• Published 9th Jan 2015
  • 3,132 Views, 55 Comments

Legio VII: Invictus - Silbern



Centurion Lucius Vor is in a fight for his life along with Princess Celestia as dark forces muster.

  • ...
13
 55
 3,132

Iactura

Lucius opened his eyes to witness a dark expanse above him.

There was no clouds that lazily hung about in the sky nor was there stars that would sparkle. He spotted no moon but there was moonlight that reflected off long blades of grass. There was a silence that hung in the air but soon Lucius questioned if it was even air that he took into his lungs. He could feel soft earth beneath his laying form as his fingers dug through dirt and grass. As his mind wondered over the recent explanations of his current predicament, he gasp as a certain memory came surfacing to the top. His hands shot to his side only to find that not only was he no longer wearing his armour but the wound has vanished.

He closed his eyes once more as the clues started to paint a picture he could understand.

His breathing was calm as he smiled knowing that his last memory of his life was of that brilliant white Mare. She was sad and he could not blame her. Lucius knew that if the situation was different than he would be on the mortal plane in desperation only to feel her life slip through his fingers. His tears, blood and sweat would not change that. The Centurion wished that he could tell her it was ok but that moment was now gone. His hand slowly rose and pressed against his chest to feel his heart but was left wanting as all he felt was a cold stillness. He knew that perhaps worry should be washing over him but it wasn't so.

The future of Man, Rome and the Empire was no longer in his grasp and he was ok with that because he knew that there was at least one Pony, one Mare, that would not see the defilement of peace to proceed. With that final thought he exhaled in peace as he rested his hands on his stomach.

“How much longer do you plan on laying there, Lucius?”

At the sound, the mentioned man's eyes tore open quickly to witness a figure standing over him. A black haired bearded man stood over him with a small hunch. He leaned on a rather large staff but as the figure rose it, he could clearly see that it was no staff but an oar. That exact oar soon became an annoyance as it was poked against Lucius' face.

“Get up,” the old man croaked. “I have been waiting for you for a long time so if it is all the same, I'd appreciate some co-operation,”

Lucius quickly rose to his feet only to notice that the man before him was easily another two to three feet taller than he. His shock and surprise was evident but only for a fraction of a moment as his mind digested the information.

“Charon?”

The taller man scratched his hind quarters before simply nodding. As the Centurion was now face to face with the ferryman he could clearly see how disheveled the figure before him truly was. His hair, both chin and top of his head, was almost repulsively unkempt and he couldn't help but notice his loincloth seemed to be held together by a wax like substance.

“I have been waiting a very long time for you, Centurion. Each time I try to cross the river Pluto constantly stops me with 'One more, one more' business,” the elderly ferryman says as he motions towards a break between the long blades of grass. Together the two walk towards what is one of the most intricately crafted boat Lucius has ever seen. It's side were rust coloured but intricate crafting cover almost the entire hull. He remembered a few of the artworks off from heart but others were simply confusing.

“Well, it is time. I presume you have your offering ready?” Charon asked as he stretched out his bony fingers in waiting.

Lucius gazed up to the man only to pale in thought. He had no offering. Celestia wouldn't know of his Peoples traditions and that was when he gazed up to the Ferryman with empty hands.

“Ah, a mortal without an offering for his crossing. Do you know the penalty for those with out the toll to cross the river Styx?”

Lucius lowered his hands to his side before standing proudly. It was true that he had no coin to trade for the ferryman but he was not ashamed or embarrassed. He wouldn't trade the life since awaking from his stone slumber for anything that the paradise across that swampy river could provide.

“One hundred years,” Lucius answered.

Charon nodded slowly as the larger man simply stared for a moment before scratching his chin. “I shall return in a hundred years to collect you,” and without another word, Pluto's faithful ferryman climbed aboard his vessel and prodded against the earth with his oar until a voice cut through the silence.

“Hold, dear Ferryman. I have his offering right here,”

Lucius paused at the voice as his breath seem to be stuck. He slowly turned to see a figure before him that he did not expect. In a white and red toga stood a man with two coins with in his hand. His skin was aged but there was still muscle that showed years of hardship but his eyes were sharp like an eagles talons. The black hair on his head was mostly grey but still full. The eyes that showed sharpness soon softened as the two men stood face to face.

“Father?”

“I see you have grown into a fine man, dear Lucius,”

Lucius stood in shock for but a moment before embracing the older man in a tight hug.

“Ah, Claudius! Is this the man you were waiting for?” Charon asked as he gave his rump another good scratch. “I almost forgot about you to be honest,”

Lucius gazed up to the smiling man before breaking the embrace. He left his hand on his Father's shoulder as he raised an eyebrow.

“What? You were waiting for me father?” Lucius questioned with furrowed brows.

“Actually, Lucius, I was waiting for your Mother,” Claudius spoke as he clapped Lucius on the shoulder a few times as if taking stock; pride beaming. “It is a rather long story, lad. I will pay the ferryman and we shall depart these shores. I am sure your mother would love to see you and we can speak further on the boat,”

Lucius opened his mouth to say something but he paused. He wanted to speak of his experience in his rather eventful life but he thought of Celestia. How was he suppose to tell them about her? Greetings, Father, Mother. I mated with a small horse! Mmmm the baby is expected next winter and you are invited to the wedding! The very idea of having that conversation sent a shiver up his spine knowing full well how his dear Mother would react. He gulped down the thoughts and gave his father a smile before turning to Charon who waited with an open palm.

As the offerings were placed in his hand, the ferryman gave them a good look over before tossing them into a sack attached to his already ramshackle clothing. Claudius entered shortly followed by his son and with a great huff from the oar wielding man, the boat launched from shore. Lucius tried his best but no matter how much he concentrated on any sign of land or even a horizon he was rewarded with only darkness and shadow. He took a glimpse in the river but immediately thought better of it as he swore he witnessed a skull with flesh attached in patches looking right back up to him.

“So am I correct in that you are confused as to why I was waiting for you on the shore?” Claudius spoke as his own gaze drifted off into the distance. “I have lost track of time over there but I am sure it has been a long time. After my death, I greeted Charon here with coin in hand but I had this nagging feeling. So at the last moment, I backed away and waited for you or your Mother. She came not too much later than myself if I remember correctly. Funny thing, memory. Even in the afterlife, it can still be fickle,”

“She came up to me and after a long hug, she gazed deep into my eyes with sadness. She told me what happened to you, Lucius. I am proud of you, Son. You stood with your legion against a God and no one in Rome could say anything against your courage. Your Mother was more than worried though as she produced two coins. They never managed to recover your body from the site to be properly buried so she was made sure to be placed with two coins on her passing. She wanted me to cross while she waited but I convinced her otherwise,”

Lucius listened with his hands tightening in white knuckle death grips. His Mother must have been torn apart on the inside. Even in death she was looking out for him as the now retired Centurion gave out an air of frustration.

“It was a grand battle, Father,” Lucius reminisced trying not to think about it too deeply.

“I can only imagine. To stare down that damned pony Celestia and defy her!”

Lucius gave out a nervous chuckle before lowering his gaze to the floor of the boat.

“Your Mother must have prayed to every god to return you to her. It was strange though,” Claudius said before rubbing his chin. “There has been a shockingly small amount of passengers lately. I can't even remember the last time I witnessed another to travel this boat. How does Rome fare, Lucius?”

The son turned his head in shock as he witnessed his father's eager eyes. An answer was caught in his throat but he paused with the truth halted on the tip of his tongue. Lucius had sacrificed everything for his Legion and for Rome. How was he to tell a man who had done the very same thing like his father before him that the very land and People he fought and died for was no more.

“It is gone, isn't it?”

The son went wide eyed as he gazed up to his father who was now making eye contact. Lucius could only close his mouth before nodding slowly.

“I had assumed as much. I haven't seen a soul for so long that I wondered if we all Romans have been murdered down to the very children,”

“No, Father,” Lucius extended an arm out to grasp his father's shoulder. “Rome may no longer be what it used to be but our people still live. I do admit most of our culture has been perverted but the land is rather peaceful,”

It was Claudius' turn to be rather surprised. “You speak rather fondly, Lucius. Were you not imprisoned in stone till your final demise?”

Lucius closed his eyes and let a breath in. “No, Father, I was released after more than two hundred years. I was living among Ponies as a guest till I fell in battle,”

“Damn Ponies manage to get to you, huh?” Claudius smirked before smacking his son on the arm. “What is important is that you died a warriors death. Mars cannot deny a proud Roman such as yourself,”

If only you knew, Father

The rest of the trip was spent in quiet as the silence gave Lucius much needed time to think. He may be able to divert or avoid some of his Father's questions but his Mother was a much better judge of character. She could spot a lie from leagues away which only gave him more desperation for perhaps a story which gave her the half truth. His thoughts however became muddy except for a beacon of white which his heart gave a jump for. It was of Celestia's smile whenever she would gaze at him from a distance or perhaps while she was working. Her smile, her laugh and the warmth she made him feel whenever in her presence.

“We are here,” Charon announced as land indeed was becoming visible but it oddly had almost the exact same appearance from their initial launch point. Lucius stood as the boat came into contact with shore and with little difficulty he made it upon shore as the shadow and darkness was slowly giving way. The soft dirt of the shore gave way to gravel and large boulders till a massive gate stood before them. In the quiet atmosphere the two deceased family members waited in anxiety filled minutes before a form appeared wrapped in shadow.

A man with a dark black beard waved his hand to disperse the smoke that had beckoned his arrival as he now stood at least three to five heads taller than either man. His pale skin showed age but Lucius could only assume that was for visual show considering where he was now. A long bony finger slowly moved forth to touch Claudius on the forehead which the older man simply closed his eyes with a smile.

“Ah,” a booming voice escaped the large god. “Claudius Vor. I see that you have finally venture the river,”

“Indeed, Pluto,”

Lucius immediately dropped to a knee and lowered his head as the very name still echoed in his ears. “I beg your-” Lucius began before he stopped. Gods. Why did he even bow anymore? He had failed his mission but now that he could think without any burden placed on his shoulders. They placed an entire dead nation on his shoulders and expected him to rise it from the grave. He had witnessed the world and knew that the peace that now flourished amongst the civilizations was something perhaps he wanted more than he knew. To this thought, he stood again to see that Pluto, king of the Underworld and God of the dead, was now staring at him. The God's expression showed little but Lucius stood tall and proud.

“That must make you Lucius Vor, the long awaited Son,” Pluto's low voice seem to seep in the younger man's very skin. For a moment, the two stood before Pluto pulled back to look at Claudius. “You may enter. Ahead you will meet others that will guide you to your final place,”

Claudius gave a low bow of respect before turning to Lucius to give him a deep embrace.

“I will go on ahead to find your Mother. I will see you soon,” and with that, the older man disappeared beyond the gate much like Pluto's entrance.

“I see you have failed in your mission, Champion of Mars,” Pluto spoke out but his voice seemed to carry a weight or burden. The words seemed sadder considering his usual monotone voice.

“Rome will not be reborn, Pluto,” Lucius stated.

“I never expected it to be,” Pluto gave a slight shrug of his shoulder. “Mars was a fool to think that all would be fixed if the Mortals would praise and worshipped us once more. Our time has dried up and our influence now borderlines pathetically useless. Although, I do suppose watching you was entertaining at least,”

Lucius gave him a roll of his eyes.

“Jupiter, Mars and the rest may depend on you mortals but I am of the Underworld. My strength is garnered from all the souls who now reside within my kingdom. It will be interesting on how the Ponies will deal with their inflicted curse. You gave your life for them, did you not?” Pluto leaned forward slightly as his gaze seem to peer into Lucius' mind.

“Perhaps but I think I was there for only one Pony,”

“Ah, yes. Princess Celestia was it not?” Pluto remembered as his hand grazed over his beard. “You were a busy individual, indeed,”

Lucius pursed his lips together and looked away for a moment to hide his reddening cheeks.

“I will not speak of it while you are in this realm, Lucius. That is an old life now and you no longer need to carry those memories with you,”

“If it is all the same to you, I'd rather jump in the river than forget about her,” Lucius defied the God's notion.

“How ironic,” Pluto muttered as he stood up straight once more.

Lucius furrowed his brows as he gazed up to the towering figure.

“The Pony you adore is your Family's most hated enemy,”

Lucius opened his mouth but was soon encompassed in a swirling cloud of smoke.

The procedure into the Asphodel Meadows was short and as he stepped into the grassy fields he smiled. The sun gazed upon him and gave him beautiful warmth to which he could only think of a certain individual. His thoughts were disturbed as a group of people were slowly approaching him from afar. He had to squint but as they got closer he couldn't help but let his smile show and he started off at a run. He stopped before a older woman wrapping her in a loving embrace.

“Mother!”

The woman could barely keep in her tears as she hugged the man tightly.

“She barely could contain herself, Lucius,” Claudius spoke as he took a step closer to his family. Lucius took this chance to grab him and pull him closer. A long moment and some tears went in a happy occasion before they broke off the embrace.

“I never thought I'd see you again, my lovely son,” the older woman spoke with such caring and happiness as she tried to dry her eyes.

“Avita, dear, you should have never of worried,” Claudius spoke with his own soft smile as he pulled in his wife close.

“I am sorry about my delayed passing, Mother,” Lucius joked as he noticed the others around him. It was an assortment of individuals but they all smiled to him.

Claudius followed his eyes and nodded towards the others.

“These are you ancestors, Lucius. Your grandfather, Centurion of Legio I and his wife, Magnus,”

Magnus nodded and smiled with pride before pulling Lucius in for a tight hug.

“I hear you were a Centurion as well, lad. You do this Family proud,”

Lucius could only smile as his heart and pride swelled.

“I heard that damnable Pony, Princess Celestia had used some of that witchcraft on your Legions. That irredeemable thing will get her punishment soon enough so there is no need to worry!” Magnus cheered before smacking Lucius' on the shoulder.

Lucius let his smile falter for a moment before being pulled by his Mother towards a Villa atop a hill. The building seemed to replicate his old home but he knew all of this was simply just another version of Rome he was sure. He was shown around the property and introduced to several of the family members of old. Lucius had listened to many of the stories but his mind was always distracted. He drank wine but never felt actually drunk, possibly tipsy and giddy but nothing obnoxiously so. The celebration of his arrival was held and the feast was magnificent to the point of excess. It was the conversation afterwards that was the most heated though.

Lucius paid attention to most of it but still found his thoughts clouded by another.

“What do you think, Lucius?”

The newest Vor at the table stirred suddenly at the mention of his name. “Sorry?”

His grandfather gave out a small chuckle “I said that the Ponies should have lost that war,”

“Ah,” Lucius spoke before he started to swirl the remaining wine in his goblet a swirl. “No,”

The table went quiet at his answer and all eyes were fixed.

“You think we should have lost that war?”

Lucius paused to think about his next words. At any given moment before his time with Celestia he would have agreed with Grandfather but the facts were facts.

“We Romans are a conventional powerhouse of a military stature. If Celestia was not there, than we probably would have accomplished victory but she was there. She is a strong warrior and an indomitable Mare,”

“You're smiling, Lucius,” his grandfather spoke as his cheery smile was starting to falter.

“Yes, well, all of that is soon to be avenged,” Avita spoke out as she placed a hand on Lucius fore arm.

“How is that, Mother?” Lucius finally let his curiosity peak. “There is no Rome left,”

“By my hand,” another voice joined the conversation.

Lucius turned his gaze towards a large door way where a woman stood, a mischievous smile adorned. The woman took a step closer to the table and Lucius could truly see her disfiguring features. Multiple scars covered most of her face but it was not the most attention worth feature as a hissing filled the room. Snakes ran along her body and were woven in her hair. Long feathery wings spread from her back. Lucius couldn't help but let out a snarl at the very sight of the woman.

“Furiae,” Lucius spat with venom.

“How can you be like that, Lucius?” the winged woman spoke with mock hurt. “And here I am willing to hear your Mother's pleas of vengeance and retaliation!”

Lucius paused in shock before turning to his Mother beside him.

“You were the one to plea with this creature?” Lucius asked in shock.

His mother almost didn't seem to notice before nodding with a smile. “Everyday and night since I heard word of your defeat, I had prayed for that wretch's demise,” Avita spoke of long past memories. “Even after my passing I prayed and like some sort of divine intervention, this fair Lady of Pluto had heard me. She inflicts a mighty curse upon those insufferable Ponies,”

Lucius listened as his mother explained everything with a smile. His attention then turned towards the smiling woman as she ran a finger along a snake that was wrapped around her waist. Lucius felt an angered flame ignite within him as he tightened a grasp on a knife he had used prior for dinner. All of his and Celestia's problems were before him and while he may never again enjoy the warmth of his Lover he could at least keep her safe. His motions were quick and experienced as he kicked back his chair by standing and leaped atop the long dinning table. In a quick step he launched himself, knife in hand, towards the smiling woman. A sickening thud rang out in the room as Lucius stood face to face with the woman, knife buried deep within her chest.

A silence filled the room as every patron watched in shock.

“Even after your death you are still so lively, Lucius,” Furiae spoke out as she ran a long finger along the protruding knife handle. “I must ask though, do you do this for your own justification or perhaps for the love that still lingers like a festering rot?”

“You are the only rot here,” Lucius spoke as he struck forth with a fist till it was caught in Claudius hands.

“Stay your hand, Lucius!” his father demanded as he shifted his eyes back and forth between the two. “She is helping rid the world of our enemies! Why do you hate her so?”

“Rome is DEAD!” Lucius barked at the man as he shook his arm loose of the grasp. All of his pride now felt like a burden rather than something to keep his back straight. “Why? Why do you need to further your lust for blood? For pride? Vengeance, retaliation or hatred? Do any of you know what the world is like now?” Lucius pointed an accusing finger to his ancestors.

“What is wrong, Lucius?” Avita stood and took a few careful steps towards her son.

“He has fallen in love, Avita,” Furiae spoke with a certain glee one would achieve through misery of others.

“I thought you were encased in stone?” Avita spoke now with extra confusion as she tried to understand what was going on.

“I broke free of the spell, Mother,” Lucius began as his vision still tried to burn a hole through Furiae. “I was awoken two hundred years after my infliction and I came to know the world as it is now. There is no war nor has their been ever since Rome's last fabled battle. I was a guest in a castle where my hosts treated me fairly,”

“More fairly than most,” Furiae butted in.

“I meet a,” Lucius tried to come up with a way to make this sound reasonable before knowing that there was no real way around it.

“He fucked the Mare you all were so easy to hate,” Furiae decided to intercept with happy ease.

All eyes were once more glued on him in shock, anger and disgust.

“Princess Celestia? She forced herself on you?” Avita tried to comprehend the words spoken as her mind started to break.

“I embraced her as a lover,” Lucius spoke of the truth and with that, the parents took a step back.

“The proud son of Rome. Defender of the people and layer of small horses,” Furiae spoke with glee until two hands grasped around her throat.

“Lucius, stop!”

The ex-Centurion did no such thing as he tightened with every ounce of strength.

“She saw me for all my worth. Celestia loved me for my scars and my heart but never shied away from the burdens,” Lucius managed to push the taller being on the ground and no matter the pounding or pulling that his ancestors committed to, nothing was stopping his action. “I would suffer an eternity in Tartarus to save her from your horrid presence,”

Furiae gave out choking sounds only to be switched to a laughing chortle as her eyes gazed up to Lucius.

“This is my realm, Lucius, do you really think you have the power to kill me here?”

Lucius thought not but it didn't stop him from headbutting the woman in his grasp.

“Your mortal body may have had a chance with Mars' blessing but that has become naught but ashes!” Furiae spoke before easily removing Lucius' grasp with her own hands.

“I will curse her lands and bring destruction upon her castle till she lies dead at my feet!”

“Enough!” a booming voice spoke and like a whiplash, Furiae was sent flying away to crash into the fields. Everyone besides Lucius soon dropped to their knees as Pluto made his appearance before them. “You have only just arrived, Lucius, yet you cause an uproar,”

Lucius stood defiant regardless of the tugging of his family trying to get him to kneel.

“Pluto, I beg that you stop Furiae from getting back to the mortal realm,”

“You cause a disturbance and than ask of my help?” Pluto questioned.

“That wretched creature that belongs to your domain is threatening innocent lives. Please, as the last of Rome's citizens, I beg of you,” Lucius spoke as he pointed to the returning woman who seemed to take little damage.

“I will do no such thing,” Pluto refused with ease. “She is of this domain but I do not trap her in. She was called to enact vengeance and your family requested her aid,”

Lucius turned towards his own family and his heart was now wrenched. He could only see the sadness in both his Father and Mother but he had to try.

“You must stop this madness, Mother,”

Avita opened her tear filled eyes to see her Son slowly walking up to her.

“The land is peaceful once more. There is kindness, laughter and prosperity in the streets of not just one country but of many. You have to let this anger go,”

“It is too late, Lucius,” Furiae's voice came as she dusted off any remaining dirt from her clothes. “The pact has already been made. The next time you will see me is covered in your beloved's blood!”

Lucius watched in horror as the form of the wretched woman of the Underworld disappeared in a whiff of dark smoke. His heart ached and he tried to leap at her but only fell on his stomach to which he laid still in misery. No one approached as silent sobs escaped Lucius form before a large hand grasped his arm to pull him up. Lucius lifted his head to gaze at Pluto who was gazing longingly down to the man.

“Your love is true, Roman,”

“But it is unnatural!” Cried one of the Vor family.

“That may be but he still found something that I, King of the Underworld, could not achieve. I had to steal away a bride to which utterly despises me,” Pluto explained with his ever calm demeanour. “What am I to say to an individual who has given everything to Rome? Lucius Maxius Vor, Centurion of Legio VII died that day upon the battlefield. He awoke with a burden of a dead people and the desperation of dying gods. In the turmoil of all of this he still let a shining beacon light his heart,”

“Lucius, do you love this Celestia with all your being?”

Lucius didn't even have to think about it. “I do,”

“Even if this means to be shun by your family and Ancestors?”

Lucius gave a look to his Father and Mother. Their eyes were wrought with sadness but he knew that Pluto's words were the honest truth. Lucius Vor did die on that battlefield.

“If they are truly my parents, than perhaps one day they may love and accept me for all of my choices. If they cannot accept that my heart belongs to that of their enemy, than I shall live an outsider even in the Underworld,”

Pluto gazed upon the Vor family with a long thought before letting his gaze fall back upon Lucius.

“So be it. Lucius you are officially stripped of your family name and of your own bloodline. I, Pluto, King of the Underworld, declare that you are no longer Roman,”

Lucius stood there in shocked silence as the very idea truly penetrated him. He watched as his family turned their gaze away in a mixture of shame and sadness except for two. His Mother began to weep and as her legs grew weak she latched upon Claudius. Lucius watched his father only look at him with tears threatening to overtake his eyes.

“I'm sorry, Mother, Father,” Lucius began to speak before he sobbed himself. “I only wanted to make you proud,”

“You did, Lucius,” Claudius spoke as he straightened his own back. “I have always been proud of you. Don't you dare forget that you are a Vor,”

Lucius started to grow weak as his heart was breaking. He almost had to punch his own leg to help him fight through these emotions before he felt an arm on his shoulder.

“It is time for you to leave, Lucius,” Pluto spoke as his form and in extension, Lucius' began to be enveloped by the smoke.

“Lucius!” a cry echoed out and in a sudden embrace, Avita held on to her son for all the might she could bring bare.

“He is no longer a Roman, Avita. He is not destined for these lands,” Pluto announced as the smoke grew larger.

“I love you, Lucius! No matter what, I am always proud of you!” Avita cried out with tears rolling down her face. Her clutch on her son tightened and she was soon hugged from behind as Claudius held both Avita and their son in his embrace.

Lucius opened his mouth to answer before his form fell into soft dirt. His tears that he desperately tried to hold back broke forth and he wept until his sides hurt. His fists slammed upon the soil but unlike his enemies it did not relent. He wanted to shout and fight but all he could truly do was cry. After a long period, the outcast had gathered his wits and stood before the same large gates from before.

“You are no longer Roman, Lucius. In effect I will also bar you from entering into my domain,” Pluto explained Lucius wordless exasperation. The two stood there for a moment before Lucius turned towards the river.

“I suppose there is only one way to travel than,” Lucius spoke to which Pluto nodded in response.

“I wish you the best of luck, Outcast,”

Lucius paused at his new moniker before taking a few shaky steps forward until he reached the edge of the murky water. He gazed down both ways only to find the same impenetrable darkness before walking in with determination. He only got to around hip depth before a tremendous force pulled him beneath the surface.