Disclaimer: I formally denounce any kind of ownership for Fairy Tail. Hiro Mashima-san and Co. made it and it's all theirs. I own my plot, some OC and little stuff. That's all there is. Now let's spill blood and enjoy the slaughter! Kidding, tis just a story, but yeah there's blood in it. Kids you read this at your own discretion, not my fault if ya get nightmares. Historical references that I use in my story are borrowed and do not necessarily correspond with facts we know today.

Indomitable Heart

Chapter 6: Gladiators Rise

''I. Fucking. Hate. This.'' Igneous parried another strike from Ganicus' sword. This is not how thing were suppose to play out, all thanks to a certain snobbish Lanista.

Of all the times, that prick found it convenient to inflict one last blow to Marcinius by pairing Igneous against Ganicus, otherwise he would buy one of them. Antius still had substantial finances despite being the losing side in the Primus. And Marcinius was proud enough not to relinquish one of his best gladiators and would rather lose one if it meant keeping one or whatever the deal they struck, Igneous wasn't really keen on listening the finer aspects. What a bloody mess, the affairs of the rich class. To have this much influence over someones life.

Locking blades with Igneous they had a brief window of talk. ''We can't keep this forever. Think.'' Grunted Ganicus as he was pushed away by Igneous. He spun with both blades, not really intending to hurt, only for Igneous to block with his shield. They needed to act before the ones watching from the balcony on the training/battling grounds lose patience and demand a swift end.

The rusty haired gladiator scowled. He knew all that, but it was not easy to make plans on the run like this. So many things could go wrong. ''I'm trying, dammit.'' Two more blows were exchanged before he rammed Ganicus several yards away with his shield. ''Gratitude, Kastos.'' That improvisation bought a few more seconds. With his vigilance high, the murmillo could hear the talk on the high terrace of the Ludus.

XxX

And the situation did not sound good at all. ''Now this is unexpected sight.'' Obviously not the gladiators lined in the back and watching the fight. ''I would have thought that Hellhound could finish this without much cumber.''

Antius only snorted at ambassador's assessment. ''It is clear as a day that 'bonds' of the Brotherhood are procrastinating the fight.'' He turned to Marcinius. ''Such a silly thing. Do you allow this with your gladiators good Marcinius? They are, after all, slaves to be commanded.''

''Good relations and mutual respect are important factor in their performance. You should know that well, young Antius.'' Quintus wisely advised the younger man. ''Presumptuous little snot.'' He can't beat him when it comes to training of his men. This will be hard for him at the end of the day. Both gladiators were his best. 'No victory is ever a perfect one.' His father used to say, and damn him for being right.

Justus merely waved a hand, unconcerned. ''Yes, my father might have mentioned that. But then again, no man is the same in his work management. Even those of the same business.'' True that. This can only be a win-win for him. Pity that he couldn't get his hands on an undamaged good that is Hellhound. He would have made a great addition to his ranks. Justus mentally shrugged, untroubled for his future anyway. ''Whatever the outcome, I still have many years ahead of me.''

Marcinius shook his head slightly and exhaled. ''Wine.'' He asked of one servant not taking his eyes of the duel.

''Dominus.'' The wine cup was presented and Quintus was a little surprised that it was Dolusius who brought it. But he accepted anyway, gulping the whole content in one go. ''Careful, Dominus. We don't need you choking on drink.''

The owner of the house was unconcerned, extending the cup for more and the scarred man was quick to re-supply it. ''Never heard of, doesn't matter.'' Although he took a smaller sip this time. He was starting to regret his choice in organizing the evening feast and inviting others. The sooner this is over, the sooner he can drink his worries off, go to bed with his wife and wait for the next day.

From the side Justus took a peek from the battle. Has he meet this man somewhere? ''A servant speaks familiarly with his Dominus?'' He raised the questioning brow at the man with wrapping around his neck. Some might hear a suggestive implication in his tone.

''Dolusius is a trusted assistant of mine, not a mere servant. What? You are saying you have no such personnel?'' Was the older man's biting retort. Either wine is kicking in, or the brat's voice is becoming unbearable.

Quite offended, Justus bit back. ''Of course I do. Are y...'' Clearing of throat from Sepius and Andres prevented his further ranting.

''I think we can focus on those matters after the duel good Antius.'' Sepius suggested, with Andres nodding in support.

Justus simply ceased his talk and turned to the fight. A strange thought hit him suddenly. ''Where is that useless servant of mine? That annoying Delcus, or was it Dasos?'' He will look up for him later. Still, he couldn't shake off a strange feeling that he knew this Marcinius' servant.

As for Dolusius, he retreated in the back for a moment. ''I am really fortunate that he is such a prat. That lack of distinction of faces beneath his stature helps a lot.'' The sun is almost setting. His gut telling him that the job agreements are coming to an end. Shame he can't stay a little longer. ''Alas, there are much more important matters to deal with.'' He mused as he fiddled with the keys of the Villa a bit.

XxX

On the grounds below Ganicus was standing beneath the audience with no swords. Only Igneous' discarded shield next to him. His weapons ended somewhere near the feet of other gladiators who were watching. He sure hoped that this stunt works. All of their arses were on the line here!

Igneous took a reverse grip on his gladius and charged at the swordless dimachaerus. ''Here I go!'' Ganicus was only a helping hand rather than a target. The dirty blond took the shield, crouched behind it and made a springboard of sorts for Igneous. No one could have imagined something like this happening. One sole sentry at the balcony received a flying gladius in the stomach, before Igneous pulled it out and slashed his throat. The rest of the people ran from him with screams all the way. Bellatorian high class.

Dye has been cast and the first blood was shed. ''Gladiators! Kill the guards! Kastos, help Igneous!'' Ganicus quickly gave orders and the chaos erupted.

Let it be said that it took some for the Marcinius' personal security to get out of their stupor. That proved to be the fatal for the nearest one which Kastos quickly disposed of, now armed with blades that Ganicus dropped. Ten other guards came at them and Kastos passed one blade to Ganicus while Argos took the other one.

''Go, Brothers, to the Villa!'' The designated batch plowed to the guards using their advantage in numbers to overcome the obstacles. Bare-handed or armed, a gladiator is always armed with knowledge on how to take down a target.

XxX

Inside the Villa, the situation at hand didn't look good for those who were officially free men, despite being faced with only one combatant. The first two came one by at Igneous. A mistake that costed in slitted throat for one and a stab through the back for another man. The rebelled gladiator heard the shouting far towards the exiting doors 'It's locked! Why is it locked?!'. Huh, that's a surprise or...?

He'll deal with it as soon as he passes the five men that now stood his way. ''Together? How wise of you.'' He scoffed, as three of them went at him at the same time while other two hoped to flank him. Good tactic and if Igneous was an ordinary man, it probably would have worked. ''Thank the powers that I'm not.'' His gladius suddenly glowed angry orange as he cleaved through the coming blades. Not stopping, he slashed the gut of the first one, intestines spilling to the ground, second was baffled which earned a decapitation. The murmillo then trusted the gladius back catching the the third prick that tried to sneak on him.

''H-He is a magus! Aim for the head!'' Seriously, you don't call your strategy out loud like that, especially when flanking the sentient opponent that is a gladiator. But supposedly they didn't knew any better.

A flash and Igneous had a second gladius in his hand to parry both incoming strikes. Unfortunately, he underestimated the original weapon's durability. The gladius in his right hand started cracking, the metal not being used for this kind of stress. Or was it that he put to much into it? ''Ah shit! Couldn't have lasted a bit longer!'' Still holding back the left adversary, he ducked and swept the right one's with a powerful heat-coated leg. Then he rolled backwards once, nearly escaping a downward swing. The, now useless, blade was discarded from his hand along with the good one.

''Enough.'' As he dodged another swing, Igneous went forward catching the man's right, sword-holding hand, another flash and a dagger was imbued into his chin reaching the brain and ending another life. And finished the previous, now leg-fractured guard by jamming his remaining gladius through the throat.

That is the sight that greeted the ingoing Kastos with several other fighters. ''Huh, we hoped to give a helping hand, but our leader is a man of marvels.'' The stocky man commented with a slight grin. Kastos can make witty remarks, next thing he knows Doctore will join them without any plight.

The rebels 'leader' snorted in amusement at the given title. ''As I told you, time is essential. Come, let us gather our spectators.'' And so they went towards the ever present noise.

''This is all Marcinius' fault!'' Antius accused the owner who was not present. ''Where are the guards at the front, and who locked the door?! Open, Gods damn you!'' He continued to bang at the large wooden gate helplessly.

''We need to get out of here! Call for help, anyone!'' Magistratus wailed, how did this even happen. Gladiators rebelling like this was unheard of! Pontius looked to the side noticing that Andres was nowhere in sight. How can that be, he had him in sights not a few moments ago?!

Prefect Sepius has already surrendered to the fate. Sitting against the wall with his wife companion he muttered. ''There is no use. We are far from the actual city's premises.'' He started crying then. ''They would have butchered us even before we made outside!''

Antius took the man's robes and shook him harshly. ''Stop wailing already! Be a man, dammit! We are citizens of Bellatoria, and I won't accept dying by the hands of slaves!'' It did not help appease the Prefect at all as he got out of the grip and hugged with his wife for dear life, they were both crying. ''Fuck, you are useless!''

''Do you fear dying from a slave Antius? Or is the notion of losing freedom that horrid to you?'' Antius turned only to see a dozen men being lead by the Hellhound Igneous himself. In such poor lighting here, it looked as if his eyes were glowing a menacing red. ''How do you think these men felt when they were chained?'' And now the slave was giving him lectures on life. That won't do for young Justus.

''Know your place slave! Who are you to talk to me of such things! You are born as such, to be a slave!'' Classical mindset of a slave-dealing person in Bellatoria.

Igneous barely blinked at the man's tone, that is some conception. What a piece of work. ''I see. Tie them and gather them all to the training grounds.'' Were his simple orders.

While other gladiators doing as commanded, Igneous and Kastos walked at the Dominus' rooms. ''Marcinius was not amongst them.'' Kastos noted, but received no reply from the taller man. They reached the doors of the Dominus' and Dominas' chambers.

''They are here.'' Igneous finally replied. Then he suddenly paused and raised his head a bit while frowning. At Kastos' inquisitive look he said. ''Tch, this is not good. Kore is in there an...''

The name alone made Kastos kick the chambers with his leg, but it wouldn't budge. He tried ramming it with his shoulder and only made them shake a little. A hand stopped him from another attempt. ''Let go! I need to get through!'' He glared at the Hellhound who returned the look.

''And you shall. With my help.'' He motioned Kastos to back away, which he did reluctantly. Love actually caused such reaction? Sighing at the behaviour, Igneous slammed a burning fist directly through the door lock. Turning his head he saw the incredulous look that Kastos had right now.

In any other situation, Igneous might have thrown some remark, but that can wait. The gladiator pushed the door open, lo and behold there was the Marcinius couple in their lush bedroom with bed big enough for four maybe five person to sleep on.

The situation was quite tense, since Quintus held Kore with the knife on the woman's throat. ''So it's you. To think that all of this would be caused by my own Champion.'' Sneering at the two man who stood at the entrance. ''Stay back! If you value life of these slaves enough to go against your Dominus! I said back!'' Igneous was one step in the room and motioned Kastos to stay behind.

The red-eyed man slowly looked around the room. Domina was at the back of the bed, several other servant-slaves with her. The dusk began and the only light in the room were provided by two burning lanterns. ''I gave you purpose in life! Saved you, and this is what I get in return. All you ever achieved and for what? To liberate a few dozen slaves?!'' Marcinius continued with his angry rant. ''You will never get away with this. You will be caught, crucified and burned alive!''

Stopping in his brief survey, Igneous locked eyes with his, now former Dominus. ''Saved me?'' He tilted his head to the side a bit. ''A purpose? You do not even know the Pandora's box you opened back then Marcinius.''

A minatory grin slowly spread across his face. ''And as for the burning part...'' As he trailed off two things happened. The fire of the lanterns, as if possessed, bursted out and made way at Julia Marcinius who screamed in terror of the incoming flames. Quintus Marcinius turned is attention to her, a slip in judgement enough for a dagger to find its place in his right shoulder.

''Agh!'' The owner of the Ludus staggered back, clutching the now bleeding wound and releasing his hold on Kore. Another wave of pain caught him as he felt the burning around the wound. He quickly pulled the knife out and dropped it feeling the heat coming out of a now searing blade. ''How... S-She said that... it was... s-stopped.'' He looked up seeing the man responsible for his misfortune holding the same bloody knife that hit him like the heath didn't bother him in the least.

The gladiator gave him a curious look. ''No, you didn't listen carefully. She only said that success will be guaranteed. What you interpreted from that is your own fault.'' The man tried to stab him sluggishly, only to get air forced out of his lungs courtesy of Igneous' knee in his stomach. Igneous pushed him on the bed and relieved him of his weapon.

''My wife... y-you monster...'' Quintus wheezed out. He waited for his demise, but the fire wielding man merely pointed to the side. Marcinius followed his hand and saw his wife. She was shaking, scared, but otherwise unharmed. He turned his head to Igneous wanting to know more.

The rusty-haired man didn't offer any answer. He ushered Kore and other slaves out of the room and told Kastos to take care of them for now. When he came back, the gladiator's hand shot to the lying man's neck and squeezed the certain point until he lost conscience. With his dagger, he ripped a part of Marcinius' toga and used it to dress the wound on his shoulder. Igneous was no expert in medicine, but he knew this much about wound treating at least.

A faint whisper was heard from his side. ''Why?'' Even that made the gladiator turn sharply, not wanting to risk any sneak attack. Julia Marcinius flinched and backed away a few steps. He observed her for a moment finding no weapons or any threat in her stature, and went to finish with the bandaging the wound.

Red-eyed gladiator picked up Marcinius and handed him to his wife, who after a some struggle managed to support him, and Marcinius himself was slowly waking up. That is to say, he looked like he had to much drink. ''We are no mindless animals. This is beyond a mere uprising.'' He answered her previous inquiry. He looked at the door and strained his ears. ''So it came to that? Then I can yet try to salvage something. Hopefully.'' He thought and beckoned Julia to follow him. ''Come.''

Now he wondered how much he could salvage from the situation. What greeted him on the training grounds were bodies of several guards, he saw the invites tied and chained underneath the dining area. But the most noticeable picture was Massinius who was surrounded by good number of gladiators pointing swords at him. He also had a gladius drawn out and killed several men already. Now he looked like an animal cornered. Not good, the intervention is necessary.

''Hold your blades! Gladiators, back away!'' Most didn't seem to listen. Looks like more was needed to reach them. ''AWAY! NOW!'' The torches outside burned more intensely and it felt like the temperature jumped up by a good degree more. Now he drew their attention. They started backing up, albeit very slowly.

Ganicus was also there, pushing back the group. Not an easy task, he was one man. ''You heard him! Back away, you fucking cunts!'' He glared at them and the mass moved back giving Doctore space, but still kept gazing at him with blades drawn.

''We scoured the whole Villa. Literally. No one could have escaped.'' He notified the approaching Igneous. ''A peculiar thing though, all the entrances were locked. And when we obtained the keys, Argos found the guards at outside gates dead.'' He looked to the side and then back at Igneous, now speaking with more hushed tone. ''Was that theirs work?''

The murmillo nodded. ''Yes, very much so. But likely the work of one man alone with a special set of crafts.'' He whispered back. ''I may have an idea who, but now is not the time to hypothesize.'' He elaborated seeing Ganicus' mildly confused look, but the dimachaerus did not question further. Igneous ordered for Marcinius' couple to be moved with the other captives and he walked to Massinius who sent a scornful look his way.

The black-skinned man pointed the gladius his way. ''The usurper's leader decides to come forth. I had hoped that Dominus was right on your matter. And to this day, I foolishly believed it true.'' He then kicked one of the fallen swords his way. ''Let us see how much my lessons bore fruit.'' Doctore then lunged at Igneous, swinging his blade in a downward arc.

As expected, the gladiator deflected the blow and to Massinius' surprise retreated. When others started approaching again, the murmillian gladiator shouted them back. Still they retained a semi-circle around two combatants. ''This battle is pointless and it will prove nothing. Your death will prove nothing Doctore!'' It must end quickly because not even half of his mission is done. He did not want Massinius' death, but how to dissuade their trainer from this brawl?

Getting side-tracked here resulted in a wound on his left arm, not a deep cut yet proof that he will lose head if he doesn't focus. 'Damn it all. Fine then.' Making his sword hot enough to cut steel, Igneous made a wide arc at Massinius only for the man to duck. That was the plan, strengthening his legs Igneous let loose a fierce kick that caught Doctore off-guard. He definitely lost a tooth or more.

Before Massinius knew it, he was on the ground with igneous' weight on him, pressing the hot blade of his gladius to Doctore's face. ''Do it.'' Not a budge from Igneous. ''Do it! Do not pity me!'' Raising his blade Igneous stabbed, but there was no blood for he embedded the sword to the ground next to Massinius' head.

''We truly need more people like you.'' Igneous stood up and made for the edge of the cliffs. There was a beautiful look on the city, the last rays of sun casting the orange-reddish hue on the ground. He raised one hand and pointed the palm at the horizon. Small fireball appeared and it grew to the size of food tray.

''Brothers, too long has Bellatorian policy and injustice held you chained! All of us, gladiators, house servants and others enslaved, treated like another man's plaything and forced to obey without question!'' He turned sideways to see that everyone was paying attention to him, still holding the fireball. ''Freedom and free will is not a privilege of the rich, but every one of you from the day you were born!'' He turned to the gathered and shot the orb high into the sky.

''The path for it will not be easy, but we shall fight for the better future, for the coming generations!'' He spoke with ardor, now looking at everyone present. ''I ask of you to lend a hand for this future, to be one of many that aided us in turning our hope to reality. I ask that whoever wishes to join step forward, those who refuse are free to continue further as they please. I will not stop you.''

Ganicus stepped immediately. ''You need not ask for my answer.'' Dirty-blond said with a grin. And like a trained army, all those who were deemed slaves under house of Marcinius came after. Kastos, Kore, Morios, Letius and the rest.

A small quirk of lips came to Igneous' face. ''Gratitude, all of you.'' He bowed his head at them. ''Doctore?'' The one who stood quiet to the side and listened.

Massinius looked up at being called. This was by no means small effort. What Igneous spoke of bordered the impossible. And yet, here they are. This act of rebellion was also considered impossible by any other. ''I gave my word to Dominus. My honour and servitude for this Ludus was everything to me.'' He paused for a moment.''I require an answer from Dominus. Then, depending on his reply, I shall give mine. But... I won't see you as enemy regardless.'' From what he has seen, the gladiators showed mercy to unarmed ones even if they could slaughter all with ease. That calls for respect. And if Igneous' words held merit then maybe...

''Alright. Do what you must, Doctore.'' Conceded the red-eyed gladiator. This was the best he could hope for. He did not kill Massinius, and if the part ways as non-enemies, he was fine with it.

Doctore nodded his thanks, and went to see Medicus first, who was not among those tied. While he did that, Igneous gathered the rest around to discuss further actions.

''The next step will be securing control over the city and make sure that there is no further quarrels. In particular with the soldiers stationed here.'' At inquiry on how will they achieve that he responded. ''That is what the Prefect is for. Me and four more shall disguise in guards and head for the city with Prefect. My allies will be there waiting.'' He moved to make himself a sentry and with four of his choosing. Those included Kastos, Sevius, Maradus and Aulus.

One man was displeased for not being chosen. ''And the reason for me staying behind?'' The notion of having to practically babysit some of those pompous assess didn't go well with him at all.

Fixing the armor with a little help, the initiator of the gladiator's revolt replied easily. ''I need someone of great trust to keep stability here. You never know what might happen with someone.'' He looked at those slaves not bearing the mark of the gladiator. Also there could be a problem with now freed slaves who might think on enacting their personal vengeance on the captives. ''With you here, there shouldn't be a problem of anyone acting out on their own accord for petty things.'' He put the helmet on. Maybe 'petty' was a strong word, but order is needed until the rest can be merged with a larger, functioning community with purpose.

Sighing in acquiescence, Ganicus just gave a nod. ''Understood.'' Still miffed somewhat.

Igneous brought back his attention by patting his shoulder. ''I know that you want to, and I plan on fulfilling that promise. It won't take much longer.'' He knew of other reason for Ganicus' impatience, but for now it had to be.

Seeing that his five man-team was ready, he went to the tied group of people and pulled Sepius out. Before the man could protest further, he reasoned with him. ''Cooperate with us Prefect, and you will live.'' Sepius glanced at his spouse. ''We have not killed nor injured any of them. Follow as instructed and see your freedom gained at the end.'' Poor Prefect could only agree, for him it was a long and tiring day. He did not want to turn it into a bloodied nightmare by his actions.

The group of five disguised gladiators plus one Prefect left towards the city. Ganicus was left in charge, temporarily. ''Men!'' The gathered regarded him. ''All will receive an assignment now! You lot, gather all the remaining equipment that you can. Linus, I need reports from our gate guards from time to time.'' Then he turned to house slaves. ''The wounded will be attended by the Medicus.'' He paused for breath and added sombrely. ''The fallen ones are to be wrapped in cloth and then cremated later, they deserve that much.'' Then turned to Kore. ''Bring all the food and water from the Villa and divide it equally. No one will be hogging like a pig or being denied their share! If I caught them, you will answer to me!'' That was a genuine threat, there are no more different classes of people, they better get used to this. ''And believe me, you don't want Igneous' ire on you as well.''

Not wanting to invoke the fury of a gladiator who can control fire was sufficient for others to get to work. Occupy them on something for now until further instructions are relayed. The Villa is not that small and there are plenty to do.

While others went on their given jobs for the time, Massinius decided now is the good moment as any to get what he wanted. There was a minor problem as the gladiators guarding the captive patricians wouldn't move aside. ''I only wish to speak with Marcinius. Livius, Iovis please stand down.'' No such luck. Doctore was getting pretty annoyed.

Ganicus came to them. ''Let the man pass, you two. I will make sure nothing happens.'' Livius and Iovis exchanged looks and decided, begrudgingly, to let Doctore through. If only because of dimachaerus' assurance.

Doctore sighed, that went well. ''Gratitude Ganicus.'' He nodded in thanks at the younger man who returned the gesture and trailed after him to where Marcinius is sitting against the wall, head downcast. The owner of the Ludus sported a new pair of bandages on his shoulder from the Medicus. ''Dominus?'' He called. Marcinius only lifted his head, spared him a glance and brought it back down again.

''After all the trouble, Doctore still wishes a word with you. Least you can do is to hear it out.'' Honestly, Ganicus held no care for the Lanista and only allowed this because of the respect he had for Massinius. He did made gladiators out of them after all.

Quintus raised head to glare at dimachaerus and any coming remark was stopped by a nudge from Julia beside him. ''What is it that you want?'' He asked, slurring somewhat most likely from Medicus' pain reliever. Presumably alcohol or some other blend.

''How much did you sully your hands to have our fighters in the last match?'' Straightforward to the point. No use in dancing around the subject.

When he processed the question, Marcinius' chuckles became laughter. But he quickly found out that it caused discomfort to his wound. ''You are seriously asking me that? Why does it even matter?'' He answered a question with his own question, though the conversation rapidly began attracting attention of certain captives.

The nerve of some. ''If it is such a trivial thing to you, why not simply divulge it? Nothing more to lose here.'' Ganicus may as well reveal it himself, but kept prompting it, wishing to see just how much the high sort is ready to go without spilling their dark secrets. What more could they lose now, except some dignity, but it hardly mattered anymore.

Noticing the looks of others unlike her husband, Julia decided to bring an end to it. The whole tension was useless anyway. ''Just tell them Quintus. It can't become any worse here.'' She said in an exasperated voice. Igneous did gave his word that they are not animals and won't behave as such. They certainly can't do anything bad to them. She hoped so at least.

Fed up with the situation, the husband of Julia grunted out. ''Fine then. Yes, I made that wretch Petronius' death happen. And yes, I used the whole ordeal to gain us place in Primus.'' At Massiniuss' disappointed look he merely hissed out. ''You are still the same as before. Like my father, you would rather let others step on you and not act. I am not him, Massinius! And you broke your oath!'' He went into a coughing fit after that.

''I promised to follow you in bringing the Ludus at it's rightful place on the top.'' Then Doctore looked around. ''But not like this, look what your underhanded plans brought to this place. Your father's memory.'' Dark-skinned man shook his head. ''Gratitude for answering.'' He began walking away, and then Antius started a verbal quarrel with the older man. Let them have it then. Massinius sighed and looked at Ganicus. ''Did you have any knowledge on this?'' One Lanista couldn't have done all that by himself.

His, now former trainee, nodded grimly. ''I did. More than you know.'' He turned toward Doctore. ''Do you think less of me now?'' Ganicus asked, curious at what will Doctore now decide after what he found out.

The trainer contemplated. ''You were following orders.'' Then he added. ''I do not approve of such actions, but I can't change nothing. Tell me, do you believe this Igneous'... uprising can bring about what he spoke of?'' He still had some hard time believing himself, even after witnessing that 'spectacle' with fire. He knew a bit of the murmillo's origins and wondered just how much can one man actually accomplish.

As if reading some of his thinking, Ganicus developed a smirk. ''I believe... No, I know that we have seen nothing yet. And take my word when I say that there are more people behind this that I am yet to be aware of.'' He extended his hand. ''It does sound shrewd to you, and complicated. But with right help on our side, those 'miracles' he spoke of can come true. Will you aid us, Doctore? We need ones like you.''

The obsidian man studied his hand and looked upwards to his eyes. Ganicus had his way with words, more so than Igneous perhaps. He always did hide his smarts though, for whatever reason. ''You are also man with crafty words, Ganicus.'' He took his hand and shook it with a small smile. ''I will try to help however I can.''

One problem down, who knows how many more to go. ''I am glad to have you on our side, Doctore.'' Long-haired man started walking to the interior of the Villa. ''Now, I could use your help in maintaining the matters here. First, let us have a quick refreshment and wine.'' Ganicus suggested.

The most wine-loving gladiator of all. Massinius shook in a slight disbelieve at him. While he himself could drink a bit of wine on small occasions, Ganicus took it to another level. Must be something in the genes. How else can someone be that good of a fighter and enjoy alcoholic beverage that much?

XxX

It was eerily quiet as six persons descended towards the city from the Villa. Did the first Marcinius build it there for some strategical purpose to have a lookout on Conlinia? Or some other aesthetic sense of being on a sublime spot, looking at others like Gods?

Whatever the reason Igneous was glad, because it was far enough not to draw any unwanted scrutiny at them. Especially with conducting operation such as this. Thank the Heavens for small mercies. They were nearing the first cluster of the settlement.

His train of thoughts were interrupted as Kastos hastened his pace and was now on his left side. ''What you used at the Villa. That was a form of sorcery?'' Asked his fellow gladiator.

Igneous nodded. ''It was.'' Then raised eyebrow at his comrade. ''Are you dissatisfied I have not told anyone? You know how the treat those who wield power unnatural to ordinary humans.''

Kastos could understand him keeping it a secret, and personally it made no real difference. He even started realizing why Igneous was mostly detached, having only a very small circle of people around him. More accurately Ganicus. ''I can understand you wishing to hide it. It makes you no less human in my eyes.'' Adding some more. ''Others as well, I am sure.''

''If only.'' Igneous thought joylessly. He was positive that others had a reason to trust him, but how much was it due to his powers or due to their fear of him. Ah, he was slowly getting depressed. He doesn't need that now. ''You do not believe in those stories of rituals and witchcraft that folks talk about?'' Why not mess a little to lift his mood, even if it was at his comrade's expense, there was no real harm at it.

Kastos blinked in rapid succession and looked at him. Widening of eyes obvious. ''Are they true?'' He himself heard some rumors of how they dealt with magical users by torturing and ruthlessly killing them. They were mostly accused on claims to be in league with demons, dark forces, child sacrificing or some other shit. Gossips vary, and Kastos never met any of those people to have any real opinion of them. Now he had a living specimen talking to him normally. Maybe it was some subconscious curiosity from the stocky man.

Igneous stopped making others do so as well, and didn't reply for a long half-minute. Letting out quiet, dark chuckles through his throat. He knew that others were listening in a little. Their tension could be smelled from a mile away, without a question. He turned his gaze at Kastos, grinning and saw a man gulp at his dimly lit eyes. ''No.'' With one word, his face went back to neutral expression and he renewed his pace.

Kastos was in disbelief. Sevius and Aulus spluttered, Prefect Sepius was sweating quite a bit. Maradus let out an unintelligible cussing under his breath. Dramatic much. They got out of their little trance and hurried to match the leaders walk.

''Tch, of course those gossips were false. I never believed them.'' Sevius whispered to the nearest two gladiators. ''Consuming children I heard. What a folly.''

''And yet you two looked ready to piss yourselves on spot.'' Maradus scolded him. ''Retiarii, all mouths no balls.'' The only hoplomacus of the group mocked them.

''Go spear yourself Maradus. Better yet, how about you taste tridents on both ends?'' Aulus defended their gladiator type.

The hoplomacus in question scoffed at the threat. ''And how about I skewer you both on one spear? They might proclaim it as work of art.'' What a ghastly thought.

Igneous felt a little worried at what his joke started. He cleared his throat loudly. ''Much as amusing that would be Maradus. It would be better to save it for future enemies instead of comrades, no?'' The fire gladiator spoke calmly.

He actually heard all that? The man must have some acute hearing. Maradus was sure they were pretty hushed. ''Apologies, Igneous. We had a bit of, uh, debate.'' The brown-eyed man spoke, rubbing his neck awkwardly. The other two nodded as well.

''I am not against banter myself. I should apologies for my own joke starting this.'' The murmillo said understandingly. He heard everything.

The trio in the back were not sure how to respond, so Kastos did in their stead. ''Whatever the problem, you can overcome it yourselves later. Right now you need to stay quiet. We are entering Conlinia.'' And the did, the first homes only a few yards away. Townsfolk are to be turning in for the night, but Kastos didn't want a slip of wrong words to compromise them. Night was not safe at all. The three arguing gladiators were quick to cease talk and now looking left and right in awareness.

Igneous was glad that they can be professional when needed. The mostly dark streets of Conlinia were empty, with some occasional passer-by. They finally reached cities center with market stands being closed. A gust of wind suddenly flew by. Igneous hummed, looking around and sporting what he wanted. He motioned them to follow and the went under the arches of a nearby building.

There was a man, draped in dark cloak with a hood covering most of his face. ''Come back with your shield...'' Igneous trailed off, waiting for response.

''Or come back on it.'' The man removed his hood revealing a man in early thirties with, mid-length brown hair and dark eyes. Noticeable was a scar on his left brow. He spat to a side suddenly. ''I hate this and I'm persuading others in change the code. Leaves a bad taste after voicing.'' The man commented. Truly, this came from an old line that women would say to their husbands when they went in battle.

Igneous smirked at the familiar face. ''The chances are low Hector. They are fond of the ancestry.'' He exchanged a brief hug with Hector, the man looking at him. It has been years when they saw each other.

''You certainly grew up.'' Hector frowned a bit. ''Taller than me, and with scars to brandish for.'' He said lightly. He observed the group with him. ''The Prefect?'' Hector inquired and received a confirmation. The man sighed and motioned them through the door in the house.

Once inside, Hector checked again for any unwanted guests before closing the doors. Then he realized that there was no lighting inside. ''I could swear that one torch was lit.'' That prompted Igneous to lit his fist, acting as a human torch. ''That's better now. Oi! Iona! Why is it dark here?'' He called and another door to the back opened. Out came a young girl with long-braided sandy hair, blue eyes with the same cloak that hid her figure.

''Blame yourself and your indolence. I had to make my own light in the back.'' And only two persons in the room could figure what that meant. ''And do you think I can work while simultaneously keeping an eye on that guest?'' Iona asked peevishly. And then she noticed the other guests. ''Oh. G-Good evening.'' She greeted bashfully, caught off-guard she hadn't noticed them while reprimanding the oldest in the room.

''Alright, alright. Bite my head off, will you.'' Hector responded nonchalantly earning him a glare. He probably interrupted her work. She can be pretty focused. ''I'm telling your grandmother if you do.''

Iona let unladylike snort and turned to go finish her task at hand. ''I will note you when I am done.'' She left, but didn't close the door behind.

Hector scratched his head. ''She has a real temper on her. How are they even...'' Now that he thought about it, he had no real room to talk either. Back to the current matter now. ''Right. There has been some change of plans. It includes you Igneous, and also the other one.'' Before the rusty-haired man could ask, Hector went to a room Iona left and returned with a bound and gagged man. The man was unconscious.

''That's the ambassador of Alvarez!'' Sepius gasped. How did he even end up here. And how did they captured him from Marcinius' Villa. The other gladiators were confused, since they haven't officially seen the man. Was he that important?

''I do not remember seeing him. How could he have escaped our grasp?'' Igneous muttered. He was angry at himself mostly. If Hector didn't capture him on time, he would have alerted the Conlinia's authorities and that would bring more armed men at Marcinius' gates. What a disaster would that be. He was careless and the anger showed, both at his face and when fire on his hand started burning intensely.

Hector was quick to calm the younger man. ''Do not blame yourself for this. His capture was the work of common associate.'' He offered him a smile. ''You couldn't have known.''

Taking a deep breath, Igneous relaxed his nerves. ''Still, my oversight could have cost us gravely.'' He then smiled regretfully. ''If Hannibal was here, he would have a day of his life.'' Good thing that it wasn't, he would chose Hector any day.

''It all turned out right.'' Hector then joked a little. ''And the stickler would just yell until you go deaf.'' He waved his hand, no worries at all. ''You will be going on a trip, shall we say. I will take your work from here.'' He glanced at the other gladiators in disguise. ''I trust you can follow me like you followed Igneous here. I assure that I'm very reliable.''

Kastos accepted, he couldn't actually refuse. ''Igneous trusts you. So shall we.'' That was sufficient for him.

The man in cloak hummed in agreement. Easy as a midnight stroll. ''Then it's settled. If you would guard the Prefect for now. I need Igneous to assign a new task. And if you feel hungry, there's food in that bag by the table.'' He and Igneous went deeper to the house, Hector carrying ambassador on his shoulder and Igneous lighting the torch on the wall before following. Weren't they to wait until Iona calls them?

And so Kastos remained with others behind. They set Prefect on the chair and divided their duties. Maradus would guard the door as a precaution, Kastos keeps watch on Sepius, Aulus and Sevius distributed the food. Like some soldiers in the Legion honestly.

XxX

''What does this change of plans entail?'' Igneous couldn't but wonder out loud. They were standing in a back room that was more spacious then the first part of the house. Iona was drawing symbols around the circle on the ground, a small lantern that had a bluish glow instead of oil and fire next to her.

''Well, I'm not really the best to explain. It includes politics, but don't bother yourself with it too much.'' Hector explained succinctly, still holding the foreign emissary as a sack.

The strange thing for Igneous was, what were they doing here, instead of giving him a mount and a location to proceed. ''Why are we waiting then?'' Did it have to do with Iona's writings on the floor?

Hector only smirked, this is gonna be good. ''For your transportation of course.'' At the gladiators lost face, he pointed at Iona. ''That scrabble Iona is making will bring you to the designated location. What, you expected a horseride?''

Igneous scowled at Hector's jesting. ''I see.'' They were either sending him far and had to make it so quickly. ''Such magic implementation is impressive. You have my gratitude for your work Iona.'' He addressed her directly for the first time.

The girl staggered in her work slightly from the praise, but quickly composed. ''I'm only doing what was taught to me.'' She stood straight examining her work, looking for any mistakes. It won't be good for this to backfire on her. The light in her lamp gave out. ''Curses!'' Damn that Hector for being stingy with the torches.

The light returned immediately as Igneous stood closer to provide it. ''Better?'' The girl jumped slightly at his proximity.

''Y-Yes, gratitude. Good to know that you are not like some here.'' Sandy haired girl said with accusatory tone to Hector, who was not even listening, but staring at the ceiling. She sighed at the sloth and turned fully to Igneous to give him a basic run-down of what's to come next. ''This magic is made recently and only being tested a few times. Successfully I might add.'' She spoke proudly.

''Since you will be traveling quite the distance, we need someone with great reserves of power in order to manage that.'' She pointed at Hector. ''He is here for that. You both have vast reserves and I can't think of a number to compare against mine.'' From what she knows, Hector and Igneous stand as titans compared to her. This magic is not even the tip of the iceberg. All the thing that could be used for in the future...

Understandable, but despite his power, Igneous could never think of a design like this. ''Yes, but a good warrior cannot use a tool without a good forger to provide such tool.''

Iona smiled, feeling flattered at his praise and comparison. ''We are of the same group, it is natural I suppose. To help and work for each other.'' Maybe she shouldn't have said it like that. Hector slowly brought his gaze down and was looking at her with an unreadable expression. ''Everything is fine. We shouldn't keep the other side waiting.'' Hector passed the prisoner to Igneous who held him the same way as before.

Igneous stood inside the circle with Iona and Hector holding hands above the scripture. It started to glow pale green as Hector supplied his magic for a long-haul. ''Best of luck.'' Iona sent him off with the words that Igneous nodded and disappeared in a flash. Not bad. It took ten seconds, according to Iona's counting. There would be room for improvement.

'' 'Best of luck?' '' It was inevitable it seems. ''Had you gave him a parting kiss, it would have amplified his luck.'' Two thing happened next. Iona blushed in, mostly, anger and kicked Hector in the shin. The results were not in her gain unfortunately. She was crouching and holding her, now throbbing in pain, right foot. ''You know I wear shin protection, but you still decide to lash out.''

The blue-eyed, young sorceress stood up and started walking away with a limp of her foot. ''Arse.'' She huffed out.

Shaking head in exasperation he made to the gladiators waiting in the first room. Women like Iona were just trouble. Good thing she eyed Igneous. ''Good indeed. I don't want to talk to her about the loving granddaughter's taste in men.'' No way. Totally not his problem.

XxX

Igneous expected to appear in a dark cave, forest or any other place. He did not expect white marble walls, and pillars with decorative silver. The room was well lit with four lanterns. Admiring the architecture aside, where the in the blazes have they sent him?! Holding his prisoner on the left shoulder, he quickly spun and summoned a gladius, pointing it at the man standing behind. The tip was pressed at the persons neck.

Said person had green eyes, dark hair bent backwards, shorter on the sides and was looking at him with a smile. ''I suppose Hector left out some details.'' He moved the sword away with two fingers. ''Welcome to Tibrus my friend. It has been some time.'' He added pleasantly. ''Good to see that your skills are at their apex.''

Not many can keep calm and speak with such tone after avoiding possible decapitation. This man on the other hand. ''Leonidas...'' And did he say Tibrus?!

I have a very, very good excuse for a long absence. Simple really-winter semester final exams. I finished all three, maybe not like I hoped, but it's done and now I'm free 'til the end of February. Hooray!

More time to write, hang out or just chill out. Life's good until March starts. Then it's back to irregulars.

All your opinions and thoughts review or PM to me and I'll respond with hast. Honestly, there is not much to do, I can be a good conversationalist. Don't be afraid, I don't bite, like at all.

Seventh chapter is already in the making with the headline. Here goes...

On second thought, I ain't telling ya. Bye for now, Axel needs to catch some Zs. ;)