Chapter Six: We Will Meet Again

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter or the Spartacus series. I only own my story and any characters I may create.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm back! That last chapter really kicked my butt something aweful! It was nice having a small break to get my brain back on track with my stories. Chapter Twelve of my HP/SP story should be up not too long after this one so be on the lookout for those who read it! One thing I wanted to mention in the last chapter but completely forgot, mostly because of how tired I was, but the song that I listen to almost on repeat when not watching the episode related to the chapter that reminds me of these two is the song Rewrite the Stars from the movie Greatest Showman. Just a small little fact about the story I wanted to share with the fans! With that being said I hope you enjoy the last chapter for Untouchable!

"Talk"

'Thought'

Chapter Six: We Will Meet Again

JUST HAVE DAWN

Batiatus' POV:

"Are the preparations finished?" I asked as wife walked to my side.

"Everything has been prepared for the return of those shits and Varus." She said before looking down sadly. "I had hoped Harius freed of Varus I must admit." I sighed before walking to her to hold her close.

"As did I. Yet it cannot be helped. We need Ganicus to see this house to proper glories!" I made her looked to me then and offered a smile. "I intend to keep words spoken to Atticus. I will aid in rescuing the boy and returning him to proper arms. Arms I pray grow even stronger when holding him again." I vowed.

Lucretia smiled brightly before kissing me gently.

"You are an honorable man." She said kissing me again.

"I but honor my wife and the kindness her heart holds for an innocent who has done nothing to us." I told her.

She smiled then turned when doors opened.

"Lucretia!" Petronia cried rushing to my wife.

"Petronis! Oh how I have miss your presence! You were unjustly ripped from arms, I vow to never let it happen again!" wife cried and I smirked upon seeing her acting as good as my own.

I turned and laughed as I accepted the fats shit's embrace.

"Apologies for all that has happened my good friend! Know it was not of my choice nor control." I said as we pulled from each other.

"None required good Batiatus! I know where to lay the blame. I only wish your father were around so that we may come to better terms with one another. For I know now Atticus Cato poisoned an honorable man's mind to allow such betrayals to happen within own house." I smiled at the man's words clasping his shoulder.

"Your words lift heart dear friend. Perhaps you would be willing to aid Solonius and I in ending that shit Tullius and his little pet."

"What are your plans on doing such a task?" the fat shit asked.

I smirked. "A trick to fool both men from the safety of crowd and day. Come, follow me to my office and I shall inform you properly while the women are left to their gossip." I said causing the women to giggle as they moved to sit and talk.

"Father I wish to watch the gladiators!" his son wined and I quickly glared at the boy when his father could not see my face.

"Of course you can my boy! I am sure good Batiatus will not mind allowing you to stand upon his balcony with a slave or two to serve you." The man said looking to me and I smiled at the boy.

"What is mine is yours. The son of such a dear friend deserves nothing but the best after all." Varinius laughed happily at my answer as his son brightened and rushed to the balcony as I motioned for two slave girls to follow after him.

"And I suppose my intended was also properly tended to in absence?" I tensed and shared a look with my wife before turning a smile at the new comer.

"Good Varus! I was beginning to worry my father chased you away permanently when you did not return with Varinius and his family just now!"

"They were eager to return to the arms of such wonderful friends they left before myself. I was not too far behind them however." The man said as he stepped closer. "Now then, my question has still been unanswered."

"Harius has been tended to with the best care I can offer. None have touched him a part from you." I said making sure to give none of the happenings within this house away.

Varus smirked. "Excellent. I plan on making him mine as soon as possible." I held in a shiver upon hearing the man's words and smiled at him.

"He was already informed the marriage with you is once more on. I must admit that he did not seem all that eager." I said making myself look saddened.

Varus seemed angry before he laughed. "He held no happiness towards it before. Over time he will come to love the idea. Not that it will matter soon." Varus laughed along with Varinius. I glared at the men before smiling when both looked to me.

"Where is he now?" Varus asked.

Before I could answer another spoke up.

"I gave him as many coins as I could spare so he may go shopping for the wedding." All looked to Solonius as he entered the room.

"You allowed my intended to leave the house alone?!" Varus growled.

"Of course not. I sent a slave with him. One strong enough to defend should the need arise." Solonius said moving to my side.

"And just what caused you to give my intended coin and allow him to enter the city?" Varus growled.

"I found the boy in the early morn crying. I could not stand seeing such a vision in such a state so I moved to offer comfort. I managed to get the boy to admit to me his despair and fear of the coming marriage to good Varus. I offered the boys words to aid in him growing excited rather than dread the marriage. I spoke of your reputation and your willingness to protect and treasure your most precious objects. How he would be first above all others in your eyes. As I spoke his eyes dried and made way for true excitement within them. He wanted to shop for prope4r clothing for the wedding as a surprise to you. He asked I keep his secret and I gladly offered along with all the coin I carried in my purse." Varus, and Harius' family, seemed to calm considerably upon hearing the man's words that held no sense to me.

'Perhaps Harius fooled the man.' I thought feeling dread enter me as I looked to my wife to see her thoughts mirrored my own.

I remained silent, however, as Varus spoke once more. "It greatly pleases me to hear he is now excited for the coming marriage. I must thank good Solonius for aiding in calming the boy's nerves."

"None required. Any who is held high in Batiatus' eyes is also in mine. I wished to see this marriage be a healthy one for such dear friends." Solonius said looking to me with a small smile.

I returned it before speaking. "And which slave did you send? I must let mine know so they do not think the person ran from the house after all." Solonius looked to Varus then and smiled.

"Good Varus, it seems, has already sent his slaves ahead of us. I found him wondering the halls in an attempt to find Harius so he may guard him as instructed. I merely aided the man which is how I was able to hear Harius' cries which led to his discovery. Yet another reason it was easy to convince Harius to be excited for the marriage. For his intended already puts his safety above his own." I looked to Varus and was shocked to see the man's face morph from a shocked confused look to one of pure anger.

"What?!" he growled.

Solonius looked to the man confused with worry entering his eyes. "Did you not send a man ahead of you in order to protect Harius? The man wore your mark upon his shoulder."

"My men wear a brand upon their backs near the shoulders! None of my slaves where a mark upon shoulder!" Varus cried out causing an icy dread to fill the room.

"B-But he spoke of your orders!" Solonius spoke clearly worrying over the situation now.

"No orders ever left my lips! My men were told to guard Harius upon our return to this house! Who is with my intended?!" The angry man yelled loudly turning towards me.

I looked to Solonius and saw nothing but worry and regret within his eyes as I thought of who it could be.

'Not Ganniucs, all the men within this room knows what he looks like and who he belongs to. I will need to do count to make sure all my slaves are accounted for. Yet, a part from Gannicus, I do not know who would want to take Harius from this house.' I thought and looked to my wife to see if she was able to aid in my thoughts only to see confusion and worry within her eyes as she took a sip of wine.

Upon seeing the cup a thought entered me causing me to growl.

"Tullius!" all looked to me shocked.

"What of the man?" Varus growled and I looked to me.

"That shit is the one who murdered my father. He sent a poisoned honeyed wine to the man which led him to the shores of the afterlife! He was angry father broke bargain for him to gain Gannicus for one of much better standing in his eyes."

"And how does that relate to the man with my intended?" Varus asked and I felt my heart stop upon learning I spoke too much.

I looked to my wife for aid who instantly stood and spoke. "Before his passing father spoke to my husband saying that Tullius attempted marriage to be arranged between himself and Harius in exchange for not acquiring Gannicus. Father did not agree as he had already promised Harius to Atticus, as you all know, who only agreed to the marriage if he got Gannicus." Lucretia spoke and my love for the woman rose even higher as I returned gaze to Varus who once more growled.

"So the bastard killed an honorable man and sent his man playing as my own in order to take Harius?!"

"Are we certain it was Tullius? After all we are still not completely certain it was Tullius who poisoned the wine" Solonius spoke and I glared at the man.

"Was it not Tullius who gave the wine?" Varus asked.

"It was." Solonius spoke.

"And was it not the cause of his death?"

"It was." I growled at the thought.

"Then that is all we need to know. The man took the laugh of a respectable Roman and now has my intended! We must search the town and find the bastard and return Harius safely to the house! Once he has been returned safely I shall take him so he may be from the dangers of this city!"

"You do not stay for the games?" I asked shocked.

"My original plans. Yet I will not allow Harius to stay within a city that has a man aiming for his hand as well. I shall claim what is mine and take him from here." Varus vowed and I looked to Lucetia who looked as worried as I.

"I shall aid in the search. I may not have been able to keep bargain made with Titus but Harius is innocent of the crimes made within this city and should not have to suffer for them." We all turned to see Atticus, who I had believed to have left, walking to us.

"You hold no grudge that I once more am to marry Harius?" Varus asked and Atticus smiled.

"It was a bargain made to an old friend to keep his mind at ease and nothing more. I hold Harius as a friend and nothing else. I wish to see his safe return as well." The man spoke looking to me with a gaze that spoke of a desire to break words.

I nodded softly at the man to let him know I understood and we may break words later once the matter at hand has been dealt with.

"Then I shall send for the Syrian brothers to aid in the search. We shall all go to the city and look for the boy. With luck Tullius has the boy within it still until the opening of the games is completed." I spoke as all nodded and rushed out of the room to search.

Lucretia's hand upon my arm stopped me and I looked to see nothing but worry in her beautiful eyes.

"Quintus do you truly believe the man has Harius?" she asked.

"Tullius wants Gannicus and when he learned that father agreed to Atticus' terms, that he would only marry Harius if he got Gannicus, it would not take much for the shit to fit the pieces together. Especially after his pet left my father's funeral." I spoke softly.

"He would not hurt the boy out of spite would he?" She asked concerned.

I sighed and shook head. "Honestly? I do not know. We can only pray Harius is unharmed when found." With that we rushed to aid in the search of the Harius.

SOMETIME LATER WITHIN THE CITY

Batiatus' POV:

"Any luck?" I asked as Asher and Dagon walked up to me.

Asher shook head. "None. If the boy is within this city is his hidden well."

"Fuck!" I cried out as I began to pace.

"We must find the boy!" I demanded.

Asher and Dagon bowed and rushed to continue the search.

I sighed and turned to search myself with Lucretia at my side.

"Harius will be found, right Quintus?" she asked and I sighed.

"I pray it so. For if not we will lose more than Harius." I said and looked to her to see she seemed to understand my meaning.

"Will we tell Gannicus?" she asked softly.

"It is up to Varus and his family if news is to be spread should we not succeed. I pray they do not and allow Gannicus to enter the games with clear mind. If that should happen I will tell him upon our return from the games."

"His heart will shatter should we not find Harius." I sighed at her words.

"I know. If that is the case I shall allow Gannicus as much mourning time as needed. I just need him with clear mind for the games." I promised her.

"I pray such time is not needed." She spoke and I nodded at her words as we continued the search.

We turned a corner and ran into Varinius and his wife.

"Were you able to find anything?" he asked and I shook head.

"Fuck!" Varinius growled as Atticus walked to us.

"Perhaps we should retire for the night. It is getting darker making it harder to see. We shall pick up in the morning." He offered as Varus and Solonius walked up to us.

"Atticus is correct. We must put the search on hold for now." Varus said and I looked to the man.

"I shall send all my men I can spare on the search upon first light." I vowed.

"Gratitude." Varus spoke as we all made our way to the Villar once more with Asher and Dagon running up to catch us.

As we entered the house guards led a tearful Naevia to us.

I looked to the woman confused before I noticed she held something within grasp.

Lucretia and I rushed to her and I paused mid step as Lucretia gasped stepping from the woman.

"Th-this was found just outside the gates with a lot of blood surrounding it. Near the steps to the ludus there is more blood as well." She spoke as sobs took over her being as I stared at her hands.

"What is it?" Varinius asked as he and the others stepped to my side.

All went silent as we all stared at the woman and what it was she held.

"I will have that man's blood!" Varinius growled breaking the silence.

"What kind of man would do something like this!" Lucretia gasped clearly disturbed.

"He is not a man, but a rabid animal in need of putting down." I growled turning to the men beside me.

"Do I have your aid?" I asked.

"I shall see the man to a painful end!" Atticus growled as he paced lost in thought.

I looked to the fat bastard and his family who were looking to Varus with concern in their eyes.

Varus merely looked on with an unreadable expression. "I was promised an intended who had never been touched by another. An unmarked one aside from the mark which was to be removed upon our wedding day. Harius, it would appear, is now neither of those things." I looked to the man appalled by his response while his uncle tried to mend the situation.

"Good Varus this was clearly not the boy's decision! It was stripped from him much like that was!" it shocked me to hear the man come to the aid of his nephew.

'It is only for his fortune.' I thought bitterly as the man continued.

"Allow us to find the boy! If the boy is untouched, a part from the obvious, would you still consider?" Varus looked to the man.

"Harius was beautiful and his skin unmarked in all senses. It was that knowledge that made me agree to the marriage. For such a pure being is nearly unheard of in these times. To have him at my side would bring my reputation to even more heights than they are now. Now, the boy is of no use to me."

"After all the anger at the thought of him being in town alone then all the passion put into finding him you wish to leave for a simple matter?!" I asked unable to stop myself.

Varus looked to me. "Your house has come with many rarities as of late. Harius the rarest of them. Now he is like all other whores out there." Here he looked to Varinius. "I am no longer marrying Harius. I shall take my leave now and will not offer any aid on the matter. Apologizes." He said with a bow yet it was apparent he did not mean his words as he turned to leave us.

Varinius remained silent for a moment before he tipped over a table spilling all upon it onto the ground.

"That whore! How could he allow this to happen! He knew he was never to leave this villar without myself of Varus yet went anyways! Now that boy has ruined everything I have worked so hard to achieve!"

"Yet it is as you told Varus. Decision was stripped from him." Lucretia said yet Petronia laughed.

"Said in an attempt to mend Varus' mind and keep bargain alive. Now that the boy allowed for this to happen all my husband's work is for not!"

"Surely we should find the boy and ask what happened before we condemn?" I questioned and Varinius huffed before glaring at Solonius.

"Your man gave permission for Harius to leave when he held no right! He also holds fault in this! Sense the boy is unfound I demand his head!"

"I will not take Solonius' head when you, yourself, thanked the man for getting Harius happy for a marriage that was forced upon him!" I growled stepping closer to the fat shit.

"You dare deny what I desire! After all I have promised you!" he growled.

"I but step to the aid of a man who does not deserve to be condemned for merely calming a poor child about to step into a prison instead of a marriage!"

"What do you care?! It was your words that brought thoughts towards Harius marrying Varus at the beginning of this!" I looked to the man then and nodded before speaking calmly.

"Words I wish I could unspeak. For they caused that boy nothing but pain. Now his fate is unknown as he is in pain undeserving for he knew nothing of our plans."

Varinius stared at me in shock before glaring and looking to his wife. "Fetch Dullius. We are to leave for our home at once never to return to a place who betrays so easily!" Varinius turned his glare to me once more. "Know any chance of entering the Senate dies the moment I leave this place." I smirked at him.

"There are many that stand above you in the eyes of the Senate. Atticus for example. You were merely the easiest to manipulate. Perhaps this shall allow me to make true relations with far more honorable men." Varinius once more stood shocked before he glared and stormed from the room with his wife not too far behind.

I sighed and looked to Solonius and smiled sadly.

"No fault lays at your feet." He merely smiled softly.

"Words do not comfort when thoughts are only filled with guilt. I should have gone with the boy or even made his departure known sooner so he could have taken men truly on our side to protect him." I shook head and walked closer to the man.

"You calmed the boy after my words broke him. I can only offer gratitude for calming the boy. I only wish I was able to protect him as father had been able to. For he was innocent in all matters related to us."

Solonius merely nodded and sighed. "I suppose I shall go prepare for our plan. I assume it is still on?" I glared at the thought.

"That man will suffer even more for this!" I vowed as Solonius nodded and walked from the room.

I turned to Naevia who was merely looking at the object lost in her thoughts. I looked to Lucretia who nodded and spoke softly to the woman.

"We must take that now. We shall bury it properly." She looked up shocked to us.

"The search is not to continue?!" we ignored her outburst as we knew she had grown to the boy as I shook head.

"There is no way he could have survived based on the amount of blood you described. That was left as proof we will not find the boy alive. There is no point in searching for a corpse. We shall bury that properly with a burning as we did for my father." I spoke softly.

The woman just stared at us in shock before looking to her hands once more.

"I will continue the search." I looked to Atticus as he spoke. "I cannot believe the boy truly gone without seeing a corpse. I will continue the search upon the ending of the games and have returned to my villar and will send word when I have found the boy. Regardless of the state he shall be in." I looked to the man before nodding.

"Will you aid in ending Tullius?" I asked and the man shook head.

"A man who targets innocents to make point does not deserve mercy. Yet I cannot risk my hands dirtied further in such matters than they already are. I will, however, give word to turn blind eye and deaf ear to all you plan for the man. I pray you know what you are doing in such matters." I nodded at the man.

"Gratitude. I admit I regret not taking bargain with you." I told him as he sighed.

"Regret on such matters comes too late for the both of us. The damage has been done." With that Atticus left the room to be alone.

'How could such a day go to shit so quickly?!' I thought as my wife spoke up.

"Does Gannicus know?" Lucretia asked and more worry entered me at the thought.

Upon hearing her question Naevia broke into sobs once more. "He-he was with me when I found this. I-I had gone to him when I had overheard of Harius missing and you had gone to search for him. I had thought it only right to let the man know the one his loves is missing. I did not know it would end this way!" Lucretia rushed to comfort her second favorite slave while looking to me in worry.

"I cannot fault you for thinking of your friends when hearing such news. We were not quiet about the matter when we first discovered it after all." I said thinking of the state Gannicus must be in. "I will see to Gannicus. Lucretia once Naevia is calmed have her send word to prepare funeral. Unfortunately with the primus so close we do not have time for proper mourning period. We shall do so once the games have ended. At such time we will also place Harius to rest the best we can. We shall preserve that with the medicus until such time." Lucretia nodded and led Naevia to a sit as Melitta appeared from the direction of her husband's quarters looking to the two confused before rushing to them as Lucretia appeared to explain all that has happened.

I left the women alone and went to my office after telling a slave to fetch Gannicus and bring him to me.

Not too long later did the slave return with Gannicus causing shock and worry to enter face upon seeing it so void of emotion.

"Leave us." I commanded to all within the room. When it was just Gannicus and I leaned on the table to judge reaction to my words better.

"Naevia spoke of you being there when it was discovered. A thing I wish I could have prevented. Especially with the primus so close at hand."

Gannicus merely stood in silence and I allowed the disrespect due to the circumstances. A few moments later Gannicus finally broke words.

"Send me to Tullius. Allow trade to take place." I stared at the man in shock.

"You wish to leave this house? To the man who has caused such pain within this house?"

"I wish to see blood!" he growled as anger entered his empty eyes. "Send me to Tullius and I will see you properly avenged!" I stared at the man before speaking softly.

"It would not be for me you would claim vengeance for would it?" Gannicus looked from me.

"You would risk your life in the memory of his?"

"I would risk thousands if I but had them!" he vowed looking to me.

I stared at the man. "The trade was to Tullius' lap dog Vettius. You would be sent the boy's ludus in fucking Nola. A year could pass before you find yourself close enough to Tullius."

"I would suffer a lifetime but to have the chance to strike!"

"This house would be the one that suffered!" I growled walking to stand in front of the man. "A year of the greatest gladiator in the Republic fighting for those shits?! A year of you needing to win each fight against my fucking men in the hopes of gaining an audience with Tullius."

"Will he not wish to see the man he has fought so hard to gain when so delievered?" he asked and I looked at him sighing.

"It would risk your life. May end it."

"I would give thousands so that he could draw breath once more."

"So you know there is not a strong chance he is still alive?" I asked and Gannicus laughed in a way that caused me to worry.

"With the amount of blood in front of the gate and the blood the guards claimed to find even I would be a fool to hope. After all, taking nearly all the skin off one's arm makes it nearly impossible for them to live through. If the blood loss did not claim him the shock would have." He said and I sighed at the thought.

"Then you must know we will not continue the search." Gannicus looked to me shocked and angered.

"Why?! He is still out there!" I glared at the man.

"There is no point in searching for a corpse Gannicus! We will burn and bury the skin properly after the games and allow the proper mourning period as well. At such a time I will allow you to take those eight days to collect yourself under guise of needed rest from the games. No one can even know of your relations with Harius. Your life would instantly be in danger! And I cannot risk my champion for a dead boy!" I growled.

"What would it matter now?! Would his uncle truly hold such anger he would kill a man over the dead? Would his intended?" he asked the last part with more venom than I had ever heard from the man.

"Neither man are within this house any longer. Varus gave up on Harius after seeing the skin and learning he is no longer truly pure. Varinius spoke out of term and our friendship has ended. That would not stop Varinius from killing you to spite me if he learned of your relation with the boy! Nor would it stop Tullius!" I told the man who laughed in the worrisome manor once more.

"As of last night Harius wasn't pure." I felt my eyes widened at the meaning of his words before sighing.

"Apologizes. Be calmed in the knowledge I will send Harius to the afterlife as properly as I can with the skin taken from his arm."

"He once told me he wished for a day he did not have to wear that dreaded mark. Now part of it is missing along with skin it cursed." I nodded at the man's words.

"And Tullius saw that wish granted. In a most gruesome manor." I spoke softly as Gannicus took another gulp of wine.

"Allow me to go to the bastard." He requested once more.

I smirked at the man then and shook head.

"No." I spoke then interrupted him when he tried to speak. "I will send you elsewhere." Confusion entered the man's eyes as I began to tell of my plan.

LATER THAT NIGHT

Gannicus' POV:

"Where are they?" Batiatus asked as we entered the alley.

"I will search ahead." Barca offered yet was stopped by Batiatus.

"Stay where you are. I would not have you from my fucking side." I looked to the man.

"If you had sold me to Tullius, no one else's life would be at risk." I whispered to him and Batiatus looked to me.

"With great risk comes greater reward." he spoke and I understood his hidden meaning. "And I would have mine." Batiatus growled looking ahead once more.

"The Syrians arrive." Oenomaus spoke as Asher and Dagon got into position. Just a moment later Tullius and that little pet of his walked into view with Solonius staying off to the side.

"I grow weary of these games, Batiatus." The bastard spoke. "And I would see them to bitter end."

"As would I." Batiatus spoke. Upon hearing his words more of our men appeared and I glared at the man ready to end the life of the bastard who ended such a pure and beautiful life.

The image of Harius entered mind and I felt my heart cease in chest knowing I would never be able to gaze upon him again.

Getting out of my depressing thoughts I undid the shackles on my arm as Batiatus spoke once more.

"Come. Let us embrace, you fucking cunt!" with his words we charged the bastard and the men with him.

Batiatus continued to yell from behind us yet I could no longer hear the man. With each attack I performed and kill I claimed more of my anger and pain drew to the suface as I thought of the pain and suffering Harius must have felt after leaving my side that night.

'I never should have allowed him to leave my side. I should have taken him and ran.' I thought as I beat a man's head upon the wall before letting him fall and turning to face another.

Upon looking at my opponent I saw it was that shit Vettius and my anger grew even more as I beat the shit out of the pig until he fell unconscious.

"Fucking kill him Barca!" I heard Batiatus cry out and turned to see my brother get stabbed in his side. As the man pulled his weapon out Batiatus came behind him and stabbed through his neck killing the man before he hit the ground.

I turned to see Tullius killing another of ours and used the moment to wrap the shackles around the bastard's neck and throw him onto the ground hard as Oenomaus moved to my side to aid in holding the man as I lifted the sword he offered me ready to strike.

"Wait, hold!" Batiatus yelled. I paused for but a moment before raising the sword a little higher. "I said hold!" he growled causing me to finally look to the man.

Batiatus walked to us as his gaze remained on the bastard below me. "Such a death….would be far too quick." I looked back to the bastard as well and the thought of ending the man slowly sounded rather appealing. "Bind him." Batiatus commanded and Oenomaus and I moved to do as such as he turned to Solonius.

"And you." Batiatus moved to the man smirking. "You played your part to fucking perfection!" he cried out pulling the man's head closer as they shared a laugh.

Tullius tried to speak to the man yet I gagged him before he could get any out. "It was not difficult. When passion for vengeance overtakes caution, even the keenest of minds is easily deceived."

"Modest to the fucking last." Batiatus laughed with the man before looking to Barca. "See these bodies put to grass. Then get yourself to the Medicus." Barca nodded and moved to do as commanded as Batiatus turned to Solonius once more.

"You are sure to your purpose?" he asked.

"My path had never been clearer." He spoke and motioned for a slave to pick up the pet laying upon the ground as Oenomaus and I forced the bastard to his feet.

"Come Tullius, let us have final words before you depart this life." Batiatus growled as he motioned for us to follow him.

Solonius' POV:

Movement beside me caused me to look up and smirk. "The lamb finally wakes." I said looking up to the hanging and gagged boy. The boy made a noise then. "Calm yourself. I merely wish to break words."

The boy made louder noises and I raised a finger to trace his neck. "Seek to raise alarm, and find throat slit well in advance of aid. We are clear?" the boy went silent and nodded a few moments later allowing me to remove the gag.

"You are fucking dead." He growled and I laughed at him.

"Threats absent form, without Tullius to support them." Worry entered the pup's eyes.

"What have you done to him?"

"Me? I have done nothing." I answered truthfully circling the boy. "In all of this, I have never known quarrel with good Tullius. Yet Batiatus….he is of a contrary nature. And moves even as we speak to end his conflict with your man. Forever." I finished once more standing before the boy.

"The opening of the arena is upon us. Tullius' absence will be noticed. And you part in it quick upon heel." The boy tried to reason and I smirked at him.

"You are mistaken." I told him. "No one will suspect Tullius has left this world. Not when trusted Vettius heralds news that he has unexpectedly set sail abroad. To attend pressing matters in Antioch."

"What would move tongue to voice suck fucking lie? When it more easily forms words to see you and Batiatus executed for your crimes."

I laughed. "Based upon what evidence? We were not found knife in hand, kneeling beside body. A body which even now Batiatus conceals beyond reach of human eyes." I spoke then smirked once more. "No, my concern rests with your safety." The boy looked to me confused.

"Attempt to raise unwarranted suspicion, and Batiatus would be sure to take offense. And without Tullius to protect you…." I allowed my words to sink the laughed upon seeing light of understanding entering his eyes.

"Ah, youth finally matures." I walked closer to the boy then. "Now that we have settled issue, let us turn to other matters of a more personal nature." I took a sip of wine then.

"What would you have of me?" he questioned and I smirked. "Batiatus is not the only one that has hidden a body beyond reach of human eyes." I could see my words confusing him as my smirk grew. "I would see more than one bargain made this night."

MEANWHILE

Batiatus' POV:

I smirked as I watched Gannicus and Oenomaus toss the shit upon the ground after removing the shackles binding his hands.

The shit removed the gag as he turned to face us. "A game welly played, Batiatus. Now let us come to terms."

His words intrigued me so I motioned for him to continue. "Your man Gannicus obviously means a great deal to you, to press to such extremes. I will cease my pursuit of him." I knelt before the man.

"Offer more."

"I will see your house take prominence in all upcoming games." He spoke desperately.

"More."

"Speak desire, and see it attended." He offered and I glared at the man.

"I desire to see you suffer. As I have suffered at your fucking hands. As Harius suffered!" I growled and I could sense Gannicus tense at my side.

Tullius looked confused for a moment before he growled. "Your suffering has only begun, lanista. When it is discovered what you have done to me!" he yelled and I laughed.

"You will not be discovered. Nor missed." I told him as he calmed. "Solonius moves young Vettius, towards offering proper explanation for your disappearance."

"Vettius?" he asked shocked.

I smirked and stood. "The city will mourn. Soon your name will be spoken of less and less. Until it is lost to history."

"I should have had your life at the beginning of this." He growled. "The mistake is mine, having stayed hand in respect of your father." I glared at the man then.

"Respect?" I asked taking the bag offered to me. I took out a handful of what was inside. "Then pay it to the remains of the man himself!" I rushed the man then and forced my father's ashes down his throat. "Tell you how high you hold him! Even as your poisoned wine robs him of fucking life! As your hands stripped life and flesh from a boy he held dear to him! Tell him! Tell him, you fucking shit!" I yelled finally pulling from the man as he spit the ashes from mouth.

"Why would I strike against your father? He was an honorable Roman. A man who knew his place!"

"Even when he denied Gannicus to you so Harius may marry a more proper man in my father's eyes? Did you end his life as well for unknowingly aiding in forever removing Gannicus from your reach?"

"I did not touch the boy!" he yelled and I just huffed. "The boy was too pure, too beautiful, why would I deny the world such a light? Even if it meant I did not get Gannicus? It is as I said. I did not harm your father or the boy!" I laughed then and held a knife up.

"You spoke of my father knowing his place, well I know yours." My men held him down as he spoke once more.

"There will be an accounting, Batiatus." He growled as he stood. "For this and everything that follows."

I laughed at the man as I grabbed his clothing to pull him closer. "The gods will see to it some day." He vowed.

"But not this one." I spoke as I stabbed him.

I pushed him from me and allowed Gannicus and Oenomaus to continue as they stabbed over and over as the bastard cried in pain.

I watched Gannicus and noticed the man went from man to beast with every thrust of the blade and I began to wonder if I should have let the man near the bastard.

Finally the men stopped and forced him to stand as they dragged him to the hole my men made in the foundation of the arena.

Gannicus shoved the bastard within and held him steady as the rest worked quickly to place the stones back in place once more.

When only one stone remained that was for where his head now rested I lifted the stone and smirked at the man. "This arena was your life. Add to its foundation." With my last words I placed the stone in place to allow my men to set it properly.

I sighed and turned to look at my men.

"Well done. All of you. You shall be properly rewarded at a later date. For now, let us return home and prepare for the games in the morn." All my men nodded and moved to leave.

All except Gannicus.

I looked to the man who continued to stare at where Tullius would forever rest before making sure we were alone and walking up to the man to place a hand upon shoulder.

Feeling my touch the man looked to me. I nodded at the man. "Harius and my father may now rest easily. Knowing the bastard who claimed their lives is to join them."

Gannicus looked to the stones once more. "It would be a greater blessing if the death brought him back to me." I sighed at his words.

"Such fleets are never possible, Gannicus, the dead will forever be dead." I squeezed his shoulder causing him to look to me. "I need your mind clear, Gannicus, the games are tomorrow and you will fall if your mind remains in such a state." The man merely looked at me before nodding.

"Dominus." Was all he said as he moved to follow his brothers.

I sighed and looked to the stones once more before following my men as well.

THE NEXT MORNING

Batiatus' POV:

"Have eyes ever beheld such a sight?" I asked to those around me as I gazed around the new arena in awe.

"The laurel crown of the Republic." Magistrate said.

"Its majesty even more evident when viewed from the pulvinus." Varus spoke and I turned a quick glare at the man as he smirked at me.

"A great honor, to be invited by Tullius and later Atticus themselves." Lucretia spoke.

"One I fear undeserved. Yet they are difficult men to turn from." I laughed with the others.

"Your presence here is most deserved, dear friend, for the name Batiatus is a noble one." Atticus spoke and I smiled at the man who returned it.

"I am surprised by Tullius' delay." Magistrate spoke as Atticus and I shared a look. "The opening of the arena has been the only subject on his tongue. Now he stands late for his own celebration." He finished as men carrying a statue upon their shoulders ran around the arena.

"And what of Varinius and his delicious looking nephew? I would think Varinius' boy would not want to miss such an event." Varus asked and I glared at the man before smiling at the Magistrate as he looked to me.

"Yes I had wished to break words with Harius. It appears actions holding him hostage were against my knowledge. I knew of the arranged marriage yet I did not know the Senate had men keep Harius' fortune from the boy. By all rights the marriage did not have to take place. I merely thought the boy willing to go through with the arrangements. Had I known I would have freed that poor boy from his family long ago. I had planned on speaking with his uncle on the matter and informing him his time in the Senate is finished and to see if he wished to own a house of his own. Perhaps even become a lanista as his father was." I looked to the man shocked.

"Lanista? His father was an lanista? Why have I never heard the name?"

"Because his father only was able to act as one for a brief time before he became my trusted man in the Senate. He was kept so busy he sold all his men to close friend and so the men did not go to waste. By all rights Harius should have been the one in control of his family."

I just stared on in shock and looked to my wife to see her fighting emotions of her own.

"You would have denied the arrangement to me?!" Varus growled standing.

The Magistrate looked to him and laughed. "Harius father stood only second to me. You are nowhere near worthy of his hand. I can honestly say I regret not taking him in as I originally planned. I allowed myself to believe he would do better in the hands of those who shared his blood. It appears I was wrong." Varus glared before smirking.

"Unfortunately young Harius is missing." I glared at Varus as he spoke.

"Is this true?!" the Magistrate asked turning to me in concern.

"We believe he merely went home. He spoke of missing it dearly throughout their stay and we are hoping he merely went home. The reason for his uncle's absence as well." I spoke and the Magistrate continued to look worried.

"I shall send word to his uncle upon the day's end and I shall send a search party myself should he not be there."

"No need, dear friend, I plan on searching myself." Atticus spoke which seemed to calm the man down.

"Nevertheless I shall send my own search party and give Harius the life he has been denied." With that he went silent in thought.

I glared at Varus who smirked and went to talking to a woman at his side.

It went silent once more and I shared a look with Lucretia who appeared to be fighting away her tears.

'Such a cruel fate for such an honorable boy. Had his uncle spoke properly on the boy's standing in the eyes of the Magistrate perhaps I could have fought harder to protect him. Perhaps even befriended him if he had chosen to become a fellow lanista. I would have shared Gannicus with the boy. Fate is truly cruel at times.' I thought and looked to see Atticus was also fighting to hide how shaken he now was.

"Apologizes," all looked to see Vettius enter, "Tullius regrets he will be absent altogether."

"What could wrest him from so high a perch?" Cossutius asked.

"Pressing concerns abroad in Antioch. His departure was….excpected." Vettius spoke.

"The arena would not exist without Tullius. We would not be standing here, were it not for his actions." Lucretia spoke.

"We should halt the celebrations until his return." I offered.

"Agreed. I shall address the crowd." The Magistrate spoke and moved to stand.

"Tullius sends hard instruction for ceremony to carry without him." Vettius spoke ceasing the man's movements. "This arena was a gift to his beloved city. He would not see misfortune to stand in the way of the giving of it."

I smirked at the boy.

"A most gracious offer, well received." Magistrate spoke. "Come. Haunt Tullius' place by my side, possessing his spirit for the occasion."

"Again I must offer apology. I make preparations to follow Tullius to Antioch." The boy spoke.

"And what of your ventures here. Your ludus?" I asked barely able to contain my joy.

"I am retiring from the lowly call of the lanista. In favor of station more befitting a man of breeding." The boy spoke and I smirked once more at the boy.

"What will become of your men? They fight this very day." a man behind me asked yet I dared not turn in fear of the others seeing my joy.

"I would not see your brief labors turn to naught. Solonius and I can make fair offer to divide them." I offered looking to my friend.

"Deeply appreciated. Yet unnecessary." I looked to the boy confused who was smirking at me. "Solonius and I have already come to terms."

"Terms?" I questioned looking to Solonius.

"I have transferred deed to all my gladiators to Solonius, under whose noble banner they will fight this day." I glared at Solonius as I felt my anger rise.

"You are indeed blessed, Solonius. Your ludus now stands above all others in sheer numbers." Magistrate boasted.

"May the gods continue to show favor." Solonius spoke.

I smiled at the man yet it turned to a glare at his smirk. "I must take my leave." Vettius spoke and I looked to him. "Give good Solonius all consideration towards future games. Tullius and I would have it so." The boy said turning smirk to me.

"You are overly generous." Solonius spoke placing hand upon boy's shoulder. "Come. I would see you away." With that the two of them left the area.

Solonius' POV:

"You have done well." I spoke as we moved from the steps.

"I but dance to the yank of strings." The boy growled.

"Avoid them forming a noose, and never return to Capua while I draw breath." I warned.

"I shall pray for the day it ceases." He growled.

I merely stood staring at the boy uncaring. "Never forget the other reason never to come to Capua again." I reminded.

The boy smirked and stepped closer. "Oh trust I will never forget the second reason. Would not want your new reputation to falter would we? After all the Magistrate spoke to Tullius of his fondness for the boy. Whose word would he believe, I wonder, should I ever return item in hand."

"Do not tempt threats when I can easily end your life and hide you without risk of discovery." I growled at the boy.

Vettius merely smirked and walked from my side.

"We were supposed to divide Vettius' men among us. What the fuck are you doing?!" I sighed and turned to my once dear friend.

Batiatus' POV:

"What it takes to make a name in this world. After years of 'bowing and scraping in shit.'" The bastard said and I huffed.

"Is that what this is about? A few words spoken in anger absent thought?"

"A few words?" he asked appalled. "You name me friend and brother, yet at every turn remind that I lack this trait or that. You take information given in aid and move against Tullius, absent regard of the difficult position in places me."

"You talk of nothing!" I yelled at the man.

"Every tongue that is not your own is accused of the same. It has taken years and the price of blood, but at last I see you for what you are. A man that holds no one in esteem beyond himself." I glared as he smirked.

"I owe you gratitude. Without you to show the way, I would never have raised nerve to betray those closest to me." Solonius made to pass me yet stopped before joining the others once more and turned another smirk to me. "Would never have known how to take innocent blood." I stood shocked and confused at his words.

"Your meaning?"

"We still are uncertain it was Tullius who poisoned the wine brought to your father. Yet you killed him absent true thoughts on the matter."

"That bastard got what he deserved for claiming the life of my father and that of Harius!" I yelled.

Solonius laughed causing me to look on confused. "There is something on such a matter I know to be untrue."

"And that is?" I asked and the man smirked.

"While I admit I cannot prove Tullius did not poison the wine, I know he was not the one harm young Harius." It took me a moment to process his words before I felt breath leave body.

"You tortured and killed an innocent boy to spite me?!" the man laughed.

"He was your Gannicus' boy. Removing him would break Gannicus. Make him easy to take down in the primus. Which would take your source of power." I stood shocked. "Oh I only became aware of it the night you denied bargain with Atticus and spoke those words that opened my eyes. It was not my intention at the beginning, yet when I saw the boy leave Gannicus and his mark so clearly deformed I could not pass up the opportunity. So I had my slave at the time aid in my actions."

"Harius did not deserve to be tortured or killed?!" I growled getting in the man's face. "I should go to the Magistrate and speak to him of your confessions!" the man merely smirked.

"With what evidence? Speak now and it will make you appear the whining child whose toy was taken from him. It would be my word against yours. And we both know how dear your reputation is. So much so you would sacrifice anything to keep it." I growled at the man yet could not deny his words held truth. I could not go to the Magistrate now without it ending with me standing poorly in his eyes.

"And another thing," the bastard spoke and I looked to his smirking face once more, "you keep speaking of torture and murder. Yet only skin and blood was found." I thought on his words before I felt my eyes widened.

"He is alive?!"

"Last I laid eyes. I did not give much care to the boy's injuries. He now goes with Vettius to forever be from Capua. His fate I no longer know of." He spoke and I looked to where Vettius left in shock.

"That boy will your end." I warned as the man smirked and backed from me.

"And yours. Should he truly ever return to this city." With that he moved to return to the others.

"Fuck!" I yelled and paced a few times before moving to return as well.

Upon returning to seat Lucretia leaned closer to me. "What excuse does Solonius give?"

I looked to the man and glared. "None that merit consideration." I told her thinking on what he revealed about Harius. Leaning closer I whispered to her. "Solonius is the one to take Harius from us. He claims he yet draws breath. If only just." Lucretia looked to me quickly before looking to Solonius and glaring at the man before leaning to tell Atticus my words.

Upon hearing them Atticus stood quickly and bowed. "Apologizes, but sudden memory of urgent business has returned and I must see it finished. It appears I will not be able to attend the games as originally thought." The Magistrate seemed confused yet nodded as Atticus rushed from the man's side.

He shared a look with me as he passed and was gone in an instant.

I looked to my wife who appeared to want to join the man yet I shook head as I glared at a smirking Solonius.

I looked to the crowd then as their cries grew. "What has the crowd in such a state?"

"Sextus announces executions before the games begin." Lucretia spoke barely able to return to character.

I nodded as I took her hand in comfort and watched as the people were lead onto the sands.

As the people were made to kneel Cossutius spoke. "Is that not one of yours, Batiatus? The girl on the end, what was her name?" I looked closer to see Diona kneeling upon the sands.

"Diona." Naevia spoke before I was able and the bastard laughed.

"Diona, yes."

"Apologizes, Batiatus. The girl was only rounded up this morning. If you wish her removed to be dealt with personally…." Magistrate offered and I looked to him then to Soloinius as I shook head and leaned back.

"No, let her death stand as a warning. To all others who would seek to betray me." Solonius merely smirked and looked from me.

"Caburus is your man now, Solonius. Rise and see him to purpose." Magistrate told the man who nodded and stood to signal the man to begin.

One by one those to be executed fell to the sands until Diona was left. She smiled, I assume at Naevia, before she too fell and the bodies removed.

I turned one last glare at Solonius as the games came closer to beginning.

Gannicus' POV:

"Doctore!" I heard Barca call out and looked to see him stopping Oenomaus. "I can fight. Have word with Dominus."

I could tell Oenomaus wore a small smirk as he pressed on the man's wound he flinched strongly from the man. "I already have. Now aid your brothers in preparing for the day. You will fight again when you are able." He commanded.

Barca sighed but moved to do as commanded as Oeonmaus moved to me.

"You will face Tasgetius and Synetos. In the match before the primus." The man said and I looked to him before looking to my sword once more. "Our days have been filled. Show all of Capua why you are considered such a prize. Fight. And honor the House of Batiatus." He praised.

Images or emeralds and snow like skin entered mind and causing heart to cease in chest once more.

"There are many things I would die for. Many things I deserve to die for. This house is no longer among them." I admitted to my dear friend who remained quiet.

"Then fight for him." He suddenly spoke and I looked to him in shock. "Every life you take. The blood you shed. He will see it from the afterlife." I continued to stare at the man in shock.

"How-."

"The pain that has been haunting you sense news of the boy's death is not one you can hide from me. I sometimes believe I know you better than you know yourself." He spoke with a soft smirk.

I actually laughed as his words before growing serious once more and stood to face the man. "Then I shall fill her eyes." I vowed and Oenomaus smiled as he nodded.

"Crixus!" he called and the man looked to him. "You are first." The man stood to face us revealing his now clean face and cut. "Ready?" Oenomaus asked as he walked to get into position.

I watched Crixus earn his victory before watching the rest of my brothers either see victory or defeat upon the sands.

Before long my battle was to begin and ended with me cutting upon both men's necks.

Finally it was time for the primus to begin where we would be fighting for ourselves.

As I prepared for the fight my thoughts drifted back to Harius and how I yearned to hold him once more.

'Perhaps I should allow myself to join him this night. Retire the 'god of the arena' with one final glorious battle.' I could not stop myself from thinking as Crixus moved to my side.

"So at last we meet upon the sands." He spoke and I sighed.

"Two among many." I reminded.

"I give no shit about other men." He growled and moved to stand before me. "I shall prove myself against you in proper contest."

"We face Solonius' men, not each other."

"Only until they have fallen. Then we shall stand alone, absent thought of brotherhood." I warned and I just stared at the man.

"Attend." Oenomaus spoke before I was able. "Your Dominus would have words." He spoke as Batiatus came into view.

"Everything we have dreamed of." Batiatus spoke as he looked to me. "Suffered and died for. The worth of it all turns upon this single moment. You face the House of Solonius, and his ill gotten men." He paused to look to the other men.

"You stand outnumbered. But not outmatched. Only one man will claim victory this day and earn the title of Champion of Capua. And by the gods that man will be from the fucking House of Batiatus!" we cheered loudly at his words as the man left us once more so we may finish preparing.

When it was time Oenomaus called for our attention. "Gladiators. Form!" we stood in line at the gates and waited for it to open.

Oenomaus looked to me and we shared a nod as I felt excitement enter me once more.

The gates upon and we filed out onto the sands as the crowd cheered loudly. We all stood before the Magistrate as he stood to address the crowd and us. "Many have fought this day. Many have died, their blood staining the sands. Yet this arena towers above all others in the Republic. It is a vast beast. And it yet hungers!" the crowd grew loud once more before the man spoke.

"Two great houses face each other. Yet every man must ultimately stand for himself and himself alone." The Magistrate nodded at a few men who circled us and poured something onto the sands.

We all stood confused wondering what it was that was to happen.

"Fire burns within their breasts. And it is fire that shall bind them in final contest!" upon his words the sands lit up with fire encircling the gladiators. "Fall to the sands beyond the flame, and find yourself removed from the primus. Fall within them, and be removed from this world. Take position!" he commanded and we did so as the crowd went wild.

"Do not die before we meet." Crixus spoke and I looked to him with a smirk.

"Split heaven with the sound of your fury! Begin!" and with that we all charged taking down Solonius' men one by one.

As I fought my thoughts went to Harius once more causing to me to faulter and make mistakes every so allowing one of Solonius men to get a hit on me knocking me to the ground. I spit blood out as I stood to face the man with thoughts of Harius and the pain that came with them clouding my mind.

At one point Dagon turned on his brother before all of Solonius' men were down only for Asher to see victory and kill his own brother.

Two men came at me at once and I held my own against them while fighting images of Harius from my mind until after the primus were finished.

Yet Harius refused to loosen his grip upon my mind.

'Like I want the grip to loosen.' I thought taking down yet another man.

A short time later found me fighting Caburus the last man of Solonius.

Crixus moved to aid me in taking down the beast like man giving me time to notice it was only the three of us within the circle.

Going back to the fighting Crixus and I moved as one until I was pushed from the two. When I turned I saw Crixus be severly cut at his side. Caburus made to finish the man yet I moved quickly and managed to grab a shield that took the attack and push Crixus out of the circle.

Leaving just Caburus and I.

Caburus came at me quick and hard yet I managed to dodge his attacks. Soon he was able to begin pushing me back with his shield yet I managed to grab a sword and quickly stabbed it into his leg stopping the man's movements. I used the pause to quickly jump and kick the man's chest knocking us both to the ground.

I stood and grabbed another sword rushing the man and attacking before he could stand from leaning.

Only he managed to unarm me and trip me with a spear he picked up causing me to have to roll from his attacks upon landing on the ground.

An idea hit me and I paused to allow him to stab the ground under me before laying on top of the spear. When he lifted it the force sent me flying towards a body that managed to grab and roll on top of me to take the next attack.

I pushed the body from me and moved to try and unarm the man yet he managed to hit me in the mouth. The next attack landed on my stomach and the next on my cheek hard enough to knock to me to the ground once more.

I stayed on the ground to catch breath and decide if I should bother turning to defend. If I let it end here and now I would see Harius once more. Be able to hold him once more.

I slowly rolled over and looked through the flames to Oenomaus' face which held a saddened and worried look.

I sent a small smile to the man when something caught my eye. I turned to it and for a moment it appeared the flames were taking on Harius' form.

The figure smiled at me and walked through the flames to stand before me.

"Get up." A whisper in my ear.

I looked to the figure in shock.

"Live." The figure whispered.

"Live." It whispered once more and I could feel Caburus getting closer.

"Live!" I cried out the last time and stood to face the man.

I could not die. That would be too easy. I caused Harius' death. Had he not come to see me that night he would still be of this world. No. death would be too easy for me. Besides, Harius wanted me to live through the primus. Wanted me to live and be happy. While I do not think I will ever be happy again I will live on. To repent and to honor Harius' wish to me.

With that thought in mind I rushed the man and dodged the attack which allowed me to break the spear, grab then end, and stab it into the man's mouth with a roar.

The crowd went crazy as the man knelt before me and I used the last of my strength to break the man's jaw ending his life.

The crowd went wild as I cried out to them and circled holding my arms up in victory.

I looked to the flames once more to see the figure was no longer there yet still smiled at where it had been.

'I won, my love, did you see? I beat the primus and lived. Just as you asked.' I thought as I cried out to the crowd once more then faced the Magistrate as he spoke to the crowd.

"Gannicus has proven himself to the city of Capua! Let him be rewarded….with freedom!" my heart ceased at his words and the crowd grew even louder.

'Harius is gone and I am now given freedom?' I thought sadly looking to where the figure had been. 'No. No more sadness. I have been granted freedom and I will live on my love.' I thought and left the sands towards Oenomaus.

NEXT MORNING

Gannicus' POV:

I stood before my former Dominus in his office dressed ready to leave.

"Are you sure I cannot convince you to stay? You will have freedom to come and go as you wish. Just continue to fight for this house." He begged and I offered a sad smile.

"Harius will forever haunt these halls to me. To stay in them would only keep the wound open. Harius wished me to have a good life. With freedom I may repent for causing his death and see to it his last wish to honored before I join him." Batiatus looked to me before sighing and nodding as he rounded the table.

"Then as a farewell gift I will give you news I came by at the beginning of the games." I looked to the man confused. Batiatus smiled. "I offer gift in hopes you will take offer and still fight for this house….yet I fear I know answer already."

"What news is there?" I asked.

Batiatus' smile grew. "Harius lives. Or at least was alive last the man who took him laid eyes upon him." My whole world ceased and I moved to the nearest wall for support.

"He lives?" I questioned and Batiatus nodded. "Where is he now?!" I begged.

Batiatus sighed. "I do not know. He was with Vettius when he left the city. I doubt the boy will keep Harius with him for long. I do not know where to begin the search." He spoke and moved closer to me. "Yet if you stay to fight for this house you may still come and go as you please and I will aid in the search to bring Harius here. Once he is here you are both free to live happy and safe forever within these walls." He said.

I thought on his words for a moment before I smiled brightly and straightened.

"I cannot accept the offer. I will find Harius myself and when I have him I shall take him far from Rome. Perhaps I shall become a fisher once more. I could provide for Harius if I did." Batiatus laughed as he nodded.

"I admit I did not expect acceptance but your goals are not what I picture for a man your standing." I smiled once more and offered hand.

"Gratitude for giving me the chance to meet Harius. Without you we never would have met." Batiatus looked to my hand before taking it.

"Do consider my offer. Know it shall forever stand as long as I or Lucretia draw breath. You and Harius would be forever safe within these walls."

"Gratitude." I told the man and moved to leave the office to say farewell to my brothers.

Upon seeing me they all crowded me chanting my name.

I smiled at them all, truly going to miss them, as I walked up to Barca.

"I shall join you one day, you mad fuck." I smiled at the man and took his offered hand.

"Of that there is no doubt." I told him pulling him into a hug.

I moved from the man towards Crixus and smiled at the man as I offered my hand.

He took it after a moment. "We have not yet had proper contest." He told me and I laughed.

"Win your own freedom, and seek me out." I told him as I moved around the man.

I paused and reached up to my neck. "Crixus," I called turning to see the man looking to me, "I was given this when I became champion of this house." I held out the necklace to allow him to take from me. "There was a moment when I was to be sold not too long ago. During that time I knew someone who believed you the only one, aside from Oenomaus, who could take my place as champion." Crixus looked to me confused yet allowed me to finish. "Wear it with more honor than I have."

Crixus nodded at my words. I nodded back and turned to the gate to meet Oenomaus and Melitta there and shared a smile with my brother and sister. "You have earned the rudis. Proof you no longer stand a slave." Oenomaus said in pride as he handed it to me.

I took it from him then smiled gently at both.

"I will give this Harius when I have found him. Proof I lived for him." I said quietly. Oenomaus stood shocked and Melitta confused.

I smiled at her. "Have your husband explain all to you in the quiet hours of the night. Too many ears here." I told her before looking to Oenomaus. "Batiatus told me he had heard just before the games that Harius was alive. At least he had been in that moment. I will find him and take him far from Roman shores." Oenomaus smiled and nodded.

"Then I pray that day comes quickly." I smiled at him before looking to the rudis.

"A lifetime of blood." I spoke.

"And victory." Melitta spoke and I looked to her smiling face. "It lifts both our hearts to see dear friend and brother gain his freedom." I smiled at her before pulling her in for a hug.

She pulled back and placed a kiss upon cheek before letting Oenomaus pull me into a hug as well.

"I shall meet you both again. If not in this life then the next." Both laughed as Melitta began to cry.

I wiped the tears from her eyes then took Oenomaus' hand once more before falling him to the gate.

The gates opened and I paused for a brief moment looking towards my old quarters and all the memories it will forever hold.

I smiled at it one last time before stepping out of the house for the first time as a free man.

I looked towards the city before looking back one last time at my brother and sister then turned to head for the horizon.

'I will find you Harius. Wait for me my love.'

Batiatus' POV:

Oenomaus stepped out of the house to watch his brother leave for the last time.

When I felt enough time had passed I called out to the man.

When he looked to me I nodded.

"Begin the day's training. Melitta, fetch wine." Both nodded and moved to do as commanded after catching one last glimpse of the man.

"I would not hear the name Gannicus spoken within these walls. Nor that of Harius." I told my wife as she wrapped her arm around mine. "Nor that of Tullius and his cock eating apprentice. Such things are of the past. Let us look towards brighter future." I looked to her as she smiled.

"My eyes are firmly fixed." I smiled back at her before we watched our men once more.

"We will see this house elevated. Beyond my father. Beyond Solonius. Beyond the fucking gods themselves. We will leave our mark upon this city. And one day, see proper reward for all we have done.

A FEW YEARS LATER

Gannicus' POV:

"Gratitude, Gannicus, for aiding with these nets! Had you not offered your hand when you did I fear we would have gone hungry!" I smiled at the old man as the boat docked and we unloaded our catch.

"It was nothing. I am grateful I was close by and could offer assistance. Next time watch for sharp rocks and be sure to bring supplies to repair if needed." I advised him.

The old man nodded. "It is strange to known such a famous former gladiator is so skilled in fishing." My heart hurt at the memory of another saying something similar and smiled at the old man.

"I am fully of surprises." I said.

The old man laughed. "Is there any way I can return the favor?" he asked.

"Actually I originally came here following a rumor. Perhaps you can point me in the right direction."

"What rumor?" he asked and I stepped closer so only the two of us could here.

"A boy more beautiful than a god. Hair blacker than night, eyes like emeralds and skin as white a freshly fallen snow. Upon his right arm would hold a gruesome scar. I have been trying to find this boy for many years now. Following any rumors I hear. Such rumors lead me to your village."

The old man thought for a moment. "I have seen your boy." Hope entered me upon hearing his words. "Yet it was briefly before he was put on a cart leading out of this city. That was over a week ago." My heart fell upon those words and I sighed.

"I see. Gratitude for telling me. Did you happen to see which way the cart was headed?" I asked.

"It appeared to be heading to Rome." I nodded.

"Which path shall lead me to Rome?"

"That one." He pointed to our right and I bowed to the man.

"Gratitude." I went to leave yet he stopped me.

"I would not journey alone." I looked to him.

"And why is that?"

"Have you not heard? Spartacus and his followers have still not been found. Any paths leading to Rome or Capua are considered dangerous at present time."

I smirked. "I have heard of this Spartacus. If such a fool stops me from my goal he will meet his end at the end of my swords as all before him have." The old man shook his head.

"This man is dangerous. Nearly as good as you if not more. He is the Bringer of Rain after all." I laughed.

"I have also heard of that fight. Bringing down such a giant makes me cautious of the man's skill. Yet I will not fail in finding the one I have been searching for."

"Does your boy mean that much to you?" I smiled at the thought and the man smiled back. "Your smile speaks volumes. I hope you are reunited soon. If I see your boy again I will give him shelter and get word to you as soon as I am able. It is the least I can offer for aiding me in keeping my family from starving." I smiled once more at the man.

"Gratitude. Perhaps when I have found him I will bring him to you."

"To meet the Tamer of Gannicus, God of the Arena would be a true blessing indeed." I laughed with the old man before waving bye as I headed down the path towards Rome.

It took many months to get to Rome from the small village. Upon arrival I wasted no time in finding the nearest inn to search for rumors of Harius.

However, upon entering guards stopped me causing me to tense ready to defend if needed.

"Can I help you gentlemen?" I asked calmly.

"Our master has sent us to find you."

"And you is your master? Why would he need someone like me?"

"My Master Gaius Glaber, and he wishes for you to come to Capua to fight in the arena against Oenomaus and Crixus, for they are traitors of Rome and will be executed upon the sands. Gaius wishes you to be the executioner. A 'mercy' for those who you once shared a master with." He said and I tensed at the thought of returning to Capua.

"I cannot. I am searching for someone." I told them.

"Perhaps my master can aid in the search? Provided you fight for him of course." The guard said.

I looked to the man and sighed. Not wanting to cause trouble for the innkeeper I nodded.

"Very well. When should I be there?"

"Excellent choice! The execution is at the end of the week. We can escort you if you wish. Then we shall leave you be until the day of the games." The guard said.

I sighed once more before nodding.

"Very well, if my brothers are to die then I shall give them an honorable death."

I followed the guards and entered the carriage looking out into the city feeling sadness enter me.

'Apologizes, my love, it appears I must put the search on hold for now.' With that thought I closed my eyes to dream of emeralds and snow.

And that's it! Thank you to all my readers for sticking with me this whole time! It was amazing writing this story and bringing it to life. I do plan on a sequel, as you can tell, and to give everyone a warning now it won't be started or posted until my HarrySpartacus crossover is completed. That update should be up soon as well. Know school starts up for me Wednesday and I do plan on getting the other story updated before then and hopefully Thursday after my classes are over. Stay toon for the update to that story and the sequel for this one! Thank you all so much again!