The anticipation had been mounting for hours - the crowd equally split between who to root for. Pusillus was a well known figure, smashing the competition left and right. Pilitus was also a respectable fighter, though not quite such a hulk in the sport.

At long last, the two gladiators entered the arena. It was a rematch, of sorts, though the last time they had faced had been the previous year. Then, Pusillus had defeated Pilitus in one of the earlier rounds, going on to win the entire competition. Pilitus was lucky in that he did not die to Pusillus' hungry blade. Many wondered if his luck would hold out today, as Pusillus was fresher, just getting warmed up, and Pilitus looked worn down.

"QUIRRRITTTESSS! Do we have a match for you, my good citizens of the best city on Earth! In the blue corner, your favorite, the darling of everyone who wants to see guts and blood....PPPPUUUUUUSSSSSILLLLLUSSSSSSSS!"

Crazy cheers erupted from the stands, as Pusillus waved to them, enjoying the attention.

"ANNNNDDD in the red corner, no slouch, he is one of the few to have faced Pusillus' blade and come away with his life! PIILLLLLLIIITTTTTUUSSSSSSS!"

The crowd cheered, though it seemed to have a sympathetic, sorry-you're-about-to-die tone to it.

With no further ado, the two titans clashed. Sparks flew, and the crowd yelled itself hoarse, rooting for their respective favorites. Despite an early set back, Pusillus seemed to be gaining ground. Paltry attempts at distracting the gladiators with brightly colored scarves, and even women flashing their private goods, were ignored. The two gladiators were in a groove, trading blow for blow. However, as the fight wore on, it became apparent that Pusillus was in better shape, both in terms of morale and exhaustion. Having just gotten warmed up, he slashed, cut, and parried, driving Pilitus into a defensive stance. One false move, and Pilitus was on the ground, unarmed.

"LIVE! LIVE! LIVE! LIVE!" the crowd yelled. For a moment, Pusillus seemed determined to kill his foe, but in the end dropped his own weapon, and helped Pilitus to his feet. With a bow and a wave from both, the two gladiators exited the arena.

~~~~~

Congratulations Lucius Vipsanius Agrippa, on winning the Ludi Ceriales of 644 AUC! Your winnings will be deposited directly into your account :D

Stay tuned folks, chariot races later today!

MAC