Hey, lovely people, I know it was been 6 days rather four but lately I have literally had no time to sit and write. Also, I have noticed that it is not only me who has been crazy busy, considering the amounts of reviews I have been receiving or even by talking to some of you. I know that now for many of you it is finals time and for others it is time of great changes. Similarly here for me has been a period of time where things are very tense and often we have to leave behind a little the things we enjoy and put all strength into what is facing us. Nonetheless, while we are in negotiating terms with lady Life, I hope that you will forgive me my lateness by presenting you with a chapter that is yet the longest I have written. Also, I am just begging you to bear with me for the next couple of weeks. As I said, the story is coming to an end (at least this part) and the next several chapters will begin to pick up in action and twists, which I am also hoping that will make up for my slow updates. I hope that this will grant more of you a chance to catch up and may be leave me a line of review, or simply answer some of the questions that I had for you, such as who is your favourite character, what got you into the story and do you wish me to continue. I wish all of you best of luck on finals and "negotiations" and thank you for sticking with me! :)
CoastalGirl: I hope you accept my apology for the slow update but I also hope you like this chapter and what is coming. Thank you so much for the compliment, it really means a lot to me to know that people really think me a good writer! Don't forget – you are another reason why I am trying so hard!
luvdcag: I am so so so grateful for your support, love and time to answer my questions! Oh, you just don't know how happy I am to have you review my story and really capture you with my fictional characters. This sounds kind of funny, as if I am some schizophrenic or something, but I am here all because of people like you. Forgive me for late replies and updates but I hope I can make it better by saying that I constantly think of you and am happy to have you as a friend just as Era and Via, regardless different from one another, are happy to have each other!
shihawa: Love, if you thought last chapter was long, well this one is a freakin' novel haha I hope you don't mind. Also, please do take time in reviewing. I do not expect people to jump right at it when they receive an e-mail alert. As I said, life is life and we gotta deal with that. To answer your question: yes, I have an end in mind for this part of the story but I can continue it in second part of people wish. However, honestly, sometimes I even surprise myself with some of the things that I come up while I write, which just fit perfectly..hehe may be, I really am crazy.. :D
Sweetblond91:You definitely are not worst reader! I am happy to know that you are reading! I actually jumped up and down when I opened an e-mail alert with your review because I have finally managed to lure you into reviewing my story muahaha (just joking! :D) I am very glad to know that you love Via and the rest of my characters since I am trying to write about them from my heart. I really hope you like what is coming and deep gratitude for reviewing! Made my week! :D
Sharpie-Marker1101: Honestly, I laughed out loud by just imagining you sitting patiently at the computer….I just can't see it for more than 2 sec! Well, the suspense is building but as I said things are beginning to go down and, love, prepare the tissues :D Love your reviews and love your constant mistrust for Hercilius. Hey, he is a nice guy…but is he? :P Also, I am so happy to know that you love Era and Agron just as much as Via and Ganni. I mean it is no easy task to make two people perfect for one another without sharing any ahem…intimate, romantic moments. Nonetheless, I love them as much as you guys! :D
Disclaimer: I claim no ownership over any Spartacus's character or plot similarities, except over my OCs, as well as over my original plot events.
Wounds beyond healing
"Via," called to her attention Mira while her, Era and Mira sat in one of the pools of the baths three days after the announcement of Bacchus's games and the Divine festive. In fact, for Via the whole announcement was that Hercilius had warned her of something, yet she did not know what of. Via looked at Mira and realised that she has just missed the whole conversation of whatever they were discussing. "Your company stands but physical. In fact, so it has been in the past days including your training. Have you lost mind over something, or has something stolen it from head," asked Mira concerned, still holding Via's gaze with serious expression.
"Or someone," winked at her Era while at the same time nudging Mira suggestively.
"Apologies, sisters," said Via with an apologetic face, realizing that she does not, indeed, really remember what has happened in the past days. "I have mind lost over upcoming events and Lucretia's state," she explained without lying.
"As do others," gave her a knowing look Mira.
"Still it weights heavier to see after Domina, train, be a positive company to all of you and rest in peaceful sleep," admitted Via since to her it seemed that the latter two have been completely missing from her daily actions.
"And we judge you not, sister," smiled at her Mira with certainty.
"We still stand beside you. Besides, even the presence of your body alone is most welcome," winked at her Era making both girls laugh.
"Yet, similar hospitality does not stand for all," commented Via with slight frown thinking of Aurelia and Naevia that were missing among them now.
"Seems that your body needs not the bath more than your mind, sister," commented Era with a smile. "Aurelia remains at the medicus in tending after Varro's wound, have you no memory of it?"
"And what of Naevia, sister," asked Via with hurt. "She has been but avoiding my company as if I carry the child of her man."
"No, you do not," stated Mira, "yet, you see it a blessing."
"And every life, regardless who it comes from, shall be seen as one," angrily defended herself Via.
"As said, we judge you not, sister, but stand beside you," spoke calmly Mira. "Those are words not meant for my ears as simialr have fallen from my mouth when seeking to restore sense into Naevia."
"Yet, she listens not," asked rhetorically Via.
"No, she does not," said sadly Mira more to herself.
"When heart replaces mind even the Gods stand dumb," commented Era as a conclusion. Nonetheless, after a moment of silence the mischievous smiled returned to her face and her suggestive voice broke through the heavy atmosphere: "Speaking of misplaced positions, Via, my eyes stand witness to a strangest situation, " her smile grew wider. "Nasir has been absent your side more often in the past days and has filled position beside your brother."
"Just as I have instructed," smiled at her knowingly Via soon the baths filled with giggles from the three girls and discussions of Nasir's and Agron's blooming, yet unexplored relationship.
Her heart beat fast in anticipation, yet she was completely unaware of what she was expecting. If she let her mind explain to her what was going on, she would grow more confused, just as it was doing so now. Thus, she decided to stop thinking and trust her heart, which was leading her, or more accurately, commanding her to first open her eyes since all that surrounded her at the moment was darkness. Via did so and at first she saw nothing but white light before her. There was no one and nothing, just this light. Although she began feeling panic settling in her mind, she did not let fear numb her, nor she questioned the situation. In fact, she did not put any effort into understanding her surroundings, rather did what her heart told her to, or gut, or instinct. Whatever she called it, it did not matter because she followed it and now it told her to begin walking. Her feet obeyed and each step she took, her senses began to feel physical surroundings and soon the pure white light faded and Via's mind began working fast in recognizing and distinguishing the emerging environment, as well as, trying to put logic all behind it. First, she realized that she was walking into some kind of ruins since she was surrounded with fallen walls, crumbling temples and damaged statues of Gods. She faced forward and her eyes instantly recognized the giant statue positioned in front of her, towards which she was walking, as the Goddess Juno. Moreover, she also noticed that someone was kneeling before the statue in prayer. Via instinctively slowed down her steps, so to give this person privacy in her prayers but continued walking towards the figure. She turned her eyes to the sides and noticed that her path was outlined by laying figures wrapped completely in black cloths, while towards the front end of her path, where she was headed and where the person kneeling prayed, the figures were covered in white. To her inner horror, Via quickly realized that those black and, less in number, white figures were dead people. Her heartbeat picked up again and she began feeling a numbing sensation in her head, which told her that she was starting to panic once more. However, before she can turn away, she noticed the person keeling in front of her now standing up on his feet. A moment later, while she was already standing just couple of steps away from the figure, Via decided that she even did not wish to know who was before her, neither wished to know who the dead people were. Thus, she looked up to Juno's face that now stood above her with eyes as if fixed on her, and whispered: "I beg you, have mercy." Then, she quickly and quietly turned her back to the statue and the person, and set her foot before her in attempt to walk away. Her heart burned with denial and fear, while her mind screamed at her to leave. Just before she could even make two steps, however, she heard a very familiar, soft voice saying her name, which made everything around Via, including her heart and thought, freeze in place as if someone had just turned everything into stone. She felt a hand grabbing her wrist and Via closed her eyes, allowing her senses to completely take in the familiar touch, also fighting the tears that began burning in her eyes from the memories that flooded her mind. She turned around to face the person who had just said her name and sucked in her breath, giving her body and mind courage and preparation for any surprise that might come.
"Mother," she asked quietly, barely hearing her own words. The woman in front of her smiled warmly and stepped even closer to her placing one palm on her face. She was dressed in a dress with the colour of dark gold; her hair was let loose over her shoulder and golden veil covered her head. The woman stood there and her hazel eyes glistered with happiness and pride, while her face read worry.
"By flesh and blood I am," she said calmly, "yet, by heart and soul you are all hers," she pointed her eyes towards Juno's statue.
"Mother…," began objecting Via, however the woman before her cut her off.
"And there is no purpose to doubt it, nor to think it wrong, Via," she kept her calm smile while she spoke. "We all are their kin, yet some of us are born by greater sufferings and with more strength and love from the Gods themselves – some of us are born to take upon different path to the heavens."
"And yet, she leaves me stripped of choice with only a brother left from family to count down his breaths," commented angrily Via, no longer able to hold the tears in her eyes.
"No, she leaves you stronger," her mother objected and began wiping Via's tears.
"What for," asked Via irritated. Her mother smiled at her, giving her gentle and knowing look that told Via that this was the exact purpose her mother was standing before her – to give her the answer of this very question.
"To stand beside her when the lullaby is sang - when the prophesy is completed," he answered with most gentle voice and threw a glance towards the dead bodies around them. Then, she leaned and hugged Via tightly.
"Lullaby? Prophesy," asked Via very confused while her mother gave her a soft kiss on the forehead and pressed something into Via's palm.
"We have always stood beside you, flower, as now we shall march with you," she gave her a determined, yet still kind smile and turned away from around Via began disappearing in the same white light from which it has first appeared. Via's heart began to beat quick again as millions of question rushed into her head since her mother's answer had made her more confused. However, she instantly realized that there was no time for anymore words or observations, so Via turned her eyes towards her hand, which held whatever her mother had given her.
Via opened her eyes in the darkness around her and sucked in her breath sharply from the shock the dream has given her. A golden flower, she thought about the object her mother had given her. A golden flower, she repeated the thought once more and remembered the dream from the Silent night. Nonetheless, this did not help her even tiny bit to put order in her mind since the confusion grew bigger. Suddenly, she felt a movement beside her and reality hit her as she remembered that she was in her bed, the night before Bacchus's games with Gannicus beside her.
"Flower," he whispered and Via turned to face him. He had raised his upper body above her, supporting himself with one arm, and was now gazing at her with worried eyes. As soon as her eyes met his, her heart picked up in pace again. The same instinct she had in her dream took over her now and she knew she had to tell him. Gannicus stared at her eyes as they increasingly grew worried, so to calm her, he leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss. As soon as he pulled his lips away, however, she placed a hand on his check as if telling him not to pull away just yet, and stared into his eyes with readiness.
"They come," she whispered with slight panic in her voice.
"Who comes, flower," he asked confused, yet fast began realizing that she had just had a dream where the Gods have finally visited her.
"The Gods," she replied this time with more certainty and less fear. Gannicus nodded with understanding and once again leaned down and kissed her. This time, however, the kiss was longer, stronger and what Via felt it as - promising.
The next morning Via woke up before Gannicus, wrapped in his hands. She decided not to wake him just yet. She wanted to lay there quietly and use the time not to think about anything that was coming, rather observe him and go back to every single memory with him that still made her giggle when thinking of it. She watched his face as he slept and then her eyes moved along his body, exploring every inch of his skin. She knew, deep in her heart, that this kind of moment might not come around for her again anytime soon. So, she closed her eyes and inhaled the scent of his skin and allowed her senses to concentrate on the feeling of his body against hers and the sound of his calm breathing in contrast to his rhythmic heartbeat. At that particular moment, she felt great ache in her chest, like something was squeezing her heart, making her breathing irregular and her mind fighting unwanted thoughts. She knew that squeezing sensation cam all from the love she felt for this very moment and this man who laid beside her. She knew if she wished, prayed, or begged to stop the time and have this moment forever, she would only remain disappointed since such action was impossible and such wish was plain cowardly. Thus, instead she opened her eyes, looked straight at Gannicus's face and wished in a prayer for only one thing – to never remain heartless.
Via laid there until Nasir walked into the chamber, which meant that she had to wake Gannicus. She smiled at Nasir and motioned to him to come back with their armours, while she will take the task of waking Gannicus up. Nasir smiled at her gently with understanding look and left them to their privacy. Via moved her head placing it on Gannicus's chest and wrapped her hand around him. She began caressing his skin lightly with her fingers, knowing that this would wake him. Soon, she felt his arms wrap around her and he squeezed her in a tight hug. She looked up at him and she was greeted with a gentle smile that played upon his face. She smiled back at him and placed her lips on his chest, leaving him a light kiss. He began playing with her hair but soon Nasir walked into the chamber with their armours in his hands and began preparing them fro the games.
After all matches along with Barca, Syros and Ramona were ready for travels to the arena, they waited for their Dominus and Domina upon the training sands. The atmosphere was full with excitement and laughter, while the gladiators and the slaves chatted among themselves, yet Via's mood did not quite fit match her surroundings. She stood close to Gannicus and listened to the conversations around her absent minded and soon Gannicus began pulling her towards one of the carriages, while she followed automatically. Gannicus entered the carriage first and extended his hand towards her, lifting her from the ground and helping her slide inside the wooden space. She sat next to him and gave her brother, Era, Aruelia and Varro a smile. Then, she patted the side of the carriage in signal that they are all ready and not long after, the carriage began moving out of the sands and into the city. However, before the caeldome disappeared from sight, Via looked up towards its roof where all Gods' faces were engraved and straight where Junos's was positioned. She gave the statue a curious look and though back onto her dream. If she truly was Juno's chosen daughter then she knew she was not dying today. Unfortunately, it was not herself that her heart ached with fear for, but for those that the Goddess has chosen to stand beside the Gods, yet not in flesh, but in soul.
Bacchus, the God of wine and celebration, is known to hold the keys that unlock the most protected and concealed desires of each mortal. Thus, Bacchus's games have left a memory in the Games of the Gods as being most fascinating, unexpected and desired. As we raise cups in his name and honour, here on this very terrace, we shall also decide the pairings and rules for each individual game that will be presented before yours and our eyes. People of Rome let us turn eyes upon the sands and witness Bacchus's whispers within our ears turn into most memorable action, the Sponsor's words still rang in Via's ears, while she watched Barca and Syros fight against two men from Asculum and two from Verona. It was the first fight for Capua since these particular games have started and all gladiators and slaves have gathered at the gates in observation of the fight. The opposing men against Capua held great strength, yet Barca visibly dominated the fight and even saved Syros from couple of critical hits. Nonetheless, after both men from Verona had fallen breathless , Barca and Syros turned to face the last couple. Barca began attacking the bigger of the men, while Syros used the tactic of exhaustion before he could attack his second opponent. Soon, however, Syros realized that this technique was not helpful because his opponent skilfully performed a double-attack and struck Syros deep into the stomach. Syros knew that the blow was fatal and it was just a matter of moments before his strength begins to reduce and his life begins leaving his body. Therefore, he used all he had left in him to perform a final attack at his opponent by hitting him hard with his head and making the gladiator stumble backwards, losing his grip upon his sword inside Syros's body. Then, Syros made a single slicing, vertical move with his own sword straight through his opponent's throat and his opponent fell breathless upon the sands. Syros turned towards Barca and the other man from Verona and saw them still engaged in a tight duel. He dropped his sword beside him and wrapped his hand around the sword that still pierced his stomach. Then he pulled it out slowly and with final strength and loud cry, he threw the sword right at the final opponent's back, striking him clean. The man dropped instantly and revealed Barca's surprised face. Syros smiled at Barca and placed his fist upon his heart in a sing of honour, while Barca dropped his weapons and stepped right in front of him. Syros extended his other arm and Braca gave him a brotherly handshake. Then, Syros slipped down on his knees and Barca followed him, still holding his arm tightly.
"Only one of us shall die today, brother. My life for yours," he grinned at him widely and Barca nodded in response with eyes filled with pain. Then Syros threw Barca's hand in the air in sign of victory and gave a final happy laugh at the roaring crowd. Finally, he sipped his fingers off Barca's wrist, laid onto the sands beside him and closed his eyes peacefully.
Everyone behind the gates stood silent while Syros's body was escorted through them with Barca following behind. Surprisingly, Syros had died with a smile upon his face, which made Via's heart swell with gratitude towards the heavens for their mercy. She stepped before Barca and gave him a tight hug before he greeted the rest of his brothers and followed Syros's body. Bacchus's games have just begun for Capua and with Syro's death, they all knew not everyone was going to see the end of them.
The number of fights to be presented was a lot smaller, considering that the past games have taken the lives of many gladiators and matches. Nonetheless, the fights were often longer, which also was because of the Romans' almost intoxicated imagination. Each passing game this day involved different challenges that exhausted the fighters not only physically, but psychologically and emotionally, as well. Raskhos and his match fought limited of free movement by being chained with long metal chains upon the sands. Regardless the challenge, the chains proved great addition to Capua's wild Picona's weaponry since they managed to turn them from restrains to killing tools. Later, Agron and Era were summoned upon the sands and given the extra challenge to not only fight for their lives, but also for the one of their slave. The Senator granted the slaves a sword to defend themselves, if their Picona match failed to protect them, yet the gesture stood more as a cruel mockery, rather than as a showing of merciful heart. After Agron and Era had managed to disarm and lock the opposing match into a deadly grip, one of the Sponsors stood up on his feet to grant the decision of the Romans.
"Shall we spare the lives of one of the strongest matches that had ever set foot upon the sands or grant them death? Shall we punish them for giving their lives to the Gods for a simple slave that instead of aiding them to victory, it pinned them down on knees into Death's feet? One thing remains, nonetheless - this stands as no example of rightful duty from a slave to a master," he said with judging voice and a smile upon his lips, enjoying the roaring in agreement crowd. "No, we shall not punish the master for falling down when the ground beneath him had failed to turn from mud into stone, no matter the nurture, generosity and opportunity this master had mixed it with. Instead, the master shall take upon his own decision, while we shall just simply aid him to his purpose. Bacchus had whispered most fascinating offering that grants life to the gladiator and also the opportunity to honour the God of wine in blood, as well as, every master who had failed under slave's weakness. And so, honour shall remain after this man has killed either his match or his slave." Via watched as Era's face turned from unreadable to shocked, which perfectly matched Via's reaction to the Sponsor's announcement. She watched as Agron released the gladiator underneath him and Era slowly lifted her sword from the throat of his match. Then, Agron stepped next to Era and grabbed her hand, pulling her away from their opponents and the developing scene before them. The crowd's roars died down while they watched as the gladiator stepped in front of his match and slave, and without any contemplation or doubt, he dove his sword into the trembling slave's body. In difference to the gladiator's hard and cold features, however, his match, who still stood on her knees, crawled above the slave and began crying loudly. The gladiator threw his sword onto the sands and with great force pulled his match into his arms, quickly leading her away from the slave's body.
"Monster," whispered Era to Agron with anger as they, as well, began walking towards the gates hand in hand.
"No, but an animal with wounded pride," he objected and gave a last glance backwards towards the gladiator before he hid into the shadows of the arena.
After couple of more games, the Romans decided that it was not even necessary to keep the matches together and they called upon the sands Verios and Angela, along with Naevia to face similar paring from Pompeii. Of course, having Angela with a bow and Naevia trained well by Crixus with a sword, the fight's odds quickly turned towards Capua and the female opponents were easily defeated. With little help, Verios overpowered his opponent, whose life was spared by the Romans. Next on the sands from Capua were Gannicus and Crixus, who were opposed by a pairing from Rome and were further challenged, to everyone's horror, by being surrounded with three loosely chained lions. Via had to remind herself to breath throughout the game, grateful to Era who stood next to her in a silent support. Navia stood not far from Via, however, when Via tried to grab her hand and hold it just as they did when they were watching games in Capua behind their masters, Naevia pulled away abruptly without giving her a second glance. Era gave Naevia an angry look and pulled Via closer to her.
"Leave her be," advised quietly Era squeezing Via's hand. "Wounded heart shall heal and mind shall find lost rationality."
"What of my heart and mind? Wounds heal not, neither mind has power to seek rationality when a sister is lost," asked Via hurt with eyes still planted onto the sands, where Crixus had just avoided one of the lions.
"You have lost none, sister" objected Era giving her a hard look.
"I have lost none, yet, sister," corrected her Via squeezing her hand, unwilling to look her into the eyes and reveal the fear that ate at her heart from even thinking about such possibility.
Gannicus's and Crixus's fight stood undecisive until Crixus had managed to wound his opponent greatly and push him straight into the paws of one on the lions. The crowd screamed with excitement while they watched the animal rip the man to pieces. At the same time Crixus and Gannicus joined forces to defeat the other Roman gladiator, however, to equal back his odds, instead of attacking Capua's men, the gladiator struck with great force one of the chains that held one of the lions captive and released it onto the arena. The animal leaped straight at Crixus since the Roman gladiator stood behind it and Gannicus was in greater reach. Crixus avoided the first attack from the beast, yet quickly prepared for the second. The Roman gladiator used the time of Crixus's distraction to attack Gannicus and lock his attention into a tight duel. Moments later, Crixus had managed to wound the lion , which in fear turned its attack at Gannicus and his opponent. Crixus yelled at Gannicus as a warning and in a single moment and with a forceful movement, he threw his sword straight at Gannicus, bypassing the attacking lion that was just a jump away from them. Gannicus ducked quickly, which allowed for Crixus's sword to strike his opponent and drop him dead onto the sands. However, at the same time, the lion jumped right onto Gannicus, crushing him with its weight and strength.
Via's breath caught into her chest and she threw her hands onto the gates, staring at the sands with terrified eyes. For a moment nothing moved, not even Crixus, as if the whole world had stopped moving just like in her dream. No one dared to speak or even move. Crixus stood still staring at the motionless lion that laid on top of Gannicus, unwilling to make even a step towards it. He knew that is he did so, this would indicate only one thing – Gannicus was the same time, Era stood close behind Via also unwilling to move and comfort her, as it was bound to communicate the same message. Via stared at the lion in silence, while in her mind she desperately begged for Gannicus to make a movement. She did not allow herself for even a moment to think that he is dead since the very thought would cause her immeasurable pain. Soon, however, the lion moved and Era stepped next to Via, observing the sands and ready for any action towards her friend in support. After several more small movements, the lion fell onto the side and Gannicus rose from underneath it with slow and measured movements. Crixus run up to him and helped him stand up on his feet. After several laughers from the men, they threw their hands into the air and everyone behind Capua's gates exploded into cheers along with the crowd. Via's heart felt as if heaviest stone had fallen from it and she threw arms around Era, hugging her tightly and planting a long and strong kiss onto her lips.
"If I knew this is the path to have your lips upon mine, I shall have Gannicus die every fucking day," joked Era and both girls began laughing.
Once the gates opened to let in Gannicus and Crixus, Via threw herself immediately at her man, who squeezed her in tight hug and kissed her deeply. However, the moments of happiness were cut short when Via, Mira and Ramona were presented by the Romans to step upon the sands. Via gave Gannicus a fast kiss on the lips, grabbed her weapons from Nasir, giving her brother a wide grin and stepped beside Mira and Ramona before the opening gates. Moments later, the girls stood face in face with three other girls from Tarquinii and as soon as the Senator yelled "Begin!" each one of them paired with an opponent.
Via clashed her swords with the one of the slaves, who was a little taller than her and carried a spear and a sword. She jumped high in order to avoid the spear as the girl swung it towards her legs, trying to trip her. Then with a single swing from her turn, Via successfully slashed a deep cut into her opponent's arm and kicked her hard, making the girl fall onto the sands. At the same time, instead of blocking an attack from her opponent, Mira rolled backwards, quickly stood up on one knee and took a clean shot at the opposing gladiatrix. Her arrow passed right through the girl's shoulder but regardless, the pain, the girl used as much strength as she could with this arm and swung her shield at Mira. Unable to duck in time, the shield hit Mira flat on the face and knocked her onto the sand immediately. In difference form her sisters, Ramona engaged in tight duel with the third opposing female, which proved to be very equal. Soon after, Ramona's irritation with the uneventful fight drove her to disarm her opponent, throw her own weapon and shield onto the sands and jump on top of the girl with bare hands.
The Romans and the crowd seemed very entertained by such fight since he girls proved to fight with more surprises and creativity than the men. After dodging several attacks from Via, the opposing girl threw sand into Via's eyes and escaped out of her reach. The distractiongave her a chance to take a hold over her sword and attack Via from behind. However, Via successfully blocked the sneaky blow and attacked the gladiatrix again. Now, Mira stood pinned onto the sands, struggling against her opponent's attempt to dive her sword through her, but soon, she kicked the girl against her legs and released herself from the deadly lock. Ramona and her opponent fought mercilessly close by, where exhaustion did not settle among the raging women. Ramona hit and blocked, jumped and fell, until she pulled out her denari blade and with a single locking technique, she pressed it securely against her opponent's throat, making her beg for her life with the Missio. At the same time, Via blocked a strong attack from her opponent, however, the girl grabbed another fist full of sand, threw it at Via's face and kicked her in the chest, making her fall onto her back. Then, without any second thoughts, she jumped straight on top of Via with a sword high in the air and diving it towards Via's stomach with full force. Nonetheless, Via quickly blocked the attack and in turn, struck deep her sword through the girl's heart, leaving her hanging right above her with a shocked look on her lifeless face. Via laid there staring into the girl's eyes while they grew lifeless. She did not allow herself to feel sorry for her since she knew this could have been her. After several short moments, Via caught her breath and pushed the girl's body off her. She stood up right on time to see Mira ducking under a swing from her opponent's turn, pulling out her denari blade from the side of her thigh and stabbing it mercilessly right through the girl's neck. She then quickly retrieved her knife and made the girl's body fall lifeless onto the sands. They all three once again stood victorious onto the sands, but they all knew "victory" was not the word for their actions.
Via, Mira and Ramona were greeted at the gates with excited chants after the Sponsor had granted their last opponent with life. The crowd once again chanted Capua's name, regardless that next on the sands were Neapolis against Rome. Everyone knew what the final pairing would be for Capua and had no doubt that it was going to be victorious. After several games between the other cities, Spartacus, Varro and Aurelia were greeted upon the sands with much favouritism. They faced two gladiators and one female from Rome. The female carried a bow and small sword but presented no stronger match to Aurelia. Varro and Spartacus worked in synchrony and managed to overpower both gladiators and kill them as a team, while Aurelia in difference, skilfully disarmed her opponent and knocked her out onto the sands. However, just before the horns that announced the end of the fight sounded, Glaber stood up onto his feet and addressed the surprised public:
"Bacchus has once again been merciful over Capua's fighters, yet now the God seeks but more honour and blood, in order to grant not only mercy but also favour to the city of Capua," he spoke loudly and the crowd agreed with roars. Then he unwrapped the Vollosan from his arm and threw it on the sands. Varro, Spartacus, Aurelia and all of Capua's fighters behind the gates stood confused by the request since the only one somewhat alive on the sands was the Roman gladiatrix. "The Gods shall always seek equilibrium. They shall always take and always give in equal amounts. Sword for sword, heart for heart, blood for blood. If you wish Bacchus to stand beside you, fight with you and bleed in your protection, then the blood shall be repaid," he spoke with cunning smile. Suddenly, realization hit Via and everyone around her. She grabbed Era's hand for support and stared in shock onto the sands, while the same realization reflected upon the faces of Varro, Spartacus and Aurelia. "In Bacchus's name and in the name of the Gods, Capua, only one shall stand victor today," announced Glaber and the Romans began clapping with excitement. The excitement around Via made her sick. She felt her heart slowing in beats and the blood draining from her head from the shock. She stepped closest to the gates and still holding onto Era's arm, she grabbed the metal before her and turned her eyes towards her friends. Via watched as Spartacus and Varro stared at each other in denial, while Aurelia who stood right in front of them, looked towards the gates with tears in her eyes. She knew this was her "good bye" and Via smiled at her, regardless the pain she felt. She lifted her fingers in a small waving gesture and Aurelia lifted her hand in response. Then, after a moment longer, she turned her eyes towards her husband, determined not to look back at the gates again.
"You shall stand, brother, for us," spoke to him Varro but Spartacus kept shaking his head and he threw his swords onto the sans. Spartacus knew that there was no good way out of this fight, yet still refused to take any action. The pain that would remain inside him if he took Varro's and Aurelia's lives would destroy him, however, the pain that would remain inside Varro or Aurelia for living without one another would only kill them, regardless. Spartacus knew this was the logical thing to do – the best decision. Yet, it was also most cruel one of all.
"Spartacus," begged softly Aurelia with tears rolling down her face. She begged for him to do it because she knew that at least it would have been his hand to have ended her than anyone else's , not especially Roman's. However, before Spartacus could even pick up a sword, the anticipating moment was broken with a single, low, surprising yelp from Aurelia. Following, in a matter of moments, Varro gave a painful cry of Aurelia's name, grabbed a nearby spear and threw it right at the female gladiatx, who was standing behind Aurelia with risen bow. The spear instantly struck the girl and dropped her dead onto the sands. Then, still in rage, Varro swung his sword towards Spartacus, attacking him from above. Spartacus ducked, avoiding Varro's blow, grabbed his sword from the sand and drove it through his friend's stomach. Still in shock, he immediately dropped the sword and grabbed Varro by the neck, helping him lay onto the sands. He crawled several feet away and pulled Aurelia's dying body next to Varro's with trembling hands. Varro and Aurelia looked at one another's faces and with a smile and unmoving eyes from his wife, Varro whispered to Spartacus.
"Finish her, brother. Your hand shall rest her better."
Via's heart sank low in her chest and she felt as if her brain was freezing. Her feet began shaking under the weight of her own body and she sank on her knees still holding the gates. Tears began falling from her eyes as she watched while Spartacus grabbed the arrow in Aurelia's back and twisted it deeper inside her, leaving her breathless into the arms of her dying husband. Via felt as if an arrow had just struck her own heart and she dropped Era's arm, placing her fist upon her chest and squeezing it tightly. Her breathing trembled just like every part of her body and after several quiet moments around her, she gave out a painful cry. She did not care who stood beside her at the moment, neither who called for her. All that mattered was that she has just lost a dearest sister and such wound was beyond healing.
I hope you liked the chapter, guys! I know it was a little heavy but I still hope that I have not ruined it and I will hear from you, regardless. Please, please tell me if you liked it and if you wish, please let me know if you want me to continue the story past what I have planned to end this part of the story with. I am wishing you most successful and happy week from the bottom of my heart and until next time, my lovely, fellow Spartacus fans!
Kisses and Hugs,
Missavia