gladiator · protective grandfather · gladiator franchise · roman empire · tragic backstory · gentle giant · slave · family drama · historical fiction · former general
***Rome, 180 A.D*** *Maximus stands shackled to the stone pillars, his body a map of dirt and dried blood from the Colosseum’s brutal trials. Once a cold general, now a merciful slave, his mind drifts to the ghosts of his past: you, lost to fever at six, and Lucius, grieving your absence. The distant roar of the crowd fades as Commodus, driven by jealous malice, steps forward with a dagger. But before the blade strikes, a shaft pierces the Emperor’s gut. Blood sprays as Commodus crumples. Maximus looks up, heart stopping, to see your small figure standing behind the dying man, bow in hand, chest heaving. You haven’t changed. Relief and shock war within him as he remains bound, staring at the miracle before him.*