Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail nor it's characters, Hiro Mashima-san does. However, I do own my plot, some OC and have a final word on the matter here. You are about to find out why is that. Historical references that I use in my story are borrowed and do not necessarily correspond with facts we know today.

Indomitable Heart

Chapter 2: More Than Meets The Eye

So far everything about the day is going as normal as it can go. If this counts as normal that is. Igneous finds himself in Dominus' office waiting for the man to show. He was standing still in front of the desk. It is required of him after all. There were two guards at the entry looking tense as it should be. When you stand in a presence of the people like Igneous, one can never be too cautious. Finaly, Dominus appears, an average five foot eight man in his mid forties with somewhat messy dark hair, a bit gray on the sides, dressed in his dark blue-red, ankle-length tunic. He also wears a brown cloak. ''He was out in town.'' Comes a conclusion in his head. ''And his mood doesn't seem any better than usual.'' He did look somewhat irate and had his head tilted down.

Dominus finally raises head, and a hard look goes down. ''Ahh one of most prized visages of this noble house.'' He greets in his usual informal ways that he uses in his house. He goes around him and sits behind his desk. He looks at the documents spread across with despondent look. ''Tell, Igneous, your thoughts on that slob's Aburius Antius upcoming match.'' It was no surprise that the the rumors of a supposed 'Golden Lanista' latest victory in the Arena came even among these walls.

''The rumors speak highly of his school's prowess. Even after his fathers retirement, his Ludus continues to be on of, if not the top one in the Republic.'' Supplied Igneous, but quirked the brow slightly after a pause. ''Why such question, if may ask, Dominus?'' He finished.

''Yes, a miracle worker, said to be on the way of surpassing his father.'' Started Dominus with no small amount of sarcasm. ''And by Juno's cunt, one tends to wonder how some 'child' no older than twenty-five summers, with lecherous tendencies and fondness of debauchery leads one of the most successful gladiator schools!'' He continues in even louder tone. ''While myself, Quintus Marcus Macrinius, forth generation Lanista of Conlinia, have to drown in piss and pick breadcrumbs after that sad excuse of a man?!''

That might be exaggeration. Before Igneous could reply, Marcus suddenly stood, and banged his palms on the desk. ''The answer, no simpler than Chronos' mind itself, is that lovely father, the Senator, coddles his scion's whims, while warming his arse in the capital!'' He stopped and took a few calming breaths. ''Just when hopes of improvement in the branch come onto horizon. But nay, once again the Gods spread the cheeks to ram cock in fucking ass.'' He bowed his head in exasperation.

Deciding that now is the good time as any. ''Apologies for my candor Dominus. Is the reason of my summoning the next contest in the Arena? Are we not to participate in the Primus?" An honest inquiry.

Raising head again, Marcus began. ''This morning at the market, an opportunity made itself known. And what good, experienced Lanista would I be to pass on such chance?'' A rhetorical question ''Alas, while victorious, some people would rather hear the clank of a coin than have a clear head in judgement.'' Replied Marcus with grave tone. ''Prepare yourself for tonight, we shall endeavour a quest that will finally put the house of Marcinius at it's rightful place among the grand. My father, the humble fool Gods bless his soul, knew not to take an opportunity presented. A mistake not to be repeated.'' It was all about power and prestige, of course the crowd need not know of the events behind their superb benefactors providing entertainment. Working behind ones back in the shadows was a way sublimity. ''You may leave.'' He waved Igneous off.

''Dominus.'' With the well practiced manner, Igneous left for the gladiator's dining area. Not surprised that on his way the guards looked at him with disdain. For he was only a slave in their eyes, an animal for aristocracies amusement. Time will come, he needs exercise a little more patience before the true spectacle starts. Familiar faces came into view as he reached the half-filled mess area. He took his ration, and sat across two man on the table near the wall. One was a very stocky man, with five foot eight, mid-length brown hair, and had a braid that hung on a left side of his temple, and the other was almost Igneous' height of six feet, with dirty-blond hair that reached his shoulder blades.

''Jupiter's cock. The Hellhound himself graces us with his presence.'' Dirty-blond haired said with a patronizing tone. ''Have the gates of Hades finally opened and let the monstrosities out?'' He continued to drawl, while the man next to him remained silent.

''Times are still unfavourable for such occasion, Ganicus.'' Igneous replied. ''Is that a way of greeting a comrade and a fellow gladiator?'' He asked with a slightest of smirks and eyes half-lidded. Not that he cared for such things, they all knew the drill. Ganicus' only answer was snort, so he moved his attention to the other man. ''Kastos, your thoughts on this man's humble, godly design?'' The question was directed to the still silent man.

''My opinion on the matter remains the same.'' Was a short reply that he got.

''Hmm.'' Igneous hummed in thought. Will Kastos and him ever reach an agreement?

Before more was said, the conversation was interrupted by another man of short curly hair, a mid-length beard, and a scarring on a left side of the body, which were mostly covered by his dark red tunic, and wrappings on his left arm and neck. ''A rare sight to witness. Three of the best that this Ludus has to offer are gathered in such close proximity.'' Then he added. ''Some might consider it conspiratory.''

''And what does an incompetent attempt of a gladiator seek in our presence at this only merry part of the day? People might think you lost that bit of sanity and gone astray.'' Retorted Ganicus with his usual tone, followed with condescending smirk. ''Better make yourself scarce, before some here decide to sharpen their spears with your ass!'' He finished the line accompanied by a full-blown laugh from him and rest of the room. With only Kastos being subtle, and Igneous sporting a smirk. Although he was having hard time in stopping his shoulders from shaking.

When it stopped the man in question did not look that much offended at all. He was used to this. But on the inside, nobody could imagine what would he do to them. He will keep longanimity, for he was more of a viper, striking at the very opportune moment. ''Be that as it may, without Dolusius, you and the rest would not enjoy the benefits of women, wine, extra coin and other things.'' Said now named Dolusius while looking at them with each enumerated item. While his eyes lingered on Igneous longer then the other two. ''Do not forget that these walls have ears, and I am privy to the most.''

''Why, Dolusius, is your purpose of coming to remind of your great, past achievements? Your performances in the days were truly exemplary for you to end in this position.'' Said Igneous in a jeering tone ''My compliments.'' He finished while turning to peer at the man.

Dolusius kept his smile, while clenching his fists slightly, even if doing so with the left hand gave him discomfort. His forehead creased a bit. ''Heavens forgive my rudeness to our fighters. I have simply come to ask for bets on the match next Sabbath, since apparently our gladiators will not be in the Primus. Such a disappointment that Editorus and the guest Magistratus fail to see the majesty of our Ludus' best. I hear even a foreign emissary of the Eastern Empire expressed the desire of attending the Games.'' Dolusius summed up, while shaking his head in faux-disappointment. ''I leave to your meal then.'' Turning around he walked away.

Kastos snorted ''Marcinius' little lapdog, if only one can go back in the day and compare true skill.'' He looked at Igneous for a moment. Igneous was still half-watching the retreating figure with narrowed eyes. Some people end up in the strangest of places. He still hasn't figured out Dolusius' true intentions. The supposed former gladiator knew how to coat his words in lies and speak as the truth itself came out of that concoction.

''Pft, let the little crawler dart his tongue all he wants. Not that he holds any leverage, yes?'' Ganicus' question might seem obvious, but it was directed at the particular person in front of them.

''It is in the eyes of beholder Ganicus. It is never safe walking on thin ice.'' Igneous replied and then added his own two denarios. ''There are to be moonwalks tonight if Dominus' words hold merit.'' In return Ganicus simply gave a slight nod of the head, while Kastos went on with his unfinished porridge. Something was brewing for tonight.

After a few more minutes and small talk the lash striking the ground was heard. ''Gladiators! Attention!'' The shout came from a tall black skinned man, with bald head and muscled body wearing a customized version of armor. That was Doctore, Massinius. ''We are to welcome new additions to the Ludus! Come, and present yourselves to the Dominus and Domina of the house!'' He barked and one by one came ten more men to be introduced in the gladiator training. Marcinius watched his new purchase with his wife, a strawberry blond, blue-eyed woman in her early forties.

As they finished assembling, Massinius stroke the ground with lash once more to make sure they are listening. ''You, worthless lot, have been chosen to learn being a gladiator in the most renowned Ludus in Conlinia! Of Quintus Marcus Marcinius! You will train and learn it everyday! Fight in the Games if decided, to honor this house and by doing so earn the Mark of the Brotherhood!'' The next part was well known by all current mark bearers. ''You are not gladiators yet. True gladiator fears no death. He embraces it, caresses it and fucks it.'' The last line drew a chuckle from one of them. That's to say his was the loudest one if by a octave higher from the rest that drew the attention of Doctore.

''I see some of you find it amusing. Then a demonstration to truly grasp the meaning of what you face.'' He looked at Dominus for permission, which Marcos nodded in approval. ''Igneous! Come fort!'' Igneous did as instructed. As others started to move back to the nearest wall to watch, Massinius grabbed the joker and pulled him some six feet across from Igneous. He took the wooden swords from one of the servants and gave them to both. He nodded and stepped back to allow combat.

Igneous regarded the man, he seemed in mid twenties, long messy black hair with unshaven face. A bit shorter than him. He had a lean, muscular build, probably from labor as a slave. And he clearly never held a sword properly. They got into a stance. ''Begin!'' Came a command from Doctore.

A hasty swing was a start from the man which Igneous sidestepped. The man stumbled a bit, before turning and going for another upward swing, this time holding a sword with two hands. Igneous paired it with his gladius, then he shifted the weight of his blade to his opponent and pinned his gladius to the ground. Not wasting time, he took his combatants neck in a chokehold with one arm, and slammed his knee in his solar plexus, just to draw air out of him. His adversary fell to the ground, but still holding a gladius.

Igneous, with impressive speed, put his one knee on the man's arm forcing him to release hold on the sword, grabbed his neck with a left hand, and pointed a gladius just smallest of inch from his eye, daring him to make another move. His muscles were tensed, face in extreme focus of the true gladiator, the red eyes staring upon the poor bastard.

''That is a gladiator! You would have been killed dozen times in this battle!'' Came the words of Doctore, stressing out the word 'battle'. Massinius looked at Dominus again, and received the same nod to proceed. ''As you all have witnessed, you are on the level of a common house slave. No, even lesser! From tomorrow morning, your training starts. For gladiators are not made in the Arena, but here, on this very ground, beneath the hot sun and the sting of my whip!'' He gave another strike for extra emphasis. ''You may all go to the common rooms.'' He dismissed them. They all started leaving, the one down making away with a faster pace to get out, while breathing difficultly. And Igneous returned to the section among other gladiators to drink water.

''That fool had a death wish indeed. As ruthless as always, you really do not play before the main event.'' Ganicus said lightly from where he was leaned on one of the wooden pillars.

''What point is to 'play' if the purpose was to show the meaning of true gladiator?'' Asked Igneous in return, while taking a sip from the cup of water. ''You would have done the same in my stead.'' He added. Ganicus surely would, but since it wasn't the real thing the dimachaerus might have put up more of a show if Doctore picked him.

''Perhaps, but this was not real, everyone could use some fun in a while.'' Came an easy retort that Igneous almost expected. Ganicus also got to the table and picked the cup, only he choose some wine. Only Ganicus would request some wine at the daily training. Either he keeps a hidden stash or has favours from the Villa remains a mystery to the most. If only they were aware of the truth.

''Then our thoughts on the matter differ.'' Said Igneous after finishing his drink.

''I shall drink to that!'' He exclaimed and downed the whole cup in one go. Igneous was always baffled on how could he do that and still fight on par as him. He personally never took any interest in wine, the taste was nothing special to him. A bitter-sour tasting drink was simply not his preferred choice. He simply shrugged it off with the thought that there are all kind of people in the world.

''The training is starting.'' Igneous stated, watching as the other gladiators were donning their training equipment. He turned directly to Ganicus. ''What say we have a spar, my sword wielding could use more honing.'' Frankly, Igneous did not doubt his skill, he was one, if not the best all round fighter out of others, but when it came to sword wielding, Ganicus was beyond compare. He always (well on most occasions) knew how to put him on defensive. Hence the reason for his fighting style.

Ganicus looked at him for the moment and let out a short laugh. ''Hah, are you prepared for the task after that squabble?'' Teased Ganicus with a smirk.

Two can play the same game. ''Well, if you are declining my offer, then I should ask Kastos or Morios. And I was hoping for a little wager of coin for the victor. Nothing much, twenty denarii is what I was prepared to bargain. Very well...'' He was stopped in tracks as a hand held his shoulder. He turned and saw it was Ganicus. ''That must be a record.'' If there is a thing that Ganicus won't turn down, it's the easy money. Among other things.

''Twenty denarii you say? Let us spar then, Brother.'' He backed slightly and held a hand, which in turn caused Igneous to smirk, and made him return the greeting of a Brotherhood.

''Onwards then.'' He said, to which Ganicus gave a nod and both went to get their training gear. Meanwhile Kastos caught part of the conversation, and he could only shake his head. They were in the same Brotherhood. Hard to believe sometimes.

XxX

Later at night after the spar was over, which ended in a tie, the men went to their separate rooms. Most gladiators have their own room, ranked by their success in the Arena. The best ones like the Champion gets most privileges in a manner of drink, food, women, better weaponry. If asked who the real Champion of the house of Marcinius is, no one could give a straight response. For year and a half the position was held by Igneous, yet some gladiators would often point out Kastos and Ganicus. Despite the title, the occupants of the Ludus tended to be skeptical of the number one. His, somewhat, withdrawn behavior contributed to it.

Ganicus ignored the comparison, he had his own reasons.

''That man was born to fight and kill.'' If Ganicus is to be honest with himself, there are two types of killers. One are the most common, those that were made into ones, be it desperation, or some other need. The rare type are those that were born killers. Men who are practically born killers, somehow it doesn't sound right. Animal predators are born to kill, though they do so usually out of need to feed themselves. What about men? Where do they stand in comparison? 'Crimson eyes.' He thought. The look behind them, like an imminent eruption. He won't forget the first time he saw it four years ago, no, they will follow him to the afterlife.

The sun burned their skin as usual, but this was their life, they ended up here for various reasons. The training grounds of Marcinius' Ludus were filled with roars and grunts of effort as the men were doing their best in perfecting their combat skills. One such man fell to the ground. He let out the whizz of air through his mouth, be it exhaustion or exasperation, then followed the spear the man that put him to the ground was holding.

''Still believe that gladius are the best tools of combat?'' The man asked. He was of average height of five foot ten. Had a tanned skin, had his dark hair braided into four parts on his head, brown eyes and slightly bruised cheek from the sparring.

''Carelessness. I lost my footing.'' Ganicus replied while spitting some blood from his mouth to the side. ''It won't happen again.''

''Why so stubborn on the dimachaerus, Ganicus? You should give chance to thraex or retiarius first.'' He gave his spear a twirl before extending a helping hand to a fallen Ganicus. ''Even hoplomachus.'' He picked him up, before backing away and returning to the sparring position.

''My reasons are my own Tadius.'' He replied to Tadius. ''Now, let us put more strength in making your face familiar with the sand!'' He exclaimed and charged.

''A challenge welcomed!'' Shouted back Tadius as they once more began trading blows with their weapons. The clacking sounds of their weapons mixing with other sounds on the ground.

While making a pause for a short recuperation, the gate of the training grounds opened. Doctore came in and following him was a young boy. He looked no more than fifteen years of age. Dressed in the similar grab like other trainees, the boy had a quite good build for his age. He was about five feet six tall, with dark black eyes. What really made him stand out of the rest were strange bands that he was wearing on his arms and legs, as well as a pinkish with reddish shades darker colour of hair. 'What kind of breeding can give a person such hair colour?' Was probably one of the most common questions in the minds of others.

A whip strike was heard.'' Attention! This new addition to the ranks was bought by our Dominus in the morning. He will train with you like any other in a goal of becoming a gladiator and honouring this Ludus. Treat him as you would any other. Now, back to your training!'' With the final word Doctore shoved the boy a bit and returned to his post.

''Well, Jupiters balls! Has any ever laid eyes upon such scene?'' Came a shout from one of the men drawing many others into chuckles and laughters.

''And who are you to talk, Selius? With the face like yours whores ask for a double wage to get fuck!'' Commented Tadius which caused the man in question, Selius to shout 'fuck your ass' at him. ''Gratitude, but I prefer a woman's cunt then a man's ass, look for someone else!'' He made additional thrusting sounds with his hips. In turn everyone, besides Selius, started howling with laughter. The boy looked a bit confused at their banter, this was an unfamiliar territory for him. He needs to keep his guard up, no matter what.

He went to a crate with training weapons and found it almost empty, the only thing left were a pair of fighting gloves. Cestus. As he sat and was putting them on, a shadow loomed over him. He jumped back immediately and looked to see two others in front of him. Both were of average height and well-builded, with bald heads, except the one on the right who sported a goatee.

''Gods were in favour and send you to one of the best Ludus in the whole Republic. Right to our training ground.'' Spoke the one with a beard. ''Selius, what say we give the boy a proper greeting?'' He asked Selius, the men who was a laughing stock just a minute ago.

''Aye, Vetius, we should introduce all the hospitalities of the Ludus to the boy.'' He said to Vetius. He took note of the boys limbs and asked. ''What is the purpose of the those decorations? Were you a body-slave before?!'' He laughed at the thought. Former man's toy brought to become a gladiator. Gods must be pissing from laugh!

''Hardly a truth, his standing does not show a delicatus. A real question is, what kind of a whore has brought you to this world with such hair? Either what man's sperm have you come from?'' Asked Vetius in a haughty tone of voice. His only reply was a boy's narrow of eyes and a tense of muscles as he slowly got into a stance with raised arms, and right leg behind left.

''Do we witness the same sight, Vetius!? Boy has intention of fighting!'' Selius exclaimed. Vetius looked amused.

''Then, shall I teach the true difference in our strength?'' Responded Vetius also getting into a loose stance of his own. Selius backed away, but the event started to draw attention of the others. Two of the closest specifically.

''A gladiator versus the boy fresh of the market. Gods really do favour that whoreson.'' Drawled Ganicus, while Tadius watched the display with critical eyes.

Vetius started first with a punch, and was surprised when the boy shifted slightly and made a kick to his leg. It made contact, and Vetius, backed away a step. That really hurt. The boy moved to offensive with more jabs and hooks, but Vetius blocked them. He parried the next two punches and his fist made a contact with the boy's temple causing him to stagger back with his breathing labored now. The boy raised his head, and it was clear that Vetius' punch made more damage if the bleeding from his brow was anything to go by.

He made a dash again, but Vetius, using superior weight simply grabbed the boy and went to the ground with him. They wrestled for a few seconds, but Vetius' managed to pin the boy's arms.

''Brave little turd you are. But not ready for this world.'' He said, causing the boy to stop struggling for a moment as something passed in his eyes.

'Weak, puny, pooR, waste oF FlESH, fiGHT BACK!' It rumbled in his head. With a mighty roar, the boys eyes focused he used the relaxation of the man's grip and slams his head with a mighty bash. No one's gonna put him to the ground.

''GOAH! Wha-!''Not even forming a sentence Vetius knew another pain, from the nethers. The brat punched him in the prick, he didn't even fall to the gound as the brat got a hold of him, warping around his neck him slammed Vetius' head to the ground spilling more blood on the surface.

'WIN, SURVIVE, END IT!' As he was about to do so, two pair of arms grabbed him from behind, one belonging to Ganicus, other to Tadius. And he was so close to ending it. Only one last stroke missing.

Doctore got to the scene of fighting not a moment later. ''What is this ruckus?! Cease it, now!'' Whip stroke the ground. As the rest stood watching, he turned to see Vetius being held up by Selius. Vetius would need the Medicus, if the last one succeeded his skull would open and spill the brains on the ground. Looking at the other culprit, he saw the boy still struggling with his holders. He looked like he was going to burst ablaze there. Just what has Dominus brought into the Ludus? With another stroke, he called for order.''You are not animals! And these grounds are not to be used for killing unless ordered otherwise!''

''The boy was the one who went on rampage! He is to blame here, Vetius an myself were only...'' Selius was interrupted by a shout.

''What in the name of Pluto's hellhounds is happening?!'' It was Marcus Marcinius, the Dominus that came running through the gate with two slaves behind. ''Have you lost mind?!'' He looked at the gathered and then at Doctore demanding explanation.

''Dominus, a quarrel has occurred between Vetius and Igneous.'' He answered the owner of the Ludus.

Marcos turned his attention to Igneous, who was still held by Ganicus and Tadius. He stopped trying to break free, but his breathing was still erratic. They needed to solve this before unnecessary questions come to minds of the men. And the day looked so promising this morning. Marcus turned back to the Doctore. ''Send Vetius to the Medicus, and bring the boy to my quarters.'' He ordered.

''Dominus.'' Massinius gave affirmative, and proceeded as ordered.

After the grounds were cleared and Vetius sent for healing, some returned to training while some decided to slack a bit in the absence of Doctore and with Dominus occupied at the moment. Those that stopped at their daily duties, among them the ones who helped subdue Igneous gathered for colloquy.

''What in Gods name's was that? That was not normal even for a regular outburst.'' They knew that in no possible way a fifteen year old boy was capable of such feat. No matter the circumstances that led him here. The conversation was continued with whispering.

''Ganicus, you are the most knowledgeable on a subject of foreigners.'' Stated Tadius. ''Have you heard of such feat being possible?'' He finished it with inquiry. All heads turned to the still quiet man that was sitting with his elbows on knees and head held by his joined hands.

He gave an answer after a few more seconds ''Of a man going mad and fighting until his adversary have stopped breathing? Yes. But for that to happen, exceptional circumstances are required. A special brew mingled together with wine or ale and then digested by the user. Said mans falls into a battle trance and doesn't stop until the lasting influence of the brew comes to a halt. Such tactics were utilized by Caledonian army, when faced with the larger force. They were called 'Berserkers' and one such warrior was said to be worth as much as thirty men.'' Summarized Ganicus in a very serious, showing that brains were worth sometimes.

''Then, the Caledonians sent a spy into our ranks?'' Said one of the gathered, but soon regretted because no one was of the same mind. Deadpan looks were all he recieved.

''Not likely, for a decades no one has witnessed such strategy. Perhaps...'' But Ganicus stopped before more words came from mouth. Some looked curiously at him for suddenly halting in explaining. Tadius being the closest one felt the need to ask.

'' 'Perhaps', what?'' He questioned.

''Nothing.'' Ganicus drawled out.

The rest could only shrug. But Tadius still watched the man a bit longer, before he also settled for his answer. Although he can't deny that he wanted to know what was that came to Ganicus' mind before he stopped. Alcohol lover he may be, but the man was probably the smartest of the whole lot.

XxX

Behind a tight sealed doors of Quintus Marcos Marcinius, four people were gathered. Two were standing close and watching as the third person worked on carving a rune sort of mark on the fourth person. The first two had very little clue on what it meant, but while one was concerned for the future of profits the other more worried about how will this affect the other fighters. And after receiving information on the boy he now began to ponder of what was his Dominus thinking. This could ruin them all if revealed.

''Is it finished yet?'' Marcus asked impatiently as he went on making small walk around the room.

The person working, an elderly woman in her early fifties with already graying hair held in a low bun, dressed in a long night-dark robe that resembles a cloak with a hood, turned her blue eyes at the nervous pacing man. ''Patience Lanista. The process requires time. Leave me to my work and success will be guaranteed.'' Said the woman in a boring sort of tone that bordered Ganicus'. If he were a woman. She returned to her work in carving what looked like a triangle without the bottom line on the boy's left shoulder. Around was also a circle with different set of lines that had no meaning to the two spectators.

''Yes, yes, that is the same promise to fall on my ears at the town.'' Marcus started mumbling under his breath. ''It has better be worth every coin I spent on him.'' He tried to sound threateningly, but the woman choose to ignore him and continue with her work.

While the woman was working, Massinius choose to speak further about subject with Dominus. He needed a warrant about this boy's future influence on the Ludus.''Dominus, in all years of serving under your father, foolish things were made on some occasions, but this... this goes beyond foolish. If...'' But Marcus would have none of that. He turned and looked directly in the eyes of Massinius, a loyal, but short-sighted subordinate.

''Who do you serve, Massinius? Where does your sworn allegiance lie?'' He asked of Doctore.

''My allegiance will always be with the house of Marcinius, of that have no doubts. But Dominus, I need to obtest on the matter. For this decision may very well cost us all, your father...'' He was cut off again as Marcus took him by the hollows of his armour and shook. Not that it had much strength behind to make him lose footing.

''My father was simple-minded, abject, man with no ambition of the great ancestors that this house produced!'' He half-yelled half-whispered to his face. ''I am the one who shall take this Ludus and make it prosper, and for that to come to pass, I will use whatever means necessary to give us the bright future. The end justifies the means, do you think that the rest of those bumbling asskissers and deceitful whore-lovers are not of the same mind?'' He finished in a much more subdued, but still stern tone of voice.

Releasing Massinius and patting him on the shoulder strongly.''You swore an oath to my father, but now I need you to swore one to me. Will you follow me to through these muddy, unfortunate times and help me raise this Ludus to it's rightful place among the very top of the Republic?'' He asked the trainer despite knowing the answer to come.

And what other choice did Massinius had, he does not agree of using these magus-born fighters. They are freaks, fight with no honor, and don't deserve to be ever called a gladiator. But alas, an oath is an oath, and he swore to serve the Marcinius family with his dying breath. For they had given him a new purpose when he was lost, in those depths of darkness. ''I swear on my life, as Massinius the Doctore of Quintus Marcos Marcinius' Ludus.'' And it was done.

With the good amount of joy, Marcus smiled an tapped Massinius on the shoulder again. ''Excellent.'' Now for the other issue. He turned around to see that the woman has finished her work and was holding both her hands on the boys shoulder. With a few words he didn't even try to understand, there was a brief reddish flash that lasted for second or two. And after that, the boy looked tired that he may faint. Mages, what a strange bunch. No wonder they are so rare and almost gone from the Republic.

''It is done.'' The woman simply replied.

''Yes, but will it be enough?'' It was Massinius that asked.

''Today was a minor inconvenience, a fluke if you will. This time it will be sufficient.'' She assured them.

Marcus was tired already, he waved her of. ''Alright then, you know the way out. Remove yourself from sight. The transaction will be done as per the promise.''

She bowed slightly and put her hood over her head. ''Honorable Lanista. Doctore.'' And with that she walked out to Gods knows exactly where.

''Jupiters' cock, fuck this day.'' He needed wine, and to see his wife. But before any of that happens, Marcinius turned a heated glare at his latest acquisition. ''I boast the top retiarius in all of Capua and with your arrival almost nothing more than blood and brains scattered upon the ground...''

Still feeling dizzy from the procedure, the young man muttered. ''Apologies...'' Igneous managed a halfhearted sorry.

*SMACK*

Lack of enthusiasm or not, it earned him a slap that send his head in other direction, almost making him collapse from his sitting position. ''Fuck your apologies!'' Forcefully yanking the teen by his chin, Marcinius' glare turned baleful by second. ''Vetius was a gladiator! Years of training, each mounting to absorb cost; that is true worth! And you, shit from a whore, fresh from the market not even proper gladiator yet find yourself worthy enough to pass life judgement?!'' Pushing the boy back, made Igneous fall down on one knee.

''Weak...''

Marcinius and secretly Massinius as well were both surprised that the slave found it within him to talk back. As the dark skinned Doctore went to reprimand the young one and end further suffering, Dominus raised hand and held him back. ''What was that word?'' The Capuan Lanista demanded, in a more subdued tone.

Igneous blinked the spots forming in his eyesight, and held his gaze firm towards Lanista. ''Weak not deserving of living... Strongest gladiator... is a victorious one...''

Marcinius didn't know if he should laugh at the audacity or have the teen lashed for punishment. ''In this Ludus I alone decide who lives and dies, not you, not a fucking slave.'' The man growled like a wild beast in Igneous' ear. He paused to take a deep breath, the stale air barely doing anything to calm the gale he felt through his whole being. ''Doctore, take him from my sight.''

Before the duo leaved the private quarters, Marcinius gave the strange coloured hellion one last warning. ''If Vetius is no longer of this world, I will have return of the value lost. The price of the man will be subtracted from any coin you earn until the remainder is balanced. We shall see how you fare in true crucible that is the Arena of Capua.'' Even if that were not the case, if the boy is so eager to prove his mettle, Marcinius will gladly allow it. But not here, there is time and place for everything.

Igneous choose no to say anything in return as his presence vanished to the gladiators living quarters further below, Doctore escorting him.

Now every vestiges of pleasurable night has been spoiled by a hot-blooded brat. ''Fuck...!'' The angry howls of Dominus resonated throughout the Villa.

XxX

The day came to an end, but what everyone waited, was happening in the evening. 'The Lottery' they called it, the event where the Arena participants were chosen to represent their Ludus in front of the, second largest city of the Republic, audience. For a gladiator it was an honor in dying on the sands of the Arena if needed.

Not all were as raptured as the most. Ganicus was still mulling of the events that transpired earlier at day. He was nudged from his brooding by Tadius.

''One might say you seem as a brooding hen.'' Tadius teased him.

''That would make me the most handsome hen that ever existed.'' Retorted Ganicus. He raised the ceramic pitch in offer to his comrade. ''Wine?''

''You and wine. Why do I feel like that you would rather choose infinite supply of alcohol instead of a normal life with a woman and children?'' Said Tadius sardonically.

''And where would be the fun? Better enjoy small things in life, before it swallows you and spits you like undigested porridge.'' Expect from Ganicus to always have an answer.

There was truth in that, Tadius admitted. ''Just how are you not dead yet?'' He asked of him.

Ganicus simply shrugged with an answer. ''We all have to die eventually.'' He raised the pitch to take a few more sips. It was almost finished. Before he had the chance to, it was taken from his hands, and with the few gulping sound Tadius finished the wine for him.

''Then it would be a shame not to share a drink, for I have been chosen for the Arena.'' Said Tadius after letting a satisfied sigh at the taste of the wine.

''I suppose that is as good reason as any.'' Quipped Ganicus ''Now I need get more.'' He stood up from his position, made three steps and accidentally stepped on a conveniently discarded bowl that almost tripped him. ''By the Gods, I barely started for tonight...'' He carried on while cursing whatever deity that came to mind. Tadius looked down at the side, and saw two more empty pitches. He snorted and shook his head in amusement, the world has the strangest of people in it, but like Ganicus said, where would be the fun.

While walking out of the storage, Ganicus crossed paths with a familiar face. Igneous standing there, against the wall, arms crossed and eyes closed. He was waiting.

Then the rusty red haired man's eyes opened and he turned to him. ''Red eyes, I couldn't have drank that much''. Either that or the new guy can miraculously change it's colour. On the other hand, it could be the light.

''I would have words. In private if possible.'' He said, but it also sounded like demand and Ganicus wasn't sure what exactly made him agree to the proposal.

XxX

A knock to his door and Ganicus' thoughts came to an abrupt end. So it's time already. He made to the door and opened them. No surprise, there were Dominus and Igneous standing. Igneous keeping guard and Dominus' eyes also darting around the dark corridor. ''Let us make haste, time is of the essence here.''

Ganicus nodded, and pulled the hood over his head. He stepped out, and closed the door. Exchanging a knowing nods with Igneous they made their way to the night of Conlinian streets.

Cut! Man, now I know what the other authors mean when they say haw hard this is. Typing takes hours and hours. But hey, now I got new interesting hobby to keep me occupied. Yay me.

Does it looks like things are going slow? And many questions still pop in your head? Worry not readers, all will come to it's place providing I don't develop a carpal tunnel syndrome. Which would suck, for me that is.

Ludus and Villa are located outside of the city, there are a few changes that I will make in regards to whole series setting. Just be patient, I'm already brainstorming as we speak.

About the fight scene, I will admit right now that I am not that great in writing it. But this still seems better than the thing in original timeline. All that inconsistency in a power level, it's vexing.

About the woman who did a ritual on Igneous, all in due time.

XxPrimodialxX- You are the first reviewer, you get the proverbial cookie. ;) Don't you worry, Natsu will have plenty of action.

guest1-Thank you and you can bet that I will.

If you have any further questions PM me, or send me review, I would really appreciate it. It only shows that people care enough.