Love and Glory Chapter 13: Of Myths and Other Tragedies, a sailor moon fanfic

Chapter 13

"It was during ancient times – long before the heroic deeds of Odysseus and even longer before, when great Athens was nothing but a mere whisper, a fleeting vision within Apollo's art of prophecy. The world was raw and wild, but untouched by wars and bloodshed. Spirits of the wind and waters roamed earth, free and blessed as they created a paradise for the Gods and the creatures of this world. Part of these creatures were beings of the human race, and those beings worshipped the Gods and spirits alike, and they celebrated each day of their wonderful existence.

But the humans were shaped differently from what we know today. They had round bodies with four arms and four legs, and a head with two faces. These creatures were perfect in every way: fair and beautiful, powerful and wise, vibrant and blazingly fast.

They were peaceful beings. Peaceful because they were happy. Happy because they were complete. As was the world.

The Gods, however, came to fear the humans. They were too fast, too beautiful, too intelligent. They were Gods among the creatures on earth – and the Olympian Gods feared for their role in this world. Eris, the Goddess of Strife and Discord, watched with amusement as the Gods grew more and more fearful at the sight of the harmless humans, and she whispered into the Olympians' ears, letting the seeds of doubt grow. Her susurration even reached Zeus' ears and heart, and it was then that the Godfather himself, the bringer of lightning and thunder, summoned his family to conspire against the humans. Even though some of the Gods – the most bloodthirsty and revengeful of them all – called for the humans' lives, the Light Deities decided to merely weaken the powerful beings that lived on earth.

So Zeus, pretending that he would like to send the humans on an eventful quest, called for all of them, and they met at the center of the world, excited and full of need for adventure. It was then, however, that mighty Zeus threw several glistering thunderbolts, cutting the humans in two. The Anemoi, the Gods of the Four Winds, joint their forces and used their powers to create wild storms that carried the human halves to the farthest corners of the world.

After that, human beings longed for their other half so much that they searched for it all over, for they felt unhappy and uncomplete. When they found it, however, they wrapped themselves around it very tightly and did not let go – never wanting to be separated again."

Seiya smiled at the roll of parchment in his hands, shaking his head a little.

"You should wipe this expression from your face brother." a voice suddenly sounded. "It makes you look like a fool."

Seiya chuckled a little and turned around to face his silver-haired brother.

"What is it that brings you here in the middle of the night, Yaten?" the Praetor asked with raised brows.

Yaten strode further into the room and shrug his shoulders.

"Refuge." he sighed as he let himself fall into the couch of a blood-red color. "Esmeraude overestimates her charms. And she is – unfortunately – very persistent."

Seiya let out a short light laugh as he stared at his brother with amusement.

"So you let Taiki alone to deal with her?" he questioned with a glint in his eyes.

Yaten yawned and let his head fall back onto the headrest of the couch while closing his eyes.

"He won fights far more dangerous than this." he retorted nonchalantly. "I'm sure he can handle himself. Besides …" one eye blinked open to look at Seiya. "… he disapproves of associating with people below his rank."

The amusement fell from Seiya's face immediately as he met his brother's challenging gaze.

"And I wonder what this is supposed to mean, dear brother." Seiya said lowly, the blueness of his eyes turning a darker shade.

Yaten cocked his head a little as he took in the strained form of his brother. After a while of tensed silence, he finally let out a long sigh and shook his head.

"Forgiveness." he said with an apologetic smile on his face. "My tongue speaks before my head thinks."

Seiya glared at him a little longer before his body started to relax a little.

"As it always does." he muttered as he turned around to pour himself a glass of rich wine.

"Anyhow, I still do not understand why we have to stay here in this … mansion …" Yaten replied as he let his eyes roam his surrounding in disgust. "Instead of Tiberius' villa."

Seiya's hand around the glass of wine tightened, and his knuckles turned white.

"We were not invited." he growled with his back still turned towards his brother. His blue eyes stared out of the window, glaring at the city of Capua that lay beneath Rubeus' mansion.

He felt how an arm was placed onto his shoulder, squeezing a little.

"You should not take that fucking shit from him." Yaten advised with a serious look on his face. "You are a Praetor of Rome, Seiya. And you are the rightful commander of Tiberius' troops. Why do you let a low-life such as Diamond disrespect you like this?"

Seiya chuckled darkly as he shook his head.

"And what, dear Yaten, would you suggest me to do?" he asked without taking his eyes from the city-lights. "Would you like me to have him killed?"

Yaten forced him to turn around to face him, his green eyes sparkling with determination.

"I want you to demand the respect you deserve, Seiya." The white-haired man said with a stern face. "The respect our family and status deserve. You killed for lesser deeds."

Seiya avoided his eyes and shook his head anew.

"It's because of her, isn't it?" Yaten demanded with disapproval and disgust in his voice.

Seiya shook Yaten's hand from his shoulder and stepped away without another word, turning away from the other man.

"You have changed since you've met her, you know?" he heard Yaten call after him.

Seiya stopped in motion He could feel and hear the confusion and the anger Yaten was expressing. Every word that his brother said was the truth. If Diamond was another man, he would not hesitate to confront him with is disrespect, maybe kill him even. After all, he was of lower rank and not even of Roman birth. Adoption had made him part of the great Roman Empire, but in the eyes of most people, he was still nothing but an insolent boy with unknown roots. A savage. Only the Gods knew what had made Tiberius to adopt him so long ago.

However – and most importantly – Diamond was also Serenity's brother. By blood or law – no one really knew. It didn't even matter. Even blind men could see that their relationship was close, and that she cared for him deeply. Any harm that would be inflicted on him would hurt her as well. There was no doubt that she would never forgive the one responsible.

"She is making you weak." he heard Yaten accuse angrily.

Seiya felt the sheet of paper that was still clasped tightly by the fingers of his right hand. He looked down at it, remembered the words he had just read.

He was not a man of words, not a man of poetry or myths. He had always taken a pride in being a fierce warrior, short-tempered and ready to act whenever the Roman Empire, his family or his pride was being threatened. But something really had changed within him. He could not yet put his finger on it, but it certainly had to do with Capua's silver-haired beauty. Serenity. She was so different from the women he knew – a combination of softness and strength that had not only grabbed his attention, but that seemed to fascinate him more and more each time they met. It was true that he had changed. But it was something that he was doing on purpose.

He tightened his hold around the piece of parchment and a smile crept onto his face.

"Don't speak of things that you don't understand, brother." he finally said softly without turning.

It was music to his ears. Every gasp, every moan that he could coax from her beautiful lips was as if Venus herself was singing her beautiful song to him. His rough hands floated gently over the smooth skin of her silken stomach, the sun-kissed shade of his fingers contrasting beautifully against the soft paleness. He felt the slight shiver of her body as his mouth placed soft kisses right beneath her navel, and he grinned in satisfaction as her hands buried themselves into his dark hair. She arched her back as his clever fingers found her most scared place, and he closed his eyes as his tongue softly teased the small bundle of nerves that would drive her wild with passion and ecstasy for him. He felt how one hand left his head, followed by a muffled moan as she pressed her delicate fingers against her mouth to lessen the sweet sounds that would escape her.

It was pure torture. The sweetest torture ever known to men. Her sweet scent, her taste, her movements – everything about her was sin and blessing at once. Every bit of her a gift from Venus to drive men crazy – to make them lose control.

Endymion moved upwards again, placing desperate open-mothed kisses onto her skin until he reached her sweet lips. She moaned in pleasure as he captured her mouth with his, and his fingers dug painfully into her soft skin as her hands started to softly roam his back.

With one swift movement, he turned them around until the Goddess was straddling him. She looked at him in surprise at first, before a mischievous light entered her eyes, making him groan. Endymion took in a sharp breath as she lowered herself onto him, sensuous and painfully slow. He opened his eyes again to look at her, and his eyes narrowed a little as he detected the smirk on her face. Never had he expected for the fair and innocent beauty to be such a tease – to be such a torturer in the most delicious ways. He let his head fall back onto the mattress, eyes closing yet again as she began to move above him. His hands slid up her long legs until they reached her hips, supporting her as she began her rhythmic dance. The heart in his chest pounded with excitement as he listened to her soft, melodic mewls and whimpers.

"Serenity…" he whispered in a strained voice, his body and mind barely able to endure the slow pace. "Faster, my love."

His plea was met with a soft giggle that made him open his eyes again. She looked down at him with a mischievous smile on her face, shaking her head a little as she continued her slow but sensuous movements. His blue eyes darkened before he suddenly sat up at captured her tempting lips in a punishing kiss. His large hands took hold of her hips and he thrust up, moving her in a faster pace. Serenity cried out in pleasure as his tongue dueled with hers, both seeking for dominance. She threw her head back, gasping as his finger found her bundle of nerves. Endymion smirked at the knowledge that she was close, and he quickly flipped them around so that was lying beneath him. He kissed her passionately as his thrusts increased in speed, each one more forceful and deeper than the one before. He held her tightly against his form as he felt how her inner walls tightened around his length, his arms caging her like a prisoner to his desires. Endymion buried his head in the crook of her neck as he felt his own peak approaching. Two, three final thrusts was all he needed to push them both over the edge, his own grown of pleasure muffled by the sweetness of her skin. Her arms loosened around him as he pushed into her lazily, while he showered her neck and face with gentle kisses. He rolled his body from her tiny form, closing his eyes as he enjoyed the aftermath of their passionate encounter. He heard her satisfied sigh paired with short breaths as the beauty snuggled against his form. Endymion moved his arm around her and pulled her closer.

They lay like this for some more minutes in silence. Serenity drew tiny circles onto Endymion's chest, making him smile affectionately down at her.

"Only two hours until sunrise." Endymion then broke the silence, causing Serenity's fingers to stop their movements.

She lifted her head a little to glance out of the window. The sky had already begun to change colors.

"Then we have at least one more hour." she replied stubbornly.

Endymion let out a long sigh and shook his head. He carefully untangled himself from her hold and sat up.

"I should return to my cabin." he said while searching for his breeches, determined not to look at her.

It seemed as parting from her was more and more difficult each time. Leaving her embrace meant going back to harsh reality. The reality where she was the Domina and he just a common gladiator. The reality where his sister and her father was dead. The reality where they couldn't have a future together.

Two soft hands were placed onto his shoulders, and he closed his eyes as he felt her lips tenderly kissing the spot behind his ear.

"I don't want you to go, Endymion." she whispered longingly as her hands started to knead the muscles of his back.

Endymion let his head fall back against her softness, enjoying the feel of her presence one blissful moment longer.

"You know that I have to, my love." he sighed. "The risk is too high that someone will notice by absence."

Serenity continued to place soft kisses along his neck.

"My brother will not return until tomorrow, Endymion." she whispered. "Stay for some more minutes."

The image of the Dominus forced Endymion to open his eyes again and come back to reality. He reached behind him and flipped Serenity onto his lap. He captured her face with both hands and stared into her silver-blue eyes.

"So what…" he sighed, smiling softly. "The Dominus is not the only one who could detect us. The outcome, however, would be the same."

Serenity's eyes saddened with the truth of his words, and she nodded her head in defeated agreement.

"Besides…" Endymion continued with a smile as he placed another soft kiss onto her lips. "It's only two more days until the Parentalia's. I'm sure Artemis has prepared quite a challenging training for me today."

As always, Serenity's eyes narrowed at the mentioning of the games, and her beautiful face turned dark. Sensing her shift of mood, Endymion let out an exhausted sigh and moved her back onto the bed.

"Not this again, Serenity." he warned, his voice and eyes sharp.

Serenity pulled the blanket around her form and glared at him.

"You could have said no." she accused. "Seiya would have ordered a Champion from Rome to do the executions."

Endymion pulled on his breeches and laced them.

"I am the Champion of Capua." he told her sternly. "I was chosen to do it. There was no choice."

Serenity let out a snort and shook her head.

"We both know that is not the reason." she said angrily. "You want to kill these men. No matter how dangerous this is for you."

Endymion turned around, his face without emotion.

"And what if I did?" he challenged harshly. "What if I am looking forward to kill these bastards who attacked your home and are responsible for the death of my sister and your father, Serenity?"

Serenity bit her lip at his words and turned her head away.

Endymion closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. He slowly approached her and knelt down before her. He took both of her hands in his and brought them to his mouth, kissing her knuckles softly.

"There is something that you have to understand, my love." he told her gently but firmly.

When she still wouldn't look at him, he cupped one cheek with his hand and turned her head a little until he could see her tear-filled eyes.

"I am a Thracian." Endymion said with determination his voice and eyes. "I am a warrior. And I believe blood needs to be shed to avenge the dead."

Serenity blinked two, three times, and thick droplets of silver tears fell down onto the sheets.

"It is an honor to be the one to demand and exercise justice. To punish the ones responsible for the pain we all had to endure."

Serenity grabbed his hand and shook her head.

"But they are most likely not who have killed your sister. Or my father." she argued stubbornly. "You are putting yourself into danger without thought!"

Endymion stared at her for a moment before he stood.

He bent down and kissed her forehead.

"I'm not putting myself into danger, love." he whispered against her skin. "I am the danger."

A shudder went through Serenity's body as his words sunk in. A look of confusion and concern was written on her face as she watched him leave her chambers.

She let herself fall back onto the bed and closed her eyes, and a lonely tear ran down her flushed cheek.

Diamond looked at the row of gladiators before him, each one of them wearing an expression of fierceness and determination on their faces. He was pleased. They really had morphed into Titans.

"Tomorrow…" he addressed them with a strong voice as he passed the rows. "Tomorrow begins what we have waited for. What we have trained for. The Parentalia is a nine-day festival held in honor of family ancestors. Normally taking place in spring, Rome has agreed to accelerate the event to the next days to come to honor our deceased father, the Dominus Tiberius."

The gladiators shouted and bawled in excitement and appreciation – all of them eager to avenge the death of their cherished leader.

"Each one of you will have the chance to prove yourself in these exceptional games – games without mercy and with the mere goal to defend your and the house's honor!" Diamond continued when the bawling finally died down. "May Mars lead your sword and Nemesis fuel your heart – for we will honor our father's death through blood and death!"

The gladiators pounded their wooden swords against their shields, earning a pleased smile from the silver-haired man. He then caught the eye of Artemis and nodded his order.

Artemis narrowed his eyes at the young Dominus on the balcony. He felt Luna's eyes on him, and he saw how she shook her hair a little with an unvoiced request. The Doctore sighed a little and turned his attention back to Diamond, bowing his head in submission.

Artemis then faced the row of gladiators, lifting one hand to stop their bawling.

"Gladiators." he shouted, and everyone fell silent. "Even though the Gods will witness the fightings, they will only bless those worthy of their favor. The Parentalia is a strength-sapping, merciless event that only the strongest and fiercest of you will survive. Each of you will fight several battles – each of them bloodier and more tiring than the last. Do not underestimate them, and do not let your hunger for glory overestimate your powers!"

His eyes then landed on Endymion, looking intently at him.

"The thirst for blood shall not becloud your judgment – no matter the loss."

Endymion narrowed his eyes, but finally nodded in silent agreement.

"And who am I to fight?" a voice from the shadows suddenly called.

A smirk appeared on Artemis' lips as Malachite appeared with challenge in his eyes. It took only minutes before the gladiators cheered to welcome their brother. Endymion smiled as he took in the sight of the undefeated Celt. He hadn't seen him since their battle against Theokoles. One could still see how the fight had marked him – there were several barely healed wounds and scars all over his body, and his entire torso was wrapped with white cloth. He walked slowly and with a limp, but his posture and body was of triumph and strength. He was holding his wooden sword determinedly in his right hand, and his gaze expressed hunger and desire that only a gladiator could understand.

This was a man who had spitted directly into Pluto's face, and who had fought his way back to life.

"Malachite." Artemis said as he approached him and placed his hand onto his shoulder. "It is good to see you back, old friend."

Malachite smiled at him and nodded.

"Give me a shield and iron to slice flesh and I will feel like a man again." Malachite demanded with a smirk, earning another wave of roaring from his brothers.

Artemis chuckled and shook his head.

"Even Pluto was not willing to take up with your stubbornness." he chided playfully. "However, the Parentalia will not be the place of your return to the sands."

The disapproval was clearly visible on Malachite's face as the words sunk in.

"I can fight!" he argued fiercefully, his eyes gleaming with determination.

Artemis stared at him for a long moment before he suddenly hit his wooden sword against the gladiator's torso. Malachite groaned and squirmed with pain, and a small spot of blood tainted the white cloth crimson. Artemis looked at him with a triumphant smirk on his face, proving his point.

"You will not fight." he declared, but places his hand back onto the gladiator's shoulder. "Your time will come, Malachite. You have honored the Dominus during the attack – he would have been proud."

Malachite looked at him with a defiant expression on his face, before he finally nodded.

"Now, go and see the Medicus." Artemis ordered gently. "I think you need a new bandage."

Endymion watched the scene with a mixture of amusement and admiration. He knew what Malachite had done during the attack – Serenity had told him. Even though badly injured, he had fought against and killed several intruders. No one had been able to defeat the undefeated Celt – not even when he was at the verge of death. He cocked his head a little as he watched Malachite. Never had he encountered a man such as him. Such fierceness, such strong loyalty. He was a mystery through and through. No. He truly was a God of the arena. As if he had felt him staring at him, Malachite suddenly turned around and looked straight at the other man. There was a strange storm of emotions in his cold grey eyes. Endymion held his stare without any emotion on his face. After a while, Malachite's lips curled into the smallest of smiles, and his nodded his head. Endymion smirked as understanding passed between them, and he returned the gesture.

"It seems the undefeated Celt is back to the living." someone whispered from behind him. "Afraid, Champion of Capua?"

Endymion turned around only to meet Nephrite's challenging gaze. Endymion smirked and shook his head.

"Our brother has returned." was his answer.

The grin on Nephrite's face broadened and he slapped Endymion on the back.

"That he has." he agreed happily.

"Gladiators!" Artemis drew their attention back to him. "In order to prepare for the event to come, your first task will be to fight in pairs."

He observed them for a moment longer.

"Nephrite, Zoisite." He motioned them to a corner on the right.

Nephrite chuckled as he looked at his companion.

"I'll make sure not to hurt you too much, brother."

Zoisite let out a loud bark of laughter and shook his head.

"We will see about that." And then he suddenly threw himself at the bigger man, forcing him to stumble to the ground.

Endymion laughed as he watched how Nephrite desperately tried to lift the smaller man from his form – without success.

"Endymion!" Artemis barked, making the young Thracian turn around – the smile still plastered across his face.

"You'll fight with Andrew today." Artemis ordered and nodded his head towards the blond who was standing some feet away from him.

Endymion felt how his stomach clenched a little. He turned his head a little to look at Andrew. The one person who had showed kindness to him since his arrival. The one person who he had called friend since the beginning. The one person who had been avoiding him for the past days like the pest. Even now, Andrew was not even glancing his way, for his eyes were sternly trained on the Doctore. Endymion let out a sigh and nodded his head in agreement. He was just about to move, when Andrew's response startled him.

"I don't want to fight with him." he retorted icily.

Artemis raised one silver brow, staring at the young man with irritation on his face. The noises around them stopped as everyone's attention was suddenly on the three of them.

Artemis' lips pressed into a thin line as he slowly approached Andrew.

"I'm afraid I did not hear you well." he spoke quietly, his green eyes glistering dangerously.

Endymion saw how Andrew swallowed hard before he lifted his head in defiance.

"My intention is not to disobey your orders, Doctore." he replied sternly. "But I do not wish to fight with Endymion."

Artemis stared at him for a moment or two before he let out a snort, his broad chest rumbling as he chuckled. There was a flicker of uncertainty in Andrew's eyes, but he stood tall and determined as his gaze was solely focused on the older man. A loud groan of pain was suddenly heard as Artemis punched him with the speed of a cat. Andrew fell to the ground, panting heavily as blood tickled down his chin. He lifted his eyes to meet the Doctore's icy stare.

"You will fight with Endymion today." Artemis repeated coldly, before he turned around to give instructions to the gladiators surrounding them.

Andrew angrily spit onto the ground, his salvia mixing with blood from his mouth. Endymion stepped next to him and offered his hand for him to get up.

Andrew glared at him and ignored it as he stood. He was about to turn away from him when Endymion grabbed his left arm tightly.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?!" he hissed, his blue eyes searching his friend's face.

Andrew had already opened his mouth, but must have thought better of it and closed it again. His green eyes were full of hatred when he wrenched his arm from Endymion's grip.

"Choose your weapon, Thracian." he spat and turned away.

Endymion halfheartedly let his wooden spoon dig in and out of the mash they had been given for dinner. He was sitting next to Zoisite and Nephrite who were laughing and bawling loudly about the games to come. Endymion lifted his head to look at Andrew who was sitting two rows to his right. He smirked at something that another gladiator said to him, but when he felt Endymion's eyes and met his gaze, his face turned sour and his eyes darkened with the fury from earlier.

Endymion sighed and shook his head. What was wrong with him? He had not spoken a single word during the fight – and had even landed some serious punches on Endymion's face and torso. Artemis had to stop the fight more than once before either the Thracian or Andrew got seriously injured. Even though stronger in built and more forceful in strength, Endymion could never hurt Andrew as he still considered him as friend. The Roman gladiator, however, hadn't appeared to follow such noble thoughts during the training. Every blow, every hit had been spurred on by pure hatred it seemed. And Endymion had no clue why his friend was acting like that.

"Trouble in paradise?" someone asked tauntingly.

Endymion lifted his eyes only to notice that Malachite had joint them and was now sitting next to him.

"You should have seen them fight today." Zoisite snickered with amusement in his eyes. "They were fighting like an old couple."

"True." Nephrite chimed in with a smirk on his face. "Never thought the Roman lapdog would have in him to challenge the Bringer of Rain."

Endymion rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"I don't think this is any of your business." he growled as he glared darkly at the other men.

Malachite chuckled and slapped his back.

"Don't mind them." he said cheerfully. "Their heads are filled with nothing but blood and battle, what else can you expect?"

Endymion made a strange sound the in back of his throat and focused his attention back to the food in front of him.

"It's good to see that you have recovered." he addressed Malachite after a while.

He gazed up to see the surprised expression on Malachite's face. His lips then formed into a smile and he nodded his head.

"And it's good to see that you have accepted your place in the brotherhood and your life as a gladiator." he replied.

Endymion returned his smile and nodded.

"Dominus Tiberius helped me with that." he answered honestly. "He showed me the way."

Sadness etched into Malachite's features at the mentioning of the deceased Dominus' name.

"He was a good man." he said almost softly. "He understood the gladiatorial art like no other. He never treated us as slaves."

Nephrite and Zoisite nodded their heads in agreement, and a wave of sadness washed through Endymion's body. He tightened the grip around his spoon, almost breaking it while doing so. He watched as his knuckles turned white, and an image of Tiberius and Raye entered his mind.

"It is not fair." he growled, his voice laced with frustration.

"Life is hardly fair." Malachite sighed. "But things happen for a reason. After all, Gods play wicked games."

Endymion snorted and shook his head.

"I do not believe in the Gods." he replied icily. "Neither Romans nor others. But I believe in humans and their wicked games."

Malachite cocked his head before he let out a roar of laughter. Endymion lifted his head and stared at him in confusion.

"You may not believe in the Gods, but they believe in you, brother." he told him with a broad grin. He then moved closer, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "And believe me that they have much in store for you."

Nephrite chuckled and rolled his eyes.

"Oh see how death has made him wise!" he taunted. "Since when do you believe in the Gods?"

Malachite shrugged his shoulders in nonchalance and crossed his arms before his broad chest.

"Now I do." he said with a smirk.

"Either way…" Zoisite chimed in with a serious look in his face. "I cannot wait to honor Dominus Tiberius and avenge his death. His death shall be repaid with blood and death. Endymion, I truly envy you, brother. You will get the chance to execute those bastards."

"Ah yes, the executions." Malachite said and leant back against the rest of his chair. His probing gaze focused on Endymion. "How do you feel about it?"

Endymion huffed, his eyes turning angry.

"I'm not scared if this is what you mean." he spat.

Malachite chuckled and shook his head.

"It is not." he declared. "I have no doubt that you will easily kill all of them."

He fell silent for a moment before addressing him again.

"Rumor has it that two brothers were captured as well."

"Traitors." Nephrite correctly grimly.

Malachite chuckled softly, but eventually nodded his head.

"Traitors." he agreed after a while, but stayed otherwise silent.

Nephrite, sensing the change of atmosphere, quickly changed the subject and began talking about one of the latest battles he had won. Every now and then, Endymion glances at Malachite who was sitting quietly next to them, absently staring into space. When the Doctore announced that they should move to the bathing caves, Malachite suddenly grabbed Endymion's arm, making him stay a little longer.

"One favor, brother." he addressed him, his silvery eyes shining determinedly. Curiously, Endymion drew his brows together, waiting patiently for Malachite to express his desire.

"If Jadeite is one of those who are to be executed…" he trailed off, and he averted his eyes for the shortest of moments. When he looked back at Endymion, his eyes were filled with an ocean of emotions. "Grant him the death of a gladiator. He was … is our brother."

Endymion's gaze softened. He knew that Malachite, Zoisite, Nephrite and Jadeite had been close. He also knew that Zoisite and Nephrite couldn't stand the idea that Jadeite had betrayed the brotherhood – that he had chosen to go against the House of Tadius and join the rebels. It was obvious that their love for him had turned to disappointment that edged to hatred. When he looked into Malachite's eyes, he, too saw betrayal. It was clear, however, that no feelings for hatred could enter the gladiator's heart for his former friend.

"And I'm sure he will fight as such." Endymion said with a small smile on his face.

Malachite's expression softened and he nodded his head in gratitude.

"Jadeite was dear to me." Malachite explained sadly. "The brotherhood is something precious – something that binds us together. He had to have his reasons to act the way he did. If I had the chance to talk to him only once again, I would surely make sure to understand his motives."

With that, he let go of Endymion's arm and followed his brothers to the bathing caves. Endymion took in a sharp breath as Malachite's words whirled through his head like a thunderstorm. He watched as Andrew went past him, avoiding his gaze.

"Andrew." he addressed him, making the blond stop. "I need to speak to you."

"There is nothing to talk about." Andrew retorted coldly.

"There is!" Endymion insisted as he grabbed Andrew's arm, preventing him to follow the other gladiators. "Have we drifted so far that you cannot even look me in the eyes?"

He felt how Andrew's body tensed in response.

Endymion let go of his arm and raked his hand through his thick black hair.

"We are brothers." he whispered.

Andrew let out a dry chuckle and whirled around, his face a darkening cloud of taunting.

"Brothers, you say?" he laughed and rolled his eyes. "You sound like Malachite!"

Endymion's eyes narrowed.

"So this is about Malachite?"

Another taunting laugh escaped Andrew's lips.

"No!" he barked. "This is about you ! As it always is!"

Endymion shook his head in irritation, furrowing his brows.

Andrew stepped forward, his green eyes sparkling with fury.

"I wonder what Malachite and our brothers would say if they knew what I knew. If they had seen what I have seen!" he whispered darkly.

Endymion narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"What are you…"

"… talking about?" the blond interrupted with a smirk on his face. "Oh I think you know exactly what I am talking about, Thracian."

Andrew grew impatient as he observed the confused look on Endymion's face. He stepped even closer until his chest was almost touching Endymion's.

"I saw you." he whispered.

Only three words, but they were enough to make the blood in Endymion's veins freeze. Andrew watched with satisfaction as realization dawned on the other man's face. The irritated smirk on his face broadened.

"Oh yes, I know about your little secret. I know what you are doing in the middle of the night when everyone is asleep." he continued. "I know how you all betray us."

Endymion stared at him with a stony expression on his face. There was no use denying it. There was no use trying to find excuses or to play it down. He could see it in Andrew's face that he knew.

"What is it to you?" he returned, his blue eyes staring down icily at him.

If possible, Andrew's expression turned even darker.

"Everything!" he hissed in response. "She is the Domina! This affects all of us!"

Endymion let out a snort and shook his head. He moved past Andrew, bumping his shoulder in the process.

"This has nothing to do with you." he hissed. "And if you are clever enough, you forget what you think you have seen."

A hand grabbed his arm, yanking him forcefully back.

"And if you are clever enough, you move forward to another cunt!"

Endymion felt how his body burnt with fury, and his mind shut down. He quickly whirled around and pushed Andrew against the stony wall behind him. Andrew's eyes widened in surprise before he let out a pained groan.

"Don't tempt me, Andrew!" he growled, his face only inches away from the blond. "You should not speak of things you have no idea of."

Andrew let out a taunting chuckle, his lungs quickly refilling with air.

"She is so good, huh?" he snickered. "So maybe to get a better idea of her, maybe I should try her once in a while."

Endymion's eyes darkened and before he knew what was happening, his fist collided with Andrew's face. He threw himself at the man, ready to inflict more pain when Andrew suddenly turned around and flung his legs around Endymion's neck. Endymion saw spots appear before his eyes as Andrew squeezed tightly.

"Not ready to share her, huh?" he heard Andrew's taunting voice. "I thought brothers share everything?"

Endymion mustered all of his strength bit into Andrew's leg. The blond let out a cry of pain, giving Endymion the chance to escape his grasp. Endymion immediately threw himself at Andrew and clasped his hands around his neck.

"So this is what this is about?" he shouted angrily. "You are jealous because she invites me to her bed?!"

Andrew kicked him and punched his stomach, making Endymion groan.

"No!" he spat as he tackled him to the ground. "It's about how you endanger all of us only to satisfy your lust! Thracian scum!"

Endymion saw red. With a roar that echoed from the walls, he tackled Andrew to the ground, letting his fist repeatedly go down onto the other man.

"ENOUGH!" someone barked, but Endymion wouldn't stop.

It was only when strong arms wrapped around his torso and dragged him away did he stop. He glared at Andrew who stared at him through bloodied, thick eyes.

"What the fuck were you thinking?!" Artemis shouted, his pale face red with anger.

"YOU!" he pointed at two gladiators. "Get him to the Medicus!"

He then turned around to face Endymion. The expression on Artemis' face made Endymion step back a little. The next moment, he felt a sharp pain on his cheek, blood trickling down. The blow was hard enough to make him fall to the cold stony floor.

"To your cabin." Artemis' low voice was heard. "I cannot stand your sight!"

Endymion was lying on his cot inside his cabin, forcing his muscles to relax. But sleep would not come this night. Andrew's words whirled inside his head, his knowledge making Endymion's stomach turn.

He had seen them. If he knew… who else did?

The door suddenly opened, making Endymion shoot up in his bed. For the shortest of moments, he thought Serenity had come. But his body tensed when he was greeted with the sight of the Doctore.

Endymion huffed and let his head fall back onto the cot.

"You were expecting someone else?" the Doctore said as he closed the door.

"I was not expecting anyone." Endymion replied shortly, his eyes focused on the ceiling above him.

Artemis stayed near the entrance, leaning his body against the wooden walls and crossing his arms before his chest. Silence filled the room.

"Are you here to announce my punishment?" Endymion asked drily.

He had wondered about when the Doctore would appear, forcing him to endure just another of those ridiculous punishments any men could only barely survive.

Another wave of silence stretched out between them.

"No." Artemis finally replied. "I came to talk."

Endymion chuckled darkly and shook his head.

Artemis' gaze never wavered from the gladiator's form as he continued.

"It has to stop."

Endymion glanced at Artemis. Everyone was afraid of him. Of this tall, mysterious man with the strength of ten and the speed of a cat. Endymion knew that Artemis could kill him in a blink of an eye. But tonight, he could not bring himself to fear that man. He felt nothing.

"I will not bother Andrew anymore." Endymion replied sternly. "He made his opinion rather clear."

His right hand automatically went to his jaw where an ugly purple bruise had formed.

Rather clear indeed, he thought angrily.

"I'm not talking about your quarrels with Andrew." Artemis replied after another beat of silence.

An icy feeling spread through Endymion's body, and his heart stopped for the beat of a moment. He willed his tensed body to slowly sit, his eyes glistering with suspicion as he met the Doctore's stern gaze.

"It has to stop." Artemis repeated with determination in his voice, but without any feeling on his face.

Endymion opened his mouth, but immediately fell silent when Artemis lifted his hand.

"I have no time for this, Endymion." he said sharply. "I didn't come here to listen to your words of denial, nor did I come to judge."

"How long since?" the Thracian asked through clenched teeth.

"Long enough." was Artemis' short reply.

Endymion let out frustrated laugh.

"And you chose today to confront me with it? Shortly before the battles?"

Artemis stared at him for a long moment before he nodded his head.

"Things changed."

"Because Andrew knows?" Endymion challenged with angry eyes. "He is angry – but he won't tell anyone. I know him."

Artemis' body tensed and his green eyes narrowed.

"I knew that you were stupid, Thracian. I just never knew how much." the older man growled.

Endymion huffed, but stayed silent. He clenched his fingers to fists and focused his attention on the window next to Artemis. There was anger inside him, anger that he could not really name. Was it because Andrew and Artemis knew his best kept secret? Angry because Serenity and himself had not been careful enough? Or was it because he detected the truth behind Artemis' words. That he indeed was stupid.

"A long time ago, I promised her father to protect her." Artemis said after a while, his voice now softer than moments before. "A promise that I intend to keep."

Endymion's head whirled around, his eyes angry.

"I would never harm her!"

Artemis nodded his head in agreement.

"I know." he said. "I've seen the way you look at her. I know that it is not mere lust that is driving you. And I know that you make her happy."

Endymion stood, his heart filling with hope.

"Then don't make me stop seeing her." Endymion implored. "She is the only light left in my life."

Artemis' wise eyes looked straight into Endymion's – a wave of pity washing through them.

"I will not force you to stop seeing her. Such intent would be useless." he declared after a while. "You will stop seeing her out of your own free will."

Endymion let out a scornful chuckle in response.

"That will never happen." He vowed. "I love her."

It was the first time that Artemis heaved a long sigh.

"Do you know why Andrew reacted the way he did?" the silver-haired man asked with a challenging expression in his eyes. "Because he sees what you already know, but refuse to see."

Endymion shook his head and closed his eyes. He didn't want to hear it. He didn't want to be confronted with reality.

"Diamond loves her." Artemis said bitterly. "More than he should. More than any man should. The moment he finds out, he will not only kill you, he will kill everyone that he thinks played a part in this. Most likely the brotherhood. Maybe even her."

"He wouldn't." Endymion insisted, but his insistence crumbled as he met the Doctore's determined gaze.

"There is a fine line between love and hatred, Endymion." he replied.

Endymion strode to the window of his cabin, staring outside.

"She will never love him that way." he whispered as he stared at the huge villa in front of him.

"I know." he heard Artemis agree. "And it is only a matter of time until Diamond's patience wears off. That is why she has to leave."

Endymion turned around, shock evident on his face.

"Before his death, Tiberius agreed to give her hand in marriage to Praetor Seiya. Diamond knows about the agreement, but refuses to accept it. He wants to keep her here at all costs. When Serenity, however, chooses to accompany Praetor Seiya to Rome, Diamond will have no other choice."

Every word the Doctore spoke was like a dagger into Endymion's heart.

"Praetor Seiya." he repeated with a new wave of anger coloring his voice. "She will never love him."

"Not as long as her heart belongs to another." Artemis whispered.

Endymion heard how the door was opened, but he did not turn around.

"As I said, I did not come here to force you to stop seeing her." he heard the older man's voice.

The door closed again and Endymion was alone. He let out an angry cry and pounded his fist against the wooden wall until blood pooled at his feet.

Serenity was sitting in front of her mirror, brushing her long hair with a grim expression on her face. She immediately turned around when Mina entered the room, a new wave of hope swirling in the depth of her silvery eyes.

Mina let out a deep sigh and shook her head. Confusion flickered across Serenity's face, and her brows furrowed.

"I don't understand." she whispered desperately. "Why doesn't he come? Again?"

Mina took in a deep breath and sat down beside her. She gently took the brush from Serenity's hand and started to comb her long tresses.

"Malachite told me that Endymion has moved back to the cells." the blonde told her. "It is impossible to reach out to him."

Serenity tensed and her small hands curled in her lap.

"I don't understand." she repeated, her voice cracking a little as she spoke.

"Serenity…" Mina sighed compassionately. "I know that you don't want to hear it, but maybe it's for the…"

"Don't." Serenity interrupted her sharply, squeezing her eyes tightly shut.

"Serenity?" Lita called from the entrance.

The silver-haired beauty looked up, only to see her friend with a large bouquet of flowers on her hand.

Lita smiled fondly at her friend, offering the flowers to her.

"A gift from an admirer." she explained as she met Serenity's questioning gaze.

With delicate hands, Serenity reached for the colorful flowers and brought them to her face. She smiled a little as the scent entered her senses, making her feel better for the breath of a moment.

"Here." Lita motioned towards a roll of parchment that was attached to the flowers.

Curiously, Serenity took the piece of paper from the flowers and read the message.

"My dear Lady Serenity,

I won't waste any ink on writing about your beauty and how flowers couldn't compare to you. It is something that you should already be well aware of and this kind of truth does not need further mentioning.

Let me draw your attention to the following words instead. It's an ancient myth from Greek that I came across a few days ago. Maybe it touches your heart the same way it touched mine.

I cannot wait to hear your opinion on it.

Seiya"

"It's from the Praetor?" Mina exclaimed giddily. "What else did he send?"

Serenity furrowed her brows as she enrolled the second page of parchment.

They were peaceful beings. Peaceful because they were happy. Happy because they were complete. As was the world.

"It's beautiful." Mina breathed, and her eyes shone with excitement. "Who knew that the Praetor had an eye for the beauty of poetry and myths?"

Serenity cocked her head a little as her eyes roamed the drawn lines.

"Yes." she whispered absentmindedly. "Who knew."