Hello everyone! One week more, here I bring you a new chapter of this story. When I first started this story, I never imagined I would give to Overanxius a deep development, but as much I was writing him, it seemed the right thing to do with him. Maybe can be a little forced, and for that reason I gave an explanation that will appear in this chapter. I hope you'll like it. Also, as always, if you're enjoying this story, please, can you leave a review? Just if you want. I love to hear your thoughts about this.😊

Well, I'd like to give a special thanks to Drummergirl for helping me editing this story. I'm really, really, really grateful to her, she's awesome!

Okay after say all this, here you have the next chapter of this story, I hope you all will like it!

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The first night that Obelix, Justforkix and Aba spent in the capital of the empire, they stayed in an inn on the outskirts of the city. But with the sunrise early in the morning, the three said their goodbyes to the innkeeper and headed for the great city. As they entered and walked through its streets, Justfokix and Aba's eyes went wide.

"Wow, by Thor... to think I was complaining about the people in Lutetia and Avaricum... those cities are nothing compared to this one!" Aba said in an astonished voice as she looked at the crowd that spread out before her.

Justforkix looked at his wife with a smile before answering:

"You're right, and not just because of the people. Look at the buildings! They are so tall... and they are made entirely of stone! Even the ceilings! By Tutatis, how did they do it so they don't fall on them?"

Aba gave a slight laugh before speaking again:

"You are right, Justforkix... but it impresses me more that there are so many people together here! In my hometown, there weren't nearly as many of us. I can't even see the other side of the city!"

Obelix smiled as he looked at the young couple. He honestly wasn't surprised by his friend's reactions. Those reactions were absolutely natural, because he felt the same way the first time he was in Rome.

Rome was truly a bustling city, but Obelix would never get used to that kind of life. No, too much noise, too many people... life in the village was a hundred times better for him. Looking around, the red-haired Gaul saw the people walking from one side to the other, without greeting each other, as if they didn't know each other... and it was most likely that they didn't know each other... a situation totally opposite to that of the village. Everyone knew each other there. Everyone greeted each other. Everyone was friends... another reason why he preferred life in the village. Walking without greeting anyone was at the very least... sad.

Upon their arrival in the capital of the empire, the trio of travelers, led by Obelix, had decided to first seek accommodation in case they spent more than one night in the city, which was most likely. Naturally, Obelix directed them to the Gaul restaurant that belonged to Instantmix, where he and Asterix had once gone when the Romans took Cacofonix to offer him as a present to Caesar. Obelix couldn't help but feel there was a certain similarity between what had happened that time and what was happening now, but it was also different. Caesar knew who Asterix was, and knew very well all the times he had destroyed Julius' plans to destroy his home. So what would the Emperor of Rome do when he learned this child being brought to him was in fact the warrior who had defeated him so many times? Obelix was scared by the very idea of seeing his best friend, especially in his current state, being thrown into a dark cell, or worse, being thrown as food to the lions in the arena. That would be devastating...

No. He couldn't think that way, he had to believe they were going to find Asterix. He had to believe they could rescue him, and take him home again where he would be safe... that Getafix would find a way to turn him back to his real age. They still had time, since... according to Justforkix, it was highly unlikely this Roman had reached Rome, which gave them a margin they couldn't waste. The young Gaul was the one who suggested looking for accommodations, and naturally Obelix, being the one who had been to Rome before, was the one to ask. Obelix's mind immediately came to the aforementioned Gaul restaurant, a place where he also knew they could get reliable information in case they needed it.

On the other hand, Obelix thought about talking to Anonymus, his wife, and their son Mischiefus, because when the Roman family left the village after the whole event of the Residence of the Gods, they'd given them their address in Rome in case they ever wanted to go to visit them. Another possibility that had also crossed Obelix's mind was to speak with that actress, Latraviata... the one who'd disguised herself as Panacea and came to town to retrieve a helmet and sword his parents had given him and Asterix for their birthday.

But Obelix, despite knowing this woman was an actress, didn't know much more about her. He knew she was actually a good woman, despite everything she had done. Honestly, what Latraviata had done in the village was not out of evil, but because she was following the orders that had been given to her. Furthermore, Asterix gave her the GOLDENME of Caesar, which according to her was going to open the doors of all the theaters of Rome. At that moment, the woman seemed completely happy, and she thanked them sincerely. Speaking in that way, she couldn't be a bad person, so maybe she could help them too...

"Obelix? Obelix?"

Aba's voice brought the red-haired Gaul out of his thoughts, with a slightly surprised voice he asked:

"Huh... what?"

The young Viking woman pointed to the establishment in front of them and asked:

"Obelix, is this the restaurant you were talking about?"

The smell of roasted wild boar permeated the air, and the name of the restaurant was already on the horizon, but Obelix hadn't even noticed it. As concerned as he was for Asterix, the great Gaul hadn't realized that his body had moved automatically, directing him to the place they wanted to go without him noticing. As if he had just woken up from a dream, Obelix blinked several times, trying to focus his mind. Then he turned to his companions and replied:

"Yes, this is the restaurant. It is run by a Gaul named Instantmix."

"Oh, a countryman? Good!" said Justforkix enthusiastically, though to tell the truth, it didn't surprise him too much. In Lutetia and Avaricum, he'd seen people from other parts of the world open restaurants, serving the typical delicacies of their lands, so finding this also happened in Rome didn't seem weird.

Obelix looked at Justforkix and replied:

"Yes... I'm sure he can help us. Besides, his roasted wild boars are delicious."

The three foreigners entered the restaurant and were greeted almost instantly by Instantmix, who, upon seeing the menhir dealer, recognized him at once.

"Gee, you are... Obelix, right? What brings you here? And where is your friend, Asterix? Oh, but how impolite of me... please wait here; I'll be with you soon."

The two Gauls and the Viking woman did as the restaurant owner told them, and when he was able to attend to them, they explained the whole story to him of what happened to the blond warrior. Instantmix seemed distressed by the news, and unfortunately, he couldn't provide them with information, but the three travelers already expected that.

What the owner of the place did offer them was his own home, so they could spend as many nights as they needed there. He also promised to provide them with whatever information he obtained. The three travelers, Obelix in particular, were very grateful for this enormous act of kindness.

The three newcomers ate what Instantmix brought them, and later went for a walk around town before going to Instantmix's home. Since Obelix couldn't remember the address, the restaurant owner gave it to him again, as well as directions on how to get there.

As it was still early, and it would take time for Instantmix to close the restaurant, Obelix suddenly turned to the young couple and proposed:

"Listen, since we have nothing to do... would you like to meet a Roman family that are friends of mine?"

Justfokix and Aba looked at each other and, shrugging their shoulders, agreed to go see Obelix's friends. Naturally, Anonymus, his wife, and Mischiefus, were delighted to be visited by the great Gaul, and all three immediately noted the absence of Asterix. The Roman child also noted the absence of the little white dog.

Obelix narrated for what seemed like the umpteenth time in the last three days everything that had happened. Naturally, the Roman family was moved upon hearing it and promised to help in whatever way they needed, a gesture that Obelix was deeply grateful for.

Time passed quickly, and soon it was time to go to Instantmix's house. The three travelers said goodbye with the promise to return the next day. They went to the restaurant chef's house, and after thanking him for his generosity and settling in, the trio fell asleep, waiting for the next day to arrive and to hopefully get news from Asterix.

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The sun shone blindingly, but despite its powerful light, the temperature was pleasant... very pleasant indeed. Of course such conditions were possible thanks to the gentle sea breeze that caressed the faces of all who were on board the ship.

Leaning against the railing of the ship, Overanxius was apparently calm as he watched Asterix happily playing with Dogmatix. Truth be told, he didn't mind seeing the boy playing innocently, and if the boy was playing now, it was only because he had asked the Roman senator earlier. Needless to say, this surprised Caesar's envoy. He was surprised by how naturally the boy spoke with him, his prompt obedience in doing everything he had been ordered to do since that night at the inn near Leonum... and lastly, the most surprising thing was how he seemed to want to avoid offending his captor... almost as if he had respect for him. And yes, Overnaxius believed that what Asterix showed him was respect and not fear, because nothing in the blond Gaul's gaze or attitude reflected that he was scared, as he had been in the past. No, now the boy seemed at ease and calm in the Roman's presence. Maybe he had gotten used to his presence? Or had he lost his fear of him? Was it perhaps that the boy trusted him in some way? Or perhaps the presence of the little white dog had calmed him? All these questions regarding Asterix's change of mood haunted Overanxius's mind. But they weren't the only questions he asked himself. Since the afternoon of the previous day, the senator seriously questioned what he should do once they arrived in Rome.

If he were honest with himself, the Roman senator had hardly been able to sleep wondering how to proceed. As a Roman, it was his duty to deliver the prisoner to Caesar... to his emperor... but his heart told him it wasn't fair... and that a child so small, so innocent, didn't deserve to suffer a fate such as the one that surely awaited him the moment the emperor discovered who he really was. There were contradictions between his mind and his heart, two paths that had once been unified and were now drifting away from each other incredibly quickly.

The Roman senator couldn't understand what had caused such a drastic change in his will. What he did know was that this had happened when he saw the boy's gaze as he spoke to him of friendship... of happiness... by Mercury! That look awakened a feeling in him... a feeling he hadn't experienced in years and that he sincerely believed he would never feel again... a feeling he believed had died that day... the day his mother died.

Yes, it was true. He hadn't remembered it until last night, after reflecting a long time on the words the young Gaul had said. Overanxius reviewed his entire life, and managed to remember a time when he had been truly happy... the time when his mother was alive. Unfortunately for the senator, his mother had died when he was about seven years old. This was the end of his life as he had known it. Overanxius' father was consul in Sila's time, and after his wife died, the man began to treat his son harshly, assuring him that life wouldn't give him anything. He made Overanxius believe he was superior to others... that he had to despise those who weren't like him... that he was born for greatness. He taught him he should try to carve out a name and a good position to be happy.

For little Overanxius, this completely transformed his life... because until that moment, his mother had taken care of his education. She had always taught him that he should be good to others and respect people, since they are all living beings. Overanxius recalled a particular day, a few days before his mother left for good, when the good woman told him:

"We all deserve to be treated with dignity, my little one."

"Even the slaves?" young Overanxius asked once.

"Yes, even the slaves," replied the good woman.

"But they are just slaves, Mother," replied the boy.

The woman looked lovingly at the boy sitting on her lap and explained:

"True, but they have also been created by the gods, just like you and me. Don't they deserve to be treated for who they are? Answer me this, do you think it would be fair for them to treat you like a stray?"

Young Overanxius didn't think about it for a long time. Rather, he almost instantly shook his head as he replied:

"No."

His mother's affectionate smile broadened before continuing:

"Then the same is true with slaves. They are slaves, and there are those who treat them like dogs or worse, and that isn't the right way. It isn't fair. Always remember that, my little one."

The senses of goodness and justice... the future senator's mother had always made an effort so that he'd learn them well. But after she died, his father was the one who educated him from then on, and all of his mother's teachings began to be buried in the back of his mind.

This change in education was hard at first, and young Overanxius had a difficult time accepting everything his father taught him. Over time, however, he came to accept this behavior as something that really was for his own good, and he believed this would bring him happiness.

But... after what had happened the day before, the memories and emotions of when his mother was still alive had suddenly returned to him, destabilizing his entire existence, shaking all the teachings of his father like a ship about to wreck. And all this because of what? A simple village boy who knows nothing of life.

Overanxius didn't want to think about the possibility, but... but what if this was the work of the gods? What if his mother had somehow interceded to the gods to remind her son of true happiness... the satisfaction of helping others instead of crushing them? No, that was absurd! The gods were powerful, yes, but they wouldn't use an enemy of Rome for that purpose... would they?

"Hey, Mr. Roman? Are you okay?"

Overanxius looked down until he saw the little Gaul with the dog in his arms looking at him with... concern? Was this kid worrying about his abductor? What fly had bitten that boy? Perhaps the fever he suffered the day they were in Leonum had affected his brain, because if not, he couldn't understand his behavior.

"Mr. Roman?"

Overanxius was so absorbed in thinking about the possible causes of Asterix's attitude that he hadn't realized he had remained silent for too long. He hastened to say:

"What? Yes, I'm fine... very fine, actually. Why – why do you ask?"

The boy's concern for him piqued the interest of the senator. He wondered why a prisoner would act this way. The boy cared for someone who had really done nothing but cause him trouble.

Asterix only looked at Overanxius with what appeared to be tenderness before replying:

"You're making the same face that my father makes when something worries him."

The senator's eyes widened. Was that child comparing him to his father? Great. Just great. Was the boy trying to win his heart? Was it all perhaps an elaborate ruse by the boy to be able to escape when he had the opportunity? The very idea that this could be possible made the malice within him be reborn with greater intensity. The senator felt a grudge against the Gauls... a grudge against the village of the indomitable... a grudge against that Gaul... not the child, but the adult... the warrior that this child really was. He had been taken in by the innocence of the boy, to the point of forgetting who he really was. By Jupiter, he had been stupid!

Frowning, Caesar's envoy crossed his arms and his eyes shifted to the side. He replied in a harsh voice:

"Well, you're wrong. Nothing's wrong with me."

Asterix was surprised by the sudden change of the senator's tone. The previous night, the man had been kind... even almost affectionate and tender with him. Until now, he'd begun acting as if he really cared about his well-being, and that gave the little Gaul reason to trust in the senator... but his current tone almost seemed a setback in their relationship, if it could be called that.

Even so, Asterix was still willing to be nice to the man. After all, he had helped him when he got sick, so he couldn't be that bad, could he? Taking a chance, he ventured to ask:

"Are you sure?"

The senator looked again at the Gaul boy, still frowning. How could this young boy be so two-faced? Now he realized the boy didn't care about him. He simply wanted to gain the trust of the senator to betray him as soon as he had the chance. Well, he wasn't going to give him such an opportunity. With this in mind, and with the same harsh tone, he replied:

"Yes, I'm sure. Now go play."

The bitterness in the senator's voice made Asterix's eyes widen with fear, so he slowly walked away from the senator, fearing that if he kept asking the man, he would hurt him. He remembered when his mother used that tone. It was usually followed by a punishment... a punishment such as a spanking, or not allowing him to go play with his friends.

Honestly, he had learned the hard way not to make his mother angry, and if the one who loved him punished him that way, the young Gaul didn't even want to imagine what Caesar's envoy would do to him if he decided to punish him.

Moving away as far as he could, the blond boy began to play with Dogmatix just as the senator had told him. Maybe when he calmed down a bit, he could ask him again.

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The rest of the trip passed without incident. The Roman senator acted in a more cold and distant way with the young Gaul. He hardly spoke with him, and when he looked at him, he did so suspiciously, as if he didn't know how to act with him.

This attitude didn't go unnoticed by Asterix, and he feared he had done something that would have made his captor angry. Although, if that was the case, he didn't know what he had done. Asterix wasn't aware of having acted badly. Indeed, he had been as kind as he could be to the senator, to return the favor of the man caring for him.

The second night they spent on the ship, Asterix had the same dream as the night before, and in the same way as the previous time, the boy woke up with a gasp. This time, however, his cabinmate was asleep in his own bed. Fearing the man might get angry if the young Gaul wasn't in his own bed when he woke up, Asterix chose to stay in his own bed and try to fall asleep again. The blond Gaul hugged the little white puppy sleeping next to him, and although it took a while, he finally managed to fall asleep again.

The next morning, the Roman senator continued to act coldly with Asterix. To tell the truth, the idea that it was all a sham of the boy had festered in the senator's mind. On top of this, his father used to emphasize that people are treacherous and he couldn't trust others. If that was the case, then Overanxius couldn't trust Asterix, despite his acting innocent and concerned. No, he wouldn't be fooled by the boy's false appearance. By all gods! As if he hadn't seen similar performances in the Senate! Many men pretend to be your friends and then stab you in the back. But Overanxius had been smarter than those men. He hadn't been fooled in the past and he wasn't going to be fooled now. He had finally made up his mind: he would hand the boy over to Caesar. He wouldn't fall into the boy's trap, by Juno. He was much smarter than that.

His attitude towards Asterix had grown colder and more distant as he himself he was a senator... one of the most powerful men in Rome... and that the boy was an enemy... a slave to the empire, and the key to defeating the barbarians that dared to stand up to the emperor himself. He was done being naïve and ignorant. He forever banished the absurd idea the gods had sent the boy to make Overanxius remember what his mother had taught him. His father was right; he always had been.

At noon, the ship docked in the port of Rome. The Roman senator immediately got off the ship, followed by Asterix and Dogmatix. The three of them went to rent a cart, and after renting one, Overanxius loaded up Asterix and climbed in himself. Then he gave the horses a whip and directed them to the capital. The senator glanced at the Gaul boy. He had wondered about it before, but now he could confirm it... fear had returned to his eyes. Grinning maliciously, the senator said:

"Okay, Gaul. It's time to end this."

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Welp, here ends this chapter, I truly hope you've enjoyed it. What do you think of Overanxius past? Do you liked it? Also, as you can see, I mentioned Anonymus, his wife and his son, and yes, they'll appear in future episode too, so I hope you liked I introduced them. If you're enjoying this story, please don't forget to leave a comment, I love to read your opinions and ideas! 😉

Okay, after say that, I really hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I also would like to thank you all those who've read this story, those who voted it, those who have it on their reading lists and I'd like to especially thank to Beatlesfangirl15 for all the reviews. Thank you very much, I really appreciate it!

See you in the next chapter 😉