Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail and probably never will. If that were the case, many other outstanding stories would outshine the original. Or at the very least, made the plot more interesting than it is/was. That's where FanFiction comes into play! Let's have some fun here! Historical references and any other elements that I use in my story are borrowed and do not necessarily correspond with facts we know today.
Indomitable Heart
Chapter 13: Marching Forward
When you are hiding from people who would want nothing but to unleash unspeakable horrors upon you, have your very flesh deformed and twisted so much that you started begging for quick, sweet death's embrace; what is it that you do in the first place? You hide. You skulk, and just about anything to keep out of plain sight. Cover yourself in shit if you have to and lie still as a rock. An ordinary, everyday, unsuspecting rock.
That might have been fine if only one or two, possibly three escapees were trying to pass by as nothing more than leaves that overlap the forest floor. No, when you have an entire company of colorful, liberated slaves each of varying background and ethnicity, that is when things get less than ideal.
Situated in a hilly slopes around eight miles from Conlinia, with an early dawn looming upon them, the huddled group was divided into small sections not unlike having a picnic but organized enough not to draw any unwanted attention. The newly joined gladiators from Antius' school didn't as much as bat an eye on their newfound freedom when Ganicus and Kastos brought them up to speed with current state of affairs.
However, the fact that the leader of the rebellion, the well-known Hellhound Igneous being a wielder of spell was another thing. Rhaskos, the bald and the boldGalian set himself as the representative of the rivaling Ludus' members soon as they made a brake.
And as such, he was bound to demand a thorough explanation on what in Gods' names did he just witness hours ago in those dusty streets. Try as he might, Ganicus couldn't help but feel as if he was trying to explain to a rookie on how to properly handle a sword... Or to convince a toddler that 'cock' and 'magic' should never be used in the same sentence. Unless, of course, one can prove the truth behind said aver.
''Now do you understand?'' The dark-blonde dimachaerus would wish he didn't ask.
Giving his chrome-dome a rub, Rhaskos denied. ''No..!'' And how in blazes could he? Gladiators revolting, hostages, magic, flying fireballs, the Sun's fucking chariots descending?! It was all too much for a simple fighter like him. ''... Fuck no. All of this happened too quickly, and in the guise of fucking night. Igneous was... This whole time he-wha... What in Gods was that?!'' He had so many questions, and under joint pressure of how inconceivable most of them are, he reacted in a way befitting a man that is a hot-blooded and boorish. He snapped.
The Galian's outburst brought a lot of eyes on the two conversationalist, and Ganicus had to withhold a displeasure crossing his face at the lack of tact. ''I don't hold all the answers. Yes, he is a Magus and no, I cannot begin to fathom what that was.'' He was, admittedly, Igneous' closest friend, an accomplishment he is damn proud of, but even he failed to perceive what exactly went underneath the red-headed gladiator's exterior. Hiding the fact that he is a man of spell is a moot point by now.
Rhaskos' mug was caught between bewilderment and detestation. For the reasons obvious to everyone's' grandmother. ''Tch,'' he sneered, mumbling to a side, ''it would certainly explain the prodigious skill.'' The look that Ganicus was giving him on hearing the surreptitious mockery didn't fly by the man. ''What? Do not tell me you believe his prowess stems from gladiator's training alone?''
Of course he didn't. The dimachaerus knew that very well. So, how would he put it to simplest and most unambiguous terms that Igneous was on their side, not planning to back-stab them or suck the life out of them, or maybe harvest their bodyparts and organs? Then an idea struck his morning-fatigued brain. ''Hector, would you mind educating ou-...? Oh...''
''Zzzz... zzzz...''
Sweet, shapely tits of Aphrodite, the man was sprawled on the grassy gradient, lightly snoring without any worries in the world.
This time Ganicus did let the annoyed grunt past his mouth. In his quick search for alternatives, his sky coloured eyes settled on the next best thing. ''Little thing.'' Bingo. ''Iona?'' He called out his fellow countrywoman (to an extent) knowing she was close enough to hear the talking despite her apparent best attempts to tune down most of it.
''...''
''...?''
What the hell is with everyone?! Sure, it's understandable that some people are a tad worn-down in the early morning hours, but this was getting ridiculous. ''I can appreciate good amount of humour but now is not the time...'' Ganicus talked through strained cheer, he had a two hundred pounds of impatient meat to convince here and all of a sudden everyone were giving him a cold shoulder. Now he regrets having to send Kastos and Massinius to fetch water from the nearby stream.
''...''
Again nothing. The girl was awake, that much he can tell. Her expression was what troubled him. She was just starring in an empty space. Deep in thoughts or not, Iona really hadn't picked the best of times to be brooding.
''You won't find any use in her.'' When Ganicus meant to try once more, another voice interrupted him. Irritating voice he wished he didn't have to deal with, not now not ever. Circumstances were certainly not favourable either. Dolusius, if that was even his real name, was standing in the vicinity of the conversation. Not by his own will, the majority of Igneous' inner circle of allies agreed that he is to be hand-bound and closely kept watch by at least another person.
Suffice to say, that the shrewd man was less than pleased with his current treatment. Iona and Hector were of no help. They figured in all their logical lore that there's no loss if they wait for Igneous to return and then he could shed more light on the next course of action. Massinius wasn't gentle at all when tying the ropes around his wrists. ''Damn, it stings...''
''Hah,'' Ganicus composed himself again, ''your voice has no worth here. Seize that tongue, snake, or I will see it tied along with your limbs.''
Dolusius snorted in amusement at the dimachaerus' threat. ''Brave Ganicus ever the fool...'' The jab was meant to gain the gladiator's attention and it did so marvelously, as Ganicus half-glared at him from where he stood six paces away with Rhaskos. ''For all that I have done for you, I think I am at least entitled of a better treatment than this.'' The Crypteian agent raised his roped hands to emphasize.
''Who is this prater?'' Rhaskos inquired, peeved that the unwanted party got involved in his quest for answers.
''No one of note.'' Ganicus sighed in exasperation, but it was too late since he already fell for it and now there's no stopping it...
The flood couldn't be stopped from spilling out of sly snake's mouth. ''Who am I, the man who cannot even tell season dares asks.'' Rhaskos' eyes flashed with incoming fury yet it did nothing to intimidate the intended target. ''I am the one who always watches, the one that knows you better than you might imagine. Do you honestly think your little 'rebellion' would be left undiscovered by prying sight had I not sealed the gates preventing unnecessary escapes?'' He directed the question to Ganicus whose only reaction was to frown. So he had suspicions at least.
No matter, that was barely the tip of the iceberg. ''... Or has it ever occurred how your retreat from Conlinia went without impeding predicament?''
''Igneous is the one who-...''
''...-Igneous is not the only to claim laurels of victory!'' The outburst resonated through the quaint hiding place making even Hector to peer at them from his prone position but kept himself from commenting, and he quickly turned back to catch some more invaluable shuteye. Iona blinked rapidly at the mention of the name, slightly startled by sudden loud outburst.
Taking a deep breath, Dolusius continued not caring of the consequences his yell might have caused. ''The blockade of Marcinius' Ludus, disposal of Petronius' body, Senator Antius' presence in Conlinia; the doing of my group. The warning of ambush you received beforehand; my doing, again.'' He watched, silently enjoying the widening of eyes around him. Those he could and could not see, it didn't matter. He was on quite the roll.
''Do you understand? Can you comprehend the magnitude of sacrifices, resources and things that had to be done, all in favour of elevating the odds of your success?! The Gods themselves could not have thought of a better ploy, we ar-GUUH!'' The ranting was stopped by a carefully planted heel to the side of his chin.
As Ganicus slowly lowered his right, uninjured leg. ''Listen well,'' grabbing the groaning man by the front of his woolen cloth, Ganicus made sure to wait a few seconds so that little snake might recover some bearings, once that was over he whispered down onto the dazed fool, ''I could care less about what exploit you had to undertake in the shadows of whatever rat-hole you crawl about... Remember this, it is us whose strength you and your group reached for, not the other way. It is us who spilled precious blood to grab hold of deserved freedom, not you.''
At the mention of blood, the same red liquid began trailing down from Dolusius' mouth down his chin and stopping at the bottom of his throat. He knew that there was in the mercy of the Hellenian gladiator. He wouldn't be getting any help either, if judging by the way Hector remained unmoving, the prick.
''... It was you who made the path more bearable, but we would have run through the locusts of Bellatorians even without your precious aid. Now, I advise you stay from the light of business. The gladiator business.'' Ganicus finished and not so graciously dropped the trickster on the ground from the half-raised position he was in only thanks to his steely grip.
Spitting the small blob of blood it builded in his mouth, Dolusius wiped his face clumsily. ''The reckoning days will be upon soon...'' Seeing as how Ganicus' shoulders heaved in frustration, he decided he vented enough with that one kick. ''Have you ever wondered why your great leader took the burden of liberating you lot on his shoulders?''
''If I strike lower, will I crush your tongue?'' Ganicus said in a scholar's tone, the theory beginning to sound so appealing to him.
Dolusius couldn't but release a good puckish chuckle. ''Act ignorant to your heart's desire. One day, you will come to realize the true face Hellhound Igneous has been trying to conceal from plain sight.'' He spoke through bloodied teeth, deposing of another tainted spit. Idiots, the lot of them. He had to hand it to the redheaded gladiator though. To keep the secret for four years, that was something indeed...
By now it looked as another potential spat could form between the disagreeing parties, the outcome bringing more harm than good to the very fragile bond in the midst of runaways. Iona choose to become invested in keeping it whole, since nobody seemed to care. ''Is too much to ask that you both admit neither is wrong and proclaim truce?'' The female healer suggested to a belligerent sides. ''If temporarily?'' She offered further.
Both males exchanged looks, Ganicus gave a reserved shrug that Dolusius copied, along with an added bonus in the guise of a spit. The dimachaerus really knows how to plant a solid kick.
The braided healer sighed lightly, taking it as some universal sign of compliance. That by itself was stretching it, she can already imagine this wouldn't be the last time those two came at odds... ''What?'' She responded to Dolusius' expectant face.
''Perhaps a shred of compassion,'' he asked hopefully, indicating his cut, ''for your beloved cousin.'' He flashed a smile. He had no idea just how repulsive it looked, coupled with that face...
Iona rolled her eyes at her cousin's request. Glancing at the retreating back of Ganicus and Rhaskos, she dug in her supply pouch to take out a...
''A rag?'' He eyed the offending item like it was mocking him.
The younger Colchis didn't see what the big problem was. ''Yes. Your face is filthy, rags are used for cleaning.'' She spoke as if giving a lecture to a sniffling kid who can't wipe his nose properly. ''But if you wish it to remain so, then...'' The moment she started retreating the piece of cloth was when her cousin quickly snatched it. Grumbling all the way, he put the item to its proper use.
''How long do you intend to wear that mask?'' The light blonde inquired the man sitting next to her. It was over, and the whole Dolusius, Drusus or whatever fake persona that he conjured for the task was no longer needed. Yet he still decided against pulling it off.
The disguised man paused in cleaning his partly ruined face, glancing around the people nearest to them. Satisfied that most have diverted attention n to whatever they were doing prior to Ganicus' and his little chat, he handed the handkerchief back to his kin. ''Why, is this new visage of mine that repulsive for the eyes of delicate maiden?'' He teased Iona. And as per usual, she did her whole 'cute glare and huff' deed.
''Laertes...''
And resorting to a first name basis to show she wasn't in a mood to listen to his pack of witticism. Such was his cousin. ''Lower voice here, little cousin. We are in rather fickle environment... And I imagine it will become even more prominent as time passes.''
His underlining words didn't go unnoticed by her. She didn't like the understatement hiding beneath the worrysome advice. ''When will you cease treating my as if I might brake at the slightest of touches?'' She hissed in his ear. ''I am no longer that small, imprudent girl from the past!'' The harsh tone was well covered under her breath, but the weight was all the same.
''If it were my decision, then never.'' Is what he would have preferred. She should have stayed behind where its safe in the sanctuary and in her stead be placed another one with more years in their pocket. Iona was a damn good healer, one of the best Crypteia had. The knowledge of herbology, human body and magic under her belt were more than enough to make her a valuable partner to have. Still, it didn't help soothe his protectiveness.
''Ganicus and the rest might fail to take note, but I know the reason for despondence you carried like a banner since we left that accursed city... I know you far better than that.'' Laertes scolded his relative. He knew, that deep inside no matter what professional or indifferent facade she tries to put, that Iona was a gentle person at heart. She would not kill, she didn't have it in her. No guts or courage to commit such an act as is taking the life of another. It fitted her role perfectly, always a healer never a killer. ''Curses, grandmother, why have you allowed her outside?''
Feeling an assault on her personality, the girl's practiced defense mechanisms sprung up to protect subconsciously. ''I don't know what you refer to...'' In spite of putting as much frost in her voice, it did nothing to dissuade her cousin. He was the trickster and master of disguise, an Aite personified! Given human male form, that is.
Shaking his head wearily, Laertes reached her shoulder with his both hands only to have her scoot away. This was getting him nowhere. She was in denial, and without another subject to divert her attention from his previous critique she'll soon give him a silence treatment. Woe has a name and today was his turn. ''On another unrelated note, what are your thoughts of Igneous?''
The brief stiffening under her cape, and her face contorting to avoid a gasp in surprise were a telltale signs that he might have stumbled upon an interesting discovery. ''Ahh.''
'Ahh' most definitely wasn't good. It was downright horrible, and it spelled disaster if the one holding the cards was this particular kinsman. Unlike a certain someone, the-witch-that-shan't-be-named, Laertes wasn't a blabbermouth that would talk and talk for a whole day before he grows tired and leaves the matter for another time. Preferably the next few months until new argument arises.
No, he was worse, he kept you in this imaginary barrier of his own making and just tossed you these small glimpses that he held all the answers in the whole wide world, feeding you just enough to let you remain in his mercy but not to a point where one could so easily severe the ties and have the subject over. That's how cruel Laertes Colchis was to his own family... And whoever catches his interest.
After a minute of contemplation, she decided for the best way out of his proverbial spider's web. ''He is a brave person, loyal to the cause.'' She nodded whilst listing. ''Commander Agiads has chosen wisely to draught him to Crypteia.''
He knew she was giving him crumbs of information. Too bad that there is more than one way of intel gathering that Iona wasn't aware of. Bad for her. ''Hmm, I have witnised his performance in the walls of the Lusdus and upon the sands many times. The young man is an able-bodied warrior if nothing.'' From the corner of his eyes he saw the girl giving each agreement with small humm. ''It is a thing known that gladiators are boisterous, their training is a quite the arduous task even for any ordinary person. Life of a gladiator might appear harsh at first glance, but those that have proven themselves worthy enough are privileged with rather luxurious privileges...''
''Mhmm...''
Getting closer.
''My own position as Lanista's assistant has brought knowledge on the entirety structure of trade as well as glimpses into the 'Brotherhood'. Champions, like Igneous, are valued as the most prized possession one Lanista can acquire...''
''I see...'' Iona absorbed all the information like a good student, always eager to learn.
Just a little more.
''... And it should be of no surprise how women of the Ludus valued his presence at nights. Warm bed, their joined grunts as the beast that is Hellhound forces himself inside!'' He finished, hiding his grin behind his knuckles. ''Of course, such a thing is given to whoever holds the honoured position.''
''. ..ll h.r. you.''
''Hmm? What was tha-... He-Hey!'' When he turned to marvel at her stunned expression, never did he expect that it would be him who will face a stun. ''C-Careful, little cousin. You would never use spell to bring me harm?'' Even if not nearly as potent in the delicate hands like Iona's, it still has enough power to leave him bruised for a week. Translation; it stung like a bitch. Laertes so didn't want to add magically inflicted wound to already physical one in such a short span of time.
She stopped, tilting her head as if thinking her actions over. It didn't take long to reach a conclusion. ''You are right...'' He smiled in relief for a moment, but she didn't give him a complete version. ''... Yet I am a healer, and as such I can cause the pain to flee. I always wanted to try this new concoction on magical injuries.'' She gave him one sincere smile and pointed a single brilliant finger at him. ''Gratitude for offering your body... dear cousin.''
Laertes knew he was in deep. But a good trickster, a smart one never gives up. In accordance to that fact... ''Igneous, you return alive!'' A split second was all he needed to spring on his feet and back away...
''Auff!''
... Only to find himself face first into a dirt he had been sitting on in the next instant.
The trickster has been tricked. Tricked and his mischief foiled, by a lone outstretched foot that in a sudden jerk reaction responded accordingly to a waking Hector. His latent survival instincts kicking in, the chestnut-haired wind wielder was brought from the pleasant dreams-cape of a beautiful beach, two trees and a hammock. The scenery was gone as soon as he opened his eyes.
Peering around in silent alert, Hector established that this was certainly not his ideal vacation place. There was no beach, no hammock and the trees were all scattered in the highlands of Campania. ''What time is it?'' It stunk like dawn...
The nearest neighbors which consisted of Argos and Kore saw everything perfectly in the first breaching rays of sun. Even though the spear wielding gladiator was lacking energy to outright laugh in a typical uproaring manner, his stomach hurt so much he had to lie down else he might regurgitate something nasty. Kore, the sympathetic soul Gods bless her, had enough dignity to stiffle her giggles and not rat anything to a returning Ganicus.
''What has happened?'' Asked the dual swordsman, he had a feeling that he missed something very hilarious. Unfortunately for him, Kore simply dismissed any notion of it, leaving Ganicus to pout slightly at being deprived of his fair share of fun. Leaving the matter aside for now, he turned attention to now wide awake, stretching Hector and his two partners. ''The seething animal has been placated for the time being, yet I fear for how long it might last.'' He metaphorically referred to Rhaskos.
Laertes regained his bearings, quickly standing up and keeping a safe distance from his peevish cousin. ''Then let us be on our way. We stood waiting Igneous' return far enough.'' He briskly reasoned, for all intents and purposes if the idiot can't find them then they'll just have to carry on without him. They were a runaways officially, standing in one place like a sitting ducks was bad tactic.
The major opposition in the chain of command had a different opinion, however. ''Not a soul has noticed our whereabouts. Holding the departure for a bit more won't hurt.''
''You cannot honestly expect it to remain so for such duration.'' Laertes laughed at the dimachaerus' adamance. ''Each passing moment wasted could mean the loss of precious advantage we hold over our Bellatorian adversaries. Use that damn head of yours, Ganicus, and see fucking reason in words!'' Because reality and a fool's hope were two different things. And right now, it was in their best interest to leave any potential pursuers behind their backs.
The dark blonde gladiator knew, oh did he knew all that. He was aware that what they were doing was a big gamble, and yet wasn't that the case since the rebellion started? Choosing between trusting your friend and a right thing to do was a heavier burden than he imagined. When Tadius died, he didn't find himself caring enough. Sure, he mourned in passing and drank in his name, but life went on. Now, outside of Ludus, where they would be faced to make choices and sacrifices like never before in captivity... It weighed heavy on one's mind, body and soul.
''Is this what it means to live free?'' The silent doubt crawled forth from whatever dark crevice of Ganicus' mind. When he was a child, it didn't held meaning like it does now. Bonds, friendship, for the first time in a while he was free to pick whatever path he saw fit, and perhaps he could... ''No, no!'' He gave an ardent mental reprimand. This is different, he was of different disposition than his past self. ''Argos,'' he addressed the sitting hoplomachus, ''find Sevius and Iovis. Spread the words, have the others prepare.''
The man in question rolled his shoulders, and hearing the popping in the back, he sighed in satisfaction. ''Alright, alright... I will see it done.'' He gave Kore a friendly nod and trudged away. Finally, his arse was starting to ache from all this lingering.
Hearing the rustling of armoured plates behind, Ganicus turned to see Hector making his way towards him. It never ceased to amaze the gladiator on how a man of such lazy character can be considered to be a level above Igneous. Sure he can do some manner of wind manipulation, but does controlling the breeze has any useful purpose in real battle. ''You disagree with my standing?''
The man raised a brow, the one with a scar above. ''Of course not. You made the sound decision by ordering we leave yet with bountful of time for our common friend to reunite with the group.'' The Crypteian resident slacker gave a nonchalant shrug. ''If the worst does manifest we make our stand in the glorious battle for freedom, knowing we gave lives to a higher cause.''
This guy was... weird for the lack of a better term. His mannerism, the way he spoke, like he has seen it all and that another bloody battle was nothing new to him. It made Ganicus wonder what kind of people Igneous hanged around with before his gladiatorial career. Come to think of it... ''You know what that 'light' was?'' If he was ever going to get some plausible answers, now might be the only chance when they are not that busy with planning ahead.
Hector poked his inner cheek with tongue, making the skin on the other side protrude some. ''How much are you familiar with Hellenian history?''
Question answered with another question. What a piece of work was this man. But sure, he'll indulge if that's what it takes to get a decent response. ''To an extent that 'Hellenia' is merely a Bellatorian term for the lands once comprised of many kingdoms.''
''Ohoh! Very wise, young Ganicus!'' His mood taking a joyous turn, the warrior of Crypteia clapped a calloused hand on the gladiator's right shoulder. ''Indeed, the old homeland was once divided into a number of separate domains. Four stood out as the most prominent.'' His smile took a strange edge Ganicus could only assume was a form of wilful capriciousness.
''There was Colchia,'' Hector turned to the two siblings, Iona was packing whatever rations she had undone, and Laertes pretended not to eavesdrop, ''they had the best scholars and philosophers. Some claim that Colchian high court had many secrets hidden from common folk. Ancient knowledge, medicine, magic...''
''Hn.''
He ignored the derisive snort from the fabricator in the back and continued to impart wisdom on the young man. ''Then there were Troia and Attica, ohh, the fierce rivalry those two upheld... Hmm, and the last one was Lacedaemonia.'' No one missed how he refused to divulge much about the aforementioned two countries. ''... There were warriors living in those lands, yes. The entire purpose of each Lacedaemonian was to be as battle-prepared as possible. Hard training from early youth, fierce discipline, unqestionable loyalty, yes, those were the men who valued strenght above else.''
''And yet they were promptly defeated and conquered like the rest of the kingdoms.'' Ganicus couldn't but add an ironical snip in Hector's narrative of their grandeur. If they were so great, Bellatoria wouldn't have them on the run, defeated and many people enslaved. Himself included.
Hector didn't show any kind of disapproval of Ganicus pointing flaws in his lecture, what more, he smiled genuinely as he continued to weave out the tales of three decades distant past. ''Haha, never did I claimed them invincible, have I?''
Once more, Ganicus found that certain facts didn't add up to the story, so he picked to push the matter further. ''I can understand that much,'' he paused to wave a hand, to indicate the existence of the others present, ''what I cannot ever understand is; what part do you people have in that story?''
''Most excellent question.'' Hector nodded his head sagely. ''One that is deserving of an answer by someone with more rectitude than myself,'' the estranged Hellenian opened his mouth to ask why, only to have the Troian native shush him with a stern shake of head, ''you will come to learn one day that... the truth bears the blackest of sins. Now tell me, does the name 'Helios' sound familiar?''
In time that took Ganicus to rack his brain, his formless archive, the Colchis siblings had a very distinct reactions to Hector's allusion.
Iona silently gasped and she seemed likely to return to her former trance-like state when Ganicus left them alone briefly.
For Laertes, on the other hand. ''Rules, remember the fucking rules...'' The disguised illusionist growled in testiness. It was a simple set of instructions on what Crypteia's members should definitely not do when out of premises. One such included the amount of information they could safely divulge to the outsiders. Those not belonging to the clandestine agglomerate.
''Ah, yes, the rules...'' The man drawled and looked at Ganicus, a little sheepish at forgetting. Well, in his opinion, he wasn't that close to breaching the code of conduct... Ah, what can you do? ''My apologies, it would seem I overreached...'' Totally not, but it won't do him any good to start a new verbal quarel. It was morning for Gods sake! And adding more stress to the starting of the day is bad for health.
''Leader returns!''
''Igneous lives!''
The Hellenian quartet quickly put aside the exchange, some slower than others, and strided to the forepart of the cluster where a good dozen of gladiators were gathered in line not too dissimilar to a mini-parade. Not that the comparison would be entirely wrong in this situation.
''Gods fuck me, this man is imperishable...'' Sevius muttered from the sides in disbelieve. Did he, one man, Magus or not, seriously fought a bunch of Conlinia's city guard and came out victorious? All evidences pointed to the obvious.
Here he was, Igneous, flaming red hair reflecting the burning rays of sun, his former armour exchanged for a more conservative and inconspicuous big gray cloak with cowl, almost completely concealing his body. If he hadn't spotted Massinius and Kastos sneaking about, carrying waterskins, he might've spent precious hours searching for the exact location in these indistinguishable hills.
''Brothers,'' he said with minor strained breath, ''and sisters, I return to you free, as I have promised.'' He pointedly looked at Kastos and Ganicus. The burly man met his gaze half-way before shifting eyes lower to stare at an unspecified spot. The Galian was humbled and a little ashamed for doubting. Again. But his pride as a man refused to show any more signs of embarrassment than he already did.
Ganicus smirked and nudged the heavier man to the side, with Kastos muttering disgruntled 'fine, fine...' and putting a couple of profanities for good measure. Whatever that was about?
Sighing in an attempt to buy a few seconds, Igneous met the expecting looks of a gathered crowd in front of him. Most were standing at attention, waiting, wanting for any command to be issued. It brought a familiar memory of the day before yesterday. His lip threatening to pull up, Igneous broke the action by once more speaking. ''It is with great pleasure that I bring news of our latest triumph. The Arena, a place of countless deaths has been burned to the ground.''
Many 'whats' and 'hows' immediately exploded from the mouths of the liberated men and women alike. There were many that expressed awe and wonderment over such a feat being possible.
Extending his both hands forward, gathering enough concentration, two vermilion fireballs took shape in the redhead's palms. Antius' former batch reacted predictably by taking a step back. Those once belonging to Marcinius' Ludus, more used to such sight, merely blinked in a muted marvel. ''The Bellatorians,'' he indicated his dominant right hand, ''and the rest of us, whose beating hearts suffer the same fate, accepting scorn and lash because we were taught to accept it!'' Each lasting sylable turned to searing snarl in his voice as the left burning orb representing those enslaved shrunk in half.
The grim reality fell upon them as the true colours of slave's faces were shown. Always straight, fake smiles and flimsy approvals to their masters. ''I will not have it so... There once stood a time when I, too, was lost in the madness of this Way of life. Their way...'' He spat the words like the most disgusting of things one can ever find in their mouth. The incoming tide of foul preaching made the left fireball lose and brought it on the brink of fading. ''I cared for nothing but surviving to see the next day, it didn't matter who had to die, who I killed, nor who stood on the other side...''
The trio from Crypteia offered the solemn inclination of their heads. Hector closed his eyes, was he praying or just thinking some stray thought, it mattered little. Iona's nails dug into her palms that it was a miracle no blood came out. Even Laertes, who gave his best to keep a straight face, narrowed his lids taking the more grisly appearance.
''But that has changed when I was given the opportunity of redemption. A second chance... Yet what good was that if all of you were denied such blessing? At last, here I am, speaking to you as a man, your equal. And I ask of you to lend me your strength,'' the tiny sphere of flames was joined by another and another and then another as their number grew to resemble a swarm of wandering fireflies, ''one of us, no matter his power by itself is not enough. But if we were to join that effort, to show them that our trembling hands cam become fists! In the past days, you have all beared witness to just what can we accomplish, you saw how vulnerable they were!''
Indeed, they have all seen how the high standing Bellatorians in Marcinius' Villa looked upon their captors with fear, anxiety that their lives could be forfeited at any moment. The idea that a slave must know his place was challenged after so long, the feeling of superiority from oppression was... liberating. Invigorating even.
The amount of hovering sparks has far outmatched the single one in the right hand, it now appeared so minuscule than seconds ago. ''To those formerly of Justus Antius' Ludus I extend the same offer... join us. Together, we shall see our enemies quake at the very names and mere thoughts of us marching!'' The 'many' on his left hand steadily consumed the right 'Republic' until Igneous finished his speech with a resounding clap.
First came the flash, then came voice. ''For Igneous, for us!'' One amongst the crowd broke through, even if the redheaded gladiator knew exactly who, he let it come as more sounds of eager, high-spirited people sprung from the depths of once smouldered throats.
''The rebellion!''
''Fucking kill them all!''
''Bellatorian cunts!''
Igneous paused to bask in the the sea of noises, the raising flames burning even more brightly in their hearts like never before. His sharp ears only added to the effect, stimulating his own blood to boil in excitement. Pumping his clenched fist in the air he let it out. ''REBELLION, FORWARD!''
Animals and all other manners of creatures lingering in the late Autumn's equinox, none were spared by the vicious battle cheer of freedom. Now, it can truly begin, the next step ahead...
Laertes was one of those not so easily shaken by the man's boast. Actions speak louder than words, after all. He noticed in his peripherals, ignoring the incessant noise. ''We shall see, won't we...'' Iona was so immersed in the speech she now resembled that wide-eyed curious girl he used to show new things whenever he could. Some better times those were. And as for his other companion... ''If anything, they are not lacking vigor...'' Even though the words left his mouth, he remained rather skeptical. It was in his nature to second-guess before making the conclusion.
''Come now, you could show a bit of fervency here.'' Hector suggested good-naturedly.
It made Laertes turn to him like he was crazy. ''Fervency? Words falling from your mouth?'' Of all the people he knew, he was the last one to talk about such things. It felt so wrong coming from Hector, the man widely known for his lack of enthiusiasm. Despite his working ethics, he rarely ever let anything resembling a proper acclamation most of the times.
To Laertes' immense satisfaction, Hector managed an effort to appear guilty. But that was straining it, for those who didn't have a good eye for details, it might have passed as nothing more than a temporary face-teak.
True to Igneous' words of encouragement, this was the second and likely the only chance at redemption that he can share with these people. There were no turning back unless some obnoxious fool was feeling suicidal. This was a capital crime in the eyes of Republic. Everyone, from nobles to commoners knew the punishment – death. The forthcoming months will be the filled with trials fate throws at them. But they will fight, they will stand firm, no matter the loses suffered, lives on the balance, they will know only one direction. Forward. One simple instruction that will make them the force to be reckoned with.
XxX
It was long past early morning in Conlinia. The great city, often bustling with life on the streets, chattering and yelling of bargaining merchants were largely absent. Replaced with shouting and heaving tones of orders being given close to the center.
The reason? A great column of smoke that was once a battlegrounds meant for citizens to enjoy and relish in the fighting sport that was gladiator's bouts. It was an eerie picture, the great pillar comprised of blacks and grays seen on the dreariest of cloudy days stood about, blocking parts of the sun rays.
''Good Gods...''
''Jupiter and Juno protect us...''
It caused quite a stir with the local populous. Never before have they been presented with something so grand, dark and plain old something that can come from the scary bedtime stories for naughty children.
''Alright, you lot, nothing to see here! Move on!'' Of course there were those who had enough wits and also a duty to not be rooted to a spot and watch the revolving matter. The handful of remaining Conlinian guards were dispatched throughout various key points in the city to maintain order and kepp an eye out for anything suspicious. They were ordered to not actively search for any escaped slaves because the forces were thinned as they are already.
Lacking manpower was primary concern. With not enough hands for the job, volunteers were given work in trying to calm the fires from completely eradicating the proud symbol of architecture. Some had slaves from the market to do the carrying and heavy lifting, they were used to get near the epicenter of fire and throw buckets of water while trying to spot if there were any surviving members inside. There were none.
There was no actual casualty report, but the new acting chief of the force, Titus Epagatus, once a humble middle-ranking officer estimated it to be around fifty. With additional reports coming in about a servile uprising from the two prominent gladiator schools, the spinning numbers could only rise higher.
''Fire has been dealt with... Mostly.'' One of the local conscripted men, Probus, read the inaptly made write-up. ''The structure has been deemed unstable to aproach further by our architects, we had slaves sent to inspect the inner parts of the Arena... Uhm, some haven't returned and the others had problems forming the right words to describe what they saw.''
Huffing a frustrated breath, Epagatus, filled the blanks of his own letter some more before peering through the window on the darkened city. The great, smoking serpent that was obscuring the light, not allowing sunshine to penetrate through the shadowing curtain didn't subside nearly as much as when he first saw it.
''Damn thing refuses to budge... Fucking Vulcan, it is as if the sun's essence dripped on our heads...'' The man uttered, rubbing the bridge of his nose. ''What of those bodies that were found on the outskirts?'' He let out a nauseating grimace, goosebumps over his back stood prominent. He never saw what became of his dead colleagues, but the way one man described it to him made his stomach lurch.
The assistant obviously felt the same if judging by the visible twitching indicating the gruesome state the corpses were found. ''T-The st-stsench... It was like sk-skewered a-animal being cooked...'' Probus lack of any death experience clearly showed as the acids in his stomach churned and vomit prepared to take flight toward outside.
''Steady there!'' The newly appointed commander snapped him out of the bad trip to memory lane. ''Take pause, gather breath... Turn mind from the atrocious image. We have more work, I do not need your stomach 's contents unfurling more horrors on this day.'' He chided the man for both their sake. The day has just started and he was nowhere near finishing the finer parts of the task. ''Their passing regrettable, but now we must focus on doing the work of the living not think of those departing to afterlife.''
''Y-Yes. Apologies... Prefect Sepius has made his voice in visiting the office. Shall I invite him in?'' Pulling himself back post haste, the clerk turned to another subject.
Now that was somewhat weird. Usually it is him that handles any report and goes to Prefect, not the other way around. And how the hell did that man find out that the guard has a new commander in place of Fabius already? It's been only a few hours, with everyone busy and words flying left and right in unorderly fashion it shouldn't have... Unless. ''Has he now? And the price for such knowledge steep, I would assume?''
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Probus started twitching anew for another reason entirely. Beads of sweat adorned his neck quadrupled, it was a fairly warm day for September, and the proximity to the scorching sticks and stones of the Arena didn't help on bit. ''I-uhh... I do not-...''
*KNOCK*KNOCK*KNOCK*
Scarring the moron can wait, since the arriving party decided to make themselves at home. Titus jerked his head at the door and the lad scurried, relieve washing his features in spades. The doors were pulled to reveal the honoured guest... or guests it would seem. Well isn't that something, the good Prefect brought a couple of tagalongs. Fantastic, more annoying mouths to listen. ''Prefect Sepius,'' the protocol requires a common courtesy, and being in his good books wasn't unwelcome, ''good Marcinius?'' He mentally cringed at how unexpecting that came out.
Sepius shortly nodded and dismissed the clerk, who was all too happy to leave the three men have their confab. ''I see that Custodes misspend little time in appointing new leadership.'' The man's tone was filled with dry interest, completely devoid of any reverence. It was gone as it came, as his posture took a sharper turn, face contorting in distaste. ''And yet you fail the simplest of tasks in apprehending a handful of escaped animals.''
Prefect has seemingly hit in the sore spot as well, and unlike the rest he choose to show it by rubbing the faliure in the faces of those he deemed most responsible. Even if his anger was slightly misplaced.
Marcinius bit his tongue from retorting the claim. Yes, him, the Lanista was relieved from his main tools of trade that were gladiators. To top it all, be it by some miraculous intervention or whatever the 'animals' acted more as an organized unite than even the town's police force. Their lives spared could be interpreted as a giant 'Fuck you!' from the slaves... Those sons of whores, like they intentionally wanted to prove that they were better than a Bellatorian citizen... Come to think of it, it weighed down on all of their self-image.
''With due respect, this incident is unlike we have ever experienced. Serville revolts, be they common or not, are never done with this level of unity. These slaves knew precisely their end goal.'' The new guard's captain reasoned. And that made them the force to be reckoned with. Usually any rebellious slave that tried to break from bonds, if successful, would probably run to hiding spending what precious time he gained not looking back. But this case was something else entirely. This was too coordinated to be a mere uprising. The very thought weighed heavily on Titus' mind. The outer scenery notwithstanding.
Alas, Sepius, wasn't in any mood for excuses or hearing the analysis on how some unschooled, undignified scum got the better of them. Slamming both his hands on the wooden desk, he looked directly at the face of this freshman. For one, he barely flinched from the action, but he did seem annoyed that his small workplace was thrown into small disarray. Good. ''Listen well...'' Not exactly knowing the name of the person, Sepius abruptly paused, only to continue with a barely contained embarrassment for such slip, ''This entire debacle reflects poorly on all of us, noble sons of Conlina. For the last days we were held imprisoned by a group of filthy serfs! Our standing and image is all but blemished! And you... you simply sit on your arse while letting those dogs wander the city!''
In otherwise, he was concerned for his own image and the consequences to his name should the word spread how it all happened while he was Prefect. ''My condolences for your misfortune.'' Titus said more from simple courtesy than anything. For apparent prisoners they seemed mighty fine and in good condition no less. All he got for the effort was a nasty scowl, sighing internally he continued before the snob damages his hearing. ''Again, with due respect to Prefect Sepius, we are doing everything in our might to bring those in blame to justice and at the same time keeping its presence on the streets. The mob is quite a fearsome when angered.''
Titus gave himself a mental pat on the back and had to withhold a smirk for winning this little verbal exchange. Prefect gulped audibly after hearing the words, knowing exactly what its contents held. His lack of bite was now apparent even to Marcinius who shook head behind his back. And this guy is the key figure of the whole area. How utterly pathetic.
''On the subject of it, I would like to know of how many died at the Villa so we may...''
''None.''
Titus was caught by surprise when he heard Marcinius say it. He must have heard it wrong so he decided to repeat the question and confirm if it wasn't a mistake. ''Apologies, good Marcinius, I may have misheard. You claim that gladiators of your ludus broke free without spilling blood of people present at the time?''
Rubbing his aching spot on the freshly bandaged shoulder, Marcinius replied again while looking at the floor. The subject of his escaped gladiators stung more than the wound Igneous gave him as a parting gift. ''You heard well. My personal guards and a few gladiators attempting escape were the only to fall from this world.''
It didn't make sense at first, but when he gave more thought it actually did. They had all the important delegates gathered in one same place. Aedile, Prefect, Lanista,... And whatever happened with that foreign dignitary? Odd how the man refused any protective detail or hasn't even brought any with him. One thing is for certain, they were all caught flat-footed. ''What of Antius? Was he not among you after gladiators fled?''
Both men in question exchanged brief looks, scowling bitterly Sepius was the one who decided to break the tragic news. ''Upon their leave, the slaves took young Antius with them.'' He bowed his head in a silent prayer. The lad was yet to learn how to be a proper man and follow in the footsteps of his father, but he couldn't imagine the cruel fate that befell Conlina's other lanista. ''May Gods give him mercy and promise of swift release of earthly bonds.''
Marcinius and Titus weren't quite affected by that statement. For different, yet similar reasons. One not liking the very sight of the pompous brat, and Titus was secretly never in the favour of the young lanista. His games often proved of inferior quality, but as of lately he enjoyed seeing or hearing how Marcinius' house was having a slow but steady triumphant streak. Especially in the last event. It also brought him a considerable coin, but he didn't dare say it out loud to come off as a complete arsehole.
And so he allowed the room to fall into a minute of silence as good Prefect insinuated. If nothing but to show that they weren't heartless sods. Of course, the minute came and passed as quick as it came. Now to matters of more pressing concern...
*CLACK*CLACK*
All three turned towards the door, the thumping clatter the clear indication of an approaching individual, or even more than one.
Titus groaned in his hand, he specifically ordered no one must enter. Well, that wasn't entirely true, but that little scurvy shit Probus should learn to take the hint. ''Good Jupiter, I swear I'll have him send to count livestock...''
''H-Halt! You must not-!''
There was another louder thump like something hitting the surface. Hard. That poor son of a bitch.
''Fall from sight, you dry cunt!''
Sepius' eyes widened. He knew that voice. Could it be?
The doors came open so swiftly it almost bounced back to the intruders face. Said intruder was, in the lack of a better word, in an unsightly state. Toga once with the finest trim of gold and silver now smeared with dirt and dust, hair and face not falling short behind. But lo and behold, Justus Aburius Antius was alive. A rather messy, haggard and panting, but still alive.
''And it's barely noon...''
Antius' trembling eyes surveyed the room quickly until he found the one to be the receiver of his pent up fury. ''You!'' He pointed the accusing finger at the mildly startled Marcinius. ''You! This is your fault! Guard, I would have this man arrested for his actions!''
Not a single soul dared to move a muscle at the bold exclamation of a raving young man.
Sepius choose to break the ice by trying to calm the visibly distraught young man. He has been through a lot by his shameful look for someone of his family name. ''I think we sh-...''
''MY FAULT?!''
''Jupiter's cock.'' For the umpteenth time today, Titus groaned. These people were really hell-bent on destroying what little peace he had in doing his newly assigned duties. Now he sees why Fabius always had a wine under the desk if this is what the daily routine was. Restocking new supply was in order soon as he gets some free time, or send Probus to fetch it on the market... No, no. That was risking it. ''I should have let Domitius take the post, but NO, the purse needs weight. Fuck...''
Not minding the internal debate, the two rivaling lanista glared at each other with enough hate to make volcano erupt.
''Preening little shit! How dare you?!'' Marcinius bit back. ''It is your hand that forced gladiators to act in retaliation!'' For, just as the banquet started and when he was expecting to have half of the overbearing idiots eat from his hand, the brat had to ruin it by playing at the most dishonourable odds.
It's a thing know that Marcinius personally refused previous offers for when Igneous was yet in his ascending with Ganicus following right behind by mere, insignificant rate. He really hit a goldmine with those two, and when proper moment came, he could've made fortune and thus make his way into a higher position that Sepius held. Lanista, no matter what larger crowd thought, were often looked down in the higher circles. Lack of a noble senatorial name didn't help improve his status either.
''What nonsense you spout, feeble-minded fool?! It is the duty of lanista to teach those under him obedience and respect, a task which you obviously failed to accomplish!''
''If it were not for meddling of you covetous lot, all this could have been avoided!''
''You call me 'covetous', yet it is by your own greed to stock the best gladiators that bough to current ruin! I only sought to balance the-''
On the sides, measly couple of feet away, Titus' head was going to burst like a grape if he applied more pressure. They just wouldn't stop. Wouldn't fucking stop! The ninny that was Sepius just stood like a statue and kept gazing left to right between arguing parties. Unsure how to proceed without getting himself caught in the debate he would rather not be a part of.
By no small chance was it him that held favour over Justus, if only for the sake of holding onto his status. True, Marcinius had the laurels for the brief while, but time goes on, champions come and go to be replaced by others and soon the old legends are all but forgotten, not more than a whisper in the wind.
Which is why, Sepius would rather have one Justus Antius as his close confidant or at least someone he could turn to that won't fail him because he lacks certain means.
''Good Antius and Marcinius, if you woul-'' Titus tried to boldly cut into the incessant clamour the two belligerent men were not keen on stopping anytime soon.
''-my family that was always loyal to-!''
''Oh, spare us the reminders! You are but the shadow of your father's-!''
But to no avail. However, by the rate they were going at, the modest room he claimed as his headquarters now would become a witness to a mini-carnage. And that didn't bode well for any involved party present. Even if two thirds were stubborn mules, they had to be appeased somehow.
Try as he might, Titus reached the only solution he could use right now. Maybe he couldn't calm down the barking dogs, but he could, perhaps, give them something else to focus on rather than tearing at one another. Here's to hoping it works out, if not... Well can't say he didn't put any effort in it.
''Lanistas!''
''WHAT?!''
''WHAT?!''
Two negatives can sometimes give a positive. Who knew?
''Mother Juno, it worked.'' Not wasting a second when all attention was on him, the new captain hurried to make most use of the temporary ceasefire. ''For the benefit of our city, it would serve us best to come by a quick, reasonable decision.'' Seeing as how he had their full attention, Titus moved on. ''Unity,'' the word slid down his tongue like a refreshing dew, ''if we are to make effort in solving this matter we need to stand united... Else we will fall to even greater disorder since the time of Tyrannus.''
Everyone's reaction to the name was almost identical. Marcinius and Sepius' faces showed a bitterness toward days long passed, while Antius despite being a toddler at the time knew full well from the countless stories his father would tell. That one name always stuck out, spoken through the gritted teeth of elder Senator Antius.
''Surely you do not think...'' Sepius stopped himself before finishing that. Be it over exaggeration or not, at the end of the day this entire mess would fall to their shoulders. The slaves escaped their city, slaughtered their guards, and made them look like an incompetent bunch. The backlash of spreading rumors from the incident will be catastrophic if they don't come up with something to at least lessen the damage.
Titus had a point. They need to work together to solve the problem, much as half the people in the room wold rather have nothing to do with one another. But as usual, compromises needed to be made. ''Then, we are all in agreement that it is our sole duty to put an end to the foolish rebellion?''
Antius, however, had a different opinion on how things should be solved. ''Of course, yet we know that majority of this shit-show falls to good Marcinius here.'' The young man sneered derisively in the accused lanista's direction, thus reopening the wounds and bringing the old subject on table again.
The older gladiator owner had to use all his willpower not to start a shouting match once more, no matter how much the greenhorn bastard tried to goad him into one. But he was better than that, he unlike Antius, can learn from mistakes and make the best out of the worse situations. ''Certainly,'' to the other's surprises, he confirmed but not before adding, ''then as the only remaining lanista with gladiators at disposal, surely young Antius would not mind providing resources of both coin and able-bodied men for the sake of our great city?''
The younger man gaped in disbelief. Marcinius was purposely putting himself in a vulnerable position so he can avoid most of the costs for the repairment. It's true that he still had a good sum left in his purse, but he wasn't willing to just part with it. On top of that, to use his gladiators as a means of restoration is a guaranteed loss.
''A most excellent suggestion!'' The Prefect chirped. ''This is quite the opportune moment only the Gods could give!'' And so, cornered from bot sides, one from his hated rival and bound by duty towards the city's welfare, Antius had to concede.
Titus was glad that in the next few hours, in the guise of the slowly receding smoke pillar, the top brass has managed to make a somewhat good plan that would benefit for all of them. He was happy that they left the office without much rumble then when they first came in. Maybe, just maybe thing will turn out all right. Besides, the gladiators were most if not most of them a bunch of slaves who could barely write or read. Everything they had known was a servitude in some form. How can anyone expect from such a motley crew to even mount any kind of greater impact on the vast country that was the Republic?
All of this was probably just a fluke. Caught off guard, a seized moment. Even a fierce fighter such as Hellhound Igneous could never hope to accomplish much, not with the scarce resources he has at disposal. Least it would happen are a few robbed estates or smaller raids in the nearby settlements.
Marcinius on the other hand was slowly making his was back to his estate. His mind was a clutter of different misshapen thoughts like he never had in his life before. If he wanted to live through the upcoming winter, he'll need to play smart. And very, very frugal. He still had some coin left from the hidden stashes no one beside him knew. Not having the luxury of having his purse filled at every other week made him into a bit of paranoid about his finances. If the right pieces fall into the right place, he may yet have something more to be pleased about, but that was for the latter date.
Igneous was one of the things that made a large portion of his train of thoughts. It was a mystery. All this time, was he planning to rebel against him the entirety of his stay? Never asking for pleasure nor any exceed in rewards, a man who only knew how to attack and move forward in what he was meant to do. Such a singular mind that even his wife, at one occasion, demanded him being 'tested' in the most primal way possible known to every man. Marcinius would not have it, and after a tiring debate and a loud exchange of words, Julia never brought it up again.
There was no way in Hell that he would allow for any signs about the red-head's origins to slip through. Not that he turns mind back, was it that he was working in Igneous' gain this whole time? ''Fuck no!'' The lanista shook his head furiously. Igneous, no matter how good of a fighter and magus at that, could never possibly create such an elaborate, tactical deception. Although, if there is one thing that even the most withered minds would realize, is the reason of why Igneous took days until leaving Conlinia. ''Pity I cannot be present when that happens.'' With the final amusement in mind, he continued his trail to the hillside residence.
XxX
Meanwhile in Antius' humble estate...
''AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!''
...Had Justus been any older, the world would be one less Antius short.
And had I been any less motivated, I would've just posted that the story's been cut short. As in dead, over, finito, shut down... Well, you get the point. But since that is not the case, here we are. Where have I been all this time? Certainly not sitting on my arse the whole summer. Now I know what the countless other meant when they told me: 'Don't be in such a hurry to grow up'. Shit, if Peter Pan comes knocking on my door, I'll be mighty tempted to accept. Even if it's a bit late now...
Anyhow! The main point is, I'm not gone and neither is Indommitable Heart, there's so much things to happen that I just don't want them dancing around in my head anymore. It gets reaaaaaaaly annoying.
And as for the FT having this new installment. I'll tell you right now, I skimmed through it, same old, same old stuff. Not gonna repeat myself on that. Will I ever include any of these new characters? Eh, if I feel like it. Seriously, how in the fucksikle do you become a Blade Dragon Slayer? Or a Dragon Eater at that?
Special mention goes to a certain person known as Lorgar Aurelian, the guy whose instructions made me not to give up on my writing (even if I never intended to in the first place). Any of you inspiring Fairy Tail fanfic writer should read through his notes on how to make a good, believable story and not turn it into a trainwreck from the get go. You may find your answer, you may not, but it's totally worth a look. Another one goes to the writer Kemor, who right now is writing one of the best Fairy Tail fanfics ever made, callsign Of Inner Demons.
That'd be about it in the rants. If you want to know more or talk either review or PM me, I always respond to any messages, be they flame or constructive criticism.