A retelling of the 3rd act of Sir Ridley Scott's โGladiator IIโ... 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. Acaciusโ 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.
โWhat else could I do? He and his BITCH were plotting to kill us!โ
Caracalla was angry with Geta, even though he was the one screaming for the guards to kill Acacius.
โDon't you hear them? They're calling for our heads!โ
โThe Praetorians will put down this crowd, like they have every other.โ
โYou brought this on us!โ
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 brotherโs emotionless face.
Caracalla stormed off with Dondas, as Macrinus listened to Geta.
โForgive my brother's outburst. The disease that infects his loins has spread to his brain. Every day, it gets worse.โ
Moments later, as Macrinus was โcalming Caracalla downโ, 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.
โ... put down the blade.โ
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 Macrinusโ tampering. Geta held his brother back in a desperate attempt to calm him down.
โLook at me! Look at meโฆ look at me.โ
โBREAK THIS SPELL! Weโre 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!โ
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 Caracallaโs neck and blood was leaking out of him. He was about to pull awayโฆ 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.
โ... what have I done? I-Iโฆ I failed to protect you from myselfโฆ I never lied to youโฆ I was always happy to share with youโฆ who has poisoned your brain?โ
The realization hit him the moment Macrinus walked in. It was him. He filled Caracallaโs 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 palaceโฆ
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.
โ... youโฆ I should've known your tongue was laced with venom.โ
Macrinus cleared his throat as Geta stalked towards him menacingly, like a predator about to sink its teeth into its prey.
โ... y-your majestyโฆ you're unwell.โ
โSILENCE, you treacherous snake! The foundations of my brother were crumblingโฆ and you destroyed himโฆ I trusted youโฆ I prayed for youโฆ and you preyed on meโฆ on usโฆโ
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 strikeโฆ 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 Getaโฆ 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.
โYou are nothing to me, Macrinus. The Gods have filled me with divine power, yet you waltz in with a dream of control over Rome.โ
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.
โThe gods have bestowed a purpose for my reignโฆ I have been chosen to perform the role of executionerโฆ and you have been sentenced.โ
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.
โBEHOLD! The remains of the traitorโฆ and his puppet.โ
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 senatorsโ souls.
โ... Lucillaโฆ wishes to overthrow meโฆ and return power back to youโฆโ
โThe power you seekโฆ is alreadyโฆ coursing through my veinsโฆ I am... a vessel... of the gods... and those who try to draw my bloodโฆโ
โ... I will taste their blood as I sink my teeth into their throats.โ
The emperor bared his fangs to the senators, his eyes turning amber as they stared in horror.
โNowโฆ we can do this the easy wayโฆ where you accept my reign. Or, we can do this the hard way. But, I warn youโฆ pick the hard wayโฆ and it will be a bloodbathโฆ Well, warning for you, but I'll be happy to soak this floor with your pathetic blood.โ
Senator Thraex stood up, showing his defiance.
โI will not put up with your tyranny any more! I stand against you, Geta!โ
However, the emperor looked calm. He nodded softly.
โI accept your decision.โ
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.
โThe gods have whispered your future to meโฆ would you like to hear it? Would you like to receive some divine knowledge?โ
The senator nodded eagerly, and Geta leaned in to whisper in his ear.
The senatorโs smile dropped. The emperor snarled and bit into his neck. The other senators watched in sheer terror as Thraexโs 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 Thraexโs lifeless body onto the floor as he licked his bloody lips.
โWould anyone else like to oppose me?โ
The room was dead silent. The emperor smirked.
โGood. See to it that I am bathed and my armour is polished for today's event.โ
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.
โ... you taste exquisite, my lady.โ
Lucilla shed a tear, and Geta gently wiped it from her cheek.
โDo not weep, Lucilla. Today is a momentous occasion. Your son is fighting for your freedom.โ
Her expression remains calm as the emperor showers her with rose petals.
โI 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.โ
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.
โOh, Luciusโฆ did you really think it was going to be that easy?โ
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.
โYes, you may have won. And, I applaud you for that.โ
He gently clapped his hands together, mocking Luciusโ short lived victory.
โ... But, Lucilla was promised a reward.โ
Geta stood behind her, pressing his armoured chest into her back as he placed his large, ringed hands on her hips.
โTell me, my dearโฆ what do you desire most? A large sum of denarii? Rare and beautiful fabrics? A feast fit for an empress? Orโฆ to feel the embrace of your beloved Acacius once more? Would you giveโฆ your wishโฆ to see him again?โ
Lucius knew what was about to happen. He tried to pull away from the guards.
โAh ah ahโฆ let your mother decide.โ
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.
โ... I wish to be with Acacius.โ
โ... your wishโฆ is granted.โ
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.
โ Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum.โ
Lucius let out a war cry as he charged at Geta. Their swords clashed. As they fought, the emperor taunted the gladiator.
โYou knowโฆ it took me a while, but I've finally rememberedโฆ The gates of hell are open night and dayโฆ smooth is the descent, and easy is the way...โ
โBut to return, and view the cheerful skies, in this the task and mighty labor lies!โ
Geta smiled wide as they faced each other, both of their teeth bared.
โYou failed Lucilla!โ
Lucius screamed in pure rage as he fought Geta, who laughed maniacally. But, as they continued to battle, the gladiator stumbled. And, Getaโs sword pierced through his fatherโs 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.
โ... go aheadโฆ kill meโฆ no mercy.โ
โPraetorians! Tend to his wound, and dress him up nicelyโฆ then bring him to my palace.โ
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. Caracallaโs 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.
โWelcome to the palace of the Emperor, Lucius.โ
The gladiator's face remained blank.
โLeave us, Praetorians. Your service isn't required for now.โ
Once the guards left, the emperor got up from his throne and got closer to Lucius.
โYour time in Rome has caused quite the commotion, gladiator. It led to the execution of General Acaciusโฆ the death of my brotherโฆ the death of your ownerโฆ and the death of your mother.โ
โYour existenceโฆ killed them.โ
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.
โDespite every fibre of my being demanding that I drain you until you are hollowโฆ 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.โ
Lucius listened as Geta stood behind him.
โ... you just have toโฆ submit to meโฆ and I will share my divine power with you.โ
He glides his tongue against Luciusโ neck, causing his breath to tremble and to let a groan escape his throat.
โI will never submit to you in this life or the next.โ
Geta chuckled deviously as he stood in front of him.
โThen, how about I sweeten the deal?โ
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 closedโฆ 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.
โ... submit to meโฆ and the pleasure is yours.โ
Geta then began to stroke Luciusโ hardening cock through his subligaculum, causing him to whimper more.
The emperor smirked as his fangs extended.
โ... good boy... my dulcis...โ
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 Luciusโ 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 emperorโs 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 Luciusโ pout.
โAwwww. Don't worry, my melculumโฆ this is only the beginningโฆโ
Geta leaned up and nipped at his ear before licking his hand and coating his erection with the makeshift lubricant.
โWrap your legs around meโฆ that's itโฆ now feel my divine lust.โ
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.
โMmmnghโฆ Luciusโฆ mea columba โฆ tฤ amล.โ
They moaned loudly together, ropes of cum decorating Luciusโ chest as Geta painted the walls of his entrance with his royal seed. The emperor smiled lovingly, kissing his muse's cheek.
โLet us retreat to my chambers, corculum.โ
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 happenedโฆ
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.
