Warning: strong violence, blood, death.

****

The weekend arrived far too quickly for Acacius' comfort. He had been training for the last two days. Although a seasoned soldier, and despite the fact that he'd fought numerous battles, his confidence was lacking.

Ana insisted upon helping him put on  his armor and Acacius reluctantly relented. Both were silent as Ana assisted him. Ana's mind was spinning mercilessly and her heart was racing. She knew that there was a strong possibility that Acacius could be...killed. The thought paralyzed her.

As soon as they finished, Acacius tried to discourage Ana from attending the games this afternoon, but she dug in her heels, refusing to stay behind in the palace, alone. Acacius knew he was fighting a losing battle with Ana.

Before Acacius left for the gladiators entrance, he made certain that Ana was safely deposited into the emperor's private section, where Lucius had graciously offered Ana a seat. The two stood there, awkwardly, uncertain of what to say to one another before Acacius took his leave.

Ana finally threw her arms around Acacius, squeezing him tightly and he stiffened briefly before he returned the tender gesture, kissing her forehead. At last, Acacius pulled away, smiling softly at Ana.

"Good luck," Ana said quietly. Acacius nodded.

"Thank you." He turned, walking away, leaving Ana standing alone, as she watched him disappear from her sight and headed down to the entrance, her heart as heavy as a stone.

***

Acacius was anxiously awaiting to be announced, before the first tournament began. His heart was thudding rhythmically against his ribs, thoughts of Ana flitting through his mind. He quickly pushed them out, recalling his earlier training. That was the only thing Acacius needed on his mind.

A moment later, the gate behind him opened. He gripped his sword in his hand, striding out, the bright sunshine almost blinding him as he surveyed the massive crowd. Almost every person in that arena was cheering his name. As though he'd already conquered his opponents.

Acacius strode to the center, raising his sword in salute to the emperor. He dared to glance over and...saw Ana, standing there, clutching the front of her dress, her face twisted up into a mix of rage and fear. Almost like the first time they crossed paths.

Lucius acknowledged Acacius and the other gladiator. Then he shouted for the match to begin. Acacius stepped forward, sword raised and ready. He gritted his teeth in determination. He would be victorious.

For Ana's sake.

***

Ana stood, rooted to the spot. Her eyes never once left Acacius. They followed him as he fought valiantly, striking out against his opponent, time and again. She gripped her chest, tightly, her fingers aching from squeezing her hands so tightly. She willed this match to end quickly.

Acacius was prevailing, yet Ana knew better than to expect victory. She'd seen much fighting in her lifetime and knew all well how quickly it could change. Then...Acacius struck down his opponent, though Ana had seen how well the man fought.

Ana's breathing quickened as Acacius hovered over his opponent, the tip of his sword, poked into the man's throat. Ana wanted to scream until this madness was canceled. Yet she knew that wouldn't halt Lucilla's decision.

The crowd murmured restlessly as Lucius stood, moving out, where all could see him. Ana wanted to fly at him, shaking him until he agreed to release Acacius from this insanity that Lucilla insisted upon.

The crowd was shouting: kill, kill, kill! It did little to soothe her nerves. Acacius was stoic, his face completely void of any emotion. Lucius raised his arm, his fingers in a loose fist before, it seemed an eternity to...make a thumbs...down.

Acacius understood and Ana looked away as he plunged his sword into the poor man's chest, his body twitching for a moment before going still. The crowd roared in approval and Acacius saluted once more before stalking off.

Ana's eyes were moist as she dared to glance over at Lucilla, who had a satisfied smirk on her face. It took everything within Ana, not to march over, grab the woman by her beautiful hair, yanking her down upon the ground.

****
Acacius swore under his breath again and again. It didn't ease the guilt and rage surging through his veins. He paced furiously, his hands clenched into fists, his sword, leaning against the wall,  still stained with his opponent's blood. He couldn't seem to look away from it.

There was a ruckus, not far away. Acacius barely registered the sound until he heard...Ana's voice, hysterical and pleading. He strode off, in search of where she stood. He found her, clutching at the iron bars, her eyes and cheeks damp with tears. As soon as she caught sight of Acacius, she cried out for him.

It made his heart ache with grief and sorrow. She stretched out her hand, begging him to come closer. The guard smacked her fingers with the hilt of his sword and Acacius snapped, rushing over, seizing the guard by the scruff of his tunic, slamming him against the wall.

The guards eyes fluttered open, wide, breath escaping from his lips as he was momentarily paralyzed from Acacius' sudden attack.

"Strike her again," Acacius said, his tone low and dangerous. "And it shall be the last thing you do." The guard gave a mighty shove, but Acacius held him firmly. The guard scowled.

"She's your whore?" Acacius swiftly snapped the man's head back against the stone wall and he gasped in surprise.

"Watch your tongue," Acacius growled. "Before I relieve you of it." The guard stared defiantly at Acacius, who squeezed against the man's throat. He struggled and gasped.

"A..all..right, G..General." Acacius  pacified by the man's response, released him before turning towards Ana.

"You shouldn't have come," he said, his tone gruff.

"I had to," Ana insisted. "I needed to see you."

"Why?" Acacius' voice thundered and Ana shrank away from the bars, trembling. He silently cursed himself.

"Please return to the emperor," Acacius said, struggling to keep his tone level.

"Acacius.."

"Now!" Ana stared at him briefly before turning and fleeing. Acacius knew he'd been harsh. He hadn't wished to be. It was only because of guilt and shame that caused him to be.

***

Ana paced furiously, just at the entrance to the emperor's private section, in the Colossum. She was trembling so badly, her teeth were chattering. Seeing Acacius the way he was, brutal and primal, it unnerved her. She knew that it was his military instincts that had engulfed him, causing him to act like a completely different man.

Like one she didn't recognize.

Ana stopped her pacing, reluctantly slipping into the area, reaching for a glass of wine, tossing it back and refilling it, tossing back that one just as quickly. She saw Lucilla, watching her, out of the corner of her eye. It infuriated her. This damned woman was the reason her Acacius had transformed into a beast.

Ana slammed down the cup, marching over to stand by Lucilla. She didn't care if the emperor rebuked her, she would have her say to his mother.

"Enjoying yourself?" Lucilla asked politely. There was a hint of amusement lingering in her eyes and Ana wanted to claw it off.

"You know damn well I'm not," Ana seethed. "I hope you're enjoying yourself, though, my lady." Ana's tone immediately turned mocking. Lucilla wasn't the only one who could play the role of vindictive bitch.

"I am, as a matter of fact." Although Lucilla's tone and smile was polite, Ana saw the first glimpse of rage in her eyes.

"Of course," Ana said, matching Lucilla's cool, polite tone. "But it must be so..disappointing, not having your lover here." Lucilla's eyes snapped with fury. Ana felt the smug satisfaction within, knowing that she'd struck a nerve.

Serves her right, the old bitch.

"You'd best watch your tongue, whore," Lucilla spat out, a cat with it's claws undone, ready to strike. "Before I convince my son to have you join your pussy whipped general." Ana simply nodded respectfully, before moving to stand by the edge of the private section.

She saw that Acacius was about to enter the arena once more. Her gaze momentarily drifted over to Lucilla, who was scowling, as Lucius leaned in closer, speaking in a hushed tone, trying to quench his mother's rage. Ana chuckled. She'd struck fast and deep. She knew she'd wounded Lucilla.

She didn't regret it for a minute.

***

Acacius was on a winning streak. The crowd was going wild, still cheering out his name, as opponent after opponent, fell by his hands. He could feel his strength slowly draining. He wasn't certain how much longer he could continue. Only the fact that Ana was close by, was enough to fuel his strength.

However Acacius' current opponent was vast, in stature and strength. He held his own, barely. He whipped his sword around, striking the man on his left side. Blood spattered out. Acacius huffed, his breathing labored as he struggled to maintain his status. He was waning and knew he'd likely lose to this man.

His opponent came charging towards him. Acacius easily dodged his mighty swing, twisting his body out of the way. The man roared with rage. He charged again, this time, catching Acacius on the right side. He tripped, falling face first into the dust. For a spilt second, he considered allowing the man his victory, so that he could pass over into Elysium.

Ana's voice rang out, screaming for him to get back up. It was precisely the encouragement that he needed to spur himself forward. His hulking opponent came crashing closer, his sword held high above Acacius' head. As he brought it down, he found the strength to roll just over, the strike, missing him.

Acacius staggered to his feet, sword raised. This would be his last tournament for the day. Curse Lucilla. If she wanted him to continue, she could get off her fine, royal ass and drag his weary and broken body out here, herself.

Acacius struck quickly, his mighty opponent falling, blood gushing out from various parts of his body. The crowd was shouting and cheering. Acacius lifted his sword in the direction of where Lucilla sat. Then...he turned, heading for the tunnel. As he entered, he collapsed, remembering no more.