I DO NOT OWN SPARTACUS: GODS OF THE ARENA.

House of Batiatus. Capua, Roman Republic. A week later.

When the next big round of games were upon the people of Capua, the house of Batiatus was prepared. The house of Batiatus was graced with 3 matches. The first was to take place before mid day sun. Crixus, who had recently earned the mark of the brotherhood, would be facing Gnaeus. Later in the day, Ashur would go up against Auctus. Finally, Flavius would be facing another of Vettius's inferior gladiators in the primus. As the chosen gladiators were preparing to leave for the arena, Flavius saw Diona calling to him from the barred door. Flavius, taking advantage of the moment, rushed over to her.

"Diona, I have only a brief moment…" Flavius started to say before Diona pressed her fingers to his lips.

"I go with Domina to the arena to attend her. I shall see you take to the sands!" She said with excitement as Flavius could feel his heart swell with great joy.

"When I achieve victory in the primus today…it shall be for you; a moment for us to share alone." Flavius replied as he took Diona's hand in his and lovingly pressed each of her fingertips to his lips.


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

Flavius watched the games from the holding pen. Crixus and his sword had triumphed over Gnaeus and his net and trident combo. Gnaeus had shamefully and most reluctantly given the missio to save his own skin; which Tullius, who was acting as editor of the games, had sought fit to grant.

Now, it was the first match after mid day sun and Ashur was fighting hard against Barca's spear wielding lover. Auctus wielded his weapon with deadly purpose indeed, but the Syrian had no intention of giving him a quick and easy victory. The crowd roared and cheered as the men continued to strike blows on each other.

Eventually, Auctus got the upper hand and struck Ashur to the ground. Before the final blow was struck, Ashur delivered a swift kick to Auctus's groin. As the Greek doubled over in pain, the Syrian grabbed his sword and plunged it into Auctus's throat. The spear man choked on his own blood as he bled to death on the sand as the crowd and Flavius cheered Ashur's victory.

"Auctus falls…as all men who face Ashur!" The Syrian cried out to the approval of the crowd. As Ashur was returned to the pen, he was embraced by the former Roman.

"You fought well brother." Flavius replied as the 2 clasped arms.

"As you will, send that boy lover Vettius home in shame." Ashur commanded as Flavius prepared to go out.

"From the house of Batiatus…I give you Flavius, Samnite!" Tullius called as Flavius enter the arena while the crowd cheered his name. As he mad his presence known, he saw his most hated enemy Septimus sitting in the pulvinus. Flavius focused his eyes on Quintus, Titus, Lucretia, and Gaia in the stands. As promised, Diona was attending her Domina and bestowed a smile upon her lover.

"And now, from the Ludus of Vettius…I give you Bouzes, mermillo!" Tullius continued as a fierce looking Thracian gladiator stepped out onto the sands. Tullius commanded the March to begin and Bouzes began slashing wildly at Flavius.

The Thracian was stronger than the former Roman, but what Flavius lacked in strength, he made up for in speed. He slashed and dodged at his opponent for over 10 minutes; weaking him. When the Thracian was finales tired, Flavius rammed into him with his shield. With Bouzes on the ground, Flavius lungs his sword into his opponent's chest; finishing him. The crowd went wild as Flavius pointed his sword at Diona.

"For you!" He declared as she blushed wildly. Gaia also looked pleased, as if she believed that Flavius was dedicating the victory to her. But the battle was not over yet as the Legatus rose from his seat.

"Allow me to give a gift to the good people of Capua." He declared as he motioned for attendants to open a gate into the arena. Unearthly sounds that seemed like evil laughter flushed in before 3 massive hyenas were let into the arena. Flavius and everyone else was stunned at this development.

"RIP HIM, FUCKING RIP HIM!" Septimus screamed as the hyenas began chasing after Flavius. Flavius slammed one of the beasts with his shield before dispatching the second with a sword thrust. The third quickly jumped on Flavius and scratched him up good before Flavius could get his hands on the hyenas jaw to snap it wide; killing the creature. The former Roman was then filled with pain as the final hyena had recovered from the shield shock and sunk its teeth into Flavius's leg. He fought through the massive pain and sliced off the hyena's head.

"Have you ever seen such a man as Flavius!" Quintus declared to a cheerful crowd. "Surely this man must be a son of Mars for only the god of war could have created such a warrior!" All of Capua praised the gladiator's name, save Septimus who was filled with rage at his most recent failure. Once Flavius had limped back to the holding pen, his left leg gave out and he collapsed to the ground in front of Titus who had arrived on the scene.

"Damn Septimus…you infuriate the man beyond all reason." Titus griped as Oenomaus checked his wound.

"It is a deep wound Dominus, I fear that if untreated, it could weaken his prowess considerably." He replied with concern.

"Get him back to the Ludus and see him to the medicus." The elder Batiatus demanded anxiously as Ashur helped Flavius to his feet to carry him out. "I would not see him die as the crowd finally favors him."

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