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Chapter Text

The morning sun broke through the dence cannopy of the forest, dappling the floor with golden specks of light. Sturdy homes made out of mudbrick and wood standing solomnly in the man-made clearing. The songs of Sparrow and Blackbird filling the chill air as the village slowly awoke. 

Aeđic sat outside his home with his mother as she mended his torn clothing, knees tucked close to his chest as he silently watched adults start their work and kids play freely. "Deu a chwyr o ni! (come play with us!) " One of the kids jestured for him to come over and join their game. Aeđic smiled, eager to join he began to stand up "Ny (no) " His mother responded bluntly, not even looking up from her work as she pulled him back to her side.  " Aeđic yw yn trwble, Nac yw ef yn gallu chwarae. (Aeđic is in trouble, He isn't alloud to play.) "  He huffed in protest of his mothers words but she payed no mind to his pouting "Poy nyyy?! (why nottt?!) " Aeđic whinged " Tú rupti dy unic da gwiad coltho, mab (You wrecked your only good pair of clothes, boy) " His mother let out an exhausted sigh as she set her work on her lap "ugh" He grumbled, pulling his legs back up too his chest. "Dios.... (sorry....) " Aeđic appologised to the kid that had offered him to join " Haha! Ite yn ges! (It's okay!) " She responded before running off to re-join the group. 

He picked at the grass around his feet, stubbornly mumbling curses about his 'unfair' punishment as the morning dragged on. Aeđic knew that his father wouldn't punish him this way. He'd let him go play with the others. But he was away right now, fighting against the strangers who'd come on large boats. Maybe when he'd come home tommorow, Aeđic's father could convince his mother to let him go play. 

But that wouldn't happen. 

"Map, gower dyb gwenyn as rhagor o lein o Catia (Son, please fetch me a some extra thread from Catia) " she looked over her half finished mend at Aeđic as he huffily raked his fingers through the packed dirt under his feet, turning it into something almost akin to mud. "Ynn ggess... (Okkaayy...) " Aeđic mumbled getting to his feet "Meur ras (Thank you) " she smiled before turning back to her work. He smiled faintly back at her before going to fetch the string. 

As he traversed between each rounded house, he pondered to himself. Perhapse he could sneak away now to go play with the others (that is, if they where still playing). Yes, that might work! But...where had the others moved to play? Maybe the creek nearby? Aeđic paused for a second, crossing his arms over his chest as he thought for a moment. He'd have to get back to his mother before she'd notice that he had gone off to play ASWELL as bringing back the string his mother needed. Could Aeđic do that? Acording to him, yes.

Silently, he took a purpousfull wrong turn, slinking off into the woods in search for his friends. "llllānooo??? (hhhhellooo???) " Aeđic called out for the other kids as he wondered amoungst mossy, towering trees, sturdy and strong as they arched above him. But the only sound that greated him was the sound of crunching leaves under foot and the growing sound of the babbling creek "hmph " he huffed, making a turn as he came to the rocky shore of the creek. No one. It was silent. Just the sound of the rushing water. Aeđic felt his mouth tug into a frown, his long hair being swept out of his face by the wind. 

Why was today so unlucky? It was so unfair. Why was the only time he could play was the time that everyone else was at home resting? Maybe he was over reacting- 

He gritted his teeth, picking up a smoothed stone from the shore, clenching it in his fist before hurling it into the river with a CLACK! as it slammed against the stones in the riverbed, his fingers stinging at the force he put into his throw. 

"l-lāno...? (h-hello...?) " A weak voice murmured, accompanied by the rustling of leaves as they moved.

Aeđic jumped in surprise, taking a frightened and embaressed step back "P-peth yw yma? (W-who's there?) " he struggled to rip a branch off of the tree behind him for a few seconds before success, holding it out infront of himself deffencivly. A figure moved from out behind a dence patch of undergrowth, bleeding from his arms and legs, his hair looked a little matted and his eyes had dark bags under them. But...he recognised them. It was one of the men that had gone to fight with Aeđic's father. He gasped in serprise and fear "D-Dias? " "Me-yn gwenna....dos d'yn llain. (I-I have news....take me to the village) " He interupted, spluttering into a caugh after he finished his sentence. A little dazed, Aeđic nodded, quickly getting to the mans side and helping him as best as his little body could. 

Adventualy, the pair broke the tree-line, walking out into the village "Aydh! Un dén aydh! (Help! someone get help!) " Aeđic yelled, grabbing the attention of some passers by who gasped in horror and decided to aid them, taking the injured man in their arms. Aeđic knew that they where probably taking him to the village healer, but he wanted to hear the message that Dias had brought so he ran after the three of them. As he followed, he could hear the mans protests against being taken to be healed, he could hear his pleas to tell his news to the villagers. The two people that where carrying Dias looked at eachother nervously before the taller one sighed "Gwaith...ni a yni di porth mach- (Fine...we'll take you to the village center-) " the shorter one muttered "Meur ras... (Thank you...) " Dias caughed again, causing the taller one to flinch a little. 

A tingle of pain jolted through his palm...

As they walked, Aeđic heard more people gasp and yelp as they walked past and a few even following them like Aeđic was doing right now. Comotion was stirring. Curriosity brewing. 

When they arrived at the village center, they set the bleeding man down on one of the logs, letting him rest his aching body. There was a big crowd now and Aeđic didn't stand out as much as he did before. They all staired intently to see what the man had to say. 

Was his hand stinging a little more than it should...?

"Eue... (they...) " Dias began. 

Why did his throat feel suddenly so dry...?

"I Romani... Eue gwin (The Romans....they won) " The man's voice cracked as he bursed into tears as the rest of the croud gasped, wailed and shouted in panic. But Aeđic didn't understand. Who were the Romans? What did they win? What's going on?

Suddenly he felt a hand firmly grip his, causing a searing pain to jolt through his arms. Tears welled in his eyes, as he held back a blood curdling scream as he was yanked back out of the crowd "Aeđic, dŷ i nôd. (Aeđic, go home.) " He heard his mother's panicked voice as she gave him a quick hug and pushed him towards their house "Yn ges- (okay-) " He was dizzy, scared, in pain. He didn't know what was happening so he did as his destressed mother told him, running home as the burning in his hand increased to the point that he could no longer keep in his sobs. 

His footsteps thundered on packed dirt and dry grass as he ran, not daring to look back. Why was everyone so scared? Were the 'Romans' those people on boats...?

He ran through the door of his home, clutching his arm as he quickly made his way to his bed mat, wiping away his tears with his unsore hand. He griped his hand firmly as he tried to steady the thing like it was a loose sheep; wincing as tremendous pain jolts through his arm. He tried his best to examine himself to see if he could deduce the root of all this pain, but it was hard to see through his teary eyes. 

As he tried to focous himself and his eyes cleared enough to see properly, he noticed something...

His eyes widened, fear gripping his chest. He felt like he didn't exactly believe what his eyes were telling him...

Why on EARTH was his hand turning RED?!

Chapter Text

A dark vermillion red slowly crept up his skin like blood staining on cloth; burning with pain at every advancement.

Red.

Red...

Red? 

Aeđic couldn't tell if he was seeing things or if his hand really was changing colors. He let out a shaky breath, trying to reason with himself. Maybe he just cut his and on that branch he snapped off? but Aeđic found little comfort in that idea as the red...thing crawled up his fore-arm causing him wail and cry as his fingers spasimed under the physical stress. His unpained hand grabbing and tairing at his hair to try and destract himself from the imessurable suffering. 

"MAMAAA!" He wailed, tears falling to the floor in large dropplets. He writhed on the floor, yelling and screaming as the aggonising pain began to dwell in his other arm aswell but no matter how hard he screamed no one had come to check on him. He was alone in his house. Only the faintest of light washing through the doorway as the sun lowered through the sky. It was getting cold. Yet Aeđic couldn't feel it. He couldn't feel anything anymore. Nothing but the scortching pain that reached up towards his shoulders as the red seeped further up his arms. 

He felt it crawling inside of his body, burning and searing each and every nerve it came in contact with. It was horrifying. His head had started to become unbairibly itchy aswell, causing him to yank and tear at his hair more. 

Aeđic was on the verge of blacking out as the pain began to make him queasy, his vision blurring a little. He was terrified. What was happening to him? Was it some type of sick punishment?  Why- 

Aeđic's train of thought was cut off as vomit forced its way through his body, spilling out his mouth like a thick waterfall. He sobbed wildly as the back of his throat stung at the touch of his own stomach acid. It was dark. The sun had set now. He felt hollow inside as more spew fell to the floor and his concousness began to ebb in and out. "Ma-Mama!" He sniffled weakly, forcing out all that he energy he had left. Hearing footsteps approaching faintly, he hoped it was his family; His mother. He felt his muscles give up on him, collapsing to the floor as his body reffused to function through the hell that he was being subject too. 

And he was out...drifting into unconciousness as someone approached the door to the house.

*                      *                     *

Dryly, Aeđic's eyes peeled open taking in the faint light as he slowly awoke. He felt his body ache as he slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes to rid them of crust "A oedd honno'n freuddwyd...? (Was that a dream...?) " His voice was croaky and sore, a disconnections forming in his mind between him and that event. "...Aeđic? " he heard someone call him, perhapse it was his mother; he couldn't tell due to the hanging grogginess in his mind. Suddenly he felt warm arms wrap around his body, catching him by surprise "Mama...?" He wispered, unsure "Mŷ mab... (My son...) " they whispered "Mae'n ddrwg gennyf nad oeddwn yno i ti... (I'm sorry I wasn't there for you...) " they sobbed, clutching him tighter in their arms causing a faint spike of pain in his shoulders. He was confused "Mama...Pūy ressenthi? (Mama...What's happening?) " Aeđic hugged his mother back "Ny gneus...Ny gneus (I don't know...I don't know) " His mother replied solemnly.

After a drawn out hug, his mother pulled away, looking at him as if he had grown another head "Yn ymddygiad fawr... (I'm so sorry...) " she repeated under her breath so that Aeđic wouldn't hear. "A yv vynno igr... ? gwell? (Can I go play...? please?) " He asked nervously, fearing that he knew the answer already. His mother's expression darkened "Ny. (No.) " she said firmly "Poy ny? Owyf i yn dal yn dra? (Why not? Am I still in trouble?) " He grumbled, a little adgetated for still being in trouble for that dumb mistake. His mother hesitated for a bit "Iye- ny...nis ti. Ny allaf di chwarae- n gormes a'i ben (Yes- no...you're not. I can't let you play- It's too dangerous) " His mother rested a hand on his shoulder, trying easing his frustration; she knew he didn't understand. " perilous? er y? (dangerous? why?) " He pressed "An rhai Romani a geisiaf ein pobl ni... rhaid i ni gadw di yn ddiogel... (The romans will be looking for our people...we have to keep you safe...) " It was a half truth. She didn't need her son to know what had truely happened. He'd already gone through so much. "Piw yw an Romani? (Who are the romans?) " Aeđic asked "Dyu ysta. (Bad people.) " she sighed, trying to put it as simply for her young son. She stood up "Gles itlâd, y'n naeth som a chàt dîs. (Please stay quiet, I'll be back with food soon.) " She pleaed with him, giving him a worried look before silently walking out the door. 

Aeđic's gaze lingered on the spot where his mother had just been standing, an indignant expression on his face. He didn't believe what his mother was telling him, figuring them to be just some wives tale to scare him away from having any fun. But maybe she knew his body was aching? and didn't want to make it worse? Nah. Aeđic doubted that. But his mother was acting a little weird, he had to admit it. 

He scooted closer to the entrence, trying to see what was going on outside; hoping not to see his friends playing without him again. Oddly, there was almost no one outside. No adults milling about, No kids playing. Why was everyone hiding? did they serriously believe in the 'Romans' ? How silly. 

Idily, he watched the birds flit through the village, waiting for his mother to come back. The warm light from the rizing sun pleasintly pooling on the ground near where he sat. But despite the calmness, he knew something was off. Everyone was acting weird. To add to that, Aeđic felt that...something was going to happen to him. Did they know that there was something comming? Maybe his mother was right. But nothing should be wrong...since that whole thing was a dream? right? He was going to be fine? He shook his head, trying to shake away the anxiety. His father was due to be home today, he needed to be brave for his father. Maybe thats what he could feel moving towards him. He hoped it was. 

In time, his mother returned with a small peice of food, looking as if she'd already eaten her portion. Protectivly, she pushed him away from the door "Eitot gwioth eus y drws- (Please stay away from the door-) " she pleaded, crouching next to him as she gave him his portion of food. Aeđic took the food in his hands, looking at it for a moment before noticing something strange... "Poy a wreyn myr corsi ynna? (Why is my skin darker than it was before?) " he mumbled under his breath "hm?" his mother looked at him as she stood back up "Nynnyd... (nothing...) " Aeđic frowned, deciding it was a trick of the light. His mother gave him another look of worry before sighing "Eit ar, map (Eat up, son) " Aeđic nodded, eating the food like his mother had told him. 

Suddenly, a woman burst through the doorway "Lucile!" She shouted at his mother in a panic, her hair wild and messed up "C-Catia?" She looked concerned. Catia took a deep breath before screaming again as she spotted Aeđic behind his mother "P-Peth yw 'na?! (What is that?!) " she shreaked, terrified. Aeđic backed against the wall, terrified and confused on why she was shouting at him. His mother stood infront of him protectively "Catia, Puyg yma? (Catia, Whats going on?) " His mother shouted back, changing the subject "I Romani! Ydant yma! (The Romans! They're here!) " She wailed, falling into his mothers arms "Ni'n DORRIG! (We're DOOMED) " Aeđic's mother embraced Catia "A-Atteu ar eibin, alla chwi verific yn yma? (Y-You're over reacting, are you sure they are here?) " She gripped Catia's shoulders, trying to make her get a grip "Iye! Iye! Rues gweil them dyf an eulon! (Yes! Yes! Rues saw them come on horses!) " Catia sobbed. 

Aeđic breathed erraticaly as all the yelling fueled his anxiety. Why was he being yelled at? why was Catia so scared? The Romans weren't real! why was all this happening? tears started to well in his eyes.

"Ffrith! Pobl! Cymryd dy deulu a ffrynd! (Run! Everyone! grab your family and run!) " a man ran past shouting, causing Catia to become even more hysterical "Ny fynney y dor! (We have to leave!) " She wailed, trying to tug his mother out of the door "Ny! (No!) "  Aeđic interjected but was promptly ignored by the two argueing women "Ny gallwy! Meu yn nyfynn y gwely! (I can't! My son wont be able to make it!) " His mother responed "Edo ef ysel? Ny woryg na, ni allom enna! (Is he sick? Don't worry we can carry him!) " She offered. Aeđic watched as his mother hesitated "Yw ymmor, cawn dda- (It's okay we'll ca-) " His mother was cut of as the sound of screams echoed through camp "YNYR YMA (THEY'RE HERE) " Catia screamed, yanking his mother out the door "MAMA! " Aeđic screamed, reaching out for his mother "MÎN MAB! (MY SON!) " His mother shreaked "MAAMAA!!!" He cried out, tears rolling down his cheeks as he ran after his mother, sprinting as fast as he could. He watched as his mother was tugged along by Catia reaching out for his mother but they where just out of reach. 

But...but something was wrong...something was wrong with his skin...why was it....Red? 

His eyes widened as panic flooded through his body, causing him to falter, memories of the "dream" flashing through his mind. It was real-? was all that- real?

"Sinite! (Halt!) " Suddenly he was yanked back by his neck causing him to splutter and choke. Tears streamed down Aeđic's face as his body was slammed against some sort of heavy animal "MAMA!!" Aeđic wailed as he was forced to watch his mother be dragged way "Tace! nunc es potitus Romani imperii! (Quiet! you are now a possetion of the roman empire!) " The man said but Aeđic couldn't understand a single word that he spoke but he could tell that he was in danger and he didn't want to stay with him. He tried to struggle free of the mans grip but was quickly surrounded by simillarly scary men and had something swiftly clamped around his neck. It was cold and shiney, kind of like a necklace but made out of a rock Aeđic had never seen before. He hacked and spluttered as the other men helped the first man hoist him onto his animal via the chain on his neck, wich turned out to be a type of horse Aeđic had never seen before. 

He sobbed, trying to get off of the horse but the man swiftly hit him with some type of stick, causing him to cry harder "m-mama-" he sniffeled, crying into his now bound hands "Num os tuum taces? (Do you ever shut up?) " the man infront of him grumbled as the horse started to carry them away from the village.

His life...he knew it was never going to be the same as it was. 

Chapter Text

The group sped through the woods, hooves thundering on soft soils as they raced towards an unknown destination. Trees flew through Aeđic's gaze as he watched the forest become more and more unfimilliar as they went. A blur of greens and browns. His eyes were dry and red from his almost endless tears, though it was almost impossible to tell due to the red that plauged his skin. His beastly, horrid skin. He hated it. He'd do anything to get rid of this curse. 

As they became further and further from the villaged his heart began to ache more and more; yearning for his mothers warm imbrace. Just thinking about it made tears well up in his eyes but he could not cry, he wouldn't allow himself for fears of being beat by the man infront of him. The man that kept him bound to the group via the rope attached to the rock necklace. The man that stole him from his mother. 

He felt hollow; empty. He refused to exept this fate. He refused to exept this future. He wanted his life back, his body, his mind. Yet the gods reffused him. Or perhapse they couldn't hear his voice anymore. He couldn't decide what was more frightening. 

"Nunc ad castra appropinquamus! (We're now approaching the camp!) " one of the men suddenly shouts, startling Aeđic partially out of his grieaf. What were they yelling about? was there danger? was it a wol-. Suddenly the group burst out of the forest, bright sunlight quickly filling his gaze as the cannopy was no longer there to sheild his eyes from its brilliant warmth and light. Aeđic squinted as his vision a judsted to the light, noticing a makeshift village of sorts in the distance. It sat on the shores of a large body of water, like a pond but much much bigger; inbetween two steap cliffs that plunged into the water on eather side. Was this the strange men's village? something told him that it wasn't...

The men began to slow their horses, pulling them into a much slower trot as they grew closer. Closer. Each step brought more detail of the camp to Aeđic's eye. He could see people milling about inside, but strangly he did not see any women nor any playing children. Only strong, burly men that wore the same rock clad clothing as his captors. Dread suddenly filled his chest as they got closer, his breath quickening. Something deep within him told Aeđic that these men, they were here to harm; a pit of snakes. "Potesne claudere pro semel? (Can you shut up for once?) " one of the other men growled angerly, glaring at Aeđic. Fearfull, he held his sobs back, assuming thats what the man wanted. 

A strange tangy smell reached Aeđic's nostrils as they adventualy reached the temporary village. The men dissmounted their horses, dragging Aeđic off by the rope attached to the rock necklace before tying them to a log so that they wouldn't escape. As they made their way through the captor's village he could feel people stairing at him. Stairing at him like the freak he'd become. It made him feel nausious. Just thinking about the red on his skin made him what to pass out. He didn't want to be reminded about it anymore. He just wanted to forget about it all and go home, like it was all just the bad dream he'd innitialy believed. Soon, they came to a fort made of purple cloth and fine wood unlike the rest of the buldings in the settlement. It looked like each step in setting it up was taken with utmost care even though it was seemingly only temperary.

"Summum tuum decus, Tu puer per tuam petitionem adduxistis (Your highest honour, we have bought the child per your request) " The man holding the rope spoke quietly and respectfully, tipping his head in a subservient mannor. Aeđic shifted on his feet, subconciously leaning away from the fort. A deep, primal erge to turn and flee. His instincts told him that whatever was inside there was something dangerous. Something that could control this many strong, brutle men was something to be feared."Adduc in. (Bring it in.) " a deep, gravely voice spoke from beyond the fabric walls. But something about this voice shook Aeđic to his core; the fact that he could actualy understand it. Each word spoken came with meaning instead of incoheasive strings of sound much unlike when his captors spoke. 

Suddenly, he was yanked into fort causing him to caugh and splutter. Before he could look to see who was infront of him he felt the rope change hands, from his captors to the important man "Nunc relinque. (Leave now.) " the man commanded "Ita sane (Yes, of corse) " His captor quickly dipped back out of the purple fort, leaving him all alone with the powerfull man. Aeđic's gaze slowly raked up the figure before him, taking in the details of his appearance; taking as much time before he needed to meet him eye to eye. The man wore a simillar strange clothing to the men outside, a top made of shiney, smooth rock. Each shiney rock layered on top of eachother like fish scales. Underneath he wore a fine tunic made with such skill as if the gods themselves had blessed the garment. He wore strange things on his feet, like thin strips of leather woven into a foot shaped basket. His build was broad and fit, like the warriors of his tribe and had short cut, curly yellow hair. But most importantly, his skin was also red but with a strange symbol written in gold across his face.

Aeđic was a little shocked, questions racing through his head. Who was this man? Was he the person that turned him into this? Why could Aeđic understand him? "Bene. Salve domum, Britannia (Good. Welcome home, Britannia) " The man pat Aeđic lightly on the shoulder before tying him to a post inside of the fort "B-Brittania? " Aeđic echoed back confused, why was he being reffered to as 'Britannia' ? also HOME? this wasn't home. No. This was a den of vipers that he'd been dragged back too. Not home. "Britannia." The strange man replied firmly "Ac my enw yw- (But my name is-) " Aeđic tried to correct him but was cut of with a slap across the cheek, causing tears to well in his eyes. A residual sting being left from the force of the slap. "Tuum nomen est Britannia. (Your name is Britannia.) " The man was stern, a dangerous glint to his eyes. Aeđic nursed his sore cheek in his palms, shocked and a little taken aback from the slap. Though he should've known this from the way he was treated by his captors. Resentment brewed in his chest, for himself and for the man before him. 

"Opus erit aliqua disciplina... (You'll need some training...) " He grumbled under his breath so that Aeđic couldn't hear. Thoughts raced through Aeđic's mind, mostly those of regret and fear. He feared for his life. What did he do to deserve this?. The man sighed, shaking his head before speaking again "nos domum cras navigabimus, ne quidem cogitare conatur currere. (We will sail home tommorow, don't even think about trying to run.) " Aeđic could only meekly nod, still stunned from the shock. 

The image of his screaming mother flashed through his mind accompanied by the pain he felt from his transformation. He couldn't hold it in any longer. He cried. He cried and sobbed as he fell to his knees. The man on the other side of the room payed no mind to Aeđic's pittifull wails as he ran the tip of his spear along a dark gray stone; sharpening it. 

Chapter Text

Wind gently blew against his face, sweeping his now golden hair back behind him as he watched as aquamarine waves gently lapped at the sandy shores of the beach, leaving foam in their wake. Birds squawked overhead, jumping from their nests on the sheer cliff sides into the grand sky above with their wings spread wide to the sacred beings above.

Aeđic sat on a wooden crate, his bindings firmly attached to the ground via some sort of strange thin rod so that he could not move while cargo was being loaded into the hull of one of their large, fancy wooden boats. He watched as the men moved rhythmically, placing box after box into the ship. Watching as controle seeped further and further from his hands and into the bloodstained palms of ‘The Roman Empire’ as the thing had called himself. 

Silently, he rubbed his palms together, anticipating what was to come. What would become of him now that he was ‘The property of Rome’? Whatever that meant. No matter what it meant he knew he didn’t want to be it if it meant having to go with that man . 

Suddenly he felt a hand rest on his shoulder causing Aeđic to freeze up “Stare, sumus relicturi (Stand, we are about to leave) "   The Roman Empire’s voice spoke from behind Aeđic, unbinding his rock necklace from the ground and taking it into his own hands “Ynn gess… (Okay…) " He muttered, hanging his head low as he got to his feet. 

Aeđic trailed behind the imposing leader, being dragged further and further away from his home; his mother. His feet dragged through the sand, feeling the grains of sand fall between his toes as he went. Eventually the two of them reached the base of the boat, The man handed Aeđic over to one of his ‘Soldiers’ as Rome had called them before leaving to, presumably, go give more orders to his other men. 

The soldier yanked him up a ramp, the wood creaking under their weight as they went. Eventually they set foot on the ship's well polished deck, the soldier quickly yanking Aeđic infront of him by the rock necklace. He coughed and spluttered, trying to squeeze his fingers between the dull necklace and his skin in an attempt to soothe the aching pain left from the soldier's action "Ite in (go in) " the man commanded, pointing to a square hole in the deck near a strange branch-less log that held a grand sheet of white fabric that billowed in the wind. Aeđic didn’t understand what he wanted. Did the soldier want him to go in? Did he want him to plug the hole with something? “P-pwy? (w-what?) " Aeđic stammered, bracing himself in case the soldier would hit him. The soldier glared at him, making Aeđic shiver a little in fear. 

In the blink of an eye, he felt the rope attached to the necklace drop, hands pushing against his shoulders, his legs scrabbling to save him from a fall, his heel slipping over the edge and his heart sinking as air whooshed past his face “AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Aeđic shrieked as he fell for what felt like minutes, colors blurring into black as he fell further and further. Eventually he felt himself hit the bottom, landing with a loud THUD and causing the boat to rock ever so gently within the water. 

Aeđic groaned, pushing himself up into a sitting position as he rubbed his lower back, still dazed from the fall. Quickly he cast his gaze upwards in an attempt to see if there was any way of escape…but it looked like any escape had been taken out. His heart sank, quickly getting to his feet “gwared! deffrul a'm! (Please! Let me out!) ” He let out a panicked yelp but to no verbal response. Instead, he watched as some sort of lid was slowly slid over top of the hole, the only source of light, casting a complete shadow over the room. 

He stared where the hole used to be in shock, slowly falling to his knees as shouting could be heard above deck. Aeđic had never been in such…pitch darkness…he could barely tell up from down and had no idea what (or who) else could be down here with him besides a few cargo boxes. That's when Aeđic remembered what that monster had told him ‘ Salve domum, Britannia (welcome home, Britannia) ’ Home? Is this what ‘home’ meant to them? No. Aeđic refused this life, this ‘home’. He wasn’t this red freak like The Roman Empire. He was a normal human child who lived with his mother and father in their village. Not a beast contained inside of a boat for the rest of who knows how long. 

His heart burned with resentment for these people, if he could even call them that. Memories of his mother, father and friends flashing through his mind. How dare they ruin his life. How dare they. 

Eventually, he felt the boat starting to move, the sounds of men yelling and cheering from the shores as the boat began to move away from shore. He could hear the sounds of footsteps rushing around overhead, busily doing various tasks to make sure that the ship would sail smoothly. Aeđic could imagine the sun shining down on them and the clothing billowing elegantly in the wind and the birds soaring alongside the grand ship. Oh how he already missed the sun and the birds…How long would it be until he could see them again? Would he ever be able to see him again? Aeđic sighed, pulling his legs close to his chest in a safe little ball. Maybe he should just sleep, it wasn’t like he’d be seeing anything interesting for a while. 

*                      *                     *

It had felt like days since they had first set off from shore, Aeđic felt like he was starting to lose his mind after being stuck in the dark for so long. At least he’d get small portions of food every so often from a grumbly older man but he didn’t enjoy its taste, whatever the food was but it was better than nothing. He was also starting to doubt the fact that he’d ever get out before he’d pass away. Saying that he was feeling hopeless was an understatement. 

To pass the time he hummed a small tune, one that his father had taught him when he was younger. It was his favorite song and probably the only thing preventing him from going completely crazy. 

Suddenly, the cover on top of the hole slid off, casting bright light through the entrance causing Aeđic to yelp and cover his eyes in surprise as the light stung his un-adjusted eyes. There was a loud slamming noise as something hit the wood beside him, he could barely tell it was some type of climbing structure as his eyes started to adjust “Sta, Britannia (Stand, Britannia) ” a familiar, horrible voice came from above. It was The Roman Empire. Hesitantly and scared from the suddenness, Aeđic got to his feet, squinting at the strange device. Slowly, once he got the jist of it, he began to climb, putting one foot after the other into the bars wedged between the two wooden poles until eventually he dragged himself onto the deck. 

Quickly he felt himself hoisted to his feet by the thing , the rope attached to the necklace swiftly taken into his hands “pervenimus (we’ve arrived) ” The Roman Empire spoke firmly, quickly being dragged off the ship like a farm animal. He felt embarrassed, eyes watching them as they made their way down the ramp. 

To be honest, Aeđic hadn’t even realized they’d docked; they had not even hit shore. No, instead they had docked in a strange thing that he could only describe as a labyrinth with no walls nor roof and strangely…everyone seemed to bow or cheer as the two of them walked past. Who was this guy really? Why would people celebrate a monster? Aeđic stared intecly up at the man, trying to figure out what his deal was. 

“Grata domus, heres (Welcome home, sir) ” A voice suddenly spoke from behind the freak . Curiously, he poked his head out from behind The Roman Empire, a little freaked out again on how he could understand someone…speaking the alien language. What he saw was utterly shocking…it was another person with strange skin….

“Salve, Aquitania (Greetings, Aquitania) ”

Chapter Text

A young girl stood before the two of them, she had red skin as well with golden markings on her face. The markings were in the shape of an animal, but not any animal Aeđic had ever seen before. It appeared to look like a cat but with a strange beard that wrapped the whole way around its neck, it had massive claws and a long snaking tail. The girl also wore strange clothing, white robes that looked extremely pristine and smooth decorated with shiny golden rocks. She also seemed to have a strange, uniformed scar that wrapped around her neck…

Aeđic stepped back, as far as the rope would let him. Why were there so many monsters ? And why did so many people cheer for them…? Why would people cheer for FREAKS ? Aeđic frowned, feeling his skin crawl as he tried to ignore the fact that his own skin was stained the same red as two humanoids before him. 

“ducite nos in villa (Take us to the villa) ” Rome ordered, forcefully yanking Aeđic to his side causing him to start coughing again. The girl, Aquatania, gave Aeđic an uneasy glance as if she was about to barf before responding “utique (of course) ” she nodded before promptly turning heel and beginning to escort the two of them to the ‘villa’ whatever that may be.

Quickly, they walked through the street, attracting a large crowd from the surrounding people…and there were a lot of people…way more than Aeđic had ever seen before…it was unsettling…why were there so many people in this strange place? Were they called here by the gods? No way this many people would be here if a higher being hadn’t intervened. And their clothing…it was so odd. Why did they dress like that? It looks so- ugly…nothing like the beautiful garments that his village had worn.

Eventually, they came to a large extravagant house. It was made of strange materials, not like the sturdy mud and logs that his village used. In his opinion the house looked a little flimsy and thin like it could blow away with a strong enough gust of wind. Maybe they should take some tips from his people and build something stronger. Though he did have to admit that the building looked quite beautiful for how poorly it was built. “Pervenimus (we’ve arrived) ” Aquatania politely notified The Roman Empire, slowly pushing open some sort of large wooden contraption that looked like a strange, large swinging lid. The roman empire smiled, his helmet obscuring his eyes “bonum. Gratias ago tibi (good. Thank you) ” He spoke, but there was something off about his voice, like he really had gratitude for this girl’s favor. Aeđic frowned, glaring at the man. Even though this girl was another monster she seemed much nicer than this evil thing . In response Aquatania nodded slowly before walking through the swinging lid into a small enclosed piece of ground surrounded by buildings. 

As they entered, Aeđic gasped in surprise, his heart sinking as he saw the large group of monster children before him, all sitting in an obviously uniformed way as if they were being forced to sit and stand the way they were “Grata domus, heres. Grata domus, Britannia (Welcome home, Sir. Welcome home, Britannia) ” they all spoke in unison, as if it was a rehearsed line. It was…uncanny. It made him even more uncomfortable than he already was with his current predicament “Nyns yw'm en- (My name is no-) ” Aeđic began to mumble before he was cut off by Rome “Salve. Fac ut cum onere caveas. (Greetings, make sure to be careful with the cargo) ” Rome instructed. For a second, Aeđic believed that the monster was talking about him yet, he wasn’t. Instead, The Roman Empire pulled Aeđic to the side to let a group of big burly men get passed, each carrying a box or two from the boat. The men dropped the boxes off in a neat pile before the group of monster children before leaving as if they’d never been there in the first place. The children quickly got to work, carrying in the boxes inside like ants carrying food to their nest. 

Aeđic was left a bit baffled by the situation and the kids' uncanny willingness to do anything The Roman Empire ordered them to do was…terrifying, he had to admit it. Soon he began to wonder if he’d turn out like those…brainwashed monsters…is that what The Roman Empire meant by ‘training’? Fear began to grip at Aeđic’s chest as that thought began to cross his mind. 

Suddenly, his attention snapped back to reality as The Roman Empire pushed Aeđic forward towards one of the children “Alpes, Britannia ad cubiculum suum tolle. (Alpes, Take Britannia to his room. ) ” The Roman Empire commanded, handing the rope attached to Aeđic's rock necklace into the hands of one of the smaller children (yet who looked strangely older than the rest). They nodded before leading Aeđic off into the ‘villa’. He looked back one last time towards the closing lid as he felt the last pieces of his freedom trickling through his hands.

Chapter Text

Aeđic held his head low as Alpes led him through the winding hallways of the villa. Intricately carved pillars lining each wall, tall and imposing as he was led further and further into the snake's lair. Delicately weaved pieces of art hung from the wall, depicting scenes from history long ago or stories since told. The eyes from the woven art seemed to stare, pitying him or perhaps judging him for what had become of him. He could also feel the walls, the plain, almost textureless walls. They seemed to become narrower and narrower as they went. Was it just him or was it getting hard to breathe in here?

“Noli perterreri (stop panicking) ” the boy mumbled “te consueuerint ad eam (you’ll get used to it) ” Aeđic looked up at him, frowning. Like he was ever going to trust the word of a monster. Plus, he’d never EVER get used to it. He didn’t want to. He’d promise himself that.

Eventually, they came to a doorway, one of the many down this hallway. This doorway was only covered by a simple cloth though, unlike the lids that covered some of the other doorways in the villa. The cloth was a hue of yellow, simple patterns sewn into its fibers. Suddenly Alpes turned to him, scanning Aeđic from head to toe for a moment before reaching towards his neck. Aeđic flinched but he heard a click and then…the pressure around his neck suddenly lifted and with a CLACK . He paused, blinking at the monster before him as the necklace clattered to the floor…was he being let free? “hoc non opus est ultra (you wont need this anymore) ” Alpes sighed, picking up the necklace and turning it over in his hands “non est ut hinc aliquo tempore mox fugias (it's not like you’ll escape this place any time soon) ” he shrugged before looking back at the curtain shrouded room “sentire liberum ad explorandum i coniecto (feel free to explore i guess) ” Alpes gestured to the room before promptly turning heel and walking away, leaving Aeđic staring blankly after him. 

Silently, he clenched and unclenched his fist, trying to sooth his anger; it’d do him no good to hurt him now. After all…he probably was much weaker than Alpes. Aeđic wasn’t stupid, he knew he couldn’t fight anyone even if he tried. But he knew he could escape. There must be a way to get back home… 

Aeđic looked back down the hall he’d come from before begrudgingly pushing the thin cloth out of the way, slowly and cautiously stepping into the room. As soon as he set foot in the room he noticed it had a distinct smell to it, one that smelled pungently of some type of flower. Looking around he also noticed that the room was quite spacious…almost as big as his entire house back home. There were two strangely large beds in the room as well…making anxiety churn in his stomach. Was he going to have to share a room with someone?. Lining the floor were several intricately designed cloths, thicker than any cloth he’d seen before; they were surprisingly soft on his feet. Dust seemed to coat a portion of the rooms walls, as if someone hadn’t bothered to clean there in a long time. Dangling from the ceiling were several bouquets of assorted, strong smelling flowers that appear to have been dried out. Aeđic tilted his head, confused as to why anyone would do such a thing. 

“Oh” A voice sounded from behind him, making him whip around in surprise and embarrassment. A boy stood in the doorway, he looked much older than Aeđic and had a slender, almost sickly look to him. He had messy, slightly tangled hair, much like Aeđic’s though the boy’s hair was much shorter than his. The boy also wore fancy silken robes, much like the other monsters. “heus, novus hedum… (hey, new kid…) ” the boy wore a disappointed look on his face. Aeđic frowned, why was this one so mean for no reason? Ugh. He hated that he could understand this monster. “Me asume that eze yo gwen? (I assume this is also your room?) ” Aeđic asked but the boy’s frown only deepened in response “quicquid, modo non tange supellectilem meam (whatever, just don’t touch my stuff) ” he sighed, turning around and storming out of the room.

Aeđic just stood there, confused. What on earth had just happened? Who even was that? He shook his head. Whatever…that wasn’t something important to overthink. He needed to plan his escape.

Chapter Text

Aeđic had spent the rest of the day plotting, silently planning his escape to get back home, deeply and unfortunately unaware of the true feets he'd have to go through to reach his final goal. But his heart was set, he needed to get back home to his village; his family. He believed deep within his heart that freedom was waiting for him just beyond these thin, pale beige walls. Beyond the red clutches of the 'family' within these thin winding halls. 

He sighed, flopping down onto the strangely lavish and high risen bed, a cloud of dust rising off of the strange silk that covered whatever soft material was underneath, coughing slightly as the particles filled his lungs. Something about this room told his gut that if he stayed, this room would be one of his worst nightmares. Perhaps it was the strange square dimensions of the room or the neglected space in the room that had been saved for him but he'd never know for sure. But he hoped that he would have to stay, he hoped that his escape would be successful so that he wouldn't have to live like this. Like a monster. 

Silently, he stared up at the ceiling, taking in the detail of the dust, the dried, hanging flowers. He took in the potent smells, the flowers and the dust, yearning for the familiar smells of his house and the smells of his mother's clothing. He didn't like it here, he didn't want to be here at all. He was just a kid. Why did he have to be here? It was unfair. Couldn't it have been someone else? What about one of the other kids in the village? Why did the gods hate him so badly? or was this perhaps just a unique path that they had pushed him down? maybe it was all going to be ok in the end and he'd be able to see his mother and father again? He could only hope.

Suddenly the cloth was pulled aside, making him jump in surprise. A head poked through the door, long hair spilling over the person’s shoulders as her eyes darted through the room as if she was looking for something. It was that girl Aquatania again. Her eyes finally landed on him, making a sound under her breath that Aeđic couldn’t quite make out. Awkwardly, he sat up, blinking at her before she suddenly spoke up “Iterum salve, Britannia. Dominus ad cenam nos vocavit (Hello again, Britannia. The master has summoned you for dinner) ” She was polite in her tone but was quick to leave, swiftly turning toe and walking back out into the hallways as if she didn’t want to waste any more time speaking to him. 

Aeđic glared at her, why did everyone here INSIST he be referred to as ‘Britannia’? That wasn’t his name. It never would be. But he had a bad feeling about trying to correct these monsters…he didn’t want to risk anything again…his breath quickened at the memory of that sharp, stunning slap. Aeđic sighed, mentally preparing himself for whatever was going to come next before slipping back out of bed. Slowly he walked back to the doorway, he could feel his heart thundering inside his chest. He dreaded the thought of spending any more time with those…freaks. 

He peered down the halls, unsure of himself. Unsure of where to go, unsure on whether he wanted to even obey the Roman Empire's request, unsure of what to do next. Suddenly a pair of two monster kids ran past, startling him. These kids were a little older than him too…perhaps a year or two older? He couldn’t get a good glimpse of them as they ran past. He blinked, staring after them as they continued on their path. Should he follow them…? He figured that they were probably going to the dinner as well. Hesitantly, he decides to follow the two of them, head ducked low and his pace quick to keep up with the running kids. Silently, he cursed Aquatania for not guiding him or giving him any directions. 

As he walked, Aeđic recalled his plans: he'd have to bide his own time. He would need enough time to get familiar with the layout of the house, though he already knew he’d need to sneak out during the night…after all his father always told him that night was the best time to sneak up on an opponent, so he figured it would be a great time to sneak away from one. Perhaps he could escape through one of those square holes in the wall, he figured he could fit through them.

CLANG! “OOF!” CRASH! Aeđic fell to the floor with a thud, rubbing his head in a slight daze as he looked up to see who or what he’d crashed into. As his gaze trailed up he noticed a woman. She was much older than the monsters in appearance, she looked kind and had grey hairs sweeping through her normal brown hair…she was human…he felt himself relax a little around her “gwnedh…(sorry…) ” Aeđic muttered but all the woman did was stare at him in confusion, at least she didn’t yell at him… “licuit tibi? (are you alright?) ” the woman asked, crouching down to his eye level, but he couldn’t understand her…but her tone was kind…he was grateful. He wished he knew what she said, but next thing she knew it she was helping him back to his feet, quickly dusting off of his slightly ragged clothing. She sighed before smiling “venite, iuvenes domini. Cena incipiet mox (come, young master. Dinner will start soon) ” quickly, the woman picked something from off of the ground, it looked to be like a shiny rock slab before grabbing his hand, making him jump “shhh, suus 'Licuit (shhh, it’s okay) ” silently, the pair walked, he felt comfortable for the first time in a very long while. She felt safe to be around. 

Eventually they came to another grand pair of lids, though they were not quite as big as the entrance ones but they were just as magnificently carved. Quickly and swiftly he felt the woman pull away, leaving him a little confused “Non liceat intro ire, solus ire necesse est (i’m not allowed to go inside, you must go alone.) ” she motioned towards the lids, as if telling him to go inside. But Aeđic didn’t want to go inside, it felt unsafe there. But he figured he might get hit again if he didn’t obey…so he slowly slipped up to the swinging lids. Swallowing his fear as best he could before trying to open the entrance, eventually resorting to shoving it open with all his might due to the surprising weight of these lids. 

As he eventually stumbled into the room, the strong scent of cooked meat and unfamiliar plants hit his nose. It was…intense, to be honest it even made him a little dizzy. The room was lit by small fires on what looked to be melting white sticks. A large strange wooden slab was placed in the center of the room with food in bowls, plates and other strange containers, half of wich’s contents looked completely alien to Aeđic. All of the monster children from before sat evenly around the wooden slab, their hands placed neatly on their lap as they waited for something…or someone…perhaps they had been waiting all this time for him. His eyes snagged on a few faces he recognised, Aquatania, Alpes and that boy that shared his room, each of which sitting uniformly, chin up and backs straight…now that he thought about it…everyone was sitting like that. It looked like it hurt. 

“Ahh, Britannia, placet accipere sedem (Ahh, Britannia, please take a seat) ”