I DO NOT OWN SPARTACUS: GODS OF THE ARENA.

House of Batiatus, the next day.

Flavius rose early upon the day of the primus. It was to be his first official fight as a gladiator and he was not rejoicing in it. He was to face off against 5 trained gladiators at once and he had no doubt that Septimus would use every trick in the book to turn the odds even further against him. The only thing that he knew for sure and for certain was that he had to survive; at least until Messiena was found and freed from whatever ugly beast of a master Septimus had sold her to. Flavius readied himself as Doctore prepared the cart to transport him to the arena of Capua. The former Roman wore a navy blue cloak over his usual attire as he walked over to the cart where the other gladiators wished him well in the primus to come. Ashur was the last to bid him luck as the men locked arms.

"May all of Vettius's shit eating dogs fall...and Septimus's pride with them." Ashur replied as he embraced his friend.

"I will do my best to see smile removed." Flavius vowed as he got into the cart. As the driver moved on, he saw Diona watching him with concern from the balcony. While he was glad to see Diona before he left, Seuso was surprised to notice Naevia's absence. The 2 women were usually thick as thieves. He hoped that she had not fallen ill or some such misfortune.


Arena of Capua. Capua, Roman Republic. Later that day.

Although Flavius was fearful of the primus, a part of him couldn't help but feel impatient for it to come. Since the primus was the final match of the games, he had to wait for every other match to end. Finally, the last of the matches after midday sun concluded and the primus was at hand. Doctore came over to Flavius with a serious look on his face.

"Your time has come." He declared as Flavius nodded.

"Gratitude, For all you have taught me." Flavius replied as Doctore clasped hands with him.

"Fight with honor, and if the gods will it...die the same." Doctore commanded as the former Roman knew that those were the only options available to him at this point.

"Yes Doctore." Flavius replied as he saw Quintus Lentulus Batiatus approaching him with determination.

"Flavius, a word." Quintus demanded as he took the gladiator aside. "I have received news about your sister." Flavius's eyes went tide as his words as he felt that she had been forgotten.

"Messiena, where is she?" He asked desperately.

"Septimus's man sold her to a Greek merchant." The Lanista explained. "We have not yet been able to locate him, but I am searching for the man."

"Thank you Dominus." Seuso replied as he was filled with hope.

"You have shown great promise In practice, In exhibition against Gannicus; Yet this is the arena." Batiatus declared. "This is where men become gods. Legions with far greater training and skill than you have fallen upon this sacred ground. But I do not think that you will be one of them. You have the blood of a champion, to rival any my father has ever heralded. Do you wish to behold such miracle come to pass?

"Yea Dominus, I will not give that shit eater the satisfaction of shedding my blood." Flavius vowed.

"Then seize fucking glory and see us both proven worthy!" Quintus exclaimed as he clasped arms with Flavius who set himself to purpose.

"Yes Dominus."


Meanwhile, Titus Lentulus Batiatus was sitting in the pulvinus with Quintilius Varus, Tullius, Vettius and Septimus Curtiss Augurnus.

"Sitting in the pulvinus is a rare privilege for an old man, You are overly kind." Titus told his guests.

"Your house has been most accommodating, and should be rewarded." Quintilius replied with a smile, remembering the performance from Flavius and Diona.

Well, gratitude..." The elder Batiatus spoke before he developed a fit of coughing

"Are you unwell?" Varus inquired.

"Perhaps the excitement is too much for him." Vettius asked in a mocking tone.

"It is but the heat and dust." Titus insisted.

"Water." Tullius ordered. "I would not have torrid throat announce your final offering."

"Address the crowd?" Titus asked in shock. "The honor is unfit a lanista."

"We decide what befits a lanista, Batiatus." Varus insisted. "Make introduction and let us move on."

"Indeed, I would see the coward Seuso put to grass." Septimus mocked as Titus reluctantly rose to his feet to address the crowd.

"I stand humbled before the great people of Capua; my home and my heart, too long parted from chest." Titus spoke with genuine emotion. "In gratitude, I present the final offering from the House of Batiatus. Entering the arena, a virgin upon its sands I give you Flavius Helvetius Seuso...Samnite!" The crowd cheered as Flavius emerged with his gladius and rectangular shield; paired with greaves and a strong helmet.

"His opponents, all fierce warriors from the house of Vettius!" The elder Batiatus continued. "I give you Stolos, Nicias, Philagros, Periphetes and Aeschreas...Murmillo!" He announced as the 5 men came out & played up for the crowd. "Begin!" Without warning, the 5 gladiators immediately went for Flavius. The former Roman made short work of Stolos with a well placed thrust to his chest. He then blocked a swipe from Nicias and sliced his throat. Philagros managed to cut Flavius on his upper left leg, but he then used the Greek has a human shield when Periphetes tried to slice him up, killing his comrade instead. Flavius then slammed his shield into Periphetes and knocked him to the ground before thrusting his sword into the man's chest. Aeschreas was the last gladiator and he put up a serious fight. They fight lasted many minutes until Flavius got the upper hand and hacked the man's head clean off. The crowd went wild as the former Roman stood in the arena victorious.

"YES!" Quintus exclaimed as he cheered for his man.

"A fine showing, Batiatus!" Varus declared. "With unexpected conclusion!"

"Indeed it was." Titus admitted as Septimus was enraged.

"5 men can't kill one deserter, you are a disgrace to Lanistas everywhere!" He snarled as he spat on Vettius before storming off; leaving Flavius to bask in the glory of victory.

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