The Emperor and the Slave
* * *
Part II: Why Not to Piss Jun Off
* * *
Heya! It's me. I got some good feedback on the first part, and I'm delighted. But there's no time for chit-chat; my muses are restless! Oh, wait, note time. Digimon and affiliated characters belong to Toei and Saban, which is obvious. If *I* owned Digimon, that stupid last episode would not have happened! Or at least would have happened differently (Takes a moment to imagine Ken and Daisuke's wedding). So, anyway, as mentioned before, suing would not be a lucrative project. And as usual, go ahead an flame, if there's some sense to the flame, and if there is an appropriate use of capital letters. Thank you.
* * *
One final note: In the last part, I made references to a god of the tribe of Gauls. The first person here who can explain the significance of the name gets a fic written for them. Disclaimer: Marduk's prize fic will not traipse into lemon territory (although we will skirt the borders; see 'Alter Ego'), but otherwise will write anything. Kensuke, Takari, even-gasp!-Kenyako. Because, after all, this is my prize, and I want to make the winner feel pleased. Please don't get too worked up. But anyway, that's about it.
(For a hint to the significance of the god's name, see my signature)
* * *
"Miss Vaughn, listen, I love this story and all, but it seems a little-"
"Odd? Unbelievable? Perverted? Cameron, did you see 'Gladiator'?"
"Well, yes, but..."
"That sort of thing was not uncommon to Rome. Listen, this is a true story, and the only reason I'm telling it to you is because your history book is run by a bunch of homophobic condesionalists." Miss Vaughn turned away as the bell rang. "Hello, class, today we'll be continuing my true story of Kenjus Caeser's reign. Where did I leave off?" A young man raised his hand.
"The senator's wife Junsa was getting all homocidal."
"Ah, yes. So that will bring us to Miyak, the assassin-priestess."
* * *
* * *
"Hello, Domine," Yamato said, bowing low before Kenjus. The man glared at the senator.
"Get up," he snapped. "Do you come to bribe me with flattery? Or do you hope to stab me when my back is turned?" Yamato smiled.
"No, Kenjus, it is that I hope to patch up our differences. I brought you a gift, a lovely slave-woman for your use." He stepped aside, and a violet-haired woman stood meekly, dressed in simple peasants' clothing. Her hair was let down in curls, and her hands were clasped before her. Kenjus nodded.
"Amazing. Where did you get her?" Yamato stepped back, stammering.
"Um...Persia!"
"Really, she is quite exotic. Takeru!" The blond was at his side. "I'd like you to lead this woman to a private room. And...get someone down to the bath. I need to relax." As the three people left the room, Yamato smiled.
"I don't plan on stabbing you in the back, Caeser...that's Miyak's job."
* * *
"I want to talk to you, Koushiro." Daisus looked hopelessly lost, and Koushiro almost grinned at him, but just sat down.
"Yes? You know I always have time for my favorite gladiator." Daisus sighed.
"It's about Kenjus. He-I think he's interested in me, Koushiro." The shorter man grinned now.
"I knew it! But...what's the problem? I thought you liked men." Daisus crossed his arms angrily.
"That doesn't mean I'm just going to let some stuck-up bureaucrat take advantage of me! Koushiro, I may be a slave, but I have my pride. And that means I'm not going to let someone just use me!"
"So, did he try anything?" Daisus dropped his arms, deflated.
"No, but...that's the problem. He was a perfect gentleman, and said he only wanted to talk to me! He's an emperor; if he wants something, he's supposed to just take it!"
"Wait a minute! A second ago you were mad that he was trying to use you, and now because he didn't? Daisus, either you're completely insane, which I wouldn't doubt, or this whole thing is confusing you, and you need to think about it some more. Frankly, it might be both."
"But that's what I want to talk about? What if he decides he wants me? What am I supposed to do?" Koushiro placed a hand on Daisuke's shoulder.
"From what I've heard, this isn't your basic lust."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, it sounds like the emperor might have a...thing for you." Daisus placed a hand on his forehead.
"I did NOT intend my life to go like this. Sitting here, talking with my Lanista about the possibility of the *emperor* being interested in me. Gods, I feel like a teenage girl!" Koushiro shrugged, still smiling.
"So, what do you plan to do about it?"
"Hopefully, nothing. Maybe he's forgotten about me." Koushiro frowned thoughtfully.
"Maybe."
* * *
Kenjus sat back before his desk. There was something about that woman that he didn't trust. But then again, it was probably Julius syndrome. And...what was he going to do about Daisus? The man seemed to want nothing to do with him, which was causing him more pain than it should have.
"I mean, I've had dozens of trysts, and enough people have rejected me."
"Yeah, but all of *those* ones are dead," Takeru commented, slipping into the room.
"So, we just kill off the gla-" Kenjus stopped. "I can't." He slumped a head onto the desk. "What's wrong with me?"
"I think there's a word for that, but you might not know it." Kenjus glared at his confidante.
"Why do I put up with you?"
"Because I'm cute, and I'm the only person in Rome you can trust not to kill you for money?" That only elicited a growl from Kenjus. "But, about Daisus, I think you may be-"
"Don't say it!"
"May be in-"
"Don't say it!" Takeru stepped back.
"Right. But it's something to think about."
"No it isn't. Love is a weakness. And I can't afford any weaknesses." Takeru nodded, and stepped to the door. "Tell you what. Send that slave-woman, Miyak, to my room tonight."
"You know, I don't trust her."
"Neither do I. But it should make things-interesting."
* * *
"It's odd; this whole relationship was supposed to be a bargain." Yamato smiled, running a hand down Taichi's chest.
"Ah; you thought it was a bargain. I knew it would work out this way." Taichi stretched out, a happy smile on his lips. "You didn't have the benefit of accurate auguring."
"Do we have to talk about this right now? I'm happy right here." Yamato pulled closer to Taichi. "We can talk about business later."
"'Kay, but one question."
"Yeah?"
"What's going to happen to us if Miyak fails?"
"*IF* she fails? You said she's the best!" Yamato sat up, placing angry hands on Taichi's shoulders.
"Well, no one's perfect..." Taichi managed. "But, um, what would happen to us?"
"The best we could hope for would be decapitation in the arena. The worst, maybe crucifiction."
"Ah." Taichi snuggled under Yamato's arm. "Then we might as well enjoy this while we can."
* * *
Daisus stabbed downward, wincing at the man's dying gurgle. He stepped away, and headed for his waiting area.
"Daisus, you need to be more careful out there. If you-"
"Shut up, Koushiro. I'm in a bad mood."
"You know, most Lanistas would beat you for that." Daisus stormed to his room and threw himself onto a bed.
"Yeah, well, I don't care. I don't suppose any messengers came for me." Koushiro shook his head.
"But, Daisus, you've got it bad." He was smiling slightly. "Because, I thought that this morning, you didn't want to have anything to do with the emperor."
"You got *that* from what I said? Fine. Maybe I do have feelings for him. But it seems like he's decided that I'm not worth the trouble. Maybe I'll just let the next net-man get me."
"No you won't. You're a professional gladiator. You don't let your personal business interfere with your life."
"Fine. I wasn't serious, but I am depressed. Do you mind if I sulk for an hour?" Koushiro shook his head.
"Go ahead. I understand you need some time."
* * *
* * *
"So what? Kenjus just dumped him? The book's right; he *is* a jerk."
"Yeah," Cameron added, "And why did he decide to go with that man-trap Miyak?"
"Kids, please, the story's not over. So just sit back, all right, and listen." The room fell silent.
* * *
* * *
"So, I am to guess you plan on seducing me, Kenjus." Miyak smiled almost predatorially, laying on the bed.
"So I am. Undress."
"Certainly. Don't you want to get ready as well?" Kenjus smiled.
"Sure." In a few moments, his tunic and toga were disposed of, and he approached Miyak.
* * *
* * *
"Hold it! Miss Vaungh, you don't intend on...describing this, do you?" The teacher smiled at Cameron.
"Of course not." There were audible groans through the classroom. "The description isn't necessary to the value of this story. It is, however, necessary, to know generally what happened."
* * *
* * *
"That was amazing," Miyak said softly. She placed a hand lightly on Kenjus' thigh. "Maybe I'll remember this in a few years." Kenjus laughed lightly.
"Who said you got to leave?"
"It was part of the deal," Miyak responded. "I get to have at you, kill you, and go my merry way."
"I wouldn't advise it, bitch." There was a sword pressing against her neck.
"You see, Miyak, I guessed something like this was up. So, you tell me what else Yamato planned, and you might go free." Miyak looked up at him.
"He wanted a coup. That's all." Kenjus shook his head.
"Find a dungeon to leave her in. As far as I'm concerned, she can rot there. And Takeru, I want you to run an errand for me."
* * *
Junsa carefully removed her poisoned knife. The tip dripped with a subtle, deadly poison known only to the Persians.
"I hope you enjoy your last night with Taichi, Yamatolus." She raised the knife, and stepped from her room. Suddenly, a man brushed past her, and the knife slipped. "Watch where you're going! That's poison!"
"Lady, you better get in line. We're taking your husband to the emperor. There's been an assassination attempt." Junsa watched as the two men, barely clothed, were dragged from the bedroom and outside by the Praeterian Guard.
"Wow. I didn't even have to lift a finger," she muttered. "And now, they're both going to die. Carnifex, you can have 'em." Sora winced at the sound of Junsa's insane laugh. She had to find a new employer.
* * *
The Colesseum was crowded for a non-holiday. The rumors has spread like wild-fire, and it was well-known that a senator was going to be killed there. There were also rumors of an assassination, a slave/killer, and plots from Gaul, but no one could sort out fact from fiction. And at the senator's entrance, a red-haired woman was arguing with the gate-keeper.
"I have to get in here! They're going to kill my husband...and I want the best seat." The gate-keeper shuddered.
"Sorry, miss, but all the seats are taken; there's only ones left in the emperor's private box and-HEY!" She was running past him and into the stone structure, determined to watch this. The man sighed. "Oh, well." He returned to his post dutifully. "Can't stop them all."
* * *
"Daisus, up! You have to fight today!" Daisus looked up from his cot.
"What? But today's-"
"It doesn't matter. Kenjus' called a special event. You have to fight, and remember, no mistakes!" Daisus nodded. He stood up, and slipped on pieces of his armor.
"So, who am I fighting?" Koushiro looked at some notes.
"Some guy named...Yamato. Looks like he's from Rome. Funny, I've never heard of him." Daisus couldn't get it out of his head that the name sounded familiar...but now was no time for thought. He had a battle to fight.
* * *
"Who are you?" The woman shook her head vigorously.
"Not so loud! Listen, we have to get out of here. Miyak, if I don't get the both of us back to Gaul, there's going to be problems. We have to tell them about Taichi." Miyak paused for a moment, then...
"Mimi?" There was a nod.
"And here's your knives. Remember, you need to be prepared. And we need to warn our fellows. Our leader is captured, and if he is not returned, it will be war."
"Against Rome?" The door slid open, and Miyak stepped out. "That's madness! We're only a small force."
"I did not say we needed to fight as an army, Miyak. Have you not learned to fight as K'Z'K? We will be at war, but the Romans will not know...not until their emperor and senators are murdered in their sleep, and out agents already moving to larger prey." Miyak frowned thoughtfully.
"Why must we kill Kenjus? He's not-"
"Silence! It will be a necessity, but we may both pray it will not be so." The two women slipped from the dungeon silently, and Miyak ventured her question.
"Are we planning on leaving Sora here?"
"No; she's going to meet us outside the Curia. It will be deserted enough; your employer is going to be killed in the arena, and it's caused quite a stir." Miyak nodded, and followed the agent into the depths of Rome.
* * *
Kenjus turned, panicked, when the women burst into the box.
"Who are you?" he demanded. She smiled at him.
"My name's Junsa Motimus; you seem to be planning on killing my husband." Kenjus gestured to Takeru, who moved closer to the woman. She smiled hungrily. "I was hoping for a good seat."
"What?"
"In case you don't seem to know, my husband is, how you say, a rotten sleazbag who's been cheating on me with the freaking Gaul he brought home, as well as every other good-looking man he can get his hands on." She growled. "So make sure his death is long and painful." Kenjus smiled and sat back.
"I could grow to like someone like you."
* * *
* * *
"Miss Vaughn, frankly, I really don't like Kenjus. He's a fickle, unsupportive, ruthless bastard, beg my pardon," a girl piped up from the second row. "I mean, first he was interested in Daisus, then he screws the slave-woman, now he's getting a thing for the loon? I mean, what's with this guy?"
"Most of the late emperors were certifiably insane," Miss Vaughn replied mildly, "But that's not it. I'll get to it, all right?"
* * *
* * *
"Go get him, Dai!" Daisus stepped out into the arena, and blinked back the bright light. He saw his opponent, and grinned. The man looked slow, and not particularly strong. But first, he approached the emperor's box.
"Morituri te salutant," he said gravely, risking a glance up there. And nearly dropped his jaw. Junsa sat up there, chatting and laughing with Kenjus. He'd never expected to see her again, and certainly not with Kenjus! He felt a knot grow in his stomach, but shook it off. He was a professional. He turned to his opponent, and lunged forward with his curved sword.
* * *
Taichi paced in the room, listening to the shouts of the crowd.
"Get him!" "Kill him!" He shuddered. The augurers had told him Yamato was his soul mate...without him, he might as well hope for death. He fingered a small pouch in his boot. Well, he could always handle that. He didn't bother considering the rest of the prophecies. There was no way Kenjus would be able to escape death, not after this. Surely Mimi was already bringing word of his capture back to the tribe. If he died, all of Rome would suffer.
* * *
Yamato jumped back, waving his sword ineffectually at the gladiator. He couldn't remember the last time he'd fought with a sword, or even fought at all. He was a senator, not built for battle. Which was of course why he had been taken here. If someone had told him that the man fighting him was his wife's brother, the irony would have been lost on him, especially since he was concentrating more on staying alive than wondering what connection this man might have with his insane spouse. The gladiator took another slow swing at him, yet Yamato had barely enough time to get out of the way.
* * *
'Gods, he's slow. And he looks like he's never even lifted a blade.' Daisus felt there was something he was missing, but couldn't grasp it. He stabbed forward lazily, and smiled as a trickle of blood ran down the man's light armor.
"Give up?" he inquired lightly. The man shook his head, dancing back clumsily. Daisus continued forward, his blade licking out from time to time, cutting an ear, the face, a leg, an arm...and then the inevitable happened. The man fell backwards, and his scimitar went skittering away. Daisus stepped up to him, and placed the sword against his throat. "So, is it life or death?"
* * *
"Eviscerate him!" Junsa snapped, her eyes burning with bloodlust. "Cut off his limbs, his gonads, stab him through the neck, anything! Just kill him!" Kenjus smiled.
"Quite the desire to see him dead, milady, eh?" He glanced over at the crowd, who all had their thumbs out, screaming for death. But he knew the final decision would rest with him. Lazily, he raised his right hand.
* * *
Yamato looked up at his opponent, the man holding a sword to his throat. The crowd was screaming for a bloody murder, and Yamato saw the violent gestures they made. He shuddered.
'How many times were you begging for the death of one in your position, Yamato, huh?' He shook the thought away, and turned to the emperor's box. The man, naturally, was taking his time, trying to give Yamato a shred of hope. No, he knew the answer. Slowly, Kenjus flipped out his thumb, and sliced it across his legs. 'Cut the veins in my legs, and watch me bleed to death.' Yamato closed his eyes, trying to steel himself against the pain.
* * *
Daisus looked down at the man, and suddenly, it clicked. Most likely it was Junsa's husband who sat before him, probably an assassination attempt. The man's eyes were forced closed, and he cowered before Daisus, trembling. Daisus raised his sword...
* * *
Junsa watched eagerly, her mouth dripping saliva as she stared at the spectacle.
"Go on, kill him..." she muttered. Daisus raised the sword...and sheathed it. He stepped back from the body. "What?!" Kenjus was equally enraged. He stood up, and screamed,
"Kill him, you fool!" Junsa, however, acted on her emotions. As light as a cat, she leapt from the box to the arena, and ran towards her husband, who had just looked up cautiously. She pulled a poisoned knife from her tunic, and positioned it for a killing blow. But with a clash of metal, she felt her knife flung aside. She glared into Daisus' eyes, and felt the shock of regognition.
"Don't do this, Junsa." She glared at him, and pulled another knife.
"If I can't kill him, then there's no point in me staying alive," she hissed, and slit her wrist. She smiled as the blood fell onto the dust, and fell to her knees. Vaguely, she could hear voices, but she was slipping away...
* * *
Kenjus, enraged, snatched Takeru's sword from him, and leapt down after Junsa. When the woman collapsed, he stalked forward.
"Kenjus!" He turned to Daisus, sword raised high.
"This man tried to kill me, and I am giving him his due. Stand aside, Daisus. My favor only goes so far." Daisus stood quietly, and only raised his own sword.
"He made a mistake, Kenjus. If you care about me at all, let him live." Kenjus growled, and lunged forward. With a single movement, Daisus slammed the butt of his sword into Kenjus' head. "I'm sorry, Kenjolus..." He stepped back, and helped Yamato up.
"Wh-what happened?"
"You're safe, for now."
* * *
* * *
"Wait a minute, Kenjus jumped into the arena, and this guy knocks him out? No way this happened!" Miss Vaughn shook her head.
"Commodus would enter the arena to shoot ostriches with arrows. This isn't that different. Besides, he was a very vengeful man."
"All right..."
"Good. Let's continue."
* * *
* * *
"Where am I?"
"Back in the palace. I had Yamato thrown into our dungeon, with Daisus next to him. I figured you might want to deal with them yourself." Takeru stood to one side respectfully.
"Yes, I do," Kenjus growled. "I'll deal with Daisus first. Send him to my chamber, undress him, tie him up, and get me my whip. He's going to be sorry he crossed me." As Takeru left, Kenjus felt a tiny corner of his mind object to this, but he'd long ago learned to ignore those voices. They only led to a path of weakness. Right now, he had some people to make an example of.
* * *
Iori sat at his desk, frowning. A man approached behind him.
"Speak, Gennus."
"Iori, the signs show death here, soon. A sleeping-sickness, or death-in-sleep. A thousand men dead in the night, and our armies powerless. Iori, I warn you, forgive like the Christians, and let the plotters go, or disaster will befall us all!" Iori nodded.
"You may go." After the man left, he thought for a moment. Then...
"Mikeal, alert your...contacts. I have a mission for them."
* * *
This story really will be a Kensuke, you know. Really. I'm not a closet Kenyako fan. It was a means to an end, really. And, um, well, about Jun...she just turned out that way. It was a spontaneous thing. It'll get more Kensukeish later, I promise! Ja ne-
* * *
Part II: Why Not to Piss Jun Off
* * *
Heya! It's me. I got some good feedback on the first part, and I'm delighted. But there's no time for chit-chat; my muses are restless! Oh, wait, note time. Digimon and affiliated characters belong to Toei and Saban, which is obvious. If *I* owned Digimon, that stupid last episode would not have happened! Or at least would have happened differently (Takes a moment to imagine Ken and Daisuke's wedding). So, anyway, as mentioned before, suing would not be a lucrative project. And as usual, go ahead an flame, if there's some sense to the flame, and if there is an appropriate use of capital letters. Thank you.
* * *
One final note: In the last part, I made references to a god of the tribe of Gauls. The first person here who can explain the significance of the name gets a fic written for them. Disclaimer: Marduk's prize fic will not traipse into lemon territory (although we will skirt the borders; see 'Alter Ego'), but otherwise will write anything. Kensuke, Takari, even-gasp!-Kenyako. Because, after all, this is my prize, and I want to make the winner feel pleased. Please don't get too worked up. But anyway, that's about it.
(For a hint to the significance of the god's name, see my signature)
* * *
"Miss Vaughn, listen, I love this story and all, but it seems a little-"
"Odd? Unbelievable? Perverted? Cameron, did you see 'Gladiator'?"
"Well, yes, but..."
"That sort of thing was not uncommon to Rome. Listen, this is a true story, and the only reason I'm telling it to you is because your history book is run by a bunch of homophobic condesionalists." Miss Vaughn turned away as the bell rang. "Hello, class, today we'll be continuing my true story of Kenjus Caeser's reign. Where did I leave off?" A young man raised his hand.
"The senator's wife Junsa was getting all homocidal."
"Ah, yes. So that will bring us to Miyak, the assassin-priestess."
* * *
* * *
"Hello, Domine," Yamato said, bowing low before Kenjus. The man glared at the senator.
"Get up," he snapped. "Do you come to bribe me with flattery? Or do you hope to stab me when my back is turned?" Yamato smiled.
"No, Kenjus, it is that I hope to patch up our differences. I brought you a gift, a lovely slave-woman for your use." He stepped aside, and a violet-haired woman stood meekly, dressed in simple peasants' clothing. Her hair was let down in curls, and her hands were clasped before her. Kenjus nodded.
"Amazing. Where did you get her?" Yamato stepped back, stammering.
"Um...Persia!"
"Really, she is quite exotic. Takeru!" The blond was at his side. "I'd like you to lead this woman to a private room. And...get someone down to the bath. I need to relax." As the three people left the room, Yamato smiled.
"I don't plan on stabbing you in the back, Caeser...that's Miyak's job."
* * *
"I want to talk to you, Koushiro." Daisus looked hopelessly lost, and Koushiro almost grinned at him, but just sat down.
"Yes? You know I always have time for my favorite gladiator." Daisus sighed.
"It's about Kenjus. He-I think he's interested in me, Koushiro." The shorter man grinned now.
"I knew it! But...what's the problem? I thought you liked men." Daisus crossed his arms angrily.
"That doesn't mean I'm just going to let some stuck-up bureaucrat take advantage of me! Koushiro, I may be a slave, but I have my pride. And that means I'm not going to let someone just use me!"
"So, did he try anything?" Daisus dropped his arms, deflated.
"No, but...that's the problem. He was a perfect gentleman, and said he only wanted to talk to me! He's an emperor; if he wants something, he's supposed to just take it!"
"Wait a minute! A second ago you were mad that he was trying to use you, and now because he didn't? Daisus, either you're completely insane, which I wouldn't doubt, or this whole thing is confusing you, and you need to think about it some more. Frankly, it might be both."
"But that's what I want to talk about? What if he decides he wants me? What am I supposed to do?" Koushiro placed a hand on Daisuke's shoulder.
"From what I've heard, this isn't your basic lust."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, it sounds like the emperor might have a...thing for you." Daisus placed a hand on his forehead.
"I did NOT intend my life to go like this. Sitting here, talking with my Lanista about the possibility of the *emperor* being interested in me. Gods, I feel like a teenage girl!" Koushiro shrugged, still smiling.
"So, what do you plan to do about it?"
"Hopefully, nothing. Maybe he's forgotten about me." Koushiro frowned thoughtfully.
"Maybe."
* * *
Kenjus sat back before his desk. There was something about that woman that he didn't trust. But then again, it was probably Julius syndrome. And...what was he going to do about Daisus? The man seemed to want nothing to do with him, which was causing him more pain than it should have.
"I mean, I've had dozens of trysts, and enough people have rejected me."
"Yeah, but all of *those* ones are dead," Takeru commented, slipping into the room.
"So, we just kill off the gla-" Kenjus stopped. "I can't." He slumped a head onto the desk. "What's wrong with me?"
"I think there's a word for that, but you might not know it." Kenjus glared at his confidante.
"Why do I put up with you?"
"Because I'm cute, and I'm the only person in Rome you can trust not to kill you for money?" That only elicited a growl from Kenjus. "But, about Daisus, I think you may be-"
"Don't say it!"
"May be in-"
"Don't say it!" Takeru stepped back.
"Right. But it's something to think about."
"No it isn't. Love is a weakness. And I can't afford any weaknesses." Takeru nodded, and stepped to the door. "Tell you what. Send that slave-woman, Miyak, to my room tonight."
"You know, I don't trust her."
"Neither do I. But it should make things-interesting."
* * *
"It's odd; this whole relationship was supposed to be a bargain." Yamato smiled, running a hand down Taichi's chest.
"Ah; you thought it was a bargain. I knew it would work out this way." Taichi stretched out, a happy smile on his lips. "You didn't have the benefit of accurate auguring."
"Do we have to talk about this right now? I'm happy right here." Yamato pulled closer to Taichi. "We can talk about business later."
"'Kay, but one question."
"Yeah?"
"What's going to happen to us if Miyak fails?"
"*IF* she fails? You said she's the best!" Yamato sat up, placing angry hands on Taichi's shoulders.
"Well, no one's perfect..." Taichi managed. "But, um, what would happen to us?"
"The best we could hope for would be decapitation in the arena. The worst, maybe crucifiction."
"Ah." Taichi snuggled under Yamato's arm. "Then we might as well enjoy this while we can."
* * *
Daisus stabbed downward, wincing at the man's dying gurgle. He stepped away, and headed for his waiting area.
"Daisus, you need to be more careful out there. If you-"
"Shut up, Koushiro. I'm in a bad mood."
"You know, most Lanistas would beat you for that." Daisus stormed to his room and threw himself onto a bed.
"Yeah, well, I don't care. I don't suppose any messengers came for me." Koushiro shook his head.
"But, Daisus, you've got it bad." He was smiling slightly. "Because, I thought that this morning, you didn't want to have anything to do with the emperor."
"You got *that* from what I said? Fine. Maybe I do have feelings for him. But it seems like he's decided that I'm not worth the trouble. Maybe I'll just let the next net-man get me."
"No you won't. You're a professional gladiator. You don't let your personal business interfere with your life."
"Fine. I wasn't serious, but I am depressed. Do you mind if I sulk for an hour?" Koushiro shook his head.
"Go ahead. I understand you need some time."
* * *
* * *
"So what? Kenjus just dumped him? The book's right; he *is* a jerk."
"Yeah," Cameron added, "And why did he decide to go with that man-trap Miyak?"
"Kids, please, the story's not over. So just sit back, all right, and listen." The room fell silent.
* * *
* * *
"So, I am to guess you plan on seducing me, Kenjus." Miyak smiled almost predatorially, laying on the bed.
"So I am. Undress."
"Certainly. Don't you want to get ready as well?" Kenjus smiled.
"Sure." In a few moments, his tunic and toga were disposed of, and he approached Miyak.
* * *
* * *
"Hold it! Miss Vaungh, you don't intend on...describing this, do you?" The teacher smiled at Cameron.
"Of course not." There were audible groans through the classroom. "The description isn't necessary to the value of this story. It is, however, necessary, to know generally what happened."
* * *
* * *
"That was amazing," Miyak said softly. She placed a hand lightly on Kenjus' thigh. "Maybe I'll remember this in a few years." Kenjus laughed lightly.
"Who said you got to leave?"
"It was part of the deal," Miyak responded. "I get to have at you, kill you, and go my merry way."
"I wouldn't advise it, bitch." There was a sword pressing against her neck.
"You see, Miyak, I guessed something like this was up. So, you tell me what else Yamato planned, and you might go free." Miyak looked up at him.
"He wanted a coup. That's all." Kenjus shook his head.
"Find a dungeon to leave her in. As far as I'm concerned, she can rot there. And Takeru, I want you to run an errand for me."
* * *
Junsa carefully removed her poisoned knife. The tip dripped with a subtle, deadly poison known only to the Persians.
"I hope you enjoy your last night with Taichi, Yamatolus." She raised the knife, and stepped from her room. Suddenly, a man brushed past her, and the knife slipped. "Watch where you're going! That's poison!"
"Lady, you better get in line. We're taking your husband to the emperor. There's been an assassination attempt." Junsa watched as the two men, barely clothed, were dragged from the bedroom and outside by the Praeterian Guard.
"Wow. I didn't even have to lift a finger," she muttered. "And now, they're both going to die. Carnifex, you can have 'em." Sora winced at the sound of Junsa's insane laugh. She had to find a new employer.
* * *
The Colesseum was crowded for a non-holiday. The rumors has spread like wild-fire, and it was well-known that a senator was going to be killed there. There were also rumors of an assassination, a slave/killer, and plots from Gaul, but no one could sort out fact from fiction. And at the senator's entrance, a red-haired woman was arguing with the gate-keeper.
"I have to get in here! They're going to kill my husband...and I want the best seat." The gate-keeper shuddered.
"Sorry, miss, but all the seats are taken; there's only ones left in the emperor's private box and-HEY!" She was running past him and into the stone structure, determined to watch this. The man sighed. "Oh, well." He returned to his post dutifully. "Can't stop them all."
* * *
"Daisus, up! You have to fight today!" Daisus looked up from his cot.
"What? But today's-"
"It doesn't matter. Kenjus' called a special event. You have to fight, and remember, no mistakes!" Daisus nodded. He stood up, and slipped on pieces of his armor.
"So, who am I fighting?" Koushiro looked at some notes.
"Some guy named...Yamato. Looks like he's from Rome. Funny, I've never heard of him." Daisus couldn't get it out of his head that the name sounded familiar...but now was no time for thought. He had a battle to fight.
* * *
"Who are you?" The woman shook her head vigorously.
"Not so loud! Listen, we have to get out of here. Miyak, if I don't get the both of us back to Gaul, there's going to be problems. We have to tell them about Taichi." Miyak paused for a moment, then...
"Mimi?" There was a nod.
"And here's your knives. Remember, you need to be prepared. And we need to warn our fellows. Our leader is captured, and if he is not returned, it will be war."
"Against Rome?" The door slid open, and Miyak stepped out. "That's madness! We're only a small force."
"I did not say we needed to fight as an army, Miyak. Have you not learned to fight as K'Z'K? We will be at war, but the Romans will not know...not until their emperor and senators are murdered in their sleep, and out agents already moving to larger prey." Miyak frowned thoughtfully.
"Why must we kill Kenjus? He's not-"
"Silence! It will be a necessity, but we may both pray it will not be so." The two women slipped from the dungeon silently, and Miyak ventured her question.
"Are we planning on leaving Sora here?"
"No; she's going to meet us outside the Curia. It will be deserted enough; your employer is going to be killed in the arena, and it's caused quite a stir." Miyak nodded, and followed the agent into the depths of Rome.
* * *
Kenjus turned, panicked, when the women burst into the box.
"Who are you?" he demanded. She smiled at him.
"My name's Junsa Motimus; you seem to be planning on killing my husband." Kenjus gestured to Takeru, who moved closer to the woman. She smiled hungrily. "I was hoping for a good seat."
"What?"
"In case you don't seem to know, my husband is, how you say, a rotten sleazbag who's been cheating on me with the freaking Gaul he brought home, as well as every other good-looking man he can get his hands on." She growled. "So make sure his death is long and painful." Kenjus smiled and sat back.
"I could grow to like someone like you."
* * *
* * *
"Miss Vaughn, frankly, I really don't like Kenjus. He's a fickle, unsupportive, ruthless bastard, beg my pardon," a girl piped up from the second row. "I mean, first he was interested in Daisus, then he screws the slave-woman, now he's getting a thing for the loon? I mean, what's with this guy?"
"Most of the late emperors were certifiably insane," Miss Vaughn replied mildly, "But that's not it. I'll get to it, all right?"
* * *
* * *
"Go get him, Dai!" Daisus stepped out into the arena, and blinked back the bright light. He saw his opponent, and grinned. The man looked slow, and not particularly strong. But first, he approached the emperor's box.
"Morituri te salutant," he said gravely, risking a glance up there. And nearly dropped his jaw. Junsa sat up there, chatting and laughing with Kenjus. He'd never expected to see her again, and certainly not with Kenjus! He felt a knot grow in his stomach, but shook it off. He was a professional. He turned to his opponent, and lunged forward with his curved sword.
* * *
Taichi paced in the room, listening to the shouts of the crowd.
"Get him!" "Kill him!" He shuddered. The augurers had told him Yamato was his soul mate...without him, he might as well hope for death. He fingered a small pouch in his boot. Well, he could always handle that. He didn't bother considering the rest of the prophecies. There was no way Kenjus would be able to escape death, not after this. Surely Mimi was already bringing word of his capture back to the tribe. If he died, all of Rome would suffer.
* * *
Yamato jumped back, waving his sword ineffectually at the gladiator. He couldn't remember the last time he'd fought with a sword, or even fought at all. He was a senator, not built for battle. Which was of course why he had been taken here. If someone had told him that the man fighting him was his wife's brother, the irony would have been lost on him, especially since he was concentrating more on staying alive than wondering what connection this man might have with his insane spouse. The gladiator took another slow swing at him, yet Yamato had barely enough time to get out of the way.
* * *
'Gods, he's slow. And he looks like he's never even lifted a blade.' Daisus felt there was something he was missing, but couldn't grasp it. He stabbed forward lazily, and smiled as a trickle of blood ran down the man's light armor.
"Give up?" he inquired lightly. The man shook his head, dancing back clumsily. Daisus continued forward, his blade licking out from time to time, cutting an ear, the face, a leg, an arm...and then the inevitable happened. The man fell backwards, and his scimitar went skittering away. Daisus stepped up to him, and placed the sword against his throat. "So, is it life or death?"
* * *
"Eviscerate him!" Junsa snapped, her eyes burning with bloodlust. "Cut off his limbs, his gonads, stab him through the neck, anything! Just kill him!" Kenjus smiled.
"Quite the desire to see him dead, milady, eh?" He glanced over at the crowd, who all had their thumbs out, screaming for death. But he knew the final decision would rest with him. Lazily, he raised his right hand.
* * *
Yamato looked up at his opponent, the man holding a sword to his throat. The crowd was screaming for a bloody murder, and Yamato saw the violent gestures they made. He shuddered.
'How many times were you begging for the death of one in your position, Yamato, huh?' He shook the thought away, and turned to the emperor's box. The man, naturally, was taking his time, trying to give Yamato a shred of hope. No, he knew the answer. Slowly, Kenjus flipped out his thumb, and sliced it across his legs. 'Cut the veins in my legs, and watch me bleed to death.' Yamato closed his eyes, trying to steel himself against the pain.
* * *
Daisus looked down at the man, and suddenly, it clicked. Most likely it was Junsa's husband who sat before him, probably an assassination attempt. The man's eyes were forced closed, and he cowered before Daisus, trembling. Daisus raised his sword...
* * *
Junsa watched eagerly, her mouth dripping saliva as she stared at the spectacle.
"Go on, kill him..." she muttered. Daisus raised the sword...and sheathed it. He stepped back from the body. "What?!" Kenjus was equally enraged. He stood up, and screamed,
"Kill him, you fool!" Junsa, however, acted on her emotions. As light as a cat, she leapt from the box to the arena, and ran towards her husband, who had just looked up cautiously. She pulled a poisoned knife from her tunic, and positioned it for a killing blow. But with a clash of metal, she felt her knife flung aside. She glared into Daisus' eyes, and felt the shock of regognition.
"Don't do this, Junsa." She glared at him, and pulled another knife.
"If I can't kill him, then there's no point in me staying alive," she hissed, and slit her wrist. She smiled as the blood fell onto the dust, and fell to her knees. Vaguely, she could hear voices, but she was slipping away...
* * *
Kenjus, enraged, snatched Takeru's sword from him, and leapt down after Junsa. When the woman collapsed, he stalked forward.
"Kenjus!" He turned to Daisus, sword raised high.
"This man tried to kill me, and I am giving him his due. Stand aside, Daisus. My favor only goes so far." Daisus stood quietly, and only raised his own sword.
"He made a mistake, Kenjus. If you care about me at all, let him live." Kenjus growled, and lunged forward. With a single movement, Daisus slammed the butt of his sword into Kenjus' head. "I'm sorry, Kenjolus..." He stepped back, and helped Yamato up.
"Wh-what happened?"
"You're safe, for now."
* * *
* * *
"Wait a minute, Kenjus jumped into the arena, and this guy knocks him out? No way this happened!" Miss Vaughn shook her head.
"Commodus would enter the arena to shoot ostriches with arrows. This isn't that different. Besides, he was a very vengeful man."
"All right..."
"Good. Let's continue."
* * *
* * *
"Where am I?"
"Back in the palace. I had Yamato thrown into our dungeon, with Daisus next to him. I figured you might want to deal with them yourself." Takeru stood to one side respectfully.
"Yes, I do," Kenjus growled. "I'll deal with Daisus first. Send him to my chamber, undress him, tie him up, and get me my whip. He's going to be sorry he crossed me." As Takeru left, Kenjus felt a tiny corner of his mind object to this, but he'd long ago learned to ignore those voices. They only led to a path of weakness. Right now, he had some people to make an example of.
* * *
Iori sat at his desk, frowning. A man approached behind him.
"Speak, Gennus."
"Iori, the signs show death here, soon. A sleeping-sickness, or death-in-sleep. A thousand men dead in the night, and our armies powerless. Iori, I warn you, forgive like the Christians, and let the plotters go, or disaster will befall us all!" Iori nodded.
"You may go." After the man left, he thought for a moment. Then...
"Mikeal, alert your...contacts. I have a mission for them."
* * *
This story really will be a Kensuke, you know. Really. I'm not a closet Kenyako fan. It was a means to an end, really. And, um, well, about Jun...she just turned out that way. It was a spontaneous thing. It'll get more Kensukeish later, I promise! Ja ne-