Lucius Returns to Pompeii- by Ivy  
 
 As the moon shone bright over Mount Vesuvius and a light,cool breeze blew past him, 
Lucius stood stone still.  His sandal clad feet hesitantly took a step forward.  
He'd never been afraid of anything in his mortal or immortal life, but, 
he had to admit to himself that he was fearful of what he would find here, now.
 
As he walked through the labrynth that was the streets of Pompeii, 
a wave of dismay swept past him.
After all this time a hint of the old home arose from the skeletal fragments. 
Lucius fell to his knees and buried his head in his hands. 
Heartbreaking as this journey was, he had to make it.  
He continued past his home ground to the main square.  
The outlines of the temples stood before him with a proud strength. 
As if they said "We are still here, my dear Lucius."
He walked toward the Forum Baths and a small smirk crossed his lips.  
Memories stirred within him.

The conversations of wealthy, powerful men. 
The boasting of victories won,and enemies conquered.
Lucius swelled with pride. He adjusted his crimson robe and walked on towards the Forum.
      "Lucius,"....
He followed the voice which traced back the spot where his villa stood. 
      "I'm here." he replied boldly. "Show yourself."
      "You remember this place, Lucius?" she taunted.
      "Show yourself, Divia!"  He stood in protest of her arrogance. 
He bent forward as the force hit his abdomen. 
     "Coward," he seethed. 
     "I'm the coward? You couldn't even destroy me yourself, Lucius. 
      You are a poor excuse for a General." 
     "I loved you once," he spoke in a softer tone.
     "Not enough. Now I have only disgust for you."
     "Leave me, Divia. I have nothing more to say to you." 
Lucius stood straight up and flew forward with such force that his head hit 
against the stone pillar. He fell to the ground and was still.
 
When he awoke, his hands and feet were bound behind the pillar with leather straps.  
His forhead was still bleeding and the blood trickled down his face. 
Divia ran her tongue across his cheek and he felt his immortal skin recoil.  
His silence angered her and he was punished with a slap across his face. 
 
     "Your precious son tried to destroy me, now he will watch me destroy you, father."

Lucius saw two guards bring Nicholas before him.
Nick's eyes reflected his true feelings toward Lucius as if he'd never 
be able convey those feelings ever again.
He had a special bond with his son and Divia hated him for it.  

     "Hold him still," Divia commanded her guards. 

Lucius saw the horror in Nick's eyes and cast a vicious glare at 
Divia as she sharpened the sickle.
Lucius shut his eyes and felt his throat tighten. He opened his eyes and stared at Divia. 

      "Put that down." his voice was soft and deceptive.
      "If I don't?"
     "Then I can't possibly hold you in my arms."
     "Ha!," You won't have any arms to hold me with."

She brought the blade down just enough to slice his forearm. 
Nicholas struggled from the firm grasp of the guards but was 
rewarded with a gut punch. He looked up at her and growled.  
Lucius tried hard not to laugh, but it escaped him anyway.  
When he looked up, she had the sickle in position to strike.

       "Nooooooo!" 

Lucien sat up in bed and held his throat. He was still intact. 
     "The Gods be Praised." He whispered. 

He looked down at the sheets and saw Divia's cameo, her faint laughter 
filled the air above him and drifted out his window. 
 
The End