Chapter One: Fight for Opening Games
WARNING: I don't own Harry Potter or any of the Spartacus seasons or their characters. I only own my characters that I might add and my own story.
SUMMARY: Gannicus is the champion of House Batiatus. Given wine and whores as rewards for victories in the arena. Then Gannicus see something, or rather someone, that he wants above all others. Turns out, Batiatus can't give him what he wants. Why? Because the boy he beings to have feelings for is untouchable. Promised to another to gain favor for his horrible family. But as everyone knows, Gannicus gets what he wants. Consequences be damned. Sorry I suck at summaries. RATED:R, SLASH, DON'T LIKE THEN DON'T READ!
AUTHOR'S NOTE: PLEASE READ: FINALLY! I've been working on getting at least the first chapter back from when I lost the whole story and since I finally got it and school is basically done now I figured I'd go ahead and post this one since you all have been so patient with me:) don't worry I'm still working on Power They No Not but I'll also be working on this one as well. ALSO, I've decided that I rather have a lot of fun writing crossovers so that's what I'll be mainly writing from now on. Besides the Naruto story that I think I'm going to post if people are interested. So if there's a crossover you wish to see made feel free to mention it to me! I'm big into anime and gaming and, well, basically anything geeky lol:p I've got a few in mind I plan on writing but if there's one you wish to see just let me know. Just remember I only write SLASH! Male/female coupling is just not fun to write or read about. But, that's just my opinion. To each his own. Anyways, hope you enjoy!
One more thing, I changed some names to fit the time period. Here's the new names: Vernon= Varinius
Petunia= Petronia
Dudley= Duilius
Harry= Harius
Harry's I made completely on my own but the other three are legit names that I looked up. ENJOY!
"Talk"
'Thoughts'
Chapter One: Fight For Opening Games
Batiatus' POV:
"The fights are particularly entertaining today." Lucretia spoke from my side.
"You'd enjoy them more viewed from the pulvinus." I replied forcing smile upon face at the little shit that sat in the pulvinus. "Fucking shit eater." I growled.
"Let Vettius preen like a woman," my wife whispered in ear, "you'll school him in the ways of men when Gannicus takes to the sands."
I groaned upon hearing her words. "Absent Tullius and the Magistrate to bear witness. What's the fucking purpose?" I returned gaze to wife then. "One man in today's games, one only, and the seat sneeding to impress stand empty as Vettius' fucking head." I growled turning gaze to see if a glimpse could be caught of those whose gazes were most important.
"Varinius and his family shall be arriving in but moments." Lucretia reminded causing gaze to turn to her. "He holds great standing in the eyes of the Senate. Should his gaze land upon Gannicus in the sands perhaps his tongue can bear the tale to the Magistrate's ears." I blinked at my wife before laughing and kissing her.
"Brilliant as you are beautiful!"
"Only the best for my husband." She said with smile.
I smiled back. "He has seen Gannicus many times within our Villar and but once upon the sands. Should the fight be to the fat shit's pleasure it may indeed push us even closer to the Senate." Lucretia smiled and turned gaze once more to the men upon the sands.
Shortly after a man fell to the ground footsteps behind caused gaze to turn. "Solonius! What news?" I asked pulling the man into an embrace.
"Tullius and the Magistrate were delayed with pressing business, but arrive shortly." I growled then looked to the man once more.
"What of Varinius?" Solonius smirked.
"They are but steps behind mine." I smirked at my friend before moving to give room for the fat shit and his family upon their arrival.
"As long as the current match continues…." Yet as he spoke a man found his neck upon and he fell limp to the sands.
"No, get up!" I yelled as the winner circled the arena in victory and Vettius laughed loudly. "Get up, get up you fuck…." I growled and turned to grasp Solonius' shoulder for support.
The dead man was dragged from the sands as Vettius raised his hand to signal a new man to the sands shocking all.
"Vettius begins the match without proper instruction?" Lucretia asked in obvious concern.
"Proper?" I laughed and looked to the little bastard. "Vettius and the word are of distant relations."
"I for one am grateful to be spared his oratory. The man's voice causes skull to ache." I laughed upon hearing my friend's words and patted his shoulder turning once more to the sands.
"Batiatus!" I inwardly groaned yet turned with smile upon face.
"Varinius! I was beginning to worry you would miss a real match!" I laughed accepting the man's sweaty embrace.
"Petronia! As lovely as always!" I said kissing the horse of a woman's hand.
The woman smiled then pushed her even bigger than his father of a son to her side. "Is that Duilius?! My I hardly recognize you! You have turned into quite the man!" said eighteen year old seemed to stand straighter upon hearing my words.
"You also remember my nephew Harius do you not?" Petronia said with a sneer before turning to reveal a boy the same age as her son.
Out of them all this man held true beauty and grace about him. Unlike his fat and sweaty uncle who's hair was as grey as the small bread upon his face and his robes barely fitting over his belly, his cousin who looked like his father except bigger and no hair upon his face with brown coloring his head, and his very thin horse like aunt who's dress seemed to swallow her whole with brown, short, curly hair.
No, this boy did not look like his family. His skin as white as freshly fallen snow, eyes that make emeralds look dull. Though hidden under the red hood, the boy's hair fell down to his shoulders was as black as the midnight sky. The rest of his red and gold robes fit him tighter than a normal man's robes should, but his family did treat him as a man. They saw a boy whose family was richer than their own. When the boy's family passed to the afterlife his family took him in and began to train him to be the 'woman' of a relationship so that they could marry him off and gain his fortune as well. They even have forced the boy to remain pure to make him more desirable.
They went so far as to make sure the boy stayed pure by placing paint upon his arm. The paint took the form of a snake with its tail upon his shoulder as it wrapped around and resting its head upon his wrist. Should the paint be tampered with in anyway would cause in not only the boy's death, but the death of the one who dared touched him.
Though, not everyone knows of the boy and even less know of what his purpose is. Only those Varinius believes he can trust know all about the boy. A trust I plan on taking full advantage of.
"My how you have grown!" Lucretia spoke drawing me from my thoughts.
"Yes he certainly has grown has he not Solonius?"
"Indeed he has." The boy blushed before smiling brightly and straightening a little.
"It's a pleasure to see you again sir." His soft voice sounded out.
I smiled at the boy feeling sympathy for him, for it was obvious the boy was not as happy as he let show, before looking to his bastard of an uncle as he spoke.
"Has your man Gannicus fought upon the sands?"
"He takes to them in but moments." I said and turned as Lucretia mentioned Gannicus taking to the sands just then.
The crowd cheered loudly then and I could not control myself at that moment.
"Now there's a fucking gladiator!" those behind me laughed as Gannicus held his swords high and smiled as he turned in circles to gaze upon the audience.
The man walked around the arena causing the crowd's cheers to grow only to stop and stare when he looked our way.
It was but a moment, but his eyes widened some before he smiled brightly and turned to his opponent.
Confusion entered me as I looked around before my gaze landed upon the boy at my side and a worried frown grew upon my face as I looked to Gannicus once more.
'I shall need more proof before thoughts take proper hold.' I thought as Vettius began the match.
The man fighting Gannicus charged only to have his attack blocked by one of Gannicus' swords to allow the other one to attempt to land strike. The man dodged and the two began to go in circles blocking attacks and tempting to land some of their own.
I saw Gannicus gaze our way for a brief moment before he let out a laugh and used the wall to take to the stands and jump behind the man striking his upper back with a wound.
I smirked at the man before clapping with the crowd.
"Your man is truly amazing Batiatus!" I looked to Varinius and smirked.
"Only the finest come from my villar, yet none hold a glimpse of the power Gannicus holds." Varinius laughed then as he turned to his son to speak of the attack a moment ago.
The man who was attack took his helmet off and glared at Gannicus as he held his swords high and laughed as the crowd cheered.
Gannicus turned and let a smile grow as he stared in our direction.
"Is your man ever of a serious note?" Harius asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.
I smirked at the boy to hide my fear before laughing. "He'd strip naked and fight with his cock, as long as he wins." The boy blushed some but let out a small laugh.
I gazed once more at the boy before looking to a woman in the crowd who screamed her love for the man then let her breast be shown to all in the arena.
I looked to Gannicus to see he held no lust within his eyes as he gazed upon the whore. His gaze returned to us as he let out yet another laugh and held a sword in our direction.
Suddenly his opponent ran at him and cut his arm upon.
Gannicus backed from the man and glared at his wound at his opponent released a battle cry.
Suddenly Gannicus looked in our direction pissed before stabbing both swords into the sands and stormed up to the man.
"What's he doing Quintus?" Lucretia asked in fear.
The man made to strike Gannicus yet he dodged and punched the man in the face.
The man continued to try and strike Gannicus yet each attempt was met with a dodge then a punch to a part of his body as the crowd went even wild. Suddenly the man was down and Gannicus cried a battle cry as I shared a laugh with those around me.
"Your man is truly full of surprises!" Petronia laughed causing a smirk to appear upon face.
"That he is." I mumbled.
The man stood and went for Gannicus who rolled from the man to his swords and blocked the attack while stabbing the man's stomach.
I cheered with the crowd as the man backed up as Gannicus stood. Gannicus ripped the sword from the man letting him fall to the sands before stabbing once more between his shoulder blades.
"Fucking kill him!" someone in the crowd yelled causing my gaze to look to the empty chairs in the pulvinus.
"No!" I cried to Gannicus praying the man could hear me.
It seemed my prayers went unanswered as Gannicus crossed his swords on either side of the man's neck moments from releasing the killing blow. "Wait just a little while." I mumbled once more then knelt upon the stands hoping my voice would reach him then.
"Gannicus, do not kill him!" I looked to see the chairs remained empty then turned to see Gannicus lifting his swords. "DO NOT KILL HIM!" I cried louder yet the too went unanswered as Gannicus opened the man's neck.
The crowd went wild as I looked to the pulvinus in disappointment then annoyance.
"Now they arrive!" I growled then.
"A victory regardless." Lucretia said kneeling at my side with a hidden message within her words.
"Won in dewy morn." I sighed as we stood. "None of the important matches until after the midday sun has passed."
Solonius' comforting touch found shoulders. "Consider yourself lucky to have a man in the games at all." I turned gaze to him. "Good Solonius stands with empty hands." I laughed with him before turning gaze to the laughing Varinius.
"A fine showing if I do say so myself Batiatus!" I turned fully to the man as Lucretia's soft touch found my arm.
"You are pleased?" the man laughed once more then looked to his son.
"My boy has never been as excited as he was during the match! I would love to see just what other surprises are able to be born from your villar!" hope entered me as I stared into my wife's eyes then looked to the man.
"Perhaps such words could also find their way to the Magistrate's ears?" I attempted causing the man to laugh once more.
"Give me more showings as marvelous as this one and I shall see to it that word reaches Magistrates ear!" I barely held my happiness in as I pulled the smelly man into a hug.
"Gratitude!"
"It pays to have friends who work under the Magistrate himself does it not!" I laughed with him before turning gaze once more to the sands to see Gannicus once more staring in our direction.
This time I was able to see just who it was that held the man's gaze and was able to prove my thoughts true as I stared at the boy still at my side.
Said boy was glaring at Gannicus yet also blushing before looking away only to notice I too was looking at him. Fear entered the boy's eyes as he quickly looked down and rushed to stand beside his aunt with his gaze firmly upon the wood beneath him.
I looked to Gannicus to see confusion there and I just shook head causing more confusion to enter his eyes as he looked to the crowd then turned to exit the arena.
"Come then," I said turning gaze once more to those around me, "Let us see empty hands filled with drink!" I clapped Varinius in the back and looked to one of our slaves. "Have Doctore to see Gannicus back to the ludus and properly rewarded for his showing." The slave nodded before running off.
I turned once more to follow wife who followed beside Petronia. "Can we not stay for the rest of the games?" Duilius wined causing quick glare to cross face before forcing it to leave as Varinius looked to his son.
"Vettius' men command the prominent matches. He has more than enough my son." Duilius wined once more.
I noticed Harius and how he has barely spoke a word since their arrival and turned gaze to Lucretia to see her thoughts mirrored my own.
"And what is it that young Harius wishes?" the boy seemed startled from his thoughts before looking to his family then returned gaze once more to me.
"Vettius has enough eyes to watch him stroke cock. Besides, the heat will cause me to melt if shade and water are not given." I laughed at the boys words and simply nodded instead of pulling him into an embrace as I wished to do.
'Beautiful and smart. He will make a fine 'bride'.' I thought with a hint of sadness before it disappeared as I noticed Varinius staring at me with questioning eyes.
"Yes, well, it appears we shall take leave then. My wife wishes to return home to Rome where our own bed awaits." I looked to my own wife in worry as the family turned to leave.
"How would you like to spend some time in our villar?" Lucretia asked suddenly having all turn gazes upon her. "I understand none are prepared for such a short invitation, so I extend one that is within the fortnight. Plenty of time to return home then prepare for a stay." Lucretia then took Petronia's hands. "And I do miss my dear friend and her overflowing words of gossip." Both women giggled before Petronia looked to her husband for his decision.
Varinius thought for but a moment before laughing and pulling me close to his side.
"A fine offer from such a vision cannot be denied!" I smiled at the man and patted shoulder.
"We shall await your arrival within a fortnight!" the man nodded with one last laugh before forcing Harius to walk in front of him so that none were able to touch him.
"What blessing fell upon me to have a wife such as yourself?!" I asked kissing Lucretia deeply once the family was from sight.
"I but wish to aid husband in reaching the steps of the Senate as we both wish to see." I kissed her once more then turned us towards our villar.
Gannicus' POV:
All thoughts were of the vision my eyes fell upon when standing upon the sands as I exited through the door still laughing and cheering with the crowd.
I turned to the guard and handed him my swords. "Perhaps one day the pretty little bitch will fight later in the afternoon with the rest of the men." I smirked at the man and walked to his cell.
"You and your tiny cock best pray that day never comes." To add more salt to wound I blew the man a kiss causing him to growl in anger.
"Save blood for fucking sands, Gannicus." I turned to see Doctore approaching. "What seized fucking brain, releasing swords in the arena?" the beauty I saw came to mind and how I wanted nothing more than to impress him as I turned to Doctore.
"I could have killed the man absent an arm and both fucking legs." Doctore just gazed at me.
"Hubris. A fine quality. Often possessed by cunts who perish from it." I just looked at the man as the beauty once more came to mind.
I do not recall ever seeing one that held such grace and beauty as he held. Though he wore red and gold robes with a red hood covering his face I could still see how fair of skin he was. It was like freshly fallen snow. Hair as black as the midnight sky peeked from beneath the hood and no amount of shade could dull those emeralds he was blessed to call eyes.
Truly the world was blessed to have such a being living within it.
Yet confusion still took hold. I do not understand why Batiatus would not allow my gaze to linger any longer. The man never showed care for where my gaze landed until the boy.
I also did not understand why his robes fit him tighter than a noblemen's robes should.
Perhaps I will get the chance to have answer to question upon arriving within the ludus once more.
With that thought I turned with Doctore and left the arena.
Batiatus' POV:
"Did you catch the manner of his eye as he gazed out of down from the pulvinus?" I asked the two at my side as we walked past a man being whipped. "Fucking Vettius! Barely free of his mother's tit yet he carries himself above lanistas of more deserving years." I growled.
"Youth often imagines itself swollen beyond its worth." Lucretia said.
"Unlike Duilius time will cure him of the condition." I shared a laugh with Solonius then.
"Time is what he holds in abundance. The new arena will be finished in but a handful of months. If we are excluded from the opening games…."
"Vettius is but a shit from a shit town!" I looked to Lucretia as she spoke. "How could Tullius and the Magistrate favor a boy from Nola over Capua's own sons? And he does not have the favor of Varinius on his side." I smiled at the beautiful woman before sighing.
"How do they do it now?"
"We must prove ourselves in the more important bouts in the old arena and in Varinius' eyes to secure position." Solonius offered.
"To fight later in the day we must first distinguish ourselves against Vettius' men. Yet Vettius' men only fight later in the day." I said with Solonius finishing with me.
"A vexing conundrum." I heard the man mumble.
"Lucretia?" we all turned to see a vision walking towards us with a smile.
"Gaia!" Lucretia yelled rushing to meet her friend in an embrace. "How come you come to Capua without telling me?!"
Both women laughed as they pulled from each other. "I have only this moment returned! With intentions of seeking you out." I smiled at both women as I stepped closer.
"Do you travel with your husband?"
Gaia turned to me then. "He takes to road no more. Not in this life at least."
"Apologies." I offered.
"None required." She said turning to me. "It was his time."
Gaia then turned and placed a kiss upon Lucretia's cheek. "Are you occupied? I am fit to bursting with stories of my adventures." Lucretia looked to me with a pleading look.
"Quintus?"
I held my hands up. "What man dares stand between women and gossip?" both women giggled and looked to one another.
"You must tell me everything! Secret no detail!" Lucretia told her dear friend as she motioned for Melia, her body slave, to come to her side.
"Removed from the ears of men my lips willing part." Both women giggled then as they took off down the street.
"Gaia returns unencumbered, and in enticing form" Solonius stated lustfully.
I laughed then. "That woman is a force of fucking nature. One that has blown many an unsuspecting men to his ruin." Solonius laughed and followed as I once more began to walk. "You require someone of more refined to grace armas our fortunes rise…." I paused mid-sentence when we walked up to a scene.
"Have eyes ever beheld such marvel?" I asked walking a slight bit closer to the new arena being built.
"A sight to put the Circus Maximus in Rome to bitter shame." Solonius said at my side.
I turned to him. "We will be the ones shamed if grand ceremony passes absent our gladiators. We must force advantage with Varinius before opportunity slips from grasp."
"No we must be patient." Solonius advised looking to me. "Your father would venture forth with respect and caution. Especially when dealings with Varinius are part of equation."
"Then it is a blessing he is not present." I said as we turned to once more head towards my villar.
"Perhaps we should send word to him in Sicillia. Petition advice-."
"I can already divine content of his reply." I interrupted. "Which is why he never rose above his humble station. Fuck patience!" I growled pausing at the rest area awaiting my turn.
"Look Tullius for the way! He seizes opportunity by the balls while lesser men are left holding cock!" I growled as I walked up and sat down once more robes were lifted high enough. "A simple merchant. Yet he gives honored counsel to the Magistrate and all the rest of the noble shit eaters of Capua."
"Truth told, yet at excessive volume." Solonius said taking empty spot at my side to piss.
"I would shout his praise to the fucking heavens. His hands shaped events resulting in the erection of the new arena. He supplies slaves from the furthest reaches of the Republic to speed its completion. Through the ambitions of Tullius, Capua is elevated." I said looking to him.
"A lesson to be studied, and reproduced in kind." I motioned for the man to hand me the brush so that I was able to wipe myself then stood.
"Is that all? A simple task then, Batiatus?" I looked to Solonius as he walked beside me.
"Between us we have the greatest gladiators in Capua, Barca, Acadeus, Gannicus, men forged into something beyond their worth. Beyond anything that smug little piss Vettius could ever hope to offer…." I was interrupted by sounds of fighting to see two men within the streets.
"Perhaps Tullius should not have strayed so far abroad in acquiring his slaves." I smirked and continued to watch the men.
"Pick him up!" a slave trader yelled beating the man who sat on top of the other. "Crixus," the slave trader growled, "you know the rules. No one breaks the line!" the trader yelled.
As he lifted his weapon to beat the man I stepped forward. "Hold," all turned to me, "this is one of good Tullius' slaves?" I asked.
"It is." The man said.
"I would make purchase." I said shocking all.
"Purchase?!" Solonius asked as I looked to the trader.
"What's the man's worth?"
"He is not for sale." Was the reply.
"Fifty denarii." I offered causing the man to look to me.
"What are you doing?" Solonius asked.
"Seizing balls." I whispered.
"The man is barely wort ten." The trader growled. "Why would you pay such a sum for a shit Gaul?"
"Shit?" I questioned the man. "Do you not see the promise in his eyes? The spark smoldering in his breast? I would give it tender to ignite in the arena!"
The man thought for but a moment before looking to me once more. "Fifty?"
I looked to the man. "Add another five to weight your own purse." The man nodded and I quickly looked to my friend. "Lend me twenty denarii." I whispered looking to the man signaling him to wait but a moment.
"You pay too much for the man." Solonius warned as he offered me the coin.
"The man is nothing." I said looking to the Gaul. "I pay to gain favor with Varinius and, hopefully, Tullius."
I handed the man the coin who laughed. "A waste of coin. The shit fuck will never be a gladiator."
"Even the lowest man can rise beyond the heavens if tempted with proper reward." I answered still gazing upon the Gaul.
The man was released and I walked up to him as we were left alone. "Come then, let us take you to your new home." The Gaul just stood there for but a moment.
"Why pay so much for me?" He asked softly.
I smirked and stepped closer to him gazing into his eyes. "I see great things in your future. Place trust in me and your name will be remembered in history." The man stared in shock before nodding.
"Yes Dominus, I will not fail you." With that we turned to head home finally.
Gannicus' POV:
I watched the man and woman leave in my drunken state as my dear friend Melitta approached. "He was well satisfied?"
I looked to the two slaves and could not stop thoughts of how they did not fully satisfy me. Not like a certain beauty who would not leave thoughts would.
Yet I put on my mask to hide the truth.
"Very well." I told her with a smirk.
"Dominus will be pleased." She said turning to follow the man and woman back to the villar.
"Not as much as I?"
"When are you not so especially with yourself?" she asked amused.
"It is a curse! Being blessed with so much to offer." I laughed following her.
"And so few interested in sharing it." She remarked making me laugh.
"See yourselves well scrubbed I would not have you smell of goat." She said to the two as they hurried past her.
"Goat?" she looked amused.
"A dead one," I looked over to see her husband Oenomaus. I smiled and walked to take offered hand.
"You smell of victory brother!"
"Well earned." He said smiling. "The men all speak of your triumph.
"As they will yours, when you return to the arena." Melitta offered.
"The crowd will cum in great geysers drenching the gods gathered to witness!" I slapped his chest then. "Oenomaus once more upon the sands!" I yelled.
"I would have words with my wife absent your cock which has escaped you." He laughed out.
I fixed myself. "It will be missed." I smirked as I turned to leave.
Batiatus' POV:
"Fifty denarii! For a fucking stone hauler!" I groaned.
"Coin well spent." Lucretia's gentle voice spoke.
I turned to look at her. "Was it? Word surly has reached Tullius' ear yet none of gratitude returned. Even Varinius remains silent." I sighed turning and leaning upon the railing of my balcony facing the cliffs.
"Fifty denarii!" I groaned again walking to her and placing hand upon shoulder before continuing to our chambers. "Solonius was right I should temper patience as my father would!"
"You're not your father." Lucretia spoke. "Nor would I have it so."
I felt her walk closer to me. "Perhaps tomorrow you will find yourself in the market. Where you have often mentioned Tullius frequents upon a certain hour overseeing his concerns." I smiled at her then.
"A chance encounter to gauge reaction?"
"Certain to be favorable." She said. "As I know your reply to my request will be." I laughed then and stepped to her.
"Give it voice and see it considered."
"I would have Gaia remain with us." I looked to the ground in amusement. "Just for a few days! Until she can manage other arrangements."
"The request does not surprise." I told her causing her to stare at me.
"Is that a yes?"
"Ask for the moon and I would wrest it from the heavens." She kissed my hand in happiness.
"Gaia will be so pleased with your answer!" she said smiling.
As she went to leave to tell her friend the good news I kept my hold upon her hand firm.
"Let her keep company with her wine a moment longer." I looked to her then allowing my lust to show as she smirked at me.
"Has a wife ever had such a husband?" she asked in a whisper.
I smiled. "He but honors her and the gods for guiding her to his arms." With that I pulled her into a kiss and pushed her onto the table.
NEXT DAY
Batiatus' POV:
"Do you lay eyes?"
"No. Perhaps Tullius did not come today." Solonius said.
"He always arrives," I said looking around, "and seldom departs before noonday sun." we began to walk down a street then.
"Are you his shadow now, adhered to each footstep?"
"I but study my subject as any proper student would in pursuit of knowledge." I answered him. I turned found a man from the other day. "Tullius' man." I whispered before leading those following to the man. "I seek your master, good Tullius would he be within?"
The man stood as still as marble. "I wish to express my gratitude for allowing me to purchase his slave Crixus. The Gaul shows great promise towards the arena." I said and turned to take what it was my slave was holding.
"Perhaps you could pass word of my presence…." I said placing coin within open palm.
The man smirked and held his hand open once more and I placed another within annoyed at his actions. The man turned then and went through the curtain.
"You owe me a few of those if you recall." Solonius said.
"A costly enterprise to us both." I laughed.
"That one prays will turn into profit." He laughed back.
The man returned and opened curtain to allow us entrance. "Good Batiatus." Tullius said walking up to me avoiding the blood that dripping from the hanging meat around us.
"The gods answer!" I said in delight only to feel anger enter me.
"In mocking tone." Solonius whispered.
"I hoped for occasion to give gratitude for relieving me of that troublesome Gaul." Tullius said as I smiled and walked to him trying to ignore Vettius.
"Think nothing of it." I told the man. "A gesture of respect for a man deserving of it."
"Received with all intensions." Tullius smiled. "Yet I fear you have overpaid."
"A common mistake for those with no head towards business." Vettius spoke walking to stand beside Tullius.
The slave from before held out a purse. "Fifty denarii, minus the ten of the Gaul's actual worth."
"Well uh," I stood speechless for a moment then, "I do not ask for its return. Fair bargain was struck." I told him.
"Fair?" Vettius laughed. "A clumsy maneuver to gain position for your ill-trained men."
"Vettius." Tullius laughed.
I glared at the boy. "Ill-trained? Any one of my men could best yours fucking blindfolded you pissy little shit."
"Listen how the roaster crows!"
"Let us calm ourselves…."
"You doubt my words?" I interrupted Solonius. "Test them."
My words shocked all including my. "Request the match in next month's games."
"Why delay?" the boy asked. "Let us see it here in the morning. The people will judge who holds the better man." I nodded at his words.
"The market?" Solonius asked. "Surly the Magistrate would not approve such disruption."
"Good Tullius is one of the men who has his ear."
"The Magistrate could be swayed to allow it if that is what you wish." Tullius offered.
"It is." I spoke without much thought. "And long past due."
The men before me laughed. "Tomorrow then." Tullius spoke as he turned to Vettius. "A friendly rivalry well settled." With that Tullius returned to his original task.
"You press beyond advantage." Solonius growled.
"No." I whispered turning to him. "I fucking press towards it!" with that we left the disgusting building.
THAT AFTERNOON BACK AT THE VILLAR
Batiatus' POV:
"You should have seen young Vettius so easily goaded into making challenge! The fucking child!" I told the two women before me in delight.
"All men are reduced in years when faced with a superior mind." Lucretia complimented.
"Superior in all accounting!" I laughed taking drink. "A fact Tullius and the rest of the city will bear witness to in the marketplace!"
"Sleep will come with difficulty tonight." Gaia spoke as I turned to leave. "It's been ages since I've seen a decent match. I turned to see both women locked arms and walking behind me.
"Or Tullius. In the blush of youth he was forever attempting to slip beneath my robes."
"Ha!" I laughed. "You should have fucking let him! Tullius has grown to be a man of worth. One to be emulated and admired." I said sitting upon the couch.
"And who will you chose to impress him?" Lucretia asked.
"Vettius' foolishness presents rare opportunity. The question bares careful consideration." I said with a smile as wife and friend joined me.
THAT NIGHT
Batiatus' POV:
I looked up to see Oenomaus being led into my office. "I have news to lift heart. Vettius has made challenge." I could see the man brighten before me.
"The coward founds is cock."
"And I would see it shriveled." I told him. "My best man is to meet his dog in the marketplace come morning."
"The market?" he asked and I walked to stand before him.
"Ah, details of no consequence. My question to you is plain. Is our man prepared for such a vital match?" once again the man brightened before me.
"Yes Dominus. I long to honor this house once again." I stared at the man before me feeling awkward.
"No, I fear you have mistaken my intentions. I speak of Gannicus." The man seemed to deem upon hearing my words.
"Gannicus." He repeated. "The question would be better put to Doctore." I nodded then and looked to the guards.
"Leave." At once they were gone. "His counsel is always valued. Yet he is my father's man. His judgement clouded through a haze of outdated traditions. I seek a more visceral assessment. You and I practically grew up together in this ludus. You have witnessed the rise and fall of a dozen champions. What now does your gut tell you of Gannicus? Is he worthy of the mantle?"
The man remained silent for a moment. "I believe it so."
I stared at the man I'd known for years. "He must truly be, for you to offer support despite your own desires."
"I would not give false tongue to gain advantage." He said without hesitation.
I nodded at the man and took his arms into my hands. "There are few that would with you so." I placed hand upon back then and led him to the door. "Your wife's weekly visit two nights hence?"
"Yes Dominus."
"I would see her to your bed tonight as well. In gratitude for honest thoughts."
"Dominus." With that the man left.
Oenomaus' POV:
Once my wife was up the stairs I turned to leave only to pause upon hearing a noise.
Blood rains down
From an angry sky.
My cock rages on,
My cock rages on.
I turned to where it was coming from and followed to find Gannicus, drunk and singing loudly, barely standing from the edge of the cliff.
Blood rains down
From an angry sky.
My cock rages on,
My cock rages on
The man nearly fell and that was when I made presence known.
"Gannicus." He turned to me and smiled.
"Brother! Brother come, drink, join me!"
"Lower voice!" I growled lowly. "If the guards were to hear you…."
"The guards have already passed. And were well plied with wine!" he screamed. "To keep nose from fucking business."
"Tomorrow you fight for the honor of this ludus. Now is not the time for drink."
"Every night is time for drink!" Gannicus turned to the cliff and held his arms out wide and slowly crept closer to edge. "For the morning sun may greet you with your last fucking day!" he yelled as he fell just barely staying upon the cliff while laughing.
I walked to the man and aided him in returning to feet once more. "Fall to your bed. Or risk steeper plummet against Vettius' man."
"Words of wisdom, well received, well, well, received." I nodded at the man and turned to leave.
"Oenomaus?" I paused and turned once more to the man I saw as brother. "It should be you tomorrow." I nodded my gratitude to the man before finally leaving his company.
NEXT MORNING
Gannicus' POV:
"Where is good Vettius?" Batiatus called into the crowd as we made our way into the marketplace. "Is he among you?" he asked once more. "Or did he come to his senses and remain within the warm safety of his bed?" finally the crowd parted allowing view of the man Batiatus was looking for.
"Ah, there he stands! Fresh and young as a newborn calf!"
"The fool at last shows himself." Vettius said as he and Tullius walked closer to us.
"Batiatus. We had begun to fret on your arrival. Although I see you arrive with unexpected gift." The woman beside Lucretia giggled and blushed. "It has been far too long Gaia."
"And grows longer still." Vettius growled.
"Apologies for my delay. I had much difficulty in the choosing of a man. An imposing task, when each among my stable stands a titan! Perhaps good Vettius should have taken more time with the choosing of his own."
"Words fall from your mouth as shit from ass." Vettius growled once more.
Batiatus laughed then as Tullius spoke. "Let us not become mired in base exchange." He said and addressed the crowd.
"We are gathered here this glorious day to witness honorable contest between respected rivals. Clear space!" like that the crowd moved giving up fighters the space we would need.
"A brawl in the streets where is the honor in such a thing?" Doctore asked.
"Fuck honor!" Batiatus growled. "This is business."
"Gratitude for the Magistrate Sextus…."
"The event turns larger than expected." Batiatus' friend whispered blocking out what Tullius was saying. "Your mad schemes may yet bear fruit."
"Enough for both of us to feast upon."
"In the streets of the great city of Capua!" Tullius yelled drawing our attention once more.
Yet mine was taken to familiar red and gold robes as they walked between two fat men with a skinny horse like woman at his side.
'What is such a beauty doing in a horrid place such as this?!' I thought and felt breath leave lungs when the figure looked up and looked gaze with mine.
I smirked at him only to receive a glare before the figure looked once more to the ground and did not return gaze to scene until the fat man in front of him stopped beside Batiatus and the woman joined Lucretia and Gaia who all started to quietly giggle.
"Good Varinius what brings you here after only just returning home?" Batiatus asked.
"The wife was all too eager to return to take you up on your invitation to stay within your villar I hope we are not intruding."
"None sense! In fact as you can see you made it just in time to see yet another marvelous victory of my man Gannicus! As my wife said you are welcome with our home! Feel free to stay for as long as you wish."
"Gratitude." The fat guy named Varinius spoke.
'Yes, gratitude.' I thought knowing that meant this beautiful creature would be within the same villar as I.
The figure turned slightly to me to which I offered yet another smirk before he quickly faced front once more as Tullius turned to us.
"Batiatus present your man."
"In honor of Magistrate, esteemed Tullius, the noble Varinius, and the good people of Capua." As Batiatus spoke I turned gaze from the vision standing before me and took my swords from Doctore before facing the crowd once more. "I give you the fiercest Cult ever to take up arms in the arena! Slayer of beasts! Conqueror of giants! Behold Gannicus! Champion of the House of Batiatus!" I twisted my swords before raising them high and yelled along with the crowd.
I turned to see if the beauty was watching only to see him quickly lower head. I smirked at him before circling the crowd once more before stopping directly in front of the beautiful creature. 'Perhaps after this I shall be able to learn of a name to go with this beautiful creature.' With that thought I prepared for battle and looked to Tullius.
"A fine choice! Vettius present your man."
"I have no tongue for overripe embellishment. Nor is it required. Otho! Stand forth!" the man stepped forward and growled making the crowd yell once more.
The man took stance and glared at me. "Your day finally comes." I smirked and pointed a sword at him.
"And yours ends."
"Gratitude to Batiatus and Vettius. Now, let us judge who stands the better house!" the crowd cheered once more as I prepared to attack.
The Magistrate lifted his arm when suddenly stopped.
"Apologies Magistrate." Everyone looked to Vettius in confusion. "There appears to be something missing. Where is your man's blindfold?"
Harius' POV:
I walked between uncle and cousin trying to ignoring the smell coming from them.
The feeling of a gaze upon me caused me to look up to see that man from a week ago there.
Gannicus.
The man was arrogant! Smirking as if I'll fall under his spell like some whore!
If he knew I was untouchable his smirk and face would forever disappear just as the others before him.
And yet, I could feel a small part of my being wishing it were not so.
I ignored the small part and glared at the now smirking man before quickly looking forward refusing to return my gaze to his.
Once uncle ceased his movements I turned to the small arena that the crowd made as aunt Petronia went to the other women and uncle talked to Batiatus about our taking up their invitation.
"None sense! In fact as you can see you made it just in time to see yet another marvelous victory of my man Gannicus! As my wife said you are welcome with our home! Feel free to stay for as long as you wish." Happiness that I did not know of where it came from entered me and I turned slightly to gaze at Gannicus whose own gaze had yet to leave me.
'Why do you insist on not removing your gaze?! I do not wish for it! Especially from a mere slave!' I thought growling very low so no one but myself could hear before quickly returning gaze to the front to where Tullius began to speak.
"Batiatus present your man."
"In honor of Magistrate, esteemed Tullius, the noble Varinius, and the good people of Capua." As Batiatus spoke I turned gaze from the vision standing before me and took my swords from Doctore before facing the crowd once more. "I give you the fiercest Cult ever to take up arms in the arena! Slayer of beasts! Conqueror of giants! Behold Gannicus! Champion of the House of Batiatus!" Gannicus stepped forward and twisted his swords before yelling along with the crowd.
The man circled until gaze once more landed upon me and I looked to the ground to keep myself and the man from danger.
'You are a fool with a death wish!' I angrily thought. I could feel the man pause his steps directly in front of me causing me to return gaze upwards to see only the man's back.
His very toned back.
I quickly shook thoughts from head and looked anywhere but at the man before me.
"A fine choice!" Tullius exclaimed. "Vettius present your man."
"I have no tongue for overripe embellishment. Nor is it required. Otho! Stand forth!" the man stepped forward and growled making the crowd yell once more.
The man took stance and glared at Gannicus. "Your day finally comes." I could tell the man was smirking as he pointed a sword at him.
"And yours ends."
"Gratitude to Batiatus and Vettius. Now, let us judge who stands the better house!" the crowd cheered once more as Gannicus prepared to attack.
The Magistrate lifted his arm when suddenly stopped.
"Apologies Magistrate." Everyone looked to Vettius in confusion. "There appears to be something missing. Where is your man's blindfold?"
"Blindfold?" I spoke before I could cease my tongue.
Gannicus tensed slightly upon hearing my voice yet did not move to face me.
Of which I was grateful for.
"My nephew is right in his confusion for once Batiatus. What does he mean by blindfold?"
"I do not know the answer good Varinius." The man mumbled before stepping forward laughing.
"Blindfold? What the fuck…."
A slave handed Vettius a piece of white cloth and held it out for all to see. "That was your boast, was it not?" Gannicus did turn then to stare at his Dominus in confusion. "That your gladiator could best any of my men absent sight?" he asked walking closer to Gannicus.
Gannicus and Batiatus shared a thoughtful look.
"You did voice such challenge." Tullius said seriously.
"A simple figure of speech. Not meant to be…." Batiatus paused then and looked to Tullius. "Good Tullius…."
"If Batiatus does not wish to honor terms, he should remove himself with tail between legs." I glared at the bastard Vettius before looking to Batiatus, who appeared anger and frightened with the situation, but gazing quickly at Gannicus to see that the man had turned to face our direction.
"Doctore." Said man stepped forward and took his swords before Gannicus turned to face Vettius. "Come….the task should not be difficult." I looked to the slave in shock upon hearing his words.
Even his Dominus stood speechless.
"I need only to direct my blades towards the smell of shit." I could not stop the smirk that wished to stretch across my face before becoming angry with myself and slightly shaking head.
"Gannicus ever the fool." His Doctore spoke as Gannicus tied the blindfold tightly.
I watched the slave reclaim his swords before getting into fighting stance as the crowd moved back some once more.
"Are you going to allow this Quintus?" Lucretia asked causing me to look to them.
"The choice has been removed from my hands." He said in obvious worry.
I looked to the man once more as the Magistrate was finally allowed to signal the start of the fight.
Otho charged Gannicus who dodged his attack before beginning his attacks on the man. Never once giving him a means to send his own attacks.
Suddenly Gannicus fell to the ground and tripped Otho and refused to release his hold on the man's leg. He crawled up the man and felt for the sword then grabbed his hand and began to hit it upon the ground trying to unarm him.
The man did release his sword, only to roll them over with Gannicus' legs wrapped around his waist as the man punched anywhere he was able to land a hit.
Gannicus finally grabbed his arm then wrapped a leg around his neck then wrapped the other in an attempt to choke the man to death.
Otho stood while lifting Gannicus before slamming him hard upon the ground once more.
Unconsciously I had begun to grip the inside of the long sleeves of my robes as I continued to watch them fight. My grip had tightened when Gannicus hit the ground.
Otho rolled from Gannicus to grab his shield as both men stood.
Gannicus kept his hands out before him.
Otho rushed Gannicus and used his shield to trip Gannicus. Otho dropped the shield and held his arms out wide and yelled to get the crowd going.
I glared at the ugly slave before looking to Gannicus once more only to watch the man get kick hard upon his side by Otho. The kick forced him onto his back because of the force.
Gannicus made attempt to stand once more only to have Otho kick him in the face.
Gannicus was able to stand at last as Otho reclaimed his sword and lashed out at Gannicus successfully cutting a small cut upon his chest.
Otho slashed once more but Gannicus dodged causing the big brute to stumble some. He attacked once more but Gannicus grabbed his hand forcing him to drop his sword then pulled the man down and rolled them until Gannicus was able to trap Otho beneath him and rained punches upon his face this time.
The crowd cheered then and I could not keep the small smile that appeared upon my face that time.
Both men stood once more and Otho was able to push Gannicus to the nearest wall where he punched Gannicus in the face a few times more before yanking him to the ground once more and grabbed a nail then stabbed it into Gannicus' chest.
The man screamed and I jumped slightly at the sound before forcing myself to calm less my family catches my actions.
Gannicus pushed Otho from him then stood in an attack position ready to attack or defend if possible.
Otho grabbed his sword and charged Gannicus who dodged in time causing Otho to lodge his sword into a piece of wood.
Gannicus felt the sword before pushing the man from it only to turn him then slam his head upon the piece of wood a few times, causing the crowd and his Dominus to cheer happily, before leading the man's neck to the sword where he pushed the man's neck into it before sliding him down affectively opening his neck and winning the fight.
The crowd went wild then, but known as wild as Batiatus who rushed to his man as he removed the blindfold.
"Have you ever fucking seen the like?!" I smiled at Batiatus who walked so that Vettius could see his face. "Perhaps good Vettius should pit a man less prone to death against the mighty Gannicus!" as his Dominus spoke Gannicus moved closer and smiled brightly at me before raising his arms in victory.
I smiled at him then.
He may just be a slave, but he was a gladiator as well, and he just won a marvelous battle as uncle would say. For that I decided to reward him with a kind smile instead of a glare.
Only for it to turn to a glare up seeing the smile to turn a smirk, however tired looking it may be, before looking away and allowing commoners to stand between us affectively blocking our view of one another.
All the while I tried to calm my fastly beating heart.
"An impressive displace Batiatus," Magistrate said walking up to the now bowing man, "one not soon forgotten." With that the man left to be replaced with Tullius.
"Gannicus is truly a wonder." Batiatus nodded then.
"One deserving more prominent position in the games."
"You gaze upon my very thoughts." Batiatus smiled brightly then. "Commitments beckon. Join me at Nestor's shop after the market closes and we shall discuss your man in length." Batiatus nodded at the man who I just stared at trying to see just what an evil man such as himself would be up to.
Tullius noticed my gaze causing him to glare and walk off.
Batiatus turned to me as well before smiling and rushing up to me only remembering not to touch me when mere inches from the robes.
"Apologies. Excitement clouded thoughts." He laughed before taking two steps from me.
I smiled sadly at the man.
I do not remember the last time I was touched by another person. My family will touch my robes, but that is to merely make sure I am out of touching range of others. The moment I am they remove touch and surround me to make sure I am untouched.
I earn for contact of any kind. Yet this mark makes touching me a curse.
All so that my family can have my fortune.
And why don't I just give it to them? Because I myself am unable to sign it away until I am married and no longer my own person but property.
I hated my family. I hated being forced to marry.
The strange part was that I did not mind the training. I have never been attracted to women so it would only be fair that I play as close to the role as I could to whomever it was I married.
Or that is what uncle has told me since he found out of my preference.
I said before turning to return to my uncle's side as he celebrated with Batiatus.
Never once noticing Gannicus close gaze.
Gannicus' POV:
I walked slowly towards my brothers who were within the baths only to smile upon hearing their cheers once I entered.
"Only the mad Gannicus could win contest fucking blindfolded! Auctus yelled.
"Barca can do the same thing!"
Auctus forced him to gaze into his eyes. "And I would kill you for being a fool." With that they kissed.
I gazed upon them wishing I was able to celebrate my victory kissing the lips of the beautiful creature that is now just above my head with Batiatus and his wife.
I turned gaze from them and smiled at my brother as he approached.
"Auctus speaks truth. Facing Vettius' man absent sight was beyond foolish. The gods must have taken pity on your addled brain." I laughed and looked from Oenomaus before returning gaze.
"The gods had naught to do with it." I him thinking of how I wished for nothing else but to impress the beautiful creature who had been observing. "Otho he grunts like a stuck pig before each attack." My brothers laughed. "His squeals they gave way position!"
Oenomaus laughed and I accepted his hand. "Your victory lifts the heart."
"You will not be rid of Gannicus so easily brother." I vowed to him smiling. I turned to my brothers once more. "Dominus, he rewards me with all the wine that I can drink and I would share it my brothers!" they all cheered and embraced me as I turned to the new recruits. "Those that bare the mark." Their faces fell then but I paid them no mind as I celebrated with my brothers while thinking of a way to get the beauty from before alone so that I may final have a name.
And possibly more.
Batiatus' POV:
"Gannicus' victory forges path to greater glory!" I exclaimed happily as I walked towards my wife and Gaia. With Tullius' support we can finally gain proper position in games!"
"Maybe a place in the opening ceremony of the new arena." Lucretia said.
"After such a magnificent showing I have no doubt Gannicus will be offered a place in the primus." Gaia said.
"Primus?!" Lucretia spoke in hopeful tone.
"Yeah, I favor the fucking sound of that!" I growled happily kissing her shoulder. "Expect late return I would seek out Solonius afterwards to discuss advantage to his house as well."
"What of Varinius and his family?" Lucretia asked.
I turned and stared at her. Varinius was extended offer to join yet he did not wish to leave his nephew until he scouted all places he would be allowed to roam. His fat pig of a son and horse of a wife are to their dreams."
"And the nephew?"
"To his dreams as well Varinius made sure of it." I said feeling a slight bit of disgust for the man yet I would need him if I were to truly can Magistrate's favor.
Tullius would get me upon the steps. Varinius would place me within the Senate itself.
"Send Tullius my regards." Gaia said changing subject. "And gauge his response in remembering me." I laughed at the woman before pointing at her.
"How could he fucking forget you?!" she laughed as well as I headed out of my villar and into town.
Upon arriving where I was told to meet Tullius stepped forward and held cup up in toast. "Good Batiatus. Word of Gannicus' victory has spread throughout the city. His name, and yours, fall from every mouth." I nodded and took offered cup.
"May they always find the taste pleasing." Tullius laughed and headed once more for the table.
"Everyone clamors to see you man again. With except of poor Vettius." I sighed at those words. "He is fit for seizure from the ordeal."
"Unfortunate. That he could not provide more worthy opponent." I said as Tullius looked to me. "Yet his stock is well known to be of inferior quality as if the boy himself. The manner in which he tends the ludus. The child has no fucking talent for it." I told the man honestly.
Tullius just stared at me. "You surprise me Batiatus. Your disposition towards business is much more aggressive that your father's." I shrugged.
"We are of diverging temperament and desires."
"How does he fair in Sicilia?" he asked.
"The climb is more agreeable to various conditions brought about by the passing of the years." I said with shrug. "How did the Magistrate take to Gannicus' display?" I asked changing subject.
"Ignited by it. As was the crowd." He was in front of the door now as he took drink then sat it upon the barrel beside him. "He even broached subject of retaining the man for the opening games of the new arena." I looked on shocked.
"Gannicus in the opening games?!" I gasped before smiling. "If you could aid in such a thing I would forever be in your debt."
"It merely requires a word in proper ear. All that remains is to agree upon a price." I smiled.
"Of course, I would be happy to see coin to your hand in exchange for assistance. What, err, sum did you have in mind?" The man gaze upon me before laughing.
"You misunderstand me Batiatus. I do not offer a broker arrangement I offer to purchase your man." I blinked at the man in shock.
"Purchase? But why would you want a gladiator? You're not a lanistas?"
The man laughed. "I have many vested interests in shipping, goods and services, this very shop. And young Vettius' ludus." As words left tongue the boy appeared behind the man with slaves.
"Look at the little fuck now, about to shit himself." Vettius said.
"Still your tongue. The grownups are talking." Tullius spoke with smirk.
I glared at both men before me. "Two hundred denarii. A generous offer. In respect of your father." Tullius said holding out a purse.
I looked to it then back to the man "Apologies. I would not part with the man." Tullius stared at me before walking closer.
"I allow you to purchase one of my slaves yet now you deny me the opportunity?"
"Gannicus is not for sale." I growled.
"Everything is for sale Batiatus." The man said close to my face. "The question is but price." The man backed from me and suddenly my slaves were attacked and killed as I watched in shock a bag was thrown over my head.
I was led to place outside where men threw punch after punch and kick after kick.
The bag prevented me from seeing properly. Making it impossible for me to reach up an remove it so aid in my attempt to escape. Finally the attacks ceased and the bag was removed so that I was able to see Tullius.
"I make fair offer and you produce cock to piss on me." I just looked at the man. "Do you know what that feels like Batiatus?" the man moved his robes aside and began to piss on me.
Once the man was finished he knelt before me and the last thing I heard was his threat before the world went black.
"Reconsider your answer. Or be excluded from the games forever."
So what did you think? Good? Bad? Weird? Confusing? Review and let me know! Also, Harry, or Harius, and Gannicus' relationship or just the characters themselves weren't hit on a lot because A: it's only the first chapter and B so much happens in Gannicus' story that it's honestly important to hit on a lot of things. Plus, I've got big plans for this story. BIG. So bear with me okay:) and I do still plan on working on the next chapter to Power They No Not. Don't worry. This one I just felt like my fans deserved for putting up with me not being able to be on time most of the time with chapters because of school and/or work. School ends this Friday for me though so I'll have plenty of time to work on both stories and possibly any others you guys want to see. Like I said above just let me know if there's a crossover you're wanting to see and I'll consider them:) hope you guys enjoyed the chapter!