Arena (PM to join)

[prissy_kytten]

Our eyes locking I never look away wanting him to know what i spoke was the truth.

"True I free gladiators but not to end the games or for the better ment of society I do it because it furthers my goals. You see each of the gladiators I have freed has had a special shall we say talent, in exchange for their life, they must swear to answer my call when i have need for them. Since i technically 'own' them they must answer. I have those that can kill, steal, hack among other things. I use their talents to build my empire as I slowly tare the government down piece by piece, as yoo well know everyone has a price and my gladiators help me finance paying that price."

Still looking into his eyes and stroking my fingers along his side, I continue telling him.

"You though are different, I do not seek a talent from you, I seek my equal, one to share i my empire, one who can help me find what is needed in order to furhter my goal of putting new people in power people who well help to benefit me further, people who can help to make life a little more bareable for everyone. You my gladiator shall be my first in command, you shall share my power, have anything that you wish. After all I would have none of this if it were not for you, for your insight into my bravery, the fact that you saw my willingness to fight against all odds. You have made what I am and I well never forget that."

I kiss him not with anger, or even passion, but more of a thank-you a soft gantle kiss, something I have shared with no other before, nor shall i share with any other. I share this kiss with my gladiator because I don't fear he well take it as a weakness as so many would, because I know that he knows my strength, knows what I capable of.

 

[BadForm]

I listened carefully as she spoke and began to reconsider some of my earlier assumptions. I'd believed she had been innocent in the accusations that she had burned down her home to murder her family. Now I wasn't so sure. She was what many would call a sociopath. She had her own agenda and was entirely willing to use people to meet her own ends. She was intelligent and perceptive. If she could bring the government crashing down then she could imagine the chaos that would ensue, and that was obviously something she was prepared for. Most people would be terrified to realize she was just fine with that, I was ok with it. No, that's not right, I was impressed.

I accepted her kiss willingly, basking in the overwhelming potency of the woman on top of me. At that time, I knew she would always continue to surprise me. But then, if she wanted an equal I could surprise her too. I wasn't school educated, but I'd studied many subjects on my own. My reason was always the same - solving challenges, gaining understanding, spotting weaknesses and improving myself. School was easy, it aimed at the middle of the class. I tried to study beyond my understanding. I would give her everything I could in both body and mind. I would see her reach her goal and when the world came tumbling down around us I would ensure she was the queen of the chaos.

But there was one thing I needed to know first.

"Why did you kill them?" I could, of course, be wrong. I was sure I was right.

 

[prissy_kytten]

"Why did you kill them?"

With his question I went from relaxed to tense, my eyes hardened and my all focus went back to the day my parents had died. The day when everything had changed. That my sister had also died that day was my one regret, it was unavoidable though, i could not help her, no matter how much I wanted to .

The memories flashed bakc to me in bits in pieces, the knife in my hands, and blood dripping to the floor, her fathers throat slit from ear to ear, his body crumpled over her mothers. Still she did not realise how it had all happened one day they had been a happy family the next she was standing in a pool of blood.

I look him in the eye knowing he well know the truth of what i say.

"I did not kill all of them just him, I still to this day don't know why he killed them or if I was wrong when I had come the the conclusion that he had."

I grow distant and my eyes wonder from his as i remember, barley aware i am doing so I continue with the story.

"I came home from school for spring break everything had been going great I was twenty and a freshman, my little sister had just started highschool. I came home to see her, I had missed being home and wanted to suprise them all, but when I walked in I was the one suprised. The first place I had went was to sarah's room to see if she was home but all I found was bloody sheet, never did I find her or a body. I ran down the stairs searching through rooms trying to find mom or dad. When I reached the kitchen I came to a sudden stop there was dad standing over moms body, a pool of blood flowed out from her and I could see a knife in his hand, my mind snapped. The next thing I knew I was outside and the house was burning, i was standing there covered in blood and there were sirens in the back ground."

I sigh and take a deep breath before continuing.

"The fire fighters said they found Sarah in the room closet she had been stabbed twice but as far as they could tell the wounds were not fatal, the fire I had set had killed her."

My whole body shakes as I think of that moment, the moment i found out i had killed the best person I had ever known.

"When the police came I just went with them, I did not fight them or denie any of what they said, I was to numb from the whoel experience form finding out I had killed her, even if I had not known I was, my god i can't believe I killed her."

My eyes stair off into nothingness as the memories flood back the confession that I would not sign, the beatings, the hopaital visits the shrinks, then that final straw the arena.

 

[BadForm]

There was more pain in those few statements than a lifetime in the arena. She had seen things that could destroy a grown man, done things that most mothers dare not. She had come out of it stronger, and my admiration grew. Yet in that strength was a weakness, perhaps her only one. She blamed herself for her sister's death. It was possible she even blamed herself for her mother's too. That she could still allow herself emotions was something I admired even more.

"You saved her," I said. "Your sister - you saved her. No, I know, you couldn't save her body, you couldn't save her life, but that was lost even if you had not burned the house down. You know very few people can survive being sabbed so deeply, especially by someone they love and rely on. Once she had discovered your mother's death also you know what she would have become, a pained shell. You'd have survived because you are special... not better, just different. Like me you are a natural cynic and a manipulator, you expect the worst of people and deal with it. She's not you. She couldn't be healed because she wouldn't accept it. You saved her from that."

"She's dead," said Keira. There was no anger in her response, just a heart-weary exhaustion.

"Perhaps. Have you ever read the Scrolls of Quantentia? The originals I mean, not the crap put out by the Church of Quantum Science. They say nothing exists - at least not as we know it. We see things as physical bodies, but beneath them are molecules, and beneath them atoms. Everything breaks down as illusion until we are at the quantum level of quarks and then we can't even know which form each belong to, whether they are moving, where they are. They are not real in a physical sense, but spirit. At their level everything is bound together. If that is true then your sister still lives - in you."

"She's dead."

"Then answer this question in a way you'll believe: who kept you alive in the arena? You know they called you the Sybil because you could read moves in a way nobody has ever done before or since. Training can't achieve that and nature is equally unable. I'm about the best that training and nature has to offer and you left me for dead. Why? No, don't try and persuade me - answer it for yourself and don't settle for 'rational' lies."

I eased her over onto her stomach. The time for speech was over for now. She was working through too heavy a memory, too difficult a concept. What she needed now was soothing.

"I'm going to hurt you, Keira. I'm going to give you a deep muscle massage with all the strength I have. I was made to do this for my last owner's stable and I know it works well, but it can be torture while I do it. So know that, and take the pain so you can be refreshed."

I placed my hands at the base of her spine and began to work. As I did a thought occurred to me, a memory. A new fighter was announced by name with his or her crimes detailed to encourage public loathing and an acceptance of their deaths. The victims were named, it made things more personal and sometimes brought sympathy for those victims. In Keira's first fight, in the news articles before, they had removed all names. Who was her father, and was he the reason she loathed the government so much?

 

[prissy_kytten]

"You saved her," I said. "Your sister - you saved her. No, I know, you couldn't save her body, you couldn't save her life, but that was lost even if you had not burned the house down. You know very few people can survive being sabbed so deeply, especially by someone they love and rely on. Once she had discovered your mother's death also you know what she would have become, a pained shell. You'd have survived because you are special... not better, just different. Like me you are a natural cynic and a manipulator, you expect the worst of people and deal with it. She's not you. She couldn't be healed because she wouldn't accept it. You saved her from that."

I sigh "she's dead"

"Perhaps. Have you ever read the Scrolls of Quantentia? The originals I mean, not the crap put out by the Church of Quantum Science. They say nothing exists - at least not as we know it. We see things as physical bodies, but beneath them are molecules, and beneath them atoms. Everything breaks down as illusion until we are at the quantum level of quarks and then we can't even know which form each belong to, whether they are moving, where they are. They are not real in a physical sense, but spirit. At their level everything is bound together. If that is true then your sister still lives - in you."

lieing there I contemplate his words could she really be living on in me, pehaps she was what gave me my will to live in the arena, pehaps I had saved her, could death be better then the life she would have had after what had happened that day. Could she have survived the life I had to live afterwards, I doubted that, she was to young, to pure, her soul was untainted, still my soul was restless, what had led him ot do it.

"Then answer this question in a way you'll believe: who kept you alive in the arena? You know they called you the Sybil because you could read moves in a way nobody has ever done before or since. Training can't achieve that and nature is equally unable. I'm about the best that training and nature has to offer and you left me for dead. Why? No, don't try and persuade me - answer it for yourself and don't settle for 'rational' lies."

As his words ecko my thoughts I am lost in a haze of memories, those of watching her dance, our duels in the back yard, teaching her ballet. Her hair flowing in the breeze as she ran across the yard, such a rare things in these days having a yard, with over population only the most powerful and weathiest had any space, my father was not exception. I could here he calling to me "Keira, look, look I can do a cartwheel, did you see, did you see." here playful youth always took me by suprise.

"I'm going to hurt you, Keira. I'm going to give you a deep muscle massage with all the strength I have. I was made to do this for my last owner's stable and I know it works well, but it can be torture while I do it. So know that, and take the pain so you can be refreshed."

At his words I mumble something in comprehensable even to my ears.

The memories of her keep flashing back, the day dad came home from war, a decorated hero, the smile on moms face.

High school graduation, her first dance resital, b-bques with the neighbors, the other sentors, the mayor. The day I got excepted to university. The day dad got elected to office.

Only those happy occasions, when had it turned ugly, was it ugly the whole time, did I just see what I wanted to see, the perfect life, the perfect family, no it had been like that once, before the war, before dad had ran for office.

I didn't really notice the change I had been to wrapped up in my personal life, school, friends, my goals. Could I have saved her??

"Why didn't I see it coming" I whispered almost to low to hear.

I feel my gladiators hand as the kneed and pinch, I can feel the pain but what is physical pain to a tormented soul?

I lay there and let him hurt me trying to focus on the pain, trying to ignor the tug of the memories as they flood back, trying not to remember the happiness, before the torment.

 

[BadForm]

"Why didn't I see it coming?" she whispered.

I wanted to answer, but I couldn't. I'd said too much already I was sure. Besides, what did I know about the situation? I knew that she had killed the bastard who was her father for killing her mother. I knew that she burned down the house thinking he had also killed her little sister. I knew her sister had lived until the fire. And I knew she felt guilty. Everything else was... guesswork.

Why didn't she see it coming? Because she was little more than a child herself. It was the obvious answer and however true it might or might not be it was wrong in that it didn't give her an answer she could accept. She'd grown powerful by being invulnerable, in response to both what her father and she had done and being placed into the arena. How could she truly face that she had once been vulnerable too.

I focussed on my massage. It seemed the only way I could help her. On a spiritual level she needed to be alone. On a mental level, she was lost in a circle of questions. Only on a physical level was it right to be with her then. My hands circled and kneaded her back. Inch by inch I forced her muscles to relax, taking out each knot of tension her questions were placing there. I'd done it before, after a first victory of my old master's new gladiators. I had seen what it could do, relaxing and re-relaxing the body until the spirit was ready to rejoin it. Then the recipient became aware of how easy their flesh felt on them.

I let my own mind stray a little to my own past. I had no story like hers. My mother and father had been accepting to say the least. Almost anything I did was fine with them, never good enough to comment on, but always acceptable enough to be ignored. They largely let me get on with my life as I wanted from early childhood. I was interested in so many things and had initially tried to find information that would impress my parents, but ultimately learned only that learning everything was an impossible but fun challenge. At school that put me ahead of my class.

In truth, school was my only problem. Back then I had been short and chubby. I started school at 3, just like most other kids, and even then I was shunned for not fitting in. The problems really started at 7 years old in the 4th form, when Ms. Branson was teaching us elementary physics and started giving us the old formula for energy of E=Mc2. I told her she was wrong and that Colada had clearly proven that Einstein was wrong. That merely got me sent to the principals office and beaten up on the way home by the other kids in the class.
I didn't let that stop me, I just learned how to hack into the school's computer system and planted some lies about Ms. Branson having an affair with a student. I heard she died in the arena in her first fight. As to the kids, they made me decide to learn how to fight, and how to follow someone without being seen. I taught them each a lesson in not being a bully. It was a lesson they'd need reconstructive surgery for if they didn't want to explain it to their future girlfriends.

That was back then. As I say, I had no problems. Not like Keira. I concentrated on massaging the woman below me.

 

[prissy_kytten]

I lay there my mind reeling as I feel his fingers kneeding my back, the pleasure almost borders on pain, yet it does not, I let a moan escape my lips as my mind continues to roam, random inmages from my past floating up to haunt me.

"he was one of them you know" I whisper, not sure what I meant or if he would understand.

"Everyday he would come home, each day harder then the last" I sigh not knowing what I am saying not sure if I am voicing my words or thinking them.

"I was so happy to go to school, get out on my own"

I sigh the pain of the memory of parting from Sarah almost to much to bare, my soul cries on the inside at seeing her beautiful eyes shed tears for me as I pull away, leaving her behind.

"I left her there, I left Sarah alone with them, how could not see?"

I'm crying now, letting my one weakness surface, trusting that he well not see the weakness only the pain of a twenty year old who had her life torn away.

"I can still see it all when I close my eyes, I dream about it, about Sarah, I never saw her but my mind it can fill in the blanks, I can hear her screams as the fire eats away her beautiful pale flash."


I shudder under his hands, still he kneeds my back the muscles tense beneath his fingers. I role my shoulders as chills run down my spine Sarah's scream echoing through my mind.

"I wish I could make it stop" I sob my breathing ragid, my air coming in in gasps.

The tears flowing running down my face off my chin and hitting the floor.

"I just hope she is in a better place, you know?"

I don't expect him to answer but the feel of his fingers makes me know he is there, close by, within reach should I have need of his strength.

"if you were me what would you have done, did I do the right thing, was I wrong?"

I sigh my question not making sense yet still they do, was I losing my mind or did I have the right of it maybe I just wanted someone to validate my decisons or give me absolution.

 

[BadForm]

"The same," I said.

What would I have done? That was what she asked and the answer was obvious.

"I would have done the same. I believed he had killed both my sister and my mother and, assuming they had earned my respect, then I would have done exactly the same. I have said as much about you. I will kill for you and I will die for you, should the time arise. I will do anything for you and if someone hurt you then they would pay."

I continued to massage her as she rejoined me somewhat. "I don't know what to say. I doubt that you will ever stop feeling conflicts within yourself over that day, it was too powerful an experience to truly get over. But with what little you knew, would you really have done anything differently? Could you? I could not. And you can only blame yourself for not knowing for so long unless you think of yourself as a goddess. Nobody sees everything."

 

[prissy_kytten]

Slowly the memories subside and I can feel his hands as the kneed my flesh, working down my back, causing pain that to me equals pleasure I let out a moan. Deep in my throat I can feel another forming.

"Enough talk of me and things I can not change, to have done differently would have meant my death, I do not regret my actions, they were for the best."

I look at the wall in front of me 'I love you Sarah' my mind echos over and over as I exhale deeply.

Once agian I feel his fingers move and my back starts to tingle, sending shivers up my spine.

Um harder" I say wanting to increase the pain, "Use your nails, tear at my flesh"

I groan as I feel his nails biting into me. The pleasure out weighing my foggy mind.

"I want you, now please, i need to feel you inside of me".

with out waiting for a reply I roll beneath him so he is stradling my waist, his hands coming down on my breast.

*moans*

 

[BadForm]

There's a massochism there, along with the sadism I know she is capable of using on her foes. For a second I am sure she asks for such rough treatment in part to prove she is strong but more to suffer for what happened. It is her right, and if that is her drug then there are far more cowardly ones to use. For the fourth time that night we begin to make love. It was slow this time, the aggression limited to our hands and mouths. In truth, it was only willpower that allowed me to get any kind of erection at that point, but for her I would use every ounce of bodily control I had.

I rolled with her, bowing to where I held her breast in my hand and sucked the nipple into my mouth. My teeth clenching her gently, I pulled back, watching the firm mound spring back into shape as I released my grip. She responded with as powerful movements as she took. Her nails clawed over the prior marks she had left on my back, her legs curling around my waist at first to caress me and then to urge me forward by spanking me with the sole of her foot. It wasn't hard, but it was something I could never imagine anyone having the agility to do. Like her, every move was unique.

I followed her lead as minutes drew on beyond an hour.

 

[prissy_kytten]

Slowly yet feircely my gladiator made love to me, both feeding my need to hurt and feeding my need to be wanted, each touch, each stroke, each caress, breathing new fire into my body.

Slowly the minutes ticked by as we met and pulled apart in complete harmony, my nails raked down his back, he bit into my shoulder and so it want on, the long minutes passing into and hour.

When my second release ran through me I nestled into his neck, a yawn escaping my mouth.

"Um you are amazing." *sighs*

There were things that had to get done, people who needed to be bought, jobs to arrange and yet I lay here in his arms, my will to move drained from me.

"shall we go up to my chamber to clean up before you meet your "employees" my love?"

 

[BadForm]

What did I care about being clean? Cleanliness in its origin was about preventing disease and I had once willingly gained a temporary disease in order to challenge myself to perform well when sick. Now, however, I cared. I care about it because her question indicated she did. That was all I needed.

"Yes," I said. "I think that would be for the best."

I stood and helped her to her feet then made to walk away until I recalled, this was her house not mine.

"I am sorry," I said. "I do not know where anything is here. You will have to take me to your bathroom."

Her smile would warm a heart of ice. For me it merely drew me back into her arms for another embrace. At this time, it was doubtful she could make love without a rest and I was drained fully, but as our lips met and our arms gently explored one another, we paused in a peace I had never known before going onwards to the bathroom.

 

[prissy_kytten]

"Yes," he said. "I think that would be for the best."

I reach my hand out as he helps me to my feet, my actions graceful, smooth as i allow him to pull me forward. Stand there as he walks away watching his movements when he stops I smile watching as he turns towards me.

"I am sorry," he said. "I do not know where anything is here. You will have to take me to your bathroom."

The msile on my face lights my eyes, and he comes to me embracing my in his arms, my hands caress him as his caress me. Our lips meet gently in a soft lovers kiss, passionate yet tender.

Our lips part and I look into his eyes seeing a peace there that matched my own a peace I had not felt since childhood.

I take his hand leading him out of my study down the hall through the grand entrance and up the winding stair case. I watch the play of emotions cross his face as he takes everything in the Golden sand colored walls, antique armoured statues, the paintings of things long lost and gone, castles, dragons and battles once fought to form kingdoms long forgotten form history books.

If my study had an Asian flavour then my personal wing of the house had an ancient English/fantasy flavour.

I walk into my bed room.

*sighs*

The comfort of hime closes over me as I gaze upon the Crimson Red walls, blacl drapes, and black bed coverings, the gold trimming shining in the dim light of the room, this was a place one could be both tender and dominating. The decor spoke of sensuality and sex, but also a refined taste and great care. i look up and glimps his eyes in the over head mirror.

Walking past the bed I lead him through the door in the far wall, one owuld not was there if I did not point it out. This led to my master bath. All black marble and dimming lights, a large glass incased shower in the far corner and a large round tub in the middle of the room with two steps leading up to it.

"shall we share the bath or shall we share the shower, love?"

 

[BadForm]

The house was magnificent. Though history had seldom been a study of mine, save for specific themes that I tried to study to the absolute, I still felt like I was walking from one time period to another. Every room was a classic, a masterpiece. Each left me more intrigued than the last. I wondered how much I had missed on not studying history so I could identify her themes.

The bathroom was beautiful as every other room in the house. The luxurious bath and shower were a challenge to decide between. It wasn't, for once, that I didn't care but rather that I wanted both. The feeling of a shower beating against the flesh was invigorating, refreshing. The pleasure of a long bath was soothing and relaxing. Ultimately, I thought more about Keira than myself. With all she had revealed I felt like I wanted to wash away the dirt of the approximate brace of decades she had lived. She had closed the subject to further discussion, but sometimes touch said more than words could.

"Let's bathe together," I said, "unless you need us to begin work quickly and so need a shower rather than a bath."

 

[prissy_kytten]

I smile at him, and the idea of a bathe.

"No we are in no hurry, let us share a bathe and relax, I am sure you are tired after our afternoon."

I bend over and turn the tap, allowing the water to run freely into the bath, I walk away as it fills to grab some bath oil, sandalwood, and rose.

Stepping back over to the tub I pure some of both of the oils into the running water. I use my hand to mix the oil into the water drawing lazy eights with the tips of my fingures.

A far off look in my eyes, I think of lazy nights flotting on a lake with Sarah, the cool water caressing my skin, as the moon glistened on the water droplets on my skin.

Shaking the memories clear.

"Shall we?"

I stand up and step up over the side of the tub, turning the water off as I sit, my head resting on the side, I look up at him through half closed eyes, thinking how magnificant he looked.

 

[BadForm]

We washed each other and shared another sensual experience. Certainly it was one I could not recall sharing before. Each touch of lather and oil, each roll of water over our flesh was cleansing on a much deeper level than merely the flesh. I could see that other memories were present as we bathed, more tender memories without the pain. She kept trying to blink them away, but was more reluctant than with those she'd dwelt in before. I let her explore her thoughts in silence, focussing on washing away the grime of the day and the scent of our passion. It was a worship almost, each caress binding me more closely to her. When she decided to wash me I lay back and enjoyed it, savoring her touch until she was done.

"Thank you, Keira," I said. "Now, if you are ready, show me your plans. How are we going to bring the government down."

 

[prissy_kytten]

I lounge there, letting him bathe me as I remember happier days, my sister and I floating on the water, playing and splashing.

When his hands stop moving over my body i take the spounge and rub him, his arms, legs, chest, back, I love the feel of him beneath my fingers, the way his body responds to my touch.

When I finish and stand he says "Thank you, Keira," I said. "Now, if you are ready, show me your plans. How are we going to bring the government down."

I take him by the hand, and lead him to the towel rack as we dry off I think, of where to begin, what to say, there is so many different little ways i go about destroying the government, so many ways I fund my activities.

"The first steps are already in place, my 'employees' have been given orders to steal certain documents, take certain photo's, track certain key members of the state, we are digging up secrets, stealing history, bringing fourth the truth of what they would like to remain hidden."

There was just so much, the details so intricate, without one thing all else was lost, then the next plan would have to implemented. My mind swam with all that needed to be done, and all that was to happen in the next little while.

"I suppose perhaps we should meet with some of the team members before we get into to many details."

 

[BadForm]

I listened as she lay out what had been done so far. It was elaborate and I could only guess at what precise acts her summary covered. For a moment I wondered why she would go to all that trouble when there were terrorists aplenty in the arena who, with her backing, could simply kill most of the government through a variety of means. That, however, was where she outclassed me I realized. I'd forced myself to learn a lot about a number of subjects, but she could think strategically. As I thought it through I realized there had been other attempts to eliminate a government by killing one or even several of its leaders. That merely resulted in others replacing them. The government MIGHT be destabilized for a while, but the society soon rebuilt it. Whatever she was trying to do was a lot more subtle, intricate and likely successful than that.

I wondered just how many specialists she had liberated so far. Who were they and what were their skills? Were they trustworthy? I assumed she had taken that into account as well. More and more I marvelled at how far she had come from the outclassed yet courageous girl I had saved. Had I gained anything in the last few years? I had my doubts.

"Yes," I said, "I'd like to meet your people and learn more about your plans."

 

[prissy_kytten]

I take him back into the bedroom, next to the bed post I pull the cord within seconds there is a knock on the door, I open the door allowing Horis to enter my chambers.

“Please gather everyone in the staff study we have plans to make and my Gladiator has need to meet those who well serve him.”

I watch as Horis exits the room, walking over to the closet I pull out Roman style dress with gold braided straps and waist, I slid it over my head allowing the fabric to caress my skin as it slides to my ankles.

“In the closet to the left you well find clothing to suite your size, I had them brought up for you whilst we fought.”

I watch as he steps over to the closet to find something that would suite him. Once he was dressed I looked him over, ever lost in my thoughts of him I could imagine once again removing our clothes in the long hours of the night.

“Shall we my love?” I hold my hand out for him. “I think it is about time you were given a name do you not? So from this moment forward we shall call you Anthony, a noble name for my gladiator,”

With his hand in mine I walk down the hall towards the stairs but instead of descending I walk down the left hall, towards the staff quarters.

“Each member of the team has his or her own room, and they share a joint study, most stay here when not on missions, while others only come right before a mission, your quarters well be mine. Unless of course you would prefer your own room, but we well discuss that later for now we must put up a joint front so that all know your words are law as are mine.”

As we walk down the hall towards the study I notice him taking in the surroundings, this was devoted to the Scots, their history, their blood lines every where one looked there were clan colours, tapestries with clan mottos and tartans. It was one of my favourite places to walk a taste of my history of the warrior blood then ran through my veins.

I walk him into the study almost everyone had gathered I took a head count, five were there, two were missing but that was fine for now.

“Take a seat love, everyone gather round, this is Anthony he is my number one if he says something that you listen, as far as your are concerned he is your master just as I am.”

I wait looking at each as they take in this information.

“Does anyone know where Amara and Christian are,” I watch as everyone shrugged perhaps they were still on mission and had not returned yet.

“Anthony I would like you to meet the team.”

Jenna
Age: 25
5’4 36-26-36
brown hair and blue eyes

Jenna was saved by me during her third battle in the Arena I had bought her for a small price as her master was near bankrupt after her purchase, she was and expert thief which is what landed her in the Arena to start with. She was good with throwing knifes and was as stealthy as they came.

Marcus
Age:27
6’2 bulky and built
black hair and green eyes

Marcus had been bought at a high price, though not in monetary value, but he was worth ever penny as he could kill without being noticed and could fit in with any crowd, the woman loved him and he had gained me access to many of the senators homes through his connections with there wives.

Bruce
Age: 22
5’8 slim
red hair green eyes

Bruce was the youngest of the group having grown up the hard way he could do anything from steal, to seduce his boyish good looks got him a lot of attention both good and bad and it was this attention that landed him in the Arena, after turning down his so called premier he was charged with attempted murder and thrown to the wolves, I won him in a hand of poker, and have kept him with me ever since, this would be his first mission.
Alyssa
Age 26
5’3 slender, 32-25-34
Blond hair, sky blue eyes

Alyssa was in her first match a shocking battle when her opponent nearly beheaded her, in the arena for small crimes, mainly identity theft she was not a skilled fighter and was quickly over taken, since then under my tutelage she had become a master of the sword, she is now both beautiful and deadly as well as capable of taking on any persona she wishes.

Justin
Age 25
6’0 athletic
brown wavy hair and hazel eyes

Justin was in his fifth battle when I purchased him for a cage of wine, apparently his owner though more of booze then of Justin’s potential, in the Arena for fraud he is a master at computers, both cyber passes and encryptions he has gained access to most if not all government sites and is currently working on black male material for me.

I look at Anthony to see if he had taken all of this in yet, then I walked over to the oak desk slipping a key into the lock I pulled out seven envelops each with a team member s name on it, each with there instructions within. Everything they needed for their missions was now in their individual rooms and laid out for them.

“Do you have any question, Anthony?” I asked as I handed each member his or her mission. “Does anyone have any questions

 

[BadForm]

(OOC: Sorry for the delay, have been working hard and dealing with some personal stuff. Still kind of exhausted, so forgive the somewhat abbreviated post. I'll take my lead from you at this point).

"Questions, no."

I looked at Keira and then at each of the gladiators she'd recruited. Some of them I knew from my time in the arena, others I didn't. They all came with skills that would be useful in any plot to overthrow a government. Right then there were some things I needed to know about them and needed them to know about me. I looked straight at Jenna.

"You, strip, now."

"What?" She turned to look at Keira in shock. It was understandable and wrong.

"THAT," I said, "is an unnacceptable response. That was a test, and one you failed. I don't care about seeing you naked, you don't interest me that way. I care that you respond to an order, ANY order, immediately and without question. You were just told you answer to me second only to the Sybil..." I chose the name as she had not told me whether she had given them her real name. "And you ignored an extremly simple and safe instruction. Don't do it again. Any of you. Before you object, I hold myself to the same standard. If the Sybil tells me to dive through a closed window I will, at once. I do not need to know why, I need only know that I trust her to give instructions that are what she needs to happen."

I looked at Marcus who seemed suddenly concerned.

"Kill me."

He hesitated just a second. It was a second too long. The ball of my palm drove upward under his nose, throwing him backward and stunning him.

"Test two failed. Understand this, the tasks ahead of us are extremely dangerous. You all have skills that make you valuable assets. You're battle hardened, to some extent if not extensively. But understand this, one slight mistake and any one of us could be compromised. If that is the case then you, or I, could bring down every one of us. Trust me, in future if I give the slightest indication you should kill me it is to save ME from the torture of the government and YOU from the same. Do not hesitate. Act. And I will do the same for each of you."

 

[prissy_kytten]

I smile as Anthony tests the waters and their loyalty and unquestioning faith. unfortunately they both fail. I begain to wonder if perhaps they had becoe complacient living here in my home, with nothing to do but train and lounge about waiting for their assignments.

At that thought I grew angry, they should have obeyed him, I had ordered them to do so, perhaps they had forgotten who had freed them from that god foresaken Arena. Well they would soon remember.

"Marcus, Jenna I want you both in the arena and ready to battle within the hour, your lack of understanding of my simple order to follow Anthony's commands as if they had come from my very mouth has earned you both a night a brutal training. You shall both understand by the end of this night why it that he was chosen to lead you and share in my power."

"The rest of you go to your rooms and begin preparation for you mission, I do not and I repeat do not wish to see ony of you at the Arena tonight the grounds are strictly off limits, this is a punishment and not a spectical. Any caught well not be as 'fortunate' as these two."

As they all file out I turn to Anthony hoping that i had not over stepped my bounds in this, but sure that he would participate if for no other reason then that i asked it of him.

"My love do you mind teaching them a lesson of shall I, although I believe it would be better taught by your hand."

I walk over and press my body into his placing a passionate kiss on his lips. Then step away. We had much to do this hour, but first we must eat.

Once again I rang for Horis when he arrived I asked that mine and Anthony's dinner be brought to my study as well that he locate Amber and Brian as they needed to pick up their pacages and time was of very important.

(OOC: sorry it took me so long to post I hope it was worth the wait, I promise it well not take this long again.)

 

[BadForm]

(OOC: Not a problem, you're well worth waiting for.)

"No, Keira, I do not mind teaching them a lesson in the arena. Your every desire is something I wish to meet, and perhaps showing them why they mus work on weaknesses constantly and be ready to act immediately and without question will help them. Their skills make them competent, I simply wonder if they are unused to such radical instruction. Being instructed to kill your superior is not something most people can readily accept. However, as you say, they must learn and first... we must eat."

She smiled as I wrapped my arm around her waist and let her lead me to her study. The meal prepared was simple but elegant. Sandwiches, salad, orange juice and fruits. I sat next to her and we each loaded our plates. I knew I would fight within the hour, and fight two gladiators who had each fought before. That was why I loaded my plate with salad and did not hold back on eating the sandwiches. Stomach cramps might slow me down and I wished a tough combat. When my life truly was in danger was when I shone most brightly, and for Keira I wished to glow like the sun.

As we ate I looked over Keira, so radiant and beautiful. Yet there was also a wisdom and a sadness to her. She had told me of her youth and that made sense of most of it. Yet I felt there was something in her adulthood that also drove her to wish to bring the government down. What it was she would tell me if and when she was ready. For now I only wished to know one thing.

"How may I help you with your plans?" I asked.

 

[prissy_kytten]

Anthony as I called him now wrapped his arm around me, as I lead him back to my study, that simple jesture spoke volumes to me, his warmth was something that i was not accustome to either since the death of my family, sure I had lovers but never had one truly touched me, none had known me as he has.

Our feast was a simple one yet it was hearty, I loaded my plate eating all that i could, my stregth though not depleated was deminished from both our battle and our love making and I wished to spend more time alone with Anthony this evening after all was done.

I watched as he ate his meal each morsil that touched his lips pulling heavily on my heart, (some might say I did not have one but i assure you I do). My tounge darts out to lick my parched lips and I sip my juice to dampen my throat, every movement one that make my body yearn, for not just the warrior but the man beneath the armor.

"How may I help you with your plans?"

Thinking over his question, my mind races to the thousands of answer from the heart felt, of having a companion to the more pratical of having an equal. yet all these thought I keep to myself, providing him with a much more simple answer.

"you can help by teaching those beneath you, that they have a place and that loyalty tot he mission comes above all else, even death, whether it be my death, your death, or their death"

 

[BadForm]

I glanced at a clock she had in the room and noted the time. We'd been eating and talking for a while now. Already the hour had passed. I nodded at her instruction to help them learn that even death was less important than obedience. "You know, of course, the only way to convince them that obedience and loyalty are the most important virtues is to show that I will face death before disobedience." I stood. "Let's go, Keira."

I took deep breaths as I retraced my steps to the arena, ignoring the opportunity to change into armor or to gather a weapon. Instead I walked out into the circle, it's sandy surface slipping under foot. Both Keira's gladiators stood there, well prepared with weapons and armor. They looked afraid at first, then surprised as they saw I was wearing regular clothing.

"Some years ago, I saved Keira's life," I said, standing before them in a ready stance. "I did so without weapons by fighting someone with them. In turn, she saved mine. Your mistress and friend, Keira, MY mistress and love, has asked me to demonstrate to you that you will place loyalty and obedience above even your life. So, it is in that state of being weaponless and defenseless that I face you now. We will fight to victory, though you will find that the ONLY way you can find victory is by seriously injuring or killing me. Now prepare and fight."

With that I took one step back and fell into a fighting stance.

 

[prissy_kytten]

Jenna

Jenna stood there in full armour not sure what to do but knowing that if she failed to act once more she would probably not be fighting for her life she would be losing it.

Not sure if she was to fight him first or if Marcus was to fight she stepped forward. If the only way to win was to seriuosly injure him or to kill him it would appear that only one fo them would be fighting.

Rather then making another another mistake and angering Sybil more she pulled out her daggers, one in each hand, leaving her other four two on the outside of each hip well within reaching distance. Sizing him up as she walked towards the center of the Arena she tried to gage if she could possibly get this over with without having to lay a hand on him as was her custom.

Taking her stance a handle out blades tucked into the palm of her hands she watched and waited for the first move to be made. the move she saw was not what she had been expecting. For there was marcus never one to wait his turn strutting into the Arena to Join her and Sybil's gladiator, Anthony.