Chapter 14
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In some other life
We are standing
Side by side
And laughing that in
Some other life
We are apart
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Endymion's sharp azure eyes watched coldly through the rusty bars of the arena's catacombs as the corpse of Nephrite's latest victim was carried away from the sand, leaving a thick stripe of dark crimson behind. The brown-haired victor was standing in the center of the arena, his broad golden chest covered in glistering sweat and his opponent's blood, while the crowd was hauling for more. Endymion's eyes darted to Podium where the guests of honor were seated. Diamond sat in front row where his father used to sit, the lopsided smirk on his face indication that he was indeed pleased with the performances of this last day of the Parentalia. To his left, round flushed faces could be detected, all of them belonging to people of high rank from the capital. All had followed the house's invitation to join this great event to games to honor the deceased Tiberius. Endymion's eyes moved further, spotting the three Praetors next to Rubeus and his family in second row. Though enjoying themselves, it was apparent that Seiya and his brothers were less than pleased with the assigned choice of seating. Endymion did not understand much about the Roman etiquette, but it was clear that Diamond had openly disrespected them by not letting them sit in front row together with the guests from the capital. Endymion's eyes then found the empty spot to Diamond's right and his fingers automatically tightened their hold around the rusty bars. Like the past days, it seemed that Serenity had again decided to absent herself from the games. Endymion steeled himself, forcing away the longing that threatened to claim his heart.
He was glad that she had not come. That was how it was supposed to be.
"And again, Nephrite emerges the winner." a voice from behind sounded.
Endymion could not help but let out a dismissive snort when he realized who was standing behind him. He did not answer, nor did he turn around.
"Endymion…" Andrew sighed after some more moments of silence.
"What do you want?" Endymion finally growled, and his knuckles turned white as they painfully clenched around the bars.
"You moved back to the dungeons." was his whispered reply, and it was the defeated tone in the other man's voice that made Endymion finally turn.
The Thracian raised one dark eyebrow, looking expectantly at the blond Roman. Andrew had his eyes downcast, and Endymion could not help the slight wave of satisfaction that flooded his body as he detected the still swollen bruises on Andrew's face – pain that he had inflicted during their last encounter.
"I would have never betrayed you, Endymion." Andrew finally stated and raised his eyes to meet Endymion's gaze with a determination and finality in them that left no doubt about the truth of his words.
They stared at each other for some moments longer before Endymion's steely expression softened a little, and he nodded his head.
"I know." he finally acknowledged. "Not a second did I doubt you, brother."
A flicker of relief washed over Andrew's face and he took a step forward to place a comforting hand on Endymion's shoulder.
"I'm sure it's not easy…" he offered and his green eyes shone with sympathy.
Endymion stopped him before he could say another word.
"It is." he interrupted, and a haughty smile lifted his lips. "I'm a gladiator. Not a love-sick puppet. She was beautiful distraction. But I should have never endangered the brotherhood the way I did. I have to thank you for clearing my sight."
Andrew frowned at his friend, but before he could answer, he was distracted by the sudden sound of muttering coming from the arena. Both Endymion and he turned their attention towards the arena, searching for what had caused the people's shift of mood. The muscles underneath Andrew's hand tensed, and he felt as Endymion's entire body went stiff at the sight of Serenity taking her seat next to Diamond on the Podium.
Andrew let out a short, sad laugh and squeezed his friend's shoulder tightly.
"You will have to do better than that to convince either me or yourself, my brother." the blond whispered sadly. "I know that the worst battle is not in the arena, but between what you know and what you feel, Endymion."
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"Lady Serenity!" Praetor Seiya exclaimed, his young face immediately changing from one of boredom to excitement.
He quickly stood and grabbed her hand, placing a chaste kiss onto her velvet shimmering skin.
"I had given up all hope that you would join us." he whispered softly and offered her one of his charming smiles. "But I'm more than happy that you did."
Serenity forced herself to form a smile and nodded her head in acknowledgment.
"Thank you, Praetor." the silver-haired beauty finally whispered. "But please be assured that my appearance is not by choice."
"Serenity!" Diamond called her name sharply, and she met his icy stare with a glare of her own.
Seiya looked from sister to brother, and slightly narrowed his eyes.
"I believe when the Lady Serenity is not feeling well, it should be her decision to make to join us or not." he finally said while staring coldly at the silver-haired Lanista.
Serenity's glare morphed to a look of genuine surprise – never expecting the Praetor to stand up for her like that.
Diamond's eyes narrowed dangerously at the dark-haired man, but then quickly changed to one of amusement.
"These are games to honor our dead father." he said with a soft chuckle. "Surely you do understand that I want my sister here to share the pain."
His gaze then shifted to Serenity, and he added with something close to disapproval in his voice: "At least once."
Serenity bit her lower lip guiltily and dropped her gaze in shame.
"Still, you should not force her to…" Seiya began, but was quickly interrupted by Serenity.
"My brother is right." she said, her silver-blue eyes once again shining with a strength that did not quite seem to match her petite figure. She then turned towards the guests of honor from Rome and bowed her head. "My apologies for not making an appearance earlier to these festivities held to honor my deceased father. His sudden parting left me struggling needed strength for a while. But I feel honored to be part of this peek of tribute today to celebrate my father's greatness in life."
"Well said, child." a blue-haired man sitting next to Diamond, the Lady Ami's father as Serenity recalled, exclaimed and offered the young beauty a gentle smile of understanding.
Serenity briefly met Seiya's startled gaze and breathed a shaky "thank you" in his direction. The confusion within his eyes danced a moment longer before sympathy settled onto his face as a mutual understanding passed between them. He nodded once and offered his arm for her to take as he accompanied her to the seat next to Diamond.
Serenity felt her brother's eyes on her, but her gaze was firmly fixed onto the golden-crimson arena sand as she refused to look back at him.
"My dear Diamond, I heard that you ordered your Champion to perform the executions all on his own." Esmeraude chittered excitedly while successfully managing to draw Diamond's attention away from Serenity. "I'm afraid to admit that I do have doubts that he will emerge victorious. One against ten… it's either a great show or an embarrassing finale."
Diamond laughed lightly and winked at her with a mischievous smile on his face.
"I'm not surprised that you might thank that, beautiful Esmeraude." he chuckled while making her blush a deep crimson. "Given the fact that the quality of your cousin's warriors leaves much to be desired at the moment."
A deep growl was heard from Rubeus, causing another chuckle to leave Diamond's pale lips.
"Forgiveness, old friend." he offered with a smirk. "I'm just stating the obvious."
"Lanista Diamond has a point." Praetor Yaten added with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders. "It is fruitless to compare the Thracian's strength and abilities with others that we have witnessed these past days."
"And yet is he supposed to slaughter his former friends today." Lady Ami pointed out as she observed the fight on the arena sand beneath them with an absent-minded look on her face. "This alone poses quite a formidable challenge for every human-being I would say."
Taiki let out a short, amused laugh and nodded his head in agreement.
"I must say the goddess Minerva taught your daughter well, Marinus." he addressed Lady Ami's father with a glint of mischief in his eyes. "These are wise words for a female of such a young age."
Praetor Taiki's words managed to draw Ami's attention away from the arena sand, and her ears suddenly turned the deepest shade of red.
Before anyone else could add another comment, the heavy arena door's flung open and several Roman soldiers with curved trumpets entered the arena. The gathered in the center of the arena while forming a circle.
Serenity let out a startled gasp when Diamond suddenly grabbed her hand and brought it to his mouth. She looked at him with an uncertain look on her face as he placed a soft kiss onto her palm.
"I know I ask for much today, Serenity." he murmured against her palm while keeping his eyes closed. "But it means the world to me that you are by my side today… so that we can honor our dear father together."
He then opened his indigo eyes that were filled with sorrow and hurt that only she was allowed to see.
Serenity offered him a wobbly smile and lightly stroked the side of his face with the back of her fingers.
"As we always were." she whispered.
He then placed a lingering kiss on her forehead before he stood to move to the Podium's front. Right on cue, the soldiers blew their trumpets to gain the audience's attention.
"Brothers… Sisters!" Diamond addressed the arena with a strong voice as the arena fell silent. "So we have reached the final round of the Parentalia. The final battle to honor our father Tiberius from the house of Tadius – who shall forever we loved and remembered by an entire empire and an adoring crowd!"
The crowd cheered and bawled, and the arena shook from the force of emotions that were impregnating the air.
"Too soon…" Diamond continued. "Too soon was this prospering child of Rome ripped from our hearts, while leaving a deep hole of sadness and anger in its wake. But now… my friends, my brothers and sisters. Now it has come the time to call upon the one worthy to take vengeance against the enemies of Rome. Enter Endymion!"
The trumpets flared and the heavy, wooden doors on the left hand side of the arena were opened. A deafening sound of clapping hands, stamping feet and shouting people filled the air, welcoming the Champion of Capua for this final battle of vengeance – the peak of the Parentalia.
Endymion walked through streams of white and crimson flowers, thrown from above by the crowd as a symbol of their support and goodwill. His strong, determined steps lead him over the flowery carpet on the arena sand to the Podium, his two swords held firmly in each hand.
"No shield?" Ami whispered to her father. "This appears unwise to me."
"It's a symbol." Serenity heard her own voice explain shakily. "A message for his opponents. He's not here to defend himself. But to kill."
"Hanibal stands at our gates!" Diamond exclaimed and raised both hands invitingly into the air. "A phrase used to invoke fear among the children of Rome. But never forget this: Hannbial passed from this life at the end of a Roman sword! A fate that will one day be shared by all rebels that threaten our Empire! For now, let us pass a message to those who dare to go against us, those who dare to spill precious Roman blood! As a tribute to my father, I give you the enemies of Capua, the enemies of Rome! Let Mars and Nemesis join forces with all the other Gods to taint the river Styx with our enemies' blood to ensure safe passage to eternity!"
The doors on the right hand side of the arena opened, and ten chained men entered the arena – all of them beaten and covered in blood and dirt. Heavily armed soldiers led them to stand behind Endymion in front of the Podium.
"Traitors!" Diamond exclaimed with hate-filled, burning eyes as he observed the row of captured men and women. "May every blow inflicted upon you be as painful and cruel as the burning sensation in our hearts caused by the loss of our loved ones."
Endymion slowly turned around, the first time facing the rebels sentenced to die at his hands. His cold eyes roamed them, and he couldn't help the small wave of relief he felt when he realized that Jadeite was indeed not one of them. He recognized two of his former brothers from the House of Tadius, both Northmen who stared with barely hidden disgust at him.
"Does it feel good?" one of them hissed as Endymion's eyes landed on him. "To be the Romans' dutiful lapdop, Thracian?!"
Another man who was standing next to him chuckled and shook his head.
"No, the Bringer of Rain!" he taunted with a toothless grin on his face. "Isn't he a quite a hero? Too afraid of fighting against us one on one. But ready to do the Roman scums' dirty work when it's as easy as that."
Endymion's fingers tightened around the handle of his sword, but his face remained impassive. He slowly turned around to face the Podium again. He raised his eyes, and for the first time in days, he met Serenity's silver-blue gaze. She was staring at him with eyes wide open, her body stiff and her face a world of pain and confusion as she looked at him. He forced himself to direct his gaze towards Diamond, and he lifted his chin proudly as he spoke.
"Dominus." he addressed him with a strong, determined voice. "Unchain them."
Diamond's eyes narrowed to dangerous slits and the arena filled with anxious murmur.
"Unchain them…" Endymion shouted and turned towards the crowd. "… so that I can offer the blood sacrifice that Dominus Tiberius deserves. Let the Gods above decide for their deserved fate, and let me be their sword of justice! Do not let them cower behind chains and excuses. Let me kill them as what they are! Beasts and threats to our city!"
The crowd cheered at that, shouting and bawling for Diamond to meet Endymion's wish.
"Well look at that." Yaten uttered with amusement written across his face. "He really seems to have a death wish."
Serenity's head whipped around to look at her brother, her eyes widening as he saw him contemplating about Endymion's demand.
"Diamond!" she urged while shaking her head vehemently. "You cannot allow that! This is insane!"
Diamond's gaze never left the young Thracian's, and he slowly moved his head from left to the right as he pondered about this request. Finally, an amused smile entered his face and he shrugged his shoulders.
"He is full of surprises." Diamond laughed in appreciation, causing Serenity's mouth to drop open a little. "I'm not a man to deny another the thirst for revenge."
"Diamond…" Serenity whispered feverishly, ready to protest anew.
But Diamond stopped her with a sharp motioning of his hand, giving her a stern look.
"Endymion has his own reason to fight." he explained sharply. "His thirst to avenge his sister is stronger than expected – but still I do understand his motives. If it had been you to be killed, Serenity, I would have murdered each one of them with my own hands. And I would have wanted it to last, I would have wanted to see the despair in their eyes when they realized they stood to chance against my wrath – especially when fully armed and prepared. Having them chained will never do. Killing them would be too easy. It would never satisfy the burning desire to avenge."
Serenity blinked one, two times – and her heart stopped as Diamond motioned for the soldiers to grant Endymion's request. Her head whirled around to look back at Endymion – but he would not return her stare. Without another look at her, he turned around to face his opponents.
The toothless Northman grinned at him, his dark eyes swirling taunting.
"Fatal mistake." he chuckled loudly. "The Gods always punish the arrogant."
The next moment, he threw his sharp sword directly at Endymion with full force.
Endymion saw the tip of the sword flying directly towards him. He closed his eyes and put his head back. He calmly spread his arms as he was waiting to receive the blow - and cries of surprise and shock reached his ears as he waited. He felt a slight wave of pain when the sword grazed the left side of his torso, causing a small line of blood to run down the side of his body.
He opened his eyes again and moved his head to look at the Northman with a smirk on his face.
"I do not believe in Gods." he told him. "But apparently, they believe in me."
With that said, he suddenly threw his own sword. It whirled through the air, finding its aim directly between the Northman's eyes. The shocked expression was still on his face when he slowly fell backwards, and his blood quickly painted the sand around him crimson.
Endymion slowly moved towards the Northman's dead body, removing the sword with a determined pull. He eyed the remaining nine rebels, his expression calm and without emotion. Their eyes were filled with both hatred and respect as they readied themselves for the fight. Endymion let out a soft chuckle while whirling both swords expertly in his hands.
"Begin." he said to them with unwavering voice.
"BEGIN!" he shouted when nobody would move. He waited another moment, and he once again threw his sword, this time killing a broad-shouldered Egypt to his right.
"I SAID BEGIN!" he shouted again, and this time, his words and actions had the desired effect.
Serenity's fingers dug deeply into the wooden armrest as he watched as the remaining rebels rushed up to Endymion – each of them wearing hate-filled, dark expressions – each of them with the clear target to kill her beloved. Endymion moved swiftly and expertly, evading every blow, every fruitless attack. He was merciless as the iron of his sword slid limbs and throats. He laughed when one by one fell by his hand, as he injured and slaughtered like he was death himself. Her heart sped up, and her body trembled as he watched him fight. Not for the sake of his safety, but for fear for his soul. She hardly recognized him – she had never seen him like that before. It was a cruel display of his power, unlike anything she had ever been forced to witness.
She turned her head away from the arena and closed her eyes tightly. The air was humid – suffocating her – and the cries of pain and the smell of death was surrounding her, painting vivid pictures in her mind of scenes that reminded her so much of the fateful night of the attack. She saw the fountain before her mind's eyes, the color of blue morphing to red as bodies of rebels and Roman soldiers alike framed the garden. She saw the rebels' leader, his deep brown eyes fixed upon her, a cruel smirk on his face as he promised to return to take her. She saw her father's dead body, his skin blueish and with his eyes wide-open that spoke of shock and betrayal.
She panted heavily – all of the pictures in her mind, the noises, the smell, all of it too much for her to bear. She heard her name being called from a distance, and she forced herself to open her eyes. She looked into Mina's concerned vivid blue eyes, and she faintly realized that she asked if she was alright.
"I … I can't." Serenity pressed out, panting heavily.
She was feeling as if someone was squeezing her tightly, preventing her from breathing. Serenity stumbled onto her feet, barely feeling Mina's hold on her slender arm, giving her the much needed support.
She heard Diamond's voice, filled with both confusion and anger. But she stumbled further towards the exit, ignoring his pressing calls. Suddenly, a strong determined hand wrapped around her wrist, forcing her to keep in place.
Her unfocused eyes met Praetor Seiya's concerned dark blue orbs, refocusing for the moment.
"Serenity…" he whispered, searching her eyes. For the breath of a moment, her world stopped spinning, the softness in his eyes and voice able to calm her down a little.
"I know what it's like." he told her gently. "To lose someone you love so much that it breaks your heart. Over and over again. And what it's like to have experiences such a traumatic experience."
She was startled by the truth of his words, by the pain she saw in his eyes.
"Let me help you." he offered the slightest hint of a smile on his face.
She stared at him, her mouth opening.
A sharp cry of pain echoed through the arena, causing Serenity's head to whirl around to focus onto the arena floor. Her eyes widened as she saw Endymion kneeling on the floor, surrounded by two rebels with glistering crimson swords. She saw the gaping wound splitting the right side of his arm. She watched as he forced himself to stand, using his body to tackle one of the rebels to the ground and retaking the sword.
Serenity used the distraction and pulled her hand free from the Praetor's grasp. She felt Mina and Luna by her side, pushing her away and towards the exit. The moment she was outside, she sunk down to the floor, breathing heavily.
"It's a panic attack. Bring her back to the villa." she heard Luna order one of the soldiers. "Quick!"
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Endymion panted heavily as he withdrew the sword from his last opponent's corpse. The stinging pain from his shoulder made him wince, and he looked down at the open wound that let thick streams of blood rush down his skin.
His gaze focused on the dead bodies surrounding him. He could have easily killed them all without being injured. But one moment alone had almost meant his undoing. One moment of inattention. One moment of distraction. One moment of her.
Just once had his heart betrayed him, and his gaze had darted towards the Podium. Towards her. And there she had been, standing next to Praetor Seiya, looking him deep in the eyes. Endymion had seen how Seiya had touched her wrist, holding her, and how she had looked at him in wonder. Not caring about Endymion at all. Endymion had been distracted for a moment too long, and his opponents had exploited this small sin mercilessly.
Endymion sighed and turned towards the Podium. Ready to face her again. He lifted his head under the raging applause of Capua's people, seeing how Diamond and the people from Rome were paying their tribute to his victory.
But Serenity was gone.
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Endymion hissed in pain as the Medicus sprinkled some fluid and herbs on the wound of his right shoulder. The old man chuckled and shook his head.
"You survived worse." The Medicus told him bluntly. "So stop acting like a child."
Endymion glared darkly at him, but said nothing.
"That was quite a show today." The Medicus continued as he fetched some bandages from a cabinet to his right. "When you asked to unchain them, my bet was on the others."
Endymion rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"You should better than that by know, old man." he muttered.
Another chuckle escaped the Medicus' rough lips and he nodded.
"Aye." he admitted. "I wonder why the Orcus refuses to take you, boy."
Endymion shrugged his shoulder as he answered: "I guess I'm too much trouble."
The Medicus laughed. "I guess you are."
They sat in silence for some moments longer while the older man was carefully bandaging Endymion's arm.
"The Dominus is pleased by your performance." the Medicus then said. "He invites you to the celebratory banquet tonight."
Endymion let out a huff, shaking his head.
"I'm a gladiator. Not a trophy to be shown around."
A chuckle rumbled deeply in the Medicus' chest.
"Where is the difference?" he challenged with a shrug of his shoulders.
Endymion remained silent. Was there a difference?
"Medicus." someone suddenly called from the entrance, the voice making Endymion's entire body stiffen.
A surprised look entered the old man's face as he faced the beautiful woman that had appeared.
"Domina." he breathed and lowered his entire body to perform a bumbling bow. "What can I do for you? I hope you are feeling better?"
Serenity lifted her head and nodded.
"I am, thank you." she said with a soft smile on her face. "I'm here to talk to Endymion. Alone."
Startled by her request, the Medicus furrowed his brow.
"Forgiveness, Domina." he replied. "But I don't think this is wise. He could…"
Before he was able to voice another word, Serenity stopped him by a motioning of her hand.
"Today, he honored my father's murder by killing the rebels who are responsible for his death. I trust him to show equal care and respect to the only daughter that Tiberius left behind. Now leave." she said, the authority coloring her voice that of a true Domina.
The Medicus hesitated, but finally bowed his head in acceptance.
"I'll send for guards to ensure your safety, then." he offered on his way out. "You can't be too careful these days."
"There is no need." Serenity was quick to correct, earning a startled look from the older man. "My body slaves are waiting outside, both of them trained in the martial art. Be assured that no harm will be inflicted upon me."
The Medicus's face mirrored the inner conflict that he had, but he eventually sighed, nodded his head and left the room.
Endymion couldn't help the chuckle that left his mouth.
"He saw me killing ten armed men and women today, and yet he believes your voice of reassurance that two mere women could stop me from hurting you." he muttered and shook his head. "What a fool he is to expose you to such danger."
"Mina and Lita are both skilled fighters." Serenity told him sternly before her expression softened. "And you would never harm me."
Endymion shook his head anew and let out a soft laugh.
"Then you overestimate your guards, and underestimate me." he finally lifted his head to look at her standing across the room. "I don't know what is worse." he added softly.
They stood in silence for quite some time before Serenity suddenly ran towards him, throwing her petite figure against his strong form and wrapping her slender arms around him. Out of instinct, he, too, encircled her frame, holding her tightly.
He felt her sweet mouth placing soft kisses onto his chest, and he couldn't help but close his eyes the sensation. It felt like eternity since the last time he had held her that close, since the last time her sweet scent had entered his senses.
"I feared you were dead." he heard her pained whisper. It made him look down at her, and his heart broke as he looked into her beautiful tear-filled eyes. He was about to reply when she suddenly reached out both hands to pull him down, her sweet mouth immediately finding his in a desperate kiss. It was strange, really, that a man so powerful and strong as he was stood no chance against the power this small goddess held. Lost in the sensation that was so completely her, his hands developed a mind of their own as they lifted her to place her onto the small cot nearby. His strong hand encircled her neck, pulling her head back with gentle force to kiss and lick his way down her throat. A sweet moan escaped her sensuous mouth as he pressed his lower body firmly against her core, causing him to nearly topple over the edge of his control into the sweet heavens of lust and love.
But it was the realization that she felt slimmer than what he remembered, her breathy voice that whispered "How I missed you", and the images of Praetor Seiya that made him suddenly stop. As if being burnt, Endymion detached himself from her enticing embrace, stumbling backwards as he did so. He caught the confused look on her face, and the picture of her sitting both innocently and invitingly on the cot made him almost lose control again. Endymion abruptly turned around to avoid the sight, his back facing her.
"Why have you come here?" he asked in a breathy voice while knowing the answer only too well.
There was a long moment of silence before she finally spoke.
"It seems this was the only way to see you." she answered in a shaky voice.
Endymion closed his eyes, mentally steeling against the power she had over him.
He heard her move behind him, her steps soft clicks against the stony floor. He almost felt her reach out for him, but before she could touch his back, he quickly took a step away and turned around to face her. He knew that one touch would be his undoing – that he could never win against his desire for her if her soft hands made contact with his hard flesh.
She stared at him with wide open eyes, her face a world of confusion and the slightest hint of betrayal.
She withdrew her outstretched hand and clasped it around the fabric above her heart.
"Tell me what is wrong with you." she urged him, but knew better than to approach him again. This was the moment that he had feared the most since he had decided to never touch her again – for her sake, and for the sake of the brotherhood. A promise he had broken the first moment he had been alone with her. His tanned hand went swiftly through his dark hair, his mind searching feverishly for an answer to this specific question.
"You move back to the dungeons from one day to the next, you refuse to see me, you suddenly away from my touch…" Serenity listed with both anger and desperation in her voice. "Even now you avoid even looking at me! And today in the arena, you were practically begging to be killed!"
He forced himself to meet her gaze, immediately wishing he hadn't. Her eyes were full of tears, her lips kiss-swollen and her cheeks flushed from fury.
"There is an ocean of silence between us, Endymion." she continued desperately. "And I'm drowning in it!"
Endymion let out a long breath he had been holding, shaking his head.
"What do you want me to say, Serenity." he finally said, his gaze dropping.
The silver-haired beauty crossed her arms in front of her chest, lifting her chin defiantly.
"An explanation would be a nice start." she bit out. "The truth."
Endymion let out a cheerless chuckle.
"The truth…" he repeated, and never had he imagined that the weight of one word could almost crush him the way it did.
"The truth is…" the young man began and lifted his gaze to look at Serenity. "The truth is that from the first moment I saw you, I wanted to be with you. It is as simple and as complicated as that. You came to me in my darkest hour, and you lit a fire within me that spoke of so much more than desire. Because to me, you meant hope."
He saw how her face softened at his words, and he already hated himself for the next words he had to voice, that he needed to voice. His fingers balled to fists, clenching tightly to distract him from the pain he felt deep within.
"But loving you, Serenity… it was the most exquisite form of self-destruction."
He heard her gasp, the shock and confusion evident on her beautiful face.
"Don't you see, Serenity?" he let out a cheerless laugh, shaking his head vehemently. "You created webs of illusions, and I was your all too willing prey. I never realized how false the lies were that you told me, and that I told myself. That was until Raye died."
She took a step back as if being slapped by his words. But he needed to continue. He needed to say this. For her own sake.
"The Domina and her gladiator… what a love story this was. But love is not supposed to be this way. Loving someone should have been a beautiful thing. It's not supposed to destroy people."
"I… I don't understand wh…"
"What I'm talking about?" Endymion interrupted her sharply, his blue eyes pinning her to the spot. "You are many things, my fair Domina. But you are far from dumb. Raye's death made me think about my purpose in life. Now that she is dead, she took that purpose to her cold grave. Being with you… it gave me hope. But all hope is lost in this world. I have to find my place in this life – and as the Gods spared me today in the arena, they showed me this place."
Serenity stood in silence, her trembling fingers the only motion that could be seen.
"I'm a gladiator, Serenity. A God of the arena." Endymion said after some time with pride in his voice. "I fight for honor and glory in this life – so that I can proudly enter the afterlife without being ashamed of my deeds in this."
"You don't have to." Serenity whispered in a strangled voice. "Let me set you free, let me give you a life outside these walls, Endymion."
Endymion laughed at that – a cold and distant sound that made Serenity flinch. He slowly walked towards her, his fingers lightly brushing away the lonely tear that lingered on her soft cheek.
"And there we go again." he whispered almost disapprovingly. "Inflicting hope where there is none. Do you still not understand, Serenity? I don't want that. I want to be a gladiator."
Serenity covered his hand with hers, pressing lightly, but he immediately removed his and turned around.
"Even more than I want hope. Even more than I want you."
He closed his eyes, never imagining how much some uttered words could make the heart cry out.
"What do you mean?" he heard her whispered voice.
He took a deep breath. This is it. Only some more words to utter, only some more false truths to voice.
"When I met you, I used to think I couldn't go a day without your smile. Without telling you things and hearing your voice." he whispered, but the words echoed loudly in his ears. "But as time passed, I found that there is something else that fills me with desire, that fuels my blood and sets my entire body aflame – in ways that even your touch was not able to. Fighting, slicing flesh, seeing your opponent's blood spill… Taking lives in ways only the Gods can. There is nothing more satisfying than that. You know it's true, Serenity. I know that you do. You know that I'm born to be a Titan. And deep down, you know that there is nothing, that there is no one, to even closely fulfill this need within me."
"What does this mean for us?" she whispered, her broken voice a mirror of her shattered heart.
Endymion took a deep breath. He turned around, looking her straight in the eye for the final kill.
"The reason why I got injured today was because of you. One moment of inattention almost meant my undoing." he told her. "You are a distraction – keeping me from my true purpose. Of course I still desire you, Serenity, every man on this earth and above does. But the thing is, fair Domina, that being a gladiator means more to me, than you. I don't want to be distracted anymore."
Silence stretched out between them, their pounding hearts the only sound that could be heard.
"You asked me to tell you the truth, Serenity, and I have a thousand things to say to you, and a thousand reasons not to." Endymion then whispered, averting his gaze. "But know one thing: I wish you all the happiness in this world. But you won't find it here in this house."
He heard her move, and when he looked up, he was startled to find her directly in front of him. His heart broke at the sight of her. Never had he seen something more beautiful, never had he seen something more tragic.
"I used to think I set a fire in your eyes." she whispered, but her silver-blue eyes were filled with a strange mixture of disdain and pain. "I never expected to learn that it was just the reflection of the one you set in mine."
She quickly turned around and rushed out of the room, leaving Endymion rooted to the spot. A movement from the entrance caught is attention after a while.
"Enjoying the show, Artemis?!" he barked angrily, causing the Doctore to emerge from the shadows. "Is this what you wanted?!"
Artemis narrowed his eyes.
"I love her like a daughter." he said sharply. "Don't believe that seeing her hurt would pain my soul less than it does yours."
Endymion huffed and shook his head.
"I doubt it." he muttered and turned around, not wanting to let Artemis see the deep pain he was feeling.
"You did the right thing, Endymion." Artemis said after a while, sorrow and pity filling his voice. "And I thank you for that. I thank you for doing the right thing to save the one we both love."
Endymion shook his head anew.
"You have no idea about how much I love her, Artemis." Endymion whispered. "Close your eyes and picture the sun. That's how it felt like to love her. Warmth. And now? Only coldness is left. In both our hearts."
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"Serenity?" someone called her name, causing her to push back further into the darkness of the shadows.
She saw Praetor Seiya appear on the balcony where she was, and she prayed to every God that there was above that he would just turn around and give up – that he would not detect her.
But not for the first time that day did she realize that the Gods had indeed left her. No, not left her. It was worse than that. They were downright laughing at her childish prayers of despair while pulling away the curtain of comfort for the world to see her misery.
She felt rather than saw how Seiya's eyes landed on her, and his strong determined steps brought him to the hidden spot where she had hoped to hide from the world.
"Serenity." He addressed her again with a gentle smile on his face. "I was wondering where you are."
Serenity quickly wiped away the tears from her face, still trying to hide her state of misery. She knew that she had failed when the smile on the Praetor's face dropped and morphed into an expression of concern.
Before he was able to voice a single word, the silver-haired beauty immediately stood and walked towards the edge of the balcony, trying to hide her flushed and tear-stained face from the Praetor's probing gaze.
"I'm afraid I'm not feeling well, Praetor." she said as nonchalantly as possible. "Forgiveness, but I do not wish for company at the moment."
"Forgiveness, Serenity." Seiya offered as he took a tentative step towards the beauty who was standing at the balcony parapet. "My intention was not to intrude."
"Then don't." was her sharp reply without turning.
She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, immediately regretting the tone she used. This was not like her – and this was not how she wanted to be.
"Forgiveness." she whispered in defeat. "I just want to be alone right now. Please go."
"They say that silent tears hold the loudest pain." Seiya said as he took the place next to her at the balcony rail, ignoring her request. "You say you want to be alone, but I don't want you to feel alone right now."
"Is there even a difference?" Serenity whispered into the wind, never taking her eyes from the full moon standing proudly between all those glistering stars on the nightly sky.
"There is." Seiya offered gently and smiled at the beauty next to him.
Silence stretched out between them, both of them looking to the stars above.
"Are you ever feeling alone?" Serenity suddenly whispered, startling the Praetor out of his own deep thoughts.
He smiled at her.
"Do you think I do?" he challenged.
It was a question that she did not expect, causing her to turn her head to look at him. She titled her head to the side, eying him closely.
"No I don't think you do." She said after a while. "How could you? You are always surrounded by people, you have your brothers to turn to. I don't think you are every feeling alone."
Seiya let out a soft laugh and shook his head.
"You are right, and yet you are wrong." he answered. "All those people around me, even my brothers… most of the time, they do not really see what I see. They do not understand what I feel, nor do they want to. And yet, I'm never alone. And do you know why, my Lady Serenity?"
Serenity furrowed her brow in confusion and shook her head.
Seiya pointed towards the stars above, a soft smile grazing his features.
"It's because of them." he explained.
"Because of the stars?" Serenity asked bewildered, earning a determined nod from the Praetor.
"I strongly believe that stars are the lights from dear people that have entered the other world." he said. "Their light shall guide us through the struggle of life, and they offer comfort whenever we need it."
Serenity looked at him, intrigued by the passion that she saw in his eyes.
"And whose light is guiding you, I wonder?" she carefully asked.
Seiya let out a soft sigh.
"My parents'." he said. "They died long ago. Murdered by my father's own body slave. A man from Thrace that I had called uncle, and that my father had treated with nothing but respect and love."
Serenity dropped her gaze.
"I'm sorry. I did not want to…"
"No, it's alright." Seiya was quick to assure. "I wanted to share this with you. I wanted you to understand why I acted the way I did. Even if it seemed unfair to you. And maybe it is. But what happened in the past affects our actions in the present. It's difficult to forget something like that."
Serenity remained silent at that, her own thoughts like thunderstorms in her own mind.
"Your father is up there as well." Seiya then said softly. "And he will guide you the way, even when times seem as dark as they are."
"He always told me to follow my heart." Serenity whispered while looking at the glistering stars above.
"A fine piece of advice." Seiya offered gently.
Serenity let out a sad laugh and shook her head, new tears threatening to spill the rims of her eyes.
"But then again, if your heart in in a million of pieces, which place do you follow?" she breathed weakly.
Seiya stared at her for a moment longer before he gently turned her to look at him.
"How about Rome?" he said while looking intently into her eyes and earning a look of confusion from the beauty.
"Think about it." he urged. "What keeps you here, Serenity? In this place of death and blood? Where rebels could return any moment to take you prisoner or worse."
He took a step forward, his eyes never leaving hers.
"What keeps you here?"
Serenity bit her lip, thinking intently about his question.
"Serenity… I…"
"I think you have overstayed your welcome, Praetor." a sharp voice interrupted whatever Seiya had wanted to share with Serenity. Both whirled around to see Diamond standing at the door, his narrowed indigo eyes glaring at the other man.
"Diamond…" Serenity addressed him soothingly, sensing the anger that flared within her brother. "The Praetor was just offering his advice in a moment of despair."
Diamond let out a short, dismissive laugh.
"Oh I'm sure he did." he hissed. With three long strides, he was standing next to Serenity, his hand hot around her slender arm as he forcefully pulled her away from the Praetor.
"Diamond!" Serenity exclaimed in irritation as she struggled against his iron hold while he pulled her back into the villa.
"Let her go, Diamond." Seiya yelled from behind them, his eyes glistering as he followed suit.
Once inside, Serenity freed herself from her brother's grasp, staring at him with a look of shock and anger on her face.
"What has gotten into you?!" she cried out. She faintly realized how the musicians stopped playing their song, and how the guests around them ceased their conversations to focus their attention onto them instead.
"You will not go to Rome, Serenity!" Diamond hissed and tried to grab her again. Serenity quickly sidestepped him to avoid his grasp again. His hand roamed his silver hair as he tried to calm hilself.
"Guards!" he shouted and five heavily armed soldiers appeared. "I'm afraid our dear Praetors have overstayed their welcome. Please accompany them out of the villa."
"How dare you!" Seiya exclaimed, his blue eyes dancing with fire. "Lanista!"
Diamond lifted his chin defiantly, his cool eyes trained at the black-haired Praetor.
"It may have slipped your memory, Praetor." he replied in a strong voice for everyone to hear. "But given my father's passing, I now am General of the Northern troops. Leave now, or bear the consequences."
"Seiya is the rightful owner." Taiki chimed in, stepping next to his brother. "It was your father's decision shorty before he died."
"And he agreed to give Serenity's hand in marriage to him as well." Yaten added, his arms crossed before his chest as he stepped forward. "You know this, and have no right to deny our brother what is rightfully his."
Diamond's eyes narrowed as he glared at the three men.
"And can you prove such insolent requests?" he challenged.
"The word from an honorable man is proof enough." Seiya stated coldly. "Something that appears to be quite strange to you."
Diamond's lips curled into a smirk.
"No proof then." He summarized with triumph in his eyes.
"Guards!" he yelled again, motioning with his hands his former request.
Seiya lifted his hand, making the guards stop their approach.
"There is no need." he finally said with all the authority in his voice. "We will take our leave."
Before he left, however, he stepped towards Serenity, placing a chaste kiss onto her palm.
"I'm not a liar." he whispered. "Whenever you find that the answer to the question what is keeping you here is nothing, be assured that the doors of Rome will be open for you."
Sending a final glare at Diamond, he quickly whirled around and made his way out of the room. The guests stood in silence, all of them staring at Diamond.
"Musicians!" the white-haired man shouted. "Why is nobody playing?! This is a celebration after all! Play!"
He whirled around to find Artemis and Luna staring at him with a disapproving look on both faces. His eyes then landed on Endymion who was standing with a mask of indifference next to them.
"Endymion!" he called out to him, motioning him to come forward.
"You are the only one I trust in this room – apart from Saphir, but I need him for my own safety." he whispered, his hushed voice drowned by the noise of the music and only for him to hear. "I want you to bring Serenity to her chambers. Stay with her, do not let anyone see her. Not Artemis, not that witch Luna. And if Seiya or his brothers try to steal her in the middle of the night – kill all of them. Do you understand?"
Endymion stared at him with an unreadable expression on his face, before he slowly nodded his head.
"I do."
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Hi guys, guess who's back!
Sorry it took forever to upload. I was super busy, but I'm glad I got this chapter out.
Do not fret, I swear there will be more Endy x Sere positivity in the next chapter. But what would a lovestory be without some angsty stuff.. :)
Cheers and have a wonderful week
J