Gladiator

The youngster sat, trembling.

Spiculus watched him. Despite years as an applauded killer, Spiculus was still sensitive to the humanity in those around him; it's just he didn't have room for it. Couldn't afford to. One day, he might be fighting with them in the arena; the next, against them. Only one of them was likely to survive. Sentiment led to a lapse of focus and ultimately and most probably, death. Spiculus did not want to die and every day his odds were getting shortened: slower reaction times; heaviness of limb; eyes less sharp. He was in good shape but it was getting harder to believe that he would come out of the arena alive.

This youngster was accomplished in training. He was quick, athletic, a fast learner. And strong. But that meant nothing if he didn't go out there, fear conquered. It would be that that would kill him, nothing else.

Spiculus sighed. Against his own better judgement, Spiculus went over to him.

"Hey."

Immediately, the youngster drew himself up, straighter in the back, head raised.

Good, Spiculus thought to himself. He has pride.

"Your first arena today?"

You've got to hope it's not your last! Not appropriate here. Too close to the bone. An apt analogy, he thought inwardly.

The youngster nodded.

"I've seen you train." The youngster's head perked up at hearing he had been noticed. "You're strong and fast. You're good at reading what's coming, your opponent's next move."

He could see the youngster growing with his praise. But not too much. Arrogance can also be an enemy in the arena.

"It'll be hard today, but once you get these first bouts (best to underplay it) out of the way, you'll feel better."

Shouting could be heard. It was time.

Spiculus leaned in. "It'll be harder later, boy, in more ways than one."

The youngster looked questioningly at him. I'll give him something to fight for.

"The ladies, boy! They love us! That's when the real trials begin!"

The rest of the gladiators laughed knowingly, lewdly.

The boy's eyes widened, his mouth agape.

"Now. Go out there and give them a taster!"

With that, the gates opened, the noise consuming them all.

***

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