In Veritas Memento
Rating: NC 17
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All aspects of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena are owned by Steven De Knight and Starz. This is for pure entertainment value alone.
This story takes place after the episode Missio, yet it veers completely into an A/U after the events of that episode. I am a huge fan of the series Spartacus; however, my favorite character is Gannicus. This is his story.
Warnings: M for a reason. This story is much like the show. It contains bad words and smut! If that is not your cup of tea, turn back now. Although, if cussing and nude scenes offend, are you sure you're a fan of Spartacus?! ;) Hehehe. Kidding. Anyhow, you've been warned.
Pairings: There are multiple pairings, and Gannicus has more than one partner in this story, however, Gannicus/Melitta is endgame. If reading Gannicus with multiple pairings offends you, again, turn back now.
A/N: This story has been rewritten, so, do not be surprised if much has changed if you have already read this.
Chapter 15: pro populo et Gloria: For the people and glory
The day of The Floralia dawned warm and sunny. The sky was a clear and bright blue. 'A glorious day to die', Gannicus thought as he lightly sparred with Rhaskos, using the semi-match to work out and stretch muscles for his contest later that day. He was excited about the upcoming battle despite the very real threat his opponent posed. The arena was always the place he felt most comfortable and he was anxious to leave for the games, yet last night still weighed upon mind. His eyes went to the balcony, but she was not there. He had not exaggerated last night. He missed her. Her humor and wit when verbally sparring with him. She kept his ego from swelling to massive proportions and she made him laugh. If friendship was all he could have, he would accept it. He did not want to wait any longer. He just wanted Melitta back in his life. Yet it appeared he would not be seeing her before he left for the arena.
Perhaps her absence was for the best. Oenomaus's words rang in ears. He needed to be focused and Melitta had become his worst distraction of late. He was heading to his cell to prepare for the games when a cart came through the gates of the ludus and a large box roughly the size of a man was taken into the villa. Gannicus gave it a passing glance, but his mind was now firmly set to his contest with Negrimus, and he did not give the wagon much thought as he entered his quarters and closed to door for some quiet time before he left for the arena.
*8*
As they prepared to leave for the games, Lucretia sat on a padded stool while Melitta inserted jeweled clips into her hair. She chuckled as Quintus regaled her of the missive he intercepted from Tullius earlier.
Holding out both arms for Naevia and Diona to place leather bracelets upon his wrists, Quintus said, "Ha!" he chortled, "apparently my father refused to arise after inviting the man to call, and now the cocksucker believes all Batiatus men are fucking pricks!" He laughed outright at the circumstance his father had placed himself in. "Perhaps, after being on the receiving end of the man's wrath, honorable father will finally see Tullius for the shit eater he is and remove nose from the man's ass!"
"Perhaps," Lucretia agreed, "but even if he refuses, I believe the time for a bargain with Tullius to bear fruit has passed. Wouldn't you agree?"
Her plan had worked. Tullius was humiliated and furious—at Titus this time. The opium wine had not killed the old man, but it had incapacitated him. Perhaps not the perfect solution, but it would suffice for now until a more permanent one could be put in motion.
Dressed, Quintus made his way over to his wife. He leaned down and placed a kiss on her shoulder. "I should fucking hope so." He grinned. "What would I do without you?"
"That is a thing you will never experience, so strike it from mind."
He opened his mouth to reply when Gaia entered the room and interrupted whatever he was about to say. "You have a messenger arriving from Capua with what appears to be a casket."
Quintus' face scrunched up in confusion. "A fucking what?"
"Go," Lucretia said, heart racing at how close she had come to possibly needing one of those yesterday for the elder Batiatus. "See what this is about, but remember we leave shortly," she called after him as Batiatus, ever impatient, hurried from the room.
*8*
Gannicus was sitting on his bed assembling the armor he would wear for the Primus when a guard came to his cell to inform he was summoned.
He looked up from his task, a frown marring his brow. "Now?"
"Yes now," the guard replied, standing at attention to escort Gannicus to the villa.
Gannicus sighed and got to his feet, leaving the black galerus he was about to pack lying upon his bed. He followed the guard out of his cell and across the yard, wondering why he was being summoned so close to the time they were to depart for Capua.
When he entered the villa, Gannicus was led to the tablinum, just off the balcony that overlooked the training yard. Batiatus was awaiting him, a huge grin upon his face as he stood next to what appeared to be a man under a white cloth. "This arrived for you today."
Gannicus heaved a sigh. He should have known. It seemed whenever a wagon came to the ludus anymore—it came bearing gifts for him. Octavia simply could not understand his position on this issue.
Batiatus whipped the sheet off to present an entirely new set of armor. The pieces were assembled on wooden posts shaped as a man to give the appearance of how it would look when worn. It was made entirely of black and silver, with gold and red piping along some of the pieces. The combined colors of the House of Batiatus and House Severus.
It was exquisite.
The galerus was the one-armed style that he usually wore. It had the Batiatus snarling wolf standard emblazoned upon the breast plate attached to the leather strap that crossed his chest, securing the armor. The metal of the arm guard was polished steel, with black leather sewn between each plate for maximum flexibility. The balteus belt was wide and made of thick black leather with red trim. It laced up the back and had a hand-stitched silver, red and gold wolf in the center with red stitching around the mouth of the beast. The bloody jaws affect drew even more attention to the ferocious wolf figure, making it appear lethal. The metal greaves were silver with knee guards that looked like golden claws coming out of the metal. There were black and silver manicae with red laces, new fasciae for under his greaves and a new elaborate black, silver and red subligaria to wear under the armor…
"Have you ever seen the like?" Batiatus crowed. "By the Gods! It is a stunning piece of armor to represent the House of Batiatus. The woman has made a considerable investment in you, Gannicus."
Gannicus was stunned. The armor she had given him to date must have cost her more coin than he would see in ten lifetimes! He glanced to Batiatus and the man grinned, bursting with enthusiasm. 'What does she want from me now?' was all he thought as he stared at his 'newest' gift.
"The woman is of a mind to make you a true God of the Arena!"
Gannicus gave a soft whistle. It truly was a work of art. "Is this the armor for The Apollinares?"
Quintus shook his head. "No, if you can fucking believe that! She is still having that crafted. I cannot begin to imagine the glory of it!"
Gannicus wanted to roll his eyes at her extravagance. Apparently, she wanted to make him the most fashionable gladiator in Capua! Did Octavia truly believe he needed new armor for each event? The black armor from the Vinalia was finely crafted and still in pristine condition. After yesterday, and the wagon debacle, Gannicus did not want any more presents from her. The noose of Octavia's obsession was tightening to the point where he often felt near strangled by her fixation on him.
"Well, what do you think? Have your eyes ever beheld such a marvelous sight?" Batiatus asked, bringing him out of his revelry. The man's excitement was obvious, as was the expectation that he was awaiting a similar reaction from Gannicus for such a bountiful offering.
The blonde gladiator managed to plaster a false grin upon his face and played the role he knew Batiatus wanted to see. "I have not, Dominus. It is a fine piece of armor. I shall wear it proudly as I bring victory to this house."
Pleased with his response, Quintus grabbed Gannicus by both arms, almost hugging him in his excitement. "You are going to be the wings that soar us to fucking Olympus itself!" He nodded to several guards. "Take this to his quarters and leave."
Gannicus started to follow them, but Quintus stopped him. "Gannicus, remain, there is something else and I would discuss, and I would have you speak plainly." Batiatus put an arm around his shoulder. "Lucretia had words with me regarding Melitta and the commotion caused at last night's event."
Gannicus drew a deep breath. He should have surmised his drunken misstep would reach Batiatus' ears. "Apologies Dominus. I had a bit too much wine and chose inappropriate time to thank Melitta for sending Oenomaus to me."
"What are your feelings towards her?"
"I have no feelings for Melitta but friendship."
"The heart within your breast does not stir for her when you set gaze upon her?"
Gannicus's eyes went wide and he pulled back in surprise. "Why do you ask me this?"
"You forget I was there when you lay with her," Batiatus said. "I have taken note of how often your gaze strays to her, as well as the way hers lingers when she looks upon you."
It took every ounce of willpower Gannicus possessed not to crack under Batiatus' stare. He had not realized he had been so obvious. "We have been placed in difficult position, Dominus…as you know," he said calmly, sticking to his story. "And there has been tension between us of late, but Melitta stands as friend, nothing more."
Quintus studied him for a long moment, searching for the truth hidden beneath Gannicus's words, but Gannicus kept his expression neutral, giving away none of his roiling emotions. Finally, Batiatus nodded as if satisfied. "If you are sure that is all she is."
"It is," Gannicus insisted.
"Very well, however…" Batiatus added, still watching Gannicus closely. "If you did have such leanings. I would allow you to state your desire and possibly see needs met."
Gannicus nearly broke with that statement. What was Batiatus saying? Have his desires met? Was he insinuating he would gift Melitta to him? And how would he do that? She was his Doctore's wife! These questions rattled through his brain, jumbling an already confused state of mind. Oenomaus' words from the night before rang in his ears and he forced himself to strike all questions or worries from thought. Now was not the time for words of this nature. After his battle, he could revisit Batiatus's mysterious offer, but for now—he needed to set mind to defeating his opponent and nothing more. If he died in the arena today, he would never know the truth.
He managed to keep all emotion from his face as he nodded. "Gratitude, Dominus, however, I have no words to break on the matter. My gaze is focused on match with Negrimus. The man looks to be worthy opponent. I would focus concentration on him, not Melitta," he said.
Batiatus smiled at Gannicus. "Of course. And what a match it will be. Although, I have no doubt you will be the victor today," he said, rubbing his hands together. Batiatus called in another guard. "Now go. See yourself dressed. We leave upon the hour."
"Dominus," Gannicus said with a nod before following the guard back to his cell.
*8*
An hour later, Gannicus was in the yard ready to leave for the arena when Oenomaus and the elder Dominus approached without Batiatus in attendance.
Titus was hunched over, appearing even more feeble than normal, and Gannicus watched as Oenomaus helped the old man into the front passenger seat of the wagon next to the driver.
"See Gannicus loaded into the wagon, Oenomaus. We leave presently," Titus said, a scowl upon his withered face. "My son does not place value on arriving at proper hour, but I do."
"Yes, Dominus," Oenomaus said, coming around the wagon to the side where Gannicus was waiting.
"We leave without Batiatus?" Gannicus asked, following Oenomaus towards the rear of the wagon.
Oenomaus nodded. "He is not quite ready to depart. Dominus refuses to wait for him."
The guards swung open the wagon's door and Gannicus climbed inside followed by Oenomaus. After they were inside, the door was closed and locked for their journey into Capua.
Gannicus sighed. "He will not be happy."
"No, he will not," Oenomaus agreed. "Yet, what are we to do about it?"
"Not a fucking thing, but suffer the brunt of his temper after wards," Gannicus replied, settling back in his seat as the wagon started to move forward.
Upon the balcony, Quintus glared as he watched the wagon leave for the arena carrying Gannicus. "My fucking father once again seeks to fuck me!" he snarled to Lucretia as she joined him. "He leaves without me to deliver Gannicus, as if I am fucking dispensable and unneeded!"
"See scowl removed, my love. I would not see your father's overbearing shadow ruin this day for us," she told him, leading him back inside so they could finish preparation to depart for the arena. "It was your hand that chose Gannicus, guided him and set him to purpose in becoming the champion he is today, not your fucking father. And," she added, "when Gannicus claims victory today, it shall be you who receives the accolades for his triumph. Not Titus. I would not see his lack of appreciation for all you have accomplished cause you another moment of concern."
Quintus' mood brightened with his wife's words. "Has a man ever had such a wife?" he crowed and kissed her with great flourish upon her lips.
"She simply loves her husband and would see him elevated."
"Your words ease mind. Gratitude."
"I speak truth to remind loving husband of his worth," she told him, stroking his cheek. "Let us turn thoughts from unfortunate morning and embrace the upcoming day where the Gods are sure to favor you with another glorious victory for your champion. Your champion, Quintus, not your father's."
Spirits raised once again, Quintus quickly set about getting ready to depart for the arena where he would stand as lanista for Gannicus, not his father.
*8*
Gannicus climbed out of the wagon at the arena's lower level entrance that led to the carcere, the area under the arena where the gladiators were housed during events. The arena entrance was bustling with gladiators and their lanistas as they gathered to check in for the day's events. Oenomaus went to help Titus down from the wagon while Gannicus was placed in shackles, as were all gladiators when they first entered the arena. It would never do to have one or more of the combatants get a hold of one another before contest, so they were chained at the wrists as an extra precaution.
Titus and Oenomaus were approaching the spot where Gannicus stood awaiting his Dominus and/or Doctore to sign him in as present for his match when Titus' name was heard being called.
All three men turned to see Tullius making his way over to where they stood. "Titus," the merchant said, when he reached the elder Batiatus. "I would have words." His voice was clipped, his ire obvious.
"Of course," Titus said, recognizing the merchant's anger as well as its cause. "First, I must offer apologies for my lack of greeting last evening. I have been ill as you know."
Pleased to have an apology, Tullius allowed his fury at being summoned and then abandoned like cheap whore to abate. In truth, he was still hoping to convince the man to sell him Gannicus, letting temper get the better of him could see the old man's favor wither; Tullius would not have it.
The blonde merchant inclined his head. "Accepted with cautionary good will. I was rather disturbed to have you offer invitation then deny me audience."
"I would think you know the man I am, Tullius. I am too old to indulge such foolish games."
Tullius paused and appeared to ponder the older man's words for a moment before he nodded. "You speak truth. You have always been an honorable man, Titus. Gratitude for apologies," he said, more graciously than earlier. "I hope you are feeling well today?"
"My cough persists, but I would not miss contest."
"As you should not. It is going to be an exceptional match. Do you have a moment?"
He made a motion to the line they were presently standing in. "I must present Gannicus to the registrar, but it appears we have time if you would like to break them now."
"I would," Tullius said as his gaze traveled to Gannicus, and then to the slave carrying Gannicus' new silver, black and red armor. "Your man has acquired glorious new armor. A gift from his benefactor, perhaps?" he asked.
"Yes, the woman does enjoy spending coin on him." Titus replied drolly.
"Gannicus is truly a wonder," Tullius said, his eyes going again to the blonde gladiator. "I'm certain Octavia appreciates his many…" He paused and then added with a smirk, "talents, and rewards him in kind."
Gannicus did not favor the tone nor expression the man bore when he said that. Did Tullius know of Octavia and him? It was a disturbing thought, especially when Gannicus considered the determined manner with which the man pursued purchasing him from Batiatus.
"I suppose," Titus said to Tullius, before turning to Oenomaus. "Have Gannicus signed into the registry, will you, Oenomaus? I will meet you inside in a moment, after I have words with Tullius."
"Dominus," Oenomaus said, and led Gannicus and his guard inside to be checked in.
Gannicus glanced over his shoulder and met the eyes of Tullius, who was watching him leave as well. It disturbed the gladiator, the single-minded pursuit of the merchant. It reminded him of Octavia, without the sex… Varis' leering face flitted across brain and Gannicus realized he had no idea why Tullius chased him so vigorously; he could only hope the man had no designs upon him in that area!
After Oenomaus had signed him in as present, Gannicus was taken to a cell where his shackles were removed, and he was placed inside a cage to await his match. The slave carrying his armor placed it on the bench within the cell and exited. As soon as the door closed, Gannicus approached Oenomaus who was giving instruction to the slave to return to Titus.
"Does the Dominus still talk of selling me to fucking Tullius, Oenomaus?" Gannicus asked the Doctore, drawing his attention.
Oenomaus exhaled a long sigh. "He has mentioned it," he admitted, his tone speaking of his own disappointment at the possibility.
"Why?" Gannicus asked, truly baffled. "I am fucking Champion of Capua. I am to fight in Rome after this match! Why does the man gaze upon me with such disapproval that he would sell me off as if I was worthless cur with no value?"
"I am uncertain of his motives, Gannicus, but you must clear mind of troubled thoughts. You cannot risk distraction today."
Gannicus took a deep breath. Oenomaus was right. He nodded. "I will banish it from thought presently, but I would break words with you later regarding the matter."
Oenomaus nodded. "Agreed. Now, prepare yourself for contest. I will come back later, before your match."
And with that the Doctore left to find Titus, leaving Gannicus alone in his cell to ponder what Titus Batiatus had against him.
*8*
A couple of hours later, Gannicus was restless and pacing the circumference of his cell as he awaited his match. He was dressed in his new armor, ready to enter the arena when it was time for his bout to begin. He had just completed another trip around the cell when he heard his name called. He glanced over to find Titus Batiatus standing in front of the bars. Surprise widened his eyes. He was not sure to what purpose the elder Dominus was visiting him, but he had a feeling it was not to wish him good fortune.
He approached the bars separating them. "Dominus is something amiss?"
"That is a question I was going to pose to you, Gannicus," the old man growled, obviously upset. When Gannicus frowned in confusion, but kept silent, Titus explained his purpose. "I would have words regarding your sponsor, Octavia."
Fuck! Gannicus thought, he had known this visit did not bode well. "What of her?"
"What is your relationship with this woman, Gannicus?"
"My relationship with her? I am unsure of your meaning, Dominus."
"Are you?" Gannicus remained quiet and Titus studied him, looking for subterfuge. Gannicus managed not to squirm under his suspicious gaze. "According to Tullius, the woman's interest in you lies in a more intimate manner than merely sponsoring your matches within the arena."
Fucking Tullius! So, the man did know. Fuck! Gannicus was certain the man disclosed Octavia's interest for his own purpose, most likely to further press his sale to the man.
"Has my son pressed you into giving this woman sexual favors in exchange for appearing in the Apollinares?" Titus demanded. "If so, speak and I would see improper bargain voided despite Quintus' designs!"
This was his chance to escape Octavia, however, Batiatus would lose mind if he did such a thing. In addition, Gannicus feared belonging to Tullius more than he disliked arrangement with Octavia. He would not risk losing Octavia's powerful support by embroiling her in a battle between Batiatus and his father. "She makes no demands for offered position," he replied calmly, despite his churning emotions.
Titus was silent again for several moments and Gannicus stared straight ahead, keeping himself firmly in check while the old man watched him like a hawk.
Just when Gannicus was sure he could not take the accusing study any longer, Titus gave up their silent battle of wills. "Very well," the man said with a sigh that sounded strangely disappointed. "Is it your wish that she continues her sponsorship of you?"
"Yes Dominus," Gannicus dutifully replied.
"Then it shall be so." Titus said. He turned to leave, but paused, coming back to the bars again. "The man you face today is not a man to be trifled with, Gannicus. Keep boastful preening for your audience to a minimum or see blood spilled at the hands of your opponent."
His words angered the gladiator, but Gannicus kept his thoughts clear of his face. "I am set to purpose, Dominus."
Just then Oenomaus approached. "Dominus," he said, a wide smile upon his face. Unlike Gannicus, Oenomaus was obviously pleased to see the old man giving Gannicus his attention. "Have you come to wish our champion luck?"
"I came to impart words of wisdom." He glanced to Gannicus. "One can only hope they were well received."
"They were, Dominus," Gannicus said, wishing the man would depart. Oenomaus' presence added a new sense of worry. The Doctore knew Gannicus was fucking Octavia, he knew Batiatus had engineered the arrangement and he knew Gannicus had not been overjoyed with his circumstance at first. If he broached topic in front of Titus… He banished the thought before it even took hold. Instead he flashed a smile at Oenomaus. "Dominus had similar words as yourself regarding my tendency to pose for the comely women in the audience. Reminding me Negrimus is not a man to be taken lightly." His words were said with a grin, despite the nervous tension he felt.
Oenomaus chuckled. "Save posing for after contest," he said teasingly, "I am certain your adoring fans would greater appreciate flashing their breasts to a victorious gladiator than a corpse lying dead upon the sand."
Gannicus chuckled. "As would I."
Titus patted Oenomaus on the shoulder. "You speak truth," he said with a smile for his Doctore. "I will return to my seat presently. Oenomaus, come see me after the games. I would have words."
Oenomaus gave promise to seek audience later that evening. Gannicus did not favor the sound of that. If Titus discovered he had lied, it would not bode well for him.
"You wear scowl as if handed shit and asked to sample taste," Oenomaus said, interrupting his bothersome thoughts.
Gannicus shrugged off his mood. Worrying over words that would fall between Oenomaus and Titus was a fool's errand. It was out of his hands; Gannicus banished it from thought along with his concerns over being sold to Tullius. Negrimus and the threat he presented was the only thing he wanted to focus mind on. "Then let me see it removed," he said, offering Oenomaus his 'charm' smile.
The Doctore rolled his eyes. "Save smile for adoring fans as well, brother. I have neither breasts nor cunt to warrant nor appreciate it."
Gannicus laughed. "But you are one of my favorite women!" Just then there was a loud roar from somewhere within the labyrinth of rooms under the arena, drawing Gannicus' attention. He had heard a lion's roar several times throughout the day. "Is there Bestiarii performing today?" he asked.
"I have not heard of it."
"Then why do I keep hearing a lion roar? Tell me you did not hear them just now. To what purpose would there be lions at the arena if not to face a Bestiarii?"
Oenomaus chuckled. Gannicus sounded genuinely concerned. "Rest mind, brother. You will not be battling the lions today. However, it is time for you to prepare for your match." He peered the new armor Gannicus was wearing, seeing it upon the blonde gladiator for the first time. "I see you wear the snarling wolf. Batiatus must be pleased."
"When is he not so, especially when it comes to spouting the glory of Batiatus," Gannicus teased.
Oenomaus laughed. "Point noted. The lion was more suited to you. You bear its fierce pride and determination. However, whether you bear the lion or wolf upon our chest, I know the Gods will favor you today and see you to victory."
They gripped arms. "Gratitude, brother," Gannicus said, saddened that he and this man no longer shared the deep connection they once had.
Oenomaus nodded again before taking his leave with final instruction for Gannicus to prepare himself, there were only two matches left before the Primus.