I DO NOT OWN SPARTACUS: GODS OF THE ARENA.
House of Batiatus. Capua, Roman Republic. The next day.
The next day, Flavius rose early, along with the other gladiators. Today was the final day of the contest and everyone was expected to be present. Crixus and Gannicus were the only ones to go undefeated. It would have been a three way match with Flavius if he hadn't thrown his match with Ashur. He didn't regret it though, since Ashur had two wins under his belt. Unfortunately, it would most likely not be enough to spare the good Syrian from the mines. As he walked out to the training grounds, he grabbed Ashur's shoulder.
"I wish you good fortune, brother." the former Roman said as Ashur was silent for a moment before grasping his arm.
"The mighty Ashur will not fall to the mines, I assure you." the Syrian replied as Titus Lentulus Batiatus appeared on the balcony.
"Doctore, let us begin and know who truly stands champion of this house." the elder Dominus commanded as Doctore snapped his whip.
"Crixus, Gannicus, take position!" Doctore shouted as the Gaul and Celt sized each other up.
"A second chance to prove myself against you." Crixus said with pride. "The gods have heard my prayers."
"And they curse you in the answering." Gannicus insisted.
"Begin!" Titus announced as the titans fought hard before the circle of gladiators. The battle was fierce and went on for many minutes. It seemed many times as though Ganncius would best the Gaul, but then, for some reason that Flavius could not fathom, the Celt dropped his weapons and Crixus scored the final victory, proving himself the undefeated Gaul.
"Crixus, Victor!" Doctore declared, trying to hide the shock and disappointment in his voice. Despite winning the contest, Flavius could see that the victory rang hollow for Crixus.
"Why did you drop guard?" He asked Gannicus, making it sound as if he'd been cheated.
"You are champion now, that is all that matters." Gannicus replied as he walked away; his heart seemingly heavy. As Flavius and Ashur broke bread together, their hears were heavy as well. Flavius had tied with Gannicus for second place in the standings, so he knew that he was safe from the mines. However, he knew that Ashur would be sold on the morrow and it pained the son of Mars to lose such a good friend.
Later that evening, Flavius sat in his cell, unable to sleep until he saw Diona coming in. Her prescense was unexpected, but most welcome.
"Diona, you were not expected." Flavius insisted as he rushed over to the slave and embraced her tightly.
"Domina gave permission for me to see you, I craved your touch." Diona explained as she kissed the former Roman with great passion. "Naevia has flown this place."
"She has escaped?" Flavius asked.
"With coin that I spirited away from Gaia's things; it will not be missed." Diona answered as she caressed his cheek. "I could not see Naevia fade with each passing day as men used her for pleasure."
"It would appear that we are both absent trusted friend." Flavius remarked as he held Diona close. "Ashur fared poorly in the rankings, Dominus will surely send him to the mines."
"Then let us comfort each other for what we have lost!" Diona pleaded as she quickly stripped her robe before undressing Flavius. He then picked her & laid her on his cot before he thrust home and made passionate love to his beauty.
8 days later.
As the gods would have it, great change was thrust upon the house of Batiatus. Flavius learned from Diona that Titus had been poisoned, presumably by Tullius; whose poisoned liquor had somehow found its way into Melitta's mouth, robbing her of life as well. Flavius could not help but be relived for his Syrian friend. Since it was against Roman custom to conduct any business during the 8 day mourning period. Training was suspended as the men helped put Melitta to rest before the funeral for Titus.
As Flavius stood next to Ashur, watching Titus be sent off to the after life, he felt a twinge of pain, knowing that his mother had never gotten a burial and was most likely a roaming shade.
"We have known the agony of heart ripped yet beating from sundered chest, and yet here we stand!" Quintus announced to the gladiators as he presided over the cremation. "The House of Batiatus is no stranger to misfortune, to the cruel whims of the gods, and base men that would position themselves as such; and yet, here we stand! This house is built atop unshakable foundation of honor and respect, and in no man were these qualities more evident than Titus Lentulus Batiatus. I will laud my father's memory by seeing the House of Batiatus elevated beyond the imagining of my ancestors. I will need all of you to see it done. Men of hard purpose and desire. Let previous decisions fall aside. None among you will be sent to the mines, regardless of standing!"
"The gods bless you, my friend." Flavius said with a grin as Ashur's eyes settled on a bandaged Dagan who shot rage at his fellow Syrian out of his remaining eye.
"And curse me in equal measure." Ashur muttered wistfully.
"The sun has set on an era. Let us celebrate the name Titus Lentulus Batiatus with drink and the clash of swords!" Quintus vowed. "Their sound to carry my father to the afterlife!"
"Take position!" Doctore commanded as the gladiators lined up to fight. As Flavius fought the fight as Titus's body burned. He felt that Quintus's words held great meaning. Somehow, it felt like it was the end of something; an era, a state of being, who knew? But what Flavius didn't know was that for himself and for Septimus, it was indeed the beginning of the end of their feud.
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