Chapter Twenty-Nine: Beginning of the End

WARNING: I don't own Harry Potter or Spartacus or any of their characters or stories. I only own my story, plot, and any character I might add.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: PLEASE READ: So, the last two weeks have straight up SUCKED for me! Seriously like major stress going on! Which is why this is only just now getting put up. I do still plan on ending this by a Thursday and I'm hoping it's this one. Some good news though. If you haven't heard and/or seen it yet Spartacus, all FOUR seasons, is now on Netflix! I highly recommend everyone go and watch them….again…. Well, I'm hoping if you're reading this that you've seen Spartacus. If not, now's your chance! Anyways, just thought I'd get that out there because it made me very happy lol:p also, because of how last chapter ended, this one's gonna start differently than in the show….actually the whole chapter will be different than the episode. If that makes people mad I'm sorry, but I have to in order for it to flow well. Though I do hope you enjoy the chapter anyways!

"Talk"

'Thoughts'

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Beginning of the End

Spartacus' POV:

"My love hurry!" Harry called as he turned back into his human form once Naevia and a very wounded Crixus were off him.

I rushed to them and knelt where Crixus now lay upon the ground.

"How has he come upon such a wound?" I asked Naevia who looked to still be in a state of shock and fear.

"Never mind that now love, right now he needs to be treated or else he's going to die." Harry's urgent voice said behind me.

I nodded in agreement. "For now we tend to him, then once we know he will not leave this world I will require answers." Naevia did manage to nod then as I motioned for Gannicus to help me with Crixus.

We lifted as one and quickly walked to the medicus while Nasir and Harry pushed people from our path.

Once there Crixus was placed upon a bed and Neavia attached herself to his hand.

"Fetch the medicus at once!" I called and Nasir ran out only to move aside as a man and Laeta walked through.

"I shall give any aid I can." She said and walked to gently remove Naevia from Crixus' side.

"No!" she cried out and pushed Laeta from her.

I looked to Harry who nodded and walked up to Naevia. "He's safe now Naevia. Crixus is safe and they'll make sure he stays here. Crixus is my brother, I know he's strong just as I know you know that. You have to leave him only long enough so that he can be healed, alright?" Harry said gently.

Harry's voice made her look to him before taking his outstretched hand and stood to the side. Harry gave me a small, sad, and scared smile before gently pushing Naevia to the tent's exit.

I said as I looked upon Crixus. "You are to remain in this world brother." I demanded to his sleeping form before turning and pulling Gannicus with me.

Once outside I found Naevia clinging tightly to Harry as he tried to calm her tears.

I walked up and sat behind Harry while Gannicus knelt before us.

"Can you give voice to how this come to be?" I asked gently and Naevia paused for a moment before pulling from Harry's arms and looking to me.

"We had won," she explained wiping the fallen tears from her face, "We had won the battle against Arius and his men. Crixus had slain the bastard right before my eyes. Then suddenly Crassus and his men appeared." Her tears started to come then.

"You were overrun." Gannicus said and Naevia nodded.

"Yes, there were too many Romans for us to handle. We were almost out when Crassus' son and Caesar appeared and Crixus ended up how he is now." She cried and turned to Harry. "Had you not arrived when you did, Crixus would have lost his head."

"How were you able to find them beauty? One moment you were breaking words with Nasir while Spartacus and I planned our next move and the next were had vanished." Harry turned to Gannicus.

"I knew the idiot would need help eventually even if he was too stubborn to admit it. So, I placed a sort of tracker on him."

"Tracker?" I asked.

"Basically I always knew where Crixus and his men were at all times due to a spell a put on him the last time we were all together. It was through the tracker that I felt something was wrong and went to help them." Harry looked away then. "Though, I was too late to save Agron." I looked down at his words.

"I saw him fall with a horrible cut to his chest the second I arrived. I wanted to stop and bring him back with me, but then I saw Crixus and Naevia and I had no choice but to leave him behind." Harry said and wiped a tear away.

I went to place a comforting hand upon his knee when a new voice entered.

"Agron's dead?" we all looked up to see Nasir.

"Nasir-." Harry started but he had already turned from us.

"Go to him." Harry looked to Naevia who smiled. "He needs you now more than I. You have done more than enough for me, go to the one who needs the comfort." Harry nodded and looked to me before standing and rushing for Nasir.

I placed a hand upon Naevia's shoulder making her look to me. "We shall sit with you and await news of Crixus. One brother may have been lost, but a brother and a sister was able to return safely. It is because of this I know Crixus will remain in this world." Naevia smiled and leaned into me for support as Gannicus moved to sit where Harry once did and silence fell upon us.

FEW HOURS LATER

Day gave way to night when the medicus finally left the tent.

Naevia awoke in an instant as Gannicus and I stood.

"Crixus?" the medicus sighed upon my question.

"Lucky bastard that one. Nearly lost him on a few occasions, but a stubborn man lays upon that bed in there." Relief entered me and Naevia laughed in joy.

"Go to him." The medicus told her with a smile. She ran from our side and into the tent without another word. Gannicus and I shared a happy smile before walking into the tent ourselves.

Naevia wasted no time in grabbing the spot near Crixus' head and held his hand tightly as he gently petted his hair.

Crixus turned to us upon hearing our footsteps and smiled. "Guess that makes two who do not know how to die." I laughed at his words and walked closer.

"Had my heart not made it when he did your head and body would forever be parted." Crixus looked around at the mention of Harry.

"Where is my brother?" worry seemed to enter him and I smiled.

Though it was Harry who spoke.

"You had us all scared you big bastard." Crixus looked to Harry as he walked to my side.

Crixus smiled and held his free hand to Harry who took it without pause. "There are no words, to express my gratitude I have for you."

"You two being alive is more than enough for me, just don't make a habit of making me age twenty years. I rather like being young." We all laughed at his words and Crixus pulled Harry into a gentle hug while Naevia rubbed Harry's back with a happy smile.

"He really is incredible isn't he." It wasn't a question. I smiled at Gannicus' words and looked to him.

"It's his love for us all that caused him to react as he did." Gannicus smiled at that and looked back as Harry pulled up from Crixus.

"What of Agron?" that made Harry look away and I looked to the ground.

"I couldn't save him in time." Harry said and Crixus tightened his grip on Harry's hand.

"How's does Nasir fair?"

"Before or after I finally got him to sleep?" Harry asked giving us all the saddening answer.

I pulled Harry to me and kissed the top of his head before looking to Crixus once more. "Return to your dreams brother, your body needs it in order to regain strength." Crixus nodded and turned his head to Naevia as I led Harry and Gannicus out.

"There is a group of Romans not too far from here." I told them.

"Then you two go and take care of them. Now that I know I haven't lost two brothers today I'm going to make sure Nasir's alright." With that Harry walked off leaving Gannicus and I to head for the Romans.

Harry's POV:

I looked to Nasir once more before leaving the tent and sighed.

It was still hard to grasp. It still felt like Agron should be walking up to me right about now looking for Nasir or looking to spar or to just talk. I still found myself looking for his reassuring smile when I asked for advice.

It was just hard to think of him as dead.

I blinked back the tears and looked up when I heard rushed footsteps and saw Spartacus and Gannicus holding armor and weapons with Laeta rushing behind them into mine and Spartacus' tent.

Confused I looked to make sure Nasir was really back to sleeping before running to see what was wrong.

"The eagle and the dolphin. My eyes have laid upon such a symbol before. This is the mark of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus." Laeta told them and I moved to see the armor.

"Pompey." Spartacus said in thought.

"A master of both land and sea. My husband spoke highly of him. His tongue spoke of Rome's greatest warrior."

"I have heard tales of his conquests." Spartacus told her and I looked to him. "And name an adolescent butcher gave him."

"Then let's butcher the bird and fish." I said and Spartacus offered me a smile.

"I thought Pompey and his men were off fighting against the renegade Sertorius." Gannicus said.

"That would explain why Crassus hasn't taken up arms against us." I told them.

"If Pompey's scouts return to the Republic then as night is followed by day, the man and his legions will follow their shadow." Spartacus said and I mentally sighed.

Could we ever catch a break?

"When Pompey's men do not return more will take place." Spartacus said.

"We cannot win if caught between two armies standing as one." Gannicus said.

"No, we cannot." Spartacus agreed smirking.

"I know that smirk. It's the smirk you wear when we get to have some fun." I said and moved closer as Spartacus laughed then began to tell us his plan.

LATER THAT NIGHT

Crassus' POV:

"I would quicken pace."

"There is a matter of small concern in the followers' camp." Tiberius said and I turned more to him to show I was listening. "A whore by the name of Canthara was discovered beaten and slitas pig from womanhood to throat." I looked from him at his words then back.

"Canthara?" I looked to Caesar. "What do you know of this?"

"News only now falls upon ear." He said looking at Tiberius. "I have been seeking the woman for several days."

"Whoever she angered she was met with a wrath to be feared." Tiberius said.

"Followers' camp is but a brief step from our very ranks." I said looking between them. "I would not have it fall to chaos and murder."

"I shall tend to the matter personally." Tiberius said.

"May those responsible suffer a similar fate." Caesar growled.

"Imperator," we all looked to the soldier as he approached, "two soldiers on horseback bearing the mark of Pompey approach." I glared.

"The butcher at last shows himself." Tiberius said.

"See them to my prartorium." The soldier saluted and walked off.

As the man walked off I turned to prepare myself.

"Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus offers his support in the campaign against the rebel Spartacus and the vessel." Pompey's man said and I nodded.

"Offer greeted with wondrous surprise." I said and walked closer to the man. "I've never known Pompey to support anything that doesn't support himself."

"Apologies, I but carry message." The man said.

I nodded. "See the rest from tongue."

"Pompey requests meeting." That shocked us all.

"Why does he not appear himself then?" Tiberius asked.

"Because he does not stand a fool, does he?" Caesar asked.

The man stared upon us all.

"I will not risk journey to your commander's camp. Nor will I break from my charge to bow and scrap before an imagined titan."

"Pompey but seeks neutral ground." The man said. "Twenty men attending him to be met in kind."

I looked upon him as my thoughts ran their course. "I will consider terms." I told him and looked to my men. "See them to food and wine."

"Imperator." The man said and turned to follow mine.

"You cannot seriously be turning offer upon mind?!" Tiberius growled walking to me. "Pompey but seeks your knowledge of Spartacus and the vessel."

I touched the scar upon my cheek at the thought of the vessel as visions of a painful and slow death falling upon him entered my mind.

"Knowledge that would take victory from deserving hands." Tiberius said drawing me from my thoughts. "Caesar you agree, do you not?" I turned to Caesar.

"I share your concerns. Yet Pompey returns as the hero against Sertorius ripe with laurels." He walked closer to us.

"To refuse such offer would be considered a great insult. One that could be set against you in the Senate." I glared.

"To shit with the Senate." I growled and began to walk off.

"There is practical reasons as well to accept such terms." I paused and turned to him once more.

"How so?" I asked and Caesar walked up to the map and began to move pieces.

"We attack from the south and Pompey could stay Spartacus and the vessel from gaining mountains and slipping from our grasp. Along with all who follow him." I looked to him then to the map.

Then the thought of the vessel not meeting deserved end came to mind and I nodded. "I would not see such a thing come to pass."

"Father you cannot go. It would appear Pompey commands you."

"I share such concerns." I told Tiberius.

"You should give no impression you are beneath him." Caesar said. "Instead send honored name in your place to negotiate."

"And I suppose those letters form Caesar?" Tiberius asked and Caesar glared at him.

"Only the Imperator's word and will holds such position." Caesar's glare turned to a smirk.

"Pompey stands a shrewd opponent." I said. "I would have one of more seasoned years to set against him."

"Tiberius stands a worthy advisory." Caesar said. "His youth will cause Pompey to lower guard. Which shall lead to deepest regret."

"Caesar at last breaks words that I am moved to embrace." Tiberius said looking from Caesar to me.

I thought for but a moment before nodding. "We shall pause our advance until your safe return." I walked up to him. "Weigh Pompey's try intent." Tiberius nodded and straightened.

"I shall stand as my father. Unforgiving in command." Tiberius bowed and walked out of the tent.

I watched him go with a smile upon face. "Was is such a short time ago he yet stood as uncertain boy?"

"Days such as those are but faded memories." Caesar said. "He stands a man now. And as a man I wish for him all he deserves."

Spartacus' POV:

"They have arrived." The man said and I smirked as I sent him to bring in the enemy.

I turned my back to the entrance and waited for the plan to begin.

"Honored Pompey. My father sends his regret that he could not-."

"The regret is mine." I stopped him and turned to face the boy.

My men surrounded the Romans and the boy got a frightened look.

I smirked at him and walked up to them. "I had hoped to embrace the Imperator himself." I paused and looked at the boy. "Yet fate delivers a mere shadow of the name Crassus."

Tiberius turned to run from the tent. I followed him and ran after his speeding horse only to slow when a black blur jumped and pushed him from horse.

Shadow became Harry who smirked at his prey. "You know, you Romans are nothing but bark. I don't think you even know how to bite." Tiberius glared at Harry before turning to me as I knelt beside him.

"See him and his men bound and readied to travel." Harry looked to me confused.

"You'd keep this prick alive?"

I turned and smiled at Harry. "I would see them honor the dead." Harry nodded then and forced Tiberius to stand.

"My swords have thirsted for your blood for a very long time now." Harry told him as he bound the boy's hand behind his back.

"Unhand me filth!" I glared at the boy for speaking to Harry in such a way and hit his head to send him to his dreams.

The next he awoke was to being led through a crowd of our people who were thirsty for Roman blood.

Laeta made her way out to us and looked to Tiberius. "What of Crassus?" she asked.

"The plan didn't go quite as planned, but I personally like this outcome better." Harry said looking to the boy. I looked his way to and saw him glaring at us.

I smirked and pulled Harry into a deep kiss. When I pulled from him I saw that the boy was looking away from us.

"How does Crixus fair?" That had the boy looking to us in shock.

"The Gaul lives?!"

Those who heard glared. "Spartacus isn't the only man who doesn't know how to die." Harry growled and I pulled him closer to me as we turned to continue through the crowd.

"Crixus fairs wonderfully. He is still very weak and will be required a long while of bed rest, but I would say within two months he will regain enough strength to at least walk among us."

Harry groaned. "Great, that means we'll have to listen to him whining about wanting his sword back yet again." I smirked at the memory and Laeta shared a laugh with Harry as she walked beside us.

I couldn't help but smile at her. Here was a woman, a former Roman, born of noble blood and given only the finest. Forced into a world where none of that exists and has become someone full of life and happiness. One even I can see she has never felt before.

She was the only proof I had that not all Romans were evil, though most were.

A rock hit a Roman prisoner and I held a hand up. "Halt!" silence fell upon us as everyone became still. "I would not have the boy and his men fall to petty killing." I left Harry's side and walked to the boy. "I would have their blood serve a higher purpose." I growled.

I turned back once more to Harry and pulled him to me as Gannicus took the prisoners to where they would be held until their end.

"Do you really want to hold Games baby?" I nodded at Harry.

"Games that shall honor the dead, and hopefully give them peace so they may rest." Harry hold tightened and I looked to him.

"You're an amazing man Spartacus." I smiled and leaned down to kiss his soft lips before leading him to our tent to prepare.

Harry's POV:

"How do you feel brother?" I asked walking into the medicus tent.

"Weak, but I am alive. A thing that would not be so were it not for you." I smiled and sat down beside Naevia.

"Have you heard we're holding Games? We're going to kill the Romans we captured to honor the dead." Crixus looked at me.

"A worthy cause." I smiled and nodded.

Crixus just stared at me and I got a little confused. "What?"

"How was it you found us brother?" I sighed.

"As I told Naevia and the others. I put a tracker on you so I'd know anywhere and everywhere you and the others went. The tracker is what told me something was wrong and I came straight to you by apparating."

Crixus nodded. "Why only me? Why not place one upon Naevia and Agron?" I looked away.

"I regret it now, but I just figured putting it on one of you three would be enough. I figured three wouldn't go far from each other in battle so if something happened I could save you all. Though it didn't happen like I'd been hoping."

I felt hands grasp mine and I looked up to Naevia. "Agron's death was not your doing brother. The fault lies with the Roman who took it from him. Crixus and I yet live because you arrived when you did. Do not forget that." I blinked before smiling and holding hers tightly.

"Thank you." She smiled and turned back to Crixus.

"Let her words settle in your mind brother. For they hold nothing but truth." I nodded at Crixus as I stood and took his hand in mine.

"I'll come back to visit soon. I have to help with the Games, but I promise to come back and give you all the details when they're done."

"I look forward to it." I smiled once more at him before turning to find my love.

I stood along Spartacus and my brothers as we all prepared for the battles ahead.

I looked around at those who became my family, my strength, in nothing but pride and love.

I turned next to look at Spartacus beside me before wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing him softly yet passionately before letting go and taking his hand as we walked onto the arena we created.

We walked out into a very happy crowd of people. Everyone was cheering and some even reached out to touch and pat our shoulders and backs as we walked by.

The mood helped with the sadness we all felt as we all began to get excited to be shedding Roman blood.

I couldn't help but be a little more excited. Finally I'd get to see a better glimpse into what my love and my brothers felt and saw on the sands of the arena.

We all lined up and stared into the crowd of cheering people and smiled. Spartacus looked to me before letting go of my hand and stabbing his swords to the ground before picking up a handle full of sand and stood once more.

Once he was standing tall he opened his hand to let the sand fall back to the ground before looking to the crowd. "It's been a long time since I last stood gladiator. A title and purpose I never desired!" he called looking around at the people.

He looked to the prisoners and glared. "Rome is the one who forced such upon me and many of my brothers." He looked back to the crowd and smirked. "This night we shall return the favor!" he cried causing the crowd to go wild.

"Let us show the son of Crassus and his men what we have learned beneath the heel of their mighty Republic!"

Someone went and picked up the first prisoner and led him towards us. "And in the lesson," Spartacus said as he got closer to the arena, "honor the dead with Roman blood!" this time we all cheered with the crowd and Spartacus pulled me into a heated kiss. I pulled back and smiled.

"I love you. And I couldn't be more proud of you than I am now." Spartacus smiled at me then.

"And I love you my heart, and pride is something I've always felt of you as well." I smiled and kissed him once more before following the others off the arena leaving Spartacus to wait for his opponent.

Spartacus picked up his swords and looked to the Roman as he was forced onto the arena. Spartacus circled him for a brief second whispering something only they could hear before walking a little to us and looked to the crowd. "Begin!" he cried.

The crowd cheered loudly then and the Roman through his sword to the ground suddenly. "I am a Roman!" he called looking around at us. "I will not fight for your fucking enter-." He didn't get to finish because Spartacus cut his throat open.

"Well, I guess Roman's really do only know how to bark." I said to Gannicus who laughed and nodded in agreement.

"You will fight! Or fall where you stand!" Spartacus told the other prisoners as the body was moved from the arena. Spartacus looked to us. "If a single Roman lacks courage enough to face me, send two to brace nerve!"

I laughed. "My love certainly likes to have fun." I told Gannicus.

Gannicus looked to me with a raised eyebrow. "And you do not? If you had such ability to see yourself upon the battle field, it would show you fight and kill for entertainment. Something you gained from being in Spartacus' presence for so long." I had to laugh and nod at that.

It's true, after all the Romans put us through, any chance to kill even one and I'll join in a heartbeat. "What can I say, my swords love the taste of Roman blood." Gannicus laughed some more.

"Soon they shall drink more." He said and I nodded at him as we looked back to the arena.

Both men entered the arena and attacked Spartacus at once. Spartacus had no trouble holding them both off and was even toying with them a little.

When he knocked them both off balance some he walked to us with a smirk before turning to fight once more.

While he was fighting one the other managed to sneak up on him and cut his face a little.

That pissed me off, no one hurts my man, but I forced myself to remain where I sat and watched as Spartacus held his face with anger in his eyes.

I could hear Gannicus talking to someone beside me, but I couldn't bring myself to care as I watched the man I love gracefully move around the arena as he fought off the two men attacking him.

Spartacus was truly a sight to behold, and I loved him even more knowing he was mine and only mine. Spartacus would forever be faithful, just as I would never even think of leaving him or sleeping with someone else.

It's that that keeps making me fall more in love with him each time I look at him.

Spartacus stabbed his swords into the ground in the shape of an X and began to fight both men off with only his fists.

He punched, kicked, and rolled around and on the men for a little bit before grabbing one by his head and jumped backwards. He fell to his stomach and the man met his end in the middle of Spartacus crossing swords.

"That's my man!" I cried out as the crowd behind me went crazy.

Spartacus turned and gave me a bright smile before turning to the other man.

In no time at all Spartacus was able to unarm the man and proceeded to punch and kick everywhere he could reach on the Roman prick.

The man hit the ground hard and Spartacus walked from him some and waited for him to attack. The man got up and ran right at Spartacus who blocked easily and through him once more to the ground.

While the man was on the ground Spartacus picked up his swords, successfully fully cutting the others head off, and walked to the other man. The man had stood but Spartacus kicked him and jumped making his body follow the falling man to the ground where he stabbed the man through both eyes, killing him instantly.

"Yes!" I cried out with the crowd and stood clapping loudly as Spartacus basked in his victory.

"I would have more blood! To honor my brother Agron and all those who fall him to the afterlife!" he pointed his sword towards Gannicus. "Gannicus, take position." Gannicus smirked and walked onto the arena as Spartacus jogged up to me and pulled me into a kiss.

"That was a very hot battle babe." I said and he laughed.

"Glad I was able to pleasure you my love." He whispered and I shivered before wrapping myself in his arms and watched Gannicus' battle begin.

"Two Romans showed to be no challenge. Send three! So that I may pay proper tribute!" he cried out making the crowd cheer loudly while Spartacus and I laughed in joy and amusement.

The battle began and the three were able to trap Gannicus for a brief second before Gannicus twisted gracefully in the air so that he was no longer on the edge and kicked the man in front of him causing one to fall to his death. Gannicus then sliced the man's guts open in front of him then cut the last man's throat open.

"That was quick." I laughed and leaned my head on Spartacus' shoulder. Gannicus cut the head of one of them off and threw it into the crowd which caused Spartacus and I to laugh some more.

Battle after battle saw more Romans dead and more cheering from our people. Each battle was different, ranging from the number of people to the length it took to finish each one. None of that matter though, this was about honoring our fallen brothers, and we were doing a damn good job.

My battle came up and I called out for two Romans who ran right at me once it started.

I blocked both and rolled to get behind them cutting one's back open and kicked one to the ground where my swords cut his head off. The crowd cheered and the last man stood once more and rushed me.

I just smirked and dodged his attacks for a bit just to amuse myself and the crowd before rolling behind me once more and turned into Shadow. The crowd cheered very loudly then and I leaped into the air and bit into the man's neck. Killing him before he even hit the ground.

I turned back into a human and cried out in victory with the crowd as I walked up to Nasir.

I smiled at him and grasped his spear tightly with him. "You honor Agron with this, for both of us." Nasir nodded with a determined look in his eyes as he walked onto the arena.

I smiled at him once more before walking back to Spartacus who looked like he wanted to pounce on me right then and there.

"That was-."

"Hot." I finished for him and he nodded as he pulled me close. I smirked and pushed myself more into him as Nasir's battle began.

Nasir let his pain and anger control the battle and had both men stabbed through by his spear in under two minutes.

Naevia walked up to us and I smiled at her. "You sure you want to take this last battle?" she nodded without hesitating.

"He nearly took my Crixus from me. I shall take his life as payment for that." She said and I felt Spartacus nod above me.

"Then you shall fight in Crixus' stead, and give the final offering to the fallen." She nodded her thanks and walked off to prepare.

Then suddenly Gannicus appeared. "There is a rat within your tent, one you will want to see." I was confused as I turned to look at Spartacus who just took my hand and followed Gannicus.

Anger and hatred entered me when I saw Caesar tied up on our floor.

Gannicus picked him up and punched him again. "I offer fair trade! Five hundred of your men taken in battle for Tiberius' life." Gannicus just proceeded to kick him in the face.

"How the fuck would you expect us to believe a word you say?" I growled and Caesar looked to me.

Gannicus went to punch him again but Spartacus stopped him. "I would hear this." Gannicus looked to him before punching Caesar once more and I smirked in happiness.

"He lives then, the boy."

"Not for long." I said and Caesar looked to me.

"Tell me you do not believe the venom coming from this viper?" Gannicus growled.

"The words I form are not my own. Do not think me a fool to greet you with willful fucking intent!" Caesar growled right back.

"Crassus would offer such a bargain?" Spartacus asked.

"He would offering anything in this world in return for his son."

"This is a trap." I said.

"No trap has been laid. Crassus of singular mind. One I do not share-." He stopped when Spartacus held a sword to his neck.

"Five hundred?" he asked.

"Take my life as I know you desire, and end theirs as well." Caesar said.

"Deal." I spoke for both the men beside me. Spartacus and Gannicus looked to me before sighing and nodding.

"We must cease the fight." Gannicus said and we rushed to stop Naevia.

We made it in time to see Naevia raise her sword for the final blow.

"Naevia wait!" I called and petrified her just as her sword was about to connect.

"Great work my heart." Spartacus said as we walked to the arena.

"Crassus offers trade. His son's life for five hundred of our own!" he called to the crowd.

Naevia looked to me in shock then to Tiberius when I nodded at her.

"Another Roman lie!" she said.

"I don't think so Naevia, I think they actually are telling the truth this time." I told her gently.

She looked between Spartacus and I before looking back to Tiberius.

"It's your choice Naevia, but think of all those lives that could be spared the fate Crixus nearly fell to. The same one that took Agron." I said to her and waited patiently for her to decide.

Regardless of what she did now, I'd support her because she's my sister.

Naevia raised her sword to kill Tiberius only to pause and drop it letting him fall to the ground.

I smiled at her and pulled the bastard up harshly.

"You're lucky daddy's deal came when it did, or else you would've had to go to the afterlife knowing a woman killed your ass." I whispered to him as I led him back through a very angry crowd.

I led him all the way to where Caesar stood and glared at him. "Here's the brat, now it's your turn to hold up your end." I said and Caesar smirked.

"First we must break words. It's been too long since he was stripped from embrace." He said and Tiberius glared at him.

I looked back at Spartacus who nodded and I pushed the prick from me in disgust and watched as he limped to Caesar. Once he made it they began to talk but it was too loud because of the crowd I couldn't hear them, not that I really cared though.

Just as they were about to leave Kora rushed from the crowd and towards Tiberius.

"No!" Spartacus and I cried as one, but before I could even petrify her she had stabbed Tiberius in his gut.

Spartacus pulled her back and Tiberius fell to the ground where he died in seconds.

"You mad bitch! Do you know what you have done?!" Caesar cried out trying to get out of Gannicus' grasp.

"I have balanced fucking scale!" she cried.

"Five hundred people will suffer for this." Spartacus said in a dangerously calm voice. "The boy holds no value now."

"Nor does the life of Caesar!" Gannicus called.

"Gannicus, I know you want to kill him, but that'd just make things worse right now." I told him and turned back to the bitch in front of me.

"Wait! She cried causing us all to look at her. "Crassus will honor trade!"

"Why would he do that when his son just got killed?" I asked and she looked at me.

"Give him something else his heart desires." I looked at her in understanding then. I looked to Spartacus and saw he came to the same conclusion I did.

Kora was right, trading her still got us all five hundred men back.

"This is a miracle baby." I said in awe as people rushed around helping the very wounded to the medicus and even families reuniting.

Then I saw him.

At first I didn't recognize him because of all the bruises, cuts, dirt, and blood. But that height and hair style are still what I remember them to be.

"There's no way!" I gasped. Spartacus looked to me then to where I was looking and stood in shock as well.

We both moved as one and walked right up to the man.

"Agron?" I asked trying not to get my hopes up.

But at the name he lifted his head to look at me only to fall into my arms.

I cried and held him as tightly as I dared without hurting him more.

He was alive, both my brothers and my sister made it from that horrible battle ground.

"I thought we lost you forever." I told him and he gave a weak smile.

"Too many loved ones for me to depart now." I smiled and wrapped an arm around my shoulders while Spartacus did the same to the other.

"I know someone who's going to be very happy to see you." Agron's eyes gained some of that old spark that was always there at the mention of Nasir and I smiled at it and gently moved him forward.

We had just gotten him through the gates when I looked up and saw a wide eyed Nasir walking to us.

Spartacus and I stopped and let Nasir come to us. Agron raised his head a little and Nasir held his face in his hand.

"The gods return you to my arms."

"I was fool to ever leave them." I smiled happily at the both a respectfully pulled from Agron once Nasir had taken Agron's arm and placed it over his own shoulders. Spartacus backed away to and pulled me tightly to him.

"We're all still alive." I said and Spartacus smiled at me.

"Yes, it appears luck has returned to us." He said and kissed him deeply.

I smiled into it and pulled back as we began to follow Nasir and Agron to the medicus.

When we got to the tent Naevia and Crixus looked up in shock.

"I thought you from this world!" Naevia said and I could tell Agron was smirking, or trying to anyway.

"I guess none of us are easy to kill."

"Something I'm getting to love very much." I said and helped Nasir get Agron on the bed beside Crixus."

A comfortable silence fell then until Spartacus broke it.

"Men and women thought lost to us are returned safely," he said and we looked to him, "We should hold them close, for the shadow of Rome is upon us." We all nodded and I looked at all my loved ones in the tent.

"All those who are able will fight. And we shall taste freedom." He said and clinched his fists tightly.

"Or die in attempt."

So what'd you think? I told you it was going to be different than the episode. The next one will be a filler and I hope to have it up by tomorrow night sometime and the final chapters up Thursday. It's hard to believe that this story only has three chapters left. It's been such a joy making this story, and that's because of you guys and your encouragements and begging to keep it going. I owe it all to you guys. You're the best!:D again, hope you liked the chapter! See you tomorrow night!