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Chapter Text

My axe left the frontal lobe of a Legionary, his limp body dropping to the floor. I turned around, hearing the screams of my people, women and children being butchered and maimed by these soldiers of the Devil. Reaching down, I picked up the machete used by the deceased and made my way to the entry to the cave. My tribe lived in caves, after all they provided much better protection from the harsh Arizona weather than the rag tag shacks that litter the wastes. I step out, the harsh Western sun hitting me like a brick. The men of my tribe fought heroically, and died the same way. I, for my tribe, am a Shieldmaiden. I rush out, leaping in the air and landing on a soldier, putting the machete into his neck and head. Another soldier comes running at me, I quickly yank the blade out and toss it at the soldier's face, who plummets to the ground. I grip my axe hard now, standing up and finding myself surrounded by them. In between the laughing bodies that encased me, I see my people being executed and the women lead away. A large man now approached, wielding a large sword. I ready myself before a whistle pierced the air, seemingly stopping the large heathen.

"Step back, Decanus." A voice rang out from the sea of men as they parted to show a soldier wearing seemingly a dogs head, or coyote "Well well well, aren't you something."

I stood before the man as the giant Decanus stepped back, respecting the Coyote killer even though he is much smaller, still larger than I however. I still kept my deathly grip on my axe, carrying a wicked anger on my face.

"You must know you are defeated, even though your determination is...admirable." He looked at me with piercing eyes, reading my every emotion "Now, drop the axe. Don't force us to give you the same fate as the other degenerates you lived with."

My face boiled with enragement, but as the surrounding enemy took a step forward. I dropped my axe, realising the desperate situation I was in

"Good. Unlike your Profligate people, you can follow orders." The man gave a sadistic smile

"Who are you...?" I stuttered

"I am Vulpes Inculta, of Caesar's Legion. I serve my master as the greatest of his Frumentarii." Vulpes looked, then turned to the men around him "Capture the women and kill the stragglers." He turns and walks towards me now "As for you..."

I reel my fist back, sending it towards the Frumentarii's face. However, I hit nothing but air and I now found myself restrained by him "This will not help your case...I am your one hope of survival." Despite his lanky look, he was incredibly strong and I realised that resistance was futile. I fell to one knee as a boot ferociously hit the hamstrings of my leg. My arm was still restrained behind me, a sharp clamp was heard as a cold metal grasp. "You are mine now. At least until we get to Caesar." I wrapped my hands around the slave shock collar which tug at my neck. Vulpes picked me up by the collar of my clothes and walked me to the Legion Caravan, taking my people to presumably our graves.

---

The heat beamed down on us as we were taken in carts through desert roads which seemingly went on for miles. Eventually before us, buildings appear in mass as the heat rises off of them. The caravan would be stopped periodically by Legionaries, only to be let past. This was the Legion capital of Flagstaff. The caravan stopped at a bunch of tents, gated off from the rest of the buildings. From here, I could see this is where they kept the slaves, I could see marks of weakness on all of them, yet they braved it. The caravans loaded off the slaves and I, to which were lined up. A Praetorian now took a clipboard and started filing off slaves into tents.

"And you..." The Praetorian looked me "You-"

"She is with me." Vulpes took the nape of my neck and firmly but lightly pushed me away from the line "Continue."

I was led through the winding streets of street markets and civilians eyeing me and Vulpes as we walked up to a large building, decorated somewhat like a palace. I was marched up the Palace steps until I arrived at a grand throne room. There stood a man with two guards aside of him, seemingly deep in thought. I was pulled down into a kneel as Vulpes said "My Lord, we have subjugated the tribe as you commanded."

"Good. We move onto the next. Well done, Vulpes." The man looked down at me "And this?"

"I wish to have her as my personal slave, a reward for my triumph, Sire." Inculta asked

"As you wish. Though I suggest you snap that look out of her eye, it fucking pisses me off." He commanded

"Right away, my Lord." Vulpes stood up and dragged me, as I loosely escaped to my feet.

Upon walking down the makeshift palace steps, I looked at Vulpes then the people at the street below, they seemingly living a normal life under the Legion, which is far different compared to the tales that I was told

"This is your new home." Vulpes professed "How rude of me, what is your name?"

I looked at him, staring with anger.

"You followed order well back there. Do not disappoint me."

"A-Amelia." I spluttered, his intimidating aura got the better of me

"Much better." Vulpes smiled as we continued walking "I have to say, you haven't disappointed me. You're just who I wanted."

"Sorry?" I replied

"You have something many other women don't or anyone for that matter, fearlessness, and also common sense...practicality."

We found ourselves outside a decently sized house, two banners of a golden bull waved in the wind

"We have much to discuss...Amelia." Vulpes smiled, menacingly

---

Chapter Text

As the door closed behind me, I was encased in the house which was by no means poor. Gathering that this slaver must have some high position with this faction, I should probably count my blessings that I'm not enslaved by some common runt, but by someone significant. It was a grand living quarters, with a large bear skin rug on the floor, different tables with different shapes, a platoon of couches in the middle, arranged in a semi-circle. There lied a coffee table, with glasses and a jug of water, neatly kept. I wouldn't think of this person to keep his house so clean with just him about, but he seems very...structured.

"Have you ever seen a place like it?" My slaver asked me from behind "It is certainly more homely than your...cave dwelling."

I turned, giving a scowl as a form of disagreement. Me and my tribe lived free, as our God's wanted us to be like.

"When we get new slaves, we often change their names to something different, to remind them that their life, is no longer theirs." Vulpes looked at me with that piercing look he has "Although I quite like your name, for the sake of blending in. I must change it, at least publicly...Any ideas?"

I stood there, keeping my stern face.

"I am not your dog, nor your...concubine. I am Amelia, that is my name." Amelia bellowed

"But you are mine...And if something is mine, I do with it as I please." Vulpes barked back, taking a step towards me

I looked around for a weapon, or something to defend myself with, my feet locking into place, as a I puffed my chest out, like a stand off between two rabid wild animals.

"You are not like the others we bring in. The ones who are broken and lost." Vulpes grinned "No...That is not the cloth from which you are cut." He took another step forward.

After all this time, I have only just realised how much he towers over me...

"Is that meant to be a compliment?" Amelia badgered

"Perhaps." He now stood less than a metre away, looking down at me with a dominate stare. "I chose you because of your...unwillingness to give in. But you will learn to respect me, through actual respect...or through fear." His tone dipped, now more serious.

His eyes, though a bright and illustrious blue, had a dark and cold inner core. I tried to remain eye contact, but once again I looked down towards his feet, then looking around at everything but him. He smiled again, like before. He knew he won, and he savoured it, much to the dismay of myself.

"Good, you're getting there. Your name will be Juno, like our Goddess. Do you know of her?" Vulpes questioned

Still looking down, I shook my head. I dread to think I'll have to believe their religion too...

"She is the Goddess of Marriage and Love. She is the Queen of the Gods, wife to Jupiter and the patron Goddess of Rome. I think it is fitting for you, she too is a strong character."

"Are you my Jupiter then?" Amelia scowled, somewhat being sarcastic

"Perhaps." He smiled, though it wasn't a smile of kindness. More of an egotistical, all-knowing one. As if he knows something I do not. "Most of our Slaves get given rags to wear, but since you are mine, it's perhaps best to let people know that you are. So the other Legionaries...don't get any ideas." His voice growled, almost like a hiss. Either way, it sounded seductive and Amelia hated that it does, but loved it at the same time though she would never admit it.

Vulpes walked over to a wardrobe, grand in it's stature, at the opposite side of the room. He had a vast array of different outfits, from suits, to armour and everything in between. He took out an outfit, quite stylish however painted with the big X on the back of it, the mark of every slave in the Legion. It seems I cannot escape my fate.

"Here. Try it." He lays it out in front of me

I picked it up, giving a quick examination. It is far better than what the others wear, I shouldn't complain...

"Where can I change then..." I questioned, clearly not sounded impressed

"Right here, it won't take you 5 minutes." Vulpes cocked his head up, and gave another wicked smile

"I...err..." I stumbled my words "At least turn around...?"

Vulpes rolled his eyes and turned around. I slowly took off my tribal attire, however keeping the symbol of my religion on, which was tied around a chain that hung on my neck. I looked down, grabbing the clothes and began putting it on. Once done, I looked back up, seeing him with his head turned to the side. I rolled my eyes, putting my hands on my hips

"Happy now?" I sassed

"Oh yes certainly. I certainly picked...the best of the bunch." Vulpes looked at me up and down, I used my arms to cover my chest as I stood awkwardly. He's the only person to make me feel so awkward... "Now, I have goods outside I need you to bring back in. I have to go and meet with Caesar and my other...equals..." He hissed at that word "Make yourself useful in the meantime..." He walked past me, still looming over me as he walked.

As he left, I looked around his abode more. He seemingly took care of it well enough himself, unless he had someone else like me to do his bidding and I was their replacement. Which was probably the case. Large banners, two on each side of the large living quarters hung, the ones dotted about the city. Red like blood, supporting the Golden Bull in the middle, a symbol of tyranny to some and safety to others. I turned, looking at a door in the corner of the room. I walked over slowly, opening it and looking inside. Inside was a vast array of different weapons, from small daggers to large hammers, sword, rifles and what not. I widened my eyes and I stepped in, looking about. "Just in case," I took a knife from the top of the drawer, sliding it into my clothing so that it remained hidden. I now walked out of the room, then to the front door of Vulpes' house. The sun gleamed down, letting her realise she's still in the Arizonian Desert. I turned, seeing the shipment of whatever was inside there, like Vulpes said. I walked over it, looking around, as I turned a corner to see the full shipment, I suddenly bumped into two Legionaries.

"Watch it, woman." One looked down, scowling

The other grabbed the machete to his side

"Or what?" I challenged

"You little bitch."

He reeled his fist and tossed it towards my face, leaning down and letting his fist miss my head, I now struck up and hitting his jaw with an uppercut. The Legionary stumbled back. I turned to the other, kicking him right in the chest. Then grabbing the nape of his neck, slamming a knee into his nose. More Legionaries came, as well as a larger man which towered above him. A legionary called for my death but the larger man stopped him. "Leave the Slave to me! She belongs in the Arena." I cocked my head in confusion, as 3 Legionaries ran and grabbed me. I tried to resist but I could not. And yet, I welcome the challenge of this...arena.

---

Being kept in some dark cellar amongst other slaves and prisoners, my heart raced with the anticipation of being sent out. In this time of need, I didn't look for family or friends, or my Gods for that matter but for Vulpes. He was right. He was my one shot at staying alive. A Legionary walked up, swinging a set of keys. "You're next." He opened the cell door and took me out by my shoulder. I walked with my head held high, I cannot show weakness now.

"Well. This is less like a fight and more like an execution. You'll be facing 3 Veteran Legionaries, some of the best the Legion has to offer up. You'll need more than luck, woman." The Legionary handed me a sword "Go on." I now walked slowly, clutching my sword. I was raised in my tribe as a Shieldmaiden, I know how to fight and I know war. As I left the tunnel, I see the three twirling their swords around, beckoning the crowd for cheers. I now stood there, assuming the stance I was taught since a young girl. One of them dragged their sword through the sand, then brought it up near them "Let's end this quick." He growled at me I smiled, nodding and beckoning him to strike, which somewhat angered him. He lunged at me, raising my sword I clashed with his. Realising the strength he was putting down onto my sword and me, I now stepped back, the sword missing me and hitting the ground. I now swung my sword down, cutting his head clean off as his body dropped clumsily to the floor. I flicked my sword, letting the blood hit the ground. I smiled with droplets of blood streaming down my face. The other two now attacked in unison. I moved my hand and sword like water, flowing one block to another as their steel could not graze me. Sidestepping, letting one miss. I now swung my sword backwards, blocking an attack and booting the Legionary who missed on the ground. I now ducked, spinning on my heel as I did, whipping my sword around as I slashed his stomach region, blood spurting everywhere as the crowd gasped and applauded. The Legionary held his mighty gash and collapsed like a plank, choking on his own blood as I turned to the other one. He got up, grabbed his sword and jumped at me. A great battle ensued as steel hit steel. I blocked a strike that went high, the Legionary throw his foot into me, sending me against the side of the Arena and sitting me down. Still gripping my sword, I pressed it forward as he raised his sword to end me. A gurgling sound was heard as my sword plunged deep in his abdomen. His sword dropped next to my leg and he held his wound, dropped to his knees, curling up and dying right there. Blood replaced my white skin as I looked about at the crowd, laughing and screaming in ardent glory

"Vet du ikke hvem eg er!? Du kan ikke drepe meg! Vet du ikke hven eg er!? Eg er Amelia Ironside! Eg er Juno Ironside! Du kan ikke drepe meg!" I screamed, cackling like a banshee. The crowd fell silent as I spat blood from my mouth, letting it hit the corpse in front of me.

Emerging from the crowd was 2 men, a man with a longer beard and hair and Vulpes Inculta, who carried that same smile as before...