Adult-FanFiction.org : Bleach

Warrior	By : NeemaAdaeze Category: Bleach > Yaoi - Male/Male > Grimmjow/Ichigo Views: 6033 -:- Recommendations : 7 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, nor do I profit from it

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
Do-do-dooo...! I seriously need Microsoft Word, no matter what I do I would still find a damn typo or grammer error! This is stupid, I should ask my sister if she have a CD-Rom for it....!
Anyway, I was looking up random stuff about the show Spartacus and I found out that one of the actors of the show used to be a Power Ranger of the RPM season! I found that totally funny, since he went from leader of the Rangers to Barca's boy-toy in the Blood and Sand season!
Warrior by Boogermeister
Chapter 18- Vice of Violence
Ginjou sighed deeply and was slouching in his bed, tired eyes merely gazed up at the ceiling as he was getting meager satisfaction between his bare legs. Since the punishment, Tsukishima took his master's orders true to his words and was virtually silent for the past several days, and did what was commanded to without hesitation. Like right now, quietly sucking off the army commander, his blank eyes staring at his master. For the past days, however, he had been sulking and for once it didn't involve that pesky Gaul who kept resisting death.
He knew that his praetorship will end in a few months, and then he would have no choice but either to follow under his uncle's orders to become a senator or detached himself from him and have to look over a foreign province of the empire as a governer. Neither of which that he wanted, as he still wished to stay in the army. He wanted to boss around his subordinate and slaughter low-class barbarians, not sitting through a senate meeting or filing paperworks all day. He found it beneath him, as he scoffed under his breath in utter annoyance.
Tsukishima paused in his actions and nervously glanced up, the fresh new scar above his left eyebrow throbbed at the thought of being punished again. ".... I didn't fucking tell you to stop, you stupid shit," scoffed Ginjou as he sat up to glare at him. His frightened slave flinched at his biting tone and resumed back, but not before he felt a sharp grip at his hair. "Don't let me regret that fucking scar I left on you," he growled. "I could easily cut out your eye if I wanted to. But I don't want to fuck such an ugly slave, so you should be lucky for just that scar."
"Mmh....!" Tsukishima muffled submissively with the engorged organ down his throat.
"Tch, I sometimes think me beating you had made you dumb," he scoffed. "No matter what, you can't seem to get things right and I find it irritating. Shit, I don't even know why Uncle seemed to have some kind of concern about you. Every time he sees you, he criticizes me for treating you poorly in any way...." Tsukishima just shut his eyes, afraid of looking at his angry master before feeling the grip on his hair tightened even further. "You'll always belong to me, and don't you forget that," he growled, bucking his hips forward as he was close to a climax. "I'm the only one who will fuck you, not that old goat I call family...."
"Ngh....!" the slave nearly choked when Ginjou finally shuddered, the thick slimy liquid gushed down his throat but he quickly swallowed it. He then made sure that the now flaccid member was cleaned as he licked off the creamy remnants.
"It seems that the only thing you're good at is loving my cock," huffed Ginjou, pushing him away before getting off the bed. But Tsukishima was still silent and followed suit, bowing his head and waiting for the next command as he stood in place. Ginjou simply walked up to a nearby table, the pitcher was half-empty of wine but he didn't bother to use a cup as he lifted it to his lips to drink.
He was getting sick of his uncle, of having to follow his words just because the law stated that the oldest male relative could rule over the family. Meaning that Ginjou would have to do as told as long as Aizen is still alive. As soon as he took another gulp, a servant cautiously stepped into the bedroom and kneeled down by the doorway. "M-Master...." he meekly addressed, and Ginjou paused to glare at him.
"What?" he gritted.
"Your uncle, Senator Aizen, is here," he answered, shuddering in fright by the look on the man's angered face. "H-he's waiting in the tablinum, for an important discussion he has for you."
"That fucker.... why can't he send a message beforehand?" he growled. "Shit....!" Putting down the pitcher, he paced around his room to find some clothing. This was just another of his uncle's tests, seeing if he could handle unexpected guests. But he knew that he had failed anyway, as he put on a random tunic and turned to leave. "You, come here," Ginjou demanded of Tsukishima, who immediately followed after him.
"Can't believe this...." he grumbled, scratching through his disheveled hair as he brisked through the house. "He's doing this on purpose, I just know it." As soon as he stepped into his office, he barely held down his displeasure the moment he saw Aizen. His uncle was already dressed in his formal toga as he stood before him, while his bronze eyes narrowed at the sight of his less-than-stellar appearance.
".... Don't tell me that you had just gotten out of bed, Kuugo," he commented.
"No, Uncle.... but can't a man relax in his own home?" frowned Ginjou.
"Clearly, you've relaxed a bit too much, as far as I'm concerned," he sighed. "It has been several days since the last games, when I gave back your slave...." he said, gazing over at the silent slave, "so now I'm here to discuss about this coming festival. You know how important this is, right?"
"Um, I guess so," sighed Ginjou.
".... You don't even know the festival is, do you?" frowned Aizen, and his nephew's own frown deepened. "The festival in which our very first emperor united all of the countries within the empire. It's a very important week, every Romans were aware of it. Except you, however, even though you're a praetor."
"Tch.... Well now do I know, why are you telling me this, Uncle?" asked Ginjou. Aizen frowned at him and paced around the office, as his dutiful slave Gin stood nearby.
"I was going to request of you to make yourself present in upcoming games, regardless of your dislike of that Gaul warrior in which you've enslaved," he sighed. "But now.... I am just commanding you to come, Kuugo. And I will not take no for an answer."
"Is that right?" questioned Ginjou, his tone came out rather harsher than expected. Aizen paused and glared at him, and the other man glared back. ".... I'm not a little boy you can boss around, Uncle," he frowned. "I am a fucking man, I should do whatever I want to. I don't have to keep doing what you tell me to just becasue you're my only relative."
"No, it's because I am your only relative that you haven't died in the streets like some disease-ridden rat all of these years," Aizen argued. "You should be glad that I even bother taking you in and look after you after your parents had died--"
"Then I guess you're regretting that decision now, right, Uncle?" frowned the army commander. Rather than feeling angry at his disrespectful tone, Aizen just let out a stressful sigh as he paced around the room again.
"What am I going to do with you....?" he sighed. "You drink all day, you bully your slaves around.... and, if I am mistaken, you seem to have a liking for Ichigo, even though I'm not sure why. Not to mention that you hate that Gaul so much that you had attempted to sabatoge that last game I sponsored." Ginjou's eyebrows tensed at that, and his uncle caught it. "You honestly think that I wouldn't know it?" he frowned. "When the stadium guards told me that you were there, they also informed me of you talking to the opponents, willing to pay them to kill the Gaul."
"Tch, so what--"
"If the other nobles had gotten words of that, they would assume that I was in on it," scoffed Aizen. "That would have a been a scandal not only on me, but on you as well. But I suppose that you don't care about your praetorship, do you?"
"I do, Uncle," Ginjou scowled, but Aizen just shook his head.
"No, no.... once the year ends, so will your role, and then you have two choices after that," he stated. "You can apply as a senator, or as a governer of a Roman province. Either way, you need to learn how to grow up if you wish to keep a job."
"But I don't want either one, I want to stay as a praetor no matter what," he argued. Aizen stared coldly at him, he was getting tired of this.
"I see.... I suppose I have to reason with you another way," he huffed. "Ask your slave to retrieve two swords, Kuugo."
"Wait a minute, what....?" Ginjou frowned in surprise.
"Since you care about keeping a job that involves battles and swords, then you don't mind that we have our own fights," he challenged. "If you can manage to nick me, then you can do as you wish. But.... if I am able to spill blood, then you must obey me from then on. But if you're afraid of losing against me--"
"No.... I'm not afraid but if you insist, we might as well go where are more space," frowned Ginjou before turning to his slave. "Get the swords, and don't take too long," he commanded. Tsukishima silently nodded and walked away, before Ginjou and Aizen walked to the sitting room. The army commander glanced over his shoulder at his uncle. He couldn't possibly be defeated by someone cloaked in a heavy cloth draping around the body. Plus, Aizen was obviously old, with bits of grey at his sideburns. There was no way that he could lose to him, with his uncle appearing so ancient in his opinion.
As soon as they reached into the sitting room, Tsukishima already came in with two swords in his arms. Bowing his head, he gave one to his master before going to Aizen. But he flinched when his wrist was grasped by the senator, who peered closer at his face. ".... You punished this one again? For whatever reason?" he questioned, staring at the deep red scar before glancing at his nephew.
"He lied to me over something trivial, it's not important," he quickly answered. "Tsukishima, stand over somewhere," he scoffed. Tsukishima quickly handed the sword to Aizen and staggered off to the nearest corner. Aizen frowned but said nothing about it as he turned to Gin.
"Gin, do you mind....?" he requested.
"Of course, Master," nodded Gin with his usual grin, walking over to stand next to the tall slave. Ginjou scoffed under his breath, discarding the sheath as he branished the sharp blade and turned to face the oldest man, who nonchalantly took out the spare sword.
"Why don't you take off that toga, Uncle? Surely, you don't want that to get ruined, do you?" he questioned.
"I am quite certain that it won't happen, Kuugo," Aizen said with a subtle air of confidence. "You've forgotten that I have also served the army many years ago, and with great honor at that. I know a thing or two about sword fighting."
"Well, let's see if you still know it," Ginjou spat with a small smirk. Without a warning, he jumped forward with his sword raised, aiming at his chest. But Aizen merely saw it coming and stepped back to parry. The army commander was surprised of feeling the other man's strength, but he gritted his teeth as he moved to strike again.
"Hmph..." Aizen saw it coming and gracefully side-stepped to dodge it. Ginjou nearly stumbled but quickly turned around to parry against the counter-attack. The senator barely pulled back, as he then angled his wrist to make a low swing. "As expected...." he commented coolly, the moment Ginjou stumbled back in a clumsy manner. "It's barely noon, and yet you're already inebriated. Let me guess, you've already drunk about two pitchers of wine, right?"
"Tch, that's none of your concern, Uncle....!" scowled Ginjou, charging at his relative. But Aizen dodged again, the heavy fabric of his toga flapped away minutely from the blade. "Shit....!" he gritted, he didn't want to admit that his vision kept getting blurry every time he attacked. This was extremely unfair, he had thought he would take the advantage due to Aizen's age but now he was being put to a corner all because he decided to drink the moment he woke up.
"You're supposed to be a praetor, a man who commands the Roman army to control the law and order of the empire," frowned Aizen. "But look at you.... you can barely stand up against someone like me. Maybe you are able to fight if you were in some low-class tavern, punching out some souse over a two-coin cup of wine."
Ginjou snarled at him in total frustration, gripping his sword tightly his narrowed eyes burned with contempt. Does his uncle really look down on him like that? That he was nothing but an embarrassment that he was better off wallowing in the gutter? Inhaling sharply, he went on an offensive stance. He was getting tired of him, tired of being bossed around by someone who reprehended him in every single way no matter what he did.
"You fucking old goat....!" he seethed, angrily descended on him. Aizen, however, also moved forward. But the senator made a split-second decision and made a sliver of a dodge, much to Ginjou's surprised shock. "A-ahh!" he hissed in sudden pain, a light but sharp sting lashed at his right shoulder before whirling around to glare at Aizen. His eyes widened when he noticed bits of blood dripping from his uncle's sword and he glanced at his shoulder. The sleeve got ripped, revealing the shallow cut across the skin with blood trickling slightly.
Aizen barely raised an eyebrow as he turned to look at him, a resolved frown plastered on his face. ".... The contract had been cleared. I've won," he concluded. On cue, Gin walked up to him and took the weapon from his hands, before the senator calmly walked up to him. "It shouldn't matter anyway. I am the master of the family and the master of the house, including this one. If you had won, then you would have to deal with earning your own keeps after me taking away your housing and slaves. I bet that you haven't thought that through, am I right?"
Ginjou gritted his teeth but scoffed to avoid the question. "I see...." sighed Aizen. "You will attend the game, your presence there will be required, as will other important guests. Including the emperor himself, might I add.... Fail to attend, and your praetorship will be terminated automatically. And I won't be able to help you on that."
"Tch...." scoffed Ginjou. Aizen just pursed his lips, knowing that his nephew was being childishly petty, but said nothing of it as he turned to leave with Gin closely on his trail. But he paused in his steps to glance at Ginjou with a rather indifferent look.
"I am a bit curious about one thing...." he said. "You think I haven't noticed, but I have for the past couple of years. What is it about Ichigo that you seemed obsessed with?" Ginjou nearly stiffened by the question but didn't want to look at his uncle to prove his avoidance further. ".... I've seen the way you had leered at him, as if you wish to purchase a prostitute off the brothel. But may I remind you that he is the son of my associate, and you attempting to ruin him would cause a rift in my connection. I will tell you once and only once.... stay away from him. If that is not possible, then say nothing to him. Just try to ignore him, and keep your hands to yourself."
".... I will try...." grumbled Ginjou.
"What was that?" questioned Aizen. Ginjou glared up at him, but the defiance within him was forced to simmer down as he clenched his fists.
"I say, I will try, Uncle," he answered through gritted teeth. His uncle stared at him dubiously but shook his head.
"Don't be late, then...." he advised. With that, he and his servant finally left, leaving Ginjou to feel absolutely livid. All of this anger was boiling up over everything; at his uncle, at his military role, at that Gaul with that shit-eating grin on his face.... He needed to take it out on something, as he glared over at his slave.
By the look on Tsukishima's face, he was deathly afraid of taking the end of his master's ire as the army commander turned to him. ".... Come here," he ordered with with a lowly tone. Tsukishima wished he could run from the punishment but he valued what meager life he had left, as he tentatively walked up to him with his head bowed down. "Look at me, you shit-eating fuck," he gritted. With some hesitation, the tall slave glanced up at him with pleading eyes, only to get backhanded harshly across the face.
This hit was more brutal from the past assaults, with a loud crack in the air, as the force knocked him off his feet and he crumbled to the floor with a solid thud. Ginjou breathed hard through his nostrils as he glared down on him, Tsukishima's body seemed limp on the tiled floor but no blood spilled as he grabbed at his hair to see if there was any wound. But Tsukishima was barely conscious, his dull hazel eyes rolled to the back of his head as he was dropped back carelessly to the floor.
"Fucking ridiculous...." he growled, stepping over him to go to his room.
(Blood and Sand)
As soon as he laid on his back, a dull ache shot up Ichigo's spin and he immediately woke up, letting out a soft groan. "Ouch...." he mumbled with his eyes clenched, turning to his side to rub at his lower back. But he then blinked to realize that his back was clothed, and he looked down to see that he was wearing his sleeping tunic. "Huh....?" Under the light of dawn, he glanced behind him to see that Grimmjow was nowhere to be seen, only his pet was beside him dozing. Ignoring the pain, he sat up to look around the room. It was as if nothing had ever happened last night but something really had.
He had lost his virginity to Grimmjow, who had stayed with him afterwards until he fell asleep. The Gaul must have put the clothes on him and let Zangetsu back in through his deep slumber. Blinking tiredly, he only heard of pigeons cooing on the rooftop, so maybe nobody was up yet. Zangetsu huffed when the teen got out of bed but settled down, as Ichigo treaded quietly out of his bedroom. He was right that nobody was up yet as the bedroom doors were closed as he walked through the hallway.
He sighed as he reached the stairs. Does he really wish to bother Grimmjow now, just when the other man was catching a few hours of sleep after waiting for him to go to sleep? Fidgeting rather nervously, he decided to go downstairs anyway, hoping to steal a glimpse of the Gaul in his room. But as soon as he reached ground floor, he glanced up to notice Nel nearby with a basket of folded clothes and sheets. "Ah.... Morning, Nel," he mumbled in surprise.
"Ichigo....? The sun's not even out yet, are you all right....?" she asked quietly, as she walked up to him. Ichigo blinked at that and frowned awkwardly.
"What makes you think that, Nel?" he asked, but Nel frowned lightly as she narrowed her eyes a little bit at him. Ichigo frowned of being scruntinized and he leaned away from his stare. ".... What? What is it, Nel?" he frowned.
"Nothing, Ichigo, but.... you seem a bit different somewhat," Nel replied, staring at his awkward expression. "I'm not sure what but.... it's like you have a different air about you."
"O-oh, is that right....?" he mumbled with a small smile. "Maybe I'm still excited that I managed to defeat Grimmjow yesterday, that could be it."
"Hmm.... well, if you say so," sighed Nel as she backed off. "But is there any reason you're up this early?"
"Oh, um, Zangetsu kept kicking me all night so I couldn't go back to sleep," sighed Ichigo. The woman just nodded before moving to walk up the stairs but paused to glanced at him.
"Ichigo, was there a reason why you came down here?" she asked.
".... I'm a bit hungry," he muttered, it was the half-truth now that he could feel his stomach tightening at the thought of breakfast.
"Well, there should be some apples in the kitchen," she smiled lightly. "You can eat those in the meantime, while I put these clothes away. Then I'll fix breakfast later, okay?"
"All right, thanks...." he nodded, before walking past the garden. He paused for a moment to glance at the stairs leading to the slaves' quarters, but finally decided against it as he went into the dark kitchen. As he picked up the shiny red fruit and bit into it, he tried to make sense of this morning after. Thinking about it, if it wasn't for the compromising situation in the villa, Grimmjow would have stayed in bed with him by now. He would have liked that, to feel the warm firm body against him throughout the night.
He mused on it some more, before realizing that he needed to bathe to remove the evidence of his love-making. Sure enough he could feel it on his stomach and between his thighs and he frowned through his slow chewing. He let out a long sigh as he picked up a second apple and turned to leave the kitchen.
"Morning, kid."
Ichigo nearly choked at the sudden voice before he collided against a solid chest. "Ah....!" he gasped and looked up to realize that it was Grimmjow, who smirked down at him in greeting. Ichigo could only stare at him in surprise, despite having a few hours of sleep the Gaul appeared remarkably refreshed as he chuckled softly.
"Didn't expect you to be up so early...." he smirked.
"Grimmjow....!" gasped Ichigo, as he managed to swallow down the piece of apple in his throat. "I, uh, well...."
"Heh, you have no idea how cute you look when you're caught off-guard," he rumbled. His husky voice sent shivers to the teen's body, as Ichigo blushed and looked away. "Aw, don't be like that, kid.... it makes you all the more tempting."
"Stop teasing me, Grimmjow," Ichigo frowned. Grimmjow chuckled again and leaned to attempt a kiss on his lips, but his master hesitantly leaned away from the affectionate action. "No, wait.... Nel's up...." he muttered, and Grimmjow frowned at that.
"Shit, I had a feeling that woman was moving about earlier," he sighed. "Well, guess that kiss can wait later. Although I really wanted to do it if we had woke up in bed together...." That made Ichigo's cheeks tingled but smiled a little. So Grimmjow was thinking the same thing. Without warning, his slave grasped at his hand that was gripping the bitten apple and lifted up to his mouth.
"Wh-what are you doing?" gasped Ichigo, but he blinked in surprise when the sharp white teeth chomped through the juicy flesh almost voraciously. It was like a wolf sinking its fangs on a deer it killed to the teen's eyes. "Damn it, Grimmjow! I already had another apple in my hand, you didn't have to bite this one!" he scowled, already a good chunk of the fruit's flesh was significantly larger than his own nibble.
"Mm, can't help teasing you, kid," he chuckled through his full mouth, before turning to leave. "We're going back to the ludus, right? I can't wait to polish my skills once again for the games."
"Oh, right...." nodded Ichigo.
Thinking about this morning, Ichigo sighed deeply as he walked alongside Grimmjow through the busy streets. Looking at the Gaul, who seemed rather smug with his light smirk, he scratched the back of his neck. Was one supposed to feel happy the day after having sex? For Ichigo himself, he felt more nervous rather than estatic. "Uh, Grimmjow....?" he mumbled.
"Yeah, kid?" smirked Grimmjow, his smoldering cyan eyes peering down on the teen. Ichigo nearly shivered by the otherwise nonchalant stare, but shook his head.
"There's something I must tell you about, on this coming festival," he said. "On the first game of the festival.... there's a good chance that the emperor himself will be there since this is a very important event, and you must show absolute respect for him. Do you understand?"
"The emperor? Is he the leader of the Romans, like a king or something?" asked Grimmjow.
"Something similar like that, yeah."
"Why should I?" he questioned, though with a slightly curious tone rather a hostile one.
"Unless you want your head off your body, it's better to go with the flow," Ichigo smiled lightly.
"Heh, then how do I show my respect for this emperor? Do I bow my head or salute him or something?" Grimmjow joked.
".... Uh, yeah, pretty much," nodded Ichigo, and the smirk was immediately wiped off Grimmjow's face.
"Shit," he frowned.
"Come on, it's not that as bad as you think, Grimmjow," he said. "All you have to do is bow your head towards him and say, 'I, who may die, salute the emperor', and that's it."
"Well.... there's something wrong with that, kid," muttered Grimmjow.
"Huh? And what's that, Grimmjow?" he asked, and the older man then smirked at him.
"I obviously won't die, that's the bottom line," he smirked. Ichigo just rolled his eyes at him, he should have guessed that would be his cocky answer. As he glanced up at him, he noticed that Grimmjow was looking back. But his cyan eyes softened as he gave little ruffle through the orange hair, much to Ichigo's subtle surprise. "I might as well go along with it.... who knows when's the next time I get to lay with you?" His grin seemingly widened the moment Ichigo's went deep red in horror and embarrassment, before a brief series of punches flew at him.
"You are the worst, Grimmjow....!" he scowled, hitting him on the back and arms while Grimmjow cackled and playfully avoided a few punches. "Don't you ever say that out loud, you hear me....?!"
"Sorry, sorry....!" he laughed. By now, they had already reached the gate of the ludus, with Ichigo still scolding at his smirking slave, but they paused in their actions when they heard voices inside. "Hm, sounds like the guy got company," commented Grimmjow, referring to Urahara.
"Maybe Urahara is having an important meeting with someone," frowned Ichigo, as he walked ahead to go inside. Almost instantly, they saw three strangers in front of Urahara and his wife, with only one truly conversing with the lanista. Judging by the looks of him, he appeared to be a decently high rank with his mustard-yellow toga cloaking him. The teen couldn't see the man's face, but noticed that the color of his clothes matched with the long deep blonde hair down his back. Behind him were obviously his servants clad in plain tunics, although the bigger one was pretty muscular with cropped silverish hair while the other one was leaner with shaggy jet-black hair. As soon as they stepped closer, the strangers stiffened a little and they turned to notice the two.
The fancier man blinked his light brown eyes in mild surprise before looking back at Urahara. "Hey, this is the guy who cut down everything in his path, isn't that right, Kisuke?" he asked, pointing at Grimmjow.
"Ah, right! I have completely forgotten about that....!" smiled Urahara. "Ichigo, Grimmjow, I want you to meet my fellow friend and rival, Shinji Hirako. He is a trainer of gladiators like me, of course."
"Oh, it's nice to meet you, Hirako," Ichigo smiled lightly with a nod.
"Please, call me Shinji, it sounds friendlier that way," shrugged Shinji with a grin, revealing his perfectly straight teeth. "And that big guy-- Grimmjow, was it? I had thought his name was Bestia."
"Well, it's easier to sell with a Roman name," smiled Urahara.
"I'm sorry but did we interrupt something, Urahara?" asked Ichigo.
"No, not really, we were just discussing about the festival that's coming in several days," he replied. "As much as he wanted to send his best fighters to the primus, he would have to settle with the afternoon fights."
"It's not my fault, the people seems to love this guy," sighed Shinji. "Especially since he can't seem to die, might I add."
"Best compliment I've gotten," Grimmjow smirked at that, and Ichigo resisted the urge to roll his eyes. The Gaul always liked to have his ego swell up one way or another. "If you don't mind, I would like to go and practice."
"No one's stopping you, Grimmjow," Ichigo shrugged. Grimmjow just smirked and made his way to the training ground, albeit with a teasing gaze from Yoruichi.
"Come on, Ichigo, I want to show Shinji the progress of your fighter from the balcony," Urahara said as he led the others to a different direction. As Ichigo followed after them, he noticed the black-haired slave glancing at him in mild curiosity.
"Excuse me," he muttered quietly, and Ichigo blinked at him, noticing three thin trails of scars down the right side of his face and had on a loose leather collar around his neck. "That gladiator of yours.... he often spars with Renji, right?"
"Oh, uh, right.... they're becoming close friends," nodded the teen.
"That's good to know," he grinned lightly. "I knew Renji years before; he used to train in my master's ludus alongside Kensei when he used to be a gladiator."
"Kensei?"
"The mean-looking guy over there," he joked, pointing at the silver-haired man. "Now he's retired from fighting and now serving as a Doctore. His scariness suits the part...."
"Don't they all?" smiled Ichigo, and the other man chuckled a little.
"I'm Shuuhei, by the way," he mentioned. "I'm Kensei's assistant. Although I'm not much of a fighter.... something about blood and death that makes me feel a little ill."
"But you cheered for the ones who win, right?" he asked.
"More like for the ones who survives," shrugged Shuuhei.
"Hey, quit bothering the kid....! He already got enough on his plate as it is," huffed the one named Kensei as he glared over his shoulder, by now they had already reached the balcony. But the Shuuhei merely smiled and went to his superior's side. Ichigo blinked at them, and frowned in surprise when he noticed a brief but subtle eye contacts between the two slaves. Shuuhei seemed content being beside Kensei, who just grumbled under his breath but ruffled at his black hair.
That was how Grimmjow showed his own form of affection to Ichigo, the teen realized. The two lanistas were too distracted to the training grounds below to notice the gestures, but Ichigo couldn't help but think about whether or not they are a couple. Something he now inwardly wished he could be with Grimmjow, since most slaves could be in their own relationships.
(Blood and Sand)
"Stop it, Grimmjow-- ouch! Quit it! Don't hit me like that!" scowled Renji when Grimmjow repeatedly smacked him on his behind and legs with the wooden sword. Rather than sparring against one another, the two men kept rambling around the ground almost comically, much to the other fighters' amusements but to Kenpachi's disgruntlement at the sight. "Okay-- ow! What did I do to make you mad, Grimmjow!" Renji frowned, managing to dodge one of the blows as he took a few steps back.
"Nothing really.... I just wanna fuck with you, that's all," smirked Grimmjow.
"Wait, what? Whatever for?" questioned Renji.
"Do you really to ask, especially after what happened yesterday?" he asked back. The red-head blinked before his eyes widened in realization, his lips moved into a goofy grin as he nodded.
"Oh, right," he realized. "So, about that--"
"A little less talking, and a little sparring, Renji. I think that's the point of being a gladiator," chuckled Grimmjow.
"Hey, you've only been one for a few months, you idiot!" Renji smirked, before they finally got into serious sparring. Grimmjow could seriously read out his partner's moves, but held back a little as he parried and dodged the strikes. That much was true, Renji had been a gladiator longer than him, but Grimmjow had been a true warrior all of his life and being a fighter of Rome was just a bonus to his skills while Renji was scavaging off the streets as a child before being taken in. He would love it if the other man had lived as a soldier of his supposed Thracian people. That was the challenge he would like to take.
He stepped back when Renji took a wide swing, only to counter-attack just when he saw an opening. "Hahh....!" he yelled out as he struck him on the side. Renji sucked in his breath from the pain and stumbled back.
"Fucking hell....! That actually hurt!" he whined.
"Tch, quit bitching. I thought you were stronger than this, Renji," smirked Grimmjow as he panted.
"Shut it.... I don't know what's going on here, but you seemed to have more power than before," he huffed. "Come on, just tell me, Grimmjow...." he then muttered, walking up to him with face leaning close to the Gaul's. "What did happen yesterday? Did it involve me buying that oil I brought for you or something?" Staring at the curious garnet eyes, Grimmjow finally relented with a deep sigh before putting up a smug grin.
"It involves very.... especially since I 'talked' to the kid about it late last night," he answered. Renji blinked at first, before he truly realized what he had meant, as he let out a silent gasp.
"Wh-what....? You and Ichigo-- I mean, you actually went with it?" he gasped softly, attempting to peek up at the balcony only to get smacked in the back of the head. "H-hey!"
"Don't look, he already knows about you goading our relationship further," muttered Grimmjow. "Plus, even if you dare to look, the kid would know that I told you and get embarrassed."
"Really? Let's see," Renji smirked as he attempted to look up again, but he blinked in surprise when he noticed Shinji along with his two familiar slaves on the balcony. "Oh, it's Kensei and Shuuhei! Hey there....!" he smiled, waving at them.
"Oh, you know them?" questioned Grimmjow in mild surprise.
"Yeah, I do....!"
"Hey, get back to fucking work or I'd tear you a new one....!" Kensei scowled in utter annoyance at the red-head below, while Shuuhei simply smiled and waved back. Renji only chuckled in response before turning back to Grimmjow.
"Looks like someone was promoted to the title of Doctore in all these years," he joked.
"You know those slaves, Renji?" asked Grimmjow with a smirk.
"When I first started as a gladiator," he replied, shrugging his shoulders. "I was trained in Shinji's ludus for the first few years. That's how I became friends with Shuuhei, when he assisted the other fighters. He was pretty much respected considering that he's, um, Kensei's lover, so to speak." Grimmjow blinked at that and took a brief glance at the mentioned slaves. The silver-haired Doctore seemed irritable at the sight of them, but the other one-- who seemed a bit younger than the former-- appeared rather interested with a light smile now that he had seen his old friend. "They are a strange pair, right? And they're not so secretive when it comes to.... well, you know, fucking."
"What? I don't need to hear that," Grimmjow frowned at him. But Renji chuckled sheepishly as he readjusted his grip on his weapons.
"I know I did.... and it was around time when I found out that my master had feelings for me," he sighed. "Not only that, they left their door opened when I passed by their room. And I gotta say.... they didn't really stop when they noticed me." Grimmjow merely rolled his eyes, wishing for the subject to change. He didn't care for the intimacy of others, when he had to muse about his own involving Ichigo. The teen seemed a little awkward about the morning after of their affairs, but looked normal about it. Maybe he had to appear as such to avoid the possible obvious from the others, especially from that nosy woman Nel.
"Come on.... I thought we were supposed to fight against one another for this emperor the Romans are shitting about," smirked Grimmjow, spanking on Renji's behind from the wooden sword.
"Ouch! Okay, I'm getting tired of you hitting me like that!" Renji scoffed as he went after him.
".... My, such a weird guy," commented Shinji, as he and the others observed Grimmjow. "Are you sure that the slave traders didn't drop him on the head on the way here?"
"Oh, Grimmjow's an excellent warrior, he just likes to do thing on his own accord," smiled Urahara, despite of the cooling weather he was casually fanning himself. "During the last game, when Renji opted to let the last fighter to live, Grimmjow decided to stab him through the heart."
"I've heard of that, Whatever for?" he questioned.
"By the looks of it, it seemed that the Samnite was trying to insult him, but I couldn't really tell," shrugged the lanista. Ichigo overheard that answer and blinked. Now that he had thought about it, Grimmjow did appear annoyed or angry when the defeated Samnite had said something to him. It had never occured to him to ask the Gaul about that, but he didn't really care to do so anyway. He was sure that whatever it was, it wasn't important for Grimmjow to mention it to him.
"I believe you're relying on him too much to keep him in the primus, Kisuke," remarked Shinji, but his tone wasn't nixed with envy or disgruntlement as he observed the training. "He got that cockiness about him, I could tell. What do you think, Kensei?" he asked his silver-haired slave.
"Tch, he looks like an idiot, so there's a good chance that he'll fail sooner or later," grumbled Kensei. "It's obvious that he's caught up in the glamour of being the champion. That's going to be his downfall eventually."
"Ah, no offense to you, of course," Shuuhei apologized to Ichigo, but the teen shook his head.
"It's okay, it does seem that Grimmjow have an ego problem," he smiled lightly. "But deep down, he really is a good fighter, as he was already a warrior back in Gaul."
"Really now....? If I didn't know any better, I'd say that he's doing this for the recognition of his own kind," opiniated Shinji with a shrug. "Maybe with this important festival coming up, with skills like that before the emperor, there would be a good chance that he would be given the title of Rudiarius just like that...." Ichigo nearly flinched at the remark, but it wasn't that he found it insulting. It was the title the other lanista had mentioned, Rudiarius.
He frowned a little. It wasn't that he would be disappointed that any gladiator being granted freedom if they were well-loved by the Romans. It was Grimmjow that he was concerned about. Would the older man take that chance of freedom, if the emperor were to present him the ceremonial wooden sword called the rudis? He remembered Grimmjow's initial goals of getting his only friend back and killing Ginjou for enslaving him, when he started out as gladiator. But now.... both he and the teen were in a forbidden relationship, with them reaching intimacy just last night. He wondered, considering Grimmjow's multiple but brief relationships in the past, would the Gaul simply leave him just like that....?
"Something wrong, Ichigo?" asked Urahara, snapping him out of his musing. "You're worried about Grimmjow, aren't you?"
"Well, who wouldn't be....?" Ichigo smiled in assurance. "I mean, we're already.... friends, even though we're master and slave. Just the idea of giving him the rudis feels surreal, that's all." Urahara glanced at him but merely nodded before turning back to the training ground. But that was mostly true, Ichigo was worried. But it was that mention of freedom that was the cause of it. He didn't wish to sound selfish and try to keep Grimmjow for himself, but the blunet was his own man and if he would wish to leave....
Ichigo doesn't know what to do with such a situation, as he gazed down at Grimmjow taking the advantage against Renji as usual.
(Blood and Sand)
Grimmjow frowned in confusion, since coming back from the ludus that night. He found it strange that Ichigo appeared rather depressed despite of the excitement he had this morning. He wondered what was wrong with him, but didn't know where to start considering he wasn't sure what was the source of the problem. But he wondered if it had to do with last night. It wasn't like the Gaul just left the room the moment his master fell asleep. In fact, he allowed himself to stay with him a while longer, taking in the subtly masculine but sweet scent coming from the smooth skin as he had trailed his hand around the slim arms and waist.
He did feel tired then, but stayed around long enough to carefully clothe him, and placed one more kiss against the teen's soft lips before finally leaving. That was the most significant actions he had done for a lover in such a long time. He couldn't remember the last time he had done so, as he gained the reputation in his village of having multiple affairs but never settled down long enough for one girl. His master was so different from the others, as he attempted to follow Ichigo upstairs.
"You all right, kid....?" he asked quietly. Ichigo paused in his steps and turned to him with an unusually surprised look on his face.
"Um, of course, Grimmjow," he nodded, blinking at him in slight confusion. "Why do you ask? Is there something on your mind?" Grimmjow frowned, his master's tone sounded legit but he could sense his voice waver in the answers.
"I just thought.... well, you seemed sad about something," he frowned, his sharp eyes caught the teen's expression betraying him just before Ichigo shook his head.
"No, I'm not sad," he smiled lightly. "I was just thinking about the games, about how you will fare in front of someone with great importance like our emperor."
"Is that right....?" he asked, walking up the steps to meet at eye level. "You're sure that's it? What could happen afterwards, should I win before him?" He noticed Ichigo's eyes flickered at the question as the teen sighed, does he know something that the Gaul doesn't?
"Well.... the thing is, Grimmjow, I--" he muttered.
"Ichigo, your father had returned home....!" Nel called out as she came into view, and Ichigo instantly took a step back from Grimmjow.
"Really now? Father's back from another of his trips?" he asked with a truthful smile as he glanced at her. "Will he stay enough for the games this time, Nel?"
"I don't know, that's something you need to discuss about him," she replied. "You're going to wash up for dinner, Ichigo?"
"Yeah, of course, I'll come down later," he nodded before glancing at Grimmjow. "I'll speak to you later, Grimmjow, all right?"
".... Fine, kid," sighed Grimmjow as he nodded back, before the teen jogged upstairs. Grimmjow stepped back down, trying to ignore Nel's disapproving glance but the woman stepped in front of him with a deep frown. "Is there something you want, woman, or do you want to bother me again?" he frowned at her.
"Was there any reason you tried to follow Ichigo to the second floor?" she questioned, crossing her arms. Grimmjow merely scoffed, but then smirked and narrowed his eyes.
"The kid can't help it if he wants me around," he smirked. "It's just that I thought he was worried about something, and I asked him about it. That was just it, woman."
"Hm, you think something's bothering him?" she asked, her expression softening a bit as she frowned lightly.
"Yeah, but he wouldn't tell me what, mainly from you interrupting him a second ago," he muttered, ignoring the other slave's frown at him.
"Well.... I'm sure that whatever it is, Ichigo will talk about it sooner or later," she sighed before moving to walk for the kitchen. "Come on.... I'm sure that you want your scrapes before going to sleep." Grimmjow scoffed but scratched the back of his head as he made his way to the slaves' quarters. Ichigo did seem worried about the upcoming games, but for what? He didn't seem troubled by it before, maybe it had to do with being presented before this leader of the entire empire. He wouldn't want to do anything that would insult him, and in turn ruined his master whom he now cared for.
As soon as he made landing on the stone-tiled floor, he blinked when he heard footsteps behind him and he looked up. "Oh.... it's you, kid," he muttered in slight surprise, when Ichigo came into view under the torch light. "Thought it was that insufferable woman with my poisoned meal."
"That joke never seems to die," smiled Ichigo, but his expression was etched with apprehension. "Anyway...." he then frowned, fidgeting with his fingers. "I think I need to say this right away...."
"What is it? Does it have to do with fighting in front of the emperor?" he asked.
"Well, yes and.... no, actually," he mumbled, and the Gaul blinked in subtle surprise. "You're a champion, Grimmjow, and you have been for the past several games. But that kind of recognition might catch the emperor's eyes. And well.... if you do well, he might grant a reward of sort."
"Like what? Is it money....?" Ichigo nodded at the question but he still frowned nonetheless.
"There's a good chance that but.... the emperor might grant you freedom, no doubt," he muttered. At that, Grimmjow's eyes narrowed a bit. A Roman leader, not his own master, has the power to free him of slavery? Then again, it would not be the first time that he was offered freedom, but this man that everybody was talking about was beyond class.
".... What should happen if I would be granted freedom?" he asked rhetorically.
"Would you leave here, Grimmjow?" questioned Ichigo, and Grimmjow blinked in surprise at that. He stared at his distressed face, and finally understood. The teen was afraid that he might leave him, just when they started to have an intimate relationship. He frowned rather nervously as he scratched the back of his head. He wasn't sure what to say about that; should he be freed, would he be able to stay with Ichigo? Or just as important, how would he be able to save his friend if he can't earn the money as a gladiator?
"It would've sounded interesting.... if I was my old self," he admitted, and Ichigo blinked in surprise.
"Would you turn it down, Grimmjow? Your own freedom?" he questioned but he frowned again. "You couldn't, really, if requested by the emperor. That would be consider an insult to him, and that'd be bad."
"Hmm, then.... then I'll stay here after being freed," he suggested. But Ichigo smiled sadly and shook his head.
"You're a proud Gaul, Grimmjow," he muttered. "You shouldn't do it, especially for me. It just wouldn't be fair for the both of us--" His excuses fell short when Grimmjow stepped up the stairs and grasped the back of his head. Ichigo barely had a chance to let out a gasp when his lips were captured into a deep kiss. His initial shock quickly diminished the moment he felt the rough tongue slipping through his lips, a sense of lust and euphoria nearly filled up his mind before he realized what was happening.
It appeared that Grimmjow knew as well, as he ended the brief kiss and stepped back. "What do I keep telling you, kid? You're different from the rest," he smirked lightly, staring at the teen's blushed face. "I need to stay here, because I need to tie up the loose ends I have.... I mean, I really can't leave Diroy behind.... and that thing with Ginjou...." he mentioned, and Ichigo frowned in concern at that. "But.... I need to make sure that you and I are...." His voice fell as he narrowed his eyes, as if he became suddenly aware of something.
".... What is it, Grimmjow?" asked Ichigo, just before they heard footsteps above them.
"Ichigo, you're down there....?" Nel asked as she peered down the staircase. Ichigo glanced down at Grimmjow, who smirked in understanding, before looking up at Nel.
"Yeah, Nel, I was just talking to Grimmjow, that's all," sighed the teen as he walked up to ground level. "Is dinner ready yet?"
"Yes, your family's ready for you," she smiled lightly. Ichigo smiled back and left, leaving the two Gaul to themselves. ".... I trust Ichigo finally finished that talk of yours, right?" she asked as she stepped downstairs, carrying a bowl of stew and bread.
"Yes, the kid was simply worried about me fighting in front of this emperor," he muttered.
"I see...." nodded Nel before handing him his food. "Ichigo's a good boy. Even though he's a Roman and a nobleman, he often treats those around him without any differences. That explains why he looks so concerned every time he sees you in the arena."
"I suppose so," he muttered. "And this one's the biggest shit compared to the other primus fights I had before."
".... After all of these fights, what will you do?" she questioned, but she didn't say it to annoy him. "I don't think you wish to stay after you get what you want, but if you do.... I just want to make sure that Ichigo wouldn't feel sad about it, should you leave." Grimmjow frowned at that. In truth, he was now feeling conflicted about this situation. If he was his old hostile self, he would have taken the chance of freedom and leave without looking back on his teen master. But their relationship was quickly forged, so the idea of leaving didn't seem tempting at all anymore.
".... Whatever...." he mumbled, turning to his room. A part of him honestly wished to go back to his homeland and see his mother again, and to make sure that Diroy was safe and sound. But his other side felt selfish for wanting to stay with Ichigo, that one boy who changed his attitude about relationships. He wondered how his mother, a member of the Nervii tribe, was able to adapt to living with his father's people. Would he able to do the same? Giving up his heritage to live among the Romans?
Grimmjow sighed, sitting on his bed and hunching over his lap, as he lazily munched on his food. If he decided to stay this long, then he would have to understand more about the Roman way of life.
(Blood and Sand)
Horn blared among the cheering sounds of the audience, as the first game of Augustalia was commencing. It was mid-morning, but almost everybody was present in the pulvinus. The top officials of Rome were mingling about before the first match, as they weren't seated yet. Many of them were senators and a few were magistrates, but Ichigo was an exception as he was the master of the champion after all. Fiddling in his pure white toga, he stared at the sand that had yet to be blessed with the blood of the fighters.
For over the past week, he had been feeling concerned about Grimmjow. The Gaul had tried not to touch the subject of being freed as he was training feverishly for this day. But he knew that he was just as nervous, when Grimmjow was frowning uncomfortably as they left the house. He glanced ahead at another pulvinus across the arena, specifically more decorated with purple and gold silk, with over a half a dozen adorned chairs for the emperor and his familly. Before, it was rarely used except for the more important festivals and holidays, so it would be a spectacular event for the Roman people to see the leader in their own eyes.
".... Are you feeling all right, Ichigo?" Rukia asked him, taking him back to reality as he glanced at his friend. Strings of gold and amethyst pinned in her hair and her lavender stola swayed in the cool breeze, as she blinked at him.
"I couldn't help being nervous about today, Rukia," sighed Ichigo. "I was just wondering how Grimmjow will fare in the final fight. I could tell he was just as anxious this morning."
"You don't have to worry so much. Renji had fought for the emperor before, so it shouldn't be that big of a deal," she assured him with a smile. "Why do you say that, you're worried that with a personality like his he might mess up, right?"
"Heh, I think it's nothing like that," Ichigo smiled a little, shaking his head as he moved away from the railings. He glanced at the higher nobles conversing with one another, some of them he recognized other than Aizen. One, with wavy dark copper ponytail, playfully flirted with his otherwise frowning slave who was serving him wine. Another nearby was pale-skinned with long hair matching his white toga, sitting underneath the shade and ignoring his two slaves who was bickering for his attention. But the man's wife, with her silky black hair plaited with gem and clad in a conservative bluish-grey stola, talking quietly to him about mudane things while smiling gently.
He noticed Aizen talking with another senator when he realized something. It had been well over a month, he believed, since he had last seen Ginjou but he didn't feel worry about it. Either he was too stubborn to admit his mistakes and show his face or his uncle forbid him to the games. The teen didn't care, the game was about to start in a few moments as he moved to take his seat alongside his father. Maybe Ginjou had to go to assess on a Roman province or something, maybe that was why he hadn't seen him. The farther the better, he thought.
".... Oh, so you've came, just before the emperor's arrival," muttered Aizen, his voice caught Ichigo's ears and the teen curiously glanced over his shoulder. But the sight of what he saw nearly made him flinch in shock as his brown eyes widened.
It was Ginjou, dressed in his crimson army attire, lazily entering the area to greet his uncle The man didn't seem to notice Ichigo nearby, or rather, didn't want to notice him at all. It was as if just taking a glance at him would result in trouble for him. Behind him was Tsukishima, who seemed distant as he didn't acknowledge anyone in the pulvinus with his dull blank eyes. "Of course, Uncle.... I know that this is a very important event and I dare not to miss it," muttered Ginjou with a subdued tone, which surprised Ichigo. Every other day, the army commander would talk back at his relative over remedial subjects. But whatever had happened, it seemed that Aizen had finally tightened his leash on him.
"Well, that's good to know...." nodded Aizen. "You've already met Ukitake and Kyouraku, no....? I suggest that you go over there and talk to them about...." Ichigo couldn't hear out the rest of the words when the senator decided to whisper to his nephew, probably about something important before Ginjou nodded and moved to talk to the higher-ranked magistrates. Again, he didn't make notion of looking at Ichigo, who slightly bristled at the sight of him. The teen frowned as he turned his eyes back to the sands. He wondered if Grimmjow would notice the one man who took away his life from Gaul, but he was more worried about his fighter's performance in front of the emperor.
The horns blared again, louder this time to signify the arrival of the Roman leader, catching the other attentions of the audience. Ichigo glanced up to see a regally-dressed family arriving in the decorated pulvinus. He saw the middle-aged man stepping forward to the railings, draped in a rich purple-colored toga and upon his head was a golden laurel wreath-- a crown of victory to the Roman people.
It was the emperor, who rose his hand to wave at the cheering crowd while sporting a stiff but stoic face. Ichigo had seen him plenty of times before, but it never ceased to amaze him as he watched with widened eyes. Now he wondered how Grimmjow will deal with seeing the one who controls an entire empire.
Meanwhile, bold cyan eyes stared at the decorated pulvinus, watching the man called the emperor waving to his people. Even through the iron gate, he could tell, and he wondered if he was emperor for long judging by his age. He also wondered if this leader is the who decides the outcome of battles, whether or not the victor could kill the defeated. He had only let one live before, but that fighter was too weak to consider killing. He only wanted to take on real challenges, as he moved away from the gate. He was only half-dressed in his armor, with iron-plated greaves around his legs and a large belt to protect his stomach.
He wasn't at all interested in the first matches now that he was in the primus, but noticed the new gladiator prepping up for the afternoon fights. Mostly because of Renji's old friend Shuuhei was around to help them, as he saw him doing so in the barracks. "Hey Grimmjow.... you're freaking out already?" smirked Renji when he walked by and the Gaul scoffed at him.
"Should I be afraid of fighting in front of this emperor guy?" he asked.
"No, but that's a good thing," nodded Renji. "He's only been the leader for a couple of years, but if it had been the former one.... that would've been scary."
"Really now?" questioned Grimmjow with a raised eyebrow.
"The last one was the current emperor's nephew, and let's just say he became mad with power and bloodust," Renji replied with a light frown. "It's easy to talk about it now that he's dead, but it was rather tense under his rule. I once fought in the arena for him, and even I was fearful of him."
"So do I need to fear this one, Renji?"
"No, he's a decent man but you need to respect him," he assured him. "Especially since you're the champion and you must do your best." Grimmjow smirked a bit at that and nodded, moving to sit on a bench. "So.... you haven't told me about your intimacy with Ichigo, about what was it like for the first time," grinned Renji.
"Ugh.... you're weird, Renji," scoffed Grimmjow. "I don't ask you about your fuck tales with your master, so don't ask about mine."
"Come on, I'm only curious," he joked, nudging at his shoulder. "Fine.... you don't have to tell me, but I'm glad you finally got it over it."
".... It wasn't like we waited forever, it was only a couple of weeks."
"Yeah, I know."
(Blood and Sand)
Several matches came and went, but Ichigo was barely paying attention to them as his guards were constantly up. Ginjou was practically sitting in front of him, almost adjacently by two seats. His eyes kept flickering at him but the older man had never acknowledged him since being here. A part of him was glad that Ginjou didn't try to bother him but he also wondered why he was invisible to the army commander now. The last time they had seen each other, Ginjou threatened to rape or even kill him if the teen didn't bend into his will. He was even close to harming Grimmjow if Aizen hadn't stopped him in time.
But right now, Ginjou was merely watching the game, seemingly bored as he was a little slouchful in his seat. Not only that, he appeared reluctantly sober as Ichigo had seen him drinking only water so far. What had happened in the past month that Ginjou was so subdued that he couldn't act boastful or arrogant like before? He turned his attention back to the arena then to the sky, where the color of light blue was quickly darkening to pale violet of the evening. Only five or six more games to go, with Grimmjow coming out at last to hold down his glory as usual.
".... Ichigo, you're worried about Grimmjow, right?" questioned Isshin, and Ichigo glanced up at him.
"A little, Father...." he sighed.
"Well, I can't wait to see him in action," his father grinned lightly. "It's been a while since we've seen his first fight, and now he's fighting in the primus for the emperor. Who knows the reputation he could bring us, should he win....?"
"Yeah, that's true," he nodded, managing to put up a small smile. "He had accomplished so much in such a little time...." That much was true with the gladiator training, but he was also thinking about another thing. Grimmjow was willing to stay if needed, and he would do it for him. His face tingled at that, even though it sounded selfish to keep him here. He would want Grimmjow to go back to his homeland and to his family. But he wasn't sure about either one, as he waited for the next battles to go through.
Ginjou, however, was loathing every second of the event but keeping a neutral expression as he absentmindedly tapping his fingers against his cup of plain water. He was only drinking it to please his nagging uncle, as he wasn't allowed to drink wine as requested. But was only to annoy him further, as he internally glowered. And it didn't help that Ichigo was behind him, he knew that but he must ignore him. But he really wished that he could talk to him, even though Ichigo was truly apprehensive of his presence. And he was even more contempt of having to wait to see Grimmjow fighting in the primus, even though the people of Rome and even the emperor were anticipating for the Gaul.
Sitting next to him was Aizen, who took his eyes off the arena to glance at him with a knowing frown. "Well.... what have they said, about your job?" he questioned quietly, narrowing his bronze eyes. Ginjou just sighed, merely looking ahead as he took a shallow gulp of water.
"I must do a military campaign to ensure my entitlement for the next year," he muttered. "But to do so.... I have to leave Rome by the end of the year. That is, if they cannot find another candidate for the praetorship by then."
"Hmm, I suppose you're right.... We have plenty of military members of good rank but they're not up to standard of gaining the title," remarked Aizen, though a faint hint of disappointment was evident in his voice. "I guess until they find a suitable man for the job, you might stay as a praetor for another year unless otherwise."
Ginjou blinked at that before a grin threatened to creep at his lips. So he wouldn't have to worry about his term ending so soon. He could have a second year, as long as he needed to do a campaign. Meaning, he would have a chance to take down that smirking disrespectful Gaul, as he sat up straight.
"That's great to hear, Uncle...." he said, with a small smirk.
(Blood and sand)
"Um.... Grimmjow." Grimmjow turned to notice Shuuhei rushing up to him, with a sheepish grin on his face. "You forgot this, of course," he said, holding up the shiny fish-finned helmet. The Gaul, finally armored with his weapons in his hands, blinked in realization and smirked.
"Oh yeah, thanks," he nodded as he took it. "How's Renji doing? He took a nasty beating earlier against that Thraex fucker."
"He's all right, but he might have to rest for a few days," sighed Shuuhei before frowning sadly. "But compared to my master's fighters, he's really better off...." Grimmjow looked at his disappointed expression and frowned at bit, the other man didn't seem happy about being here.
".... If you dislike the sight of blood and death, then why're you here? Certainly not because of your relationship to that scary-looking guy Renji was talking about," huffed Grimmjow as he put on his helmet. Shuuhei blinked at him but grinned lightly as he shook his head.
"Well, we can't exactly avoid it, it's the part of life," he shrugged. "Just living in the ludus seems to multiply it, with three or four of our men dying in each gladiator game. It's hard to get to know them, when you're afraid of seeing them for the last time. But I believe that's what keeping the stronger to win. I mean.... feeling a little afraid of losing, but also of losing the one you care about, you know." Grimmjow blinked at that, and he thought about it. In the first few fights he had, he was mostly fueled by the grudge against Ginjou. But since being a champion, he had been feeling rather concerned about Ichigo's well-being should he lose or even die.
He doesn't want to die. He had already nearly died months before, and he believed the gods had let him live for a purpose. And now he wondered if this purpose involves fighting in the arena, for his sake as well as Ichigo's. He would want to keep on fighting if possible, in order to save his friend as well as keeping his relationship with Ichigo going. After all, the teen had mentioned that Diroy might have to stay in Rome for a long time and he wanted to keep an eye on him.
".... They're starting," Shuuhei remarked, as the horns blared loudly, catching Grimmjow's attention. "Good luck on your fight, Grimmjow. I'm sure you won't lose, despite of what Kensei thinks of you. He actually thinks of you as an arrogant idiot who jests around in the arena."
"Heh, good to know," smirked Grimmjow just before the iron gate opened, and he stepped out to the blood splattered sand. As usual, the overly excited audience cheered on his name as a gladiator. He grinned and cackled, a sense of anxiety and wariness had forgotten for the moment as he peered around. But when he glanced up to the pulvinus, his predatory eyes narrowed in surprise at the sight of Ginjou in the front row, and in turn the army commander glowered back at him. He then turned his eyes to the one behind and he grinned again when Ichigo smiled, his need to win swelled now that the teen was here.
He turned around to see the other pulvinus and he blinked at the sight of the decadently dressed man called emperor, who gazed down on him with interest. That was what he was to him, as Bestia the Champion. But not Grimmjow the Warrior, but that didn't really bother him. Right now he wished to fight his latest opponent, whoever he was. When the other gate finally opened, he turned to face the fighter coming out and his grin widened at the sight of him.
It was a challenge indeed, it was a Murmillo-type fighter like him but he was a bit different. Where he had bright blue plume decorated in his helmet, this one had red feathers. However, the opponent's armors seemed to be more for show with tiger pelt cloaking around his shoulders. "Heh.... I hope this one's better than he looks," he chuckled. But the other Murmillo didn't charge right at him when he stared at him, rather he calmly walked to the center of the arena. Grimmjow quirked an eyebrow, but followed suit, remembering what Ichigo had adviced him. The other man turned to face the emperor, and bowed his head with dignity.
"I, who is about to die, salute you, Great Emperor!" he called out. Grimmjow frowned at the pledge but he knew he had no choice in a matter despite of his rather rebellious attitude. He turned to the leader of the Romans and also bowed his head, when a devious idea popped up in his mind. He grinned smugly, even though he might get into trouble afterwards.
"I.... who will not die, salute you, Great Emperor!" he smirked. His boastful voice echoed to everbody's ears, emitting some surprised gasps among the nobles. Ichigo felt his jaw dropped in total shock with his eyes widened to their extent, how could Grimmjow say something so cocky? Well, he should have expected that but still....
"Wow, sounds pretty gutsy to proclaim such a thing," remarked the brunet magistrate named Kyouraku with a small smile.
"It makes me wonder whether he's being brave or rather ignorant of this important event," Ukitake mused lightly with interest, while his wife giggled softly. It didn't sound like they were making fun of Grimmjow to Ichigo's ears, but the teen frowned just the same. Even before the highest man of this society, Grimmjow would find a way to act overly confident.
"Well.... we should have expected this out of the Gaul, anyway," nodded Aizen, glancing up at Ichigo. "But I'm sure that he will win this battle, as he had with his past victories."
"Yes, that's good to know," Ichigo shrugged. Ginjou ignored all of the talking, as he mentally sulked at the sight of the Gaul. Leaving a very disrespectful impression against the emperor, and yet the other nobles saw it as a joke. Maybe the emperor would see his attitude as a sign of defiance and wouldn't hesitate to kill him on sight, champion or not. But nothing happened, as Grimmjow and the other Murmillo faced each other. They were almost an exact height but the man was slightly more bulky, so he might be stronger than the Gaul.
But Grimmjow grinned, he couldn't underestimate his opponent but he won't let his guard down either. ".... Begin!" called out the announcer.
Within a second, Grimmjow stepped back from the Murmillo's heavy swing, and again but blocking it with his blue shield this time. He could feel the strength definitely, but he flashed his white teeth as he dodged another blow. He must figure out a way to read out the other's weaknesses soon so he could take it to his advantages. "Hahh...!" he growled as he countered, watching the Murmillo moving to parry. The bulky man listed his shield away to strike, Grimmjow observed, leaving a slight opening.
But an opening nonetheless, before Grimmjow moved to strike again. This time, the Murmillo blocked but left his bare shoulder for another opening. This was interesting, he had thought this type of fighters were very rare and not many had fought up to this level. "Guh! Shit....!" gritted Grimmjow, when he felt another force of strength behind his shield from the sword attack. But when he then tried to step back, the Murmillo followed after him with another swing. "Fuck....!" he gritted, blocking again.
This guy was no joke, he wasn't giving the Gaul space to counterattack despite of the slow start. He was thinking, if the man was heavier then he might be slower if given enough distance. Taking the chance, Grimmjow suddenly ran off, seeing that he was right when the opponent was too slow to react. But the real challenge was how to draw the first blood. He needed to take out the shield first, seeing that it was an useless burden. "Grhh...." he growled lowly, before running off to the Murmillo's left. His sharp eyes saw the man moving his shield to block himself, he grinned underneath his helmet.
"Gotcha....!" he sneered before twisting to the right, ducking down to slash at one of the legs. The crowd cheered as they saw the dark crimson liqud spewing out, before Grimmjow jumped back from the other Murmillo's swing. The wound was deep enough to slow him down further, but the Gaul wanted to prolong the battle as much as possible, merely just to entertain the emperor.
"He's drawn first blood, as expected," remarked Aizen at the sight, while his nephew's frown deepened. Ichigo, however, smiled at the turn of event and clasped his hands together. He knew that Grimmjow wouldn't make the final strike so soon without reading out the moves first.
"Yes.... you can do this, Grimmjow...." he smiled.
"Hah! Not so tough now aren't you....?" sneered Grimmjow. He was right of hitting him in the leg at the last second, now the other Murmillo fighter was staggering forward with a heated glare in his eyes. That was the look he was waiting for, the sense of kill was rolling off of him. "That's it.... that's what I fucking want outta you," he growled.
"Tch, you fucking Gaul....!" snarled the opponent before charging at him. The weakness in his leg made him falter, and Grimmjow immediately made his move.
"Yahh....!" he snarled and swung his sword to parry. The Murmillo stumbled back but quickly regained his balance to try to counterattack. But Grimmjow was quicker and parried again, gritting his teeth as he stood his ground against the other's strength. "Guh....!" he grunted, when he felt himself being pushed behind his shield, his feet digging deep into the blood-drenched sand.
The man was trying to push him to the ground to leave him vulnerable, Grimmjow realized. He pushed back before jumping away from the attack, again giving himself some distance as he observed for any opening. Growling, he quickly paced around him to aim at his back sparsely protected by the pelt. The man didn't have time to turn before another slash erupted and he yelled out in pain. Again the wound was shallow, but the audience didn't seem to care as they cheered for more blood.
Grimmjow smirked and peered up at the nobles' pulvinus, feeling gleeful at the sight of Ichigo's cheerful expression. And he felt even more smug as he glared at Ginjou's disgruntled demeanor. Him winning this battle would surely leave a bruise in the army commander's already humiliated ego. His thoughts were cut out when the other Murmillo attempted to swing his sword at him. Grimmjow stepped back with a parry, before tossing his shield away as he had no need for it. "Hah!" he sneered, before moving for a counterstrike.
"Wow, it looks like Grimmjow's gaining the upper hand in this battle, Brother....!" smiled Rukia, though Byakuya merely nodded in agreement.
"He's only delaying the inevitable to appease the people, Rukia," he pointed. "Killing him quick would be rather disappointing." Meanwhile, Ichigo watched as Grimmjow danced around the opponent's blade. The Gaul was strong, he wouldn't go down so easily. He had defeated beasts, several men, and a giant at that. He had already accomplished so much in very little time, and was already a champion when it would have taken years to do so.
But.... deep down, he was still apprehensive of what was coming afterwards. Very often the emperor would greet the winner and grant them freedom. But both he nad Grimmjow wouldn't want that to happen, as Grimmjow swung his sword at the Murmillo. The opponent was slowing down but was still fighting as he sluggishly parried, though the blunet was now overpowering him.
"You're holding your hold.... that's good to know," he grinned. "But I really don't have to kill you, unless you put me in a corner or something."
"Tch, shut your mouth!" gritted the Murmillo, before charging at him. Grimmjow smirked and braced himself for the next attack. But he had forgotten that the man was still holding his shield, as he suddenly felt himself being pushed by it. The abrupt force of it knocked his helmet askew, and he stumbled back.
"Shit.... sneaky little fucker," snarled Grimmjow, deciding to take off the heavy thing anyway. "Maybe I will kill you anyway...." Licking the fresh blood off his cut lip, he decided to get rid of the nuisance once and for all. He paced around him, hoping to catching him off-guard. But the opponent was proving to be a challenge despite of his injury, as the Murmillo turned to block him. "Shit....!" he growled the moment the blade hacked into the wood but he jumped back when the other man tried to counterattack.
The sudden turn of event made Ginjou smirk a bit. Maybe the Gaul will be put down like a dog, and all of his problems would be over. ".... I don't see why you're smiling, Kuugo, when the battle's not over yet," muttered Aizen, and his nephew instantly frowned.
"You know of my dislike of that Gaul, Uncle, and you should know that I wish for his death," he frowned. "Why do you care? What makes him so special in your opinion?"
"If it was any other slave, I really could care less," he replied. "But, considering his defiance against someone like you, I simply found him interesting. And with him keep winning through every battle, it seems to infuriate you further." Ginjou clenched his jaw but said nothing, exhaling loudly as he avoided his gaze. "You know that I'm right.... You abuse your powers as a praetor and people fear you for that. But he is different from the rest, and you find that irritating just because he went against you."
".... He's not the only one," he grumbled, his narrowed eyes attempting to look at Ichigo.
The teen watched with concern, it appeared that it was a standstill as Grimmjow snarled under his breath and paced around his opponent. He could see that the Murmillo was giving Grimmjow a hard time, and he frowned. He doesn't want him to lose like this, the blue-haired warrior had taken on opponents stronger than this.
"Grimmjow...." he mumbled softly with worry.
Back in the sands, Grimmjow gritted his teeth and snarled as he felt his blade scraping sharply against the other in another stalemate. He backed off and licked a trail of blood trickling from another cut on his lips. "Hmm.... You're really one tough fucker," he growled lowly. "But.... if I can kill a fucking giant, I'm sure as hell that I can defeat you...."
He could hear the other Murmillo chuckling smugly behind his helmet, and yet he couldn't help but sneer back as he laughed as well. This other man was just as cocky as he was, that was what he found interesting. But he must win this, as he twirled his sword in his hand before gripping it tightly. His eyes flickered for any opening before smirking lightly. Might as well take a risk, as he suddenly charged at him but this time, moving to the Murmillo's offensive side. He expected it, the moment his opponent lifted his sword in order to strike.
"Hahh!" he sneered. He quickly spun on his heels and counterattacked, slashing at the bare side. The people of Rome cheered wildly now that more blood spewed out to the air. The opposing Murmillo staggered forward with a painful snarl, the slash was deep enough to even the vital organs to seep out as he dropped his shield to hold his side. "Hah.... hahh.... fucking finally!" smirked Grimmjow before kicking him down. The man was now practically incapacitated, as he then stomped down harshly on his fist gripping the sword, cracking and breaking the bones.
Though the man was still alive, clearly by his barely concealed scream, the Gaul wondered if he should leave him alive as he leaned down to rip off the Murmillo's helmet. The neck and the head was now exposed, as he then glanced up at the pulvinus reserved for the nobles. Ichigo seemed happy that he had won, and he noticed some of the upper-class who looked amazed by the victory. But he smirked when he saw Ginjou silently glowering with his arms crossed. Once again, he had made a fool out of the army commander.
He soon turned his sight on the emperor, who gracefully stood up. "Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill...!" the Romans were chanting already as their leader held out his hand with a light fist. Even if the opponent would be left alive, he could no longer fight due to the injuries. But it didn't seem to be the case.... as the emperor sent a thumbs-down and the crowd erupted into a cheer. Grimmjow blinked at that, that signal probably meant that he could finish him off judging from the reaction. He grinned to reveal the infamous sharp white teeth, before glaring down on the defeated warrior. He grabbed at the man's thick hair and pulled his head up, revealing the bare neck.
"Sorry about this.... but I won...." he muttered, holding his blade high.
SHUNK!
Grimmjow grunted when the blade came down against the neck, but the muscles were so thick that the blade didn't go through. But the man was immediately choking as copious amount of blood gushed out of his mouth as well as from the wound, before he tried it again. The sounds of bone cracking and snapping and flesh being chopped was echoed into the air, people poor andd rich alike watched as the perceived savage kept hacking, with bits of blood spraying across his face.
"Fucking shit....!" he snarled finally in triumph, with one more swing he chopped of the head from the already dead body. The primal beast within him was taking over him, he had forgotten about how much he was good at 'head hunting' as he grinned. He glanced up when he heard the crowd roared, before he noticed the emperor and his family leaving their seats. His smile soon faded in confusion when he then saw over a dozen army guards jogging out to the field and surrounding him. Had he done something wrong....?
The crowd cheered once more before the guards suddenly into a straight formation on either side of Grimmjow with their heads bowed. The Gaul looked up and blinked in total surprise; it was the leader of the entire Roman Empire, calmly treading across the sand towards him. Anxiety seemed to fall in the entire arena, as everybody went silent at the scene before them. Even Ichigo, whose widened eyes watched as his hands twisting at his toga but nobody seemed to notice. But Ginjou's eyes narrowed in confusion, he certainly couldn't believe that the emperor would promise the barbarian freedom after a few months of fighting.
As the member of the army, he should go down there but it might cause problems on his part plus he could feel his uncle's eyes flickering on him. But it didn't matter, as Grimmjow inhaled calmly the moment the emperor stopped within a fair distance, waiting for the man to speak. ".... What is your name, Murmillo?" he muttered softly, as Grimmjow blinked at the regal yet stoic demeanor.
".... I am called Bestia, 'The Beast'," he answered, in a calm and even tone. There was no need to sound so hostile or arrogant against the one who controls countries especially his homeland.
"No, I mean.... do you have a birth name, before you became a slave?" rephrased the emperor, and Grimmjow blinked at the question but he nodded.
"I am Grimmjow.... son of Criturix, late chieftain of the Viromandui tribe, and I was in line of becoming one as well," he stated affirmatively. It was pointless to keep his nobility a secret anymore, as the leader slightly rose an eyebrow and his lips tightened at the revelation.
"So far north of Gaul.... how did you end up here?" That question made Grimmjow frown, wondering if he should point the blame to Ginjou. Surely that could cause the army commander to lose his title and possibly get punished for such a scandal, but then the blunet wouldn't get a chance to exact his revenge on him for murdering his friends.
"I was hunting with my men in late winter, when the Roman army accused us of trespassing.... even though it was the hunting ground of our tribe," he spoke with partial truth. "When we tried to demand why, they attacked us, killing my men and injuring me before sending me to slavery," he added, his bloodied hand patting at the large scar on his chest. "I may be considered 'barbaric' in your eyes, but I really am a noble warrior who would do anything to protect his people. That is all I am good for, fighting and killing by absolutely necessary.... but I suppose that mind-set caused my demise now." The emperor seemingly nodded at his answer, fixing up his purple toga.
"Do you wish to be a free man....?" he questioned quietly.
".... No, at least not yet," Grimmjow honestly replied, and for once the emperor blinked in surprise at that. "I may be a slave now, but I actually chose to become a gladiator. It was the only way to get my obligations across. I am sorry but I can't really explain what my obligations are...."
"I see...." sighed the Roman leader, before turning to a nearby guard and mumbled something to him. ".... I admire your fighting skills as well as your fascinating honesty," he said, glancing back at him. "You and your master deserve a substantial reward, hopefully to keep you elevated as the champion. In all honesty, I wouldn't want you to be freed until you fight in the arena for another two or three years. As a matter of fact.... after this festival, the gladiator games are actually done for the rest of the year. Surely you can find a way to appease your master. Are you all right with that?"
Grimmjow's expression was practically neutral, but he was internally relieved that he could catch a breather. Not to mention that he could by Ichigo's side more often. To show his appreciation, he respectfully bowed his head before the emperor, something he would had never thought doing when being a slave at first. "I'll still train, as I am but a warrior. Nothing can change that," he replied.
"Very well, then...." nodded the emperor before turning to leave, with his guards following after him. Grimmjow felt the air rushing out of him as he exhaled deeply, tossing the decapitated head aside. That was it, he fought for the emperor and was still the champion, and will be rewarded greatly for his battle. That would mean that he could use the money to get his friend here quicker if possible. He grinned in relief, though he had only been a gladiator for little over two months he appreciated taking a break after constant training and fighting.
"Bestia....! Bestia....! Bestia....! Bestia....!" the audience chanted and cheered, unison of voices echoed with excitement and enthusiasm. The Gaul relished it, as he looked up at his master with a big smirk on his face.
"Ichigo...." he muttered, though his voice was muffled down by the roaring crowd. "I did it.... I'm staying here, for you and for me."
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Wahh, that was tiring! I meant to finish a week earlier but I was busy with normal stuff. But the good news is that I finally got the DVD of 'Spartacus: Vengeance', yays! I got all three seasons, and the final season's coming in a few months! I can't wait, I can't wait!
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