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 40: omnia mutantur, nihil interit: Everything changes, nothing perishes.

*8*

It was an especially hot day and Gannicus was taking a break from training. He was in the shade having a drink of water with Duratius when he was summoned to the villa.

"Why does Batiatus not simply present you with quarters within the villa?" The Egyptian teased. "You spend so much of your time there. Would it not be simpler if you slept there as well?"

Gannicus finished his water and set the ladle aside. "Perhaps he fears Domina might dagger me in my sleep," the Celt replied with a wink. "The woman has no care for me."

"She'd be the first," Duratius snorted as Gannicus followed after the guard.

Hearing his brother's parting words, the blonde gladiator chuckled softly.

Upon entering the tablinum, Gannicus was surprised and decidedly wary to find Titus waiting for him. The old man never had favorable words for him and the leery champion could not help but wonder what manner of shit the man would heap upon him now.

Titus did not waste energy on pleasantries or greetings as his son did. The elder Batiatus got right to the point. "I received a request from the Magistrate Sextus," he said. "He asks to have the Champion of Capua give exhibition in the arena to inspire attendance for his games scheduled at weeks end."

"An exhibition?" Gannicus frowned. "Dominus, we leave for the Apolloinares next week, if I were to be injured…"

"It is simple demonstration with practice swords, Gannicus," Titus said, waving off Gannicus' concern. "Sextus explains that a boy from the crowd will be chosen to receive instruction from you in a short exhibition." Titus set the parchment upon the desk and leveled his gaze upon the gladiator. "The people of Capua clamor to see you, even if it is through basic showing of skill. You are their champion. Since we cannot place you in proper contest, this is a means for your audience to lay gaze upon you. Your attendance will boost the morale of the town by giving one of their own personal attention from the Champion himself, as well as guarantee the arena is filled to capacity."

"A worthy proposal then," Gannicus said with a shrug.

"I agree. I will send word to Sextus today accepting his offer. You will be paid for the appearance. Of course, it will not be your usual fee, but you will see a few denarii to hand."

"I will?" Gannicus asked, surprised.

Titus chuckled. "Gannicus, you are now Champion of Capua. If you make special appearance, this ludus charges a fee."

"Dominus, if you do not mind my asking, how much would I be paid for such an event?"

Gannicus was of a mind to start saving his coin. He still desired to purchase Melitta's freedom someday, and now, he had to save for Kleos and Diona's as well, since he could not imagine leaving her behind to suffer Domina's abuse if he ever departed this ludus. He supposed he would need considerable coin for such a thing. He had no idea how much, but he thought he had better start saving immediately.

Titus shrugged. "As I said, it will not be the amount charged for proper contest—" Titus' words ended abruptly at Gannicus' blank expression, and the old man suspected the gladiator had no idea how much he truly earned in the arena. "Gannicus, have you ever taken coin over wine and cunt as payment?"

Gannicus gave a brisk nod. "I have, but I donated my earnings towards supplying my brothers with extra items for their cells a few months past. Before that…" He looked away, a bit embarrassed. "My earnings went on the ledger and were used for women and drink," he admitted.

"And you no longer wish to be paid in that manner?"

"No Dominus. I do not," Gannicus replied.

Titus sighed, shaking his head. "Would you like to learn how much you can earn in the arena?"

Surprised at the offer, Gannicus' expression brightened. "I would," he said, his interest in such things peeked now that he had true purpose in mind for his earnings.

"Come," Titus said, waving Gannicus over to his desk. "Let us go over the ledger and I will explain to you the various fees for certain matches as well as how the purse is divided."

For the first time since becoming champion, Gannicus felt as if Titus was not disapproving of him. "Gratitude Dominus. Your offer is greatly appreciated."

"In this I am happy to oblige, as I'm pleased to see you taking an interest in other pursuits besides cunt and drink," Titus replied, taking a seat behind the desk. He pointed to the other chair in the room, opposite the desk. "Pull that chair over here and we will begin lesson."

*8*

After receiving enlightening instruction from Titus, Gannicus was exiting the tablinum as Oenomaus was arriving for a meeting with the elder Batiatus.

Oenomaus paused when he spotted Gannicus. "Brother," he said, "a word." Gannicus paused. "I noticed you seem troubled these last few days. If you wish to have words, I am here."

Gannicus sighed. He was so tired of lying to Oenomaus. The man deserved better from him. And, all at once, it simply became too much for Gannicus to bear. "Oenomaus," he said, "My heart…it is troubled. I have done something…" He paused shaking his head, trying to find the words to reveal his sins.

"Break open head, share thoughts and see burden lifted," the big Doctore said, concern for Gannicus etched upon brow.

"I have lost heart in most unexpected manner. I did not wish it—"

Just then Batiatus came upon them."Oenomaus," he said, interrupting Gannicus' impromptu confession. "My father awaits you. Best not keep him."

The Doctore hesitated, but Batiatus looked impatient, angry even. Oenomaus dipped his head in acceptance of the man's will. "Dominus," he said, however, before he left, the big man leveled his gaze on Gannicus. "Until later, brother."

Gannicus nodded distractedly. "Yes," he said, his gaze on Batiatus, who, the gladiator noticed, did not look pleased. "Later."

As soon as Oenomaus was gone, Batiatus grabbed Gannicus by the upper arm. His grip was punishing as he dragged his championto a private corner of the room, away from prying ears. "What words were you about to speak?" he gritted out, his expression giving proof to his fury.

"Ones weighted in truth," Gannicus admitted.

"Have you lost fucking mind?! You would see this ludus torn apart with the utterance!"

"He deserves to know what I have done," Gannicus returned, his conflict plain upon handsome face.

"This is not about Oenomaus," Batiatus snapped. "This is about Gannicus, and easing your own fucking conscience!"

"In part," Gannicus admitted. "My stomach churns when I see the man and I am troubled by my guilt. It eats at me, and I would see it end."

"Well, see stomach turned to iron and guilt settled," Batiatus replied.

"How am I to do that?" Gannicus asked.

"Let me make it simple for you. I forbid you to confess your affections for Melitta to Oenomaus." Gannicus looked rebelious for a moment, so Quintus added in a soft, but serious tone. "If you disobey my command, I will be forced to level harsh punishment on both you and Melitta."

"Why her?" Gannicus exclaimed. "She has naught to do with it."

"Perhaps not, but she is the cause. If Oenomaus demanded retribution she would be labeled adulteress as well. Perhaps even face the lash. Is that what you would see for her?"

Gannicus looked horrified. "But it was by your command that she committed such offense!" He argued, his upset causing his tongue to run away with him.

Batiatus' face tightened in indignation at a slave leveling such an accusation, even one regarded above all others, such as his champion. "You dare point finger at me—your Dominus?" Quintus barked, gnashing his teeth at such affront. "You overstep."

Gannicus swallowed hard, anxiety kicking in as it dawned on him where his guilt was taking him. Batiatus was enraged and that could cause dire consequences indeed.

"Was it by my command that Melitta came to your cell recently?" Quintus asked pointedly, a cunning twist to his lips. "Was my hand around your cock guiding it inside her!?"

Gannius' chin dropped to his chest in defeat. "No," he replied in lowered voice. "It was not."

"You kiss my cheek and then finger my ass in your haste to ease burdened conscience," Batiatus retorted. "Did you pause for one moment to consider how your confession would affect this ludus? Or Melitta?"

"No," Gannicus admitted and, if possible, his head hung even lower. "In truth, I had not meant to break words…they just came forth. I have no desire to create trouble within the ludus. Nor do I care to see Melitta or Oenomaus suffer, Dominus."

Batiatus nodded but was not finished heaping shit on his gladiator for his transgression. "Then it is good thing I came upon you before words fell from fucking lips. You say you love Melitta, yet you nearly threw her to the fucking lions today!"

Feeling the weight of Batiatus' words and the guilt they inspired, Gannicus' shoulders slumped. "That was not my intent."

Gannicus looked defeated. Batiatus allowed him to suffer for a long moment; he could not have Gannicus spilling secrets best left to shadow. However, Quintus did not want to break the man. He allowed him to stew before he began to build him back up and inspire the gladiator within.

Batiatus took Gannicus' face in the palms of his hands and brought his gladiator's gaze up to meet his own. "Look at me, Gannicus."

When Gannicus complied, Batiatus went on. "Even Gods fall victim to love," he told the blonde gladiator.

"But I'm hurting those I love," Gannicus said. "What manner of man am I to do such a thing?"

"Love is rich with honey and venom," Quintus replied. "It is not always simple brew." Batiatus put an arm around Gannicus' shoulder. "Before I married Lucretia, my father did not care for her and was intent on keeping us apart. He forbade me from seeing her."

"Truly?" Gannicus asked, surprised Batiatus was sharing such personal information.

"Yes. But I knew she was my perfect match. So, I defied my father and took her to wife despite ominous warning not to do so." Batiatus smiled and it was obvious the man was still madly in love. "I could not imagine the last ten years without her by my side. Had I listened to overbearing father, I would have spent those years absent her touch. I'd rather take to the fucking afterlife than suffer such a fate."

"Thoughts of a life absent Melitta's love causes similar heartache," the gladiator confided. "Yet, the idea of hurting Oenomaus is equally disturbing." Gannicus let out a long sigh. "I have never turned from challenge, Dominus, but I feel without strength to face this one."

"Fuck that!" Quintus snapped. "You stand as fucking gladiator, Gannicus. I see something in you perhaps you don't even see in yourself—true greatness," the lanista said. "When I call you 'God of the Arena'. I do not make inflated boast." He patted Gannicus on the chest, above his heart. "The heart of a lion stirs within your breast. I truly believe that." Batiatus noticed as he spoke, Gannicus' shoulders straightened, and seeing this, he warmed to his speech. "But, you have to ask yourself, where does your heart lie? Is Melitta truly your heart's desire? Or is Oenomaus most important to you?"

Gannicus was silent for a moment before he answered. "Melitta is most important," he confirmed. "With every breath I take, my heart longs for her."

"And you would do anything to see her by your side?"

"I would," Gannicus admitted.

"Yet, you were about to fuck that up with your words to Oenomaus."

"I love the man," he said. "But did not give true thought to how my words could harm her, Dominus. It will not happen again."

"My father says you are no champion for this house," Batiatus said.

That sparked a fire in Gannicus' eyes. "Your father is wrong," he stated firmly.

"Then prove it. Fight for me—fight for Melitta and the future you say you want with her. Show my father the champion I know you to be." Batiatus knew he'd found the right arguments when Gannicus' chest swelled and the fire in his eyes grew. "Climb the pinnacle. Claim your glory in the arena, Gannicus, and achieve your freedom. And with your victories, prove my father wrong about you and gain your heart's desires as well."

Batiatus' words had the desired effect. Gannicus' warrior's spirit demanded he show Titus how incorrect the man was in his assessment, and the thought of freedom with Melitta as companion stirred the gladiator's blood like no other. He raised his chin. "The blood I spill in the arena shall fill their eyes and see this house to prominence once again."

Batiatus could not have been more pleased. He took Gannicus by the shoulders. "That is all I ask. Let us gain position in Rome, and then, I will put mind to finding solution to circumstance that has you so troubled."

"I am unsure how you can achieve such a thing," Gannicus said. "but I would welcome it."

"Leave it to me then," Batiatus said. "Agreed?"

Gannicus nodded. "Agreed."

Before he sent Gannicus back to the barracks, Batiatus needed one last thing clear. "Gannicus…" The gladiator gave Batiatus his attention. "Oenomaus is going to expect explanation regarding earlier attempt at discussion. You will not fall victim to fucking conscience. To do so would bear unfortunate consequence." The lanista stared long and hard at his champion, letting Gannicus know in this, Quintus was deadly serious. "Are we of a singular mind?"

"We are Dominus," Gannicus said with a nod for added benefit. "I will silence foolish tongue in the future."

"Good," he said, putting his arm around Gannicus' shoulder. "Now, here is what you can and will say to the man…"

After he's explained his "story" to his gladiator, Batiatus signaled the guard to take Gannicus back to the barracks.

"Dominus," Gannicus said, before following the guard out of the room.

As soon as Gannicus left, Batiatus turned to another of his guards. "Find Melitta and bring her to me."

*8*

Later that afternoon, Gannicus was leaving the bathing chambers when he saw Oenomaus heading for his cell. He knew he had to break words and allay the man's worries. He had nearly placed Melitta in an even more difficult position with his errant tongue. He needed to remove threat by, once again, lying to Oenomaus. It was a task he dreaded, but he would do as Batiatus commanded and give the Doctore the story the Dominus had devised.

"Oenomaus," he called and followed after the Doctore.

Oenomaus turned, saw Gannicus and smiled. "I was going to come to your cell later if you are still in need to unburden mind and see yourself freed from troubling thoughts."

He shrugged. "I am." Gannicus inclined his head towards the direction of Oenomaus 'quarters. "Could we move to your cell? I would not wish prying ears to overhear conversation."

Concern replaced Oenomaus' smile. "Of course," the big man said, and they moved down the corridor to the cell Oenomaus called home.

Once inside, Oenomaus settled himself upon his bed while Gannicus took a seat on the floor, leaning back against the wall, much as they used to in times past. Oenomaus offered wine which Gannicus gladly accepted. The gladiator made a face when he tasted the brew.

Oenomaus chuckled. "You have indeed become spoiled brother. This is far better than what you used to swill yet your expression speaks of your displeasure with humble brew."

Gannicus flushed. "Apologies. I suppose you are right. I have been drinking the wine Octavia supplies for months. Fuck! I am becoming a fucking Roman!" he griped.

That caused Oenomaus to throw back his head and laugh. "Surely enjoying fine wine does not cause such aspersions upon one's character."

They settled into easy banter for a moment before Gannicus finally got up the nerve to broach the subject he'd been instructed to discuss with the Doctore. "I would have words regarding what I began to speak with you about before Batiatus interrupted."

"You said you had lost your heart to someone…" The Doctore turned his obsidian gaze toward Gannicus, watching him intently. "Tell me it is not my wife you speak of brother."

Gannicus' eyes about popped from skull he was so stunned to hear Oenomaus pose the question. It sounded so harsh falling from Oenomaus' lips, he had a knee jerk reaction and recoiled violently. "Why would you ask me such a thing?"

Gannicus' response saved him and Oenomaus lowered his gaze. "I…" His words ended with a sigh. "Apologies brother," he said. "When you mentioned losing heart, you appeared as if ashamed of your feelings." He took a sip of his wine. "We have barely spoken in so long…and with Melitta behaving so oddly…" He shrugged. "My brain obviously became addled because I began to suspect perhaps it was she you had lost heart to and perhaps her to you." He shook his head. "Forgive me for assuming such a thing."

Gannicus swallowed hard, willing his heart to stop thumping in his chest. A part of him desperately wanted to simply tell Oenomaus the truth. This was perfect opportunity, but he could not. If Batiatus were to discover it, the punishment would be severe. For himself he did not care, he deserved bitter recompense. But Melitta…he could not bear the thought of her suffering. He held his tongue.

"None required," he finally said. He could not tell the truth, but he would not have Oenomaus feeling guilty either. "You have nothing to apologize for, brother. You have conducted yourself with nothing but honor."

"Gratitude," Oenomaus replied. "So, if not my wife…" He cracked a smile. "Who has finally claimed the heart of the Mighty Gannicus?"

Gannicus let out a long sigh and told the biggest lie ever. "Octavia."

"The Roman?!" Oenomaus exclaimed, eyes widening. "Gannicus, I know the woman has taken you to her bed, but surely you know it can never be more than that. Her family would have you crucified before such a thing could happen."

Gannicus nodded. "I know it is hopeless. She will never be mine, but she is all I can think of." As he made explanation, it was not Octavia he was thinking of. Sentiments for Melitta came through, lending a ring of truth to his tale. "I tell myself a thousand times a day to forget about her, but I cannot. She has a hold on my heart that cannot be broken. I know not what to do."

Oenomaus clasped a hand to Gannicus' shoulder. "You have set yourself upon difficult path. Despite the words of poets, love does not conquer all," Oenomaus said sadly. He refilled their wine glasses. "Best you enjoy whatever time you have with her and be happy for it."

"Finding any happiness is a difficult thing for slaves." Gannicus said.

"It is indeed," Oenomaus agreed. "If your Roman gives you joy, then you have achieved more than most, but do not expect happy ending. To wish it so would be a fool's errand, and you are no fool, brother."

Gannicus realized he could also apply Oenomaus' words to his true circumstance. "I had not believed I stood as such but am no longer certain after falling in love with a woman not mine to have."

Oenomaus nodded sadly. "I would offer more encouraging words, but to do so would be a lie."

"Let us turn mind from topic for now," Gannicus said. He had done what Batiatus asked. With his task completed, he would see subject fucking dropped. "There is no solution to be found, breaking more words over the matter is moot."

The two men spent the next hour drinking wine, laughing and discussing various topics. It was almost as before…but not quite, and no one was more aware of that than Gannicus. It soothed heart to share such a time with Oenomaus, but Gannicus knew he would give it up tomorrow if he could leave this ludus with Melita and Kleos forever. It weighed heavy on his heart even as he enjoyed the moment.

*8*

Later that night, Gannicus was in his cell. He was feeling restless. His talk with Oenomaus had left him feeling as if he'd eaten something bad. His stomach was tied in knots and he needed a distraction badly. He had sent for Diona, but she was busy and could not visit. Barca had already retired for the night with Pietros, and Gannicus would not dream of interrupting a brother during such a time. He supposed he could go shoot dice in the barracks with Duratius and some of the other men, but Gannicus rarely won at dice; he generally preferred to spend his coin on wine and women rather than games of chance. However, he had plenty of wine and he could not purchase cunt anymore... Perhaps a few games of dice was what he needed to cure his anxiety.

"Why fucking not," he said aloud. He took a few coins from his purse, grabbed an amphora of wine and was heading for his door when it opened, surprising him.

There was a guard standing there. "Gannicus, you are summoned."

Well, that settled issue effectively. He tossed unneeded coin upon his bed, took a swig from his wine jug, set it aside and followed the guard from his cell to the villa.

At the boundary between the ludus and the villa, Gannicus paused, stunned to see Melitta waiting for him; they had not spoken since he had ended his pursuit of her. After her brazen ogling of him of late, he could not help but wonder at her purpose. His anxiousness abruptly kicked up several notches. The guard opened the metal gate and stepped aside, allowing the gladiator entry to the villa, once he had crossed the threshold, the guard shut the gate after him and retook his position.

"Does Domina summon me again?" Gannicus asked warily, not at all pleased with the prospect of facing another meeting with Lucretia after the last one.

Melitta shook her head. She motioned for him to be quiet and took his hand, leading him into a darkened area of the pantry area where the larger amphoras of wine and various other food supplies were kept.

Gannicus' heart began to pound in his chest. This was beginning to look like a tryst. "What are we doing?"

She did not reply, but as she led him by hand deeper into the storage area, Gannicus became more concerned she was trying to seduce him. Such a situation both excited and alarmed; he had no delusions he could resist her. He should not be doing this... "Melitta," he tried again, "answer question. Why have you brought me here?"

When they were shielded by the rows of wine jugs, Melitta turned to him. "I summoned you at Batiatus' request."

That she was not trying to seduce him caused both relief and disappointment simultaneously.

"Ah, so he has sent you to ensure I remain silent?" He pulled his hand free, needing to put distance between them lest he give in to the constant desire for her that plagued him. "He needn't worry. His words settled in brain. I will hold tongue in the future."

"I was not unhappy with command," she informed him. "You have been heavy upon thought since we last shared words."

He sighed. "As have you," he replied. "I feel your eyes lingering, yet they no longer turn away when I meet them. Why are you doing this?"

"I find myself unable to remove gaze despite worries over being discovered."

Her words caused pulse to quicken. He changed topic. "I assume Batiatus told you how I nearly confessed all to Oenomaus?"

She nodded. "He did."

"Apologies. I gave no thought to how such an admission would affect you, Melitta."

"I cannot place blame," she admitted with a sigh. "I have had similar urges."

"And what stopped you?"

"The knowledge that while easing my own conscience, I would be placing terrible burden upon Oenomaus. He would be forced to act when faced with my betrayal. I fear Batiatus' reaction if confronted."

"Dominus had similar words. Unlike you, I did not set mind to consequence. It will not happen again," he promised.

Her eyes were filled with longing and it caused his heart to take flight and his cock to rise.

"Do not look upon me in that way, Melitta," Gannicus entreated. "It makes resisting desires impossible."

She moved closer to him. "You once told me that living without my touch was a challenge you felt unable to face. Do you recall saying this?"

Gannicus nodded, taking a step backwards. "It still is," he confessed. "Which is why I have tried to stay away."

"I stand the same. To be denied the warmth of your hands upon me…it strikes a coldness within my breast, as if standing in shadow, absent sun, never to rise again."

Her words unmanned him and Gannicus had to clench his fists to keep from reaching for her to take her into his arms; and his frustration showed. "What do you want of me? You speak of heartache being absent my touch, but you are in pain because of it. I would see breath forfeited and heart torn from chest before I would cause you such misery, yet it appears inevitable fate."

She closed the distance between them. "My conflict does not fall to your feet, Gannicus. It lies within me."

"As does mine." He cupped the side of her face, giving in to his need to touch her. "I would give anything to see the sadness cast from your eyes, yet Oenomaus remains between us."

She laid a hand on his chest, over where his heart was thumping erratically. "I have tried to banish you from thought, but the memory of you…" She placed her other hand upon him, sliding her palms along the smooth contours of his sculpted pectoral muscles. His nipples hardened and she raised her gaze to his; the desire he saw there took his breath. "It haunts me, and I can no longer stay away."

Her words and touch caused both love and lust to swell within him. Guilt over Oenomaus was pushed to back of mind in light of his staggering need for her. Gannicus was helpless against her appeal. He snaked an arm around her waist. "I stand as fucking weak," he admitted with a growl, before he swooped down to take her lips with his; he pulled her forward, crushing her to him as he surrendered to his craving for her.

*8*