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.

Chapter 25: in medias res. Into the middle of things.

As Gannicus led Octavia into the men's dining area, they came upon Duratius at one of the thick wooden tables. He had one of the dancers bent over the side and was taking her from behind as they passed. Gannicus chuckled as he noted his brother's enthusiastic performance with the girl. The dark-haired gladiator glanced up and flashed a huge smile towards Gannicus.

"Gratitude brother," he grunted and kept right on plowing the woman in front of him.

"See yourself well pleased," Gannicus replied to his old cell mate with a grin.

They were making their way through the dimly lit corridors that would lead to the villa when they came upon Gnaeus and Rhaskos. The two gladiators had a girl on her hands and knees in between them. Gnaeus was fucking her mouth rather harshly while Rhaskos was thrusting into her from behind.

Both gladiators saw Gannicus and grinned widely at him as they continued their fucking.

Gannicus nodded at both men but did not make conversation. He glanced at Octavia a frown marring his brow at their crude treatment of the girl. He was not surprised. Rhaskos was rough with women and Gnaus could be a fucking brute. Gannicus had witnessed the bruises himself upon the whores after they had serviced the Dacian. He did not understand treating a woman in such a manner, not when coin or honeyed words parted thighs more effectively.

"Apologies…" he said, offering excuses, "they have not been rewarded in a while."

She shrugged. The gladiators' rough usage was nothing compared to Roman brutality. "You wanted them well satisfied. I believe intent is fulfilled."

He glanced back to Gnaeus and Rhaskos. "Very well," he said, wincing at the expression on the woman's face. She looked in pain, yet he could not exactly step in and stop it either. He sighed and turned away from the sight.

"I sent word to Tullius earlier today," she said.

Intrigued, Gannicus' brow raised. "Oh. Regarding?"

"I have invited him, as a personal guest of my husband, to the Apolloinares."

Her words stunned him, and he spun about to face her, confused. Had she fucking betrayed him? "You reward the man for attempting to fuck my very existence?!" he asked, shock making his voice rough. "Break words, Octavia, and explain why you have done this thing!"

"Whatever you are thinking presently, banish it from mind," she told him. "I am not rewarding the man, Gannicus. It is just…" She sighed. "I have not the time to properly show him my lack of appreciation for his underhanded endeavors." His expression showed his confusion at her words. "I leave for Rome in two days' time," she explained softly, and to Gannicus' surprise, she suddenly burst into tears.

For a moment he simply stood there as her words reverberated through him. She was leaving. Upon the heels of that understanding came the realization he would no longer have to watch his every move for fear his actions would find a way to her ear. A wave of relief, so intense, it made him lightheaded hit him, and it took all his will not to grin like a fool. Instantly, he trampled the urge beneath heel and assumed the mantle of lover again.

"You are leaving me?" he asked softly. "Why did you not mention this earlier?"

"I did not want to spoil this night together," she explained, wiping at her eyes. He nodded, and she continued her explanation. "I must return to Rome. My husband seeks reelection to the consul and his opponents will have their wives hosting political events and celebrations throughout the next two months. The political climate in the capital is brutal, and a man can fall out of favor in the blink of an eye. I must lend my support to ensure Claudius is well received. I cannot do that from Capua."

He kept his expression neutral. The Apolloinares were in Quintillis, just over two months' time. What were her plans? "Will you return to Capua before The Apollinares or do I have to wait until Rome to lay gaze upon you once more?"

She nuzzled his palm with her cheek, a soft sigh escaping her lips at his touch. "I would seek to return just prior to the games and travel with your party to Rome, but if my brother returns, then we shall have to wait until your arrival." She shrugged. "He indulges much of my whims, but he would not accept me returning to play escort to my gladiator lover. It frustrates, but he stands paterfamilias of my house, and in such, I am still at his command when he chooses to exert his will upon me."

So, he would be graced with at least two months free of her. He would enjoy the respite. He smiled. "Then I will ask the Gods bless you with a way to return sooner rather than later. If not, I am sure we will find time together when I am in Rome for the games, yes?"

She brushed a kiss along his hand. "Of course, we will. Batiatus will be staying at my domus within the city, along with you."

His eyes widened. This was the first he had heard of these plans. "At your home—with your husband, the Roman consul in attendance?" he asked, hoping he was wrong. The thought was utterly frightening. Her husband had the power to literally have him strung up, cock severed and then crucified! Batiatus, even if he demanded his gladiator live, would be unable to do a thing to save him should a Roman fucking consul demand it happen.

She nodded, but upon seeing his horrified expression, sought to alleviate his concern. "Do not fret over Claudius. He adores me, and we have arrangement that suits us both. I am an asset politically and he relishes the power that comes with the Severus name, in exchange, my husband, who is one of the wealthiest men in the Republic, gives me leave to spend as much coin as I desire, in whatever manner I desire. I do not flaunt my affairs publicly and embarrass him, so he leaves me alone to conduct my business as I see fit."

That did not sound like a marriage he wanted any part of, and Gannicus felt anxiety twist his insides at being kept in another man's house while fucking his wife right under his nose. Yet, what choice did he have? He let the matter drop, hoping that somehow, something would come up to upset this plan of hers.

"What of Tullius then? What if Titus sells me to the man in your absence?" The thought made him a bit sick. He had not realized how he had begun to depend on her to keep him safe.

She chuckled. "He wouldn't dare do such a thing." When Gannicus looked skeptical, she gave him smile. "Ease mind and see frown removed. You are too handsome to scowl so," she said, running her thumb along his forehead as if she could rub his heavy brow away. "Titus has received coin for your services, and Claudius has publicly announced the much-anticipated arrival of Gannicus, God of the Arena and Champion of Capua! If Titus sold you before obligation was met, it would publicly embarrass my husband. Claudius would bring ruin to the old man for such offense. The old fuck may be a relic, but he is no fool. He would never risk such a thing. Trust me."

Did he have a choice? "Very well," he said, but he still looked concerned.

They were nearly to the gate that separated the villa from the ludus when she stopped. "Gannicus, I know you wish to see Tullius pay forthwith, but that is the gladiator way. I will handle Tullius in the Roman way. Heed words on this, revenge does not have to be immediate spilling of hot blood. Oftentimes, it is a dish best served cold. And I will feed Tullius my own personal brand of revenge in Rome, with my husband at my side, in a manner he won't soon forget."

He nodded but did not reply and Octavia sought to soothe his temper. "Would it please you if I had words with Titus relating to your sale?"

"No," he said, shaking his head. That would inflame the old man. Gannicus would rather avoid that scenario. "There is no need. You are right, Titus would never sell me before the Apolloinares. Do not worry over it another moment."

"Are you certain? I would not have you concerned for your well-being."

He chuckled. "I am fine, Octavia. Your words break true. I wanted Tullius handled promptly, but since I cannot take the man to task with my swords, I will bow to your wisdom regarding the matter." They started walking again. He paused when they arrived at the gate. "I will see you upon return to Capua…or upon my own arrival in Rome."

She looked distraught and her lip started to tremble. "I will call upon you briefly tomorrow."

Her eyes filled with tears again and Gannicus had the irrational urge to comfort her. She was in pain and he did not like seeing another person suffer, even one who could be as cruel and irrational as Octavia. But then again, she was also kind and generous at times. A paradox was she. Fuck! Her tears tugged at him. Finally, he gave in and offered her his comfort.

"Ssshhh, do not cry," he said softly. He cupped her face and used his thumbs to wipe her tears away. "This is not the end. Soon, I will be to Rome, where I will allow you to indulge me with warm baths, drink and all-day fucking!"

She gave him a watery smile. "You will allow me?"

His grin was infectious, crinkling the corners of his eyes with his humor. "Yes," he stated, teasingly, "because I know how it pleases you to spoil me."

She giggled, shaking her head at him. "Gratitude."

"For what?"

"For lightening the spirit despite a heavy heart."

He nodded, pleased her tears had faded. "I can expect to see you tomorrow then?"

"Yes. I will send for you after the morning meal."

She raised her face to his and he could see she was expecting him to kiss her. His eyes drifted to the guard standing by at the gate. "We are being observed."

She took his face in her hands. "I care not," she said and brought his lips to hers and kissed him. The kiss escalated into a deep mating of the tongues that lasted several long, heated moments, and Gannicus' cock had begun to stir again when she finally pulled away. "I will miss you," she told him, and then she leaned in close, her lips by his ear and whispered to him so quietly, Gannicus strained to hear her, "my heart, it is yours, do not break it."

With that breathy command, she released him and hurried through the open gate. Gannicus watched her leave, his face showing his surprise. She gave him no chance to offer a reply as she raced up the stairs, as if Pluto himself was nipping at her heels. In truth, Gannicus was unsure what he would have said to that. Her words, offered (he was sure) with a warm heart, disturbed on several levels because he was well-aware that someday, he was going to do exactly that. What her reaction would be was a thing he cared not to obsess over presently, and immediately banished it from brain. He would worry about that when time came.

Gannicus turned and headed back towards the barracks. As he walked the corridors, it started to sink in… he was almost free again. A slow smile spread across his face the further from her he got. One more fucking day and then he would have a bit of his old life back! He let out a boisterous laugh and, good mood restored, he retraced his steps back to the celebration, eager to join the festivities with his brothers, at least the ones who had not passed out yet.

*8*

"Wait! You said she had the babe? Does that mean Gannicus has a child within this ludus?"

Melitta could not give Diona a definite answer to that question. "Gannicus has never said, but I believe the boy is his. He looks just like him."

"The boy…?" Naevia said, biting her lip as she tried to think of who it could be.

Diona and Naevia's eyes widened in realization at the same moment. "Kleos!" they said in unison.

"The boy who delivers food to the barracks," Diona added.

"Yes. He helps his grandmother in the kitchens. Have you ever seen him smile?" Melitta asked with a small smile of her own. Diona and Naevia both nodded. "It is Gannicus' grin. At times, when the boy tells me he will be champion one day, I feel I am looking into a past I was not party to and gazing upon a young Gannicus." Melitta's eyes were dreamy. "The child is handsome and brash with resemblance growing each passing year."

"What does he say about the boy? He must have seen him. Does he make effort to speak to him?" Diona asked in rapid fire succession.

"Of course, he has seen the boy, Diona. Kleos works in the barracks, yet Gannicus has never mentioned him. That does not mean he is not troubled by circumstance," she said to the brunette slave girl. "Gannicus has tendency to avoid unwelcome discussion through teasing, boastful jests or absence."

Both girls looked disappointed, and Melitta understood sentiment; it saddened her as well. "I have often thought about approaching the subject with him once again, but the ordeal caused him much pain. He would not discuss it," she told them sadly. "The one time I mentioned the child, Gannicus nearly lost mind. He became so enraged I thought he would raise hand to me." Both girls' jaws dropped. "It was utterly unlike him, and Oenomaus had to put against wall to calm temper!" Melitta shook off the ugly memory. "I have never been frightened of Gannicus, yet I was that night. I have not broached topic again, and Gannicus has never spoken of it. Not Aurelia or the child. Ever. Not to me, not even to Oenomaus."

Diona looked like she was about to ask another question, but Seraphina chose that moment to return to the kitchen ending conversation. She looked around her now spotless kitchen and turned to Melitta. "Gratitude, Melitta."

"It was nothing," Melitta replied kindly. "The girls and I had a free moment. Good night."

Seraphina nodded. "Oh Melitta. Tell that handsome husband of yours I am making date pies tomorrow. Come to the kitchen at mid-day meal and I will give you some to take to him."

Melitta chuckled. Oenomaus famously adored her date pies. As did Gannicus, but Melitta never told Seraphina half of what she handed out went to the gladiator she hated. "I will. Gratitude."

Melitta left with Diona and Naevia following behind her like kittens following their mother.

When they were away from Seraphina's ears, Melitta turned to both girls. "What I told you tonight is not to be repeated. Are we of a singular mind, girls?" They both nodded. "It was a very long time ago and the only reason I broke words with you regarding subject is I would not have your opinion of Gannicus swayed by a woman whose views of him are distorted by hatred. He is not the same man he was then and should not be judged by the actions of his past."

"I would never betray, Gannicus, Melitta. Never." Diona said, determination in each word.

"Nor will I speak of it. It is a sad tale that belongs in the past," Naevia added.

"Exactly," Melitta agreed. "Now, see yourselves to bed girls. We have a full day ahead of us tomorrow cleaning up the pig-sty that I am certain the men's barracks are presently."

Both girls rolled their eyes and groaned softly as they pictured the disaster they were surely facing tomorrow after the gladiators celebrated with much wine and women.

"Yes, Melitta," they said together and, holding hands, they hurried away to their rooms to discuss what they learned tonight in private.

Melitta watched them leave wearily. She had never mentioned Gannicus' affairs to anyone, but she truly felt the girls would never seek to harm him with the knowledge she had given them, especially Diona. The girl was half in love with the blonde gladiator. She would never unleash his secrets.

With a sigh, Melitta turned towards her own room. Should she speak with Gannicus again regarding the boy? She had often wondered why he did not have attempt relationship, especially after Kleos began working in the barracks. It was beyond sense. For all his bad habits, Gannicus had a warm heart. Melitta could not see him ignoring his son so terribly, yet he was. She had even arranged for the boy to deliver Gannicus' goat's milk to him, yet the meetings did not yield desired results and Gannicus still refused acknowledging the boy as his own. She had often thought to broach topic over the years, but she would always hold tongue when she recalled his violent reaction to her bringing subject up previously.

She was not sure what to do about it, or if she should do anything about it. Oenomaus had counseled caution and allowing Gannicus to make decision for himself and Melitta had followed that advice. In the end, she decided to leave it to the Gods. Hopefully, they would not lead them into a terrible shit storm as they have presently with Gannicus and herself.

*8*

After a more than pleasurable romp with his wife and Gaia, Quintus had retired to his tablinum to take care of some pressing business matters. He was sitting at his desk, a glass of wine in hand and sorting through bills and receipts, arranging them by necessity and importance or date they had to be paid when Octavia found him. She paused in his doorway and gently cleared her throat, garnering his attention.

"Ah, Octavia," he said, setting aside his work. "You seem in better spirits. I take it Gannicus has made suitable reparations for ill-mannered actions earlier?"

She smiled as she entered his office. "He has more than balanced scale. However, there is another matter I wish to discuss."

Quintus stood and went over to his amphora of wine. He poured her a glass and handed it to her. "Give it voice and see it done."

She accepted the wine with appreciation. "Gannicus has expressed concern relating to the disparity of his accommodations to that of his brothers'." From within her robes, she pulled a leather purse heavy with coin and dropped it on his desk with a clunking sound. "I would see his mind put to rest. There is less coin in that purse than I would spend in a day at the forums in Rome, yet I believe it sufficient to provide the men of this ludus with the essentials they need. As well as eliminate a few of those creditors," she said, nodding her head towards the pile of bills.

"I would not see you pause for concern over my creditors."

"Weigh coin before you make such a statement, Batiatus."

He picked up the purse, eyes widening in surprise as he gauged the heavy weight of it. "You wish to provide for all my gladiators?"

"A one-time gift to balance scale between brothers," she clarified. "In the doing, it will provide Gannicus with peace of mind." She began rattling off the list of items to provide. "I would see the men receive new subligarias, as well as new cloaks and a set of street clothing, barbarian pants and a tunic should do. Purchase new blankets, linens and pillows, along with wine and some additional candles for their cells. I would also ensure each man has a nice fur—both for his floor and his bed."

Batiatus was stunned. "Why do you do this? Gannicus is the gladiator you sponsor, and he is well attended. The man sleeps on better sheets than I do!" Quintus said, only half in jest. "Further investment is not needed to see ends met."

She shrugged. "I do it for Gannicus," she said. "He is concerned that he has so much while the other men do not. I would see him absent guilt."

Batiatus nodded. He was not about to argue being handed such a boon.

"The men are to think it comes from him, Batiatus, as it in fact does. Say it was taken from the coin he garnered in the matches from the Benalia and the Floralia. I care not. My only concern is that my name not be mentioned in the giving. The men are to understand these gifts arrive through Gannicus's favor, not of mine." She paused. "Are you clear to purpose?"

Batiatus opened a drawer on his desk and slipped the heavy purse inside. He was certain it was more than enough to get what she asked and then some. He would say the Gods themselves delivered coin if that was what she wanted! "It will be done," he said with a smile. She had just saved the ludus quite a sum and improved the living standard of every man in it. Quintus was thrilled!

"Good. I leave for Rome the day after tomorrow." Batiatus frowned, but she waved away any questions. "My husband's political agenda forces return. However, I would discuss Tullius and his continuous efforts to purchase Gannicus."

She paused, sipping her wine and Batiatus waited as she gathered thought. "What make you of Tullius' pursuit of Gannicus? Why has the man set himself to purpose in such a vigorous manner?"

"The man is like a fucking dog with bone," Batiatus said, his frustration evident. "Since he witnessed Gannicus best his man blindfolded, Tullius has been obsessed with procuring him for his stable." He sighed. "With my father returned, the man now has avenue with which to pursue his purpose."

"Then you believe he will never rest until he has Gannicus as his own?"

"He will not stop until he is forced to stop, either by a denial of sale by my father or by fucking blood!"

"I would see Tullius brought to heel, however, you must ensure your father does not do something monumentally foolish such as sell Gannicus before the Apolloinares."

Batiatus shook his head. "My father is many things but dishonorable is not among them. He has accepted fee for Gannicus to appear in the games. He would not risk reputation by selling the man before obligation was fulfilled."

"I thought as much but needed words of confirmation to be certain." She took a sip of her wine. "Gannicus wishes for me to take Tullius to task immediately. Unfortunately, with my return to Rome, I do not have time necessary to execute proper plan. However, I have invited Tullius to attend the Apolloinares as personal guest." She smiled, a cunning smile that made the hair on Batiatus' neck arise. "Once I have the man in Rome, he will no longer be a large fish in the small pond of Capua. He will be a tiny fish swimming within the shark infested waters of the capital. It is there I will have Tullius neutered for his underhanded ways."

Her words sent excitement surging through Quintus. "And how would you manage such a thing, if you do not mind me asking?"

She shrugged. "Tullius exports many of his goods along the Silk Road…"

Quintus, although not a merchant, knew what the Silk Road was. It was a massive trade route that led from Rome to many far-off lands such as China, Mesopotamia, Africa and India, to name a few. Having access to the Silk Road was crucial to any merchant who imported and exported goods.

"Proper coin to proper hand could see his shipments delayed access to the road indefinitely. That would cost him not only a fortune, but his reputation as well. A fate he would do much to avoid." She smirked. "My husband has access to both proper hands, as well as proper coin should Tullius not heed words of warning and leave off his desire for Gannicus."

Batiatus grinned. She was devious, and he admired that! "I favor the fucking sound of this plan."

"I thought you would." She finished her wine and set her glass down on his desk. "Quintus, I am sure you are aware I have developed tender regards for your gladiator."

Batiatus did not bother to play dumb. It would insult her. "I have noticed your leanings, yes," he admitted.

"His happiness is of great importance to me. Ensure he understands I will not allow any harm come to him," she told the lanista a frown marring her perfect brow. "I fucking swear Jupiter himself would tremble if he dared lay hand upon him. Tullius is no Jupiter," she said, the steely determination in her voice sent tingles of excitement up Quintus' spine. "See to it that his mind is put to rest. Will you do this favor for me?"

Batiatus could hug the woman. Not only was she solving fucking issue with Tullius, but she was giving him another tool used to gain Gannicus' loyalty. "Your will, my hands," he said with a grin. "I would not see Gannicus sold either, Octavia. He is my titan. I would never allow fucking Tullius, that shit fuck, to get his hands on my best man!"

"We are of a singular mind then." She yawned suddenly and then smiled. "Apologies. It has been a long night and I still have much to do before my departure. I will call on you tomorrow and have final words with Gannicus before I leave."

"The man is yours. All that needs settled is time," Batiatus said with a gleeful grin, the excitement resulting from discussion practically pouring off him

"I will arrive by mid-day meal," she said without really giving him a time. "In the event that I do not return to Capua before the Apolloinares, we should have discourse regarding your arrival in Rome. The games begin on the sixth day of Quintillis. I would have you arrive no later than the fourth. It would allow time for your party to settle before celebration begins."

He nodded in agreement and she continued. "There is another matter I would ask you to do for me."

"Speak and see it done."

"Before your arrival in Rome, I need Gannicus to become proficient in using the bow."

Batiatus frowned. "Surely you are not expecting him to fight in the primus using bow and arrow?"

She giggled. "Of course not. That would be ridiculous! No. My desires are more theatrical. For entertainment on opening day ceremonies, I am arranging a grand reenactment of Apollo slaying the Python who guarded the oracle of Delphi. There will be a massive snakelike creature upon a stage and Gannicus must be able to shoot the creature with an arrow. He will also hack its head off, spilling a mass of red ribbons as blood. It will be a magnificent spectacle for the audience to enjoy as they first lay eyes on the God of the Arena as Apollo."

It sounded impressive, however, he knew his gladiator. He was not a fan of pomp and circumstance. "He will balk at having to learn the weapon."

She chuckled. "I am aware, which is why I am leaving it to you, his Dominus, to see it done. He would charm me into allowing him to forego the training."

That earned a chuckle from Quintus. Seeing how she indulged Gannicus, to the point of overindulgence, Batiatus had no doubts the woman spoke true. "He is of a form, my champion. I will see he learns the weapon, at least to the ability where he can hit the head of a massive fucking snake!"

"Gratitude," she said with an incline of her head. "I will take my leave. Until tomorrow then." And with that she called for her escort and left his office.

Batiatus shook his head in wonder after she had left. The woman had clearly been aggrieved earlier, yet Gannicus had obviously appeased her and now she was feeling generous—to his favor. Not only had she delivered enough denarii to feed and clothe every gladiator in the ludus, with ample coin to spare, she had taken it upon herself to eliminate his Tullius problem, as Gannicus said she would. It was beyond his wildest hopes and Batiatus could not believe such good fortune had come about through Gannicus' cock! He chuckled, perhaps it truly was magical!

Until tonight, Quintus had been unsure exactly how close Gannicus had become to Octavia. He knew his gladiator was fucking the woman, but the depth of the woman's feelings for his man had not been apparent until she protected him after he caused fucking scene earlier. Octavia herself had just admitted to "tender regards" for the man, yet Quintus suspected the woman was in love with his handsome gladiator. Did Gannicus share her emotions? He reminded himself to have discussion with the man and find out. He also knew he could use Octavia's love for Gannicus to his own advantage. Through Octavia, Quintus could gain access to the patrician class of Roman society, and in the doing, see true dreams reached. Quintus no longer had his sights set to merely becoming the most powerful lanista in the Republic, no, his aspirations were focused even higher, such as holding public office himself one day! His smile widened, becoming devious as he plotted his next course of action and how Octavia and her powerful family would play a role in seeing that dream a reality.

Okay, so who guessed Kleos was Gannicus' son? I would be interested to hear thoughts. Still so much story to tell. We still have Rome, as well. :)