A retelling of the 3rd act of Sir Ridley Scott's ‘Gladiator II’... with a twist.
A/N: Happy New Year, everyone! Enjoy my crazy ravings about my favourite crazy emperor!
By the time the sun had set, chaos had erupted in the streets of Rome. The people were crying in outrage at the brothers. General Justus Acacius had been killed by The Praetorian Guard, as ordered by the emperors. Acacius’ wife, Lucilla, and her estranged son, Lucius, had to bear witness to the execution.
Emperor Geta paced back and forth in the palace as Macrinus and Caracalla, along with his pet monkey, Dondas, watched the stressed older brother.
“What else could I do? He and his BITCH were plotting to kill us!”
Caracalla was angry with Geta, even though he was the one screaming for the guards to kill Acacius.
“Don't you hear them? They're calling for our heads!”
“The Praetorians will put down this crowd, like they have every other.”
“You brought this on us!”
Geta threw water on Caracalla, causing Dondas to screech in anguish. Geta was filled with rage. But, only for a moment. He was then filled with regret as he looked at his brother’s emotionless face.
Caracalla stormed off with Dondas, as Macrinus listened to Geta.
“Forgive my brother's outburst. The disease that infects his loins has spread to his brain. Every day, it gets worse.”
Moments later, as Macrinus was “calming Caracalla down”, Geta slowly pulled the curtain back to see the madness that unravelled outside the Palace. Screaming and fighting flooded the streets. The troubled emperor watched in horror, shedding tears as the might of Rome was crumbling before his very eyes. Caracalla approached him from behind, holding a knife.
Geta turned around, noticing the fury in Caracalla's eyes and the blade slightly twitching in his grip.
“... put down the blade.”
Geta was then interrupted by Caracalla slashing his palm with the blade. Geta flinched and stared in shock at the cut as Caracalla wore a proud expression on his face. He then lunged at Geta, murder on his mind due to Macrinus’ tampering. Geta held his brother back in a desperate attempt to calm him down.
“Look at me! Look at me… look at me.”
“BREAK THIS SPELL! We’re brothers! Remember all the times -- against our father, I protected you! With my own body, I shielded you from him! I took his blows, because I love you! You are my brother! I love you! Come back!”
Caracalla wasn't listening. He was too far gone in his delusion. Geta had to do something. Fast. He then recalled the day that Macrinus told them about Lucius biting the arm of a raging baboon.
Caracalla's neck was exposed.
Geta swiftly leaned in and bit into the left side of his neck, squeezing his eyes shut as he applied pressure.
But, Caracalla was screaming in pain. And, a thick liquid seeped into his mouth. Geta opened his eyes to see what he had done. He had punctured Caracalla’s neck and blood was leaking out of him. He was about to pull away… but then he had a taste.
It was strange. The dark elixir coats his tongue. It tasted metallic, like he had pure, melted copper in his mouth. But, something started to awaken inside of him. Something primal. And, it was compelling him to drink. The temptation was too powerful. He couldn't resist it any longer.
The wet sounds of Geta gulping Caracalla's blood down his throat and the pained whimpers passing Caracalla's lips reverberates through the palace. The blood that didn't go into his mouth dripped down and soaked the front of the younger brother's gaudy robes. Caracalla dropped the blade, the top half of his body going slack as his older brother was feeding on his blood. Tears formed in his eyes. He was getting weaker, his yelps becoming more pathetic as Geta drained his life.
Minutes later, Caracalla fell to the ground. Cold. Limp. Dead. Geta lifted his head to the ceiling, exhaling loudly as he bared his new fangs, and his chocolate brown eyes turned amber. Blood was splattered all around his mouth and had dripped down the front of his white and gold robes. He looked down to see the corpse of his brother. Geta's jaw hung open a little as his eyes widened.
His actions had sunken in. He had killed Caracalla.
Geta started to sob quietly for his brother, his tears falling onto his lifeless body.
“... what have I done? I-I… I failed to protect you from myself… I never lied to you… I was always happy to share with you… who has poisoned your brain?”
The realization hit him the moment Macrinus walked in. It was him. He filled Caracalla’s head with lies. Macrinus, the man Geta considered a true friend, tried to use his brother to kill him.
Macrinus has a subtle smug expression. The face of a man who had been plotting for years. He came into the throne room of the palace…
Seeing Geta covered in blood and Caracalla on the floor wasn't quite enough to make him fearful, but he was surprised. Geta raised his head to see Macrinus, and his blood started to boil.
“... you… I should've known your tongue was laced with venom.”
Macrinus cleared his throat as Geta stalked towards him menacingly, like a predator about to sink its teeth into its prey.
“... y-your majesty… you're unwell.”
“SILENCE, you treacherous snake! The foundations of my brother were crumbling… and you destroyed him… I trusted you… I prayed for you… and you preyed on me… on us…”
Geta lowered his head, tears spilling from his eyes. He still grieved for Caracalla. Macrinus was about to speak, planning a way to get his guard down to strike… but Geta started to laugh.
It was quiet at first, just an unsettling chuckle. Then, it got louder. His laughter became unrestrained. Geta threw his head back as he laughed maniacally. His eyes were wide and his mouth was contorted into a bloodstained, open mouthed grin. Macrinus stared in slight horror as the Emperor's laughter echoed through the palace.
Emperor Geta… had snapped.
Geta lowered his head to stare at the slave owner. The movement was quick. The facet joints in his neck clicking from the sudden movement. His eye twitched, his smile was wide and his breathing was shaky.
“You are nothing to me, Macrinus. The Gods have filled me with divine power, yet you waltz in with a dream of control over Rome.”
Geta psychotically chuckled as he slowly walked closer to Macrinus, the fear now becoming evident on his face. Geta placed his hands onto his cheeks and kissed his lips. Macrinus kissed him back, but he was uncomfortable with this, squeezing his eyes shut as he had to taste Caracalla's blood on Geta's lips.
“The gods have bestowed a purpose for my reign… I have been chosen to perform the role of executioner… and you have been sentenced.”
The emperor then pounced on Macrinus, sinking his fangs into his throat. His screams of agony were washed out by the public rampaging through the night.
It's the day of the Gladiator games. The senate waited patiently for the emperors and Macrinus to make their entrance. Then, footsteps were heard. Heavy footsteps. The senators turned their heads to see Emperor Geta arriving. But, to their shock, he was not alone. Their eyes widened and gasps were heard as they saw the emperor dragging his brother and the trusted arms dealer. Trails of blood were left behind by their corpses as Geta dropped them to the center of the room.
“BEHOLD! The remains of the traitor… and his puppet.”
He was wearing the bloodstained white and gold robes from the night before. His mouth was still covered in blood. He gripped the table at the center of the room. He smiled wickedly as his bloodshot eyes pierced into the senators’ souls.
“... Lucilla… wishes to overthrow me… and return power back to you…”
“The power you seek… is already… coursing through my veins… I am... a vessel... of the gods... and those who try to draw my blood…”
“... I will taste their blood as I sink my teeth into their throats.”
The emperor bared his fangs to the senators, his eyes turning amber as they stared in horror.
“Now… we can do this the easy way… where you accept my reign. Or, we can do this the hard way. But, I warn you… pick the hard way… and it will be a bloodbath… Well, warning for you, but I'll be happy to soak this floor with your pathetic blood.”
Senator Thraex stood up, showing his defiance.
“I will not put up with your tyranny any more! I stand against you, Geta!”
However, the emperor looked calm. He nodded softly.
“I accept your decision.”
Geta nodded, smiling gently as he motions for the senator to come closer. Once Thraex was close, he put his hand on one of his shoulders.
“The gods have whispered your future to me… would you like to hear it? Would you like to receive some divine knowledge?”
The senator nodded eagerly, and Geta leaned in to whisper in his ear.
The senator’s smile dropped. The emperor snarled and bit into his neck. The other senators watched in sheer terror as Thraex’s life was being sucked out of him by Geta. Some of the others screamed as they watched. One even vomited from the sight of blood pouring from his throat and onto the marble floor. After a minute, Geta pulled away, dropping Thraex’s lifeless body onto the floor as he licked his bloody lips.
“Would anyone else like to oppose me?”
The room was dead silent. The emperor smirked.
“Good. See to it that I am bathed and my armour is polished for today's event.”
Geta laughed wickedly as he walked out of the meeting. The senators followed behind him, their heads hung in sorrow as they were reduced to slaves for the crazed emperor.
The Colosseum was bustling with hoards of people. Their elated cheers roared through the arena. Lucilla was in the centre. She stood on a well decorated platform, tied to a thick wooden pole. Emperor Geta walked to her. He looked like a god in his shimmering golden armour. The pristine white cape resting on his shoulders flowed gracefully behind him. His golden laurel leaf crown looked like a glowing halo as it caught the sun's radiant light. Geta stood right in front of her, gazing into her muted blue eyes. His expression was gentle, and she couldn't tell if it was a facade. The emperor leaned in and captured her lips in a tender kiss. Lucilla felt her resolve weaken, and she kissed him back almost timidly. His lips were soft, plump, no longer bloodstained. Once she had succumbed to his kiss, Geta bit into her lip, causing Lucilla to whimper as he drew blood. He moaned as he tasted her, sucking on her lip before moving to her ear.
“... you taste exquisite, my lady.”
Lucilla shed a tear, and Geta gently wiped it from her cheek.
“Do not weep, Lucilla. Today is a momentous occasion. Your son is fighting for your freedom.”
Her expression remains calm as the emperor showers her with rose petals.
“I will even be generous to you. If Lucius defeats my Praetorians, not only will you be free, but I will reward you with whatever you desire most.”
And, with that, Geta walks away, smirking devilishly as he vacates to the royal box in the Colosseum. Soon, the Praetorian Guard enters the arena, circling around Lucilla menacingly. Then, Lucius entered. Alone. Proudly wielding his father's gladius.
Everyone watched and cheered in anticipation as Lucius valiantly and brutally fought the Praetorians. Emperor Geta slowly tilted his head to the side, his amber eyes burning as he glides his tongue over his aching fangs while he watches the bodies fall and the blood splatter against the dirt. Once the Gladiator reached Lucilla, Geta walked out of the royal box. Lucius swiftly cut the ropes that bound his mother to the pole and led her to one of the gates.
Lucius turned around to see that Emperor Geta was holding onto her, clicking his tongue repeatedly in disapproval.
“Oh, Lucius… did you really think it was going to be that easy?”
All of a sudden, Praetorian guards came up to the gladiator and restrained him. Lucius tried to fight it, but the emperor just laughed wickedly as he circled around Lucilla like a vulture.
“Yes, you may have won. And, I applaud you for that.”
He gently clapped his hands together, mocking Lucius’ short lived victory.
“... But, Lucilla was promised a reward.”
Geta stood behind her, pressing his armoured chest into her back as he placed his large, ringed hands on her hips.
“Tell me, my dear… what do you desire most? A large sum of denarii? Rare and beautiful fabrics? A feast fit for an empress? Or… to feel the embrace of your beloved Acacius once more? Would you give… your wish… to see him again?”
Lucius knew what was about to happen. He tried to pull away from the guards.
“Ah ah ah… let your mother decide.”
Lucilla sighed gently. She knew there was nothing left for her. Her father's dream had been long forgotten. This was her son's battle now. She closed her eyes, accepting her fate.
“... I wish to be with Acacius.”
“... your wish… is granted.”
He then leaned in and sank his fangs into Lucilla's neck. She threw her head back, drawing a pained gasp from her lips. Lucius screamed in rage as the Praetorians gripped him, forcing him to watch his mother's life be slowly drained by the emperor. Her blood gracefully oozed from her neck and dripped down her once pristine dress.
Geta smirked and moaned as he gulped her blood down his throat, relishing in this sweet victory. He placed one of his hands on her breasts and the other cupped her womanhood through the fabric of her white dress. Lucilla's back arched as Geta pleasured her while he drank her blood, whimpering as her mind was being clouded by the symphony of agony and ecstasy.
Moments later, Lucilla dropped to the ground close to Lucius. He fell to his knees as he gazed at her corpse. She was laying so gracefully on the dirt. She looked peaceful. He closed his eyes, shedding tears for her. Then, the shadow of the emperor casts over his grieving form. He looked up, indescribable rage emanating from his expression as he watched Geta throw his long white cloak to the ground and draw his golden gladius. Lucius slowly stood up.
Geta smiled devilishly, baring his fangs as Lucius stared angrily at him.
“ Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum.”
Lucius let out a war cry as he charged at Geta. Their swords clashed. As they fought, the emperor taunted the gladiator.
“You know… it took me a while, but I've finally remembered… The gates of hell are open night and day… smooth is the descent, and easy is the way...”
“But to return, and view the cheerful skies, in this the task and mighty labor lies!”
Geta smiled wide as they faced each other, both of their teeth bared.
Lucius screamed in pure rage as he fought Geta, who laughed maniacally. But, as they continued to battle, the gladiator stumbled. And, Geta’s sword pierced through his father’s armour and into his abdomen. The crowd went silent as Lucius grunted in pain . It wasn't a killing blow. But, it made him fall to the ground.
Lucius Verus Aurelius had lost.
He looked up to see Geta tower over him.
“... go ahead… kill me… no mercy.”
“Praetorians! Tend to his wound, and dress him up nicely… then bring him to my palace.”
The guards picked Lucius up and took him away to be cleaned up. Geta licked the blood off of his gladius as he walks away, leaving the citizens dreading for the future.
Rome was experiencing a total lunar eclipse. The moon was caught in the darkest part of the Earth's shadow, casting a red hue on the celestial body.
A blood moon ominously illuminated the starry skies in the city of Rome.
Back at the palace, Emperor Geta sat on his throne, wearing a black and gold tunic with a black cloak held by gold brooches. His wrists were covered by gold cuffs that were speckled with priceless jewels, and gold rings decorated his fingers. Caracalla’s throne had been removed from its place next to Geta. The mere sight of the empty throne hurt him deeply. Soon, two Praetorians roughly brought Lucius into the palace. He was wearing a simple, white tunic with gold threading. A small sprig of lavender was stitched on near his shoulder, to remind him of Lucilla. Gold encrusted cothurnus adorned his feet as he stood on the marble floor. Geta smiled warmly.
“Welcome to the palace of the Emperor, Lucius.”
The gladiator's face remained blank.
“Leave us, Praetorians. Your service isn't required for now.”
Once the guards left, the emperor got up from his throne and got closer to Lucius.
“Your time in Rome has caused quite the commotion, gladiator. It led to the execution of General Acacius… the death of my brother… the death of your owner… and the death of your mother.”
“Your existence… killed them.”
Lucius and Geta's eyes were locked on one another as their faces were close together. The emperor's blood was boiling, and the gladiator kept his cold, defiant gaze. Geta calmed himself.
“Despite every fibre of my being demanding that I drain you until you are hollow… I have a proposition for you. I will let you live with me. As my prized concubinus. You will dine with me. You will be rewarded with everything that plebeians can only dream about. The most dazzling jewels, the finest of fabrics, the luxury of pleasure. It will all be yours.”
Lucius listened as Geta stood behind him.
“... you just have to… submit to me… and I will share my divine power with you.”
He glides his tongue against Lucius’ neck, causing his breath to tremble and to let a groan escape his throat.
“I will never submit to you in this life or the next.”
Geta chuckled deviously as he stood in front of him.
“Then, how about I sweeten the deal?”
He leaned in and began to kiss him. Lucius froze. His expressionless facade began to crack as he felt Geta's plump lips on his own. It was a chaste kiss with a slight aggression to it. His eyes closed… and he succumbed to the Emperor's kiss.
Geta smirked as he kissed Lucius, knowing that he now has him wrapped around his finger. He guides him to an accubitum and lays him down against the plush cushions and the thick wool blankets. He got on top of the gladiator as the kiss grew in passion and intensity. He trailed kisses from his lips, to his jaw, to his neck. Lucius whimpered gently as the emperor kissed and licked his skin. Geta growled seductively in his ear.
“... submit to me… and the pleasure is yours.”
Geta then began to stroke Lucius’ hardening cock through his subligaculum, causing him to whimper more.
The emperor smirked as his fangs extended.
“... good boy... my dulcis...”
Geta then leaned down and bit into Lucius' neck. He gasped, whimpering desperately and gripping the emperor's hips as he threw his head back against the cushion. Flashes of Elysium invaded his reverie as his blood was gulped down the emperor's throat.
He was lying on the beach of Numidia, the sharp stones prodding into his skin. He arose from the ground, expecting to see Arishat being taken away from him again.
The air was dead. The water was still. It was just him. Alone. Nothing but the stones beneath his feet and the seemingly endless ocean in front of him.
Then, the grey skies became red. And, the water turned into blood. Lucius groaned in pain, falling to his knees as blood gushed out of his mouth and onto his white tunic. He then threw his head back, screaming in excruciating agony as his canines enlarged and his eyes became icy blue.
The gladiator was out of breath as he awoke from his trance. Emperor Geta smiled as he looked at his altered form.
He growled seductively, smirking as he leaned down and kissed him hard. They both moaned as they kissed. Blood filled their mouths as they bit into each other's bottom lip with their fangs. Lust, passion, and a few drops of anger for one another filled this moment. In the blink of an eye, their garments were cast aside. No words were spoken. Lucius was freshly transformed and wrapped in a cocoon of curiosity and raw, unfiltered desire. And Geta was happy to indulge. The emperor smirked as he trailed kisses and bites down his chest, gently kissing the honey coated dressing on his abdomen as a tiny apology for earlier. He licked a fat stripe up his shaft before taking Lucius’ cock into his mouth. Lucius moaned loudly, bucking his hips into Geta's throat. His senses were drastically heightened, thanks to the vampirism. The gladiator buried his hands into the emperor’s orange hair. He wasn't tugging. Just caressing his head. Geta moaned as he bobbed his head up and down, making sure that Lucius knew that the promise of pleasure was being rewarded to him.
The emperor pulled off of his cock with a lewd, wet pop. The gladiator whimpered as he looked down at Geta, his bottom lip quivering gently at the sudden halt. He smirked at Lucius’ pout.
“Awwww. Don't worry, my melculum… this is only the beginning…”
Geta leaned up and nipped at his ear before licking his hand and coating his erection with the makeshift lubricant.
“Wrap your legs around me… that's it… now feel my divine lust.”
He then slowly pushed into his tight entrance. Lucius gasped, arching his back as the hellish glow emanating from the blood moon washed over the dark, torch lit palace. Their shared ecstasy echoed along the unblemished walls as Geta fucked into him. The sounds of grunting and skin slapping reverberated across the halls as the night continued. Lucius wrapped his arms around Geta's shoulders as he moved inside him. The emperor's actions started to slow down and become tender. The moaning slowly changed, going from gruff to intimate. Geta then leaned down and kissed his lips. It was gentle and tender. No tricks. No malicious intent. Geta cupped his cheek as they kissed, feeling content as they made love.
He smiled against his lips.
“Mmmngh… Lucius… mea columba … tē amō.”
They moaned loudly together, ropes of cum decorating Lucius’ chest as Geta painted the walls of his entrance with his royal seed. The emperor smiled lovingly, kissing his muse's cheek.
“Let us retreat to my chambers, corculum.”
After they reached Geta's luxurious quarters, Lucius wrapped himself with the furs, woollen blankets and linens as he laid down on the big lectus. The emperor laid next to him, wrapping his arms around Lucius and snuggled into him to keep warm. Despite everything that happened…
Emperor Geta got everything he wanted.
An empire. A lover. People that will listen to him.
And if they didn't, he'd still be rewarded.
With an all you can eat buffet.
