A/N: Salvete! (Hello, all!)

Another chapter of my Roman AU! Updates will be slowing down tremendously here since school is winding up, but I'll do my best to keep releasing chapters. I'm loving this story too much to just let it wither away!

With that said, here's "Why Romans were assholes: The Chapter"

Enjoy! :D

Chapter IV: Under the Gaze of the Damned

Ruby trudged back to the Fourth Centuria exhausted, and her head set in a maddening spin. Weiss had filled her head with all sorts of lessons, the most complicating of which were letters. Frightful and nebulous things they were. However, the tribune insisted she learn, so she gave it her most valiant effort.

The thought of returning to her Centuria wore heavily upon her mind. Her comrades and friends were all subordinates now, even her sister. What she'd done on the battlefield had been a moment of desperation-fueled insanity. By all rights, I should have been butchered. But now, I am a leader. She sighed. I have to see Yang.

Within a few minutes, she reached the Fourth Centuria… her centuria. They were drinking wine around a large night fire, thanking the gods for their victory. Supply had even rationed them a bit of oil to go with their bread. As one of the cohorts that saw the thickest fighting, they'd been spared the duty of nightly camp preparations and crucifying the captured slaves. Ruby shivered. Thank the gods I was spared that duty.

Her sister was the loudest of all, clapping her friends on the back as she drank deep of cheap wine.

"Yang." She hissed "Yang." Her golden-haired sister turned around, shock spreading her eyes open wide.

"Ruby?" Ruby put a finger on her lips.

"Shhhh…" She beckoned her over. Yang excused herself, and tapped the shoulder of a faunus girl that was sitting next to her. They approached Ruby, who avoided the gazes of Yang's contuburnium.

"Ruby! You're alive!" Yang enveloped her with an all-encompassing embrace, nearly choking the life from her little sister.

"Yang… too tight!"

"Oh, right! Sorry!" She let go, still beaming. Looking over her sister, her eyes widened in fear. "What are you doing in centurion armor? Do you want to get flogged?" Ruby shifted her weight, rubbing the back of her head.

"Uh… It's mine."

"That's not funny." Ruby wasn't laughing.

"Gods. You're serious."

"May Jupiter strike me down if I lie." She brought forth her new whistle, the polished wood shining bright in the myriad fires. Yang gaped at it. Then, she let out a squeal, once again swallowing her sister in a bone-crushing hug. Ruby soared into the air, fighting desperately to regain control.

"Ruby! I'm so proud of you!"

"Yang… lungs… crushing!" She managed. Finally, Yang set her down, where her eyes met the faunus'.

"Um… who's your friend?"

"Oh, foolish me! Ruby, this is Blake, my new slave. Blake, this is my sister, Centurion Ruby Rose." She slammed a fist across her heart, beaming. Ruby flushed.

"Come on, Yang, you don't have to do that." Blake's eyes scoured them. Ruby gave her a little wave. "Salve, Blake."

"Salve." She replied.

"She doesn't talk much, does she?" Ruby whispered. Yang shook her head.

"I've been trying all day. Give it some time."

"Look, Yang, the reason I needed to speak with you alone…" She took a deep breath. "I need an Optio. I need you at my side. Plus, I'm not sure how good I'll be at running the Centuria, and-" Yang punched her on the shoulder.

"Ah, Ruby, you'll be fine. Not that I won't accept of course! Together, we'll make the Fourth Centuria feared among the Legion!" Her enthusiasm was infectious. With her smile, Ruby felt that she could tackle the task before her.

"Alright, I'm glad to hear it. I'll wake you up early to get your new gear. I'll announce my promotion in the morning before we march." Yang nodded.

"Um… you got a raise too, right?" Ruby's response was a tired smile. Yang laughed, clapping her hands in glee.

"Gods, if Dad could see us now! His daughters, officers in the Legion! Enough talk for now, come eat!"

"I'll pass. Tribune Schnee treated me to the fruits of her sacrifice." Her sister shrugged.

"Fine by me! Blake and I will enjoy the rest of the party. See you tomorrow!" Yang slung her arm around her slave, steering themselves back to the fire. Ruby watched her go, heart swelling.

At least I'll always have Yang. Wonder why she took a slave…

After they'd collected Yang's gear the following morning, it was time to rouse the Fourth Centuria. Ruby's nerves steeled, Yang gave her a nod, and she blew her whistle, signaling the start of the day. As the sun rose over the distant shaded tree line, they stumbled out of their tents, bleary-eyed and blinking. Yang stalked up and down the row of tents, hurrying along the stragglers and threatening the complainers with her hastile.

"Yang, what the fuck are you doing in that get-up?" Dove hissed. "If someone sees you, you're gonna get flogged to death!"

"My sister has an announcement to make." She replied in a low growl. Soon enough, the Fourth Centuria's heads turned to find Ruby Rose standing before them, garbed in a red centurion's cloak and a resolute look on her face. Under her arms was a centurion's horsehair plume helmet.

"Attention, Fourth Centuria! After the death of Centurion Acheron, General Ozpin has decreed that I shall take his place!" This sent whispers flying throughout the assembled soldiers. Ruby took a deep breath. "I will have silence!" Their heads turned to face her, shock ruling them to a man. Ruby couldn't blame them. Only a few hours ago, she had been their equal. She hefted the piece of parchment Oobleck had given her. "I expect total obedience and discipline within my Centuria, and anything less will be punished in a due manner. Now… Fourth Centuria… ATTEN-SHUN!"

"AYE!" They bellowed, snapping their heels together. Not nearly fast enough, not nearly as smartly as she'd hoped, but good enough for her first order. A sigh of relief was struggling to escape her, but she couldn't give it wind just yet.

"Prepare to march within the hour! Dis-missed!" She cried. They were happy to obey, dispersing into their tents to ready themselves for the day's march. Cardin stared daggers at her, but until he tried something, Ruby would leave him be.

"Not bad." A voice behind her drawled. Almost leaping out of her skin, Ruby swiveled to find Tribune Schnee behind her, smiling behind a mask of drowsiness.

"Ave, Tribune Schnee!" She saluted. Yang copied her sister's gesture.

"Ave, Centurion Rose." She yawned. "Forgive me. I find mornings to be the most difficult part of the day." Nodding at the row of tents, she gave Ruby a tired smile. "I see the speech I made you memorize last night went well." The new centurion kicked at the ground with her hob-nailed sandals.

"I thought I sounded a little scared." Weiss appraised the centuria with piercing blue eyes.

"It is in your best interest to show no signs of weakness. Everyone is seeking to test you, to push you to your breaking point. Take care you do not fall, for if you do, they will seize upon you like a pack of hounds." With that, the tribune turned and fled, stalking back to the center of camp. Ruby thought the advice, while frightening, was wise. But for some reason, I don't think she was talking to me.

The crucified forms cast a grim pallor over the Legio Pahrus as it set out towards Lugdunum, but once they were clear, Jaune could not help but smile. The sun shone a brilliant orange as it rose above them, birds singing a glorious chorus as they heralded the new day.

Yes, Jaune loved mornings. They were refreshing and brisk, and reminded him of his morning runs with Pyrrha. The woman in question was at his side, riding upon her favorite horse, a grey mare named Atalanta. Her battle headdress still rested upon her head. Noticing her eyes, she gave him a small smile, which he returned. Clearly downcast, he rode up to her, giving her a wide grin.

"Is something amiss, Pyrrha? As your client and friend, let me help with whatever ails you." Pyrrha chuckled softly as he recounted her own words to her, but her gaze remained fixed on her Atalanta's neck.

"What if you are the problem?"

"I… I'm sorry if I've given offence…" She waved his stuttering away with the back of her hand.

"It is not you specifically, rather, Romans in general." Ah. The slaves. Despite her dejected tone, Jaune felt a measure of relief. He wasn't sure if he could handle being hated by Pyrrha.

"Truth be told, crucifixion unnerves me as well." He shifted in his seat. "Their blood was demanded by the senate, so we spilled it. I cannot see why that is not enough. Alas, they must be strung up and tortured as well." He sighed. "Romans have a thing about accountability." He said. Pyrrha looked at him. "A very large thing about accountability."

"So it would seem."

"What would you do with such prisoners where you're from?" His greek adjutant leaned back, remembering.

"The ones we couldn't sell were executed. A swift, clean death."

"Ah. And those bandits you fought when you were sixteen?" Jaune never asked much about her past, despite many opportunities. Their conversations usually revolved around tactical discussions and friendly verbal sparring. Pyrrha drew her thumb across her neck.

"To a man." Jaune gave a low whistle.

"How many were there?"

"Near a thousand. The Silvershield at that time was barely five hundred. We'd been after them for near on a month, after they harried trade wagons bound to Apollonia. I'm sorry," She sighed, "this must be terribly uninteresting." Jaune gaped.

"Not at all. In fact, if you could continue…" Pyrrha gave him a smile.

"Very well. We'd tailed them to the Danube, and found them on the banks." She paused. "We waited until half of them crossed. Then, we struck. I cut them down in their hundreds. Their fellows on the other side, in their desperation and stupidity, tried to join the fight. When they emerged from the waters, panting and breathless, a phalanx was waiting for them. For a time, the blue Danube ran a deep, dark red." Jaune didn't say anything for a time. He couldn't.

"That's… wow. Were you in charge back then? Because that was brilliant." Despite her earlier melancholy, Pyrrha flushed, smiling.

"I was. My father left me in charge after my mother fell ill."

"So young, and already in charge… we're not so different." Jaune said with a wide grin. "Except you never had a great warrior helping you along at every step." Pyrrha shook her head, shrugging slightly.

"Not altogether true. My father was very strong and ingenious warrior. He pioneered the adaptability of the Silvershields. We drilled in both phalanx and horse. It helped lead us to victory that day on the Danube. The phalanx has become somewhat outdated, but he insisted we learn it." She shrugged. "It still has its uses."

"He sounds like a great man. Hopefully he won't come for my head after learning you've been paid to follow me around." Pyrrha laughed again.

"He understands the situation completely. I promise you, he will not stop by one day, demanding to face you in single combat for the honor of his daughter." That's a relief. Jaune chuckled himself; glad to see Pyrrha was in better spirits.

"You'll have to tell me more of your exploits. Maybe even about life in Epirus in general."

"What about you, Jaune? What of Rome, oh mighty senator spawn?" Pyrrha asked, a leering sideways glance at her friend.

"Yeah, yeah, I know, I was a spoiled kid." Jaune said, rubbing the back of his head. Living a comfortable life in the heart of Rome with his seven sisters had not aided his martial ability. Pyrrha's arrival ten months ago had been a very rude awakening. "Honestly, there isn't much you haven't already seen. The city is crowded and rank."

"So I found."

"You must have been a little lost your first day."

"Oh, undoubtedly. Rome had more people in it then I have seen in my entire life. Truth be told, it frightened me. I expected ambushes around every corner and alley."

"Were you not such a frightening warrior, you probably would have suffered several!" Pyrrha laughed.

"And yet, I am, so here I stand. So stand us both, at the head of Roman Legion."

"So stand us both."

They rode in silence for a while, contemplating the differences that had forged a fast friendship between them.

Blake's stomach turned. Along the road for almost six miles, her comrades and brethren hung, nailed to hastily constructed crosses. They wailed and moaned, dry throats begging for mercy or death. Maybe both. The wood that bore them was slick with blood, red lines that trailed from their impaled hands and feet. Grimm had set upon the ones farthest from camp, tearing them open and feasting upon the remains. Pools of black-tinged offal ringed the crucifixes where the night-creatures had tread, all that remained of souls brave enough to cast aside their shackles.

Perhaps they were the lucky ones. Blake mused, eyes fixed upon a cross that bore a single arm. The ones that yet live will linger for days on end, until the strain tears them apart.

"Blake?" Yang asked, startling her out of her thoughts. "Can I get some water?" She handed her master the skin. It was her duty to keep Yang and the rest of the command staff hydrated during the day's march, carrying the water and light grains for refreshment.

Blake watched her drink, not bearing to meet her eyes.

"I know my words don't mean much, but I'm very sorry you have to see this." Yang gave her the skin, and Blake's hands wound tight around it.

"Perhaps you Romans are right. Maybe they deserved it." She said icily.

"Ha! If you believe that, I'll eat my hamata." Yang said, letting loose a dark laugh. She ran her hands through her thick hair, teasing out the knots with strong fingers. "I don't even believe it myself. I really wish I hadn't had to be here. I think we could have been friends in another circumstance you know?"

"If you do not have the stomach for killing, then you have no business being a soldier." Blake replied. Every freed slave knew the price of freedom. It was a sword in hand, and a defiant cry on the lips.

"That's not it… I just…I would have much preferred to live in Rome. At least," She shrugged, "that's where I thought the action was." She nodded at the cloaked centurion before them. "But Ruby insisted we join the legions. I don't blame her. Mom was a veteran, you know. Got us a nice farm after fighting Augustus' wars. She was our hero. Ruby especially. When she disappeared…" Yang's violet eyes turned upwards, towards a darkening sky. "Ruby always had it in her head that she'd become a legionary. Kinda dragged me into it, and I've been grateful ever since. Despite my bellyaching, I wouldn't be anywhere else." Blake remained silent, marching alongside her master under the gaze of dying slaves. "What about you, Blake? You don't strike me as the warrior type."

"I'm not." She found herself saying. "I'm greek, you know." Yang did a double-take.

"Bite your tongue." Were it not for her suffering brethren, Blake would have laughed at her master's sheer surprise.

"I'm from Athens, actually. I was abducted when I was eleven, sold in Rome, and taken to Lugdunum. I'm… a scholar of sorts."

"Of sorts?"

"I taught the children to read and write. My…" She'd been close to speaking of her parents, who'd taught her languages and scripts, poring over scrolls and volumes until the sun rose… and taught her other things as well. How to scale a wall. How to make her steps quiet and her blade silent. But the roman deserved to know nothing about her parents. Blake scowled. She's already tricked me into saying too much.

"I'm sorry for prying. Maybe you could teach me to read! Dad didn't know, and Mom never had the time to teach us before she… disappeared." They lapsed into silence. Blake's eyes fell upon the red cloak in front of them. So did Yang join to protect her sister? Or for her own sake? Her master was a mysterious woman. Bright and jovial one moment, apologetic and nostalgic the next.

She sighed. No sense getting involved. If I get too close, it'll be difficult to open her throat. Already, she saw Ruby's eyes ripped wide open with grief and shock after finding her sister's body. Such thoughts do me no good. She forced her attention onto the legion, watching them march down the twisting road.

Each soldier carried their gear upon their backs, hoisting it over their soldiers with a thick wooden stick. There were thousands upon thousands of them, shuffling down the road without complaint or bickering, focused on putting one foot in front of the other. A treacherous, insidious thought wormed its way into her heart.

What were we hoping to accomplish by rebelling? The slave army she'd been a part of was disorganized and unruly. Marching anywhere took a good deal of rabble-rousing and yelling, and not even the burliest of rebels would deem themselves low enough to carry a load half as heavy as a legionary's. Yet every single soldier bore the weight without complaint.

We were doomed from the start, if this is what we faced. Discipline had churned everyone she'd known into butcher's slop, and the victors were marching away the next day as if nothing had happened. A voice reached out to her, whispered, harsh.

"B-Blake." She stopped dead in her tracks, turning towards the sound. Hanging above her was Adam, his face twisted and contorted in agony. He'd been crucified, and blood dripped slowly from his hands, falling to the earth. The bottom of the cross was hatched with claw marks, and most of his right foot was missing, chewed off by grimm, most like. Horror pulled at Blake, twisting cords of grief that threatened to tear her apart and rend her heart into oblivion.

Adam had been her mentor, her trusted ally. He was a bloodthirsty man to be sure, but as one of the leaders of the rebellion, he'd had everyone's best interests at heart. Now, he was food for carrion, not even allowed the dignity of clothing.

"Help… me." He whispered. Her mind raced. Adam's eyes fixed upon her, begging her for absolution. She delivered it to him, a flick of the wrist that sent her finger knife soaring into his throat. Choking and spitting upon the rush of blood, his head sunk low, spilling trails of ichor onto the grass. Her ears twitched and flattened, alert for any sign of trouble. No one had seen her, seen him succumb to death. Even Yang had not noticed her absence, trudging blindly alongside the column of soldiery that stretched to the horizon.

Blake's shaking hands uncapped the water flask, and she let the staid water rush down her throat. There was nothing else she could have done. She could have begged Yang to make Adam her slave as well, but he would had lived as a cripple, and Blake would be forced to debase herself, show weakness to her new master. Better I gave him death. I saved him suffering, at least.

Her only regret was that she was now without a weapon.

A/N: See? Just sunshine, lollypops and rainbows all around. (Starts singing 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life')

Seriously though, crucifixion is nasty. I guess you can see why it's rated 'M' now...

Oh, and quick notice, in case you haven't noticed, the sections of each chapter are often divided by POV character, and are not constrained by time or geography (much like Game of Thrones) i.e.: Jaune's section takes place before Blake's, despite occurring (chronologically) after it.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it! You'll have to let me know what you thought!

Glossary of Terms: [Oh, quick note, if you guys want pronunciation guides for each term, I'd be happy to edit them in!]

Hastile: A wooden rod, used by an Optio to enforce discipline in their Centuria.

Optio: A Centurion's second-in-command. Responsible for keeping discipline within the Centuria. Had many other duties as well, and have a spiffy horse-hair helm. Named 'optio' because they were chosen by their Centurion. (In latin, Option = to choose)

Phalanx: A rectangular troop formation native to Hellenistic cultures. It was comprised of tightly-packed soldiers called hoplites, who were stacked around eight men deep. They would lock shields, and troops behind the leader would lower long spears (or pikes), presenting a veritable wall of spears to the enemy. (Used by inexperienced Total War commanders to form the 'Noob Cube') ;)

Anachronisms, issues to address, and other misc. addendum.

Adam's Death: I'm sorry Adam fans (all dozen of you), but Adam had to die. Reason 1: There was no good way for me to fit him into the developing story, Reason 2: Besides being nebulously evil in canon, he's pretty boring. Reason 3: The previous two reasons, combined with his eventual fate, helped characterize Blake a little more. I hope it didn't come off too callously.

Pyrrha Using A Phalanx: By the dawn of the Roman Empire, yes, the phalanx was falling out of use, as noted by Pyrrha. Too iconic (and fun) not to have in the story, though!

Pyrrha's treatment of prisoners: I'm not 100% that Greeks didn't torture their captives. I know the Spartans did so to rebellious helots, but the Spartans were always cut from a different cloth than the rest of their Hellenistic relatives. For the purposes of this story, whatever captives the Silvershield Company obtained, they killed the ones they could not sell.

Ruby taking Command: Suddenly being in control of those who used to be her comrades will have dire consequences... there's a reason promotions such as Ruby's were rare.

Blake Still Being a Ninja (of sorts): Now come on, if she was just a smart slave, that'd be boring! No, Blake's abilities will come to light in due time... (don't expect anything historically compliant though haha)

Blake's Backstory in General: Despite her being fairly young, she was still probably a competent teacher. Many greek slaves functioned as tutors, and since Blake was only eleven, she could be obtained at a much cheaper price than an older, more experienced slave. (Wow, I just realized what I typed out... Man, fuck ancient civilizations.) It's very plausible a eleven/twelve year old greek could read and write better latin then a literate Roman citizen.

Review Replies:

George Oswald Dannyson: Hey man, it's all good! Thanks for pointing out my mistakes! I left the description of them sheathing their swords out, since I figured it was implied. Thanks for the feedback! Hope you're still with me!

Via: I'm glad you're enjoying it! Maybe it's a case of my ego well exceeding its natural limits, I find myself agreeing with you about Jaune. The potential these characters have is astounding, and in canon they fall flat, or don't hit the story beats as strongly as they could. I'm trying my best to make everyone engaging and believable!

Leivve: Wow, even I'm learning something! Thanks for the feedback, I hope you keep reading! (I could really use input on the germans haha)

ocomfv: I'm thrilled you're having fun! I really enjoy Blake and Yang's dynamic here as well. And guess if you'd like, I love to hear predictions!

metimesthree: Wow, I'm blushing! :3 Thanks so much for your kind words! Hope you enjoyed today's chapter!

Guest: Yes, Faunus are a slight minority, but aren't limited to a particular geographic location. And each culture views them differently. Romans are fairly egalitarian, the Greeks can't stand them (Greek culture was, by and large, quite dickish), and celtic cultures frequently employ them as druids or priests/priestesses due to a perceived closeness to nature. That will all come out in the story though, you'll just have to wait! Thanks for all the reviews! :D

Hostis: Hope you're enjoying it!

OBSERVER01: I would hope so! Keep reading!

Next Chapter: More character debuts... I hope you like them! ;)