Noblejanobii
06-13-2015, 06:10 AM
[War] Week 1 Entry: When in Rome
Air curled out of my mouth in a warm vapor against the icy air around me. Everything hurt but I had to keep going. It was getting colder with each passing second and if I did not escape these accursed mountains soon, who knows how I would end up. The idea chilled me even further than I already was, and the pang in my heart grew as I thought about all I had left behind. But Carthage had abandoned me, and I had nothing left tying myself to that place. Now I had to look for a new prospect, a new home. But just as what looked to be the end of the cave approached, the cold finally got to me, and I collapsed into the seemingly warm snow.
***
Darkness…
Darkness…
Darkness all around me.
That is all I can see.
All I can feel.
Am I dead?
Did the cold take me?
Or am I merely floating in emptiness, as I always have?
A light.
I see a light.
I must reach this light.
It's… so warm…
***
Finally, I saw light, but it was not what I expected. I was warm. There was a blanket around me. I could hear the crackle of a fire somewhere nearby and the softness of a voice in the distance. As my eyes adjusted, I could see a chair in front of me. It was red and laced with gold, the coating smooth on the frame of the furniture. It took me a moment to realize that the style of craftsmanship was none other than Roman.
"Caesar dear, it appears that the boy is waking up." The chair moved a little and a man stood up from where he had sat. He turned to face me and my brown eyes had a hard time taking him all in. The man was roughly 5'6, if I had to guess, but given how much shorter I was than everyone else, I was never a good judge of height. His hair was black but graying fast and the man had a receding hairline. This "Caesar" character was white skinned but covered in scars where his skin was visible. He had been in battle often. Dressed in white and red robes, he was of high status as well, which would explain the chair.
I growled a little as the man approached me. He did not seem deterred by the sound, so I growled louder. Instead of backing away like most, this man, this Caesar, bent down to me. I tried to stand so I could lunge for him, but my back left leg gave out on me. I collapsed but my head never hit the floor. The man's calloused hands caught my upper body.
"There is no need to fear young one. You are safe here." Caesar's calm voice had a soothing effect on me. Something told me, in the back of my mind, I could trust this man. I relaxed in his arms as he stroked my back.
I was fading off into sleep when his hands found my withered tail. I jolted a little and glanced over my shoulder at the brown leaf that was my tail. At the base of this brown, wilted lead was a burn marking of the symbol for Carthage. If this man were Roman, I knew he might throw me out now, especially if he were of higher status. Instead, his calm, soothing voice brushed my ears again.
"You are a Leafeon of Carthage?" I gave a small nod, awaiting the gesture of rejection that never came. "And what condition they left you in! How could people leave such a fine specimen like yourself in such terrible conditions! Don't those barbarians know anything about your anatomy? They could have killed your tail leaf with the branding placement. Really now, we must get a medical professional to inspect you right away. I will not have even one of my subjects in such conditions." I looked up in surprise, not expecting such efforts of care to be taken on the pet of an enemy. But, sure as he said, a doctor came in, inspected me, and then carefully branded the top of my leaf with the symbol of the Roman Republic.
I became the symbol of the Roman Republic. As it turns out, this man, this Caesar, was the ruler of the Roman Republic, or one of them at least. I quickly found myself thrust into a life of power and luxury. It would be a lie to say I did not enjoy it. Partners, such as I was to Caesar, became a popular trend in the Roman Republic. People were finding eternal friends in what were once thought to be wild beasts. Truly, Caesar and I had changed the world for the betterment of both our species. As Caesar's partner, I was provided many other luxuries besides fame. The best food, cloths, and training was among all that I was given. I was even provided a mate, a symbol of Roman trade with the Egyptians. I had never seen a more beautiful Espeon. Her fur was like silk, her gem sparkling like a ruby, and her body adorned with golden jewelry of all sorts. Truly, she was Egyptian. We became known as Rome and Alexandria, the symbol of our nations. Even when the children came, three in all, life was fine. However, as time went on, I noticed a sharp decline in Caesar's mental state. My best friend, my master, was becoming an ideal he had once opposed.
"I can see it now Rome." He told me as I rested with one of my children in Caesar's bedroom. "If I can get my fellows out of office, then I could solely rule this place Rome." I stared at him like he was crazy, maybe because he was. The whole foundation of the Roman Republic was to prevent tyrants from ruling, and for as long as I had known him, Caesar had supported this. Yet, here he was, saying the exact opposite of what he had believed not long ago. I could not believe my leafy ears.
"Leafeon." I protested, standing up. I jumped down and bounded to his side. "Leaf leaf!" But Caesar refused to hear my words. I could feel my heart breaking inside of me when he turned on me.
"Rome!" he snapped at me, "I thought you, of all those around me, would support me. You are my partner, are you not?" I started to reply but Caesar cut me off. "I guess not if you refuse to pledge your support for my decisions." I was numb inside as Caesar left that room. My mind was torn between my allegiance to Caesar and my allegiance to the Roman Republic. Indeed, it was a dark time in my life.
"You cannot let such decisions plague your mind." I looked up as the goddess known as Alexandria entered the room, our other two children following behind. I gazed over our family. Neptune, Jupiter, and Vesta all had full lives ahead of them, we all did. I met Alexandria's gaze with a reserved look.
"I am sorry, my dear." I replied softly, "I just… do not know what to do. Do I support Caesar, the man who raised me from my ashes like a Phoenix, or the Roman Republic, the land where I have fame, riches, and family?" Alexandria walked over to me, her golden decorations sparkling in the candle light. She put her purple paw on my face and smiled at me.
"That decision is one for you to make Rome." Alexandria answered in a quiet voice, "However, just know, we will always support you, myself and the kids, no matter what decision you make." Those were the words of someone I knew I could trust. As Alexandria led the children away to nurse them, I knew that at least, in this time of uncertainties, I had one certainty.
***
Hoofbeats lead the way across the splashing water. I ran alongside the gray flames of my master's steed. Indeed, I had come to a decision and I intended to stay loyal to it while I could. As we charged the Rubicon River, I knew this was the point of no return. Alexandria, if she were by my side right now, would be proud of me. Instead, she, and my children, were being held captive at the hands of the Roman Senate. Maybe this was the true motivation for my actions right now, but I know it is true that I will never really know.
The citizens of Rome were, no doubt, surprised to see us. Yet we met very little resistance. I could not help but think, maybe they wanted this to happen. If the public were to side with Caesar, then my decision would not carry as much guilt in my mind. Needless to say, no sooner had we reached the Senate that I felt both our fates had been decided.
It was there, at the Senate, that we met true resistance. Guards and soldiers try to halt our advances, but we had not come alone. Their impediment was met with our own armed forces. The stalemate was brutal, but I needed to keep moving. I slashed through a soldier's army with my tail like the blade of a sword. Another quickly met the same fate as I tried to force my way through to the Senate. Caesar noticed my need to reach the Senate building.
"Rome!" he called to me. "Go on boy! Do not let them stop you!" I needed no more encouragement. Ducking between the legs of the soldier in front of me, I quickly learned that, in this field of battle, my size was to my advantage. They could not touch me as I dive this way and that, racing for the Senate. I arrived almost completely unscathed, my only injury a small cut on my back. The Senate doors stood tall before me and my family lay frightened beyond them. My tail began to glow a light green as I charged forward, slicing through the doors like dirt.
Behind these doors was a large foyer. I knew the path well as I entered the room. A large set of stairs would lead me to another large room where I would take the right hallway to the Senate room. While I wasn't sure where they were hiding my family, that would be my first stop on my search. As I dashed through the memorized passageways, I could not help but notice the lack of guards in the building. Of all places, one would have thought this would have been the most heavily guarded. It was possible that the guards were inside the rooms, guarding the senators, but I found this quite strange nonetheless. I bounded down the long hallway where the powerful wooden doors stood before me. I charged in, fury burning in my very core and spreading throughout every fiber of my being. With a loud war cry, I slammed into the doors. They gave quickly, crumbling under my assault. I slid to a halt on the floor and felt myself quickly become surrounded by guards. My hypothesis had been correct, the guards were protecting the senators. As I looked over the men in the chairs beyond me, they seemed no more surprised to see me than I them. In fact, I caught a few giving me a ghost of smile when I locked eyes with them.
"Rome." I heard a senator say. I looked up and saw Brutus standing. I nodded my head in acknowledge, but the man did not sit as most would have. "You have come to rescue your family I presume. They are safe from harm, I assure you, but we needed them to lure you to us. You must hear our plea before Caesar catches up to us." I cocked my head to the side. Brutus was a man I had come to trust. If he said my family was out of harm's reach then I believed him, but why would he not want Caesar to hear something? The two of them were close friends, closer than most could be these days, and I found that my confusion was quite warranted given the closeness of their relationship. "We believe that Caesar has lost his ways. He is no longer the leader we once believed in. He had become greedy for power and he must be stopped." I listened quietly as Brutus continued on his explanation. I thought over what he presented. The man had a point. Caesar had been acting on ideals neither of us had supported at one time, but he was still a smart and kind man. How could this not lead to Roman prosperity?
"Leafeon?" I pawed away one of the spears and walked up to Brutus. He noticed my confusion immediately and nodded. He was considering the points that my eyes conveyed to him. I knew Brutus was a good judge of man, and it was possible that this could change whatever these senators were planning. After several minutes of silence, Brutus answered my question.
"We believe his change will not be beneficial. I understand he is a reasonable man, but even the most reasonable of men have been driven mad by greed. We fear Caesar will do the same. However, I do agree there is a chance he can do well. I say we give him some time. If he can prove himself, then he shall be spared. If he does not, then he shan't be spared."
"Eon?" Spared? Spared from what? Had they been planning an assassination? And why did this involve me of all Pokemon and people? I was his most loyal companion after all!
"Yes Rome, we are planning for his demise." Brutus answered without looking at me. "You must not think hastily, but we need to know if we can expect your help should things go wrong." I pondered this in silence. Once again it was Caesar against the Romans and I was not sure who to side with. Finally, I shook my head. I could not betray Caesar. He was the man who saved my life, I owed him that much. With a sigh, Brutus shook his head. "That is too bad Rome, I had hoped for your support. But, if you change your mind, let me know."
Following these events, I was led to where my mate and children were being held. They had not been harmed at all, much to my relief. Caesar and I then took Rome for our own and Caesar was declared dictator. I thought not much of it. We ruled like we had always dreamed and I could not believe how much we would be able to achieve. Caesar even declared a national holiday in my honor, the Ides of March became a celebration for the anniversary of when Caesar and I first met. A large celebration was to be held for us, and I could never have been happier during this time. Good news just kept pouring in about the party, and my mate even had some news of her own.
"You are joking Alexandria!" I said to her, trying to pick out the joke in her eyes. Instead of jokes I found honesty and sincerity. I smiled broadly, happiness bubbling within me.
"If it does not please you I will ask that they not be delivered." Alexandria replied to me with a slight bow. She looked up in confusion as my paw grazed her shoulder.
"I want the exact opposite." I answered her, "I could not be happier. More children may be more responsibility, but it will also mean more happiness for us in the long run." Alexandria smiled back at me and kissed my cheek, her silky fur brushing my rough coat. My mind wandered at the thought of another litter as Alexandria left me to work on the party. I decided to tell Caesar the news, as I had no doubts he would want to announce the news to the public. I stood up from where I lay and left my study. Moving silently down the hallway, I reached Caesar's bedroom where I heard him speaking to his wife. Knowing it would be rude to interrupt, I merely lingered outside, waiting for Caesar to leave. As I waited, the conversation wafted outside and curled around my ears, bringing me quite interesting information.
"I beg you Caesar, please do not go to the celebration meeting. I have had too many nightmares of late about your death at that meeting for it to be a coincidence. I believe the gods are trying to warn us of an imminent danger. Please, I beg you."
"Oh, but my dear, I must go. Rome understands my duty as ruler comes before my duty as a celebration partaker. It should not last long and I promise, I will be in no danger my darling. Alright?"
"Alright Caesar." Madam Calpurnia did not sound convinced but it was not my place to speak on the matter. I heard Caesar stand up from the bed and he exited the room, immediately taking attention of my presence.
"Ah Rome! Just the Leafeon I wanted to see! How are the plans coming?" I walked alongside Caesar as we made our way to his study. He liked to multitask when he could, I noticed, so he could enjoy the things he loved later. He tried to make time for everything, and I could not say that I did not respect the quality that he had been blessed with.
"Leafeon…" Caesar stopped and looked at me. He recognized the tone in my voice. It was not one of shame, sorrow, or fear. This was a tone of wonderful happiness, the kind he had only heard once before. Caesar got down on one knee in front of me, making his eyes level with mine.
"Rome, answer me truthfully here. Is this what I think it's about?" I gave a sharp nod. "Is Alexandria expecting again?" Another nod. "Does she know how many yet?" I shook my head in negation. "You will keep Calpurnia and I updated on this, alright?" I nodded my head once again. They both deserved to know about Alexandria's progression, as they were technically our owners. "Would you mind if I announced this on the Ides of March, during the celebration?" The look I gave him showed that he need not ask anymore questions. Caesar clasped his hand on my shoulder and smiled broadly at me. "I am proud of you Rome. You are a great man, and you are becoming a great father to a wonderful family. Neptune, Jupiter, Vesta, and the unborns could not have a better role model to look up to. I hope the gods allow you to live long and give you the strength to teach them your ways."
***
Bump bump… bump bump… bump bump… bump… bump… bump…
It had happened in a flash.
Caesar and I had agreed to attend the meeting after Brutus's urging. We had both agreed earlier after Calpurnia pleaded with Caesar not to go, followed by Alexandria's sudden illness, that attending this meeting as well as the anniversary celebrations was not going to do us any good. However, Brutus had assured us everything would be fine, and even left his partner, Calacicus the Lucario, to stand guard over the house while we were out.
Caesar and I then had gotten ready and left with Brutus. We went to the anniversary celebrations as planned and the news of Alexandria's expectancy was announced. I had been showered with gifts of all sorts and I happily thanked every person who approached me for attending the celebration. Then, Brutus escorted Caesar and I to the meeting with the senate. Outside the building, however, a soothsayer had blocked our entry.
"The Ides of March have come." Caesar said to her as we brushed past her. I could recall having encountered this woman before, her warning Caesar that danger lurked around him and would strike no later than the Ides of March. As we continued up the stairs, a chill went down my spine as the soothsayer replied to Caesar in such a quiet voice, I am not positive he heard her.
"Aye, but not yet gone." The fur on my back bristled instinctively as those words rang inside my head. I followed Caesar inside the building and the meeting began. All those in the room rose as Caesar and I entered. We took our seats and everyone else sat with us. It was then that a man I vaguely recalled to be Tillius Cimber approached Caesar. I rose in protection of my master, but Caesar signaled for me to stay seated as Tillius touched Caesar's robe. We were here partly because of his request to remove the exile on his brother. It did not seem unusual for such a gesture to be made by Tillius, as touching the robe was a sign of respect, but I soon noticed that he was holding on too long. Given the annoyed expression on Caesar's face, he had noticed as well. Then, in the blink of an eye, the daggers were drawn. I saw the first attack coming before Caesar did, and, on instinct, leapt in the way.
Fire sliced through my chest as the metal pierced me. Pain blossomed from the wound like blood and I found that I was quickly bombarded with this same pain all over my body. I collapsed to the floor and saw my reflection in the statue nearby. All I could see was a red body, so many cuts and scars marring my body. I could barely keep my eyelids from shutting now, but I heard the echo of another figure falling in the distance. With what little energy I had left, I turned my head over and despair overflowed from me. My master lay bleeding on the ground beside me. He caught my gaze and returned it. As the men moved away from us, our deaths assured at this point, Caesar reached out, and touched my paw with his hand.
"Thank you Rome," he whispered to me. I saw his soul leave his body with his last breath and prayed for my own to follow suit. The pain I was feeling, physically and emotionally, was unbearable. However, Pluto stayed just out of my grasp, so I did something any soldier would do, I looked for a comrade to slay me. I spotted Brutus not far from me and the man quickly caught my gaze. He knew I was awaiting death, but also that I was suffering terribly as well. Brutus unsheathed his red stained knife again and pushed aside the other senators. He brushed aside the comments and looks they gave him as he knelt down beside me.
"May you have a safe journey," Brutus whispered to me. I closed my eyes and pictured my family. I did not want my last image to be of Brutus stabbing me. I knew he would understand, for, despite his treachery, Brutus was an honorable man.
***
I had once thought that the most pain I had ever felt was the day I almost died in the mountains following my escape from Carthage. At the time, I had had no ties to anyone, with my emotional pain being a numbness of sorts while my physical pain endured like a continual sword fight. As I lay there, dying on the floor of the Senate, I realized, at that moment, that this was the most pain I had ever felt. Had I died in the mountains after fleeing Carthage that day, none would have ever known, and my soul could have rested with no regrets. Instead, I died a well respected man, traveling with my closest friend to the underworld for judgement, leaving behind a family of my own as well as the one I was charged to protect, and never truly shaping the empire I had just come to power over in a way that would better it. The pain I endured as I watched Caesar die that day was far above any level I had previously known. My body felt just like it had the day I had almost died in the mountains, but my soul felt a lot heavier, regrets filling me in those last moments. I never did feel Brutus stab me, and I can only wonder if I died before he stabbed me that final time, or if that wound had killed me instantly. Either way, I had left that world for another, my wishes never to be fulfilled.
Needless to say, I watched over my family from Elysium. I had worked hard to earn my spot there and I was going to use the abilities of this magical land to the fullest. Brutus and his partner, Calacicus, were both honorable men. Calacicus took on the challenge of protecting my family, and never once did anything but protect them. I was able to see as a of four was born, three boys and one girl. Within days of their birth they had taken on their grown appearances and Alexandria was able to name them. Two of the boys were named Khonsu and Septentrio. The one girl was named Ceres. Then, the youngest and final boy resembled my own appearance so much that Alexandria named him in my memory.
The Roman Empire rose and fell like the seas, my master and I watching it as it changed. Yet, all the while, we found that maybe it was for the better that we perished that day. For had we died at any other time, the relationships and the bonds that were formed between humans and their partners following our demises might never have been formed or stayed strong.
Air curled out of my mouth in a warm vapor against the icy air around me. Everything hurt but I had to keep going. It was getting colder with each passing second and if I did not escape these accursed mountains soon, who knows how I would end up. The idea chilled me even further than I already was, and the pang in my heart grew as I thought about all I had left behind. But Carthage had abandoned me, and I had nothing left tying myself to that place. Now I had to look for a new prospect, a new home. But just as what looked to be the end of the cave approached, the cold finally got to me, and I collapsed into the seemingly warm snow.
***
Darkness…
Darkness…
Darkness all around me.
That is all I can see.
All I can feel.
Am I dead?
Did the cold take me?
Or am I merely floating in emptiness, as I always have?
A light.
I see a light.
I must reach this light.
It's… so warm…
***
Finally, I saw light, but it was not what I expected. I was warm. There was a blanket around me. I could hear the crackle of a fire somewhere nearby and the softness of a voice in the distance. As my eyes adjusted, I could see a chair in front of me. It was red and laced with gold, the coating smooth on the frame of the furniture. It took me a moment to realize that the style of craftsmanship was none other than Roman.
"Caesar dear, it appears that the boy is waking up." The chair moved a little and a man stood up from where he had sat. He turned to face me and my brown eyes had a hard time taking him all in. The man was roughly 5'6, if I had to guess, but given how much shorter I was than everyone else, I was never a good judge of height. His hair was black but graying fast and the man had a receding hairline. This "Caesar" character was white skinned but covered in scars where his skin was visible. He had been in battle often. Dressed in white and red robes, he was of high status as well, which would explain the chair.
I growled a little as the man approached me. He did not seem deterred by the sound, so I growled louder. Instead of backing away like most, this man, this Caesar, bent down to me. I tried to stand so I could lunge for him, but my back left leg gave out on me. I collapsed but my head never hit the floor. The man's calloused hands caught my upper body.
"There is no need to fear young one. You are safe here." Caesar's calm voice had a soothing effect on me. Something told me, in the back of my mind, I could trust this man. I relaxed in his arms as he stroked my back.
I was fading off into sleep when his hands found my withered tail. I jolted a little and glanced over my shoulder at the brown leaf that was my tail. At the base of this brown, wilted lead was a burn marking of the symbol for Carthage. If this man were Roman, I knew he might throw me out now, especially if he were of higher status. Instead, his calm, soothing voice brushed my ears again.
"You are a Leafeon of Carthage?" I gave a small nod, awaiting the gesture of rejection that never came. "And what condition they left you in! How could people leave such a fine specimen like yourself in such terrible conditions! Don't those barbarians know anything about your anatomy? They could have killed your tail leaf with the branding placement. Really now, we must get a medical professional to inspect you right away. I will not have even one of my subjects in such conditions." I looked up in surprise, not expecting such efforts of care to be taken on the pet of an enemy. But, sure as he said, a doctor came in, inspected me, and then carefully branded the top of my leaf with the symbol of the Roman Republic.
I became the symbol of the Roman Republic. As it turns out, this man, this Caesar, was the ruler of the Roman Republic, or one of them at least. I quickly found myself thrust into a life of power and luxury. It would be a lie to say I did not enjoy it. Partners, such as I was to Caesar, became a popular trend in the Roman Republic. People were finding eternal friends in what were once thought to be wild beasts. Truly, Caesar and I had changed the world for the betterment of both our species. As Caesar's partner, I was provided many other luxuries besides fame. The best food, cloths, and training was among all that I was given. I was even provided a mate, a symbol of Roman trade with the Egyptians. I had never seen a more beautiful Espeon. Her fur was like silk, her gem sparkling like a ruby, and her body adorned with golden jewelry of all sorts. Truly, she was Egyptian. We became known as Rome and Alexandria, the symbol of our nations. Even when the children came, three in all, life was fine. However, as time went on, I noticed a sharp decline in Caesar's mental state. My best friend, my master, was becoming an ideal he had once opposed.
"I can see it now Rome." He told me as I rested with one of my children in Caesar's bedroom. "If I can get my fellows out of office, then I could solely rule this place Rome." I stared at him like he was crazy, maybe because he was. The whole foundation of the Roman Republic was to prevent tyrants from ruling, and for as long as I had known him, Caesar had supported this. Yet, here he was, saying the exact opposite of what he had believed not long ago. I could not believe my leafy ears.
"Leafeon." I protested, standing up. I jumped down and bounded to his side. "Leaf leaf!" But Caesar refused to hear my words. I could feel my heart breaking inside of me when he turned on me.
"Rome!" he snapped at me, "I thought you, of all those around me, would support me. You are my partner, are you not?" I started to reply but Caesar cut me off. "I guess not if you refuse to pledge your support for my decisions." I was numb inside as Caesar left that room. My mind was torn between my allegiance to Caesar and my allegiance to the Roman Republic. Indeed, it was a dark time in my life.
"You cannot let such decisions plague your mind." I looked up as the goddess known as Alexandria entered the room, our other two children following behind. I gazed over our family. Neptune, Jupiter, and Vesta all had full lives ahead of them, we all did. I met Alexandria's gaze with a reserved look.
"I am sorry, my dear." I replied softly, "I just… do not know what to do. Do I support Caesar, the man who raised me from my ashes like a Phoenix, or the Roman Republic, the land where I have fame, riches, and family?" Alexandria walked over to me, her golden decorations sparkling in the candle light. She put her purple paw on my face and smiled at me.
"That decision is one for you to make Rome." Alexandria answered in a quiet voice, "However, just know, we will always support you, myself and the kids, no matter what decision you make." Those were the words of someone I knew I could trust. As Alexandria led the children away to nurse them, I knew that at least, in this time of uncertainties, I had one certainty.
***
Hoofbeats lead the way across the splashing water. I ran alongside the gray flames of my master's steed. Indeed, I had come to a decision and I intended to stay loyal to it while I could. As we charged the Rubicon River, I knew this was the point of no return. Alexandria, if she were by my side right now, would be proud of me. Instead, she, and my children, were being held captive at the hands of the Roman Senate. Maybe this was the true motivation for my actions right now, but I know it is true that I will never really know.
The citizens of Rome were, no doubt, surprised to see us. Yet we met very little resistance. I could not help but think, maybe they wanted this to happen. If the public were to side with Caesar, then my decision would not carry as much guilt in my mind. Needless to say, no sooner had we reached the Senate that I felt both our fates had been decided.
It was there, at the Senate, that we met true resistance. Guards and soldiers try to halt our advances, but we had not come alone. Their impediment was met with our own armed forces. The stalemate was brutal, but I needed to keep moving. I slashed through a soldier's army with my tail like the blade of a sword. Another quickly met the same fate as I tried to force my way through to the Senate. Caesar noticed my need to reach the Senate building.
"Rome!" he called to me. "Go on boy! Do not let them stop you!" I needed no more encouragement. Ducking between the legs of the soldier in front of me, I quickly learned that, in this field of battle, my size was to my advantage. They could not touch me as I dive this way and that, racing for the Senate. I arrived almost completely unscathed, my only injury a small cut on my back. The Senate doors stood tall before me and my family lay frightened beyond them. My tail began to glow a light green as I charged forward, slicing through the doors like dirt.
Behind these doors was a large foyer. I knew the path well as I entered the room. A large set of stairs would lead me to another large room where I would take the right hallway to the Senate room. While I wasn't sure where they were hiding my family, that would be my first stop on my search. As I dashed through the memorized passageways, I could not help but notice the lack of guards in the building. Of all places, one would have thought this would have been the most heavily guarded. It was possible that the guards were inside the rooms, guarding the senators, but I found this quite strange nonetheless. I bounded down the long hallway where the powerful wooden doors stood before me. I charged in, fury burning in my very core and spreading throughout every fiber of my being. With a loud war cry, I slammed into the doors. They gave quickly, crumbling under my assault. I slid to a halt on the floor and felt myself quickly become surrounded by guards. My hypothesis had been correct, the guards were protecting the senators. As I looked over the men in the chairs beyond me, they seemed no more surprised to see me than I them. In fact, I caught a few giving me a ghost of smile when I locked eyes with them.
"Rome." I heard a senator say. I looked up and saw Brutus standing. I nodded my head in acknowledge, but the man did not sit as most would have. "You have come to rescue your family I presume. They are safe from harm, I assure you, but we needed them to lure you to us. You must hear our plea before Caesar catches up to us." I cocked my head to the side. Brutus was a man I had come to trust. If he said my family was out of harm's reach then I believed him, but why would he not want Caesar to hear something? The two of them were close friends, closer than most could be these days, and I found that my confusion was quite warranted given the closeness of their relationship. "We believe that Caesar has lost his ways. He is no longer the leader we once believed in. He had become greedy for power and he must be stopped." I listened quietly as Brutus continued on his explanation. I thought over what he presented. The man had a point. Caesar had been acting on ideals neither of us had supported at one time, but he was still a smart and kind man. How could this not lead to Roman prosperity?
"Leafeon?" I pawed away one of the spears and walked up to Brutus. He noticed my confusion immediately and nodded. He was considering the points that my eyes conveyed to him. I knew Brutus was a good judge of man, and it was possible that this could change whatever these senators were planning. After several minutes of silence, Brutus answered my question.
"We believe his change will not be beneficial. I understand he is a reasonable man, but even the most reasonable of men have been driven mad by greed. We fear Caesar will do the same. However, I do agree there is a chance he can do well. I say we give him some time. If he can prove himself, then he shall be spared. If he does not, then he shan't be spared."
"Eon?" Spared? Spared from what? Had they been planning an assassination? And why did this involve me of all Pokemon and people? I was his most loyal companion after all!
"Yes Rome, we are planning for his demise." Brutus answered without looking at me. "You must not think hastily, but we need to know if we can expect your help should things go wrong." I pondered this in silence. Once again it was Caesar against the Romans and I was not sure who to side with. Finally, I shook my head. I could not betray Caesar. He was the man who saved my life, I owed him that much. With a sigh, Brutus shook his head. "That is too bad Rome, I had hoped for your support. But, if you change your mind, let me know."
Following these events, I was led to where my mate and children were being held. They had not been harmed at all, much to my relief. Caesar and I then took Rome for our own and Caesar was declared dictator. I thought not much of it. We ruled like we had always dreamed and I could not believe how much we would be able to achieve. Caesar even declared a national holiday in my honor, the Ides of March became a celebration for the anniversary of when Caesar and I first met. A large celebration was to be held for us, and I could never have been happier during this time. Good news just kept pouring in about the party, and my mate even had some news of her own.
"You are joking Alexandria!" I said to her, trying to pick out the joke in her eyes. Instead of jokes I found honesty and sincerity. I smiled broadly, happiness bubbling within me.
"If it does not please you I will ask that they not be delivered." Alexandria replied to me with a slight bow. She looked up in confusion as my paw grazed her shoulder.
"I want the exact opposite." I answered her, "I could not be happier. More children may be more responsibility, but it will also mean more happiness for us in the long run." Alexandria smiled back at me and kissed my cheek, her silky fur brushing my rough coat. My mind wandered at the thought of another litter as Alexandria left me to work on the party. I decided to tell Caesar the news, as I had no doubts he would want to announce the news to the public. I stood up from where I lay and left my study. Moving silently down the hallway, I reached Caesar's bedroom where I heard him speaking to his wife. Knowing it would be rude to interrupt, I merely lingered outside, waiting for Caesar to leave. As I waited, the conversation wafted outside and curled around my ears, bringing me quite interesting information.
"I beg you Caesar, please do not go to the celebration meeting. I have had too many nightmares of late about your death at that meeting for it to be a coincidence. I believe the gods are trying to warn us of an imminent danger. Please, I beg you."
"Oh, but my dear, I must go. Rome understands my duty as ruler comes before my duty as a celebration partaker. It should not last long and I promise, I will be in no danger my darling. Alright?"
"Alright Caesar." Madam Calpurnia did not sound convinced but it was not my place to speak on the matter. I heard Caesar stand up from the bed and he exited the room, immediately taking attention of my presence.
"Ah Rome! Just the Leafeon I wanted to see! How are the plans coming?" I walked alongside Caesar as we made our way to his study. He liked to multitask when he could, I noticed, so he could enjoy the things he loved later. He tried to make time for everything, and I could not say that I did not respect the quality that he had been blessed with.
"Leafeon…" Caesar stopped and looked at me. He recognized the tone in my voice. It was not one of shame, sorrow, or fear. This was a tone of wonderful happiness, the kind he had only heard once before. Caesar got down on one knee in front of me, making his eyes level with mine.
"Rome, answer me truthfully here. Is this what I think it's about?" I gave a sharp nod. "Is Alexandria expecting again?" Another nod. "Does she know how many yet?" I shook my head in negation. "You will keep Calpurnia and I updated on this, alright?" I nodded my head once again. They both deserved to know about Alexandria's progression, as they were technically our owners. "Would you mind if I announced this on the Ides of March, during the celebration?" The look I gave him showed that he need not ask anymore questions. Caesar clasped his hand on my shoulder and smiled broadly at me. "I am proud of you Rome. You are a great man, and you are becoming a great father to a wonderful family. Neptune, Jupiter, Vesta, and the unborns could not have a better role model to look up to. I hope the gods allow you to live long and give you the strength to teach them your ways."
***
Bump bump… bump bump… bump bump… bump… bump… bump…
It had happened in a flash.
Caesar and I had agreed to attend the meeting after Brutus's urging. We had both agreed earlier after Calpurnia pleaded with Caesar not to go, followed by Alexandria's sudden illness, that attending this meeting as well as the anniversary celebrations was not going to do us any good. However, Brutus had assured us everything would be fine, and even left his partner, Calacicus the Lucario, to stand guard over the house while we were out.
Caesar and I then had gotten ready and left with Brutus. We went to the anniversary celebrations as planned and the news of Alexandria's expectancy was announced. I had been showered with gifts of all sorts and I happily thanked every person who approached me for attending the celebration. Then, Brutus escorted Caesar and I to the meeting with the senate. Outside the building, however, a soothsayer had blocked our entry.
"The Ides of March have come." Caesar said to her as we brushed past her. I could recall having encountered this woman before, her warning Caesar that danger lurked around him and would strike no later than the Ides of March. As we continued up the stairs, a chill went down my spine as the soothsayer replied to Caesar in such a quiet voice, I am not positive he heard her.
"Aye, but not yet gone." The fur on my back bristled instinctively as those words rang inside my head. I followed Caesar inside the building and the meeting began. All those in the room rose as Caesar and I entered. We took our seats and everyone else sat with us. It was then that a man I vaguely recalled to be Tillius Cimber approached Caesar. I rose in protection of my master, but Caesar signaled for me to stay seated as Tillius touched Caesar's robe. We were here partly because of his request to remove the exile on his brother. It did not seem unusual for such a gesture to be made by Tillius, as touching the robe was a sign of respect, but I soon noticed that he was holding on too long. Given the annoyed expression on Caesar's face, he had noticed as well. Then, in the blink of an eye, the daggers were drawn. I saw the first attack coming before Caesar did, and, on instinct, leapt in the way.
Fire sliced through my chest as the metal pierced me. Pain blossomed from the wound like blood and I found that I was quickly bombarded with this same pain all over my body. I collapsed to the floor and saw my reflection in the statue nearby. All I could see was a red body, so many cuts and scars marring my body. I could barely keep my eyelids from shutting now, but I heard the echo of another figure falling in the distance. With what little energy I had left, I turned my head over and despair overflowed from me. My master lay bleeding on the ground beside me. He caught my gaze and returned it. As the men moved away from us, our deaths assured at this point, Caesar reached out, and touched my paw with his hand.
"Thank you Rome," he whispered to me. I saw his soul leave his body with his last breath and prayed for my own to follow suit. The pain I was feeling, physically and emotionally, was unbearable. However, Pluto stayed just out of my grasp, so I did something any soldier would do, I looked for a comrade to slay me. I spotted Brutus not far from me and the man quickly caught my gaze. He knew I was awaiting death, but also that I was suffering terribly as well. Brutus unsheathed his red stained knife again and pushed aside the other senators. He brushed aside the comments and looks they gave him as he knelt down beside me.
"May you have a safe journey," Brutus whispered to me. I closed my eyes and pictured my family. I did not want my last image to be of Brutus stabbing me. I knew he would understand, for, despite his treachery, Brutus was an honorable man.
***
I had once thought that the most pain I had ever felt was the day I almost died in the mountains following my escape from Carthage. At the time, I had had no ties to anyone, with my emotional pain being a numbness of sorts while my physical pain endured like a continual sword fight. As I lay there, dying on the floor of the Senate, I realized, at that moment, that this was the most pain I had ever felt. Had I died in the mountains after fleeing Carthage that day, none would have ever known, and my soul could have rested with no regrets. Instead, I died a well respected man, traveling with my closest friend to the underworld for judgement, leaving behind a family of my own as well as the one I was charged to protect, and never truly shaping the empire I had just come to power over in a way that would better it. The pain I endured as I watched Caesar die that day was far above any level I had previously known. My body felt just like it had the day I had almost died in the mountains, but my soul felt a lot heavier, regrets filling me in those last moments. I never did feel Brutus stab me, and I can only wonder if I died before he stabbed me that final time, or if that wound had killed me instantly. Either way, I had left that world for another, my wishes never to be fulfilled.
Needless to say, I watched over my family from Elysium. I had worked hard to earn my spot there and I was going to use the abilities of this magical land to the fullest. Brutus and his partner, Calacicus, were both honorable men. Calacicus took on the challenge of protecting my family, and never once did anything but protect them. I was able to see as a of four was born, three boys and one girl. Within days of their birth they had taken on their grown appearances and Alexandria was able to name them. Two of the boys were named Khonsu and Septentrio. The one girl was named Ceres. Then, the youngest and final boy resembled my own appearance so much that Alexandria named him in my memory.
The Roman Empire rose and fell like the seas, my master and I watching it as it changed. Yet, all the while, we found that maybe it was for the better that we perished that day. For had we died at any other time, the relationships and the bonds that were formed between humans and their partners following our demises might never have been formed or stayed strong.