A member of the Roman Praetorian Guard receives a very unique opportunity. The chance to once again carry out his duty as a bodyguard. This time, it is not to protect an Emperor, but a young princess. Things should be easy in such a peaceful land like Equestria, right? Well, it should be, but it isn't. And Maximus will have to use every last bit of strength, skill, and cunning to protect the princess from harm, even if it means meeting his end.
The Roman Praetorian Guard were Rome's finest and bravest fighters. They were the Roman Emperor's personal guard, and were made up of those who have proven their mettle in battle. The Guard has stood against many would be assassins and many more barbarian warriors. With their discipline and courage, they faced every enemy with gusto and fury. No guard was without blood on their sword, they said. The time they had traveled back from the land known as Parthia was no different. The guards lost count of how many times they were attacked. None of them expected to be able to just travel back to Rome with the body of their beloved Emperor without a fight, but it was getting a little ridiculous. They would be attacked at least twice a day, but no matter how many insurgents came, they were always beaten back. None of the attacks proved fruitful, for the guards were too well trained, and had too much discipline to ever break ranks and retreat. Well, that was at least part of it. The Praetorian Guard always had a knack for having something special in mind for every occasion. That special thing was Maximus.
When the barbarian horde charged once again as they had before, the Roman Guard stood firm as they saw their enemy charge from the bushes around their formation. The desert foliage concealed the Parthians well enough at a distance, but when they were just twenty-five yards away, they were spotted by one of the soldiers.
The Romans stood firm as the curved swords of their enemy were gleaming in the sunlight. Their polished armor shown with the intensity of the sun. They sprinted towards the Roman line with reckless abandon. Most soldiers would falter and panic, but the Praetorian Guard was well trained and battle hardened. They were ready for whatever the barbarians could throw at them. After they got close, the Parthians wished they could say the same.
The barbarian insurgents saw the line of the Romans open, and so they adapted accordingly. They soon found that this wasn't some sort of tactical maneuver. No. They were merely making headway. For out from the line stepped another Roman soldier. He was not unlike the rest of the army, but they soon found out why this one was above all the most terrifying of the entire Empire.
With a shout that could stop a rhino in its tracks, the soldier charged forward. His gladius was being pumped along with his arms to give him momentum. The guard charged headlong into the fray with not so much a blink of his enraged eyes. The line of Parthians was now met with feet of the charging man as he sprang off the ground and planted both feet into the chest of his enemy. Three men, charging behind one another, fell like dominoes under the weight of the kick.
The charging guard hit the ground but as if he was made from a spring, he shot up and hacked wildly. His sword caught an insurgent in the face as he fought against the advancing horde. The Praetorian's anger, mixed with his skill, made him into one of the fiercest fighters ever to be seen by this group of barbarians. The Roman ducked left under a curved sword and blocked another as he rose to his right. He used the handle of his gladius to guide the weapon more right and then brought his fist up to catch his opponent in an uppercut. The Praetorian pressed his offensive left towards his first attacker and brought a meaty leg up to kick his opponent in the side and send his reeling as three ribs cracked. The gladius, thirsty for blood, found its drink when the second man was dealt a fatal wound to the heart. The other man was given a similar wound.
The Roman charged further into the line. His short sword was perfect for this type of combat and he wasted no time in proving it. The ranks of the Parthians were more tightly knit than they were before, but even that wasn't enough to ward off the thrusts of a sharpened, Roman sword. The guard stuck one insurgent in the gut with his blade, but when he tried to pull it out, it was stuck. He didn't have much time to free it though, for he was soon under attack from both sides by two Parthians. He saw that both men held their swords high, so with quick thinking, the guard tucked his shoulder down and rammed himself into one of the men and with a mighty heave, he brought the Parthian over his shoulder and let the man fall behind him and be impaled by his brother's sword as he came in a downward strike to soon. Now defenseless, the Parthian resorted to using his hands to combat his foe. The Parthian swung with a left hook, but the Roman was fast and blocked his strike and planted his own into the man's face. Blood rifled out of the man's mouth and nose as he was sent flying back from the guard's hit. The insurgent doubled over in pain and grabbed his face tenderly as he howled in agony. The Roman wasted no time in retrieving his sword from the dead Parthian's gut and then cloths lining a charging enemy and then finishing him off with a thrust to his throat. Nothing seemed to be stopping this Roman. Three more men died at his hands when he charged in and swung his sword and caught a man in the neck and then kept the momentum up until he had cleaved through another head and then into the face of another.
Across the battlefield, the leader of the attack could not believe what he was bearing witness to. One Roman was already cleaving his way into his men before his forces even met the main line. And that wasn't even close to faltering. Even though his forces were smashing into it with all their might. His force was being wiped out by an enemy he couldn't defeat. Especially when a monster of a fighter like that was leading the charge. Was this a half barbarian monster that the Roman gods have sent? Had the Roman's developed some sort of drug to give their men and this was the one they were testing it on? Whatever the cause for this, it had to be ended. He couldn't allow them to go another mile. For if they did, he could press his attacks no further. For he would then have to deal with his neighbors to the North and West. That fight was better left to the Romans. They could afford to lose a couple hundred more men. The Parthian commander ordered his second to blow a horn and sound a retreat. This battle was pointless. His men advanced too quickly and they should have just fled when they had been spotted. He believed his men could win the day, but that all changed when that soldier ripped through them. He was still over there fighting like a lion and chasing his men like they were prey when they were given the order to retreat. He only stopped when he was given the order to regroup with his men. As he stepped towards the line of red shields, they all hailed his name.
"Maximus!"
The guard stopped in his tracks and hailed to his commander. The man in adorned armor gave Maximus a smile and put his hand on his shoulder. "You never cease to impress, Maximus. You make your father proud. You make Rome proud." The commander turned to the rest of the guard. "Move forward, men! Rome awaits!"
The guards all faced right and then went forward. Maximus stood proudly by the commander's side in the march. This was his place, and he enjoyed every minute of it. He needed to be placed in a spot such as this. He had always needed to guard someone or something, and this was now his place since the death of the Emperor. That thought in itself was a heavy burden to bear. The Emperor had always been a close friend of his father, for he held the same position that Maximus now holds. So, naturally, Maximus also became good friends with the Emperor. He had served the man faithfully for six years in his personal guard, and he was even made out to be Trajan's favorite guard. He was like a son to him. Maximus and Trajan were so close that at one point, Maximus' own father broke down into tears when he realized that a busy Emperor was closer to his son than he was. Maximus, ever the noble of heart, was quick to assure his dad that only he was his one and true father. The guard had risen so high and come so close to the Emperor, that at the sight of his body, Maximus wept for hours and was inconsolable for days after. No one, not even the other generals, had greater feelings of woe than Maximus. Now, without an Emperor, Maximus serves a corpse. A personification in his own mind of what will befall Rome without his leadership. ______________________________________________________________________________
Rome. One would definitely enjoy Rome. That is, if one's soul was more boisterous and rowdy. Rome was a fast paced city, and it stood on the back bone of wealth and dominance. Every Roman had a heart and soul for conquest. Whither it was in business or over some personal force, Rome was a place for leaders and conquers, not weak people with no ambition. Fine tunics graced the shoulders of many wealthy people, and fine food lay on their tables. Although similar in taste, if one looks passed the all the flash and flair, Rome was the city of all cities and made doubly sure to proclaim that to the rest of the world. Whither through the strength of its arms, or the strength of its wealth and prestige. Rome was the city that the gods themselves deemed worthy to rule over the known world.
Every city, no matter how perfect, was not without its sins. No one was safe from the allures of the vices of Rome. Taverns dotted the city's corners, and upon those corners, women of little virtue stood waiting for the next man to come along and pay for a night of fun. Gambling was a way for lucky, or sneaky, men to make double the wage they had made while on the streets selling goods, or out on campaign. One could go home a well off man with the money he could make from gambling. On the other hand, he could also end up in severe debt.
Every Roman had their share of sin and vice. That is, unless that Roman was named Maximus. The dark haired and stone cut face of that man was never caught, even passed out tired, in any place such as that. No. Instead of going out drinking, he spent his hours praying before the Roman gods. He chose to spend his time, if not in training, praying for the souls of the soldiers that had been slain on the battlefield to, Sol Invictus, the god of soldiers. He prayed that they would be rewarded in death for their service to the Empire and would be given a hero's welcome home, and be graced with final rest. It was at this time that he would be on his knees and praying, but would be naked, as to have nothing to hide from the gods. He pleaded with Sol Invictus for this every time he returned. It wasn't long before the other soldiers found out about what he did. No one had any sort of problem with it, but others sort of poked fun at him because it just wasn't their way. No one meant any harm by their jokes. They just needed an outlet for their fun and they chose Maximus and his rituals. The Guard himself only cared for what he did. He knew his fellow guard members were just making fun, so why would he get mad at them?
Maximus, naked and down on his knees before a gleaming sword and helmet on an alter with a copper bowl with fine oil burning like a beacon to the heavens, prayed to the god, Sol Invictus, for his mercy upon the souls of his brothers. With his arms outstretched and his eyes focused upward to the marble ceiling of his chambers, he prayed.
"Dear Sol Invictus, mighty god of my fathers and brothers, god of soldiers and warriors, please hear my prayers." He folded his arms into his chest and averted his eyes to the flames in the copper bowl before him. "Please, allow my brothers in arms rest in the afterlife. Let them taste of sweet wine and fine food. Let their heroism be rewarded, as they have served Rome in your name, and have died for the glory of the same. I pray to you, Sol Invictus, that you grant the soldiers of Rome that have been slain in battle, a fitting rest for eternity among the gods, and beside you. I only ask as your humble servant and cry out to you, not for myself, but for the souls of my brothers and forefathers who have done your will."
Maximus then took his dagger, and placed the blade's tip against his finger. He pressed the steel into his flesh and drew blood. He squeezed out as many drops as he had counted the weeks out on campaign over the flames. When his ceremony was complete, Maximus cleaned his blade and finger with a white cloth and burned it in the flame. He rose to his feet and collected his helmet and sword.
He placed them gingerly on the mannequin that resembled a torso and head. The armor was neatly polished and repaired. Though some blemishes on his armor were too hard to be removed, the armor still always looked nice. Due to no small part of Maximus' constant care. He smiled as he reveled in the memories of receiving the armor when he had become a Praetorian. A crowning moment in his life.
Maximus jolted suddenly when he heard the creak of his door opening. He drew his sword from its scabbard and presented the point to the intruder. The steel edge singing in joy that it would taste blood. The blade would have shed a tear if it could when it felt itself being lowered to hip level. Maximus breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the face of the commander of the Praetorian Guard come through the threshold. Vicinitus was wearing his toga this night instead of his armor that Maximus was used to.
"Maximus." Commander Vicinitus greeted.
The Roman underling hailed his commander. "Hail, commander!"
"Please, Maximus." Vicinitus bade as he pressed the air in front of him with his hands. "Be calm. We are not in ranks."
"It is a pleasure that you grace my father's house this night, commander." Maximus stated. "I only wish I would have known of your coming. I would have prepared a meal for you."
"As I have said, Maximus, this is an unofficial meeting. It is I who should be more respectful. I am intruding on your prayer ceremony, after all." The commander took note of the fire still burning in the middle of the room.
"There is no intrusion. I have just finished my prayers for the night." Maximus bade his officer to enter into his chamber. The officer happily obliged. The guard put on his undergarments and tunic as his commander stepped further into the room. His sandals making a small tap with each foot fall.
"What brings you here this night?" Maximus asked as the two took a seat next to the other.
"Like I said, Maximus, this is an unofficial visit." Vicinitus answered in a sigh. "I am here under my own initiative, and this is all off the scrolls."
Maximus' eyes scanned the man before him. His eyes were pale looking, and he seemed to be sweating. His facial expression also spoke volumes. This visit was weighing heavier on Vicinitus' shoulders than he was letting on. "What's going on, commander?" Maximus questioned with a stern tone that made it clear he wanted an answer.
Vicinitus just stared at the young man for a while. His visage was set like stone. Worry and sadness plagued the man, that much was certain. But what was it that made him feel this way? The answer was clear when the commander reached into his tunic and produced his dagger from under his tunic. He set it down in his lap with his hand still loosely on the grip.
Maximus received all he needed to know from this. After all of his training. After all of his years of service. After all of his prayer. He was to die before he saw twenty-seven.
"Maximus." Vicinitus choked. "The reason I came here is because a new Emperor has been crowned. Emperor Hadrian. And he has ordered that you be executed."
"Why?" Maximus asked in confusion. "I have served Rome faithfully and I have served the Emperor since my birth. Why would he want me dead?"
"For the simple fact that he believes that you will not serve him." Vicinitus answered. "He believes that if you survive you will one day become more influential than you already are and take the throne of Rome."
"Does this man not know who I am?" Maximus asked incredulously. "Does he not understand the oath that I took when, not only I became a legionnaire, but also a Praetorian Guard?"
"I have told every bit of your story to this man." the commander explained. "And as I spoke he became more and more angry. He saw the valor you have, and the leadership you possess. It was enough to make me worry at one point that you might take my position one day. But it also filled me full of hope that one day you would take my position. Hope for a better future for the Roman Army under the command of someone so capable. Everyone else in my staff saw this as well. And their eyes lit up when they realized that you were the answers to our prayers. That a good soldier would become Emperor one day. We thought that was you. Hadrian fears that it is you."
"So, it is out of fear that he might lose his power that Emperor Hadrian orders that I am to be executed?" Maximus spat.
"Yes." Vicinitus sighed.
"So, you came here to carry out the Emperor's orders then?" Maximus looked at the dagger in the man's lap.
"No." the officer said. "I am here to grant you mercy. Emperor Hadrian wishes that your name be slandered and then have you stoned and beheaded. I am here to end your life with dignity. For you know that there is no escaping the Emperor's grip. At least for long."
Maximus stared at the man across from him for a very long time. He knew that his words were true and that he would not get to Ravenna before the Empire would catch him. Plus, he knew that he could not stomach the thought of running away and hiding. He was a proud soldier and he would die that way. Maximus took in a breath and then let it out slowly. He then rose from his seat and drew his sword from its scabbard again. He knelt down in front of the oil bowl in the middle of the chamber and rested his hands upon the pommel.
"If I am to die tonight," Maximus said. "then I wish to die as I have lived. Like a soldier and a servant to the god, Sol Invictus."
Vicinitus rose from his seat and put himself behind Maximus. He put his hands on his shoulders and began to quietly sob. He didn't want to do this. It was wrong of the Emperor to do this to a man such as this. This wasn't right! It wasn't just!
"Vicinitus." Maximus said. Even from behind him, the officer felt the warmth of his smile. He gave his commander his sword. "Make it clean." His words had struck the commander cold. He not only was willing, but he was happy.
"Maximus?" the commander choked.
"Do not weep for me, Vicinitus." Maximus ordered. "Sol Invictus calls my name. It is time for me leave Rome for good. I do not blame you for what you are doing. Better someone like you who loves me to do this, rather than someone who only cares to please his Emperor. I have run my course. It is time for me to join my father and mother." With tears in his eyes and with a lump in his throat, the general took the sword and held it downward. He lined it up with Maximus' spine and with a breath to steady himself.
"And one more thing, commander." Maximus said. "Make sure to tell the men a lie of how I died. For if we lose faith in our Emperor, we lose faith in Rome. Better my death be a secret to protect the Emperor, than to have it be the truth that destroys the empire."
He couldn't believe this! Even in this hour of betrayal and doom, Maximus was still willing to serve the Empire. Such devotion should be honored. And honor it, he will. Vicinitus steadied himself once more, and as soon as he let the last wisp of air leave his lungs he thrusted the sword down into Maximus' vertebrate and into his heart. The blade was buried up to the hilt when the deed was done. Small trickles of blood could not be seen running down Maximus' red tunic. His breath no longer came, and his consciousness had long since left. However, in the position that he first spoke to Sol Invictus, Maximus died on his knees and held the position that he had when he still lived. With arms folded, and head down, Maximus died in prayer.
General Vicinitus held Maximus by the shoulders and kissed the top of his head. He had ended the life of one of his greatest soldiers, yet even in death, Maximus still believed that his god was with him, and still cared for Rome. The commander set Maximus on his back and saw, that the only thing gone from his face was color. The blue eyes of the soldier were still there, and he, even at his end, still had a faint smile upon his face. Maximus had died in peace. Vicinitus knew that he had just lost a dear friend, but even though he would no longer be with him, the general knew that a spirit like Maximus' never truly dies. ______________________________________________________________________________
A candle in a small chamber was lit. It's light glowed brightly in the darkness of the room. Behind the candle was a painting of a woman with auburn hair wearing a shirt of white. Her smile was warm and inviting. If one looked deep enough, they would see a creative spark in her eyes.
Before the picture another female stood before the small shrine. Her multi-colored hair waved in a breeze that did not grace the room, and she wore only a white, silken, sleeveless gown. She knelt down before the portrait, and with eyes fixed upon the painting, she said.
"Dear Faust, creator of this world, hear my prayers. I have asked much from you in ways of guidance and wisdom, but this time I ask something of you that I am truly desperate for. My student Twilight, as you have guided me to do, has been crowned a princess. However, it has come to my attention that there are those who do not wish to see her in power. I have faith in my student, but I don't think she will last without your help. She is strong and wise, but those who wish to see her dethroned will not be satisfied by seeing her abdicate her position, but they wish to see her end. I can only do so much for Twilight, and I fear that what I can will not be enough. I ask this of you, not for myself, but for the sake of my dear Twilight Sparkle. Please, Faust, send your aid to Twilight. Give her protection from her enemies, and help keep her safe."
From behind the kneeling woman, another body crouched down next her side. "Sister?" a feminine voice rang with concern. "Art thou of sound mind?" The voice's owner placed a hand on the praying woman's shoulder.
Princess Celestia turned her now tear streaked face toward her sister, Princess Luna. Her lips quivering, and her eyes becoming soaked with tears. "How many more will try to kill her?" She choked. "How much hate can these people have for someone who has done nothing less than sacrifice herself for the good of a nation, by risking her own life, along with those of her friends, to save those who now wish to betray her."
Luna pulled her sister in for a warm embrace. She cradled her older sister's head in her breast and kissed her on the head. Celestia was a strong leader, and wise woman. However, it is because she sat so high is the reason that she is like this. Being up at that level means she had a very long way to fall. Both ruling sisters, even with all their magic and influence, cannot control the one thing that is the cause of all this strife.
The lust for power.
Even with all their strength, Celestia and Luna could never stave off, at least for long, the ambition of those who have become enraged by ascension of another royal figure. It was hard enough for people to accept Cadence into the fold, but now for someone like Twilight to come to power, it made some rethink their loyalty to the sisters. And when that realization set it, it broke Celestia's heart in four.
Luna tightened her grip on her sibling by pulling her closer into her chest. Celestia's tears stained her sister's nightly blue gown. "Everything will be okay, sister." Luna assured. "Twilight is under the watchful eye of my guard. They are my most trusted protectors, and will not fail in their task of keeping your student safe."
"Thank you, Luna" Celestia sniffled. "I only hope that Faust has heard my prayers."
Luna looked to the painting in front of her. She saw that not only was the candle still burning, but it seemed to glow a little more brightly. The flame at the top of the candle seemed to be coming to life. It even started to dance.
"I believe she has, Celestia!" Luna cried. "Look!"
The older sister tore herself from Luna's chest and saw that the candle was in a frenzy. Her eyes widened when she saw that the flame started to become taller. It looked as though it was taking on a shape. Then the two sisters saw that it was starting to write something in cursive.
The sisters spoke in unison when as they saw what letters were being spelt. "R. O. M. E."
The flame stopped after the last letter and then only stayed long enough to fade into the picture and leave the word it spelt as a burned marking on the painting.
"Rome." the sisters said together. The pair gave each other confused looks. "What's a Rome?"
The markings on the portrait were the only clue to their inquiry, for the candle had returned to its natural state as a source of light.
He felt the warm grass under his feet as he stepped. He felt the rays of the sun lightly kissing his skin. He smelled the fresh, clean air around him. He dared not open his eyes as to not die once more from sheer amazement and leave this place. However, his human sense of ambition got the better of him. Maximus opened his eyes to see that he stood upon a hill of high grass, and all around him the fields danced in the wind that carried with it a peaceful song. He saw the clear blue sky above and reveled in the sight of an eagle flying over his head. It ballooned down to him with the beating of mighty wings to help it land softly upon the shoulder of the Roman. Maximus looked upon the majestic raptor as if it was an old friend. The bird itself gave the soldier a nod and took off from his roost.
The Roman followed the path of the eagle's flight. It was gliding toward a large palace that looked both inviting and peaceful. Maximus, ever the adventurous one, followed the bird down the hill and onto the land that the palace was on. When the eagle had rested on a post outside the house, a figure stepped out from the large doorway. Maximus stood in complete awe. For before him was the first woman he had ever laid eyes on.
Maximus' mother made her way down the steps and, with outstretched arms, embraced her shocked son in a deep hug. No tear left her eyes, for she knew now that her beloved son, who she had only known for seven years of his life, was safe. Yes, he was dead, but it was only through death that he was free from suffering. Her baby was in paradise now.
Maximus could only return the embrace and smile. For he was so overcome by the joy of seeing his mother again that any formation of words that would have come forth were bunched up in his throat. He brought his mother in closer to substitute his lack of speech.
Maximus felt another pair of hands embrace him. But either hand did not belong to the same owner. On his right, the Guard saw his father look upon him with a happy and welcoming smile. And on his left, he saw another familiar face. One that he had only not seen in several months. Trajan wore the same smile that Maximus' father had. The whole congregation was without words. For what words were there left to say? Except . . .
All four souls looked into the palace. Trajan was the first to speak for the congregation. "Well, that escalated quickly."
The reunited family stepped into the palace with caution. For they did not wish to anger the shouting individual further. Maximus took the point and rounded a corner of the palace that lead into a very large chamber. In it stood two people. One was a man, obviously the one who was angry, and a female. The man stood about four inches taller than Maximus and had neatly cropped black hair. He had mid to high cheekbones, thin lips, and from under his toga, he showed nothing less than packed corded muscle. He was indeed a warrior, and stood with the confidence and command of a military leader.
The female on the other hand was a whole half foot shorter than Maximus. Her auburn hair flowed down her back and onto a white blouse. She wore a fashionable, black and white striped pencil skirt. Her legs were covered in a black nylon and upon her feet were small flats that seemed to be a size fit for a small monkey. Her body was a mirror opposite of her male counterpart. Instead of taught muscle, she was petit and had rich, creamy skin. Her eyes shown like emeralds, and her face was as beautiful as any goddess. With high cheekbones and a sharp chin, along with a smile that made Maximus wish he had stronger knees, this woman could definitely be one of the powerful female deities.
"Please, be reasonable." the auburn haired beauty's melodic voice made the dead soldier nearly run over and take her hand in marriage. "One of my own is in danger and I only ask that you spare one soldier."
"One soldier?!" the man said incredulously. "You ask for A soldier. A specific soldier. One that I will not let you take!" When he became clear of his surroundings, the angry man looked to the man in the red tunic at the entry way of the room. He immediately disregarded the female and walked over to greet him. Before he got within arm's length, Maximus dropped to the ground, for he knew that he was standing before his god, Sol Invictus. "Rise, son of Rome." the god of soldiers said with a fatherly tone. "Rise and take heart. For you are in the house of Sol Invictus." The Roman, along with his family, stood before the god with humble hearts.
"Is this Maximus?" the red headed woman cooed.
"You shut your whore mouth!" Sol Invictus shot while pointing an accusatory finger her way. "You shall not say his name with that tongue that has tasted a thousand cocks!"
The soldier saw as the lady's face, instead of being twisted with hurt and distaste, the woman's smile never faded. It was as if she was deaf to his harsh words.
"Do not speak to her." the god said sternly to Maximus. "She only wishes to send someone else to do a job she won't perform on her own." He took Maximus by the shoulders and brought him to a window. "See out there, Maximus?" Sol Invictus brought his arm up to display his courtyard. "Wine cascading down fountains, and to catch them in cups of gold, are the most beautiful of women. Each of them a practitioner of sexual intercourse. Their skin is soft and their breasts are perked and young. And when you are depleted and hungry, my table always has fine food. The meats I have are so tender that a toothless infant could chew it. All of this is yours to share with your brothers who have fallen before you. I insist that you partake. All I ask in return is that you ignore that woman."
"And all I ask is that you do what you born to do, Maximus." the auburn haired woman piped. She stepped towards the soldier without a sound. "One of my own, who's statesmanship is in its infancy, is under threat of assassination. She has already had to deal with eight attempts within three month's time. Will you not help her?"
"What you ask" Sol Invictus intruded. "is for Maximus to give up being in paradise for eternity, and go back to the world of the living and suffer. He was not two days from sixteen when he had gone into his first battle, and after that day, he served in Rome's legions and protected it's Emperor for eleven years. He is Rome's favorite son that was betrayed by a man who's head is shoved so far up his own ass that he resembles you. What you ask is for him to do your bidding. Maximus has already served so much, who could ask more of him?"
"I can." Those words brought everyone's heads snapping to Maximus. "I will help you."
"Maximus!" his mother cried. She ran over to him and held him by the hand. "You can't go with her. You owe nothing to this woman, or her people. You belong here with us." As she spoke, her words became softer and more drawn out. For as she looked into Maximus' eyes, she knew that if he was to ignore this cry for help, and to let someone die while he slept and drank, he would never be able to forgive himself. She knew, from the moment she laid eyes on him that Maximus would always be a defender. He would protect anyone who needed his aid, even if it meant his life. She could not deny Maximus his heart's desire to protect. His father and Trajan also saw this. They knew it even better than his mother for they had seen him at work. Sol Invictus knew this even better than all of them, and he hated it. He would try time and again to subdue his craving to defend, but Maximus' nature would soon take hold, and he would go off to defend whoever this person was.
"You're a damn witch, Faust!" Sol Invictus spat. "You and Equestria should burn for this."
"No one will burn on my watch!" Maximus proclaimed. "Lady Faust, I will go with you, and defend your people with every bit of strength and skill I have. But you must promise me something."
Faust's smile became the object of dreams at the words. Pearls in the shape of teeth shone with the sun's radiance. "I am thankful that you have accepted, and I shall accept your terms. Whatever they may be."
"I only ask that you restrict speaking to Sol Invictus to once per week." Maximus stated. "It is no secret that there is a sort of tension between you two, so it is for the sake of my god's sanity, that I ask that you don't bother him anymore than an hour every seven days."
Sol Invictus, as if he hadn't shown it enough already, expressed his anger in a roar so loud that a loin would look like a small kitten. "He could have asked for anything! For you to give him riches after his service was complete. For power and fame. He could have even asked for you to lay with him. But NNNOOOOOOO! He still only thinks of others. He still only serves and you, YOU, want to take him away and thrust him into the world of the living to suffer time and again." The angry god looked to Maximus, and stared into his eyes with a pure anger. Not for him, but because he knew the man. Faust did as well. She knew his heart and this red headed witch was playing him like a lyre. He knew he could not deny Maximus. For it would go against everything he believed in when he looked upon the soldier if he were to keep him away from the battlefield and let him soak into the couch of luxury. "Fine." he turned away and said. "Take him away." He shot back around to face Faust. "But when he dies again, he comes back to me, and you never ask me to give you another soldier for as long as you exist."
"I accept this, as well." Faust affirmed. "Come now, Maximus. Your new life awaits you."
Maximus turned to his father who was now next to him with Trajan and said. "I will return someday. I will make you all proud."
"You already have, my son." His father said with a reassuring smile.
"The Roman Empire was blessed with a good son." Trajan said. "Now a new land and Empire will have you. It don't have any faith that it will be, but may this place be worthy enough to have Maximus stand on their front."
Maximus' mother, once again, with not a tear in her eye, embraced her son in a loving hug. "Cum in eam clypeus." his mother said as she looked into her son's blue orbs.
'With your shield or on it.'
Maximus kissed his mother and started off towards the door. But he stopped before he went through the threshold, and looked to Sol Invictus. "I will still pray to you, even though I leave you now. I still only serve Sol Invictus."
The god said nothing as he turned away and stared out over the hills. He didn't move his gaze from the horizon to even acknowledge anyone who was leaving. For if he was to show his face, they would see the streaks that his tears left upon his cheeks. ______________________________________________________________________________
Maximus, led by the Lady Faust, traveled up the same hill he first felt under his feet. She stopped at the summit and told him to come close. He did as commanded. Before them both, Faust waved her hand through the air and with some untold magic, she produced a portal. Maximus at first recoiled and went for the sword on his hip that wasn't there, but soon found calm as the image in the portal took shape.
"Do not be afraid." the auburn haired woman assured. "For you will come to see magic like this where you're going."
Before the soldier, was what looked like a window into another world. Maximus saw people using wands to perform magical tasks, and others, flying through the air with wings that came from their backs. And those who did not have wands or wings, had bodies that put most soldiers to shame. Performing tasks that would be best suited for a beast of burden to do, these people do with ease. Maximus saw all of this unfold before his eyes, and was dumb struck. He thought he would just return to a place like Rome, but this . . . this place was something different all together.
"Beautiful, is it not?" Faust asked with a sweet smile alongside it. "I created this world. I made it with the intention of having a land that would be a guiding light for all other worlds to follow. It has stood as a beacon of hope for over a thousand years, but I fear that that light might burn out if the one named Twilight Sparkle meets her end. I cannot help them directly, but I can send those like you to help."
"How can I help when I know so little of this land?" Maximus questioned.
"That is where another side of you needs to come out. The side less traveled." The goddess waved her hand and the window changed from an open city to a library. "You are a great scholar, and it is your ability to learn things quickly that will help you understand this realm better."
"Where am I going to?" Maximus inquired.
"You will end up in the land known as Equestria. However, your journey will begin in the Gryphon Kingdom. Where you will learn about the Equestrian Alliance and its people."
"Will I find who I am protecting there?" the soldier asked.
"Not exactly." Faust explained. "You will find her in the same city, but not for at least two weeks afterwards."
"How will I know if she is the one I am to protect?" Maximus asked looking at all of the people in the city through the portal.
"You will know her, if not by seeing her five friends around her, then you will know her by name. Twilight Sparkle." Faust made the image of a young woman with purple hair with and pink highlight appear in the portal. "She also almost always seen traveling with her little companion, Spike."
Maximus looked hard into the portal and tried to study the image of the girl before the auburn haired woman took it away and replaced it with the library again. "You will begin your task here. Learn all that you can in two weeks."
"How will I survive for two weeks with no food or provisions?" Maximus questioned. "I don't have any money."
Faust smiled and produced a folded piece of leather. She handed it to the soldier who promptly inspected it. It had his portrait and a seal of some kind on a piece of paper. "Show this to anyone whom may ask you for payment and you will be set."
"Just show them this?" Maximus questioned. Faust gave a nod in affirmation. The soldier looked at the pass and the portal, then he looked back to Faust. His head started to droop low and then he looked back to Sol Invictus' palace. He saw his father and Trajan exchanging stories with old friends, and his mother being massaged by fair maidens. He wanted to be with his family and brothers in arms, but he knew he could not forsake his duty. As he stood there at the threshold of the portal, he began to question so many things. Why was he doing this? Was he just not ready to be dead and did he just want to live again? Was it all worth it if he went through with it? How was he to face people who could fly and use magic? All of these questions buzzed in his head, but then one question came to mind that he knew that he had to ask aloud.
"Lady Faust?" Maximus asked. "Why did you choose me above anyone else to take on this task?"
Faust's smile grew wide and she placed a soft hand on the man's chest. "Because if you can't do it, no one can. You have the heart of a hero. A heart like Twilight Sparkle's. You hold with you, your own element. An element that was brought out in every battle you've ever fought. I only ask you use it to protect others once more."
"That was all I needed to hear." Maximus said with a smile.
He stepped toward the portal, eager to be on his quest, but before he got there, he was stopped by Faust. She turned him towards her and held his shoulders then kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Maximus." she whispered before sending him through the door and into a new world.
The Royal Train. An elegant melding of both man and machine. Its stack shot white smoke fifty feet into the air and hundreds of feet back as it rocketed down the tracks. It's ivory white siding and dark blue inlay designs made the mechanical marvel a sight to behold. If the outside wasn't enough, one could find that the inside was just as beautiful. With velvet carpeting the floors and gold trimming on the floor and wall moldings only made the room shine from within. Casting its light upon the furniture that made it look more like a palace than a train. Soft couches, arm chairs and footrests that were as soft as a baby sheep's wool. It was all truly magnificent.
One such rider on the train made doubly sure to soak it all in and relax herself on the chairs. Rarity was no stranger to comfort. Scratch that, she was an abuser of comfort. She enjoyed the finer things in life. If it wasn't her royal purple hair that gave it away, it was her dresses and undeniable love of fashion that did. She stretched out over a couch and lazed her head on a velvety, soft pillow. She could get used to this sort of living. Well, she could if she didn't have to here to constant sound of speeding wings over her head.
"Rainbow Dash!" she snapped. "Must you really?"
The rainbow headed flyer stopped her frantic pacing in the air in a screeching halt. "I'm sorry, Rarity." Dash said sincerely. "But I'm just so excited!" As she spoke, her voice raised a couple octaves. "I cannot believe we are going to the Gryphon capitol! Not only do they have the best foods and shops, but they also have the most incredible, spectacular, and undeniably the most awesome thing in all of the Equestrian Alliance. THE COLISEUM!"
"What's so great about a giant arena?" Rarity inquired with a more of an annoyed tone than needed.
"Oh, come on, Rarity!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "How can you not be excited about going to the Coliseum? The roar of the crowd! The tension of a good fight!"
"Two sweaty gladiators" Rarity went on. "swinging their weapons around just to please a crowd of bloodthirsty spectators sounds horribly uncouth."
"Ya can't deny that seein' two muscular guys in nothin' but a few bits a armor and a loincloth gets ya a little hot under the collar." Applejack sealed her comment with a wink. She already saw the look in her friend's eyes s the image started to form.
The pretty designer couldn't help but feel a little heat on her back when she thought about it. She cleared her throat and said, "Though, I . . . must concede that the idea is nice, I still think that it's very barbarous for them to be trying to kill each other for the enjoyment of a crowd." The fashionista had to adjust her dress as it became uncomfortably sticky between her legs.
Rainbow Dash continued to prod Rarity to see her side, and Applejack was trying to put more alluring images in her friend's head for a good bit of reaction. Rarity handled both fronts with equal parts grace and fury. Trying to defend herself against the barrage was turning out to be a challenge. If this kept up, she would need to join Pinkie and Fluttershy at the bar for a drink. ______________________________________________________________________________
Down two train cars, the atmosphere was a little calmer. Well, as calm as it could be when Fluttershy was in a room filled with alcohol. She had a knack, the others have found, for flipping and tossing bottles in the air and doing weird tricks with them. She got especially bold, and more skilled, when she had a few martinis and old fashions floating around in her. Pinkie Pie, contrary to popular belief, was actually quite quiet when she drank. Choosing more to reflect on her life rather than get up and dance as she was known for.
"And then when I made my comment about oatmeal, I don't think anyone was really listening." Pinkie Pie took another sip of her cocktail when she finished her sentence.
"Oh, Pinkie." Fluttershy comforted her friend as she spun a bottle on her forearm and poured the drink into a shaker. "I'm sure someone heard you, but they just might not have been paying attention." She placed some ice in the shaker and capped it. She gave it a good shake and then poured out the contents into the glassed before her. "I'm sure that if your story was interesting, we all missed out on a good one." She dropped a skewered olive in each glass. "I know I would have enjoyed it." Without another word, the yellow winged flyer slammed down both drinks. "Oh, yeah. There's the buzz."
The door to the car opened to let a cool draft come it. From it, stepped none other than Princess Luna herself. "Good afternoon, ladies." She said in a fresh voice. Her starlight hair waving in a magical breeze. "What's on the specialty menu for today?" The lunar princess shifter her short sword as she sat in a stool at the bar next to Pinkie Pie.
"Oh, Princess Luna!" Fluttershy gasped as she continued to balance a bottle of gin on her nose. She flipped the bottle from its rest, over her head, and then caught it behind her back. "What can I get for you?"
"A glass of red wine, my dear." Luna replied happily. "Art thou alright, Miss Pie?"
Pinkie only took another sip of her drink.
"She's fine." Fluttershy assured as she popped the cork on a bottle of wine. "She just gets quiet when she drinks liquor." The yellow sweatered bartender poured a glass of Cabernet and handed it to the royal.
"I see." Luna took a sip of wine. The princess' expression changed drastically. "She's not the only one who's gone quiet."
Fluttershy's, and even Pinkie Pie's, eye brows perked at that. The lunar princess felt their confusion, and decided it wasn't best to keep what's going on from them. "Your friend, Twilight Sparkle, has gone into an internal exile. She won't speak, even to my sister. Her only method of communication is through Spike, who only delivers the letters to and from Celestia. Though the letters themselves seemed to have stopped. She had even gone so far as to seal herself in a car that was originally supposed to be used to transport magical artifacts of intense power." Luna took another sip of her wine and sighed. "I can only hope that she realizes that this all will blow over."
"It will?" Pinkie asked.
"Of course." Luna answered. "My sister only had to deal with assassins for about a good ten years."
"How long did you deal with it for?" Fluttershy dared to ask.
"Oh, a good half century." Luna recollected as she sipped her drink. "It should have followed my sister's length, but I guess it didn't help that I was torturing people." Luna saw the pair's faces screw up in horror. "What?! It was a different time!" Luna said defensively. She took another large sip of her drink. "Anyway," she started to steer the conversation away from her past exploits. "Twilight's troubles will pass once we figure out who's behind all of this."
"Who do you think would even want to hurt Twilight?" Fluttershy fished for an answer.
"Let alone kill her." Luna added.
"Maybe someone wants revenge." Pinkie chimed in. "I can't really see a reason to even hold a grudge against her, but maybe if we dig a little deeper into Twilight's past and dig up a list of some old rivals, we can find out who's behind it."
"But that requires Twilight Sparkle to open up and speak," Luna reminded without skipping a beat. "and she is only writing simple sentences down on paper."
"Oh." Fluttershy groaned. "I hope Twilight's alright." ______________________________________________________________________________
A knock resounded on the door to the car. "Can Ah enter?" a voice came from the other side of the portal.
"Of course." Came a voice from the other side. The owner of the wind chime voice was none other than Princess Celestia herself. The regent of the sun and co-ruler of Equestria.
The door quietly slid open and in stepped a very large gryphon soldier. His chainmail shirt was covered by the red quilted doublet, though this did little to stifle the noise for his clangs and clings could still be heard. His angular facial features, along with his nose, which curved to resembling a beak, and his perfectly circular brown eyes, made the man handsome by the standards of the Gryphons. His body, though covered by his armor, was in fact a giant for a citizen of the Kingdom.
"Finn McCool!" The fair faced lady of the room cried. Her shimmering hair in a breezeless dance whipped as the regent of the sun hurriedly rushed over to the warrior and wrapped her arms around his large torso. She stood only half an inch taller than her counterpart in her white silk robe, and wore the regalia of her land with a sparkling shine. A stark contrast to the man of battle she squeezed tightly.
The Gryphon let out a roaring laugh that shook the mountains around them as he returned the embrace. "It's good ta see ya, lassie!" He held the lady out at arm's length and inspected her face. "Ya still ne'er grew that beard!"
"Well, I haven't shaved since you said something about it." Princess Celestia laughed as she rubbed her silky smooth face.
"Bah!" The Gryphon threw his arms in false irritation. "Just be sure to keep razors from yer cheeks."
"Oh, I'll do all I can to grow a yeti like yours on my face."
Both laughed heartily at their ridiculous conversation. However, as fast as the mirth came, it died just as quick. Finn McCool only came to Equestria for one reason and one reason only. For the protection of the ruling body of Canterlot. His presence only meant that King McCool was worried, and as the sun goddess knows, McCool has only been truly scared only twice before in his fifty years as King of the Gryphons. To send his son and second heir, only intensified his resolve to make sure that everyone on the train made it to their destination and back home unharmed. The gravity of it all hardened the pair's faces.
"How is the wee lass?" Finn asked as he gestured with the red beard on his chin to the giant, ruin sketched door at the other end of the room.
Princess Celestia looked to the same metal portal with a choke in her throat. "She hasn't sent a letter in over an hour. I can only imagine what this all is doing to Twilight mentally and emotionally."
The bearded warrior patted the woman light enough on her shoulder to snap off a branch from a healthy tree. "I think she'll be fine." he assured. "If what you say is true about her, she'll find some sort of comfort." ______________________________________________________________________________
'I can't think of anything to fucking say.' Spike thought to himself. 'I've tried everything. Telling her of the force she for her protection, the friends she has, the three and a half nations that support her. He even told her old stories to help cheer her up. All of them failures. I just don't know what to do!' The half dragon continued to ponder his words while he stroked Twilight's purple hair. The latter laid curled on her simple bed, feeling nothing but stillness in her heart.
Twilight Sparkle had always faced challenges that could have ended in serious injury, or even death. But this time was different. She had been attacked eight times. All of them from people she knew. One of them she knew from magic kindergarten. Another from her time in her advanced studies. She used to eat lunch with her. However, the worst one of them all was when one of the royal guards tried to murder her. He faked being a messenger to give her a note that was blank. He would have been able to do his dirty deed had he not been stopped by Spike. Come to think of it, it was because of Spike, all eight times, that she was saved. She remembered him having to receive stitched in his head because he blocked a sword with a piece of hardwood and was left with only a gash on his head from the stifled cut. Though Spike was injured every time an assassin came to try and end Twilight's life, he still came back stronger and more willing to stand in the line of danger. The sweater-vested girl turned to Spike and looked at him in the low light of the single burning candle in the room. She noticed the solemn face of her hero and put her hand on his face. She weakly smiled at him. The half breed returned the smile and even grinned a little wider as he held her hand to her cheek.
"Thank you for being here for me, Spike." she choked.
The draconian nearly jumped up from his knees and hit the roof. Twilight actually spoke! After days of silence, she spoke! Spike only could smile back wider when he heard her voice. Well, that's not all he did. He wrapped Twilight in a hug so fast one would think he was made of greased lightning.
Twilight laughed nervously and said, "Whoa, calm down!" she giggled. "What's all this about?"
"You spoke." Spike whispered through his tears. "You spoke after so long."
"You really missed my chatter that much?" the librarian chided.
"Of course I did." Spike said as he brought his eyes to Twilight's. "You not talking for that long . . . it was like you died, and what was walking around was just a zombie of some kind."
"Well, I'm definitely not a zombie." Twilight said as she rolled her eyes. Twilight chuckled a bit at the end of her sentence. She hugged Spike from her prone position and pulled him in for a warm embrace. He returned the gesture with equal measure.
"I love you, Twilight." Spike said as he squeezed tighter.
"I love you too, Spike." Twilight's fears and worries seemed to become a little bit distant to her as she held her little brother close. "Please don't ever leave me."
High Crown, the capital of the Gryphon Kingdom, sat upon the hills that overlooked the plains beneath with just as much radiance as the Equestrian city of Canterlot. However, it also had the overlying feeling of dominance. It's walls where high and thick and were swarming with soldiers. Their telescopic eyes scanning the horizon for any threat that would come their way. The fortifying towers were another feature that gave no small impression to any passerby the military might of the Gryphon nation. Inside the walls, thrived a large and consuming city. It's many building of big business and markets lined the streets, all made of stone, coupled with the many taverns and clubs that dotted the utopia, made one newly arrived individual feel like he was back home. Well, he would have felt that way had he not been vomiting.
Maximus' legs quaked under him as he supported himself on his knees and heaved small shots of stomach bile. When he had been sent through the portal, something had happened to him. He started to feel queasy at first along with his shoulder blades being in a large amount of pain, but then began to experience a sense of nausea like no other. Then the vomiting came. He heaved one last time, but then found himself face planting into his own puddle of stomach juice. His muscles were gelatin and his bones were non-existent. He just laid there still until he could make the room stop spinning.
By the time Maximus found the ability to prop himself up on his arms, he found a pair of grey flats staring at him. He looked up to find that there was an older lady starring down at him with her arms crossed under her chest. She gave the eyes of a disappointed training instructor that the Roman knew all too well.
"Well, isn't this a familiar sight." the old woman passively stated. "A drunk man stumbling into my library and making a mess on the floor. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk."
Maximus tried to speak, but only blew foul smelling air from his mouth. He tried to speak again, and this time found his voice. "Ma'am, I am not drunk. I assure you."
"Oh, really then?" the condescending tone mixed with her foot tapping made it clear she was thoroughly annoyed. "Then explain to me why it is that you are lying there in your own bile?"
"It's a long story." Maximus claimed. "But the short version is that when I was looking at a book, I felt nauseous and then all of this happened."
The librarian moved her brown eyes right and found a book on early Equestrian Alliance History laying on the floor next to him with the pages faced down. She looked back to the rising soldier and gave a snort. "I see." she raised her eyebrow in curiosity when she saw that he was wearing a red tunic and had a rope for a belt that carried a small pouch. She could tell by the way he dressed that he was either a beggar or a soldier of some kind. "Just who are you, and where did you stumble from?"
When he regained his feet and was able to look into the eyes of the librarian. That is when he looked down about two feet. "I am Maximus of Rome." he said in a proud but subtle manner.
"Well, Maximus," the book keeper said. "I am Alyson Dubois, the head librarian of High Crown's own Gold Feather Library. And although I appreciate people using my books for reference, I do so become enraged when they make a mess of my floor." She balanced on her tip toes to get on a better level with the obviously taller man. She pointed a bony finger into Maximus' chest. "And if you continue to make a mess of my library I will fly back over to my desk and get my mace so I beat you over the head with it! Do I make myself clear?"
"Y-Yes, ma'am." Maximus stammered.
"Good!" she said with a frown. "Now go get my brush and bucket from the closet on the far wall of the library and clean up your mess!"
With a flip of her wings the old woman was heading back to her desk, and Maximus, in fear of offending the book keeper further, made his way to get the brush and bucket with haste. He made sure to remember which aisle he was in, for if this sort of thing happened more than once, he may well be having to clean up other people's bile alongside his own. ______________________________________________________________________________
The last strands of golden hair on the horizon of the Gryphon capitol began to fall back on the shoulders of the sun. The guards on the wall changed their shift in the same ceremonious fashion since the erection of the wall. The rest of the city's life was starting to die down in some areas, while in others became more lively. Taverns and entertainment halls sprang to life as their life's blood rushed in to the beating hearts of the establishments.
The evening was in full swing when Maximus returned the third volume of Equestrian Alliance History to its shelf. It had been an interesting first day for him. Cleaning up puke, and reading three books in a day. The language that they spoke in this realm seemed to be no different than the Latin spoken by the Romans. He was able to learn just how Equestria was made, and the bitter rivalry between the newly founded nation and the inhabitants that once roamed in mass there known as the Alicorns. It seemed that at the end of verbal debates, not the ends of swords, did the Alicorns become the rulers of Equestria. Then he found that illnesses that the native Alicorns contracted from a curse wiped all but two out. In volume three, Maximus learned that the Gryphons were learned about far into their reign on their own territory while an Equestrian was exploring the high seas. And along with that, he learned how the Kingdom grew into what could be easily mistaken for an empire. So much had been learned today, but as Maximus looked at the row and a half of volumes on history, he was reminded of how much knowledge he still had yet to absorb.
The soldier's thoughts were interrupted by a loud bell. He figured that that meant it was time for the hall of knowledge to close. He headed toward the librarian's desk and figured the exiting door should be there too.
Maximus stopped when he saw the librarian struggling with some heavy tomes. He decided that he wasn't going to let that be without reprisal. He went over to the frail woman and picked up the stack she was carrying.
"Just what do you think you are doing?" the lady snapped.
"Helping you." Maximus stated.
"I don't need any of your help!" the Gryphon woman pointed a proud finger the soldier's way, but was soon crashing to her side when a large, sharp pain racked her shoulder. She cooed softly as she rubbed her sore muscles.
"Please," Maximus pressed. "Allow me to carry these for you. I can handle the weight."
With a reluctant curse under her breath, the proud librarian pointed tiredly over to a shelf on the far side of the library. "There's an empty spot on the shelf for all those books. Put them up there."
Maximus nodded slightly and went about his task. When he got there, he had expected to find the shelf on ground level, while all the while, it was actually at the top of the case. Six stories up sat a blank space on the shelf for the books to call home. He looked for a ladder, but found nothing to help.
"What are you waiting for?" the librarian shouted. "You have two good wings. Use them."
It took Maximus a bit, but after a second or three his brain was able to comprehend what it is that he just heard. He looked to his back and he found that he did in fact have a pair of eagle's wings folded neatly against his back. They looked and felt like they would have been there all along. At first he was confused, and then he was terrified, but then calm. Then confused again. The soldier tried to ponder what it is that he was going to do? He didn't know how these things worked. Then, Maximus did the only thing he could do. He mustered his courage and resolve. If he had this gift he was going to use it. The soldier concentrated on the appendages on his back, and found that the muscles within them obeyed his commands. Maximus flapped his wings softly. It was enough to lift them up off the ground. He was jerky at first, but with the concentration on the rhythm of his wing beats, much like when he was taught with his sword handling, he rose quickly to the correct shelf and he placed the tomes in their correct spot.
Maximus, upon completing his task, flew back to the librarian who was putting some sort of salve on her shoulder. Mimicking the eagle that he met while in the realm of paradise, he softly landed on his sandaled feet. The book keeper gave a look of distaste towards the soldier as he landed.
"What took you so long?" she bellowed.
"I guess I'm just that tired." Maximus said innocently.
"Well," the old woman said. "then go get some rest. Don't be a fool." She pointed a bony finger to the door.
Maximus twitched a leg muscle to leave, but stopped when something had crossed his mind. "Before I leave, I would just like to apologize." Maximus saw that his words made the librarian freeze, so he knew he had her attention. "It was wrong of me to make such mess in your building. I should have had better fortitude and went outside. I am truly sorry for what I did. It was shameful."
The Gryphon female just sat there. Her eyes fixed on the floor as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. Her shoulder rubbing had ceased, and her breath became shallow. "I forgive you." she said with a choke.
"Thank you, ma'am." Without another word, Maximus took off toward the door. He didn't get to ten steps before he heard the old woman's voice again.
"Wait!" She cried. Maximus spun on his heels to acknowledge her. "Where are you staying tonight?"
"I am going to look for an inn." Maximus stated. "I could probably find a good room somewhere."
"I don't think you'll have any such luck." the librarian stated. "The Gryphon Kingdom is holding their military games in two weeks and this season is the ripe time for all types of gladiators to prove their mettle at the Coliseum. Every room from here to the seventh hill is all taken, and will more than likely be reserved for another month."
"I'll manage somehow." Maximus shrugged. "I am no stranger to rough living."
"And you are no stranger here." the old Gryphon said. "I will not allow you to go out and sleep in the cold night." The librarian finished her sentence by flying over her desk and setting herself at eye level with Maximus. "You will come and stay with me." Her tone was final, and left no hint of any room for argument. So, naturally, the winged Roman followed her out the door and into the lantern lit streets of High Crown. ______________________________________________________________________________
Walking down from the steps was hard enough, but now stepping out onto the stone-laid streets and witnessing all that was before him, it was almost too much for Maximus. Miss Dubois took note of the man's wide eyes and gapping mouth.
"What's wrong?" Alyson chuckled. "Never seen the Gryphon city at night?"
"No." Maximus choked after a long minute. "I have been here before. I've seen all of this already."
"Then what's the matter?" The librarian pressed. "If you've already seen it, then what's the big deal?"
Maximus' voice became low and solemn. "I had seen such beauty in my homeland. A place that I miss dearly. This place is just like home."
She didn't realize it at first, but Alyson could swear that she saw sadness in this man's expression. Perhaps it was his drooped eyes, or maybe the frown his face had. Maybe it was the fact that his shoulders hung low. She was never really good at telling how people felt, but then again, one didn't have to be when it was this obvious. "How long have you been away from your homeland?" the gryphon decided to press.
It took Maximus a while to answer. "Too long, and the worst of it is, I'll never be able to return there."
As his words dug deeper into the elderly woman's heart, she began to feel a large tug in her chest. "I'm sorry." Alyson said. "I didn't know that was the case." She continued to stare at Maximus for a while as he soaked in all of what resembled Rome. The librarian put a hand on his shoulder. "It's late." she bade. "Come. My house is not far from here." She took a few steps, but then doubled over in pain and clutched her hip. She howled as the pain shot directly down her leg and across her groin.
Maximus snapped out of his reminiscence and was at the woman's side before she could blink. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"
The gryphon female gave a grimace as she clutched her side. "My damn hip is acting up again!"
Maximus wasn't a doctor, but he knew from spending his time with Trajan in his advanced age, he knew that this was the result of age. "Do you think you can walk?" the Roman asked.
"I think so." Alyson planted a foot and tried to rise, but found the task was much to difficult. Especially when she was assaulted with another wave of pain.
"Allow me." Maximus slid his arms under Miss Dubois' shoulder blades and legs and with little effort, rose with her in his arms.
The elderly woman let out a peep as she felt herself being lifted from the ground. "Just what do you think you're doing?"
"I am helping you." Maximus smiled. "Now, which way is your home?"
The proud gryphon woman crossed her slender arms under her chest and pouted. She could get herself home under her own power. That is, if it wasn't for the pain in her hip. She hissed at the young man, but she saw the smile that was spread across his face and knew that she might as well except the help if he would so choose to lend it out. She pointed down the street toward her dwelling.
"The next time you touch me without asking will be the time that you lose your left eyeball." Alyson Dubois was nothing if not true to her ways.
