Disclaimer in Chapter 1
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Lexa dodged the incoming blade of her opponent, rolling across the sand before springing to her feet and throwing herself at the fellow gladiator. She knocked him off balance and quickly sliced through the air. A thin red line appeared on his neck before opening and pouring a waterfall of blood onto the sands of the arena.
Lexa gave a toothy smile as she watched the blood fall.
Another victory. She thought to herself as she turned to face the men seated in the box.
A senator of Rome was watching the games, judging the gladiators to see who was worthy of becoming a champion. He rose and addressed the crowd, praising Lexa for her performance in the arena and garnering another victory. Cheers of her name rang throughout the crowd, making her blood pump faster.
"VICTORY!" Lexa screamed at the top of her lungs as she thrust her bloodstained sword into the air.
"Lexa, Lexa, Lexa, Lexa!" Came the chant from the crowds.
The senator smiled and gestured for everyone to settle down and signaled that Lexa was dismissed and new gladiators were to be brought to the sand.
She bowed to the Senator and headed to the exit of the Colosseum where the gladiators of her house awaited.
"You fought well today." Gustus said with a toothy grin, slapping Lexa on the back and sharing in her success.
"A fine fight it was Gustus. The poor man never stood a chance though." Lexa replied with a smirk.
Gustus was tall and large. His hair was black, on both his head and face, and a tattoo was etched onto the right side. War paint smeared his eyes. He was a Gaul, the same as Lexa, and came from a neighboring village of hers. They immediately became fast friends and Gustus had become incredibly loyal to Lexa, despite her only being in the house of Dante for 11 moons. Gustus had been captured in war as well and lived in the ludus for close to 14.
"Lexa." Anya said in greeting as she came to stand next to the shorter brunette.
"Anya." Lexa replied before hugging her mentor.
When Lexa had arrived at the ludus and agreed to fight for Dante, Anya had been the only female gladiator present. They had immediately taken up a friendship and a relationship of a teacher and student. Anya taught her all her moves and helped modify Lexa's own to that of the instruction of Doctore. Lexa had quickly surpassed Anya's skill, as well as all the other gladiators in Dante's house, making her Champion. Anya was thin but sturdy, her brown hair wild and unruly, her eyes smeared with war paint. Anya was a Gaul as well, coming from the same village as Gustus, making the trio a fearsome foe.
"You fought well. I am glad that the sand was not stained with too much of your blood." Anya said as she looked at the cut on Lexa's upper arm, just above her tattoo.
"As am I Anya." Lexa replied. "That gladiator was a Roman by birth, I am glad that his blood soaks the sand."
Gustus grunted in approval as the trio walked to the holding area.
"So Lexa. What will you request as your reward? Women? Or Wine?" Gustus asked seriously.
"You know I never request women Gustus." Lexa said solemnly. The pain of losing Costia was still fresh, despite the event happening almost a year ago. While it had numbed, it hadn't left.
"So wine it is." Anya replied with a nudge to Lexa's shoulder. Lexa smirked in response as they entered the holding area.
The other gladiators arose out of respect.
"Behold your champion!" Anya shouted as she held up Lexa's hand.
A chant echoed throughout the room and Lexa found herself smirking at the gesture.
"I shall not stop until every Romans blood stains the sands!" Lexa cried. A war cry erupted in the room once more.
Only three of Dante's men were Roman by birth. The rest of the gladiators consistently shunned them, as their people were the ones who captured them and made them slaves. A Roman about Lexa's age lurked in the corner, wearing a dark expression. Their eyes met and Lexa released a snarl at his gaze.
Her and Finn did not get alone, for obvious reasons. She had learned, while she was in the ludus, that Finn had served in the division of soldiers that sacked her village. He was banished from the legion for desertion and sent back to Rome as a slave. Before he deserted the battlefield he had killed 18 of her people, innocent people, something that only could be paid for in blood.
"My gladiators." Dante greeted as he entered the room.
Despite his Roman blood, Lexa had come to respect the man… to a point. He treated them all well and saw to their rewards if they were successful in battle, a man true to his word. His son, Cage, was not the same as his father and Lexa often dreamed of removing the man's head from his shoulders.
"Those of you that fought did exceptionally well and I wish you to know that I am proud to have you represent my house. I also wish to offer congratulations to Lexa, for continuing to provide quality entertainment to the people of Rome, and for her continued ferocity in the arena. May you always be victorious." Dante finished with a warm smile to Lexa.
Another cheer arose in the room before Dante quieted them.
"Tonight there will be a celebratory feast in my home. I have visitors coming and I wish all my gladiators to be present for viewing and to participate in the feast. It is for you after all, just please do not eat like total barbarians. That means you Gustus." Dante said with a smirk and Gustus flashed a toothy grin in response. "Now, we will have honored guests, two senators from Rome and their families will be present at this feast. I know you bear no love for Romans but please, behave."
Lexa grunted in response but nodded in agreement. Although there was no love for them, she knew to respect Dante's wishes.
Tonight there would be a feast in their honor.
Lexa and the other gladiators entered the main section of Dante's home, which resided above the Ludus. They had all been bathed and scented with oils, causing their skin to shine like that of the Gods.
Soon the feast was underway and Lexa sat in between Gustus and Anya, watching the flock of Romans move about the room.
"I hate them all." Anya said lowly as she tore into her meat.
"As do I Anya. But we must admit that they do have excellent food." Lexa responded as she took a bite of her own meat.
Her eyes continued to flit across the room, watching for anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. The feast continued on and Lexa began to grow increasingly bored. Gustus and Anya were drinking with a few Goths and Thracians, but she didn't feel like partaking. She walked outside to the balcony that overlooked the ludus, sighing to herself as she watched the moon rise high in the sky.
"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realize anyone was out here." A voice said behind Lexa, causing her to turn quickly and look at the intruder.
Her breath caught in her throat and she fumbled for words.
"You are Lexa correct? I watched you in the arena today, you were amazing." The girl said as she approached.
Lexa merely nodded, her eyes meeting sky blue.
"My name is Clarke. My mother and father are here hoping to become partners with Dante. He has the finest gladiators in Rome." Clarke continued as she brushed a stray blonde hair from her face.
Lexa still stood still, her breathing now starting to even out. She found the girl breathtaking, a thought that disturbed her greatly. She thought of Costia and felt like she was betraying her dead lover by being so affected by this stranger. Another disturbing thought, was that she felt something at all.
"I'm sorry. I guess I am rambling, I will take my leave."
"No- wait. You can stay. Please." Lexa finally managed to say.
Clarke smiled shyly at her before coming to stand next to the brunette.
"So you saw me fight in the games today?" Lexa asked, curious to hear more.
"I did. You were quite amazing. I've never seen another fight with such skill and abandon before."
"You watch the games often then." Lexa stated.
"Yes. My father is a senator of Rome and he attends all of the games. My mother goes because she has too, but she cares little for the sight of blood."
"Does it bother you?"
"Not particularly… My mother is a healer, and a very good one. We both are used to the sight of blood but… she dislikes seeing it spilled in such a manner."
"Ah." Lexa said in understanding. "She dislikes the act of fighting."
"Yes. She believes it to be too barbaric." Clarke said, her eyes widening. "I mean- not that you are a barbarian. I do not believe you to be one."
Lexa's expression darkened. "All of you Romans believe that anyone besides yourselves are barbarians."
"Yes." Clarke replied simply, her eyes finding Lexa's. "But not me. I despise that line of thought. Just because someone isn't Roman does not mean they are a barbarian."
Lexa's eyebrows rose. "I apologize for making an assumption about you."
"And I apologize for causing you to think I believed you to be a barbarian." Clarke responded with a small smile, her eyes falling on Lexa's tattoo.
"It is a sign of leadership." Lexa explained. "It is common practice amongst my people."
"Who are your people?"
"The Gauls." Lexa replied with a sigh.
"Do you miss home?" Clarke asked suddenly, her eyes turned up to the sky.
"Yes." Lexa responded. Her eyes glued to Clarke's face. Once again she thought how beautiful this girl was.
"Clarke? Honey?" A woman called as she passed through the curtains of the balcony. She stopped in her tracks as she saw her daughter standing next to a gladiator, and the champion nonetheless.
"Mom." Clarke stated, a blush covering her cheeks as she looked to her mother. Lexa found the sight adorable.
The thought made her scowl.
"What are you doing out here alone with… her." Her mother demanded as she grabbed Clarke's arm and tore her from Lexa's side.
Lexa broke the hold immediately and stood in front of Clarke, causing the woman to stumble backwards in fright.
"You should not handle your daughter like that." Lexa snarled. She looked to the side at Clarke. "It was pleasant speaking with you tonight."
Lexa stormed passed the mother and entered the house once more, immediately going to sit next to Gustus and Anya who eyed her with curious gazes.
"Where were you?" Gustus asked.
"Speaking to someone." Lexa replied, her mouth turning upwards slightly.
Gustus and Anya caught the expression and smirked to each other.
"Abigail, Abigail what's wrong?" A man asked worriedly, causing everyone at the feast to pause what they were doing and look to the scene.
Shit. Lexa thought to herself as she turned to look.
It was Clarke's mother, eyes crazed as she found Lexa.
"That barbarian ripped me from my daughter." Abigail said harshly as she pointed at Lexa.
"Mom it wasn't like that." Clarke countered as she stepped between her parents. "We were talking and you entered and spoke to her like an animal." Clarke turned to her father. "She tried to pull me out of Lexa's sight and when she grabbed me Lexa broke the hold and told her she shouldn't handle her daughter in such a way, then she left. That was all."
"That was all!" Abigail seethed.
"Yes, that was all!" Clarke countered, her eyes defying.
"Okay, Clarke, honey, go somewhere else. Let me handle this." Her father said reassuringly.
Clarke looked between her parents before nodding and looking around the room, her eyes falling on Lexa. Their eyes met and Lexa felt herself falling into blue all over again. Before she knew it, Clarke was at her side and looking at her apologetically as she squeezed between Gustus and Lexa.
Gustus and Anya looked at each other over Lexa and Clarke's heads and smirked once more.
"What are you doing Clarke?" Lexa asked dangerously.
"Sitting next to you." Clarke replied with a sheepish grin. "I'm sorry but I want to piss her off a little more. Besides, I wanted to apologize for her words."
"It is alright Clarke, I am used to their hatred." Lexa said, voice low.
"As are we all." Gustus spoke as he gestured to his fellow gladiators.
"It shouldn't be that way though. You are no different from us."
"But we are." Anya replied.
"Maybe in culture, but we are all human and we all bleed. Underneath we are the same, it shouldn't matter." Clarke said seriously, her eyes boring into Anya's.
"This one is alright." Anya muttered to Lexa, to which Lexa nodded in agreement.
Clarke offered a small smile to Lexa, which the brunette returned.
"Your mother will be less than pleased." Lexa commented, her eyes searching Clarke's. "And… I may be in trouble with Dante now."
"My mother will get over it. As for Dante, I will speak with him and make sure you are not punished." Clarke replied immediately, worry dancing behind her eyes. Lexa felt herself smiling at the girls concern.
"Lexa!" Dante yelled, causing Lexa to cringe as she stood and faced her master.
"Dominus." Lexa greeted with a nod, her eyes downcast.
"You dare insult my guests?" Dante asked dangerously.
"It was no fault of hers Dante." Clarke defended, standing next to Lexa and pleading with the man to let her speak.
He nodded slowly, his eyes turning to Clarke to hear her explanation.
She recounted the event to Dante and pleaded with him to not punish Lexa for something that was her mother's fault. She spoke of her feelings towards the use of 'barbarian' for other human beings, begging Dante to see that Clarke would have put up a fight if Lexa hadn't stepped in.
"Why did you break the hold Lexa?" Dante asked, his eyes visibly softer than before.
"The way she handled Clarke… I understand a mother's need to protect their child, but my people do not handle their children in such a way. Those that did were punished." Lexa explained.
Dante nodded before sighing and looking to Clarke.
"Should Lexa be punished… why do you care?"
"As I said, it is not her fault. Also, I know my father wishes to secure a partnership with you and your gladiators. I would not test it, Dante." Clarke said lowly.
Dante smirked as he looked between the two. Lexa was staring at Clarke with bewilderment and respect, he found the sight amusing, and as he shook his head he spoke.
"Lexa will not be punished, Clarke. You have my word. I do not wish to risk your father's deal by any means. Please, go back to enjoying the feast. I will speak to your father and mother and sort this all out."
"Thank you Dante." Clarke said gratefully with a slight dip of her head.
The man turned and walked from the pair, no doubt in search of Clarke's parents to smooth the situation over.
"You are brave to speak to him in such a way." Lexa commented.
"Would you not?"
"I used to, when I first got here. But, he is my master now and if I wish to gain my freedom, I must obey."
"What will you do with your freedom?" Clarke asked.
"Return home… if there is a home to return to." Lexa replied with a frown.
"And what of your friends? You will leave them here?"
Lexa quickly looked to Clarke. She hadn't considered what she would do about Anya or Gustus, or the other gladiators that would still remain at the ludus whenever she secured her freedom. The thought darkened her soul.
"Do not fret for tonight Lexa. All will be well." Clarke said in reassurance, tentatively reaching for Lexa's hand and giving it a light squeeze.
Their eyes met once more and Lexa saw curiosity and something else flash in Clarke's eyes. Her ears caught the sharp intake of breath that escaped Clarke's lips as their skin touched. Or perhaps it was her own sound. They stared at each other until Anya broke the moment.
"Are you lovebirds going to stare at each other the rest of the night, or are you going to sit and drink with us? Or perhaps both?" Anya asked, earning a loud laugh from Gustus and the others.
Lexa spun and glared at her friends before a smirk appeared on her face when she saw Clarke smile shyly, a blush covering her cheeks.
Tonight they should enjoy the feast.
The following day included intense training under the heat of the sun. Lexa continued to best her opponents, but helped them with their attacks as well. She wanted them to improve and gain their own freedom. She wanted them to live.
"Gladiators!" Doctore yelled with the crack of his whip. "Your Dominus commands your attention."
All the gladiators halted their training and lined up, facing the balcony as Dante stood waiting. Alongside him were Clarke and her parents.
Lexa felt her breath catch in her throat once more as their eyes met. Clarke offered a small smile and a little wave of her hand to Lexa.
"Ah your sky princess notices you once more." Gustus commented with a laugh. Lexa smacked him and looked to the balcony once again.
"My gladiators. I am pleased to tell you all that we have secured patronage from Senator Griffin and his family."
A cheer rose up with a chant of 'Dante'.
"They will be residing in this house with us and I expect you all to treat them with the upmost respect. Understood?"
"Yes Dominus." Came the resounding reply.
"Good." Dante concluded before looking to the family. "You are free to do as you wish while you are here."
Clarke's eyes sparkled and she ran from the balcony, her form disappearing from Lexa's sight.
"She appears to be pleased." Jake said with a laugh as he watched his daughter run from sight.
Shortly after she fled, her form appeared down on the sands where the gladiators resided, their training commencing once more.
"Your woman is here." Anya commented with a smile, earning a rough shove from Lexa.
Lexa turned to look at Clarke, who had seated herself in the shade where she could watch Lexa train.
"Fight me." Lexa replied as she attacked Anya. Their wooden swords clacked as they blocked each other's blows. Anya made a mistake, which Lexa saw and used her leg to knock Anya backwards and onto the sand.
Lexa laughed and helped the other woman up and began their fight once more. Clarke remained where she was and continued to watch the women spar, fascinated by Lexa's form and physique. She felt a blush creep up her face and her body flush as she watched Lexa fight.
"She is very good." Her father said from his seat next to her. She had been so engrossed in Lexa that she had not heard him sit down.
Clarke cleared her throat before responding.
"Yes she is." She replied with a smile.
"Clarke, I see the way you look at her." Her father began, instantly making her blood run cold. "I don't want to see you get hurt."
"Why? Because you believe her to be a barbarian?" Clarke retaliated with a glare.
"You know I do not think that way Clarke. I only mean that I do not wish you to get your heartbroken if she were ever to fall in the arena." Her father said sincerely. "It is a shame that they are treated are animals for sport."
"Yet you offered patronage." Clarke responded.
"Yes, because I do not wish them to be mistreated in anyway. Not that Dante does. But, I feel like I can protect them. And since you have feelings for the champion, I can protect her." Her father explained, offering Clarke a smile.
Clarke looked to her father and gave a small smile, her eyes turning to look at Lexa. Doctore cracked his whip and ordered the gladiators to take a break.
"Lexa." Jake called, waving the gladiator over to himself and Clarke.
"Senator." Lexa stated in greeting, her head dipping.
"You train hard, it is easy to see why you are champion of Dante's house."
"Thank you Senator."
"Tell me, from where do you hail?"
"I am a Gaul, Senator." Lexa replied, her eyes flitting to Clarke's.
"A Gaul. Very fearsome in battle I hear."
"Yes." Lexa said simply.
"Good." He said as he stood and walked to stand next to Lexa. "You are fond of my daughter, do not break her heart."
He smiled at Lexa before taking his leave, leaving a dumbfounded warrior behind.
"What did he say to you?" Clarke asked curiously, watching her father enter the house.
"Nothing of importance." Lexa replied quickly, a light blush coloring her face.
"Are you two ever separated?" Gustus called with a laugh, causing the others to join in.
Lexa gritted her teeth in annoyance but calmed when she felt Clarke's hand on her arm.
Their eyes met and Clarke offered her a small smile, her blue eyes sparkling in the noonday sun.
I'm in trouble. Lexa though to herself with an internal sigh. She offered a smile in return and looked back to her friends.
In trouble indeed.
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. It was definitely a long one. Let me know your thoughts!
Reviews are welcomed!