.
"Yep, definitely in Ancient Rome, according to that sign. Weird, though, that they even know they're Ancient Rome." Aaron said, pointing at the sign that says, 'Welcome to Ancient Rome, 45 B.C.E.!'
"I refuse to believe we somehow time traveled to Ancient Rome." Gem said.
"Gem, the sign literally says Ancient Rome!" Sabrina shouts, shaking Gem.
"Oh, I see what's going on here, Smellman." Gem said.
"Oh, and what do you see?" Sabrina asked.
"Do you think I'm stupid? A bright flash, a tacky sign, Ancient Rome. Last week, I wished on a star to rule the world. Obviously, some higher power has chosen to grant my humble request." Gem said.
"You wished to rule the world?" Sabrina asked, shocked.
"And that's somehow humble?" Aaron added, appalled.
"Oh, look! A place where I can shop! You know, a place made for me!" Gem said as she ran across the street.
"Gem, wait!" Sabrina exclaimed as she and Aaron ran after Gem.
"I'll take two of these necklaces, and a bottle of...what's this? Perfume?" asked Gem as she held up said bottle.
"Unguent of beaver lips," answered the stall owner.
"Oh, um, on second thought, no thanks." Gem said, grossed out by what she was holding. "Do you take plastic?" she asked, holding up her credit card, much to the confusion of the stall owner.
"Huh?" asked the confused stall owner.
"Wow, you are ancient." Gem remarked, waving her credit card around, before putting it back in her pocket. "Well, don't worry. I've come from the future." Gem said slowly, until she got grabbed by Aaron and Sabrina.
"Hey!" The stall owner exclaimed.
"Gem, you've got to listen to me and Aaron. You've got to fit in a little more. We're going to get in trouble." Sabrina cautioned.
"Not to mention getting harshly punished by the emperor of this era." Aaron added.
"First of all, never mess with a Stone when she's shopping. And two, I'm the ruler of this place, not some fashion-challenged moron." Gem argued.
"Gem, we're serious!" Sabrina said.
"There she is! Thief!" shouted the stall owner.
"Thief? Oh, silly ancient one, I was going to pay you." Gem said, turning around to face the stall owner and the guard that came with him. "Here. Do you have change for a 50?" she asked, handing the stall owner a $100 bill.
"What is this green papyrus? I want some assarius," the stall owner said.
"What the heck are those?" Gem asked.
"Roman currency. Duh," Aaron said.
"Not to mention, this doesn't have Julius Caesar on it." The stall owner continued, waving the dollar bill.
"Yeah, that's because it's an American dollar. Duh," Gem said, rolling her eyes.
"What the fuck is an America?" The stall owner asked.
"You know, the United States." Gem said.
"What's a United States?" asked the guard.
"You know, 5-" Gem began until Aaron covered her mouth.
"Gem, shut up. No one knows about America until the 1400s." Aaron snapped.
"Not to mention the first pilgrims accidentally got washed up there in the 1500s, along with calling it America, and it got its independence in the 1700s." Sabrina points out.
"Yeah, that too." Aaron said.
"Come with me. You're going to jail." The guard said, putting his hand on Gem to escort her to the prison.
"Uh, I don't think so," Gem retorted, nudging the hand off her shoulder. "See, I'm a princess from the future, who has come to rule over you charming, little diaper-ruling primitives." Gem said as Aaron and Sabrina facepalmed.
"Gem, stop it!" Sabrina shouted.
"Seriously, what's wrong with you?!" Aaron yelled at Gem.
"Easy, having to be poorer than Smellman over here. That, and I want to be with a national hero like you so I can be rich and famous again." Gem said casually.
"Gem, I swear to f-" Aaron began.
"Well, 'princess', we only listen to one ruler: Caesar, ruler of the world!" proclaimed the guard.
"Caesar, huh? Well, take me to Caesar. Maybe we can go halfsies on this whole world thing." Gem said, walking off.
"Okay, Gem, we'll just catch up to you later then." Sabrina said as she and Aaron tried to run off, only for the guard to grab them and threw them in a cage, along with Gem.
"Gem, after this, remind me to throw something at you." Aaron said.
"If it's coming from you, I'll gladly take anything." Gem said.
"Giddyup." The guard said, slapping the two horses with a whip, as the chariot made its way to its destination: the Colosseum.
At the same time, Julius Caesar was laying down on his couch, pouting. "Oh, good. You're such a trusted individual to bring me my lunch, Brutus. I need some comfort after all those times Xena had averted my attempts of taking over everything." Julius said, as Brutus put the tray on the table.
"I have found these three in the bazaar, your majesty. They say they're from the future," the guard explained, having a tight grip on Sabrina and Gem's wrist, with Aaron, whose arms were tied, hanging over his shoulders, while Aaron tried to get off, and failing.
"From the future, huh? Probably a coverup for the propaganda they're saying to make me look like a fool. Bring them here so I can see their faces as I give them death sentences for being traitors." Julius commanded, as the guard did just that, even dropping Aaron onto the ground.
"What kind of clothing are those, and tell me what lies you've been spreading about me. Do so, and maybe your deaths will be quick and painless." Julius said.
"We didn't say anything about you, honest!" Sabrina said desperately.
"Yeah, we just got sent here because of this megalomaniac!" Aaron said, pointing at Gem, who give Sabrina, and surprisingly Aaron, a flat expression.
"Oh, please. Am I the only one who actually see that he's just bluffing? As if he would kill me, a princess!" Gem said, before taking out her flashlight. "Bow down, ancient one. I am your new princess. Bow down to the light!" Gem exclaimed.
Julius had a emotionless face. "You, random guard, kill those three kids right where they stand." Julius ordered.
"Nice job, Gem. Now we're going to die." Sabrina said.
"Like you were doing any better." Gem retorted.
"Shut up, Gem! If you just listen to Sabrina, none of this would happen!" Aaron snapped, catching Julius' attention.
"Something about the boy seems...familiar." Julius muttered to himself, until he realized exactly what it is. "Of course! He reminds me of that accursed Xena. Hmm, I know..."
"Actually, I changed my mind." Julius said, much to the confusion of everyone.
"Huh?" Aaron, Sabrina and Gem asked.
"You three will battle in the Colosseum, as gladiators. If you win a certain amount of matches, then you get to leave, no strings attached." Julius said.
"And if we lose?" Gem asked.
"Well, that's easy. You all die. After all, this is a kill or be killed situation." Julius said, as Aaron and Sabrina had a horrified expression, and Gem had a worried expression.
"And just to make sure you won't try to escape, plus to make sure you don't get killed before the big event, I'm having a squadron of guards patrolling your quarters." Julius said, as the three preteens were once again escorted by the guard.
1 Hour Later-Random Quarters, Colosseum
"You know, Gem, you're lucky we're on the same team." Aaron said as he, Sabrina and Gem were being led to the training grounds by the guard.
"Is it because we get to finally fall in love?" Gem asked.
"No. It's so I don't stab you!" Aaron shouted.
"Next time this happens, we run away and pretend to be ignorant." Sabrina whispered in Aaron's ears.
"Agreed." Aaron muttered in Sabrina's ears.
"Welcome, soon-to-be gladiators, to the training chamber." Julius said as he opened the door. Aaron, Sabrina and Gem gulped nervously as they were forcefully led into the room.
Inside the room, multiple people, including two females, surprisingly, were using target dummies to train for the death matches. Several of the dummies were shredded from the amounts of sword slashes, shield bashes, and so many more. In the corner were several discarded dummies, ripped to the point that they can't be reused.
"Julius has entered the building!" shouted the guard, causing all the would-be gladiators to stop and turn around, either giving Julius respect or being terrified of how he can rigged their matches to ensure they die.
Julius gave his guard a flat look before clearing his throat. "Since my grand entrance was ruined," Julius glared at the guard, who chuckled sheepishly, "here are your new recruits." Julius said, the word 'recruits' sounding much different than its intended meaning. "They will fight the day after tomorrow, so make sure they're mostly alive." Julius said as he and his guard left the room.
All of the gladiators leered at Aaron, Gem and Sabrina, until one of them, a female near the window that overlooks the front of the building, gave a signal, causing them all to breathe a sigh of relief.
"For a moment there, I thought we were all done for. Thanks for the heads up a few moments ago, Alba," one of the male gladiators said, as Alba, the one near the window, give him a thumbs up.
"What do you mean?" Sabrina asked.
"Well, you see, we have been insulting the 'almighty' Julius Caesar, emperor of Rome." The male gladiator said.
"Though his credibility is in the dumps after getting his plans thwarted by Xena, Warrior Princess," said another male gladiator.
"Not to mention the one time Hercules prevented him from taking Amazon land," added a third.
"Exactly. However, Caesar and all those loyal to him don't like to hear about his failures, and if he catches us boasting about it-"
"Let us guess: he'll rigged your matches so you have to die?" Aaron asked.
"Correct! Plus, we all have to watch out for one another. Especially since we all know our strengths and weaknesses. Old Slim, do you want to start us off?" asked the first male gladiator.
"Sure. See, Slandy over here," Slim said, pointing at the first gladiator," is strong, but he's slow." Slim said, demonstrating by rapidly punching Slandy in the chest. While Slandy felt only minor pain, he didn't react quickly to stop the demonstration.
"And Slim here is quick on his feet, but he tires quickly." Slandy said, proving his point by holding Slim at a arm's length while the latter was flailing his arms around, trying to get another hit in, only to tire out. The other female laughed at that.
"So, we work out a system while training, as preparations for when we're paired up together in a match. I take all the damage, and Slim would get in quick hits." Slandy explained.
"And what if Caesar decides to have you two duel it out?" Sabrina asked.
"...Fake it and hopes he doesn't see through it?" Slandy offered.
"Well, I'm only partnering up with my sweet precious Aaron. You, Smellman, can run along and get yourself stabbed by a sword or eaten by a lion or something." Gem said casually, clinging to Aaron's arm.
"How about you get lost, Gem?!" Sabrina snapped.
"No. Come along, Aaron," Gem said, tugging on Aaron's arm.
However, Aaron muttered something that no one heard. "What was that?" Gem asked sweetly.
"I said if you don't let go of my arms in the next ten seconds, it'll be you who gets stabbed or eaten." Aaron threatened coldly, glaring at Gem.
Whatever Gem saw in Aaron's expression caused her to pale as she let go of Aaron's arm. However, Aaron wasn't done with Gem just yet.
"I don't want anything to you with you, especially since you think it's humble to rule the world and to tell Sabrina to kill herself, despite the amount of people dying on Friday! And yet, you don't give a actual damn for those people, because all you care is yourself. Your reputation! And your ill-gotten MONEY!" Aaron shouted, while breathing heavily.
"I don't know why I keep thinking that you would try to be a decent human being. Every time you're given a chance to change your ways, you toss it aside for some dumb paper that can't buy happiness, yet you think it can. Well, guess what? I can't be bought, so deal with it, Gem!" Aaron said, storming off to the other side of the chamber.
"Thanks a lot, Gem." Sabrina said.
"What did I do?" Gem asked, offended, despite the pale face from Aaron's anger, plus fresh tears from his cold words.
"Seriously? Are you just gonna ignore the fact that you just pushed Aaron, who's already at the tipping point from all the newfound fame of being a hero and being a Dastardly, which he can't even process by the way due to being famous from being a hero, with your attitude today?" Sabrina asked.
"Mmm, which one will get me Aaron?" Gem asked.
"How many times do you need to hear it?! He's not interested in you! He never was interested in you! Why can't you ever get that through your thick, air-headed skull?!" Sabrina shouted.
"Because he's just playing hard to get. Which is your fault." Gem said.
"Wow. Your ego is so inflated, you believe even your own lies, to the point where you killed off your good parts. You know, when you're actually ready to help us, we'll be over there." Sabrina said as she walked over to the part of the chamber, where Aaron was sitting, staring at the wall with a tired expression.
"Mind if I sit here?" Sabrina asked.
"Not at all," Aaron said despondly as Sabrina sat next to him.
"Hey, ignore what Gem is saying. She's all talk and no bite at this point." Sabrina said.
Aaron snorted at that. "How can I ignore her, when the entire USA wants to meet the boy who stop the next coming of an American Godzilla? Never mind the fact that I'm still 12 and Harvey is 13." Aaron said.
"Yeah, people do that for some reason. Just like what they did with me after winning 2 Mortal Kombat tournaments. But, hey, it's not like anyone would've noticed Harvey having magic on himself." Sabrina said.
"But I did noticed, too late. Heck, if I haven't stop for that one moment to handle Salem, I could've possibly prevent some of those deaths." Aaron said.
"Wait, why would you need to handle Salem?" Sabrina asked.
"Easy. He was the cause of that whole mess. All in an attempt to kill me, after his initial plan failed. And when that didn't work, he tried to do so himself." Aaron answered.
"...So, this whole time, it was Salem's fault? And yet, like before, someone else takes the fall?" Sabrina said, eerily calm.
"Yep. And since he can pretend to be a cat at a drop of a hat, no one is going to believe that he has any responsibility for any of this unless he admits it himself in public." Aaron said.
"And what was his initial plan?" Sabrina asked.
"For me to use the spray to recreate the incident from 6 years ago, but only worst. Plus, it suppose to kill me the exact moment I turned 30." Aaron said.
"Aaron, promise me something?"
"Sure, Sabrina. What is it?"
"Promise me that when we get back, remind me to fucking kill him!" Sabrina shouted.
"Only if I get to join." Aaron said.
Before Sabrina could say anything, though, the guard arrived. "It's time for your match, you three small kids." The guard said.
"Hey, I thought we don't fight until the day after next," Gem pouted.
"Julius Caesar decided to change the schedule. Your match starts soon, which means it's time to get you three in armor." The guard said as he and two more guards forcibly dragged the three out of the chambers and towards the dressing room.
1 Hour Later-Colosseum
"This should be quite entertaining, eh Brutus?" Julius asked, as the crowd was going wild from the anticipation of the upcoming match.
"Yes, Julius." Brutus said.
Suddenly, someone approached the podium near the top of the Colosseum. "Friends, loyal Romans, and our valuable allies, I present to you, for your entertainment, a fight to the finish!" exclaimed the announcer, shouting over the enthusiastic crowd, who want to see some blood.
However, before the announcer could announce the gladiators, which were three kids in armor being forcefully dragged into the arena, a male jumped from the audience seatings into the arena.
"You know, I thought you got the lesson the first time back when you tried to conquered Eires." The male said as he took off his cloak, revealing himself to be...
"Holy Kevin Sorbo, Sabrina! It's Hercules!" exclaimed the annoying male child who, somehow, is connected to Xena, Destroyer of Nations. At least, that's Julius' suspicions.
Anyways, more important matters are now at hand. Starting with the 'famous' Hercules.
"So, we finally meet in person. Tell me, did you enjoy hiding like a small, insignificant insect while you and those Celtic fools refuse my offer and murder my soldiers?" Julius asked.
"Really, that's how you're going to tell the events? Because I know what really happened. Connor, of the leaders, tried to make you an offer to leave, but you had him murdered, and were planning on doing the same to the others. They killed your soldiers in self-defense." Hercules said.
"Now, let these people go. I don't condone slavery, especially when it involves kids." Hercules warned.
"Ugh, you're worse than Xena. At least she decides to get right into the fights. Which, speaking of her, where is Xena?" Julius asked.
Before anyone could say anything, a guard pointed to a person in the crowd. "There she is!" he exclaimed, pointing at 'Xena', who had her back turned.
"Cancel the match! It's no longer important! Get me Xena!" Julius ordered as his guards ran in all directions towards 'Xena'.
"Hmm, I was going to tell him Xena is doing something else today, but I think I'll let him make a fool out of himself." Hercules said thoughtfully, walking over to the three kids and breaking their chains.
"You're free to go. Just make sure you don't get caught up in that mess." Hercules told them
"We won't, Hercules." Aaron said.
"Now time to free those other so-call gladiators," Hercules said as he left.
"Oh my gosh, we just met Hercules." Aaron said in awe.
"You can fanboy over him, after we get back to the present." Sabrina said, as she, Aaron and Gem ran out of the Colosseum.
"That guy is hot." Gem gushed.
"And way out of your league, Stone." Sabrina snapped.
Ten Minutes Later
"I'm surprise the time portal is still here." Aaron said, as he, Sabrina and Gem looked at said portal.
"Shockingly, me too." Sabrina said.
"Can I buy one thing before we go?" Gem asked.
"NO!" Aaron and Sabrina snapped as they tossed Gem into the portal.
As they were about to step through, a spear suddenly appeared in the wall near them.
"Not a single step, you miserable cretins!" Julius shouted, as Aaron and Sabrina turned around in horror to see him with his guards, most of them, except one, had spears.
"I will have one thing go right today, since the person we were chasing was actually a fake Xena, and I didn't get to capture Hercules! So, I'm going to enjoy watching you die! I was going to make it quick and painless, but you forced me to make it painful." Julius said.
"Sabrina, ready to blow this joint?" Aaron asked, sweating profusely, but giving Sabrina a small grin.
"Yes. I think I have enough of Little Caesar for a while." Sabrina joked, confusing Julius for a moment.
In that moment, Aaron and Sabrina jumped into the time portal, causing it to blind everyone for a few seconds. Once they were able to see, however, they noticed that it was gone, causing Julius to shout in anger.
Spellmans' Residence-December, 2011(Present Time)
Aaron, Sabrina and Gem all scream as they fell onto the carpeted floor of the living room, back in their regular clothing.
Before Gem said anything, Sabrina and Aaron used a spell to cause Gem to forget everything involving time traveling to Ancient Rome.
"Wha- What happened?" Gem asked.
"You knock yourself out with a blow to the head." Sabrina lied.
"Oh, I see what actually happened: I passed out from the ugliness of your house, Smellman. Even with Aaron here, I can't handle it. So, tough luck getting a passing grade on the book report." Gem said, leaving the house.
"Yep, definitely the worst person in middle school." Sabrina said.
"If we both read sections of the book, we can get it done in no time." Aaron said.
"Agreed. Especially since the book somehow repaired itself." Sabrina said, holding up said repaired book to prove her point. "Though, at least one thing went well," she added.
"What's that?" Aaron asked.
"At least Salem isn't the one who sent us back in time." Sabrina said.
"What?! Sending you stupid, little saps through time is suppose to be my job!" Salem yelled in anger, entering the living room.
"Sabrina, I know you want me to remind you to kill him, but that's letting him off too easy. Not to mention he's free from any and all punishment. How about we give Julius a parting gift?" Aaron asked.
"Hmm." Sabrina mused.
A Few Seconds Later
"Ahhh!" Salem screamed as he was thrown into a new time portal, heading to the point of time when Aaron and Sabrina left Ancient Rome.
"Let's hope he doesn't come back." Sabrina said, dusting her hands off.
"Agreed." Aaron said, as he and Sabrina walked into the kitchen to finish the book report.