The bright summer sun beat down on the floor of the massive Roman arena, turning the sand into a burning golden sheet.
In the crowded stone stands, thousands of citizens screamed for blood, their voices echoing off the tall stadium walls where a huge United States flag hung displayed in the bright daylight.
Eight-year-old Leo stood completely alone in the center of the pit, his small hands trembling against his simple white tunic.
High above the floor on the grand balcony, Emperor Marcus looked down from his golden throne with a cold, cruel smile.
Emperor Marcus: Let the beast decide!
Leo: Please! I didn't do anything wrong! My father is a citizen!
Guard: Quiet, boy! The Emperor has spoken!
Leo: Dad! Where are you? Help me!
The heavy iron gate clanged open with a sharp metallic bang, shaking the dust from the stone archway.
Out of the dark shadow beneath the arena wall rushed a massive black lion, its dark fur glistening under the noon sun and its eyes glowing like burning orange coals.
The crowd let out a collective gasp as the giant predator galloped across the sunny pit, kick up sand behind its massive paws.
Leo sank to his knees, burying his face in his hands as the terrifying thud of heavy footfalls came rushing directly toward him.
The black lion skidded to a sudden halt, its hot breath washing over the back of the boy's neck as it opened its jaws and roared violently into the open sky.
Leo: Please don't hurt me...
The lion lowered its giant head, its glowing orange eyes fixing on the boy's bare right arm.
Instead of biting down, the beast leaned in gently, sniffing the jagged, pale scar that ran across Leo's skin before giving it a slow, warm lick.
High up in the crowded stands, a young boy stood up on his seat, pointing toward the pit in absolute shock.
Boy in Crowd: Look! That scar belongs to the warrior!
Spectator: What are you talking about? That's just a peasant kid!
Boy in Crowd: No! That's the missing son of General Maximus! The lion knows him!
Emperor Marcus gripped the arms of his grand throne, his face turning pale as he stared down at the miracle on the sand, realizing his deadly plan was about to fall completely apart.