RAAAAWR🦖

Commodus himself rose from his throne. He wore white-and-purple robes and a golden laurel crown, as one would expect of an emperor, but under the folds of his toga I caught a glimpse of a golden-brown racing suit. With his shaggy beard, Commodus looked more like a Gallic chieftain than a Roman, though no Gaul would have such perfect gleaming white teeth. - Chapter 25, The Dark Prophecy

SO REMEMBER THAT SURPRISE TOOL FROM THE PREVIOUS PART? NO? THAT'S OKAY I HAD TO REREAD MY POSTS TOO LMAO

anyway! Commodus CLEARLY put a LOT of thought into how he was going to dress himself, which I find to be very telling!

in the previous part, I pointed out how Commodus tried on his racing clothes prior to this scene, meaning that he does, in this instance, pay very close attention to how he would portray himself.

Commodus isn't a very emotionally intelligent man, but from this, I do think he at the very least knows how to read a room/conduct politics. He's very paranoid about it, no doubt (re: the multiple assassination attempts), but he's savvy enough to handle himself. He is also an entertainer - and as overdramatized as his spectacles are, the majority of entertainers do know how to handle a crowd.

And, y'know. Commodus invented the bread and circus. He paid attention to what the people and army of Rome wanted, and used that to hide just how drastically bad things were getting for the Empire as a whole. And to this day, we still see the bread and circus be put to use, because it is a strategically sound maneuver on the political landscape.

The bread and circus was Commodus's invention. He invented a political strategy. We can NOT ignore that.

Which makes him an interesting contrast to Nero and Caligula. Neither of them really rely on the crowd for their own "performances". Nero is extremely manipulative and uses that to play the blame game; Caligula uses smooth arrogance and casual terror to maintain control over his ever-changing underlings.

Commodus? He pays attention to what the crowd wants. That can be a valuable skill, and it can also backfire spectacularly, especially for him, since he does place so much of his value on the attention he gets.

Also, I find it interesting how Apollo specifically points out how Commodus doesn't look "Roman" and instead more "Gallic". I think I've mentioned this before, but I'll reiterate; I think Apollo was also drawn to Commodus because he seemed more "Greek" than Roman. He grew out the beard after their relationship ended, but the beard itself isn't the only signifier of this. Commodus's own behavior/interests are more Greek than Roman (i.e., insert historical Commodus's involvement with theater and the performance arts).

The audience cheered and hooted. Lining the upper tiers, TV screens flashed digital fireworks and blazed the words WELCOME, APOLLO! High above, along the girders of the corrugated steel roof, bags of confetti burst, dumping a snowstorm of purple and gold that swirled around the championship banners. Oh, the irony! This was exactly the sort of welcome I’d been longing for. - Chapter 25, The Dark Prophecy

I'm surprised Commodus didn't pull this bad boy out:

Hehe, in any case, how nice of Commodus to provide the welcome APOLLO WOULD HAVE WANTED. HE KNEW WHAT APOLLO WOULD LIKE. AND WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO PROVIDE IT. JUST TO THUMB HIS NOSE AT HIM.

WHAT A PETTY BITCH LMAO

Commodus grinned down at me. “I had to rush things, old friend! This is just the dress rehearsal, but since you’re here, I scrambled to put together a few surprises. We’ll restage the whole show tomorrow with a full audience, after I bulldoze the Waystation to the ground. Do try to stay alive today, but you’re welcome to suffer as much as you want. [...]" - Chapter 25, The Dark Prophecy

Me whenever situationships call each other "old friend": 👁️👄👁️

anyway, this is just such a WILD and FUNNY thing to be the FIRST THING YOU SAY to YOUR EX who KILLED YOU after TWO-THOUSAND YEARS. LMAO

"ah, yes, this is just a small thing i threw together. nothing too fancy. the REAL party is tomorrow. wear something nice and also try not to die or get blood on your clothes. u can suffer tho. thx babe"

COMMODUS YOU ARE DERANGED AND I LOVE IT

Meg pointed one of her swords at the emperor’s box. I waited for her to issue some withering retort, like You’re stupid, but the sword seemed to be her entire message. This brought back an unsettling memory of Commodus himself in the Colosseum, tossing severed ostrich heads at the senators’ seats and pointing: You’re next. But Meg couldn’t have known about that…could she? - Chapter 25, The Dark Prophecy

Considering she knew what Commodus looked like prior to all this? And that Nero sent her to Commodus in this book? I think she HAS seen his gladiatorial matches. I think she knew exactly what threat she was making, because she's seen Commodus do it himself.

Also, check out Commodus's reaction:

Commodus’s smile wavered. He held up a page of notes. “So, anyway, the run of show! First, the citizens of Indianapolis are marched in at gunpoint and seated. I’ll say a few words, thank them for coming, and explain how their city is now named Commodianapolis.”

His smile wavered. And then he rushes straight into his notes.

HE. KNEW. WHAT. SHE. WAS. SAYING.

however, I don't think he was threatened by it. he was likely more put-off by her gall to make the threat in the first place.

but still. he knew she was speaking his language.

go meg go.

He threw his notes in the air. “I can’t tell you how excited I am, Apollo! You understand, don’t you, this was all preordained? The spirit of Trophonius was very specific.” My throat made the sound of a vuvuzela. “You consulted the Dark Oracle?” I wasn’t sure my words would carry that far, but the emperor laughed. “Well, of course, dear heart! Not me personally. I have minions to do that sort of thing. But Trophonius was quite clear: once I destroy the Waystation and sacrifice your life in the games, only then can I rechristen this city and rule the Midwest forever as god-emperor!” - Chapter 25, The Dark Prophecy

DEAR. HEART.

EVERYONE YOU MAY NOW SCREAM.

anyway apparently in the Thai translations this moment was translated into Thai for "one who holds power over my heart".

so uh. everyone lay down on the floor for a moment to process that. yeah. yeah. i know. i get it. pats u empathetically. we all need a moment to breathe again after that.

everyone good? yeah? okay. let's talk about what else went on in that paragraph:

"[...] But Trophonius was quite clear: once I destroy the Waystation and sacrifice your life in the games, only then can I rechristen this city and rule the Midwest forever as god-emperor!” - Chapter 25, The Dark Prophecy

ahem. Commodus. buddy. and what's the plan for after that? hmm? you don't know? because you've never looked past Apollo?

interesting. *scribbles on notepad like dr. scratchnsniff*

I do find this to be a very telling and compelling thing, though. I have thought on why, specifically, it's 'sacrifice apollo = rule'.

my thought? I think it's the Dark Oracle/Trophonius basically saying "you want this[thing that's been filling that never-full hole in your heart]? then you gotta sacrifice this [the person who used to occupy that hole and provided genuine filling for it]"

wouldn't it just be like an Oracle to do that? especially the Dark Oracle? especially since in the myths Oracles were often spewing tragic requirements?

*cue alder slow panning to one of her wips* *coughs* *stuffs away her 'commodus succeeds at killing apollo and proceeds to devolve into even further insanity because he's now lost the one person who he made into his life's purpose' wip*

i have no idea what that was. anyway:

Twin spotlights fixed on Commodus. He ripped off his toga, revealing a one-piece racing suit of Nemean Lion hide, the front and sleeves decorated with the decals of various corporate sponsors. The crowd oohed and ahhed as the emperor turned a circle, showing off his outfit. - Chapter 25, The Dark Prophecy

hey commodus why are you giving your ex a show - sorry i can't help myself. but also -

“You like?” he asked. “I’ve done a lot of research on my new hometown! My two fellow emperors call this place boring. But I will prove them wrong! I will stage the best Indy-Colt-500-Double-A Gladiatorial Championship ever!” - Chapter 25, The Dark Prophecy

He is talking to Apollo as he does this. i rest my case.

Country music blared from the speakers: possibly Jason Aldean, though with the distortion and reverb, even my keen ears could not be sure. - Chapter 25, The Dark Prophecy

I headcanon the song to be Get Away From You btw

I nocked an arrow in my bow, but even if I could match Commodus’s skill, I doubted I could decapitate all six birds before they killed us. I wasn’t even sure Meg could defeat so many with her formidable blades. - Chapter 25, The Dark Prophecy

Commodus is not skilled enough to kill all six at once, but I presume what Apollo means here is that he is skilled enough to headshot them. Noted.

“Once I’m in the car,” Commodus announced, “my mercenaries will not interfere. Meg, you may try to stop me any way you please! My plan is to complete one circuit, light your friend on fire, then circle back around and hit you and Apollo with my car. I believe they call that a victory lap!” - Chapter 26, The Dark Prophecy

of course Commodus would want to live out the 'hit your ex with your car' fantasy. of course. continue. also i keep forgetting Commodus can drive lmao.

I leaned forward. “Livia, my friend, do you feel like stomping an emperor?” - Chapter 26, The Dark Prophecy

AND HERE COMES APOLLO WITH THE STEEL 'STOMP YOUR EX WITH AN ELEPHANT' FANTASY -

Without a helmet, his hair flapped wildly around him, making his golden laurels look like they were on fire. - Chapter 26, The Dark Prophecy

APOLLO FOCUS.

dw he was i just have the urge to point out every instance apollo describes commodus in more detail than necessary lol

Alas, a steaming figure crawled from the wreckage. Commodus’s beard smoldered. His face and hands were black with soot. He rose, his smile undimmed, and stretched as if he’d just had a good nap. - Chapter 26, The Dark Prophecy

wait. *shuffles through The Tyrant's Tomb* uhm. foreshadowing, anyone? yeah.

“Well!” Commodus strode toward me. - Chapter 26, The Dark Prophecy

so the first thing Commodus does after ordering his servants to clean up the field is head straiiiiiight for Apollo. hmm-hmm, hmm-hmm, got it, got it. totally casual, i bet.

now onto, ah...

Livia stomped and trumpeted. I stroked the side of her head, trying to calm her, but I could feel her intense anguish. “Claudius was your mate,” I guessed. “Commodus killed him.” The emperor shrugged. “I did warn her: play my games or else. But elephants are so stubborn! They’re big and strong and used to getting their way —rather like gods. Still”—he winked at me—“it’s amazing what a little punishment can accomplish.” - Chapter 26, The Dark Prophecy

COMMODUS. THIS IS A KIDS BOOK. THIS IS PG. WHAT. RICK WHAT.

so uh. it's canon they got spicy btw.

WE'RE ALL THINKING IT I'M JUST SAYING WHAT WE'RE ALL THINKING. LMAO!

Lityerses bowed awkwardly. “My lord.” Commodus and I spoke in unison. “Yes?” - Chapter 26, The Dark Prophecy

they're in love your honor.

“So you cannot confirm any kills.” Commodus glanced at me. “What would you advise, Apollo? Should I take time to reflect? Should I consider the consequences? Should I perhaps tell my prefect, Lityerses, not to worry? He will be fine? He will ALWAYS HAVE MY BLESSINGS?” This last line he screamed, his voice echoing through the stadium. Even the wild centaurs in the stands fell quiet. - Chapter 26, The Dark Prophecy

everyone be like:

anyway, 911, yes, hello, we have a case of PROJECTION !!

“No,” Commodus decided, his tone once again calm. “Alaric, where are you?” One of the Germani stepped forward. “Sire?” “Take Apollo and Meg McCaffrey into custody. See that they get nice cells for the night. Put the Throne of Mnemosyne back into storage. Kill the elephant and the karpos. What else? Oh, yes.” From the boot of his racing suit, Commodus pulled a hunting knife. “Hold Lityerses’s arms for me while I cut his throat. It’s time for a new prefect.” - Chapter 26, The Dark Prophecy

AND SO THE CIRCLE REPEATS

Commodus sighed in exasperation. “I did not schedule this for my games.” He looked around, apparently just realizing he had only two guards and Lityerses left to command. The rest were already in combat. “Lityerses, get out there!” he snapped. “Slow them down while I go change. I can’t fight in a racing outfit. This is ridiculous!” - Chapter 27, The Dark Prophecy

I find it hilarious that Commodus is particular enough that he will Not fight in a racing suit. no, no, he's gotta be COMBAT READY in COMBAT GEAR FIRST.

this just reminds me that both Commodus and Apollo just place SO MUCH EMPHASIS on how they appear. they really are juuust self-absorbed enough that they are attracted to someone on the same level of self-absorbed as them. it's cute in a weird way.

The Germani hastily retreated while Commodus screamed, “Put me down! I need to kill those people!” - Chapter 27, The Dark Prophecy

so when Commodus gets hurt his first instinct is berserker mode! excellent note to end on, haha!

anywho. finally added another part to the essays!! i currently don't know when I'll get around to the next post (i am HYPERFOCUSED on my fics rn and only got this in because i SPECIFICALLY set aside tonight for it) but it'll likely be two-three months at least...or it could be after that. we'll see!